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Matchmakers #1
The Secret Billionaire
BEN:
I’m falling for someone who doesn’t even know me.
My company may be worth billions now, but instead of living the dream, I’m tired of being in the spotlight. Money isn’t who I am, so when I finally use a dating app, I make up a fake “me” with no strings attached. But when I meet Jacob, the spark between us is real.
He’s the only man I want, but the closer we grow, the higher the risk he’ll find out I’m not the man he’s falling in love with. Worse, Jacob would never date a rich guy, and with good reason—but that doesn’t change who I am. And who I am could tear us apart when he finds out.
He can’t fall in love with a lie.
JACOB:
I don’t date rich, and I don’t date risky.
Another wealthy guy in my life is the last thing I need. My affluent boss used his power to harass me, and now I’m knees-deep in a lawsuit. But when a friend signs me up for the dating app Matched, I don’t exactly back out, and before I know it, I’m matched with Ben.
Our date lasts until sunrise, and I know I’ve got to see Ben again. Feelings form fast, and I can’t keep my mind off him—or what he might be hiding from me. I can’t shake this bad feeling, and the more Ben hides, the more I’m worried there’s a dark secret that could pull us apart.
Who am I really falling in love with?
I’m falling for someone who doesn’t even know me.
My company may be worth billions now, but instead of living the dream, I’m tired of being in the spotlight. Money isn’t who I am, so when I finally use a dating app, I make up a fake “me” with no strings attached. But when I meet Jacob, the spark between us is real.
He’s the only man I want, but the closer we grow, the higher the risk he’ll find out I’m not the man he’s falling in love with. Worse, Jacob would never date a rich guy, and with good reason—but that doesn’t change who I am. And who I am could tear us apart when he finds out.
He can’t fall in love with a lie.
JACOB:
I don’t date rich, and I don’t date risky.
Another wealthy guy in my life is the last thing I need. My affluent boss used his power to harass me, and now I’m knees-deep in a lawsuit. But when a friend signs me up for the dating app Matched, I don’t exactly back out, and before I know it, I’m matched with Ben.
Our date lasts until sunrise, and I know I’ve got to see Ben again. Feelings form fast, and I can’t keep my mind off him—or what he might be hiding from me. I can’t shake this bad feeling, and the more Ben hides, the more I’m worried there’s a dark secret that could pull us apart.
Who am I really falling in love with?
213 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 15, 2020
150 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
January 29, 2021
I loved the premise of the book - dating app, hidden identity. Sure, you know it’s going to go sideways at some point, but that’s the fun, right?
Jacob has been screwed over, big time, by a billionaire and has tarred them all with the same brush. A bit harsh, but I get it. It doesn’t help that his wrongful termination lawsuit is stalling out because they have the money to play the system. Ben is a billionaire who wants to be loved for himself, so he hides his identity and goes to great pains to cover his tracks when indulging Jacob. Eventually, the truth comes out, and Jacob throws Ben to the curb - almost literally. He doesn’t care about Ben’s perspective, just his own. The story follows itself well, so far.
But when you screw up, you need to apologize. For jumping to conclusions, for not listening, for being so stuck in your own self-absorption that you didn’t let the person you “love” get a word in sideways. Even after the implosion, Ben have Jacob ammunition to take Billionaire No 1 down - and it could have taken his own company (and employees) down as well. The first person Jacob calls is his lawyer, to get his case moving again. There’s the obligatory “Come to Jesus” talk with the best friend who points out your stupidity, followed by the sit-on-doorstep-because-he’s-not-home pride swallowing. But I don’t feel like Jacob ever really gave an apology for his behavior. It was a “I’ll accept you as a rich guy who isn’t all out for himself,” but no “I misjudged you, I should have listened, I get where you’re coming from.” Ben was this great Alpha who basically turned into a doormat, begging Jacob for another try, when it’s Jacob who was the total jerk over it. Ben tells Jacob he fell in love with him, and the response is literally, “What do you want me to do with that?” followed by “I’ll give you a second chance.” The dude risks everything he’s ever worked for to get you your life back, and you’ll let him work to win you back?? Just no. You apologize and say “I understand where you’re coming from, and I was wrong, too. We move on together.”
This was a really promising start to a new series, but I’m so mad at these guys right now, it will be be a while before I read the next book, if at all. I feel so let down.
Jacob has been screwed over, big time, by a billionaire and has tarred them all with the same brush. A bit harsh, but I get it. It doesn’t help that his wrongful termination lawsuit is stalling out because they have the money to play the system. Ben is a billionaire who wants to be loved for himself, so he hides his identity and goes to great pains to cover his tracks when indulging Jacob. Eventually, the truth comes out, and Jacob throws Ben to the curb - almost literally. He doesn’t care about Ben’s perspective, just his own. The story follows itself well, so far.
But when you screw up, you need to apologize. For jumping to conclusions, for not listening, for being so stuck in your own self-absorption that you didn’t let the person you “love” get a word in sideways. Even after the implosion, Ben have Jacob ammunition to take Billionaire No 1 down - and it could have taken his own company (and employees) down as well. The first person Jacob calls is his lawyer, to get his case moving again. There’s the obligatory “Come to Jesus” talk with the best friend who points out your stupidity, followed by the sit-on-doorstep-because-he’s-not-home pride swallowing. But I don’t feel like Jacob ever really gave an apology for his behavior. It was a “I’ll accept you as a rich guy who isn’t all out for himself,” but no “I misjudged you, I should have listened, I get where you’re coming from.” Ben was this great Alpha who basically turned into a doormat, begging Jacob for another try, when it’s Jacob who was the total jerk over it. Ben tells Jacob he fell in love with him, and the response is literally, “What do you want me to do with that?” followed by “I’ll give you a second chance.” The dude risks everything he’s ever worked for to get you your life back, and you’ll let him work to win you back?? Just no. You apologize and say “I understand where you’re coming from, and I was wrong, too. We move on together.”
This was a really promising start to a new series, but I’m so mad at these guys right now, it will be be a while before I read the next book, if at all. I feel so let down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2020
I have to say, I really enjoyed this story! I will admit to being a little nervous going in, given the whole secrets thing, but I was very pleasantly surprised by Ben and Jacob! Jason Collins delivers with this fun, touching story.
Ben is a billionaire, but it's not something he flaunts. Yes, he's been very successful and has a lot of money but there is more to him, and that's what he wants people to see. Jacob now works as bartender because his former boss was a wealthy jerk who thought his money and power meant he could have Jacob and when Jacob said no, he lost his job and potentially any future jobs as an engineer. Needless to say, he doesn't like rich dudes.
Ben and Jacob meet through an app that is supposed to be the very best at matching people. Ben is trying it out as a potential investor and Jacob, well he's friends with creator and he's the one that signed him up. The two hit it off right away, there's a great chemistry between them and what's supposed to be just a friends thing quickly turns into a whole lot more. Sounds like the makings of a sweet romance, but Ben isn't exactly honest about who he is and what he does, especially once he discovers Jacob's dislike and distrust of the rich.
As this story unfolded, I really was wondering about how Ben would come clean and how Jacob would take it, especially once you realize how interconnected they are. I felt like I understood both sides of this, Ben wanted to know that Jacob's feelings were genuine and not because of this money and Jacob doesn't want to be bought or some pawn. I got that struggle and hurt on both sides too, but I really loved how they handled it too. Both of these guys have to look beyond their hurts and admit how they really feel about each other. I loved seeing them happy together for all the right reasons! A great story that I enjoyed from start to finish!
Ben is a billionaire, but it's not something he flaunts. Yes, he's been very successful and has a lot of money but there is more to him, and that's what he wants people to see. Jacob now works as bartender because his former boss was a wealthy jerk who thought his money and power meant he could have Jacob and when Jacob said no, he lost his job and potentially any future jobs as an engineer. Needless to say, he doesn't like rich dudes.
Ben and Jacob meet through an app that is supposed to be the very best at matching people. Ben is trying it out as a potential investor and Jacob, well he's friends with creator and he's the one that signed him up. The two hit it off right away, there's a great chemistry between them and what's supposed to be just a friends thing quickly turns into a whole lot more. Sounds like the makings of a sweet romance, but Ben isn't exactly honest about who he is and what he does, especially once he discovers Jacob's dislike and distrust of the rich.
As this story unfolded, I really was wondering about how Ben would come clean and how Jacob would take it, especially once you realize how interconnected they are. I felt like I understood both sides of this, Ben wanted to know that Jacob's feelings were genuine and not because of this money and Jacob doesn't want to be bought or some pawn. I got that struggle and hurt on both sides too, but I really loved how they handled it too. Both of these guys have to look beyond their hurts and admit how they really feel about each other. I loved seeing them happy together for all the right reasons! A great story that I enjoyed from start to finish!
December 30, 2020
This is the first time I've read this author and liked what I got. I ended up reading it in one sitting--more because I have a problem than anything else, but anyway--And I mostly read it because I want to read the next book in the series, but It was still enjoyable.
Ben is a billionaire app developer/investor and agreed to test a match making app before he decided to invest or not, but he made sure to keep the fact that he was a billionaire off the profile so not to mess with the data. Jacob, friend of the Matched app, was signed up from said friend and goes on a date with Ben after being matched. They instantly hit it off, but Jacob makes it very clear that he doesn't like rich people and Ben has been burned in the past with gold diggers, so what's the harm in delaying coming clean about who is really is?
Well, we all know keeping secrets never ends well and the truth is always the way. Jacob suspects something is amiss, but Ben changes the subject quickly to avoid being found out. And listen, i get why he lied, but I am also a firm believer in choice and I hate when that is taken away. I get Ben was nervous, but once things progressed with Jacob, he should have come clean. Jacob deserved to know the whole truth so he could make the choice for himself.
I also had a hard time getting a real sense of the characters. There wasn't much of a description of either Ben or Jacob besides them both being hot and Ben having facial hair so it was harder for me to really grasp what they looked like so I kinda just made something up in my head. I don't know if it was how fast paced the story was, but something was blocking me from really knowing who these characters were so I never fully got invested.
Overall, it was a low-angst read with the inevitable blow up when the truth was revealed. There were hot sexy times, chemistry, and a sweetness (mostly Ben) that kept me interested.
Ben is a billionaire app developer/investor and agreed to test a match making app before he decided to invest or not, but he made sure to keep the fact that he was a billionaire off the profile so not to mess with the data. Jacob, friend of the Matched app, was signed up from said friend and goes on a date with Ben after being matched. They instantly hit it off, but Jacob makes it very clear that he doesn't like rich people and Ben has been burned in the past with gold diggers, so what's the harm in delaying coming clean about who is really is?
Well, we all know keeping secrets never ends well and the truth is always the way. Jacob suspects something is amiss, but Ben changes the subject quickly to avoid being found out. And listen, i get why he lied, but I am also a firm believer in choice and I hate when that is taken away. I get Ben was nervous, but once things progressed with Jacob, he should have come clean. Jacob deserved to know the whole truth so he could make the choice for himself.
I also had a hard time getting a real sense of the characters. There wasn't much of a description of either Ben or Jacob besides them both being hot and Ben having facial hair so it was harder for me to really grasp what they looked like so I kinda just made something up in my head. I don't know if it was how fast paced the story was, but something was blocking me from really knowing who these characters were so I never fully got invested.
Overall, it was a low-angst read with the inevitable blow up when the truth was revealed. There were hot sexy times, chemistry, and a sweetness (mostly Ben) that kept me interested.
November 18, 2020
The Secret Billionaire is book 1 in the Matchmakers series. This is a beautifully written story about Ben, a self made billionaire, and Jacob, a man who isn't interested in dating rich guys. Ben is interested in investing in a dating app Cade, who happens to be Jacob's friend, made but he wants to test it out for himself before he commits to it. He is matched with Jacob and on their first date Ben decides to withhold who he really is and let Jacob get to know him without money being a reason Jacob would want to be with him. Jacob doesn't just want to be with a guy becouse of money anyway, so Ben feels like he made the right decision. I love these two together. I love that Ben would do anything for Jacob, while trying to keep his secret. I love how Ben stood by Jacob. I understand why Ben did what he did but I'm also glad Jacob gave him a second chance to understand why Ben did what he did. Ben and Jacob are so good together. This is such an enjoyable book and I can't wait for more. Definitely recommend.
*I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
November 25, 2020
Ben is a billionaire bored with his life. He has given up on a meaningful relationship since he became famous. He is considering investing in a dating agency and at the urging of his friend he agrees to try it out. His one condition is that he doesn't use his real name. Jacob works as a bartender for his college buddy after getting fired and blackballed from his job for not sleeping with his boss. He has sworn off rich men after that. His friend gets him to sign up with the matchmaking app and is matched with Ben. Ben is keeping his identity secret since he owns the company that Jacob is suing. As they grown closer, keeping secrets is eating at both of them. When everything explodes there is a chance it's over. These characters are fleshed out and comprehensive. They show both sides of the story and I felt extreme emotions for their turmoil. This is a terrific beginning to this new series. I requested a free advanced reader copy and am under no obligation to leave this review.
November 18, 2020
What goes on in the dark . . . Ben and Jacob meet on a blind date carrying heavy baggage. Ben did well for himself and was looking for someone to share his life with. Jacob, had preconceived notions of the lives of the rich and famous. He was not shy about sharing his opinions. Ben didn't tell Jacob that he was a Billionaire and used to be his employer. Ben, unnecessary added more luggage entering the relationship. As they get to know each other, they want to know more about each other. There are lots of pot holes Ben has to avoid. Getting to know each other is a delight to watch. They are fun, funny and adorable. You can't help pulling for them while keeping your face scrinched up! Will Ben confess in time? Can Jacob relax his perceptions? Will there be any fallout? Nicely done. Mr Collins continues to exceed expectation with each book. I received and ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 1, 2021
I’m loving this newest series by Jason. Ben is looking for a real relationship and I could feel his frustration when everyone has proven to be after his wallet in the past. Hiding his identity may have been someone else’s idea but he loved when Jacob was so genuinely interested in him; not his portfolio. He seconded guessed that Jacob wasn’t playing a game to access his bank account, it just spoke to his past attempts to get to know a guy. Jacob has a huge chip on his shoulder regarding rich men. His former boss was a piece of work and his new job gives him a front-row seat to rich manipulators. Ben’s gift and attempt to hide how he came by it was amazing. I had to laugh at what it cost him in cash, time, and humiliation. The last chapter was my favorite.
November 16, 2020
A roller coaster ride of emotions. I was mesmerised from the beginning, loveable characters, Jacobs friends need their own story hopefully, lots of humour and some of the hottest sexy scenes I couldn’t stop drooling. Bens a McDreamy and I understood him wanting Jacob to know him not his money. And one villain perfected this story, I would read again and again.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book for my honest opinions of which I’m under no obligation to do so. I absolutely recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book for my honest opinions of which I’m under no obligation to do so. I absolutely recommend this book.
November 24, 2020
Ben and Jacob make such a great couple. I loved watching them grow closer. While I don't condone lying in a relationship I really do understand why Ben kept his billionaire status a secret, though maybe he should have come clean a little sooner. I loved the dynamic between the two and I enjoyed the steamy scenes between the two. I really liked Cade and hope that maybe he gets a bisexual awakening in the next book in the series. I really loved everything about this book and some of the extremes that Ben went through to get Jacob. I absolutely recommend this book.
November 21, 2020
Ben and Jacob meet through a dating app and hit it off right away. Too bad that Ben is hiding who he truly is because Jacob doesn't like rich people so Ben hides his true identity, but Jacob also has his own secret. These two really are perfect for one another and really hit it off. Once secrets are revealed, can the relationship they've built survive. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
November 24, 2020
Sweet and fun read
I really enjoyed Jacob and Ben, I always get nervous when reading stories with hidden secrets, but knowing that they wouldn’t let themselves fall in love with someone they deem “wrong” because of their pasts-it’s like the best kind of hallmark movie in a book! Jason Collins brings this story to life and I really enjoyed it. It’s a quick and fun read. Can’t wait for the next in the series!
I really enjoyed Jacob and Ben, I always get nervous when reading stories with hidden secrets, but knowing that they wouldn’t let themselves fall in love with someone they deem “wrong” because of their pasts-it’s like the best kind of hallmark movie in a book! Jason Collins brings this story to life and I really enjoyed it. It’s a quick and fun read. Can’t wait for the next in the series!
November 26, 2020
I had a hard time with with at first, something just didn't click with me, although I usually enjoy this authors work. He writes an excellent mm growing romance, adding gut wrenching dollop of angst before a comfortable ending, enjoyable. But, for a little while there it wasn't, and I don't know why, honestly. Anyway, it did perk up for me, Ben and Jacob were an intense pair, the plot was intriguing, the supporting cast added meat to the story and it ended up being a decent read.
November 29, 2020
I think I fell in love with Ben and Jacob right from the start. But Ben’s secret coils tear them apart. I loved that they were connecting in so many ways, it was like fate brought them together on Matched. But they would have to fight through the secrets and lies so that they can get their happy ending. And what a happy ending it is. I’m excited to read the next book in the series.
I received this book as an arc reader and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
I received this book as an arc reader and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
February 3, 2021
I did like this book. Ive read books by this author before, so I had an idea of what reading his stories was like. While the “secret” part of this was the whole story, basically, I couldn’t help but cringe some of the time when Ben was asking up stories. IT seemed to me that he was made up with far too easily!
And some fo the things he did were a bit on the creepy side, but all in all, it was an easy one night fun read.
And some fo the things he did were a bit on the creepy side, but all in all, it was an easy one night fun read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2020
Billionaire who just wants to be one of the guys & fall in love with love. There's got to be someone out there. Maybe a dating app will get me there. Suspense, romance & angst. If you are looking for a great read you want to read this *I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book for an honest opinion*
November 18, 2020
What a great book!
This is fun, exciting and wonderful read. I enjoy every minute I spend reading this great book. Ben is sweet, thoughtful and caring. He will do anything to please Jacob and he's so loaded too.
Definitely will following the upcoming book of this series..!
This is fun, exciting and wonderful read. I enjoy every minute I spend reading this great book. Ben is sweet, thoughtful and caring. He will do anything to please Jacob and he's so loaded too.
Definitely will following the upcoming book of this series..!
December 20, 2020
The Secret Billionaire
A quick read and an enjoyable start to a series. The secret was carried out too long, in my opinion and what was expected to happen, happed. Of course this is romance so it all worked out in the end.
A quick read and an enjoyable start to a series. The secret was carried out too long, in my opinion and what was expected to happen, happed. Of course this is romance so it all worked out in the end.
December 24, 2020
Such a sweet story
A billionaire who wants real love and the young man, not knowing who he really is, wins the heart of his wealthy lover. Loved the threat to the relationship and enjoyed how that plotline was tied up. Wonderful HEA.
A billionaire who wants real love and the young man, not knowing who he really is, wins the heart of his wealthy lover. Loved the threat to the relationship and enjoyed how that plotline was tied up. Wonderful HEA.
January 10, 2021
I really enjoy Jason Collins's books. This was a great start for this series. Ben is trying to find a real relationship despite his wealth and Jacob wants to have fun, but not feel like he is being bought. Their chemistry was super hot! I'm looking forward to the next book.
April 1, 2021
I loved this story line and characters
I loved this storyline and the characters and so far this Author. It is XO easy to read and I finished in 2 days. I am looking forward to book 2 of this Match Makers series but I would definitely recommend this book.
I loved this storyline and the characters and so far this Author. It is XO easy to read and I finished in 2 days. I am looking forward to book 2 of this Match Makers series but I would definitely recommend this book.
October 27, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Jacob was railroaded out of a job that he was good at because he didn't give into a boss's sexual advance. Ben, even though a billionaire, only wanted to be seen a normal person. He signs up on a dating app and he meets Jacob.
Jacob was railroaded out of a job that he was good at because he didn't give into a boss's sexual advance. Ben, even though a billionaire, only wanted to be seen a normal person. He signs up on a dating app and he meets Jacob.
November 19, 2020
A great start to a series. I liked all the characters, even when they were making bad decisions. Good storytelling... looking forward to Book2.
November 24, 2020
I enjoyed Ben and Jacob. The story was different. I liked their connection. I think the story was well written.
I received this as an arc and freely left this review.
I received this as an arc and freely left this review.
November 27, 2020
Very difficult to follow
Very difficult follow and say to many mistakes. Get somebody to read over before publishing.
Great idea for a story though.
Very difficult follow and say to many mistakes. Get somebody to read over before publishing.
Great idea for a story though.
December 11, 2020
At the beginning I though that Jacob hated rich people just because they're rich and I was very happy when things weren't like that.
I really enjoyed their history.
I really enjoyed their history.
January 9, 2021
[1.25 star] i don't feel any connection to the book, the characters don't have a strong connection to me either. overall, something just felt off about the book, can't really pinpoint where though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2021
I really loved this book (as any book written by the author). Loved the chemistry between the two characters... It felt so real! Five stars.
February 10, 2021
Keeping secrets.
The story begins with Ben, a wealthy man setting up a guy to not be aware of his wealth. The lie goes on too long but then they get it all ok.
The story begins with Ben, a wealthy man setting up a guy to not be aware of his wealth. The lie goes on too long but then they get it all ok.
Read
March 6, 2021Did not enjoy as not erotic enough
March 15, 2021
Secrets and Romance
I loved this book. It had drama, secrets, lies, deceit and intrigue all wrapped in a yummy steamy romance novel.
I loved this book. It had drama, secrets, lies, deceit and intrigue all wrapped in a yummy steamy romance novel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews