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Mate Match #1
Silver
Is it fate when you’re signed up for a blind date? Or just pure luck?
Silver Thompson is content with his life. He runs Silverback Security with his brothers, and any needs he has are met without attachments. But as the oldest of five, he has become the first target of his Ma. She wants her boys all settled with families, and they all seem too content to simply exist as they are. Signing Silver up for Mate Match’s Valentine’s Day event was a chance she was willing to take. But would it work or backfire?
Charlie Brown has settled into his life of routine. He’s tried to find love, but the guys he dated only seem to want him for one thing, and it isn’t to take him out and be seen with him. His job might be unusual for a koala shifter, but he loves it, and that’s enough for him. At his happily mated sister’s insistence, he signs up on the dating profile and is almost immediately matched for the upcoming Valentine’s Day event. Could finding his mate actually be that easy?
Silver is book one in the Mate Match Series. It is a full-length novel that is filled with fluffy sweetness. There is no angst and no backstory. This book is in an mpreg world, and there will be a baby eventually, but not necessarily in this book. If you’re looking for a sweet, fluffy fated mates story, you’ve found it.
Silver Thompson is content with his life. He runs Silverback Security with his brothers, and any needs he has are met without attachments. But as the oldest of five, he has become the first target of his Ma. She wants her boys all settled with families, and they all seem too content to simply exist as they are. Signing Silver up for Mate Match’s Valentine’s Day event was a chance she was willing to take. But would it work or backfire?
Charlie Brown has settled into his life of routine. He’s tried to find love, but the guys he dated only seem to want him for one thing, and it isn’t to take him out and be seen with him. His job might be unusual for a koala shifter, but he loves it, and that’s enough for him. At his happily mated sister’s insistence, he signs up on the dating profile and is almost immediately matched for the upcoming Valentine’s Day event. Could finding his mate actually be that easy?
Silver is book one in the Mate Match Series. It is a full-length novel that is filled with fluffy sweetness. There is no angst and no backstory. This book is in an mpreg world, and there will be a baby eventually, but not necessarily in this book. If you’re looking for a sweet, fluffy fated mates story, you’ve found it.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 20, 2025
167 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Taylor Rylan
89 books500 followersM/M PNR Romance Author 📖
Multitasker
Coffee addict ☕️☕️☕️
Loves unicorns, dragons, pets, and HEAs 🦄🐱🐶🐱🐱🩷
Multitasker
Coffee addict ☕️☕️☕️
Loves unicorns, dragons, pets, and HEAs 🦄🐱🐶🐱🐱🩷
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
August 4, 2025
At the end of the book the author explained that this was an expanded short from an anthology, now made stand alone novel, and that made so much sense. It's not a bad book, it's just pretty slow and I was half wondering when we would get to the point or what even is the point at all. It had a strong start and it wound down a third in and was almost at a stop by the end.
I have more hope for the next one in the series, as it will certainly be plotted as a novel and not a short story. I did enjoy having a story from Taylor outside of the already big and very expanded universe, so while I felt pretty meh about this book, I'm pretty excited for the next one
I have more hope for the next one in the series, as it will certainly be plotted as a novel and not a short story. I did enjoy having a story from Taylor outside of the already big and very expanded universe, so while I felt pretty meh about this book, I'm pretty excited for the next one
July 1, 2025
Does the author even like women?
ALL of the female characters in this book are awful. The female family members are interfering, and not in that cute way you get in some stories. It could have been cute. Instead, they are all seriously without boundaries and need the men in their lives to "make them behave." Sadly, this takes up a lot of space in the book.
There is maybe one other named female character in the book, who is of course the work colleague who is a gossip monger of the worst sort.
I totally get that the male side characters are key to future stories in MM Romance, and there will be more emphasis on them. But damn. Every woman here is awful, and in terribly stereotypical ways. Busybodies, hormonal, manipulative, gossiping.
As for the "shifter" thing, it doesn't really impact the story at all. This could have been an alpha/omega story without it being shifters without any serious story revisions.
ALL of the female characters in this book are awful. The female family members are interfering, and not in that cute way you get in some stories. It could have been cute. Instead, they are all seriously without boundaries and need the men in their lives to "make them behave." Sadly, this takes up a lot of space in the book.
There is maybe one other named female character in the book, who is of course the work colleague who is a gossip monger of the worst sort.
I totally get that the male side characters are key to future stories in MM Romance, and there will be more emphasis on them. But damn. Every woman here is awful, and in terribly stereotypical ways. Busybodies, hormonal, manipulative, gossiping.
As for the "shifter" thing, it doesn't really impact the story at all. This could have been an alpha/omega story without it being shifters without any serious story revisions.
June 22, 2025
Silver by Taylor Rylan is the first book in her Mate Match series. It is the story of two men who seem like opposites yet are found to be fated mates after being matched by a dating service and how they mesh their lives together. Silver Thompson is the oldest of 5 brothers. He is a silverback gorilla and together with them has formed Silverback Security. His family is close but his mother is now resorting to whatever means she can to get them married off so she can have grandbabies. When Silver gets an Email on Valentine’s Day informing him of a blind date that could be with his fated mate, he knows just who set him up. He is mad because he isn’t looking for a mate but he also doesn’t want to hurt the man who he was set up with plus he will get a free meal so he decides he will deal with his ma’s interfering later. Charlie Brown is a koala shifter. He has a teaching degree but after one year he told a friend it was like trying to teach animals and the friend replied that the zoo was hiring so he checked it out and is now working there, in charge of the koalas, wombats, and kangaroos, a job he loves. He hasn’t been very lucky in the dating department because the men he has been with try to act like he’s a friend but not a date so he doesn’t have much hope that things will change. His parents died in a plan crash when he was 15 and he now only has his sister Samantha. She is just as involved in Charlie’s life as Silver’s ma is and she forces him to fill out a form for the dating service Mate Match so that is how Charlie is going to the Valentine’s Day dinner at the Under the Sea Restaurant at the Whispering Pines Zoo where he is to meet his match, Silver. He also doesn’t have much hope for this but he is looking forward to the free dinner. When they meet at the restaurant Silver immediately tells Charlie that he is only there because his mother forced his hand and he didn’t want Charlie to be dateless. But as they talk and eat, they both realize that they are fated mates and have to decide how they are going to move forward with that. Silver invites Charlie back to his house to talk in a quieter place and things progress from there. Charlie tells him about being hidden by his previous dates and that he can’t do that anymore. Silver promises that he will be protective, comforting, and caring and will never hide him. They are going to be a team. When they end up in his bedroom, they have a hot love scene and claim each other knowing they were supposed to be perfect for each other and had the rest of their lives to learn more about their wants and needs. They also had to meet each other’s families and confront Silver’s mother and Charlie’s sister about overstepping and set some boundaries so they could have their life together. It doesn’t take long for them to fall in love and say I love you and get a nice surprise at the end of the story. I really enjoyed this book as I do with any of Ms. Rylan’s stories. This one is pretty fluffy with a little angst as Charlie doesn’t think he will ever find his mate, even though he remains hopeful, and Silver is not looking for one but immediately wants to claim Charlie when he realizes he’s the one. Charlie is sweet and helpful to everyone and Silver is very protective especially when it comes to Charlie. Their families, especially Silver’s brothers and mother and Charlie’s sister, add the angst as they have to deal with their interference in their lives before they can go on to live the way they want to. The background of the zoo and their neighborhood also add to the story. I highly recommend this book, especially if you like almost insta love stories about two very different kinds of shifters who have to deal with family issues as they move forward to make the life they want to live full of love.
June 20, 2025
What do you get when you have one mother with grandbaby fever and one pregnant sister who thinks everyone should have the same happy life that she has? The answer is two amazing men on a blind date that neither of them wanted. Silver decided to go because he didn't want to be "that guy" who stood up a date on Valentine's Day. . . and for the free food. Charlie attended because he wanted to get his sister off his back. . . and for the free food. Together sparks fly and fate binds them together.
Charlie is such a sweet character, despite having the same name as a famous cartoon boy. He's been hurt by previous relationships that want him more as a dirty little secret rather than being proud to be seen with him. His self esteem outside of the animals he takes care of at the zoo is shattered. The fact that he knows he is a good person but believes no one will ever want him is so relatable. You just want to hug him! Silver, on the other hand is a charming alpha with too much on his plate running a security business and keeping his younger brothers in line to have time to even consider finding a mate. He loves his family; loves living near all of them, loves working with them, and loves being the one they depend on. But his mother has "expectations" and apparently he isn't living up to them. The pressures he shoulders every day would be overwhelming on the best day, and he's just so tired of it all. Again, hugging feels needed.
The tone of the story is so upbeat and happy despite the MCs having to deal with real serious family and personal issues. The banter between Silver and his brothers is priceless and should not be missed. The pacing never lagged or felt too rushed. It does leave the reader wishing for more details about Silverback Security and their clients were explored in the book - but it will probably happen in future volumes. The next book cannot come soon enough!
Recommended for fans of Taylor Rylan's other works, Minerva Howe, and G.L. Carriger.
Charlie is such a sweet character, despite having the same name as a famous cartoon boy. He's been hurt by previous relationships that want him more as a dirty little secret rather than being proud to be seen with him. His self esteem outside of the animals he takes care of at the zoo is shattered. The fact that he knows he is a good person but believes no one will ever want him is so relatable. You just want to hug him! Silver, on the other hand is a charming alpha with too much on his plate running a security business and keeping his younger brothers in line to have time to even consider finding a mate. He loves his family; loves living near all of them, loves working with them, and loves being the one they depend on. But his mother has "expectations" and apparently he isn't living up to them. The pressures he shoulders every day would be overwhelming on the best day, and he's just so tired of it all. Again, hugging feels needed.
The tone of the story is so upbeat and happy despite the MCs having to deal with real serious family and personal issues. The banter between Silver and his brothers is priceless and should not be missed. The pacing never lagged or felt too rushed. It does leave the reader wishing for more details about Silverback Security and their clients were explored in the book - but it will probably happen in future volumes. The next book cannot come soon enough!
Recommended for fans of Taylor Rylan's other works, Minerva Howe, and G.L. Carriger.
June 28, 2025
I adored this story when it was a short story in the Heart2Heart compilation. And I love it even more now that the story have been expanded. This is the story of Silver Thompson and Charlie Brown. Silver is a Silverback Gorilla shifter. He and his brothers formed Silverback Securities. He is happy with his life and has no interest in finding his fated mate. Too bad his mother has other ideas. The afternoon of Valentines Day Silver finds out that his mom has signed him up for a blind date at the zoo. He has no interest in going but he doesn't want to stand up his blind date. Charlie is a koala shifter and he works at the zoo. He has had terrible luck with boyfriends and relationships. His only other family is his sister. And since she found her mate and is pregnant, she has been slowly driving him crazy with wanting him to find his mate. To make her happy and keep her off his back, he signed up for the event. Both Silver and Charlie approach it with the same attitude, at least I will get a nice meal out of it. This is their story. Silver who is grumpy is surprisingly amazed at the ray of sunshine that is Charlie. As they are fated mates, the two hit it off immediately. But just because you found your mate doesn't mean that you aren't bringing some emotional baggage to the table. Silver is grateful that the men who met Charlie before him were too stupid to recognize the treasure that they had in their hands. He plans to shower Charlie with adoration and affection. It is exactly what Charlie needs. The book is well written and easy to read. I received a complementary advanced review copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review. This is a fun and low angst read. I look forward to the next book in this series.
July 27, 2025
**********Contains Spoilers**********
Another good read by Taylor Rylan. I thought that this was a good start to Taylor’s brand new Mate Match Series. I thought that Silver and Charlie were great together. Yay, I got my wish after reading Silver and Charlie’s novella length story in Heart2Heart: A Paranormal Charity Anthology Volume 7 since I wanted to see them meet each others families.
I’m glad that Taylor expanded their story to show them start their life together. All I can say is that Silver’s mum Joyce and Charlie’s older sister Sam are both really demanding, so I’m glad that Silver and Charlie set boundaries where they’re both concerned.
I do wish that we got to see not only Silver and Charlie shift, but even spend some time in their animal forms together, as it made it not really feel like a paranormal read to me apart from the speed in which they sealed their bond. I’ve pre-ordered the next book, Clay which I’m looking forward reading when it’s released, as well as more books by Taylor Rylan in the future. I’d definitely recommend this book, series and author to everyone.
Another good read by Taylor Rylan. I thought that this was a good start to Taylor’s brand new Mate Match Series. I thought that Silver and Charlie were great together. Yay, I got my wish after reading Silver and Charlie’s novella length story in Heart2Heart: A Paranormal Charity Anthology Volume 7 since I wanted to see them meet each others families.
I’m glad that Taylor expanded their story to show them start their life together. All I can say is that Silver’s mum Joyce and Charlie’s older sister Sam are both really demanding, so I’m glad that Silver and Charlie set boundaries where they’re both concerned.
I do wish that we got to see not only Silver and Charlie shift, but even spend some time in their animal forms together, as it made it not really feel like a paranormal read to me apart from the speed in which they sealed their bond. I’ve pre-ordered the next book, Clay which I’m looking forward reading when it’s released, as well as more books by Taylor Rylan in the future. I’d definitely recommend this book, series and author to everyone.
June 21, 2025
When I first read about Silver and Charlie in the Heart2Heart anthology I absolutely adored both of them, and now that their story got expanded I adored them even more. While their story is a bit faster paced than what I normally like, I think it works for what type of story this is. That being a fluffy fated mates romance book, and it definitely hits that mark. I thought the way these two both support each other and make communication a priority showed how much they truly cared about each other's well-being from the very beginning. I loved reading about Silver's brothers and hopefully at some point they'll get their own stories as well, that way the whole Silverback Gorilla family finds their mates.
I do wish that there would've been scenes with Silver and Charlie in their animal forms, but aside from what animal they are being mentioned, it wasn't a big part of the story. Which I was a bit disappointed by, but the characters themselves made up for it.
I do wish that there would've been scenes with Silver and Charlie in their animal forms, but aside from what animal they are being mentioned, it wasn't a big part of the story. Which I was a bit disappointed by, but the characters themselves made up for it.
June 13, 2025
This is an expanded version of Silver and Charlie’s story that was in the Heart2Heart Anthology and is the start of a new series. Silver is still a bit cranky at times but sunshiny Charlie is just the person he needs in his life. This is a very sweet and fluffy fated mates romance with just a tiny drop of external angst from overbearing family members. Silver and Charlie quickly fully embrace their fated mate status so there is plenty of steam but also plenty of sweet, especially from Silver. The gorilla/koala shifter combination works really well and does provide some funny moments, especially when Silver manages to squash himself into Charlie’s little Fiat car.
I really enjoyed this easy to read low angst story and it was the perfect book to just disappear into after a much heavier read.
I really enjoyed this easy to read low angst story and it was the perfect book to just disappear into after a much heavier read.
June 20, 2025
Wonderful start to a new series! What started as a short in the Heart2Heart anthology has been expanded beautifully.
Silver's Ma secretly signs him up for a blind date on Mate Match and Charlie's sister goads him into joining. Neither are looking forward to this Valentine's Day event but are pleasantly surprised by what Fate has for them This is a fluffy and sweet romance with pushy family and some funny shifter differences. It's witty, romantic, and entertaining. I'm truly looking forward to the next book and not only finding out how cute their new family will be but which of Silver's four brothers is next to find his mate.
Silver's Ma secretly signs him up for a blind date on Mate Match and Charlie's sister goads him into joining. Neither are looking forward to this Valentine's Day event but are pleasantly surprised by what Fate has for them This is a fluffy and sweet romance with pushy family and some funny shifter differences. It's witty, romantic, and entertaining. I'm truly looking forward to the next book and not only finding out how cute their new family will be but which of Silver's four brothers is next to find his mate.
June 20, 2025
This is an expanded book from the Heart2Heart anthology. It was great to see the book expanded and that more books will be in the series. Silver and Charlie are forced to sign up for a blind date on Valentine's Day. Neither expects to find their mates, but when they realise they are mates, they readily agree to mate. Silver and Charlie were great characters, and I loved seeing more of Silver's brothers. This was a sweet and low-angst book. I can't wait to see which book the next series of books is about.
June 12, 2025
Taylor Rylan is one of my favorite authors and I have enjoyed most of her series. I thought this was a fantastic start to a new series. I love the fact that it is about families and friends. Silver and his mate, Charlie are wonderful characters that were not expecting to find a mate, when Surprise, they are mated and dealing with all the issues that go with it. Looking forward to the next book. Strongly recommend this book.
June 19, 2025
Silver: Mate Match is a sweet and steamy fated mates romance between a grumpy gorilla shifter and a cheerful koala shifter, whose quirky dynamic brings humor, heart, and a healthy dose of fluff. While there's a touch of family-induced tension, the story focuses on the pair's instant bond, endearing antics (like the Fiat moment), and affectionate connection that’s as warm as it is spicy. I'm looking forward to the next book in this new series.
June 20, 2025
A sweet easy to read story that has you wanting to wrap Charlie in your arms and not let him go…Silver is right to be protective! It’s got family dramas, a set of brothers I hope we get to see more off and some steamy scenes! I’m a fan of Taylor Rylan’s work and this is no exception. I can’t wait for this new series to continue and see what other mate matches we will come across.
June 22, 2025
Oh my goodness. What a fantastic way to start a new series. I absolutely adore the family and the characters in this book. This book was just what I needed to make my heart happy. The storyline was great and I found myself wanting to be someone's best friend so I could be in the middle of it. This is going to be a fantastic series. I'm so excited to see whats going to be next,
June 30, 2025
Encore...
I enjoyed this story immensely. It was well written, easy to follow and had wonderful characters. The storyline was believable and well paced. This was my first gorilla shifter. I was disappointed that there wasn't a scene where the mates shifted together. I wish it wasn't nearly a year until Clay's story is released. I'll have to reread Silver again. Lol.
I enjoyed this story immensely. It was well written, easy to follow and had wonderful characters. The storyline was believable and well paced. This was my first gorilla shifter. I was disappointed that there wasn't a scene where the mates shifted together. I wish it wasn't nearly a year until Clay's story is released. I'll have to reread Silver again. Lol.
December 20, 2025
💜💜💜💜
This is a paranormal mm romance with mpreg, the first book in a series that should be read in order. This story is an expanded from a short story and quite a bit was fleshed out from it. You have two reluctant shifters who don’t want to go on a blind date but find out they are fated mates.
This is a paranormal mm romance with mpreg, the first book in a series that should be read in order. This story is an expanded from a short story and quite a bit was fleshed out from it. You have two reluctant shifters who don’t want to go on a blind date but find out they are fated mates.
June 21, 2025
This is a sweet story I loved how they both went to the restaurant for a free meal not expecting to meet their mate. They have to adjust to being mated and dealing with their families. I look forward to Clay’s book.
June 23, 2025
I am already loving this new series. I absolutely love Charlie and Silver! They are just to sweetest and I just couldn't help but love them. Taylor Rylan definitely didn't miss with this story and I can't wait for the next one read in this new series.
June 29, 2025
Disappointed
I have loved taylor rylan's previous series. I miss the romance and lots of sex. I also miss them not meeting their mate other half. I am .I'm looking forward to the next book in the series, hoping I get a better feel.
I have loved taylor rylan's previous series. I miss the romance and lots of sex. I also miss them not meeting their mate other half. I am .I'm looking forward to the next book in the series, hoping I get a better feel.
July 13, 2025
Silver
A sweet little koala shifter enters into a dating site called Mate Match that his sister pestered him into. A gorilla shifter whose mother entered him into the same site. The rest is history.
A sweet little koala shifter enters into a dating site called Mate Match that his sister pestered him into. A gorilla shifter whose mother entered him into the same site. The rest is history.
July 20, 2025
A nicely expanded version of a short story.
Grumpy Silver isn't that grumpy at all when it comes to his cute mate, Charlie.
I love that paranormals are out in this universe, and I'm looking forward to Clay getting his HEA.
Grumpy Silver isn't that grumpy at all when it comes to his cute mate, Charlie.
I love that paranormals are out in this universe, and I'm looking forward to Clay getting his HEA.
July 30, 2025
Too cute!
Loved this! Silver and Charlie were perfect for each other. They didn't waste time in their relationship and accepted the fact that they were fated. Good book! I can't wait for the rest of the brothers to find their mates!!
Loved this! Silver and Charlie were perfect for each other. They didn't waste time in their relationship and accepted the fact that they were fated. Good book! I can't wait for the rest of the brothers to find their mates!!
August 23, 2025
It felt a bit choppy, not fully fleshed out, which could be because it started out as a short in an anthology. I’ll be looking for the next one to see if a more robust story in this universe is worth it. Also highly annoyed that it’s a story about two shifters, referred to often throughout, but they never shifted! I liked the characters, but the story left much to be desired.
September 6, 2025
Fun Read!
An enjoyable book either great characters who can tug your heart strings and make you laugh. Low angst! Lots of fun! Looking forward to the next book in the “Mate Match” series about Silver’s brother Clay!
An enjoyable book either great characters who can tug your heart strings and make you laugh. Low angst! Lots of fun! Looking forward to the next book in the “Mate Match” series about Silver’s brother Clay!
September 11, 2025
Eu estou bem triste, não teve bichinhos se conhecendo. Eu fiquei no quero mais, e não teve aquele inpacto como um certo unvierso que meu deus rouba meu coração a cada livro! Mas a história e bom, tem toque de quero mais conhecimento sobre outros irmãos.
November 4, 2025
cute and fun
I love the brothers and spouses setting and sticking to boundaries. A great example of healthy relationships. The blind date meet cute was classic! Neither wanted to be there and yet it changed their lives forever.
I love the brothers and spouses setting and sticking to boundaries. A great example of healthy relationships. The blind date meet cute was classic! Neither wanted to be there and yet it changed their lives forever.
November 23, 2025
While it was a quick read, it was choppy at best. I’m not super into the Omegaverse, but enjoy the trope once in a while. This though, was interesting. The main characters were shifters, but never shifted. And the story just had so much potential, but never went anywhere. I was kind of bored throughout most of the book, expecting it to get better, and it just never did. I would have liked to see some more character development, because it was pretty basic at best.
June 20, 2025
No spoilers of any kind included.
All I will say about Silver is it is a sweet start to a brand new series and I’ll leave it at that.
So it is a yes I do recommend this book.
All I will say about Silver is it is a sweet start to a brand new series and I’ll leave it at that.
So it is a yes I do recommend this book.
June 26, 2025
Charlie and Silver's story is delightful. A romantic, cryptic meeting, an overprotective family, a truly funny love story.
A book to relax and enjoy. Mrs. Rylan never disappoints.
A book to relax and enjoy. Mrs. Rylan never disappoints.
July 19, 2025
Silver and Charlie
Low angst, insta love, fated mates, m-preg.
No plot to discuss.
Low angst, insta love, fated mates, m-preg.
No plot to discuss.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews