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Highland Hills #1

Matchmaking a Billionaire

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He’s everyone’s dream man but hers.

Bryn

I used to believe in what we do at Mayberry Matchmakers, but now? Love is just another four-letter word.

Too bad my grandmother hasn’t gotten the memo. When tech billionaire Rory Byrne approaches us, wanting to develop the matchmaking app my sister and I dreamed up (and Nana shot down), she jumps at the chance. My grandmother is nothing if not opportunistic.

Of course, there’s a catch. She’ll only do it if Rory lets us matchmake him the old-fashioned way.

He’s going to say no.

Please God, let him say no.

The last thing I want to do is matchmake an entitled rich jerk...especially one who looks like sin and talks a good game.

***

Rory

I’ve screwed up in love a few times, but I never screw up in business. Mayberry Matchmakers has the idea for something amazing, and I have the money and the experience to make it come to life.

I should deny Nana Mayberry’s condition. If I let them matchmake me, it’ll be all over the news, and making headlines has never interested me…especially not after the personal betrayal that nearly broke me. But I’m having trouble caring about what I should do, because Bryn Mayberry is smart, snarky, and not the slightest bit impressed with me.

Actually, this may be Mayberry Matchmakers’ easiest job yet.

374 pages, ebook

First published April 28, 2022

590 people are currently reading
687 people want to read

About the author

Angela Casella

46 books775 followers
ANGELA CASELLA lives in Asheville, North Carolina with her husband, her daughter, and their ill-behaved corgi in an extremely small bungalow. She spends her days writing and pretending to market. She writes solo romcoms and also has three co-written series with Denise Grover Swank.

You can subscribe to her newsletter for exclusive free content and updates on her projects! http://subscribepage.io/AngelaCasella...

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
Profile Image for Jeeves Reads Romance.
1,683 reviews797 followers
May 10, 2022
Light and sexy

Exactly the light and sexy read that I was looking for! I read this writing duo's first book a few years ago, and I remember thinking that I'd have to check them out again once they got into a writing groove... and dropped the third person perspective. So I was delighted when I sampled this and discovered that it's first person (major YAY), and that the vibe is right up my alley. The low angst, small town feel is just what I was in the mood for, and the sweetheart of hero sealed the deal. I loved how steadfast and determined he is to show that he is ALL IN, and the unique storyline held my interest with ease. It's got a definite instalove vibe, which proved to be troublesome for this couple... considering the fact that the heroine is contractually obligated to set the hero up with other women. What made the story work is the hero, plain and simple. He is not the typical arrogant billionaire; he's a genuinely nice guy who knows when a great woman is in front of him. Watching them figure things out was a lot of fun, and there was just enough tension to keep things interesting without overwhelming it with angst. I really enjoyed it.

The story follows Bryn, a woman who works at the family business - a matchmaking service. After a breakup left her reeling, Bryn has lost her passion for helping others find love, and her Nana's not-so-fun meddling certainly hasn't helped either. So when the town's famous new resident, tech billionaire Rory, comes in with a business proposition, Bryn isn't sure what to think. Somehow she gets wrangled into matchmaking the sexy stranger in exchange for his assistance in developing a dating app, and the situation quickly spirals out of control. Because Rory has decided that the only woman he's interested in dating is Bryn... and she's convinced that he'll lose interest as soon as he's matched up with someone else. As the two spend time together on and off the clock, they realize that they might just be a perfect match after all.

I went into this with low expectations, and it certainly exceeded them. I also kinda/sorta thought that I knew how the story would go, and it surprised me there as well. So this was a major win for me. Rory was really the best part; he wastes no time in falling for Bryn, and it was refreshing to see a guy who is SUCH a catch and also so ready for commitment. That paired perfectly with the small town vibes and the low angst, rom com feel. The only major friction is the matchmaking aspect, which could've gone horribly wrong - and didn't. I'm typically someone who avoids OW drama, and I was completely okay with the scenario; Bryn is the only one bringing the drama, lol. The matchmaking gives this a forbidden feel, but I also loved the lighthearted, sexy vibes. There's also a great cast of characters, who are involved in a way that didn't feel overwhelming to this series newbie. I can definitely tell that some of the love stories have already been told, but it left me wanting to read more - and that's always a great thing.
Profile Image for Jane H. Ring.
72 reviews1 follower
April 21, 2022
Yesterday I was lucky enough to win an ARC copy of this book! I read it in 24 hours! I have enjoyed all of the book that A. R. Casella and D. G. Swank have written together, but this is my new favorite! The characters, Rory Byrne and Bryn Mayberry complex and realistic. The entire Mayberry family is a full cast of intriguing people. As usual the fun, humor, angst, and romance was great. Best part is that the fun and love won’t end. We get a hint of the next book in the series: Holly’s story.
Profile Image for Kay Daniels (Kay Daniels Romance).
2,156 reviews73 followers
April 23, 2022
Matchmaking a Millionaire had its ups and downs. There were moments I was completely tuned in and empathetic to the characters plight, then there were times I really struggled to engage. Overall, it was a good interconnected beginning to the Mayberry Matchmakers series.

Bryn Mayberry says to herself over and over that she's a cold woman and it comes across the page. It's only when she's interacting with Rory that she lights up and isn't a Debbie Downer, for lack of a better term.  As the last Mayberry sibling willing to work alongside her Nana, Bryn Mayberry takes all the criticism, grief, and lack of empathy as Nana is not only a hard business woman, but also a cold-hearted woman in general. Bryn fears becoming her as she ages, but she also can't seem to stop the swan dive over a cliff, that is until Rory Byrne walks into her life. A man she's supposed to matchmake with someone else. Bryn lights up around Rory and those are the moments I couldn't stop turning the pages.

Rory Byrne didn't step foot into Mayberry Matchmakers looking for love, he's a businessman and he actually went there to start a matchmaking app. Nana Mayberry saw an opportunity and wasn't about to let him leave without without matchmaking him herself and so the story unfolds. Thank goodness for Bryn stepping in and saving him from all of her Nana's plans, who truly is a horrible person, but somehow she steamrolls over everyone to always get her way. Back to Rory and Bryn, they do light up the pages as they get to know one another and...holy smokes....the hot nerd is on fire when the clothes start to disappear. Rory is kind, generous, super smart, oh and did I mention his bedroom skills? Yeah, total package. 

So like I said, the story has really good moments with others that I struggled through, but overall a really good start to this new town of Highland Hills, with more couples already lined up. Matchmaking a Billionaire is an interconnected series with other characters from past series popping in or mentioned, but it's not pertinent to read those books, this is a complete standalone.
Profile Image for #ByFelicia.
550 reviews9 followers
April 28, 2022
Is it hot in here? Yes, yes it is!

You guys! This book was off the charts! Angela and Denise did an amazing job developing this cast of characters. The world building is so well done I could picture the quaint town of Highland Hills. I’m looking forward to the rest of the Mayberry’s stories.

Bryn Mayberry struck a nerve with me because I could relate to her and her relationship issues. I understood her struggle and the self conscious criticism of not feeling good enough and that there was no way the goddess would lead you to Mr. Perfect. It happens to other people, not us. I loved her feistiness and her snark.

By the goddess herself, Rory Byrne is just straight fire. This is why I have unrealistic expectations for men. Period. Self made billionaire but still the same nerdy geek that struggled to talk to girls?! Yes, please! He’s as good as they come and he deserves all the happiness.
Profile Image for Sheri P.
1,147 reviews24 followers
April 25, 2022
If you like spicy 🌶 romance this one is for you!
Set in the small town of Highland Hills, this romance has all the great characters and witty dialogue readers expect from Angela Denise with a hefty dose of steam 🔥 🔥🔥
This series is a spin off from the Bad Luck Club series, and features the Mayberry siblings, who grew up in Highland Hills with their grandmother who owns the matchmaking business. This first installment focuses on Bryn, who works the closest with Nana in the family business. When Rory Byrne proposes a new business venture, Bryn is excited to branch out-but Nana’s scheming puts a wrinkle in the plan. That doesn’t dampen the sparks between Rory and Bryn…their chemistry sizzles.
I’m already excited for the next installment in the series and more of the Mayberry family.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
3,686 reviews328 followers
did-not-finish
July 9, 2022
DNF at 27%. I am so bored! This dude likes her but is willing to have her set him up with other women knowing that he doesn’t wanna go out with them. He wants to go out with her. So, why doesn’t he have the courage to just say so to her!? I just don’t have time for this. Plus, it doesn’t have a funniness of Angela’s other works. I know that she’s in a collaboration on this one and it just doesn’t work. The only reason why I read this one over hers is because this one was an audiobook. Because I’m desperate! I need more audiobooks!
Profile Image for Yvonne.
1,604 reviews58 followers
dnf
May 29, 2022
DNF. Couldn’t get into this. Didn’t care for the grandmother and the writing just felt off
Profile Image for Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog).
5,877 reviews213 followers
April 24, 2022


Amazon / Amazon Worldwide

Bryn is the last of the family who has to work with her awful grandmother. Now her grandmother has directed her to work with billionaire Rory to develop the app she and her sister have been dreaming up for years. The last thing Bryn wants to do is work with a rich jerk, but if she wants that app she has to work with him. It shouldn't be too much of a problem, though, because there's no way Rory and she will be falling in love or anything. Not the broken matchmaker who doesn't believe in love and the cocky rich jerk. Nope....



Rory wasn't expecting to find himself entranced by Bryn. But why wouldn't he be - she's sharp and sassy, and couldn't be less like most women who find him attractive because of all the zeroes in his bank account. Now if only he could get out of the dates her obnoxious grandmother has him going on. Because the only one he wants to date is his Bryn, the only woman he wants to convince of his feelings.



Signature humor, but definitely with more than its fair share of significant emotional intensity, Bryn and Rory's story is another great small town romance. Bryn was far more broken than I imagined she would be, but she knew it and was able to finally deal with her issues, with Rory by her side. And Rory was just plain swoon worthy. This is the start of another great series by this writing duo, and I cannot wait for the next one in the series.



ARC provided by Social Butterfly PR for an honest review.

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Profile Image for Ulrika Gustafsson.
168 reviews8 followers
April 29, 2022
I really loved this book!
I have read all the books written by this combination of authors and they write great female characters that are easy to relate to even when their personalities are miles from my own.
But they have also written a bunch of great male characters, with different character traits, that I’ve adored. And Rory is my new favourite.
What a dream man! And the fact that he’s stated to be a billionaire has nothing to do with that.
I’m not convinced that there really are men like him out there, but reading about him gives me new hope.
Rory made his first appearance in the series in the book Fraudulent ever after, as a supporting character and the few facts we got to know about him there piqued my interest. I was not dissapointed to get the whole story.

Bryn is also a very likeable character and I apreciate that the story contains a teaser for a coming love story between two of the supporting characters, can’t wait to read that one!

While I think that the characters and their progression is what makes this book great, the story feels fresh and new. There is not a lot of angst, even if there are complicated feelings and connections between people, and that’s a relief to me.

I sometimes grow weary of romance books, because they all seem to follow the same path in a very predictable way. I mean, I expect to know from the beginning who the fated lovers are, that’s not it. Neither the fact that there will be a happy ending to the book. What can bother me is mostly the, sometime very laboured, obstacles and doubts..
It was very refreshing and harmonic to read about two people who keeps the faith in one another.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,829 reviews49 followers
April 28, 2022
Matchmaking a Billionaire is a fun, entertaining and humorous books.

“Fate is one weird, fickle fucker”.

The premise of this story is fantastic and the details, characters, emotions and happenings written by AR and Denise are fantastic. You will be laughing out loud at some of the antics that go on.

Bryn - bless Bryn, she needs an escape from her horrible grandma and her job. She is a sweet young woman who is a people pleasure and seems to lack a bit of confidence.

Rory - hot dang Rory, he is a billionaire that is not interest in matchmaking per se but he gets sucked into Mayberry Matchmakers and is he in for a ride! Lol

After Bryn and Rory work through some initial awkward conversations and circumstances they become great friends. Watching their friendship bloom, the trust they develop for each other and the angst that pours off of them is written so fantastically. They are a sweet and wonderful couple.

Let’s talk about Nana - she is not a kind person nor does she care how she treats others and she is a cold-hearted business woman. I love how Bryn, Rory and others deal with her and get the best of her!

I adored this book and the characters. Looking forward to additional books in the series featuring some of the side characters from this book.

I received a complimentary copy and I am leaving my honest review.
Profile Image for Chrystal M Delgado .
445 reviews12 followers
April 25, 2022
I'm loving this series already. Bryn works with her grandmother for the family business, Mayberry Matchmakers. Nana Mayberry is insufferable, but Bryn continues to stay and help save the failing business. When Bryn and Rory meet, Bryn is not impressed, but she does find herself attracted to him. Rory is the handsome Billionaire that wants to make the app that Bryn and her twin sister Holly have come up with, a reality. Rory is not looking for his perfect match, but he feels something for Bryn. It takes Bryn awhile to realize that she deserves everything she wants in life despite what her ex and grandmother have to say. Bryn and Rory are perfect for each other. This story is contains romance, angst, humor, and a hot Billionaire. What more can you ask for? I can't wait for the next book in the series!
Profile Image for Becky Wise.
2,837 reviews52 followers
April 25, 2022
Matchmaking a Billionaire is a fabulous read. I loved Bryn and Rory together. They had chemistry from the very start. Bryn hasn't had it easy when it comes to love and being a matchmaker is not a walk in the park when it comes to working for her Nana. Rory is a billionaire not really looking for love but wants to help Bryn's dating app come to life. I love everything about Rory. He is an all-around amazing guy and just fits with Bryn so well. Bryn if feisty and a little stubborn but she has her reasons why. I love how Rory and Bryn handle Nana throughout this one. There are plenty of laugh out loud moments to go around along with the hot ones. Mayberry Matchmakers is a fabulous series. I could not get enough of Rory and Bryn. You need to meet them today. Go one click this now.
335 reviews7 followers
April 22, 2022
Once again Angela and Denise have written a small town heartwarming story. Mayberry matchmakers and the Tea of Fortune tea house with Tina (a transplant from Asheville) reading the tea leaves offers many romantic opportunities or do they?
Bryn is a matchmaker who doesn’t believe she’s lovable. Her absent mother, broken family life and grandmother reinforces her self esteem issues. Rory is a billionaire who has found that women are more interested in his money than him.
The characters are extremely well developed. The Grandmother is a painfully cruel and selfish individual. I found myself upset by her actions and treatment of others. So Denise and Angela, I applaud you, Nana Mayberry’s character development is fantastic.
This is a great new series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Tequila.
1,444 reviews28 followers
September 20, 2022
I knew I would love this series because I have loved Ashville Brewing and the Bad Luck Club series so I knew I wouldn't be disappointed and I wasn't.

I loved Bryne and Rory and how their story came together. I'm so glad they all told Nanna Mayberry to flip sand because she was absolutely a character I loved to hate. I can't wait to read Holly and Cole's story next.
Profile Image for Pamela.
97 reviews6 followers
April 27, 2022
Another great romance from the talented Denise Grover Swank and A.R. Casella. I think it’s incredible how these authors are able to give unique voices to each of their main characters so that each novel feels incredibly unique. In the beginning I worried that Rory’s POV read a little too much like a diary but as the story went on I became thoroughly enthralled!

As with all the other books I cannot sing enough praises for the secondary characters! I wasn’t sure if Nana Mayberry was the villain she’s portrayed as, or if she would surprise us all, until the very end. And introduction of new characters make me excited for future installments - hello Cole!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
41 reviews1 follower
April 24, 2022
I could not put this down. I love Rory, he's sweet, caring and sexy. Bryn is a "chewy cookie", she's the type of woman you want as your best friend. There are so many characters that you will love, my personal favourite side character is Jane. Look out for the scene in the cable cars. Laugh out loud funny.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Heather.
86 reviews6 followers
April 28, 2022
This was a delightful start to the Mayberry Matchmakers series. Although there are characters from other books who pop in, this is a complete standalone that tells Bryn and Rory’s story. We are first introduced to Bryn through her sister Willow’s eyes in a previous book. And from that lens, we are told that Bryn is a cold and unfeeling person. But, of course, once we get to know her, we realize she is, instead, a product of being the oldest sister and dealing with a crazy grandmother and uncaring mother. I would have liked to have seen some of those issues fleshed out more, but I did appreciate the hijinks that Nana Mayberry created. And Rory! He is the dreamy billionaire that we all love to see in a rom-com, smart on business, not so smart on love, tough in the boardroom, but mushy when it comes to those he cares about. But what I loved most about him was his take-charge attitude in the bedroom. This made for some fun and steamy scenes! And I really loved the ending—I totally predicted it, but that did not take anything away from its poignancy. All in all, this was a fun read, without a lot of angst, plenty of steam, and some hilarious scenes.
Profile Image for Sandra Lancaster.
335 reviews
April 28, 2022
WOWZA!! If you enjoy laugh out loud hilarious moments, sassy characters, and lots of spice, then look no further. Angela and Denise have built a wonderful world of loveable, flawed and realistic characters. I found myself immersed in the story and the quirky town of Highland Hills.

While Bryn, Holly (twin sister) and Rory want to create a matchmaking app to compete in this day and age they have to concede to Nana Mayberry’s demands. Nana insists that they match Rory and get to use it as publicity. I really disliked Nana Mayberry, which just proves what great writing and development there is.

Bryn and Rory instantly click and the sparks fly off the page whenever they are near. Neither of them is looking for love. They are each working through emotional baggage from past relationships. However, as they start working together and get to know each other, it becomes harder and harder to ignore the chemistry and attraction. I absolutely love them together. I can’t wait for the next book of the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
122 reviews2 followers
June 14, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Bryn and Rory. Life has a way of happening when you least expect it and this story perfectly shows that. Sometimes you have annoying family and work obligations that you just cant get around. This was another great installment in the matchmaking series. If you're looking for a easy and fun read, then this is it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,668 reviews42 followers
November 15, 2022
To be honest I’m not certain whether this is the first or second book in the Highland Hills series? There was Willow Mayberry and Alex in an earlier book and Tina and Zach Littlefield’s book but one or both may have been part of the Bad Luck Club series. Whatever they are all connected. Tina is billionaire Rory Byrne’s ex. Brynn is Willow’s oldest sister. This series takes place in Highland Hills North Carolina just up the road from Ashville a real N.C. city where the Bad Luck Club and Ashville Brewing series were set.
The Mayberry’s have been famous or infamous as matchmakers in the small town of Highland Hills for generations. Ironically while they may be good at finding love matches for other people they aren’t nearly as successful in their own love lives. As this story opens only Willow has found her soulmate in Zach Littlefield. Brynn was with someone for six years and was very briefly engaged but they broke up and he impregnated and married a much younger Nora only a couple of months later.
Brynn Mayberry is the eldest of the five Mayberry siblings and the only one currently involved in her family’s matchmaking business working for her grandmother or Nana a matchmaker of some repute. Her sisters want nothing to do with working with the difficult, cold and narcissistic Nana who raised them because their own mother was busy hoping from husband to husband moving on to greener pastures after she bore them a child. Her brother Rowan wants nothing to do with the family business and wishes his last name wasn’t associated with matchmaking at all.
Brynn is miserable. After the end of her long term relationship Brynn no longer believes in love. She hates working for her spiteful Nana but stays there out of a sense of loyalty. She and he twin sister Holly who was her BFF had spent years working on a dating app. but their grandmother wanted nothing to do with it. Then Brynn and Holly had a falling out and Holly moved to New York City to work as a computer coder. Enter Rory Byrne billionaire a legitimate genius who knows Holly and wants to work with her and Brynn to bring their dating app. to fruition. Holly told him about her and Brynn’s idea but didn’t tell him that they are currently barely on speaking terms. Rory is about as perfect a man as you can find in contemporary romance. That is if you like rich, successful, kind, thoughtful, handsome men. Nanna Mayberry won’t give her blessing to have the Mayberry Matchmaking name associated with the app unless Rory agrees to go on four dates she will set up. She hopes to use his celebrity to repair her tainted reputation and become a celebrity matchmaker to the rich and famous. Anyway, Rory negotiates an agreement to go on four Nanna arranged dates in order to get her to allow her granddaughters to finish their app. He thinks between himself and his attorneys they are more than a match for the willey octogenarian. He quickly discovers just how devious the old lady is and how wrong he is. Rory is immediately attracted to the beautiful and contrary Brynn so he insists she accompany him on each of his dates and give him feedback on how it went as an excuse to stay involved with her. Brynn’s preconceived belief is that Rory is just another extremely handsome (like her ex) and wealthy guy who is used to getting his way with women and wants little to do with him. But spending time with Rory, getting to know him she realizes she was wrong. Their chemistry is off the charts. Despite their acknowledged attraction Rory is forced to go on multiple dates to complete the contract he signed with Nanna and Brynn is forced to witness them.
I really thought this was such a wonderful story I gave it five stars which I do only for books I truly enjoy. Brynn was such a great character. She was sassy and feisty yet vulnerable as she struggled with her emotional baggage that colored her relationships with both Rory and her siblings. Tina, Holly, Vince and Sophia were great secondary characters. Nanna Mayberry as the villain was great as the self-absored, narcissistic grandmother. Rory was, well the perfect man. He did everything he could to be supportive of Brynn and protect their budding relationship.
Profile Image for Meredith.
692 reviews15 followers
April 28, 2022
I've read a number of books by Denise Grover Swank and AR Casella (Angela Denise), particularly in their Bad Luck Club series, and I loved starting a new series by them. Part of the reason that I loved this book so much was that I liked that this seemed like a different take on your typical matchmaker romance. I appreciated that at no point did Rory set out to be matchmade, he was essentially blackmailed into it. And the entire time he was adamant that he only wanted to date Bryn, which I thought was very sweet. This book kinda reminded me of The Wedding Planner. The one thing that I could not stand about this book was the grandmother's personality, and I know that that was the point, you're supposed to think the grandmother is a horrible person. But it didn't matter that I knew that, I still found her to be just so annoying, and I did not care for the fact that Bryn kept going along with whatever Nana wanted because she didn't want to create waves. Though when she finally stood up for what she wanted and against Nana it made it all more satisfying.
All billionaire Rory Byrne wanted was to convince Mayberry Matchmakers to let him use them to make a dating app. He was not expecting for Nana Mayberry to railroad him into letting her matchmake him, and film it for a possible TV show, but he really wasn't expecting Bryn Mayberry... She's smart, beautiful, snarky, and most importantly she could care less about his money. Unfortunately Bryn isn't willing to standup to Nana for them to have a date. Can Rory convince Bryn that he's worth angering her grandmother for their future together and that they're worth it?
Bryn is over love, which is an odd thing for a matchmaker to say. But because of how her mother treated relationships, how her grandmother treats the matchmaking business, and how her last relationship ended she knows that she doesn't want one. But then Rory shows up at Mayberry Matchmakers asking if he can buy the dating app that she and her twin sister, Holly, thought of years ago and she can't help but want to spend more time with the annoying billionaire. But then Nana makes him agree to four blind dates and she knows he's instantly forbidden to her, and her Nana won't care how she feels about Rory, only what her matching him will do for her. Can Bryn move on from her past and learn to stand up for what she wants so she and Rory can be a perfect match?
Profile Image for P.J..
442 reviews4 followers
April 25, 2022
This was a fantastic start to Angela Denise's new series! Bryn is the oldest of her siblings (not by much since she's a twin) and has always tried to be the responsible one since her mother wasn't. They were basically raised by her grandmother who is just an awful person, but Bryn has stayed working with her for the family company, a matchmaking service, while her other siblings have moved on to other careers. Bryn and her twin, Holly, have an idea for making a dating app that they'd planned to do together until they had a falling out. While in New York, Holly meets Rory (Tina's ex we met in Fraudulently Ever After). He's a billionaire who is getting as far away from his personal problems as he can and moving to Highland Hills, which happens to be where Mayberry Matchmakers is so supporting the app is showing the community he's not coming in to run the town. Since Nana Mayberry is opportunistic, she agrees to the contract only if Rory lets him matchmake her because she plans to continue her old-fashioned way of matchmaking and she believes finding Rory a wife will get her started with high roller clients.

The relationship between Bryn and Rory is S-T-E-A-M-Y!!! When they start taking their clothes off, things get HOT! As with Angela Denise's other books, the connections between main characters aren't purely physical. Bryn and Rory decide to just be friends while he fulfills his obligation to Nana Mayberry's four dates. And his dates are ridiculous. Some of the ridiculousness is Nana Mayberry's doing, but some is just luck for her love of drama. At the very least, it's entertaining for readers. Getting to know the Highland Hills residents a little more was fun and I'm glad that Tina and Zach are there so hopefully some other friends from Asheville will be making appearances.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Onceupona.spine.
457 reviews14 followers
November 7, 2022
|| B O O K R E V I E W 📝      
      
𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: Matchmaking a Billionaire    
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: Denise Grover Swank & Angela Casella     
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Romance  
      
𝐌𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:      
I've always loved a good billionaire romance and although I've never really been keen on the whole "𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘦" I enjoyed my time with this book. 

Rory & Bryns romance was inevitable from their first meeting and I swooned hard for these two.  
Bryn starts off as every good Heroine should, with sarcasm and sass and I loved her but I fell even more for this incredible character when she let her vulnerability show. 
Rory? Well, there was nothing to dislike about him. He was sweet, kind, tough when needed and oh boy did he know how to take charge of Bryn in the Steamy scenes. 

The supporting characters helped bring a smile to my face and really added to the story. 

There was only one character I wasn't sure how I was meant to feel about and that was "𝘕𝘢𝘯𝘢 𝘔𝘢𝘺𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘺" I'm still not sure if the authors intended me to like her or want to strangle her. Her personality was a little all over the place for me and even now after finishing, I 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 don't know. 

But all in all it was a thougherly enjoyable romance with a wonderful hea and character, plot and Steamy scenes that had me turning the page quickly to find out what happens next. 
Definitely recommend it. 
   
𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞:   
"𝘊𝘢𝘵𝘴 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰, 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘪𝘨𝘨𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶" 
    
𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐎𝐟:     
• Contemporary Romances   
• Steamy Reads    
• Billionaire Romances   
• Matchmaker Romances  
• Counter Sexy Times 
      
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠:       
𝘌𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘖𝘧 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘥: ⭐️⭐️⭐️     
𝘘𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘖𝘧 𝘞𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️   
𝘗𝘭𝘰𝘵: ⭐️⭐️⭐️     
𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴: ⭐️⭐️⭐️    
   
************      
𝘖𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘭: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (𝟑.𝟓)     
     
Profile Image for Janine - The World Was Hers for the Reading.
1,495 reviews26 followers
April 29, 2022
When tech billionaire Rory Byrne moves to town and approaches the Mayberry Matchmakers to work with him on a dating app, sisters Bryn and Holly are in. Unfortunately, their opportunistic and manipulative grandmother sees this as a way to pull herself back into the spotlight insisting that Rory allow himself to be matched by her for a tv show. Finding himself intrigued by Bryn and wanting to spend more time with her, Rory reluctantly agrees . . .

Bryn Mayberry may not seem interested in Rory, but the more she spends time with him the quicker her feelings change. Unfortunately for the both of them, there is that pesky matter of Rory getting set up by Nana Mayberry.

Authors A.R. Casella and Denise Grover Swank are bringing all the humor, all the drama and all the naughty and nice that happen when a billionaire and a matchmaker fall in love! These characters were really fabulous. Rory is so easy to love. He really is a great guy and it’s easy to forget his billionaire status while he’s trying to deal with an overbearing Nana and the completely crazy set of dates she puts him through! And, while Bryn may appear a bit salty at first, readers will quickly see the real person underneath and find themselves rooting for this would be couple to find a way to get around Nana so they can make a match of their own!

This book was really a lot of fun to read. It was very sweet at times with some extra spicy moments between Rory and Bryn. Had a cast of fantastic characters I can’t wait to see more of in future books. And, included all of the small town gossip and antics you can possibly want! 5 stars!
Profile Image for Patricia Black.
74 reviews1 follower
April 26, 2022
"I've stopped believing in fairy tales and forever afters, and Prince F*cking Charming just rode into town in his Range Rover." Rory Byrne is the last person Bryn Mayberry wants to deal with. He's snooty, cocky, good looking, and a billionaire. Well only half of those are true, but Bryn wants to believe all of them. Bryn is a self proclaimed "cold" woman and a little bit "woe is me." But when these 2 are put together the sparks can't help but fly. They each bring out the best in each other and help the other one get over there own issues.

"I want Rory to lift me onto the desk of the office I've never seen and order me to spread my legs in that low, commanding voice of his." Rory is the alpha that I never knew I needed. He describes himself as a nerd who learned how to talk to girls because of his friend Vince. With that description you wouldn't expect him to be so commanding in the bedroom, but boy am I glad I was wrong. There's enough heat between Rory and Bryn to start a spontaneous fire (maybe in the back room of a restaurant?).

I fell in love with Rory and his charm. It took me awhile to come around to Bryn because of her "woe is me" attitude. But there's no doubt that I loved them together. Be forewarned that Nana Mayberry will make you want to murder her, but I guess that just shows how well written she is if we can have such strong feelings about her. (Well not just her, truly all of the characters.)

I very much hope the next installment will be for Holly and her "arch nemesis." I love Angela and Denise and can't wait to see what happens from here.
Profile Image for Marissa.
37 reviews
May 5, 2022
I think I have read almost every book these two authors have written together and I love the places and people they create together.
This is the story of Bryn and Rory. They are kind of thrown together in the beginning to get Rory through part of a deal to create a dating app together. Bryn has to interview and accompany Rory on some matchmaking dates.
In the meantime, they are really into each other but don't want to go there.
I got a little confused in the beginning because Rory's last name was Byrne and the heroine's name is Bryn... so when Rory referred to himself or his company as "Byrne" it took me a moment to recognize that one. I just shouldn't have read this book so late, haha!
Anyways, the two main characters had chemistry and I LOVED Rory! Oh my goodness he was so sweet. Best moment was when he straight up told Bryn he didn't like to be manipulated. Honest and straightforward in a book? Yes please sign me up for this story!
I liked Bryn, but she seemed so jaded at times. I hated how much importance she put to her ex. I am the type of person to forget about someone who treats me badly so it makes it hard to relate to characters that dragged this baggage around with her and used it as her armor. It doesn't make sense to me.
Other than that I loved how smart and nice she was.
I really didn't like Nana Mayberry she was so pushy and reminded me of an annoying reality star wannabe.
I do recommend this story, it is a sweet one in the end.
I saw another review compare it to the move The Wedding Planner, and I can see that!!! So read this and enjoy!
Profile Image for Jen.
1,541 reviews5 followers
November 22, 2022
This definitely wasn't my favorite Angela Denise book. Honestly, the romance just wasn't there. Bryn and Rory obviously like each other, but there's that whole 'he has to date 4 other people before we can be together because of a contract' issue and that takes 95% of the book's space before they are actually together and can go in dates. I felt like the focus of this book was more on Nana Mayberry and her level of bitterness and craziness than where it should have been - on the relationship between Bryn and Rory.

I loved Rory for the most part. He was such a sweet man, not at all the typical alpha billionaire I'm use to in romance books. He just wanted to find 'the one' and start a family. He was kind, generous, and so very patient. I think he could have had a bigger backbone when it came to his original negotiations with Nana and then later on when she took things too far. That's his only flaw in my opinion.

I liked Bryn, even though she initially came off a bit judgy when she met Rory. But once she actually began chatting with him, she saw that he wasn't the guy she assumed he was. She had her heart broken by her ex, and she had every reason to doubt Rory and keep her distance when he was 'dating' the other women he was contractually obligated to. But she kept an open mind and trusted him, which I admired.

I'll read the next book to see what happens with Holly/Cole, as long as there's no Nana in site. She was a bit too much and she honestly ruined the book for me.
Profile Image for Daisy Knox.
Author 4 books38 followers
April 25, 2022

All reviews posted at Tales of Love, Life, and Murder

This one was so much fun to read. Bryn is a it of a prickly pear, but once we get to know Nana Mayberry, it’s easy to see why. Bryn’s been dodging Highland Hills’ newest celeb transplant, billionaire Rory Byrne, for quite some time when he finally manages to corner her. It turns out her twin, Holly, had pitched the idea for their app dream and Rory wants to partner with Mayberry Matchmakers to make it a reality. However Nana Mayberry is going to make things difficult for everyone.

Bryn is a very sympathetic character and I was rooting for her from the start because Nana is an absolute nightmare. I was waiting for a house to land on that woman and while it didn’t happen, I was please with how the story ended for her. Rory is sweet and funny and totally down-to-earth. He’s one of my favorite characters from this whole universe and that’s saying a lot because I love the Bad Luck Club series. Their story is funny and sweet with some down-low heat and lots of feels. I love the way it ended for them and can’t wait for Holly and Cole’s story, which I suspect is next.
Profile Image for Laura.
2,495 reviews83 followers
June 5, 2022
My first dive into a billionaire romance book, and it did not disappoint!
It has a duo POV of both of the main characters, Rory and Bryn and I really loved getting to know them a bit better.
Rory is so hot!! He has so many great characteristics for a guy. He’s not full of himself as you may expect.
Bryn is such a likable character as well. She is a well rounded character with struggles. I really liked how each character had their own issues.
Honestly, I felt like I was watching a juicy reality tv show watching Rory go on these matchmaking games. It was so much fun and hilarious to envision. I was invested in the outcome of Bryn and Rory and I loved how the book ended.
Ohh!! You gotta meet Jane. She’s a handful and Jane is just a 8 year old kid! I can’t wait to see what the authors come up next in the Highland Hills series.
I would recommend this book to lovers of billionaire romance and romcoms. Such a great summer read too!

Audiobook:
I was beyond excited to see that the audiobook has two narrators!! Jessica Rau and and Adam Verner did a wonderful performance portraying Bryn and Rory. The variety of tones and inflections used for secondary characters were great too. I pictured Cole as a big ole teddy bear so his deep voice was spot on for me. The narrators elevated the story and I found myself giggling at a lot of hilarious scenes and swooning at the right moments.
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