Name: The Whole Time
Rating: 4.5 (1 reviews)
Author: Catherine Bybee

The Whole Time by Catherine Bybee - Book Cover

What happens when two fiercely independent souls crash into each other at a family wedding? Sparks, secrets, and a love story worth the wait.

Catherine Bybee continues The D'Angelos series with The Whole Time, a heartfelt contemporary romance that blends family ties, sizzling attraction, and the courage to risk your heart when freedom feels safer. Salena Barone, determined to live life on her own terms, collides with Ryan Rutledge, the black-sheep heir who refuses to play by his family's rules. Their connection is instant, but what makes this story shine is how Bybee balances independence, vulnerability, and the pull of something undeniable.

Book Title: The Whole Time
Author: Catherine Bybee
Series: The D'Angelos, Book #4
Publish Date: April 9, 2024
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5/5)

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Book Description

Salena Barone has broken free of her family and moved into an apartment above the D'Angelos' restaurant, where she works as a manager—without a husband, thank you very much. But even on a restaurant salary, she soon finds herself strapped for cash. Salena's never been afraid of living on the wild side, though, so she takes on a side hustle that'll raise big bucks… and eyebrows, if anyone finds out.

Ryan Rutledge is the youngest of the wealthy Rutledge wine family and has never dreamed of rings, forever, or continuing the family business. He's perfectly happy living his own life and helping out hardworking folks in his own way.

When these two independent singles spot each other at a Rutledge–D'Angelo wedding, the attraction is instant. But as their friendship-with-benefits evolves into something more, the secrets Salena's keeping—from family, friends, and Ryan—threaten the happily-ever-after she never knew she wanted.

My Review

The Whole Time deepens The D'Angelos series with an emotional, slow-burn romance about carving your own identity, letting down your guard, and choosing love even when it scares you.

Salena Barone has always refused to be defined by family expectations. Fiercely independent, she runs the D'Angelos' restaurant but still struggles to make ends meet—leading her to a risky side hustle that she keeps under wraps. She's not looking for love, but at a wedding she meets Ryan Rutledge, a tattooed biker from a wealthy wine family who's left privilege behind to live life on his own terms.

The attraction is instant, but what makes this story work is the deeper connection that grows between two people who value freedom above all else. Ryan isn't trying to fix Salena; he admires her fire, even when her secrets put everything on the line. Salena, meanwhile, must decide if letting someone in means losing herself—or finally finding the kind of love she deserves.

What makes The Whole Time resonate isn't just the chemistry—it's Salena's struggle to balance pride with vulnerability. Living above the family restaurant, managing long shifts, and keeping her finances afloat, she refuses to ask for help. Her side hustle, kept fiercely private, becomes a symbol of both her independence and the weight of her secrets. Bybee handles this with sensitivity: instead of reducing it to scandal, she shows how financial insecurity and fear of judgment can feel heavier than love itself.

Ryan, meanwhile, is the counterpoint. He's shed his family's wealth and expectations, and his reaction to Salena's choices isn't condemnation—it's acceptance. That's the turning point of their romance: realizing that love doesn't erase independence, it strengthens it.

Themes That Stood Out

Independence vs. Intimacy: Salena's refusal to lean on anyone is both her strength and her stumbling block. The novel asks whether true independence can coexist with deep love.
Family Expectations: From the D'Angelo brothers' protective instincts to the Rutledge legacy, family ties loom large—and not always helpfully.
Love Without Judgment: Ryan embodies the kind of acceptance that allows Salena to be fully herself, secrets and all.
Financial Vulnerability: Bybee doesn't shy away from showing how money pressures shape choices, even for strong women determined to stand on their own.

"You never needed saving, Salena. You just needed someone who wouldn't ask you to hide."

Final Thoughts

This book blends family warmth, independence, and slow-burn romance. It gives Salena a voice that feels authentic and allows Ryan to be more than a stereotype. The ending feels earned, and Catherine Bybee's inclusion of book club questions makes it perfect for buddy reads. With one more installment still to come, this chapter leaves you both satisfied and eager for the next.

Join the Conversation!

What did you think of Salena and Ryan's story? Which D'Angelo couple was your favorite across the series? Share your thoughts in the comments or tag me on Instagram at @foreverbklover with your favorite quotes.

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