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Modern Match-Maker #7

A Wise Investment

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"Are you saying you don't think I want to f*ck you?"

Dorthy:

When I decide to take a stab at a modern day arranged marriage leads me to an Alaskan air field, I have high hopes that I'll finally find my happily ever after-- and a man who isn't intimidated by a woman who can take care of herself.

Coming face to face with my fiance for the first time sets off all the warning bells in my brain-- but it sets off entirely different alarms in other parts of my body.

Is Barrett really the man I've been looking for? More importantly, am I what he's looking for?

Barrett:

Women are scarce in these parts, and the ones that are here never wanted anything to do with me before I came into my money. Now that I can finally afford the services of a professional match maker, I'm looking forward to the woman she and my closest friends have determined is right for me.

Dorthy's a little slip of a thing and pretty as a picture with all that blonde hair and big blue eyes lighting up her face and I want her more than I've ever wanted anything in my life. I just don't know why she'd want to get hitched to the likes of me when it's clear she doesn't need me for anything.

I thought I finally had something to offer a wife, but this little firecracker of a woman can obviously hold her own-- so what does she need me for?

***

This 26,000 word novella is the eight story in the arranged marriage romance series and also ties in with the novel BUSH. If you liked BUSH, you'll be happy to see the characters return as we follow Bear's journey to happily ever after!

120 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 14, 2017

132 people are currently reading
93 people want to read

About the author

Rocklyn Ryder

85 books266 followers
Rocklyn prefers her romance reads to be short, cute, and dirty; low drama and a little over-the-top: extra points for growly, alpha heroes with beards.

Originally from the farms and ranches of Central California, Rocklyn grew up in the lap of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Those small towns will always be home, but Rocklyn was born to roam.

These days she spends her days exploring America's back roads in her camper trailer, writing steamy happily-ever-afters while looking for internet.

Follow Rocklyn here, on Amazon, find her on social media, or drop by the website (rocklynwrites dot net) and keep in touch when you join the (mostly) weekly newsletter and never miss updates on what's in the works-- and what's working and not in a life full of adventure and shenanigans.

***
And what do I read? Total smut, the kind with over-the-top chemistry that gets characters to lose their minds and their clothes as soon as possible-- they can work out the kinks on the way to happily ever after later!

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
Profile Image for ♡Tonya♡.
2,062 reviews568 followers
June 21, 2017
*ARC RECEIVED IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW *

3.5 stars

I am really enjoying these short,  sweet arranged marriage stories.  This was free from cheating and ow/om drama. In most of the stories they get together rather quickly (although this one was at about 65%) and they stay together.  The ending was unfortunately a HFN ending with an extended epilogue offered through the authors newsletter(i wish we could have the entire story at one time)
Profile Image for Rachel Blomberg.
1,506 reviews7 followers
June 18, 2017
I love reading the Raven Swann Arranged Marriage series. Just when you think you have read the best one, Rocklyn Ryder puts out another book that is over the top.
Bear is a big sky Alaskan man who want to get married and start a family of his own. Only problem he not very good with women, and since he came into money women he grew up with suddenly want him for his money and not for himself.
Dorthy is a small-town California gal that can handle anything she wants on her own. Going to Alaska is very different than what she is used to. Since seeing how big Bear is and his house. She wants to prove that she can handle the Alaskan weather and terrain. So, she starts doing all kinds of things around the house, cooking, cleaning chopping & splitting wood, shooting a gun, thinking this will prove to Bear that she can handle anything that comes her way. But that only scares Bear thinking she don’t need him to take care of her. She doesn’t need him as a man to take care of her. Once she decides to leave early because Bear shows no interest in her as a woman since he hasn’t even kissed her yet.
When Bear comes home and sees Dorthy’s bags packed, he gets upset and they start a big argument which lands them both in bed where each has been wanting to be since the day they meet.
I love reading Bear and Dorthy’s love story and it can be read in a nice lazy day. Once you start you do not want to put it down.
I voluntary read and review this ARC copy.
Profile Image for M.K..
Author 287 books623 followers
June 16, 2017
I loved this book! Characters from Bush got a catchup. Bear and Dorthy sizzle once they get on the same page! Safe, HEA.
Profile Image for Beth.
500 reviews22 followers
June 17, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

How can this possibly be happening? Dorthy is wondering and asking this question out loud. She was just dumped, over the phone mind you, by her boyfriend. On top of that she is seething because she is not bat sh!t crazy like he said. She is upset because this happened that doesn't make her crazy, right?!?! She is done with all of this, she is 28 and looking to get married and become a mom. Is that too much to ask?

Bear.....what do you think of when you hear someone called this? How about if it is his name? Yep, a smoking hot 6'6" of ALL man, with a beard and muscles until tomorrow.....me too. It just so happens to all be true. Real name Barrett though. He is looking for his forever. He signed up on Ravyn's site a year ago, of course after doing research for it that is. He is a pilot in Alaska, working for Rogue (you may recognize him from Bush) he is a bit awkward with ladies, but looking for his wife and mother to his children. He is not waiting any more.

Bear is about to meet his fiance that Ravyn and his friends have chosen for him, he is not expecting someone all of 5'!" (and a half if you ask Dorthy.) She is petite and small, as he puts it as big as his arm.(...dreamy!) He also wasn't thinking that he would be able to get enough excuses to touch her. There is a BBQ at Rogue and Melissa's house (for reasons explained) and then it is off to show Dorthy the house he built. Bear is not the kind of guy that gets the sly little "games" women play, he prefers the truth and just come out and tell him. Reading signals are not something he knows. There is a lot of tension between these two. They are so new and learning about one another that they just haven't figured out how to read one another. One week later though poor Dorthy has done everything she can think of to show him she wants ALL of him, and Bear doesn't think she needs or wants him around because of how self-sufficient she is, very able to take care of herself without needing him at all.

Ah, the miscommunication is stopped when he arrives home from work and sees her bags at the door. Now it is the fun part of their courtship. The standing up to each other (I would have loved to see the hand on the hip of our little one standing up to the mountain of a guy) and no backing down. The pieces click. She knows he wasn't trying to ignore her signals, he knows that she was trying her best to show him how attracted she was hoping it would lead to more. That edge being gone, they are no holds barred anymore....and the feelings they have are more powerful because of it.

Oh they definitely get a happily ever after....one that even has this burly big guy doing everything he can to show her how head over heels he is. It also includes her being so much more than she thought she could be and feeling like she really has had the best thing landed in her lap. I do hope there is a bit more of their story....it is just that good.
Profile Image for SBee Reviews.
2,654 reviews82 followers
June 17, 2017
Review Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars.

Bearing through the "getting-to-know-each-other" portion...

I received an Advance Reader Copy for A Wise Investment written by Rocklyn Ryder and voluntarily reviewed this book. This story returns to untamed Alaska, where we have met a couple of other satisfied customers of Raven Swann's arranged marriages, Rogue and Mel. Barrett, nicknamed "Bear," wants a wife and kids, the whole kit & caboodle. Now that he is pretty much settled into a brand new house and has a bit of money to spend, he is going to use Raven's service to find himself someone just right for him, because he hasn't been having any luck at all these last few years.

Dorthy wants what her sister has. A husband and kids is what she is aiming for, and she just didn't get that offer from her latest ex-boyfriend. Hence, an application to Raven's website with the help of her family's advice. She looks just like an angel and proceeds to make herself right at home in Bear's new house, her independence showing and spearing her every move, in an attempt to entice Bear. But when way too many days go by with no physical move from Bear's side of the door, she ends up feeling she is pretty much wasting her time there and wants to leave before her heart becomes too invested.

This is a sweet and sexy romance between two lonely people taking a stab at finding the right "other" to complete their lives. When miscommunication and crossed wires get sorted out, are they still going to be cut out for a life together?
Profile Image for Keryth Belvin.
868 reviews2 followers
June 16, 2017
Book 7 Of The Raven Swann Matchmaker Series

I am voluntarily reviewing an advanced reader copy of this book, A Wise Investment by Rocklyn Ryder.

It makes my day when I get an email from Rocklyn with the word ARC in it. I have lovingly read every one of her books so far and will continue to eagerly read her marvelous books as long as she puts them out. There is just something about having someone that knows exactly what they're doing, pick out (with the help of the people that love and know you best) the one person meant just for you, to spend the rest of your life, loving.
Rocklyn's books are so perfectly written with endless talent and an incredible passion for sharing her work with those that can (and will) appreciate her. Don't miss out on the opportunity to experience the joy of reading one of Rocklyn's books.

Bear and Dorthy are Raven Swann's latest privileged clients that have requested her expertise in finding their forever parter. Each has been craving, having their very own special someone to share every aspect of their joys, love, happiness, sadness, sorrows, adventures, having a family of their own, their lives, good, bad and otherwise. The sizzle is there from the beginning but neither one is brave enough to make the first move, so each thinks the other is not interested. It gets so bad, they become distant and uncomfortable with one another and Dorthy decides to go back home. Will Bear come to his scenes before it's too late?
Profile Image for Elysian Fields.
2,190 reviews37 followers
June 19, 2017
Cross Over Perfection!

This is the wonderful story of Barrett (Bear) and Dorthy. It was an amazing cross over story from Bush and it was done with perfection! I love all of Rocklyn Ryder’s stories and I have a hard time with which I love more her Arranged Marriage stories or her Wild Men stories. Well I did not have to choose for this one it had the best of both. Bear is a strong alpha male who is shy around women and has decided that he desperately wants what his friends have, a family and a home. The contacts Raven and starts the process of the arranged marriage. Dorthy wants a man who will love her for her load mouth and independent style. She needs someone that will share her life, not take care of her. After a (stupid) ex breaks up with her she contacts Raven and gets the ball rolling. When Bear and Dorthy meet there is moment of sassyness from Dorthy but Bear soon shows her who he truly is and the beauty of the story is shown. I loved this story; it was by far my favorite!

I loved how Dorthy moved to Alaska for Bear and how he was all about including her in his life and their future decisions (like the house). It was amazing to read about a new romance and catch up with a past favorite couple (from Bush). Rocklyn did it again and I am so excited for the next. I received an ARC and am leaving a voluntary review. I highly recommend this story to all Rocklyn’s readers but especially those who have enjoyed Bush and the Raven stories; this is the best of both worlds!
Profile Image for Marcia.
1,919 reviews30 followers
June 18, 2017
This story is both another Arranged Marriage by Raven and a sequel to BUSH: A Wild Romance. Bear from BUSH, had been saving up to be able to pay for Raven's services. He wants what Roque and Melissa have, and he is not going to find it from any of the girls in their little town in Alaska. None of them wanting anything to do with him until he he received an unexpected inheritance. Now he has built a house for a large fmaily and wants a wife. He has asked Roque and Melissa to be his team to work with Raven to find his perfect mate. Meanwhile, in southern California, Dorthy wants the same thing and has enlisted her two nieces for her team. However, when Bear and Dorthy first meet things don't go as planned. What were their teams thinking. She is a tiny thing and he is almost a giant. He is also very shy with woman. When Bear doesn't make any moves on her and she seems like she doesn't need him, they almost miss out on what they do have. Terrific story, like all the rest in the series. Bravo. Too bad Raven, doesn't really exist. there are a lot of singles who could use her help.
1,708 reviews5 followers
June 18, 2017
This was another great story addition to the Arranged Marriage series! They are all standalone stories so you can read them in any order, but I do definately recommend you reading them all. Dorthy and Barrett (Bear) had an instant attraction and chemistry (once they were finally able to meet in person). Unfortunately miscommunication, or should I say lack of communication, almost screwed it all up. Thankfully they were able to get past all that. Typically, I wouldn't use the word cute to describe someone of Bear's statue and build. However, in this case I would. He was just so ruggedly cute, and such a gentleman. I also loved that we got to get caught up with Mel and Rogue from an earlier book (Bush) and see how their life has been since they got together. If you haven't read that story, it's another one I would highly recommend. I can't wait for more stories in the Arranged Marriage series. Hopefully there will be more.
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. This is my honest review.*
Profile Image for Annie.
1,883 reviews13 followers
July 2, 2017
Loved it

Loved Bear and Dorthy. Loved revisiting the characters from Bush. Bear is long past ready to settle down. Eligible women are few in Alaska, those who visit seldom stay. Bear wants what his boss and friend Rogue has with Mel. Someone to love him for him and he can love. Someone who wants kids and can take care of herself.
Dorthy is long past ready to settle down. Apparently being a capable and independent women is a turn off. She is hoping Raven Swann with the help of her nieces, her best friend and her husband, can find her a husband who will love and appreciate her for her.
Dorthy and Bear have a rough start, but when things look the bleakest and tempers flair, they start speaking from the heart. Loved to see the gentle giant go cavemen. Loved catching up with Rogue and Mel. Loved the proposal and bonus epilogue. Maybe Luke will get a story, if Dorthy doesn't hook him up with one of her nieces first.
A fun, funny, fast paced and steamy love story.
Profile Image for Lexee Toste.
2,822 reviews19 followers
June 16, 2017
I enjoyed this story! It's a fun, quick read. I really enjoyed the characters. We get to see Bear again, who we met in Bush, but this is a stand alone story. Bear is ready to settle down and he enlists help to find the right match for him. He gets matched with Dorthy who has had trouble finding a man and is ready to settle down with the right person as well. I really liked them together. Dorthy is independent and can stand on her own but she wants someone to share her life with. There are a couple misunderstandings between Bear and Dorthy that they have to work out in order to get their happy ending. The sex is explicit and the story well written. There was enough to keep my attention while reading it and it had the right pace for the length of the story. I really enjoyed it.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews63 followers
June 17, 2017
I wanted Bear to get his own story and I'm so glad I got my wish. This is a quick read that's sweet, funny, and spicy as all heck. Bear is that kind of beta-alpha that women are always overlooking: big, masculine, growly, but sweet and romantic, and willing to follow a woman's lead when it's necessary. Even though she has family, Dorthy's had to manage on her own for so long, that she kind of doesn't know how to let go and let a man take care of her. These two are so perfect for one another, however it hurt my heart when Bear and Dorthy just couldn't get the connection right. But when it's right, they could level a forest with their heat. It was really fantastic to get the opportunity to check back in on the cast of Bush. (I'm still giggling about Tuna.) I can't wait to read the next installment in this matchmaker series.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book.
Profile Image for Amymargarita.
221 reviews3 followers
June 16, 2017
Yay! Bear from "Bush" got his story and one heck of a HEA!! He's one hot rugged mountain man, that signs up for Raven Swann's matchmaking services and what a "WISE INVESTMENT" he's made as he gets matched up with California girl, Dorthy! She's petite as he is big, sweet as he is burly and the perfect match for him! Their chemistry sizzles the pages and I loved, loved, LOVED reading their story! It was charming, witty, sweet and oh so sexy!

Rocklyn Ryder has done it again with another sexy installment in the "Arranged Marriage" series. Great descriptive scenes and fully developed and charming characters will hold you captive from page one...trust me, once I started, I could not put it down. I look forward to their extended epilogue!

I voluntarily received an ARC for my honest review.
390 reviews
June 17, 2017
have loved the entire Arranged Marriage series and I hope that Rocklyn Ryder keeps them coming! I loved both Dorthy and Barrett from the very beginning. Ms. Ryder always writes a good story with strong characters, but I thought this one was a little different. It seemed that though they both knew what they wanted, they didn't have a lot of self-confidence when it came to each other. Dorthy wanted to show Barrett that she could handle living with him in Alaska and Barrett wanted to feel needed. However, they did overcome that problem when they thought they were going to lose each other.

I loved their story and their hea and I also loved seeing what's been going on with Rogue and Mel from an earlier Ryder book. If you like a sweet romance with a little bit of heat, try this book out!
285 reviews
June 17, 2017
I love the arranged marriage series. This one was great because Rocklyn Ryder crossed to series together and gave us Bear's story. He's this huge alpha male that doesn't have the confidence to talk to women. So he plans and saves so he can use Raven Swans match maker serviced. She makes anot her perfect match with him and Dorthy. Looks are deceiving at first as he Dees this beautiful petite woman and he is afraid he will break her. But, Dorthy is strong and independent and doesn't really need someone to take care of her. When faced with the possibility of her leaving because he is unbelievably shy, they have out out and his alpha male comes out roaring. This is what they needed. I loved this one and hope you do too. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy.
346 reviews3 followers
July 1, 2017
I love the Arranged Marriage series. Dorthy is starting to wonder if she will ever meet the guy meant for her. She takes drastic measures when she signs up with Raven and her arranged marriage services. Barrett wants his happily ever after, but he know he won't find it in Alaska. Once his inheritance comes through, he knows he can get the services from Raven Swann. When Dorthy and Barrett finally meet, they can feel the attraction to each other, but neither one is brave enough to do anything physical. After a week of getting to know each other, she decides it's time to leave. He has to convince her otherwise. Is their first kiss going to be enough to convince her otherwise? I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Donna Feibusch.
1,765 reviews24 followers
July 19, 2018
An Awesome Read!

I loved reading A Wise Investment: Arranged Marriage Romance, all about Dorthy a 29 year old women looking for a husband and a family & Barrett aka the Bear who is thirty years old a bush pilot also looking for a wife and a family! Both have decided to do something out of the norm and consult a marriage-broker Ravin Swann to see if she can help them! Turns out that Dorthy and Bear appear to be compatible, according to their team, but not so much in person! See what happens when Bear is pushed to far! I have enjoyed reading this series and this was book seven, i can’t wait to read book 8! Give this author a shot, she has a knack for getting her readers invested, and keeping them hooked!
Profile Image for Jenny.
1,124 reviews14 followers
June 16, 2017
💕💕💕

My goodness!! What can I even say?!?! Bearded Alaskan mountain man... Arranged marriage... Hot hot hot🔥🔥🔥 I have loved all of the Arranged marriage books in the series but this one is definitely my favorite. I love that we got a bit of an update on Rouge and Melissa from Bush. I'm hoping for more of that type of thing in future books. Huge thanks to Rocklyn Ryder for another fantastic story! And if you are reading this review to decide if you want to read this book...I definitely recommend that you read not only Bear and Dorthy's story but all of the Arranged marriage series as well. You will not be disappointed!
434 reviews2 followers
June 16, 2017
I voluntarily received an ARC for an honest review. I loved this story!! I loved how it not only incorporated the Raven Swann aspect, but also the characters from one of the side stories, Bush. All Rocklyn's books are standalone, but I loved the mash up. The story was different too. The guy was the shy one, even though he was definitely all man. With a name like Bear how can you not be? Bear and Dorthy have an instant attraction but he is trying to be a gentleman and not rush her. Unfortunately she takes this as him not feeling the same. Will he make a move or risk losing her? Great book, as always. You will not be disappointed.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
697 reviews11 followers
June 18, 2017
**I received this ARC in exchange for an honest voluntary review** Returning to Alaska! Another quick sexy read in the Raven Swann series. Full of laughs, some awkwardness & chemistry. In this story, we have Dorthy, petite, fiercely strong & independent, and Barrett aka Bear, shy & lovable giant Alaskan bush pilot. Communication issues nearly halt this marriage from happening until the dam finally breaks between the two! Love the reappearance of Rogue & Melissa from Bush, as well as the other side characters. Can't wait to see more of this relationship in the extended epilogue! Would recommend! :)
1,601 reviews9 followers
June 18, 2017
I have to say that I absolutely love the Arrange Marriage Series. Each time I receive one I can't put it down. I think that this has to be many my favorite one. The reason is simple ... Bear. He has to be the kindness, nicest, shyest guy I have ever found in a book. To see him he looks all fierce and hard but he is just all gooey on the inside. You add Dorthy to the story and it is just a good book. She gives as good as she gets and she is one independent lady. I can't wait to read the epilogue for this book. I would highly recommend you give this book a try. It is 5 stars for sure.

I voluntarily received an ARC for my honest review.
Profile Image for Julianne Macneil.
3,697 reviews28 followers
June 20, 2017
I reviewed this book as part of an arc program. This was another book in the arranged marriage series. This book features Barrett, Bear, from the book Bush by Rocklyn. This book gives Bear his love from Dorthy, a young woman who wants to be married and have a partner and not someone who does everything for her. When Dorthy first goes to Alaska, Bear is scared he will hurt her because she is so tiny and he is so big, but he thinks she is the most beautiful woman he has ever seen. This was a sweet story about a lovable giant and his lady. I love Raven's arranged marriage stories, they are always fun to read and feature real love at first sight tales. Another great one!
Profile Image for Melinda  Parker.
1,296 reviews21 followers
August 5, 2017
Definitely Chose Correctly With This Read

First read with this author but not last.

Bear is our sexy mountain man. He's at a point in his life he wants a wife and family. Unsuccessful so far, he hires someone to arrange a marriage for him.

Dorthy wants more in her life. She's decided that an arranged marriage might be her answer.

Bear and Dorthy are matched. Awkward tension and sexual needs simmer. Was this a mistake?

Solid storyline, very relatable and likeable characters. Our hero is all man but realizes his limitations. Our heroine is no wilting flower, she's her own person. The two work well together.
2,535 reviews87 followers
June 16, 2017
Bear is searching for the one to settle down and start a family with. Dorthy longs for a husband and kids of her own. Both turn to a marriage broker for help. Despite the differences will these two be able to connect? Will Bear be able to come out of his shy shell?

I'm a sucker for a Rocklyn Ryder book and this one didn't disappoint. Loved how despite Bear's size he was a big teddy bear. I also loved how Dorthy was determined to not be some fainting woman. Great book and cannot wait for more!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
826 reviews8 followers
June 17, 2017
I really enjoyed visiting the characters from the Rough book and heading to Alaska again. In this book these two are so ready to share their lives with someone else but struggle to make the right connections. Enter Raven. A little magic on her part and a lot of work by the couples friends and we have a first date. Sparks are sizzling at the first meeting but then things take a turn for the worse and they're not sure they're meant to be together. Very enjoyable and picturing Bear was not difficult but mightly rewarding. Yum, yum.
437 reviews
June 17, 2017
ARC Review
Love this series when I feel in the mood to read a HEA book I know I can count on Ms. Ryder to deliver. All I say is can't wait for the next book and want to know she bring any other old characters back from her books. Every time I read a Raven book makes me wish she was real and I wish I could buy her services so I can find my own husband and HEA, I'm I the only one who wishes it was really? But overall great book and can't see read the next book in this series and will love read any future ARCs.
2,694 reviews25 followers
June 19, 2017
3 1/2*
Dorthy' cheating ex broke up with her on the phone with his new woman at his side! Shorty after she finds ravens website & sees it as a sign.
Bear(Barrett) has enlisted ravens help to find a wife the house he's had build Is finished he wants his family.
It's now up to their teams to match them.
I thoroughly enjoy these books each story is unique & all have true endings. They are all standalone completed books.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Another great arranged marriage
Profile Image for Lisa.
2,375 reviews48 followers
June 16, 2017
I love this series. And I super love Bear and Dorthy. Bear is a big giant teddy bear! I love how shy he gets about women and how sweet he is, while still super strong and manly. Dorthy is independent and a perfect fit for that lifestyle and I loved watching them come together. I also enjoyed seeing how other characters from a different book were doing. I hope these books just keep coming, I don't think I'll ever get enough!
I received an arc of this.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews

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