Review: Not Quite Forever by Catherine Bybee

Title: Not Quite Forever by Catherine Bybee
Not Quite Series Book Four
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 322 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

The touching and heartwarming fourth novel in the wildly popular Not Quite series from New York Times bestselling author Catherine Bybee.

Romance author Dakota Laurens believes that happily-ever-afters exist only between the covers of her sexy novels. But to her surprise, she finds a real-life hero when she meets a handsome emergency room doctor. The outspoken author feels an instant and intense attraction to Dr. Walt Eddy, and the feeling is mutual. When the globetrotting doctor pulls a disappearing act on Dakota, she’s prepared to write him off…until fate brings a blindsiding twist to her story.

Still scarred from a past tragedy, Walt may have disappeared on Dakota, but now he’s determined to win her back. For the first time in years, he knows he’s ready for a new chance at love. Yet between Dakota’s doubts and two sets of meddling parents, can the once-blissful couple finally create the bright, loving future they desperately want?

The Review:

Not Quite Forever by Catherine Bybee is a delightful, light read that is fast-paced and engaging. The fourth novel in the Not Quite series, this captivating love story has a charming cast of characters and an angst free storyline. Although part of a series, fans of contemporary romances will be thrilled to learn this novel can be read as a standalone.

Dakota Laurens is a bestselling erotic romance author who meets Dr. Walt Eddy while both are in Florida for different conferences. Walt is intrigued by Dakota at first glimpse while she is instantly attracted to the handsome doctor. Learning they live close to one another in real life, the two enter into a casual relationship that becomes serious a lot sooner than either expect.

Dakota is a refreshing breath of fresh air. She is super organized, straight to the point and unapologetic about her career but she has a horrible track record with men. She is strong and self-confident but she also has the occasional doubts and insecurities that everyone is faced with. Dakota faces most problems head on, but when the unexpected occurs, she turns to family for support.

Walt is extremely busy with his career as an ER doctor so he is thrilled with Dakota’s laidback approach to their relationship. However, their slow-moving get to know you casual dating style is fast-tracked when he needs a date for a family celebration and their romance really heats up. But Walt has been keeping a surprising secret that causes him to back off when things begin to move a little too quickly for him.

Walt and Dakota’s fledgling relationship ends almost before it really begins when Walt’s crisis coincides with Dakota’s unanticipated discovery. Lack of communication leads to a misunderstanding on Dakota’s part and she abruptly flees to her parents. Walt is pretty persistent in his efforts to find her and when he learns the reason behind her departure, he pulls out some pretty impressive stops to win her back. This part of the storyline is particularly touching and while he wants her back, Walt patiently waits until Dakota is ready for their reconciliation.

Not Quite Forever is a wonderfully heartwarming romance that does not shy away from real life issues. Walt and Dakota have complicated relationships with their parents and both sides of the families are slow to warm up to their children’s significant others. Catherine Bybee throws a few obstacles in their path, but Walt and Dakota are more than capable of working through their issues and finding their happily ever after.

Not Quite Forever is a lovely addition to the Not Quite series that I absolutely loved and cannot recommend highly enough!