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First Comes Love #1
A Match for the Marine
Matchmaker Rule #1: Never fall in love with the client.
After working my way to the top, I’m in the running to become the CEO of Southern California’s premier matchmaking service. All I have to do is outmatch my conniving co-worker.
Maintaining my perfect track record should be no problem, especially since my client is a hot Marine with bulging biceps and a killer smile. Matching him up should be easy as pie.
Unfortunately, Dex isn’t too thrilled with his meddling mother for signing him up for my services. He seems more interested in me than any of the dates I arrange for him.
But I will not let this gorgeous gunny get in the way of achieving my life’s goal. No matter how dashing and adorkable he is.
A Match for the Marine was previously published as a novella in the First Comes Love box set, but is now fully expanded and re-released as a full-length standalone in a sweet romantic comedy series. Get ready for loyalty, laughter, and happily ever after!
After working my way to the top, I’m in the running to become the CEO of Southern California’s premier matchmaking service. All I have to do is outmatch my conniving co-worker.
Maintaining my perfect track record should be no problem, especially since my client is a hot Marine with bulging biceps and a killer smile. Matching him up should be easy as pie.
Unfortunately, Dex isn’t too thrilled with his meddling mother for signing him up for my services. He seems more interested in me than any of the dates I arrange for him.
But I will not let this gorgeous gunny get in the way of achieving my life’s goal. No matter how dashing and adorkable he is.
A Match for the Marine was previously published as a novella in the First Comes Love box set, but is now fully expanded and re-released as a full-length standalone in a sweet romantic comedy series. Get ready for loyalty, laughter, and happily ever after!
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 31, 2021
676 people are currently reading
2779 people want to read
About the author
Jess Mastorakos
55 books707 followersJess Mastorakos writes sweet military romance books that feature heroes with heart and the strong women they love. She is a proud Marine wife and mama of four. She loves her coffee in a glitter tumbler and planning with an erasable pen.
Get a free novella from her San Diego Marines series, Forever with You, at the link below!
www.jessmastorakos.com/forever-with-you
Get a free novella from her San Diego Marines series, Forever with You, at the link below!
www.jessmastorakos.com/forever-with-you
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 360 reviews
August 4, 2022
4,25 stars - English Ebook
Quote: But we figured it out, and we were happy. We were together until I left Japan.” “I see.” I was afraid to say too much. It had taken a lot of elbow grease to get him to open up and I didn’t want him to stop now. He held out his hands. “And that’s it.”
Quote: “Okay. But just remember, you asked for it.” I nodded. “I’m ready.” She poked my bicep. “Physically, you’re exactly what I pictured. It’s a stereotypical look. I guess I just didn’t expect you to also be a nerd. It’s quite the contrast. I have to say I’m surprised. Most nerds don’t look like they live at the gym.”
Nice easy read. Romantic read without to much complications. Clean read. Does not go further than a Kiss.
If you like this genre a recommendation is in order.
Quote: But we figured it out, and we were happy. We were together until I left Japan.” “I see.” I was afraid to say too much. It had taken a lot of elbow grease to get him to open up and I didn’t want him to stop now. He held out his hands. “And that’s it.”
Quote: “Okay. But just remember, you asked for it.” I nodded. “I’m ready.” She poked my bicep. “Physically, you’re exactly what I pictured. It’s a stereotypical look. I guess I just didn’t expect you to also be a nerd. It’s quite the contrast. I have to say I’m surprised. Most nerds don’t look like they live at the gym.”
Nice easy read. Romantic read without to much complications. Clean read. Does not go further than a Kiss.
If you like this genre a recommendation is in order.
January 6, 2026
A Match for the Marine by Jess Mastorakos is a sweet and witty contemporary romance about a professional matchmaker whose carefully constructed career begins to unravel when her latest client, a Marine reluctantly dragged into the world of matchmaking, might be the very person she should not fall for, and yet cannot stop thinking about.
From the moment I read about Amy Thomas, fiercely competent and ambitious as she chases the CEO role at her matchmaking company, I was drawn to her inner world, where her professional confidence slowly meets personal uncertainty. Gunnery Sergeant Dexter Harrington, her client, is gorgeous and tough on the outside, yet tender, nerdy, and beautifully introspective on the inside, especially as he navigates his own past heartbreak and the pressure from his well-meaning mother.
What surprised me most was how organically the humor and heart unfolded, from Dex’s playful banter with friends to the awkwardly hilarious dates that Amy orchestrates on his behalf. I felt genuinely invested in their slow-burn connection, which is grounded in shared vulnerability and a mutual recognition that love can appear when you least expect it.
My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
This read earned its rating for its warm characters, delightful voice, and emotional sincerity that made me smile and sigh in equal measure.
From the moment I read about Amy Thomas, fiercely competent and ambitious as she chases the CEO role at her matchmaking company, I was drawn to her inner world, where her professional confidence slowly meets personal uncertainty. Gunnery Sergeant Dexter Harrington, her client, is gorgeous and tough on the outside, yet tender, nerdy, and beautifully introspective on the inside, especially as he navigates his own past heartbreak and the pressure from his well-meaning mother.
What surprised me most was how organically the humor and heart unfolded, from Dex’s playful banter with friends to the awkwardly hilarious dates that Amy orchestrates on his behalf. I felt genuinely invested in their slow-burn connection, which is grounded in shared vulnerability and a mutual recognition that love can appear when you least expect it.
My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
This read earned its rating for its warm characters, delightful voice, and emotional sincerity that made me smile and sigh in equal measure.
April 20, 2021
Well that was fun. And an extra dose since the marine is stationed at Camp Pendleton and that currently where we’re stationed.
Read
February 6, 2023rtc
November 11, 2022
I loved it!! So funny and cute, I couldn't stop reading. Great story and super freaking beautiful characters😍
Note: super healthy relationship and no sexual main point.
Note: super healthy relationship and no sexual main point.
July 23, 2022
This was so adorable!! I really enjoyed reading about Amy and Dex’s relationship. Excited to read the sequel!
August 8, 2021
Fun Story
Cute characters, fun story. Light, easy reading without getting too deep or emotional. A great, romantic diversion and a happily ever after. 3.5 stars, rounding up.
Cute characters, fun story. Light, easy reading without getting too deep or emotional. A great, romantic diversion and a happily ever after. 3.5 stars, rounding up.
March 14, 2021
Y'all. Love seems to find people when they least expect it and when they aren't even looking for it.
Amy is a matchmaker on her way to becoming the next C.E.O. of First Comes Love. Dex is a single marine who's mother signed him up as a client at said company. Both of them are so focused on other things that neither of them saw the other one coming.
This was such a cute book. I loved watching Amy and Dex's relationship grow from friends into something more. Some might think that these two could never work, but they totally do. Their journey was a fun one and I loved seeing the walls they both had built up around their hearts come crumbling down. I will admit that it was a little slow going for me and I would have loved to see more interaction between Amy and Dex as a couple, but that didn't stop me from enjoying the book. 😊
I'm really looking forward to the other books in this series. I think Claire and Mateo's books is going to be lots of fun. But I have this feeling that Huck's book is going to be my favorite. There's just something about him that has me intrigued. I think Mr. Jaded needs someone who is feisty and full of sass. Someone who will keep him on his toes. It'll definitely be fun to watch. 😉
It's always a great day when a book by Ms. Mastorakos hits my kindle. They're definitely a fun break from reality and I know that she'll have me swooning and letting out little dreamy sighs. I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next!
As for my casting... I saw these two pretty early on. I'm in love! What do you think?!
Amy is a matchmaker on her way to becoming the next C.E.O. of First Comes Love. Dex is a single marine who's mother signed him up as a client at said company. Both of them are so focused on other things that neither of them saw the other one coming.
This was such a cute book. I loved watching Amy and Dex's relationship grow from friends into something more. Some might think that these two could never work, but they totally do. Their journey was a fun one and I loved seeing the walls they both had built up around their hearts come crumbling down. I will admit that it was a little slow going for me and I would have loved to see more interaction between Amy and Dex as a couple, but that didn't stop me from enjoying the book. 😊
I'm really looking forward to the other books in this series. I think Claire and Mateo's books is going to be lots of fun. But I have this feeling that Huck's book is going to be my favorite. There's just something about him that has me intrigued. I think Mr. Jaded needs someone who is feisty and full of sass. Someone who will keep him on his toes. It'll definitely be fun to watch. 😉
It's always a great day when a book by Ms. Mastorakos hits my kindle. They're definitely a fun break from reality and I know that she'll have me swooning and letting out little dreamy sighs. I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next!
As for my casting... I saw these two pretty early on. I'm in love! What do you think?!
March 10, 2021
Romance, contemporary, clean;
So GOOD!! Cute sassy and fun! J.M. knows how to suck you in and keep you entertained! My only complaint is that they were dancing around each other most of the novel, would have just liked a little more of them together!
Amy Thomas and Gunnery Sergeant Dexter Harrington's story was a cute premise with the matchmaking service backstory, and so sweet! Loved all the moments where they both realized their attraction and also fell a little bit more for each other.
Both Amy and Dex were strong characters, and the side characters (Dex's friends, Amy's assistant, and other people in the company, and the minor date characters) were so well-drawn, it was a great story and totally immersed myself in this read. Beautiful setting and it was just fun! Again, my only complaint is it tied up too quickly! They were so cute together! Hope we get to see more of them in the second book in this series! Perfect sweet, light romance with a bit of comedy and intrigue!
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review, my opinions are my own.
So GOOD!! Cute sassy and fun! J.M. knows how to suck you in and keep you entertained! My only complaint is that they were dancing around each other most of the novel, would have just liked a little more of them together!
Amy Thomas and Gunnery Sergeant Dexter Harrington's story was a cute premise with the matchmaking service backstory, and so sweet! Loved all the moments where they both realized their attraction and also fell a little bit more for each other.
Both Amy and Dex were strong characters, and the side characters (Dex's friends, Amy's assistant, and other people in the company, and the minor date characters) were so well-drawn, it was a great story and totally immersed myself in this read. Beautiful setting and it was just fun! Again, my only complaint is it tied up too quickly! They were so cute together! Hope we get to see more of them in the second book in this series! Perfect sweet, light romance with a bit of comedy and intrigue!
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review, my opinions are my own.
June 9, 2021
2.5 stars
I’m not sure what I think of this book. It’s not my usual genre, but I decided to give this author another try with a different book and series. I liked Dex and Amy, but the whole matchmaking industry is not really my thing.
I didn’t like all the details of kissing and the heat and electricity that happened with nearly every touch. If that was really a thing, why doesn’t everyone go around touching everyone else to find out which person gives them a “spark”? Then they’d know who to marry, right? I mean it worked in the book.
Don’t think I’ll keep reading this series.
I’m not sure what I think of this book. It’s not my usual genre, but I decided to give this author another try with a different book and series. I liked Dex and Amy, but the whole matchmaking industry is not really my thing.
I didn’t like all the details of kissing and the heat and electricity that happened with nearly every touch. If that was really a thing, why doesn’t everyone go around touching everyone else to find out which person gives them a “spark”? Then they’d know who to marry, right? I mean it worked in the book.
Don’t think I’ll keep reading this series.
April 6, 2021
It was an unusual read for me - the premise is odd, to put it mildly, and for quite a while I felt like rolling my eyes a little, but the longer I read, the more the story and the characters grew on me. So, it is a solid three stars, or maybe even three and a half. Definitely a good read if you need something light and fluffy to take your mind off RL stress.
February 22, 2021
This is the 1st book I read by Jess Mastorakos. I loved ❤ this book's storyline. Some dialogue in this story was funny 😂. I loved ❤ Amy's character. I loved ❤ Dex's character. I loved ❤ the ending. Awesome job Ms. Mastorakos.
January 21, 2023
Meh. At least it was a free ebook.
April 22, 2021
This is my first book I’ve read by Jess Mastorakos. I guarantee that it won’t be my last. I really enjoyed reading this one. I thought the author did a great job with the characters. And the plot was fun, not one I’d seen done before.
I loved that the reader gets to see the story through both Amy’s eyes and Dex’s. Both characters were great. And it just made the story pop with both points of view.
I liked Amy. She was funny. I liked the way she changed from being so focused on her job at the beginning to being willing to give up everything for what she wanted by the end. And her date planning was the best!
Dex is the marine in this book. He wants nothing to do with getting married or even dating. That leaves a huge job for Amy. Their first meeting was really funny. Dex didn’t know Amy was who he was supposed to be meeting with. And she used that to her advantage.
I loved the plot of this one. There are so many funny little things that happened to Dex on his dates. And Amy is left not quite knowing why they happened, but having to pretend they were her fault.
This is a great book. If you’re looking for a fun rom-com to get lost in, look no further!
I was sent an e-copy of A Match for the Marine as a gift from the author. All opinions are my own.
I loved that the reader gets to see the story through both Amy’s eyes and Dex’s. Both characters were great. And it just made the story pop with both points of view.
I liked Amy. She was funny. I liked the way she changed from being so focused on her job at the beginning to being willing to give up everything for what she wanted by the end. And her date planning was the best!
Dex is the marine in this book. He wants nothing to do with getting married or even dating. That leaves a huge job for Amy. Their first meeting was really funny. Dex didn’t know Amy was who he was supposed to be meeting with. And she used that to her advantage.
I loved the plot of this one. There are so many funny little things that happened to Dex on his dates. And Amy is left not quite knowing why they happened, but having to pretend they were her fault.
This is a great book. If you’re looking for a fun rom-com to get lost in, look no further!
I was sent an e-copy of A Match for the Marine as a gift from the author. All opinions are my own.
April 18, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
What a super cute read!
I love Marine romances! I haven’t read many but when I was looking for suggestions, this author came up and then I saw this cute cover and instantly downloaded it. I am so glad that I did!
I loved the mix of the Marine and matchmaking world. And Dex is not a typical Marine either, he is a nerdy one who is in the computer science part of it. How cool is that? I learned a lot about that particular role which is always a bonus!
It was fun watching Dex and Amy’s relationship grow throughout the book. Dex was super sweet and kind while Amy was just an overall business badass. The way these two opened up to one another was so cute and how they showed each other parts of their own worlds. I loved some of the gaming references Dex made too. Talk about some serious nostalgia!
I would love to read more about this couple and I am excited to see them make appearances in the rest of this companion series!
Bonus points for a cute story with no steam.. I just needed a break from the steaminess of the adult romance world.
July 23, 2022
Super sweet & fun rom-com story. Reminiscent of classic 90/00s movies like the wedding planner and failure to launch. Deadpan humor back and forth, and witty dialogue. A successful “girl-boss” main female character coupled with a jaded male main character hiding behind his independence and freedom of singleness.
Only 4 stars because I would’ve liked to see a little bit more character development and was a tad predictable.
A nice weekend read if you need a break from more heavy and intense books, or you’re just looking for a light story.
Only 4 stars because I would’ve liked to see a little bit more character development and was a tad predictable.
A nice weekend read if you need a break from more heavy and intense books, or you’re just looking for a light story.
August 9, 2022
Super cute love story! Very easy and enjoyable read!
March 10, 2021
AaaHhhh- MAZING! If you love a sweet romance between genuinely nice, decent human beings, this book is a MATCH for you. I loved the complexity of the characters and the journey taken to find love. We all have confidence-stealers and opening yourself up to someone else is hard work. Join Amy and Dex as they find their way to each other - you won’t be disappointed in their story!
June 20, 2021
This was a cute sweet story. This is PG, a couple of kisses are nice. The writing was good. No holes or strange drama. I guess I just found it a bit boring. I just need more sparks:}
March 10, 2021
Dex is more than a great looking guy. It's a wonder he's still unattached, but he's been busy with other stuff and not looking for love.
Amy is sure she can match him pretty easily, though.
It's a fun read with great characters and a bit of a mystery.
Amy is sure she can match him pretty easily, though.
It's a fun read with great characters and a bit of a mystery.
April 1, 2021
It was a good book.
May 6, 2022
Friends to Lovers
Hans mamma har bestämt att han behöver ha en relation och han får bara pengar om han skapat denna. Så dem går till en dejting företag.
En tävling om vem som kommer vara chef. Vem är det som kan skapa flest relationer på så minst dejter.
Snubben gillar henne från början( typ ish hon också) men det kan inte bli tillsammans (regler). Hans dejter är helt kaous så dem slutför dem och lär känna varandra.
Hans mamma har bestämt att han behöver ha en relation och han får bara pengar om han skapat denna. Så dem går till en dejting företag.
En tävling om vem som kommer vara chef. Vem är det som kan skapa flest relationer på så minst dejter.
Snubben gillar henne från början( typ ish hon också) men det kan inte bli tillsammans (regler). Hans dejter är helt kaous så dem slutför dem och lär känna varandra.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2021
Very Sweet read! It melted my heart and made me not want to put it down until it was finished! The author takes you on a new and exciting journey with each book- nothing repetitive or boring.
May 16, 2024
Inget jag rekommenderar!
1.5⭐️
Jag hade inga förväntningar om hur denna bok skulle vara men jag är lite besviken på själva storyn.
Jag tror inte att jag gillar matchmaking industrin i denna boken.
…
1.5⭐️
Jag hade inga förväntningar om hur denna bok skulle vara men jag är lite besviken på själva storyn.
Jag tror inte att jag gillar matchmaking industrin i denna boken.
…
February 24, 2024
3.75! Super cute and fun! Just ur typical lil rom com! But I actually rlly liked it! :)
March 31, 2021
I LOVED this book! It was different than any I had read before. It was so fun watching Dex and Amy as they tried to hide their feelings for each other. It was well written and kept my interest the entire way through.
August 15, 2023
I was laughing out loud from the very first chapter!
Maybe I'm biased because the hero reminds me so much of my fiancé (tough workout obsessed military guy who's also smart enough for cybersecurity and is also very, very into video games? Check) but I loved this book so much! A matchmaking mama? And then the matchmaker/client set up between Dex and Amy was sooo clever! I loved how Amy couldn't fool Dex with her fancy techniques to make her clients feel comfortable.
There were so many good quotes in this one I highlighted, but I'll leave just a few of my favorites:
My mom put a hand on my knee. "Dex, honey, I just wanted to show her what a cute baby you were. That way she could pair you up with someone who was also a cute baby, so you could make cute babies together."
"Great. First, your dating history. Who was your high school sweetheart?"
"Zelda."
My pen hovered over the paper and I froze. "Please tell me you dated an actual girl named Zelda, and you're not talking about the video game character?"
He pursed his lips. "Sorry to disappoint you."
"What, like, have kids and be a soccer dad?"
I chuckled. "I'd be more of a Pokémon dad, I think. Teaching my kid not to walk across the street with his face in his Game Boy. That kind of thing."
Maybe I'm biased because the hero reminds me so much of my fiancé (tough workout obsessed military guy who's also smart enough for cybersecurity and is also very, very into video games? Check) but I loved this book so much! A matchmaking mama? And then the matchmaker/client set up between Dex and Amy was sooo clever! I loved how Amy couldn't fool Dex with her fancy techniques to make her clients feel comfortable.
There were so many good quotes in this one I highlighted, but I'll leave just a few of my favorites:
My mom put a hand on my knee. "Dex, honey, I just wanted to show her what a cute baby you were. That way she could pair you up with someone who was also a cute baby, so you could make cute babies together."
"Great. First, your dating history. Who was your high school sweetheart?"
"Zelda."
My pen hovered over the paper and I froze. "Please tell me you dated an actual girl named Zelda, and you're not talking about the video game character?"
He pursed his lips. "Sorry to disappoint you."
"What, like, have kids and be a soccer dad?"
I chuckled. "I'd be more of a Pokémon dad, I think. Teaching my kid not to walk across the street with his face in his Game Boy. That kind of thing."
October 24, 2021
“My sole focus was the way her soft lips moved over mine and the thought that I never wanted to stop kissing her. I was thoroughly and utterly hers, forever.”
Dex has accomplished a lot of amazing things in his life such as being in the Marines. When his late father left him a trust fund, he either has to get married or wait until he’s 35 in order to get the money. He decided to wait since being in a relationship isn’t a priority for him, so now at 35, his mom wants him to start dating (she wants grandkids!). So his mom did want any other mom would do: she signed him up for First Comes Love, a matchmaking firm.
Amy has been working at First Comes Love for many years. When the boss announced that she might retire, Amy is up for the job as CEO! Except the boss can’t pick between her or another worker so she suggested a competition: whoever successfully find a match for 3 clients will be the new boss. One of her clients happens to be Dex. The number one role at First Come Loves is to never fall for your client. But what happens when they both start to fall for each other? Will Dex find his happily ever after and will Amy become the CEO?
🤍READ IF YOU LIKE🤍:
- dual POV
- matchmaker x client romance
- Marine & matchmaking
- career focused, computer nerd hero
- instant attraction
- a meddling and overbearing mom that wants grandkids
- teasing banter
- off limits
- Dungeons & Dragons
cw: loss of parent
Dex has accomplished a lot of amazing things in his life such as being in the Marines. When his late father left him a trust fund, he either has to get married or wait until he’s 35 in order to get the money. He decided to wait since being in a relationship isn’t a priority for him, so now at 35, his mom wants him to start dating (she wants grandkids!). So his mom did want any other mom would do: she signed him up for First Comes Love, a matchmaking firm.
Amy has been working at First Comes Love for many years. When the boss announced that she might retire, Amy is up for the job as CEO! Except the boss can’t pick between her or another worker so she suggested a competition: whoever successfully find a match for 3 clients will be the new boss. One of her clients happens to be Dex. The number one role at First Come Loves is to never fall for your client. But what happens when they both start to fall for each other? Will Dex find his happily ever after and will Amy become the CEO?
🤍READ IF YOU LIKE🤍:
- dual POV
- matchmaker x client romance
- Marine & matchmaking
- career focused, computer nerd hero
- instant attraction
- a meddling and overbearing mom that wants grandkids
- teasing banter
- off limits
- Dungeons & Dragons
cw: loss of parent
April 28, 2022
Awwww.This book was sooo cute❤❤❤.i read this book in a single sitting. It was cheesy, funny and overall perfect.
The blurb says it all, A marine who joined a matchmaking site to appease his mother found himself falling for the matchmaker herself.
Amy has to follow the cardinal rule of not dating the client but she found her in the unfortunate position of finding Dex a match when she knows she is the perfect girl for him.
Both the characters have baggage, had their heart wounded so they had to thread carefully, there wasn't too much drama in this book and the dramatic parts were too cute to complain about.
The maturity in the characters age was very visible in their actions, they passed through the problems in the most analytical or reasonable manner but i don't get why Dex didn't call or text Amy after the incident in the boat.
Anyways this was a fun read in dual POV, the book remains pg 13, but the sparks are definitely off the charts, the simple hand holdings feel so intimate. I loved the book.
28 April 2022
Omg i really really love this book it doesn't bore you for a second. The sparks between the characters were of epic proportions but the closed door romance didn't disappoint a bit.
The blurb says it all, A marine who joined a matchmaking site to appease his mother found himself falling for the matchmaker herself.
Amy has to follow the cardinal rule of not dating the client but she found her in the unfortunate position of finding Dex a match when she knows she is the perfect girl for him.
Both the characters have baggage, had their heart wounded so they had to thread carefully, there wasn't too much drama in this book and the dramatic parts were too cute to complain about.
The maturity in the characters age was very visible in their actions, they passed through the problems in the most analytical or reasonable manner but i don't get why Dex didn't call or text Amy after the incident in the boat.
Anyways this was a fun read in dual POV, the book remains pg 13, but the sparks are definitely off the charts, the simple hand holdings feel so intimate. I loved the book.
28 April 2022
Omg i really really love this book it doesn't bore you for a second. The sparks between the characters were of epic proportions but the closed door romance didn't disappoint a bit.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 360 reviews