Failure has never been an option for self-made billionaire Blaise Mortenson. So when his friends suggest a wager to see who will be the last bachelor among them, he takes the bet. He has no doubt he’ll win—especially after he hires Hadley Lowell to find perfect matches for his friends. Now all Blaise has to do is ignore his growing attraction to the gorgeous, demanding matchmaker.
Hadley runs her business like a clandestine military op, precisely controlling every feasible outcome. But falling for a client? That was a possibility she never saw coming. Blaise’s drive, determination, and the softer side he tries to hide from the world appeals to her on a gut-deep level—but while her matchmaking success rate is unbeatable, finding love for herself has been nearly impossible. There’s no way her happily ever after could come in the form of a tech billionaire who isn’t even looking for love…is there?
What should have been a simple business transaction quickly turns into something way more complicated, and Blaise starts to wonder if he’s in danger of losing more than just the bet when all is said and done…
I live in the Pacific Northwest with my husband, two daughters, son, dog and too many cats! I write "sweeter" contemporary romance novels for Harlequin and Tule Publishing.
The first 30 % was the perfect palate cleanser, fun, original and cute. The whole set up, actually worked ok, yes there were cringy moments, especially when the book started to set up his wealth, which felt weird and unauthentic. The first kiss was so sweetly described and felt hopeful. However then they started talking, and talking. I got so bored. I started skimming and they were still talking. No drama. No tension.
I couldn’t listen to them talking about their pasts anymore. Dual POV. But mid to end pacing was too slow for me.
This was my first book my McClone and I really enjoyed it! The cover drew me in right away, but the story inside is even better. Blaise and Hadley’s story will leave you turning the pages, ready for more.
Cover – Warm colors and lovely title font. Looks inviting and perfect for a fall release.
I have read many books by Melissa McClone but this is the first time I’ve disliked the hero as much as I did for as long as I did. I began to wonder if Blaise was redeemable. He’s a billionaire with abandonment and trust issues, he’s a workaholic and believes winning is everything. Hadley has a knack for making perfect matches for her clients but her own Mr. Right seems to be nothing but a fairytale. These two could not be any more different. At odds despite the initial physical attraction. Only during Hadley’s unplanned stay in Portland does Blaise moderately begin showing some real humanity but before you know it, he’s back to his old ways. It’s not until quite LATE in the book that he finally redeems himself. Thankfully, it all ends well and there’s a nice solid HEA ending. The secondary characters, including Blaise’s bodyguards, were very enjoyable. I look forward to seeing Wes and Dash fall in love. . Rating: [G] ~ Score: 4.025 ~ Stars: 4 ========================== ⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I received a copy of this book from @Give Me Books, with permission from the author, and am voluntarily leaving unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐
The Wife Finder by Melissa McClone is the First book in The Billionaires of Silicon Forest Series. This is the story of Hadley Lowell and Blaise Mortenson. Blaise and his friends end up making a bet on who will be the last one standing and keeping to their single life. Blaise is told about Hadley who is a professional matchmaker who he thinks will help him bring down his friends into marriage. But what he didn't count on was the attraction he would be having towards her and his feelings. But Blaise is trying to stay strong but the more he interacts with her the more he can't resist her. Hadley works to be all business but she doesn't put up with his attitude and she too isn't into dating clients but the attraction might be too much to walk away from. This was a fun read and a great start to this series.
The Wife Finder (The Billionaires of Silicon Forest, #1) by Melissa McClone
The Wife Finder puts emotions on full display without being too obvious about it. McClone ups her game with more laughter, double the heart and a ton of romance. Blaise and Hadley are a match made in heartache. He's a heartbreaker with a sensitive side. She's has a need for control and a yearning for love. He needs her. She wants him. When business becomes a pleasurable experience will pain become their downfall? Blaise and Hadley are all heart. Sweet, sentimental, stunning, storytelling.
Melissa McClone is a new author to me, so I didn’t know what to expect when I started reading The Wife Finder. It was a good story, the characters were fun. Blaise has hired Hadley to set up his billionaire friends with love matches. Nothing goes quite according to plan… obviously, but watching these two fall in love was sweet and heartfelt. I need to catch up with the previous stories in this series and will be doing that shortly.
I loved this book. If you like romance, this one is a sure bet. As a motorcycle riding souther male hunter, you wouldn’t suspect me as a fan of romance. But a good, and I mean good, romance novel will suck me in every time.
I don’t think what follows is a spoiler because it is simply a recap of a standard romance genera. Proceed at our own risk.
It follows the romance formula, but in a unique way. Two people who can’t be together, and against their own wills, come together. Their relationship seems impossible, but eventually overcomes the seemingly insurmountable obstacles. They grow closer and closer until the disaster close to the end that threatens to end the relationship. Then the final victory of love over … what ever. Another reviewer mentioned that reading this book was a mistake because now they will have to read the other books in the series. I get it. As a rule I stick with free books on prime or those assigned by my reading group. Dang! I may have to cough up the dough for the other books in this series.
I had way more fun with this than I expected. Watching an arrogant billionaire treat finding wives for his two friends like some kind of strategic game, only to end up falling for the very matchmaker he hired, was honestly satisfying. There’s something about seeing that kind of ego slowly unravel when things don’t go according to plan that just hits right. The tension between them carries the story really well. It’s sharp, stubborn, and filled with those moments where neither of them wants to admit what’s clearly happening. Their dynamic makes the attraction feel natural instead of forced, and it keeps things engaging the whole way through. Add in how fast paced everything is, and the story moves smoothly from start to finish without dragging.
While I have liked other books by this author, I have not ever enjoyed one as much as The Wife Finder.
Blase is the type of hero who is hard to write well - based on what I've seen in other books. He comes across as harsh and uncaring to others, his board has warned him that he needs to change his image. And he isn't really sure why. But Melissa McClone managed to show enough of his heart to make me like him. A lot!
And Hadley. She came across in a similar manner until I saw her hurt and fear of being hurt again.
This is a story that engaged all my emotions. I laughed out loud in so many parts, held back tears, was angry at Blase, and cheered for the ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Blaise has no interest in love or marriage so when he and his buddies make a bet about who will be the last bachelor standing he knows that this is a bet he is destined to win. Not about to leave anything to chance he decides to hire a matchmaker to help his cause along.
Hadley has a talent for helping other people find love, but she can’t seem to do the same for herself. When Blaise comes to her for her expertise, she has no trouble handling his arrogant personality but handling her attraction to him is another matter.
The chemistry between them was intense, the interactions entertaining and the way they challenge each shows why they are meant to be.
So fair warning. This novel is simply a romance novel at the most basic level. It is filled with the same drama and love as most romance novels but there are absolutely no sexual scenes outside of a couple kisses. So if you like a simple romance then this is for you but if you only like romance novels that include the steam this would not be it. Outside of that this is well written but a tad rushed at the end.
So…for the first time in forever, I accidentally read a contemporary non-spicy romance. And when I say accidentally, I mean I genuinely didn’t realize until the END. The whole time I was like: “Wait…this is really good…but why do I feel like I’m waiting for something??” 💀
Now how did this travesty happen? BOOKTOK!BookTok has been feeding me blurbs for The Deal Breaker for what feels like two straight years (realistically maybe six months, but daily exposure = emotional years). And since I’m a second-chance romance fiend, I knew I’d cave eventually. Plot twist: it’s part of a series. And I am firmly a “read everything in order or else” kind of reader. What can I say I'm nothing of not committed to the bit? So yes—I had to start from book one to earn my way there. Thankfully…that’s not a deal breaker (get it? Hehe). So without further ado my review of the The Wife Finder by Melissa McClone!
The Wife Finder — thoughts: This book gave strong Hallmark movie energy—short, sweet, cozy, and just interesting enough to keep me turning pages.
Basic plot six friends make a bet about who's the last man to get married gets like a billion dollars. But if all of the get married within 1 year of each otherthey split the pot. Three fell like flies off screen(apparently theirs. Prequel series would have recommended reading those before starting this one cause this book felt like a book three NOT a book 1) so our MMC (one of the last three unmarried men in the bet) decides he's going to hook his friends up with their soulmates get them married and then Scroge McDuck into a pool filled with money. But he's a tech guy not a dating guy so like any good CEO he outsourced for our FMC. She's highly successful professional but is unmarried and cohabitating with her devoice sister and her sisters kids but in a Brady Bunch way not a Roxanne kind of way. She's a very moral and professional person who usually would never consent to trying to set people up behind their backs but…he offered her a life-changing amount of money and she folded. Somehow this ends with them fake dating. Their plan quickly falls apart of it turns out the other two guys don't care about the bet at all and agree to the FMC hook them up.The fake dating turned real but not to spoil the ending the MMC is a giant money hungry asshole. Somehow forgiveness happens and everyone is happy. Like I said short, cozy and warm…But I didn't connect.
The characters felt a little flat, especially the FMC, and the third-act breakup? Completely unnecessary. It felt like conflict for the sake of conflict in an otherwise very mild story. And also they had a build blow up in the plot bit they side stepped that to make the MMC a GIANT ASSHOLE. I need to go off on this MMC . His reaction to the FMC being a genuinely kind, good person?? Not it. Actually kind of gross. And the grovel did not redeem him for me.I read romance for escapism—not to watch a one-sided “she makes him better while he gives her nothing but stress” situation unfold 😭 She brought family, love and warmth to his life, and he brought…headaches.
That said—I couldn’t hate this book either.It’s well-written, easy to read, and the fact that I didn’t DNF it despite all my complaints says a LOT about Melissa McClone’s writing. I’m actually still curious enough to keep going.
To sum it up if you’re looking for a clean, gentle, easy romance(the kind of novel you can bring home to Mother), I’d recommend The Wife Finder by Melissa McClone. Just don’t expect fireworks
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I really wanted to like this more than I did. The story was super cute, but the writing style of the author kept irritating me. I don't know what it is about it, but I couldn't get into things as much as I would have preferred. There were some things I liked, which is why we have 3 stars rather than 2, but overall, I don't think I liked it.
Editing-wise, I did come across a couple problems. There could have been more, but I couldn't immerse myself as much as I would have liked, due to the writing style of the author.
Story-wise, it was cute. It was very much like a Hallmark movie: very cutesy with no spice. There were a couple kisses here and there, but that's all. I did, however, have an issue that it felt like I was dumped into the middle of a series. Yes, there is the bet between the 6 of them, but when this book starts, 3 of them are already married by that point. I do see that later books are dedicated to those that are married in this one, but I don't want to end up going back in time on that. It just feels like this series is all over the place.
I did like the way the emotional heartbreak was written, though, because I could feel it as well. I didn't really feel any love or affection between them, though. It's hard to describe.
I won't read this one again, and I don't think I will continue the series. It's just not my cup of tea.
Blaise Mortensen, self-made billionaire, hires Hadley Lowell, who runs a successful matchmaking business, to find wives for his friends so that he can win their bet on who'd be the last bachelor. But Blaise isn't prepared to have his standing threatened when he becomes part of his own scheme, and Hadley just might get her happily ever after when she least expects it.
The story was cute, although lacked in depth and felt rushed. The Wife Finder is the first book in The Billionaores of Sillicon Forest, but there are a lot of characters that are mentioned from other books/prequels that I wasn't aware of prior. I felt like those characters in this story took up a lot of the plot rather than just focusing on Blaise and Hadley. The plot was predictable and not exciting.
More of a short-and-sweet romance, The Wife Finder was an easy and enjoyable read, but the characters and their story won't stay with me long.
The first 30 % was the perfect palate cleanser, fun, original and cute. The whole set up, actually worked ok, yes there were cringy moments, especially when the book started to set up his wealth, which felt weird and unauthentic. The first kiss was so sweetly described and felt hopeful. However then they started talking, and talking. I got so bored. I started skimming and they were still talking. No drama. No tension.
I couldn’t listen to them talking about their pasts anymore. Dual POV. But mid to end pacing was too slow for me.
This was a sweet book about Blaise finally learning to live with his past and look to his future. Blaise meets Hadley when he is trying to win a bet. Hadley isn't onboard with Blaise's plan to win a bet, but he is paying her good money to set his friends up. Hadley visits Blaise and meets his friends and they assume Hadley is Blaise's girlfriend. Blaise and Hadley don't set them straight so Blaise can go through with his plan. Things don't go as planned for Blaise. This book was really good and really held my attention. I am looking forward to reading more in this series!
Hadley and Blaise meet in an intriguing way! She is a matchmaker and he needs her help. Pretty soon his egotistical character gets in the way of their business. Hadley is a billionaire and has some great friends who are also billionaires and half of them have found their partners in life. We are treated to a strong story filled with emotion and some interesting twists. I also enjoyed the fact that Blaise stuck to her genuinely pain filled response to his eventual betrayal and stupidity! Enough, no more spoilers.
This was a fun read. Both protagonists are stubborn to the bone, maybe too stubborn for their own good but then again, we wouldn't have a good love story if things weren't so. Hadley is driven by her desire to help her family, Blaise by a stupid bet. But things change, both people change, and the journey to the happy end was a very nice, although I did require some tissues before the end. Can't wait to see what the rest of the gang are going to face before they get their happily ever after. Thanks to my Tik Tok algorithm for bringing my attention to this series!
The Wife Finder is such a fun book. I laughed and I cried. I loved reading as the characters grew and became better people. I loved reading as the relationship between Blaise and Hadley developed and changed them into someone better. I especially loved reading about the family dynamics and the valuable friendships. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
Hadley runs an agent where she matches people to the right person. Blaise has 5 friends who bet each other who would be the last one to marry. Each had put in a million dollars and the winner gets all the money. Two has married and one is engaged. Blaise hired Hadley to get the two left married so he can win the bet. See if Hadley is up to the task.
It took me a while to get in the rhythm of the book, but I loved it, cute couple, cute story, just didn't enjoy the final conflict, I think it felt like Hadley and Blaise had evolved together in their relationship, but then Blaise did something the would be 'understandable' in the beginning of the story, not in the end, I feel like it could have been a better final conflict. But I still enjoy the story overall.
Another world but love issues vs business big hurdles
Six multi- billionaire friends compete for last man to remain single. Prize: 500 million dollars and bragging rights. Newly weds want the others to marry by a set Deadline. Then the money would be split 6 ways. Blaise intends to win and plots to get the two other single men married. However, his plan doesn't go as he expected.
It's such a great love story! There's always some obstacles to overcome, regardless of the tale, and I found myself gasping with this one! Hadley and Blaise both control their worlds, but of course, that is put to the test when he wants her to use her matchmaking skills to help him win a bet. Feelings develop along the way, and the way the support is written for these two sets it up for the rest of the series. I can't wait to read the next one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book was a first for me from Melissa McClone. It will not be the last. I loved it. Blaise being the man he is wanted to win the bet. He hired Hadley to find wives for his friends. It kinda back fired. I laughed, I cried, I smiled. This book was so good. It brings on all the emotions. I loved that. I love books that make you feel something and this book did that. I look forward to Wes's book next!
A true Romantic HEA. I would recommend Mellissa McClones books to everyone who loves a Romance book! Her writing gets you in the heart and makes you happy with where the book made You Laugh, Cry, be Happy, andjust want to read the next book. I.will be reading all.of her book.
This book sucked me in, I love the different relationships in the book. It gave a glimpse of the past that shaped them as characters. I absolutely loved the ending it was perfect. One of the best reads I've had in a while
Ps: Read the book to find what the caption means 😊
For a story that takes place over a short time period, I found the pacing to be quite slow. We spent a lot of time observing the main characters watch movies and eat popcorn on the couch. Then suddenly we have the drama, the break up, and the make up, the end. The billionaire hero is fairly immature in his actions, at the first hint of "trouble" he eviscerates her, destroying not just her but her reputation and her business. I would have loved to see him have to grovel and do more than say he's sorry and didn't mean to hurt her and now he loves her. Another issue is that although the subtitle lists this as book one in a series, it feels like being put down in the middle. Turns out that books 4, 5, and 6 are "prequels", and another part of the story originates in another series, so the chronology is confusing.
I enjoyed this sweet romance! While this place out like the rom-com movies of the good old days (it's clean, ans humorous), I also loved the fact the the conversations between the two main characters seemed very realistic and not cheesy. It was a light, sweet, feel good read, can't wait to read the rest of the series!