Not Quite Forever

Not Quite Series, Book 4

By: Catherine Bybee

Narrated by: Amy McFadden

Length: 9 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's Summary

The touching and heartwarming fourth novel in the wildly popular Not Quite series from New York Times best-selling 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?

©2014 Catherine Bybee (P)2014 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

A Suprisingly Good Book

I have hundreds of audible books but this is the first one I read by Catherine Bybee. I'm pleased that now I have a new author that I really like. What I enjoyed the most was that the characters were very well developed, believable and likeable. The plot wasn't overdone. It was a very enjoyable read. I would give it 4.5 stars if I could give half stars. There were a couple of situations that were just a little unbelievable, but the fact that there were only a couple is really surprising. I recommend it and look forward to reading more by this author. The narrator is right on. She did a fantastic job with male and female voices. That's important to me.

Fantastic!

Just like the others... awesome! Story line is great, couldn't wait to listen again every time I had to turn it off. The sassy attitude of the narrator adds the perfect flare to keep you enjoying every bit of the book. Can't wait for another...keen 'em coming :-D

Wonderful read..

Any additional comments?

Another great book from the Not Quite series. And I have to say that Walt's and Dakota's mothers were just awful, for the biggest part of the book. On the other hand, Dakota's sunny personality and disposition was just awesome. I loved everything about them both. Loved her best friend, Mary, as well as Glen and it was nice to see Monica and Trent/Barefoot again. Ms. Bybee writes warm, sensual and wonderful love stories and I never get tired of her books. I'm off to read Taken By Tuesday now.

As to the narrator: Just spectacular. I never get tired of listening to Ms. McFadden. Her many voices are just great.

Love this series!

This is as fun series to listen to. Love how all of the characters intertwine.

Good

I really enjoyed listening to this book and the narrator did a great job with this book.

Dakota and Walt's story

Another great story in the "Not Quite" series. In this one, a sassy romance novelist and a dedicated ER doctor meet when two conventions are booked at the same hotel. I have enjoyed reading all the books in the series and like how the characters from other books (Not Quite Enough) seamlessly fit into this one. The Audible version was good and allowed me to rest my eyes at the end of the day.

Walt and Dakota Find Their HEA

Not Quite Forever is the fourth book in the Not Quite Series. It can be enjoyed as a stand-alone book but I do recommend books 1-3 first. We met Dr. Walt Eddie in book 3 as an ER doctor and doctors without borders disaster relief physician. He is at a hotel to speak on common items that can be used in an emergency when you don't have better choices. When he goes to the room where is lecture is supposed to be given, women are lined up outside the door to get autographs and photos from a romance author. It turns out the hotel accidentally double booked. Since Dakota (the author) and Mary (her psychologist friend and assistant) are already all done setting up their table and clearly the line of women is for them, they move Dr. Walt's talk. Later they meet, share a drink and find a mutual attraction. They live close enough that they give dating a try. Things are going well when Walt gets a bit commitment phobic and backs off at the worst possible moment. After he gets his head on straight, Walt is all in but Dakota isn't sure she wants to give him another chance. He has his work cut out convincing her.

Easy and fun read.

I love HEA and this story delivers.With just enough fun jokes sadness and sexy time. it was very enjoyable. Give it a try.☺

Romance Author writes romance about romance author

Dakota is a romance author. Her parents thinks she writes smut. She meets Dr. Eddy at a writers conference when the hotel booked him in his Dr. Without Boarders session and her session in how to write a sexy love scene in the same conference room. Between their friend and family and his schedule they have a rocky start. Great characters and story.

I had a blast reading and listening to this story!

I truly enjoyed getting to know Dakota and Walt, they were so much fun. I started reading the book first but about half way through I found myself on a long drive and turned to Audible for the rest of the story. Amy McFadden did an amazing job telling the story. Changing her voice as she introduced new characters is a fantastic gift! Ms. Bybee is an amazing writer of romantic stories. She did a fabulous job weaving the family dynamics of Walt and Dakota through the story. Finding common ground with potential/future in-laws can be difficult for us in real life. Reading about these, fictional family, issues can make you feel better about your own family crazy.

Fabulous feel good romance leaves me smiling

It’s not often I feel compelled to give five stars for a simple romance. For that’s what this is. No great angst, no mystery, no suspense or serial killers. Just a simple romance with a few blips along the way to the happy ending.

So why the five stars? Firstly, the narration was perfect. The narrator’s timing, accents, male and female voices – everything in fact – was pretty much as good as it can get.

Then we have the quality of the writing. Catherine Bybee is a favourite of mine and here she did not disappoint. Everything just seemed to work.

This is a love story where the Hero and heroine actually liked each other on first meeting, then both tried to see each other again, and readily admitted the mutual attraction. Which, as most romance readers will know, is not a usual feature in a romance novel! But this does not make the book boring or predictable because this is the story of a romance that encompasses work, friends, family and life along the way. The dialogue between the main couple is sassy, funny, witty and sexy. Their love develops because they both want it to, and are prepared to work at making this happen. Of course the H does mess this up along the way, but it takes him time and hard work to prove to the h that he is worth taking back and, although the h does eventually take him back, it is clear to them both that it will be a while before her confidence and belief in him, or their future, is restored. I loved this part because I do get sick of women who forgive their men for messing up and jump back into bed after one conversation. A deep hurt takes time and work to get over and in this story that is beautifully shown.

Unexpectedly, when I thought this book was coming to an end, it was just half way through. Because the happy ever after is only achieved after a series of minor life issues that the couple have to work through. Their love for each other was shown in the way they constantly supported each other and talked through issues and they both displayed a maturity that is often lacking in romance books.

Will this book win any literary awards outside of the romance field? Probably not. But every morning it takes me over an hour to walk to work – and with this book on my ipod I found myself looking forward to this daily commute – and wishing it were longer! So for that alone I will happily award five stars.

Bybee always leaves me with a happy sigh!

and I love Amy McFadden's narration! So Bybee and McFadden - great combination! Off to find the next one.