Matchmaking: The Protector

Just4You Matchmaker #1

by Madison Love

When the matchmaker paired me with a stoic Army Ranger turned billionaire, I had no idea my life would be turned upside down…

A new place…
A new identity…
A new chance for love…

It’s been two years since I moved to New York City…
and since my last and only relationship.

After seeking the help of a new matchmaker in town,
I am paired with a ruggedly handsome and sexy billionaire executive who happens to have been a former Army Ranger.

After one conversation, it’s clear he’s hiding something from me.
But I’ve been hiding something, too.

So when my past comes back to haunt me, I have no choice but to share my secret.

It’s no surprise that he is willing to protect me.
It’s what he was born to do.

But will he be able to overcome his past in time to save me from mine?

131 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2023

About the author

Best Selling, Award Winning Author, Madison Love enjoys writing clean and Christian romances while intertwining humor, faith, and suspense. She has spent most of her life traveling abroad, discovering new places, and meeting wonderful people. She spent twenty years in the military before settling in a rural town outside of Buffalo, New York, where she now lives on a forty-acre farm with her husband, son, and two dogs. Having been afforded the time and opportunity to bring her ideas and stories to life, she seeks to give her readers the ‘happy ever after’ they seek.

***2024 Global Book Awards Gold Medal Winner in Women's Christian Fiction***

***2024 Global Book Awards Silver Medal Winner in Clean Romance***

*** Recipient of the 2025 Christlit Book Award for The Shining Knight Protector Series ***

*** Recipient of the 2025 Christlit Book Award for The Beanbaggers of Cornhole County ***

Reviews

[Lila · Rating 4 out of 5]

1=dnf / why bother?; 2=not to my taste; 3=A good story; 4=I liked it a lot; 5=a favorite must-read!

This is the first story in a delightful series. Having reread the entire series and the continuation via Shining Knight Protectors, these books are well worth reading again and again.

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Fated Life Partner -
Even though Claire was in hiding from her violent ex-boyfriend, she decided to sign up with a matchmaker, so she could start dating again. Ben wasn’t really looking to start dating, but his sister convinced him to help her out, which turned out to be a good thing, as he happened to be the best person to be paired with Claire. Even though their first date started out slow, it took a dramatic turn which led to Claire opening up about her past relationship and present life.

Ben’s protective instincts kicked in immediately and he took steps to help her feel safe, but still feel independent whilst living her life. As luck would have it, one of the safety measures Ben put in place was the catalyst in helping him find Claire when she was kidnapped by her ex-boyfriend, so he could not only rescue her, but also ensure the threat to her life was permanently removed. Once everything was resolved it gave Ben and Claire the confidence to admit their feelings for each other and slowly work toward a happily ever after.

If your looking for a story to read about a strong alpha male, who appreciate a real woman and is willing do do anything to protect her, whilst giving her the space for he4 feeling to grow and gain the confidence to embark on another relationship. This was a really emotionally challenging, but enjoyable story, that had me hooked from the beginning. Grab a copy of this book to read and you won’t be disappointed.

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

[Sonya Wasden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just recently discovered this author. I have read several of her books and really enjoyed all of them. In this story, Amelia is starting a Matchmaking service when she makes a deal with her yoga instructor, Claire, to let her set her up. Claire has been on the run from an abusive ex who, she believes is linked to the mafia. Amelia sets Claire up with her brother, Ben. Ben is a former Army Ranger, now billionaire businessman, who still deals with PTSD and doesn't feel worthy of romantic love. He has avoided any romantic relationships but Claire convinces him to let her set him up on just one date.

Claire and Ben hit it off and enjoy spending time together. They both have secrets and when Claire's threatens to harm her, Ben is there to offer his protection. In my opinion, Ben is the perfect book boyfriend. I wouldn't mind his protection anytime. This story has lots to offer. There is suspense, swoon-worthy, romantic moments and a happy ending.

[Karen Brasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matchmaking the Protector

This is a refreshing book with bits of danger entangled with a bit of romance. This book touches on domestic violence and abuse as well as PTSD. The author handles the subjects with care. Claire has heard a couple of her yoga students talking about a matchmaking app one of them is starting. It has been 2 years since she ran from her ex-boyfriend after experiencing too much of his abusive behavior. She decides that should be long enough and joins the matchmaking service. Ben thought he would serve his country a long time but a medical separation after his last mission brought a new position at his father’s business. His sister asked him to help with her matchmaking business and he ends up being Claire’s match. They have an immediate connection they cannot deny. What happens when her ex shows up? I advise you read their story.

[W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding love in a life with PTSD

Claire and Ben are both living lives that they each built after traumatic events or situations. From the outside, they appear successful and content, but each has avoided any chance of a commitment relationship because of their PTSD and their past. When they are paired by a new matchmaking service started by his sister, they are surprised to find themselves immediately at ease with the other.

The author deftly leads the characters thru their relationship development and several events that might be triggering to them. Then she brings them out the other side stronger, to a satisfying HEA.

I received an ARC copy of this story from the author via BookFunnel and voluntarily chose to share my review.

[Tina Lowery · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story!! Within these pages, it is evident that these two people who are searching for love, will find it. Ben and Claire have both experienced tragedies and trauma of their own, yet their hearts and spirits become drawn in closer together. As they endeavor to embrace their new emotions and bonds of friendship, a traumatic experience intervenes with the intent to end any chance for a new happy ending. Claire takes Ben's love and shares hers, as she also offers her up her emotions and dreams of forever!! I loved this story ... it was wrapped up with the past memories being dealt with and a new future of love rising up over the horizon. I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars and enjoyed a lazy afternoon reading ....

[Sharon Akshar · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the story 'Matchmaking the Protector' by Madison Love. It was about a woman who had escaped an abusive boyfriend and had undergone a name change and changed her looks in order to do it. After living in another city for two years and wanting to get her life back, she enlists the help of a matchmaker to set her up with a date. The matchmaker sets the woman up with the matchmaker's very own brother because she thinks the two would be good together. She was right because the two are instantly attracted to each other. The man has a painful history he is trying to work through too and both will have to face their fears when the woman' ex shows up to do her harm.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claire, a yoga instructor, is the first applicant on the Just4You app to find a matching partner. Making a deal to pay off the fee with the owner, she is set up for a date with Ben. A serendipitous match indeed. She needs protection and he can provide it. After wondering if she is imagining things, the fear escalates.
With his war skills, Ben is able to help track down her stalker. A short read with a lot of tense moments, but I got a giggle at a yoga exercise trying to protect her against a gangster.
Madison brings clean love and faith into the relationships she creates and my heart is at peace.

[Jacquelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Matchmaking the Protector’ was thrilling. The plot involved an honorably discharged Army Ranger, CEO of the family company, helping a sister with her matchmaking company, a young abused lady hiding from her abuser, meeting the Ranger, falling for the guy, accepting an invaluable gift, being stalked, oh no…a kidnapping, suspense, tension, handling the situation, being serenaded by a rockstar, and falling in love. Moreover, Ben and Claire/Samantha, the protagonists, were ideally suited for each other and oozed chemistry. Additionally, I appreciated the author’s vivid descriptions, which created a riveting tone. Overall, I liked the compelling narrative.

[PAR · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first novel that I have read by Madison Love. I can tell you I really appreciated that she was able to write a clean and contemporary romance. I really enjoyed this novel and cannot wait to read more of her work. Her characters are damaged but strong and that combined with the true love they have for each other is what makes the story line all that much better. I really recommend this novel and I plan to keep my eyes open for others that she be penning. I received this novel from BookFunnel. This is my true and honest opinion.

[John Belcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's difficult to open up to someone that you don't really know nor trust, but when you meet the right person you know through and through that you can trust this person with your heart and secrets to save your life. Just like Claire she knew right from thecstart that she could trust Ben with her secrets and mostly her heart which had been betrayed and broken. Excellant from start to finish and definitely a five star.

[Vickie Chaisson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is full of suspense, stalking, kidnapping, abuse and PTSD. The storyline will keep you on the edge of your seat and you will read it in one sitting. The characters are heartwarming and you will fall on love with the main characters. The story just flows and the secondary characters are equally likeable and cannot wait to read more from this author.

[Rick Farlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two people loaded down with emotional baggage manage to find each other on a dating app (sort-of) and connect immediately… It’s a good storyline with some action scenes blended in… and, as expected, he becomes her hero… and the rest is romantic history. This one is a quick read and highly recommended.

[Lynn Hyman · Rating 5 out of 5]

How It Begins

Ben is still recovering from his time as a Ranger. Claire is still on the run from her abusive ex. Amelia is getting her matchmaking site underway and has her sights set on Claire and her brother Ben. There is danger and healing and true love in the future. Great book with more matchmaking promised. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Ifeoluwa Shobande · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful way God can heal people whether we like it or not. Healing is important and sweet when we start doing the work and doing it well.

One is running away from an abusive BF, the other is running away from himself, funny how they find themselves in the Midst of impossibility.



Thank you, Madison Love ❤️ 😍 💖 ❣️

[Jamil · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love a good matchmaking service story. It was insta-love and drama as soon as Ben met Claire. The storyline was good if a little quick. Ben and Claire are a good couple. I'm interested to see if there are more books in the Just4You universe.

[Joyce T. · Rating 3 out of 5]

It wasn't too bad. I liked the action part. The romance, however, was a little too shallow. They had an instant connection that felt a little fake, or at least rushed, and I didn't really like how, within hours of meeting, they confessed to each other something they've never told anyone else.

[Megan Olds · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little cheesy and overdramatic but charming. The main characters were likable, and there is a well-done depiction of a veteran and of both characters’ different types of PTSD; a little reminiscent of Safe Haven.

Good for fans of romances with action and a matchmaking meet-cute.

[Jeannie Waugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

It captures you from the start. Very well written. I am looking forward to more. This is not your typical romance books it is so much better.

[Josie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actually a sweet and clean romance. A romantic suspense where both have their own demons. Her an abusive ex and his PTSD.

[Jennifer Rosenberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful second chance story.

[Author Terra Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great storyline! The characters have realistic challenges and work through them together. Just the right amount of sweetness and suspense. Love conquers all!

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the kind of book I love…strong characters with great stories, who fall in love!
I look forward to reading the other stories in this series!

[Marti · Rating 3 out of 5]

MATCHMAKING THE PROTECTOR is an entertaining and clean romance. Claire and Ben are both sweet and brave but the dialogue is rather stiff and unnatural. This is a nice afternoon read.

[Jane Culbertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. I am enjoying this series very much.

[Imilynn Pelz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Someones review really stuck out to me, and I personally can't explain it better.
"Her Fated Life Partner -
Even though Claire was in hiding from her violent ex-boyfriend, she decided to sign up with a matchmaker, so she could start dating again. Ben wasn’t really looking to start dating, but his sister convinced him to help her out, which turned out to be a good thing, as he happened to be the best person to be paired with Claire. Even though their first date started out slow, it took a dramatic turn which led to Claire opening up about her past relationship and present life.

Ben’s protective instincts kicked in immediately and he took steps to help her feel safe, but still feel independent whilst living her life. As luck would have it, one of the safety measures Ben put in place was the catalyst in helping him find Claire when she was kidnapped by her ex-boyfriend, so he could not only rescue her, but also ensure the threat to her life was permanently removed. Once everything was resolved it gave Ben and Claire the confidence to admit their feelings for each other and slowly work toward a happily ever after.

If your looking for a story to read about a strong alpha male, who appreciate a real woman and is willing do do anything to protect her, whilst giving her the space for her feeling to grow and gain the confidence to embark on another relationship. This was a really emotionally challenging, but enjoyable story, that had me hooked from the beginning. Grab a copy of this book to read and you won’t be disappointed."

With this story in mind, the characters are looking for the same thing, yet one of them isn't ready for a relationship. I absolutely adored all the characters in this book, and with it being a clean rom-com I would definitely recommend more people to read it. My favorite part about this whole book, was actually the MMC's sister, i'm not sure why, but I loved her energy and her ambition in this story. Discretion is advised for those sensitive to military violence, there are small part in the story that tell about the MMC's history. I would recommend for those 14+, only due to comprehension and life experiences to understand some of the characters faults. 10/10, will read again. I didn't have any complaints.

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trigger Warning: Claire is hiding from an abusive ex. Ben has PTSD after being medically discharged from the military. His sister opens a matchmaking business with Claire as her first client. Will Claire and Ben feel safe enough to be honest? Will they be a perfect match? Does her ex find her? I was hooked almost from the first page. Loved the characters. Hoping to see books for some of the other characters soon. I received an ARC copy from the author. Review voluntarily given.

[Marilyn Burrows · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the beginning very much. The anticipation grew as I read. I was certainly rooting for the protector. He is great and a deeply caring person. He also waits patiently as his goals are reached. Wing his military experiences, he is reluctant about his future. But along comes his fabulous sister who knows how to get him out of his past