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Ever After #3
The Stand-In
One tackle. Two very different emergencies. And a fake relationship that's about to become dangerously real…
I'm Ivy Sullivan—professional bridesmaid and crisis manager who can keep any wedding disaster from becoming front-page news. What I wasn't prepared for? Tackling a groomsman into a marble cherub during the "speak now or forever hold your peace" moment.
Brooks Taylor is an accountant with a concussion, a conspiracy theory, and evidence that the wedding I just saved was funded by embezzled money. Now the man I literally knocked out needs my help to expose a financial scandal that could destroy everything I've worked to protect.
The solution? Fake being his girlfriend to get close enough to the real criminals.
I'm professional chaos management. He's color-coded spreadsheets and social anxiety. But somewhere between charity galas and breaking into offices, our pretend relationship starts feeling dangerously real.
The problem with fake dating an accountant? He's got receipts for everything—including all the reasons this could never work.
In River Bend, where love stories write themselves and wedding bells never stop ringing, sometimes the most unexpected partnerships lead to the most beautiful disasters.
Some relationships start with a meet-cute. Ours started with a tackle and a police report.
I'm Ivy Sullivan—professional bridesmaid and crisis manager who can keep any wedding disaster from becoming front-page news. What I wasn't prepared for? Tackling a groomsman into a marble cherub during the "speak now or forever hold your peace" moment.
Brooks Taylor is an accountant with a concussion, a conspiracy theory, and evidence that the wedding I just saved was funded by embezzled money. Now the man I literally knocked out needs my help to expose a financial scandal that could destroy everything I've worked to protect.
The solution? Fake being his girlfriend to get close enough to the real criminals.
I'm professional chaos management. He's color-coded spreadsheets and social anxiety. But somewhere between charity galas and breaking into offices, our pretend relationship starts feeling dangerously real.
The problem with fake dating an accountant? He's got receipts for everything—including all the reasons this could never work.
In River Bend, where love stories write themselves and wedding bells never stop ringing, sometimes the most unexpected partnerships lead to the most beautiful disasters.
Some relationships start with a meet-cute. Ours started with a tackle and a police report.
249 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 12, 2026
6 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Collins
228 books1,092 followersKelly Collins is a bestselling, award-winning author of feel-good small-town romance filled with heart, heat, and happily-ever-afters. Her books are perfect for readers who crave heartwarming contemporary love stories, sassy heroines, and slow-burn romances with cinnamon roll heroes you’ll wish were real.
With humor, charm, and emotional depth, Kelly brings to life tight-knit towns, unforgettable characters, and the kind of love that feels like coming home. When she’s not plotting her next happily-ever-after, she’s sipping strong coffee and dreaming up heroes who are tough on the outside and gooey in the middle.
Come for the charm, stay for the swoon—and don’t be surprised if you fall in love with the whole town.
Visit www.authorkellycollins.com to grab a free book and discover your next favorite escape.
Click “Follow” to get updates on new releases, special deals, and exclusive content.
You can learn more about Kelly at www.authorkellycollins.com.
VISIT MY LINKS and Get a FREE BOOK!
https://msha.ke/kellycollinsbooks#links
COME FIND ME ON BOOKBUB
www.bookbub.com/authors/kelly-collins
With humor, charm, and emotional depth, Kelly brings to life tight-knit towns, unforgettable characters, and the kind of love that feels like coming home. When she’s not plotting her next happily-ever-after, she’s sipping strong coffee and dreaming up heroes who are tough on the outside and gooey in the middle.
Come for the charm, stay for the swoon—and don’t be surprised if you fall in love with the whole town.
Visit www.authorkellycollins.com to grab a free book and discover your next favorite escape.
Click “Follow” to get updates on new releases, special deals, and exclusive content.
You can learn more about Kelly at www.authorkellycollins.com.
VISIT MY LINKS and Get a FREE BOOK!
https://msha.ke/kellycollinsbooks#links
COME FIND ME ON BOOKBUB
www.bookbub.com/authors/kelly-collins
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
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February 13, 2026This was a great read. Starting with Ivy watching over Brooks in the hospital got my curiosity going. I had to find out what happened to Brooks and how he ended up there. I loved how Ivy was very assured of herself up to the point of protecting Brooks. He was your usual rich boy until he actually spent time with Ivy and realized that being the rich boy wasn't all it was cracked up to be. Together, they maneuver through the corporate and old-money worlds. The balance between them starts to work in their favour, now they have to make sure no one messes with it.
March 13, 2026
It is impossible not to love a heroine who literally knocks a guy off his feet. Go Ivy! It took a beat before I started to like Brooks. His arrogance, entitlement and ruthlessness were a tad off putting, but as their story unfolded, other facets of his personality emerged. His public demeanor was carefully crafted as his armor in a cutthroat world of business and encouraged by his own parents who put wealth and appearances above affection and mutual respect. His insistence that Ivy play the role of his fake fiancée or face being sued for assault was not the ideal way to start a romance, but it did give the two plenty of opportunity to get to know each other.
Ivy’s loyalty to her friends, dedication to her job and true fix-it if she can nature were admirable. Add in her poise and ease with even the most difficult of people and it was easy to see why Brooks could not resist her. Her humour and optimism certainly made his days brighter and got him to lower his guards to show her his vulnerable, softer side. Too bad he let his own doubts and fears about love and relationships drive a formidable wedge between them. Getting Ivy to lower her guards again demanded his sincere and best efforts, and even then others were working just as hard to force them apart permanently. I loved that Ivy in her true expert fixer role, saved Brooks’ behind in grand fashion.
This funny and heartwarming book included some sizzle too. It has my wholehearted recommendation.
Ivy’s loyalty to her friends, dedication to her job and true fix-it if she can nature were admirable. Add in her poise and ease with even the most difficult of people and it was easy to see why Brooks could not resist her. Her humour and optimism certainly made his days brighter and got him to lower his guards to show her his vulnerable, softer side. Too bad he let his own doubts and fears about love and relationships drive a formidable wedge between them. Getting Ivy to lower her guards again demanded his sincere and best efforts, and even then others were working just as hard to force them apart permanently. I loved that Ivy in her true expert fixer role, saved Brooks’ behind in grand fashion.
This funny and heartwarming book included some sizzle too. It has my wholehearted recommendation.
March 13, 2026
I don’t know if this series will continue, but the characters and story were fantastic. The chemistry between the three female characters was amazing, funny and loving. Each story had a wonderful ending and the dialog, especially between the women as well as Ivy and Brooks made the pages flow by. Ivy Sullivan, Maddy Chang and Savannah Kingston started Ever After Inc, a wedding service, which has expanded beyond their expectations. At a recent wedding, Ivy had stopped a man from ruining the wedding…by tackling him (what else?). Unfortunately, he was injured, hospitalized and Ivy needs to talk to him before he ruins their business. Ivy is the “fixer” for their business, handling the wedding ups and downs. She goes to the hospital (as his fiancée, right, as only family, etc.…) hoping that the man, Brooks Taylor, will not ruin their business. Brooks is a seasoned businessman used to dealing with the “sharks” so he will agree not to sue her if she agrees to pretend to be his fiancée? Wait? What? He needs to prove to his father and the business world that he is focused on the pending expansion that could be in jeopardy. Eight weeks, that is all that Ivy needs to agree to spend with him, his parents and his colleagues. No problem…right? Don’t miss one word or page of this fantastic and often hilarious read (by one of the best!). I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 Stars - A Wonderful RomCom to End this Great Series
This is book 3 in the Ever After series, the last book in the series, focusing on Ivy Sullivan - the third part-owner of Ever After Inc. the bridal events and planning business. She is the Crisis Manager and often Professional Bridesmaid. She manages difficult people and situations, and prevents wedding disasters... only this time tackling a man about to object to a wedding, has put him in the hospital and her in hot water.
Brooks Taylor is arrogant, single-minded and not lacking in confidence... only on this occasion, his confidence that he knew best was not correct. However, he won't let a little thing like being wrong, get in the way of his need to succeed, control the narrative and pretty much everything and everyone around him.
Ivy is therefore left with a difficult decision: a lawsuit or a fake engagement? She is going to need all of her skills and crisis management tools to survive two months in the Hamptons with him AND his mother!
This book is hilarious, and will keep you laughing and on the edge of your seat throughout. I was hooked from the very first page, and was so happy with the finale of this series. There is so much growth and character developments, as well as wit and humour, and an unexpected emotional depth.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
This is book 3 in the Ever After series, the last book in the series, focusing on Ivy Sullivan - the third part-owner of Ever After Inc. the bridal events and planning business. She is the Crisis Manager and often Professional Bridesmaid. She manages difficult people and situations, and prevents wedding disasters... only this time tackling a man about to object to a wedding, has put him in the hospital and her in hot water.
Brooks Taylor is arrogant, single-minded and not lacking in confidence... only on this occasion, his confidence that he knew best was not correct. However, he won't let a little thing like being wrong, get in the way of his need to succeed, control the narrative and pretty much everything and everyone around him.
Ivy is therefore left with a difficult decision: a lawsuit or a fake engagement? She is going to need all of her skills and crisis management tools to survive two months in the Hamptons with him AND his mother!
This book is hilarious, and will keep you laughing and on the edge of your seat throughout. I was hooked from the very first page, and was so happy with the finale of this series. There is so much growth and character developments, as well as wit and humour, and an unexpected emotional depth.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Stand-In (Ever After #3)
by Kelly Collins
Ivy Sullivan is an exceptional professional bridesmaid and crisis manager for Ever After, Inc. She expertly manages to prevent any wedding disasters from making headlines, ensuring that the bride and groom enjoy their special day without a hitch. However, when her job takes an unexpected turn, she finds herself in a potential headline that could have significant repercussions not only for herself but also for her business partners. Enter Brooks Taylor, and Ivy suddenly faces the challenge of managing her own chaos.
Presented with two clear choices—a lawsuit or a fake engagement—she must navigate this unpredictable situation head-on!
This book is undoubtedly the best in the series! I dove right in and couldn’t put it down. From the very first page, I was completely captivated as we uncovered the layers of Ivy and Brooks’ story. It’s a perfect blend of wit, wealth, emotional depth, drama, laughter, and tears, all leading to a wonderfully satisfying happy ending.
by Kelly Collins
Ivy Sullivan is an exceptional professional bridesmaid and crisis manager for Ever After, Inc. She expertly manages to prevent any wedding disasters from making headlines, ensuring that the bride and groom enjoy their special day without a hitch. However, when her job takes an unexpected turn, she finds herself in a potential headline that could have significant repercussions not only for herself but also for her business partners. Enter Brooks Taylor, and Ivy suddenly faces the challenge of managing her own chaos.
Presented with two clear choices—a lawsuit or a fake engagement—she must navigate this unpredictable situation head-on!
This book is undoubtedly the best in the series! I dove right in and couldn’t put it down. From the very first page, I was completely captivated as we uncovered the layers of Ivy and Brooks’ story. It’s a perfect blend of wit, wealth, emotional depth, drama, laughter, and tears, all leading to a wonderfully satisfying happy ending.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
Ivy and her two best friends owned Ever After a bridal one stop shopping until the I do’s were complete. I loved Ivy’s character as a fixer and someone who was able to sweet talk the worst people. Ivy and Brooks met at a wedding in a most unusual way! Brooks wakes up in the hospital with not only a concussion, but Ivy as his fake fiancée. Since Brooks is a high power player in his company and the upper class of people his actions are carefully watched. There is someone after Brooks who wants him out of the company so he uses his fake fiancee to blackmail her into staying his fiancee until a contract is completer. I loved how Ivy was able to show Brook’s mother that she belonged. It was so much fun watching Ivy not let Brooks steamroll her, but show him who she really was. There were times of different opinions and times of real love showing through. There was a jealous woman from Brooks “in” group who tried to cause a lot of trouble. I strongly encourage you to read the book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
It's a great story! The storyline has anticipation, angst and love. Facing our own Fifty plus years of marriage anniversary, I can say with certainty that this love-story has it all. It made me laugh, I smiled many times and most of all, I read on when things got tough. Would my life have been easier had I married a billionaire, definitely yes. Do I have a kind and wonderful partner in life as does Ivy; yes. Is Brooks ready to be a total life-partner as is my hubby; absolutely. I attended the huge wedding of Ivy and Brooks and felt the same love-potion take over as I did so long ago. This book can be read by the young looking for the future love of their lives or the older more settled into what life has handed them. I loved it and it is one of the greatest love stories I've read. There are the miss-steps, tears and realism of problems but, it's life and it all works out. Thanks for a wonderful read!
Review of advance copy
Loved it! Another amazing story
This is the much anticipated story of Ivy, the third friend in the Ever After series.
The only way to get herself out of the trouble she placed herself and her company into, Ivy accepts the offer that Brooks demands of her, hating every minute of it but acting her part like a true professional.
Both Ivy and Brooks were perfectly matched even though their start was less than ideal.
If only they could let their guards down, then maybe they can be more than just the parts they are playing in this 8 week negotiation.
Just maybe then they could let each other know how they really are feeling about each other.
There is plenty of angst, banter and attraction and as they spend more time together their defences are lowered and things start to get messy.
As always Kelly has written another fantastic story with such loveable characters.
I’ve loved this series, so it was a no brainer that I’d love book three just as much.
This is the much anticipated story of Ivy, the third friend in the Ever After series.
The only way to get herself out of the trouble she placed herself and her company into, Ivy accepts the offer that Brooks demands of her, hating every minute of it but acting her part like a true professional.
Both Ivy and Brooks were perfectly matched even though their start was less than ideal.
If only they could let their guards down, then maybe they can be more than just the parts they are playing in this 8 week negotiation.
Just maybe then they could let each other know how they really are feeling about each other.
There is plenty of angst, banter and attraction and as they spend more time together their defences are lowered and things start to get messy.
As always Kelly has written another fantastic story with such loveable characters.
I’ve loved this series, so it was a no brainer that I’d love book three just as much.
March 10, 2026
The Stand In is the final book in the Ever After series by Kelly Collins. This is the story of Ivy Sullivan and Brooks Taylor. She is a wedding planner and he is a venture capitalist. The story opens with Ivy sitting in Brooks’ hospital waiting for him to regain consciousness due to a “confrontation” at a wedding. Faced with either a lawsuit or a fake engagement, Ivy chooses the fake engagement and agrees to spend the summer with Brooks and his parents at their estate in the Hamptons. Over the course of the summer Ivy helps Brooks expose corporate espionage and saves his mother from social death using her party planning and crisis management skills. By the end of the summer the couple realize the relationship is no longer fake.
I enjoyed this book and the whole series. While this book can be read as a stand-alone story, reading the series gives a fuller appreciation of the characters.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed this book and the whole series. While this book can be read as a stand-alone story, reading the series gives a fuller appreciation of the characters.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 15, 2026
Ivy is a co-owner of Ever After a one stop wedding specialty company. She literally tackles Brooks when he tries to stop a wedding going ahead. We start the story with Ivy sitting in the hospital room waiting for Brooks to wake up, she doesn't want him to sue their company. Once he realises why she is there he makes a deal with her to be his pretend fiance to help protect himself as someone is trying to get him kicked out of his company.
While she reluctantly agrees she helps him out in more ways than he ever thought possible.
An old girlfriend of his tries to get him back and push Ivy away.
Can they admit to each other what they really feel or will things return to before they met?
I recommend you read this and the other two books in the terrific series. Kelly Collins is a wonderful writer and you will not be disappointed.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
While she reluctantly agrees she helps him out in more ways than he ever thought possible.
An old girlfriend of his tries to get him back and push Ivy away.
Can they admit to each other what they really feel or will things return to before they met?
I recommend you read this and the other two books in the terrific series. Kelly Collins is a wonderful writer and you will not be disappointed.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 15, 2026
This is the third and final book in the Ever After series.
Ivy one of three women who own Ever After, a one stop wedding specialty company. Ivy is the fixer of the group. While a a wedding, she literally runs into a man and knocks him unconscious. She tells the hospital that she is his fiance so that she can go to him and be there when he wakes up and make things right.
But when he wakes up, Brooks has a better idea. He needs Ivy to pose as a real fiance to protect him. He is in the middle of a business deal and someone is trying to force him out of his company.
Over the course of the contract between the two of them, Ivy proves her worth by saving Brook's mother from a social disaster and helps to uncove what is going on at Brook's company. And, of course, along the way the two of them realize that their feelings are more than just terms of a contract.
Ivy one of three women who own Ever After, a one stop wedding specialty company. Ivy is the fixer of the group. While a a wedding, she literally runs into a man and knocks him unconscious. She tells the hospital that she is his fiance so that she can go to him and be there when he wakes up and make things right.
But when he wakes up, Brooks has a better idea. He needs Ivy to pose as a real fiance to protect him. He is in the middle of a business deal and someone is trying to force him out of his company.
Over the course of the contract between the two of them, Ivy proves her worth by saving Brook's mother from a social disaster and helps to uncove what is going on at Brook's company. And, of course, along the way the two of them realize that their feelings are more than just terms of a contract.
Review of advance copy
This book has it all humour, drama and two people from opposite worlds find something in common. Ivy with her two friends own a company that looks father the bride from the start to the “we does” At a wedding Ivy and Brook meet and complications start. Ivy is a helper and everyone even the most nasty people seem to soften around her. Ben finds himself needing help and the answer is standing in front of him. Blackmail is the answer, getting Ivy to be his fake fiancée is the answer. All is smooth until one very jealous woman lets her feelings be known.
Different worlds , wonderful characters , common ground and both show and help each other personally and in business. Chemistry and spice.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Different worlds , wonderful characters , common ground and both show and help each other personally and in business. Chemistry and spice.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Stand-In is an enjoyable romcom in the Ever After series. I love how Ivy's dedication to doing her job landed her in trouble with Brooks. They both take their jobs seriously, but Ivy might have taken it too far. Definitely a new take on meet cute. Brooks and Ivy come from different worlds. He's always had money. She had to work for everything she got. However, they have a lot in common in spite of that. I love how Ivy could charm everyone she met — especially Brooks' mother. I truly enjoyed this book and read it in one sitting. I urge you to read the first two books in the series, as well as this one.
Review of advance copy
Ivy is an event fixer making sure everything runs smoothly even if that means tackling Brooks so he doesn’t stop the wedding she helped plan. The only problem is he’s injured and now has leverage to hold over to get her to do what he wants to prevent a lawsuit. It was just supposed to be a contract for a fake fiancé to fix his damaged image. But she does so much more working the room with her charm, adverting disasters, and uncovering the real reason why Brooks is in trouble. But contract clauses are broken and Brooks gets scared when real feelings are involved. Can he fix their relationship before it’s too late? There were several laugh out loud and sweet moments in this steamy romance.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is such an easy book to read, full of wonderful characters and easy to read prose. Its so enjoyable that I started in the morning and kept reading until I finished it later that evening. Again Ms Collins has taken a story of similar but different people, Ivy and Brooks, and created a chronicle of how an organized working woman can help an over the top businessman relax and accept the love of his life. I'm only sorry that this is book 3 of this series and all of the women have found their HEA since I'll miss reading about them.
February 26, 2026
Fake engagement, enemies to lovers
Ivy is a fixer, in her job and now in her fake engagement with Brooks. She does it well and is proud of her accomplishments. She didn’t even think she would fall in love with her enemy.
Brooks needs a fiance and Ivy is the perfect stand in, but he didn’t need to fall in love with her, that wasn’t the plan.
Loved watching them fight their feelings but also banding together to take down the enemies trying to take them down. It was an enjoyable read.
Ivy is a fixer, in her job and now in her fake engagement with Brooks. She does it well and is proud of her accomplishments. She didn’t even think she would fall in love with her enemy.
Brooks needs a fiance and Ivy is the perfect stand in, but he didn’t need to fall in love with her, that wasn’t the plan.
Loved watching them fight their feelings but also banding together to take down the enemies trying to take them down. It was an enjoyable read.
Review of advance copy
"I don't love you because you're reliable, Ivy," he says, his voice edged with a vulnerability I've never heard from him. "I love you because you are the only real thing in my world. I realized tonight I'd rather be bankrupt and disgraced with you than the King of Wall Street alone."their relationship started as a contract but they found each other ‘s hearts and conquered the impossible. Great love story.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
Ivy was just doing her job when she tackled the fellow in the expensive suit, he was going to try to stop the wedding and she couldn't let that happen. Their relationship just gets interesting after that.
I liked how classy Ivy was, she could handle any situation and impress everyone. Brooks was quite the character too.
I liked how classy Ivy was, she could handle any situation and impress everyone. Brooks was quite the character too.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ivy and Brooks story was the best in the series. Truly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. I was gifted this book as an ARC book. This is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 Stars
When I first started this story I wasn't sure how it was going to go but these two quickly captured me and wouldn't let go. Loved them.
When I first started this story I wasn't sure how it was going to go but these two quickly captured me and wouldn't let go. Loved them.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Stand-In is a great fast-paced, funny book. I loved getting Ivy and Brooks's story. What a great addition to this series.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews