Something New

by Kate Stone

Two fake fiancés and a jilted bride make one great collection. Each is an instalove romance with an alpha male who will do anything to win his woman and make her his. A no cheating happily ever after is guaranteed and I'd never leave you with a cliffhanger! I am such an idiot. My brother announced his engagement and, like the idiot I am, I blurted out that I was also engaged. The problem is, I'm not even dating anyone. Did you know there are companies who deal with this kind of problem? I paid a shocking amount of money to hire an actress to pretend to be my fiancée for the weekend. The problem is - she's all business and I've fallen head over heels in love with her.
Husband Needed What would you do to keep the only home you’d ever known? Natalie Johnson has had one home and one relative for her entire life. If she doesn't marry within the next thirty days, she'll lose everything she's ever loved. Overworked lawyer Vince Taylor wanted to get one last file off his desk before he took a long-deserved weekend off. Everything seemed in order, until he got to page three of Rose Johnson’s will. Who insists a woman needs to be married to inherit anymore? When he meets Natalie and realizes how dire her situation is, he can’t help but consider her proposal of a platonic marriage. The only problem is, he might be falling in love with her, for real.
Her Best Man
From jilted to madly in love in less than 24 hours - am I crazy to think this will work? I never expected my marriage to crumble before it even began, and let me tell you, being left at the altar really sucks. What's a jilted bride to do but enjoy the honeymoon suite and then head down to the bar for a few drinks. I had no idea the drop-dead gorgeous guy I was talking to would have been the best man. By the time we woke up in the morning I was certain he was absolutely *the best* man. Is it possible to fall in love over night? My head says no but my heart says yes. Will this relationship go anywhere or will he leave me just like my ex did?

276 pages, Paperback

Published January 26, 2021

About the author

Kate Stone has always lived for romance. From the time she was very small, waiting for her Prince Charming to come and take her away, she has looked for the healing, redeeming power of love.

She drinks far too much coffee and loves sparkly things. She's convinced she survived breast cancer because she was unwilling to let tiny little cells tell her when to die. The chemo may have helped, too.

She lives in New England with her long-suffering husband and their four children. She spends her days as a graduate student and her weekends writing.

You can visit her at www.AuthorKateStone.com or on twitter @KateStoneAuthor

Reviews

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

Feel something strong and undeniable
This collection of three stories makes a great set. I’d read two of these previously, but enjoyed reading them again. ‘Weekend Fiancee’ is about Rebecca and Bryce. ‘Husband Needed’ is about Vince and Natalie. And ‘Her Best Man’ is about Phoebe and Xavier. I’ve posted reviews for the first two books, so this one will focus on the third book.
Phoebe was jilted… a bride-to-be in her wedding gown, left waiting for a groom-to-be Zachary, that never bothered to show up. He was running off with the bridesmaid that was also a no-show. How predictable?! And in a totally gutless move, he dumped Phoebe via text. She was so sceptical about love in the first place, and can’t believe she fell for her fiancée’s crap! My heart was aching for her… poor darling!
Xavier had known Zachary since college, and knew he wasn’t into monogamy, at all. So he was especially surprised when his friend asked him to be his best man because he was getting married. He couldn’t believe it! And he feels like he could’ve prevented the sh!tshow that was the humiliation for the bride on her wedding day. He was reflecting on it all, drowning his sorrows at the bar, disappointed in himself for not putting a stop to the wedding before the actual day.
As he’s chatting to the barman about the wedding day debacle, Phoebe joins him at the bar. They share some drinks and conversation, and Xavier admits that he should have stopped the wedding. It obviously would’ve been in her best interests. When he’s about to leave, he offers for her to stay with him for a couple of days, seeing as she was going to be leaving for her supposed honeymoon and had nowhere else to go…
This story was sweet, sad, frustrating, romantic and steamy. I enjoyed their banter and other interactions. They both deserve all the happiness in the world, but will the people who link them spoil the potential of what could be? I did however think this story ended too abruptly, and I would’ve liked to learn more about these characters. I give this collection of books four and a half forgiving stars.
I received a free copy of this book collection via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book contains three short stories that are sweet and loving with friendship and romance in twined. Somewhat predictable stories but well written so it’s intriguing, romantic, mainly drama free, and easy to read.

WEEKEND FIANCÉE
Fun story about Bryce hiring Rebecca to be his fake fiancée for his younger brother’s wedding in order to get his family off his back about his lack of dating. When trying to get to know one another to pull off the fake engagement, they both develop feelings for the other but refuse to admit it.

WEEKEND HUSBAND
Loving story of Natalie who asks her recently deceased Grandmother’s lawyer to marry her in order to inherit a house. Vince never saw himself getting married but he’s attracted to Natalie and wants to help her keep the only home she’s ever had. If they both can come clean about their attraction to the other, will this marriage of convenience become a real marriage?

HER BEST MAN
Phoebe is left at the altar when her groom runs off with one of the bridesmaids. Xavier is the best man and officially meets the bride for the first time when she appears in the hotel bar. He invites Phoebe to stay with him when she realizes she has nowhere to go. Attraction, assumptions and misunderstandings follow — can they work it out?

I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily giving an honest review for no compensation

[Lynn Powers · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are 3 short stories hat were interesting to read and involve involve weddings and fake relationships.
WEEKEND FIANCÉ
Rebecca works for a company that provides clients with someone they need usually for an event and she is acting as Bryce’s fake fiancé for brother’s wedding. They are attracted to each other but she knows she must keep things professional or she could lose her job. Will they be able to resist their temptation for each other?
HUSBAND NEEDED
Natalie has just found out she needs a husband to inherit her grandmother’s house where she grew up. She asks her grandmother’s lawyer, Vince, if he will marry her to satisfy the conditions of the will since neither of them really believe in love and marriage. Will they maintain their marriage of convenience or all feelings develop?
HER BEST MAN
Phoebe’s fiancé left her at the altar and left with her bridesmaid. Xavier was supposed to be the best man who Phoebe had never met and he offers her a place to stay after they had been drinking together. After they spend the night together Phoebe finds out that her fiancé ran of with Xavier’s ex girlfriend. Can Phoebe and Xavier find happiness

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

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this three book box set all with instant-love and great characters.
Book#1: Bryce works too much and as no time to date but when his younger brother is getting married at his home he needs a date. Rebecca is hired as his fake fiancé but they are attracted to each other but she can not get involved with him or risk losing her job but may be can convince her he is serious.
Book#2: Natalie needs to marry within 30 days in order to inherit her grandmother's house where she grew up. She is a teacher and has always been awkward around men so she ask Vince the lawyer handling the estate if he would marry her in name only so that she can keep the house which he does and months later they have not seen each other so since it is Christmas he takes her a gift and gets snowed in with her. Maybe this marriage will turn into something real.
Book#3: When Phoebe gets left at the alter by Zachery she goes to the hotel bar where she runs into the best man Xavier who is also Zachery best friend. While they drink too much he ask her to go home with him where she sleeps in his bed while he sleeps on the couch until he wakes up still a little drunk and returns to his bed where she is sleeping. Could this be the beginning of something new?

[Charmaine Nouwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something New by Kate Stone is a great box set of short stories..sweet,emotional,steamy and enjoyable stories that you will love and enjoy! love this!! well done!

Husband Needed by Kate Stone is a wonderful short read. sweet,lovely,enjoyable and steamy romance story of Vince and Natalie. a Marriage of Convenience that you will loved and enjoy and touch your heartstring,loved it! well done!

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

Weekend Fiancee by Kate Stone is a wonderful short read. quick,sweet,enjoyable steamy fake romance story of Bryce and Rebecca. The CEO and the Hired Actress,well written,lovely characters with great chemistry,a story that will keep you entertained and hokked you from the get go,well done!

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

Her Best Man by Kate Stone is a wonderful quick read. fast paced,lovely,sweet, enjoyable and with enough steam. a romance story of Jason and Phoebe,The Best man and the Bride story that you will loved,loved it! wel done!

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

[Debra Soehner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first story involved Bryce who is a busy architect CEO who tells his family that he is engaged to get them off his back about being single and then has to come up with a fake fiancée for his brother's wedding, in walks Becca who is a professional fixer for long lost sisters, fiancées etc.. They meet and are instantly attracted but the company denies them the ability to get together until the contract is over. Will they be able to be honest with themselves and Bryce's family about how they began?
The second story is about a lawyer, Vince who is handling an estate case where Natalie's grandmother died but specified that in order to take over her house and goat farm, she must be married. Natalie proposes a fake marriage to Vince and thus begins their story and hopeful HEA as Vince is a divorce attorney who doesn't believe in marriage.
Great collection of short stories and wonderful author.

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

[Cathylynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a collection of three books Weekend Fiancee, Husband Needed, and Her Best Man. Weekend Fiancee is Rebecca and Bryce, Bryce is jealous of his brother when he announces he is engaged Bryce says he is too, now he has to hire a woman to pretend. It turns real. Husband Needed with Natalie and Vince. Vince is an attorney who read the will that states Natalie must marry to keep all she loves. Vince is thinking about agreeing to a fake marriage. Her Best Man is Phoebe and Xavier. Phoebe is stood up at the alter when the groom runs away with a bridesmaid. She goes down to the bar and gets drunk and hooks up with Xavier who was the best man. Great collections all the stories are great and enjoyable. The characters had chemistry and they were just wonderful.

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

[Judith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not for me. Sorry. For one thing, the title ‘Something new’ eluded me. Where did that come from? How does it relate to any of the stories? This book contains 3 short novelettes. The premise of all three has formed the backbone of many stories before. These novelettes have been too short to entertain the range of emotions that the characters proclaimed. I found the stories rather banal as a result. There are many examples of poor editing, extra or missing words in the sentence throughout. Of the three stories, number two, ‘Husband Needed’ had some promise, so perhaps it would be worth expanding the storyline and develop it into a full-length independent novel.

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

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Weekend Fiancée - An enjoyable and entertaining read! The story line is well-developed, well written, intriguing, and engaging. The characters are likeable and balance each other perfectly; their chemistry is instant and off the charts. Definitely recommended!

Husband Needed - A fast pace, sweet, engaging, and exciting read. The story line is well thought-out, witty, and emotionally deep. The characters are likeable; their chemistry is amazing. A recommended read!

Her Best Man - A fast pace, interesting, well-written, emotionally deep, and well-developed read! The characters are likeable with amazing chemistry between them. Definitely recommended!

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

[lf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three deliciously fun and sexy novellas

Something New is a collection of the 3 novellas -
1. Weekend Fiancee
2. Husband Needed
3. Her Best Man

I have already read and reviewed each of these books so I am not going to repost my reviews here, as they can be read if you would like to. I did enjoy these stories as they are well written, charming, funny, witty, romantic and sexy passionate. Each book is about a different couple but all are interesting and well matched, even when they are just in the need of something temporary there are sparks flying everywhere. I enjoyed the story-lines and each of these books.

[Kimberlea Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a set of 3 short stories that you’ll find yourself wanting to read again and again. Each story pulled me in so quickly, and before I even knew it they were done. The storylines are intriguing and entertaining, and the characters were real and relatable. My favorite story was “Husband Needed”, probably because I related to Natalie a lot. You can’t go wrong with any of these stories though, and you’ll be so glad you read this book!

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

[Brigitte · Rating 3 out of 5]

Out of the three stories here the first one is by far the best and the latter two are more novellas than full length stories. The latter two also have more typos and word errors than the first story. I am far away from being impressed by these stories and had a hard time keeping me at reading them thus taking every excuse available to take me away from reading which is highly unusual for me. So three stars for this one, and I am sorry to say they were almost just two...

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

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three short stories of two men and one woman, who need a little help and kindness when things go wrong. A fake fiance for a brothers wedding, a fake husband to conquer a will, and a jilted bride who needs some kindness. All three have great characters and plots, intense feelings and emotions, and plenty of loving. Enough twists and surprises to keep you turning the pages. Loved how things progressed with each story. Great for a quick smile when your day has gone south.

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

[Rhonda Howell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This box set is made of three books that all deal with individuals pretending to be married or dating to get what they want. Each book is a stand alone. The author draws you in and keeps your attention. Three short stories with individuals get more than tjeu bargained for and end up falling in love.

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

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging characters in each story capture your attention, well developed chemistry between them keeps you turning the pages. Each story flows smoothly from page to page and give you plenty of entertainment within the pages. Definitely recommend.

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

[CJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author has given us a wonderful collection of stories. Each one brings you into the lives of the characters. These people think that they will be able to pretend and never let their feelings get involved.

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

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three short stories that held my interest throughout, the stories are Weekend Fiancée, Husband Needed, and Her Best Man which I think was my favorite. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elvira · Rating 5 out of 5]

The characters are engaging and well developed with plenty of chemistry throughout the pages. The storylines are great reads from beginning to the end of the boxset.

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

[Lacinda Arnold · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun box set. All of her books that I have gotten to read are great and with this set you get three stories!

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

[John Hibbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I was disappointed that it was so short but then that was overridden by the pleasant surprise that it was a collection of short stories

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

[C bond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good to see these in a boxset. I have read all three and liked them. My favorite was Husband Wanted, the h and H were just so sweet together. I've re read that one several times.