What happens when a blue-collar worker discovers he's the heir to a billion-dollar fortune and the tabloid reporter assigned to expose him becomes his greatest ally?
Catherine Bybee delivers another emotionally powerful installment in The Heirs series, exploring themes of found family, second chances, and love against all odds. Perfect timing to catch up before diving into Alex's story - which releases TODAY!
Title: The Forgotten One by Catherine Bybee
Series: The Heirs #2
Publish Date: November 12, 2024
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Billionaire Romance
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
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My Review
Catherine Bybee has outdone herself with "The Forgotten One," delivering a deeply moving and emotionally satisfying second book in The Heirs series. This isn't just another billionaire romance - it's a powerful story about finding family when you least expect it and learning to trust when life has given you every reason not to.
Maximillian "Max" Smith is a blue-collar worker who has learned to rely only on himself after growing up in the foster care system. When Chase and Alex Stone show up at his door claiming to be his half-siblings and telling him he's inherited a third of a billion-dollar empire, Max's world is turned completely upside down. Bybee handles Max's character development beautifully, showing us a man who is understandably wary but fundamentally good-hearted.
Sarah McNeilly is a refreshing take on the journalist character - she's a tabloid reporter with genuine integrity who refuses to sensationalize stories for clicks. When she's assigned to uncover the truth about Max's connection to the Stone family, she approaches the task with professionalism and compassion. The chemistry between Max and Sarah is immediate and electric, but their relationship develops naturally as they work together to navigate the media storm surrounding Max's newfound status.
What makes this book exceptional is Bybee's handling of the deeper themes. The exploration of the foster care system, abandonment issues, and what it means to truly belong somewhere gives the romance emotional weight and authenticity. Max's journey from isolation to finding not just romantic love but familial love with Chase and Alex is beautifully written and genuinely touching.
The plot moves at a perfect pace, balancing the romance with the ongoing mystery of Max's background and the search for his birth mother. Sarah proves herself to be the perfect partner for Max - someone who sees past his rough exterior to the caring man beneath, while also being strong enough to challenge him when needed.
Bybee's writing continues to impress with its emotional depth and realistic character development. The steamy scenes are passionate and well-integrated into the story, and the supporting characters from the first book add wonderful continuity to the series. The ending is satisfying while setting up anticipation for Alex's story in the final book.
"The Forgotten One" proves that Catherine Bybee has mastered the art of combining compelling romance with meaningful storytelling. This is a book that will make you laugh, cry, and believe in the power of love to heal even the deepest wounds. And speaking of Alex's story - it's available TODAY! Perfect timing to binge the entire series this week.
Quote
"Yesterday Max was an ordinary workingman, concerned with little more than the price of gas. Now he suddenly has a family, jaw-dropping wealth, and an avid (if clumsy) reporter on his trail."
Character Spotlight
Maximillian "Max" Smith: A blue-collar worker who grew up in foster care and learned to rely only on himself. Sweet, hardworking, and protective, Max is completely unprepared for sudden wealth and family but approaches both with cautious hope and genuine care.
Sarah McNeilly: A tabloid reporter with integrity who dreams of working for a real news organization. Smart, compassionate, and determined to always tell the truth, Sarah becomes Max's ally in navigating his new life and his partner in uncovering his past.
📚 The Heirs Series Journey
✅ Book 1: All Our Tomorrows (Chase & Piper) – June 2024 Read & Reviewed! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Find on Goodreads
✅ Book 2: The Forgotten One (Max & Sarah) – November 2024 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ You’re reading it! | Find on Goodreads
🆕 Book 3: No More Yesterdays (Alex & Hawk) – June 17, 2025 OUT TODAY! Review drops June 24th | Find on Goodreads
Perfect timing to binge the entire series this week!
The Heirs Series Reading Order
- All Our Tomorrows (Chase & Piper) - June 2024.
- The Forgotten One (Max & Sarah) - November 2024
- No More Yesterdays (Alex & Hawk) - June 17, 2025 - AVAILABLE NOW! 📝 My review coming June 24th
New to the series? Start with Book 1, then this one, then grab Book 3 hot off the press!
📖 Start your journey here: Read my review of Book 1: All Our Tomorrows.
Join the Conversation
Have you read The Forgotten One? Who else is rushing to get Book 3 today? Let me know in the comments if you're team Alex! Share your thoughts below!
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