Because You Said Yes

Willow Bay #3

by Kelly Collins

He needs a bride.
She needs a project.
Can a fake marriage lead to a lifetime of love?

Charlotte Sutton has dreams as big as the Texas sky, and she’ll do anything to make them come true. She’s been Miss Lonestar State, a beauty consultant, a real estate agent, and has now set her sights on becoming Willow Bay’s most sought-after wedding planner. She’s never been in love or married but that doesn’t stop her from creating every bride’s fantasy day. It’s easy—all she does is plan her dream day. So, when devilishly handsome billionaire Bastien Richmond approaches her about arranging an over-the-top wedding, she’s all-in until she finds out he doesn’t have a bride.

Bastien Richmond is a lot of things, but marriage material isn’t one of them. He’s been a playboy all his life, until his sister passed away and left him the sole guardian of his niece. The only promise he’s ever made was that he’d take care of little Ivy, so when his mother threatens to fight for custody if he doesn’t marry, he tells her he’s already engaged. With the clock ticking, he needs to find a bride. Can the pretty little wedding planner deliver everything she promised? After all, she did say that no request was too large.

A handsome billionaire. A beautiful bride. A dream wedding. Is it a fairytale come true or a disaster in the making?

Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Grief

215 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 9, 2023

About the author

Kelly 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

Reviews

[Becky Claxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I had sad tears at the beginning and happy tears at the end! You know it is a good book when the writing gets you so emotional. It was so sad when Bastien came to see his sister before she died of cancer. She made him promise to be the guardian for her five year old daughter and not let their mother take her. Bastien may be all business and a playboy, but he keeps his promises. I was so impressed how Bastien’s sister prepared her daughter Ivy for her death. I loved Ivy, and wished I could meet her in real life! She was so mature, smart, cute and knew what she wanted. It was so sweet how Ivy took to Charlotte who lived next door. Charlotte had always been a romantic, was older, had never been married, and was opening her dream shop of being a wedding planner. The people in this small town were a blast. I loved how they helped everyone in town who needed it. When Bastien’s mother tried to take Ivy away from him right after the funeral, he had to make plans on how to keep Ivy. The plans that were made did not always go the way he wanted. It was so heartwarming watching Bastien and Ivy become more dependent on Charlotte. I strongly encourage you to read the book. I was given a copy and voluntarily wrote a review.

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Because You Said Yes by Kelly Collins is book Three in the A Willow Bay Series. This is the story of Bastien and Charlotte. Charlotte is a Wedding Planner who stays focused on that and hasn't found love herself. Bastien is a well off Billionaire who of course is a playboy. Bastien has come to Willow Bay for his sister and niece Ivy. Bastien's sister Chloe ends up passing and leaves her child to Bastien with the solemn vow to raise Ivy and not let their mother due so. So, Bastien hires Charlotte to plan a wedding. Charlotte learns there is no bride along with the back story of why he is doing this and a marriage of convince is struck between the two. Enjoyed this book and I hope to read more from this author

[LaGina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am always drawn into a sweet romance that has all the feels that its possible it can happen in real life. The characters are like people you would want to have in your group of friends and hang out with.

[Kathy Wideman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in this series. It can be read as a standalone. I haven’t read the other books in the series and wasn’t confused or lost. Charlotte has opened her dream business as a wedding planner. She can’t wait to start helping brides plan their dream day. Then she learns that her neighbor is dying of cancer and she has a small daughter. Bastien held out hope that his sister would beat the cancer and survive. Now she is at the end and asking him if to raise her daughter, Ivy. Bastien has no clue about how to raise a child. Ivy is a wonderful bright five-year-old. Unfortunately, Bastien’s mother has other plans for Ivy. Bastien is going to raise Ivy like his sister wanted. He just needs to find a wife to help him and get his mother off his back. His wedding planner neighbor will be perfect to help him. Only the more time they spend together the more they begin to like each other. Bastien is skeptical about love and Charlotte believes in it but hasn’t found it for herself. Things get interesting when a P.I. his mother hired shows up. Can Charlotte and Bastien find a way to make things work? Will they find love with each other? I really enjoyed this book. Charlotte’s friends are great. I love the dinner in town and all their quirky signs. Bastien is amazing. He doesn’t hesitate to do what he needs to for Ivy. I am looking forward to reading the other books in the series. I would consider this book on the clean read side. There is one sex scene with a rom-com feel to it and a few kisses. Great job Kelly.

[Di · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Bastien promises to raise his sister’s young daughter, Ivy, he questions whether he is capable and able to raise a five year old. He meets Charlotte who happens to be his sister’s neighbour and when she passes, Charlotte becomes his rock during the devastating aftermath. Now with his mom, a cold hearted fake of a woman, wants custody of Ivy, he will do anything he can to protect his niece from the same upbringing he and his sister endured. His plan is to fake marry, to be more suitable as the guardian and enlists Charlotte’s help….among all the chaos can the two figure out they were meant to be before it’s too late.
Loved this read and is my favourite so far from all the books from this author. No drama, no secrets or lies, no o/w, and true friendship that grows into more. Both Charlotte and Bastien along with Ivy, had my heart melting and swooning and the ending…sigh and swoon some more.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*

[Sharon Grow · Rating 5 out of 5]

The characters, especially little Ivy, the emotions and a beautiful love story . Bastien Richmond’s sister, Chloe, is dying and has made a request from him that he can’t refuse; he is to have custody of her five-year-old daughter, Ivy. He has no idea how to take care of a child, he is a workaholic businessman. Charlotte Sutton has made her dream come true with the opening of her bridal store, “Because You Said Yes”. Meeting Bastien and Ivy shortly after his sister passes, she knows that he needs help and that is one area in which she excels. Whether it is casseroles (hopefully fully cooked), getting Ivy to school or trying to find Bastien a wife…wait, what? His mother is threatening to sue for custody of Ivy and he won’t give in, he promised Chloe to take care of Ivy. He needs a wife or at least a fiancée, but as Charlotte tries to find the right woman for him, could she be that woman? A delightful romance by one of my favorite authors. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation, from the author, for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book but am writing this view as my own opinion.

Another Willow Bay novel, the third in the series.
Charlotte has just started her dream business a bridal shop and wedding planner. The death of her neighbour brings Ivy and Bastion into her lives. Bastion wants to protect Ivy from his mother, Annette, so needs a bride to ward off a custody battle. He employs Charlotte to find him a bride. The one she finds doesn’t fool his mother so plans change.

Who knew the answer was right under their noses, maybe the other Fireflies.

The wedding goes ahead and brings Charlotte a new family and gives Annette back the rest of hers.

Tears flow reading this but the shining star is Ivy’s mother Chloe who has prepared her 5 year old daughter Ivy in very special ways to live her life after her death and being open loving a new mummy.

[Sassy Southern Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, this book was amazing! From the second I started reading, I was hooked and never put it down. The storyline started out heartbreaking but was beautifully written. I adored the characters and wasn't sure how Charlotte and Bastien would find their way to each other, but watching it happen was magical.

This is a must read book and series for sure!!!

By Alisa

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlotte

Book three Charlotte finds love, a very interesting storyline not original but still interesting,I hope tiffany finds love next, I did think that was odd her saying yes but maybe she would of not married him.

[Ingrid · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when your dream goes a little sideways, and you now have time on your hands? You help your new neighbor with the Niece he is raising after she loses her Mom, and find something you were missing. Because you said yes, you have it all.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Because You said Yes

What a wonderful story about, loss, new beginnings, and how much more you can have with the help of someone who can love you.. Through sadness of losing his sister, leaving behind his 5 yr. Old niece, now a bachelor, who needs to figure out how life works.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a page turner. I loved how the plot built up and the main characters failed to see how much they really loved each other. There are also very humorous parts.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

This may be my new favorite story by this author. Just so full of heart and emotion. Just loved Charlotte, Bastien, and Ivy!

[Juli Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bastien came to Willow Bay to see his sister Chloe and his niece Ivy, never knowing he was also going to say goodbye to Chloe. He made one promise to her that he would raise Ivy and not let their mother take her. He also never thought he would fall in love.
Charlotte never met her neighbor Chloe but after her death she met both her brother and daughter and instantly wanted to be there for them. Never thought she would fall in love with them.
Loved this small town and fake fiancé romance.

[suzanne king · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

These Willow Bay books are a joy. Lovely to have older characters finding love. Kelly Collins has a brilliant way of creating characters, storylines and small beautiful warm towns for the magic to happen. Brilliant

[Suzzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very enjoyable book. Bastien and Charlotte’s story starts after Bastien’s sister dies. Bastien’s sister wants him to raise her daughter. Their story has such a wonderful path that will keep you entertained.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Katy Battisti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. I read it in one day and was hooked right from the start. I really liked the characters, Charlotte and Bastien. Trying to follow her dreams but life just wasn’t having it. Bastien came into town and his life turned upside down. This story was so good and sad at points but will have you smiling!

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes the most real things can be found in the middle of a pretense. That’s what Bastien and Charlotte learn as they concoct a plan to honor his late sister’s wishes. I was quickly charmed, and frequently reaching for the tissues, with this sweet story that seems to be all about family: the ones we’re born into and the ones we choose. I had so much fun being back in Willow Bay again. The antics and snark of Charlotte’s friends had me laughing just as often as my heart was breaking for Bastien and his niece. I thought they made the most precious family unit together – once they stopped trying to pretend there was nothing between them. And now that we’ve seen one more of the Fireflies happily coupled up, I’m more curious than ever to see what the author has up her sleeve for the next one.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bastien will do anything for his orphaned niece Ivy even pretend to marry someone he doesn’t love to keep his mother from getting custody. He didn’t count on having feelings for wedding planner and temporary matchmaker Charlotte. She seemed to jump into things without having the best plan and was already sweating about succeeding in her new business before the flood. She has to much pride, acting like everything is alright when she’s drowning. And she is so stubborn pushing Bastien towards other women when she wants him for herself. Wise beyond her years Ivy was adorable and often stole the scene.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found at times this was quite an emotional read.
Well developed plot that was well written and grab
my interest right from the first line.
I found it was well balanced with sadness and lightness
all round it was a fantastic read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lova J. kitchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lova Kitchen

Another wonderful book. I truly enjoyed reading. Makes me a little jealous, wish I lived so close to the ocean. I am looking forward to reading more books from this Author.

[Judith Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

The loss of a sister is devastating.

This is a sad book with the best ending!
Kelly Collins is a great story teller. She draws you into her books so you feel you know the people and feel their feelings.
Happy Reading :-)

[Nati · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fairytale come true. Can Bastien and Charlotte find love and happiness without looking for it? He just lost his sister and has now custody of his five year niece. But needs a wife to fight his mother shenanigans. Charlotte is the perfect solution if she is able to open her heart to love. Sweet.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Curly Bibliophagist · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bastian's sister, Chloe, is dying . She has a precocious 5 year old daughter, Ivy, and Bastian is her only hope of keeping her daughter away from their cold hearted mother. Chloe begs Bastian to take Ivy so that their mother doesn't take her and subject her to the same childhood that they had. Bastian agrees because he loves his sister, but what is a 50 year old bachelor billionaire businessman from New York going to do with a 5 year old girl?

Charlotte is a single 50 year old woman. She grew up as an only child but was loved and adored by her parents. They provided for her so she'd be ok after they passed. Charlotte decided to open her own wedding planning business, renting a shop and filling it with all of the finer things, including her dream wedding dress. She sunk every penny she had and more into this business.

Charlotte is helping Bastian with Ivy after Chloe's death. When Bastian's mother threatens to take Ivy from him and serves him with papers, he decides he needs a wife and asks Charlotte to help him. Charlotte doesn't like the plan but agrees because she desperately needs the money if she has any hope of saving her business and her home.

This is a marraige of convenience book and a sweet story. There are plenty of laughs from the supporting characters. I did struggle with some things in the book but overall, I liked it. If you are looking for a sweet story, you should give this book a try.

[Sharon Moritz-rosenthal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary early release e-book prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This is not a light read. It's a story about the tragedy of Cancer and what it do/mean to a family and how they pick up after. If this is something that is too painful to read, I want you to know that this story will make you cry as a young mother, Chloe of 40 dies from Breast Cancer and leaves behind a five-year-old daughter named Ivy.
This story centers on how a brother, mother and daughter find a way to go on and find their own happiness after such a huge tragedy. And a neighbor, Charlotte, who didn't know what was happening next door but who ended up being the salvation to her brother, Bastien and her daughter, Ivy.
Bastien is Chloe's brother and who promises to raise her daughter. On the day his sister dies he meets Charlotte who is a neighbor and a new business owner. Bastien knows absolutely zero about kids and has no idea what to do. Charlotte is a longtime resident and when she ends up in trouble, Bastien and Ivy are there for her as well.

This is very much a matchmaking romance as Bastien needs to marry fast but not for love, it's a way to keep Ivy with him instead. He asks longtime resident, Charlotte to find him the perfect match. And that's when things get shall we say interesting.

[Reading Addict · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy a good seasoned romance and Because You Said Yes was a very enjoyable story. Charlotte is Willow Bay's wedding planner. She has just started her business and has never married but has always dreamed of falling in everlasting love, having a beautiful wedding and then a family of her own. Life doesn't always play out like our dreams and now Charlotte is approaching 50, single and has precarious finances. She comes to learn that her neighbor, a young mother named Chloe is dying and is so saddened by the news. Charlotte brings a meal to the neighbor's grieving family and meets Chloe's older brother Bastien. Bastien lives for his work in New York. He has no family that he cares for other than his sister and niece and has no desire for one either. Bastien's estranged mother plans to challenge him for custody of his niece and he feels that the best way to combat his mother is to come up with a fake fiancee. He turns to Charlotte to help him in his quest. Charlotte looks at love very differently than Bastien and yet she feels for him and his niece and will try to come up with a compromise. As their story moves along Bastien learns to open up his heart and listen to the love that is all around him. this was a good story. A perfect way to spend a rainy afternoon. Because You Said Yes was told from dual POV and stands alone. It was full of emotions and mild on intimacy.

[Beth Cotter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bastien's sister Chloe is dying. He is sure that she will beat her cancer but when he sees her he knows that she can no longer fight. Her last request of him sets him on a journey of becoming a father to his niece Ivy. Chloe has prepared her daughter for the end but her brother is having a harder time with it. When their mother insists that Ivy go with her, he battles her to keep custody. Backed into a corner he tells her that he is going to get married, and now he has to find the bride.
Charlotte has never found a man with whom she wanted to spend a lifetime with. Being the neighbour to Chloe she is ashamed that she never took the time to get to know her. When she dies, Charlotte knows that she will do anything to help the man and the little girl find their way. Meeting Bastien when delivering a meal, she decides that she is the one to help him figure out how to be a parent. When a wife is needed, she agrees to help him find her. Jealousy raises its head though forcing them to look at themselves as a couple as the answer.

[DJ Sakata · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite Quotes:

She had a bougie appetite on a bologna budget.

She thought about what was in her freezer. Any good Southern girl worth her salt had a dish waiting for an event, whether it be a death, a birth, or an intervention. Nothing said I care like a casserole.

Charlotte was a diamond in a world of cubic zirconia.

His mom had an uncanny ability to recognize when something wasn't right, even at a great distance. He wondered if that was motherly instinct when she wasn’t busy eating her young. Or just her ability to smell chum in the water.

It’s like bringing a cake knife to a gang war.


My Review:

This was a satisfying and pleasantly entertaining escapist read from start to finish. Even the conflict and villainous mother were amusing and well-contrived. The primary and secondary characters were authentically drawn, accessible, enjoyably endearing, and easily likable. I can always count on a Kelly Collins book for an enjoyable read laced together with a unique small-town populous and smirk-worthy snark, resulting in a contented sigh-producing HEA.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was interesting to read a novel between two mature adults who find love for the first time. This marriage of convenience romance brings two people together, each of whom needs something the other can provide. That mutual attraction and chemistry are thrown into the works makes it all the more enjoyable. At times Charlotte seems unexpectedly timid and unsure of herself, but being confronted with a man like Bastien, throws her out of her comfort zone. Bastien is used to getting his own way, especially as he has the money to throw at all his problems, and Charlotte has plenty of those. Bastien's mother brings a sharp edge to the plot, but little Ivy has all the cuteness to offset her. Cricket, is outrageous and made me laugh, but Bastien is the kind of hero every woman would love to have in her life. I received a copy of this enjoyable romance as a gift through BookSprout and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Juliana Ignácio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlotte Sutton was so busy preparing for her store opening that she didn't have time to meet her neighbor Chloe before she died. She then goes to Chloe's house to pay her respects and meets her brother, Bastien Richmond. She ends up staying for dinner with him and little Ivy.
Bastien has his whole life planned out in New York, but when his sister leaves him with custody of his niece, he'll need to readjust his life so he can take care of her too. And that's where Charlotte comes in, she becomes a good friend to him. But when his mother threatens to fight for custody of Ivy, he insists he will marry so he can provide her with a stable home. The only problem is that he doesn't have a fiancée.
As he and Charlotte race against time to get Bastien a fake bride, feelings between them end up mixing and things get really interesting.
I loved the story and the characters. Ivy is a lovable character. And the ending was lovely! I highly recommend the reading.