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Match Made #1
Heart's Secret
Melanie Harte's latest matchmaking assignment comes with a catch. Her client, Jaxon Landon, can never know that his grandmother hired Melanie to find him a woman of substance—someone more interested in making the handsome banker happy than in spending his money. With Melanie's help, Jaxon meets Zora Campbell, a former model whose thriving agency proves she's just as brilliant as she is beautiful. For the first time Jaxon is falling for a woman who is his equal—and their combustible chemistry proves the feeling is mutual. But the hotter their relationship gets, the more Zora worries about what will happen when Jaxon discovers the ploy behind the passion. A simple lie brought them together—but will it also tear them apart?
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
5 people are currently reading
183 people want to read
About the author
Adrianne Byrd
60 books280 followersNational Best-selling author Adrianne Byrd has always preferred to live within the realms of her imagination where all the men are gorgeous and the women are worth whatever trouble they manage to get into. As an army brat, she traveled throughout Europe and learned to appreciate and value different cultures. Now she calls Georgia home.
Looking back, Adrianne believes her passion for writing began at the ripe old age of thirteen. It was also the age when she was introduced to romance novels by a most unlikely source: her fifteen-year old brother. The book was probably given to keep her out her brother’s hair, but it was a gift that changed her life.
In books, Adrianne found a way out of her awkward teenage years and into a world of fictional friends that would stay with her for a lifetime. It wasn’t long before her imagination took flight and she was writing her own love stories. Within a year, she completed her first book, which she vowed would never see the light of day.
Writing remained a hobby until 1994 when a co-worker approached her with an article on Romance Writers of America. Who knew there was an organization of women just like her? By 1996 she sold her first novel, Defenseless, to Kensington Publishing.
Her first release received rave reviews by Romantic Times and fans. Her other novels were consistently selected as the Magazine’s Top Pick. In 2001 Slam Jam nominated, Say You Love Me, for best romance. Her 2003 release Comfort of a Man won Romantic Times Best Multicultural Romance, Romance in Color’s Readers Choice Awards for Favorite Book, Favorite Hero, and Favorite Heroine; Shades of Romance’s Best/Arabesque Romance Book; Slam Jams Emma Award for Favorite Traditional Romance; Romance in Color’s Reviewer’s Choice Award for Author of the Year, Book of the Year and Best BET/Arabesque Book. And lastly Comfort of a Man was a 2003 Georgia Romance Writers Maggie finalist for best Contemporary. In 2004 she released her first romantic suspense novel, If You Dare, with HarperCollins. In 2006 her novel Measure of a Man was nominated for Best Multicultural Romance while her Harper Torch novel Deadly Double was nominated for an Emma. In 2007 she won an eharlequin.com Joey Award.
In 2006 Adrianne along with fellow writer Niobia Bryant penned her first Urban Novel, DESPERATE HOODWIVES, writing as De'nesha Diamond. The book is set for release February 2008 from Simon and Schuster. For more information, visit http://www.deneshadiamond.com.
Ms. Byrd has been featured in many national publications, including Today’s Black Woman, Upscale, and Heart and Soul. She has also won local awards for screenwriting. For the future, she looks forward to continue creating characters that make people smile, laugh, and fall in love.
Looking back, Adrianne believes her passion for writing began at the ripe old age of thirteen. It was also the age when she was introduced to romance novels by a most unlikely source: her fifteen-year old brother. The book was probably given to keep her out her brother’s hair, but it was a gift that changed her life.
In books, Adrianne found a way out of her awkward teenage years and into a world of fictional friends that would stay with her for a lifetime. It wasn’t long before her imagination took flight and she was writing her own love stories. Within a year, she completed her first book, which she vowed would never see the light of day.
Writing remained a hobby until 1994 when a co-worker approached her with an article on Romance Writers of America. Who knew there was an organization of women just like her? By 1996 she sold her first novel, Defenseless, to Kensington Publishing.
Her first release received rave reviews by Romantic Times and fans. Her other novels were consistently selected as the Magazine’s Top Pick. In 2001 Slam Jam nominated, Say You Love Me, for best romance. Her 2003 release Comfort of a Man won Romantic Times Best Multicultural Romance, Romance in Color’s Readers Choice Awards for Favorite Book, Favorite Hero, and Favorite Heroine; Shades of Romance’s Best/Arabesque Romance Book; Slam Jams Emma Award for Favorite Traditional Romance; Romance in Color’s Reviewer’s Choice Award for Author of the Year, Book of the Year and Best BET/Arabesque Book. And lastly Comfort of a Man was a 2003 Georgia Romance Writers Maggie finalist for best Contemporary. In 2004 she released her first romantic suspense novel, If You Dare, with HarperCollins. In 2006 her novel Measure of a Man was nominated for Best Multicultural Romance while her Harper Torch novel Deadly Double was nominated for an Emma. In 2007 she won an eharlequin.com Joey Award.
In 2006 Adrianne along with fellow writer Niobia Bryant penned her first Urban Novel, DESPERATE HOODWIVES, writing as De'nesha Diamond. The book is set for release February 2008 from Simon and Schuster. For more information, visit http://www.deneshadiamond.com.
Ms. Byrd has been featured in many national publications, including Today’s Black Woman, Upscale, and Heart and Soul. She has also won local awards for screenwriting. For the future, she looks forward to continue creating characters that make people smile, laugh, and fall in love.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 23, 2021
I loved this book. Zora was so funny to me; especially when she came into contact with Jaxon. The mental conversations she would have with herself were to funny. Although a ladies man; Jaxon proved to be a "Good Man". He had money, looks, sex appeal, a smooth voice and he knew how to handle "business". Jaxon was a good man for Zora and they complimented each other well. Jaxon was "All Man", and he showed Zora that he was the man for her; without a doubt Zora knew that Jaxon could provide if she needed him to and above all; Zora knew that Jaxon could protect her.
The best part in the book to me was when Jaxon came to Zora's rescue and had to open a can of whoop a#@ on Richard (Jealous loser).
This is truly a great love story and funny as well.
The best part in the book to me was when Jaxon came to Zora's rescue and had to open a can of whoop a#@ on Richard (Jealous loser).
This is truly a great love story and funny as well.
October 25, 2010
The Prince of Wall Street meets Glamour & Beauty.....This is the first installment of the Match Made Series and I must say it started off with a BANG!!! Jaxon Landon met his match and soul mate in Zora Campbell and from there it was a BEAUTIFUL, FUNNY and STEAMY journey.... Zora and Jaxson's story was soooo good from start to finished. Ms. Byrd had me laughing and smiling through out the whole book....... I especially loved the first date and the scene in the bushes, Hilarious!!!! This one is a keeper to read over again and again I can't wait for the next one!
June 5, 2010
Fans of Adrianne Byrd should prepare for another witty, fun tale of two lovers looking for anything but love. Adrianne Byrd is a master story teller who fully uses her imaginative to deliver each and every time.
Heart’s Secret is the first in the Match Made series about an exclusive match making service that caters to elite clients. Platinum Society is ran by Melanie Harte, a sharp third generation match maker. With a 95% success rate, she is more determined to keep up her good reputation but everything might be on the line when she gets one of her toughest clients yet.
Jaxon Landon is a rich handsome banker that wants his grandparents to stay out of his personal affairs but little does he know, his grandmother has hired Melanie to find him the perfect woman and she believes that is Zora Campbell. Zora is a former supermodel turned businesswoman, looking to stay on top of her business. When Melanie asks her to attend a party and step out and meet Jaxon, she reluctantly agrees. Upon their initial meeting, the sparks fly and before long they are involved in a little cat and mouse game.
I was conflicted when writing this review. One of my favorite authors style has change. Normally writing fast pace, energetic, humorous stories, I was rather surprised when I dove into Heart’s Desire. Sure, the same humor and easy flow was still there but there was more profanity than normal. The language seemed more realistic than the traditional Kimani Press works. Still, I embraced it whole heartedly.
The one thing that I love about this book was the humor. I’m a sucker for a good laugh and boy does Ms. Byrd deliver. Zora ends up in some sticky situations and it’s so fun watching her crawl (literally) out of them. I like that she was not the typical heroine, falling mercifully at the foot of the hero. Instead, she fought him left and right, despite her strong attraction to him. Jaxon was not having that though. He was blunt and persistent in chasing Melanie down. He pulled out some of the best romantic moves and I found myself falling for him too. Throw in some side characters that seem to try to keep the couple apart and you come up with a pretty interesting story.
My only problem was that I did not get to see how Jaxon’s problem with his grandfather got resolved. It was all sort of rushed at the end. I wanted further development, since his grandparents played a key role in the story. I also thought he reacted normal when he found out that his grandmother interfered again and I couldn’t understand why Zora never told him the truth once she finally caved in for a date.
The love scenes were scorching. I fanned myself several times while reading each scene. While Ms. Byrd’s love scenes were always hot, she took it to another level with Heart’s Secret. I had to check to see if what I was reading was by the same author that I have grown to admire. If you’re not a fan of vulgarity language during lovemaking then this might not be for you.
Overall, this book was really good. It’s always a pleasure to read another winner by Adrianne Byrd. I am curious to see if this is the new path she will be taking.
Heart’s Secret is the first in the Match Made series about an exclusive match making service that caters to elite clients. Platinum Society is ran by Melanie Harte, a sharp third generation match maker. With a 95% success rate, she is more determined to keep up her good reputation but everything might be on the line when she gets one of her toughest clients yet.
Jaxon Landon is a rich handsome banker that wants his grandparents to stay out of his personal affairs but little does he know, his grandmother has hired Melanie to find him the perfect woman and she believes that is Zora Campbell. Zora is a former supermodel turned businesswoman, looking to stay on top of her business. When Melanie asks her to attend a party and step out and meet Jaxon, she reluctantly agrees. Upon their initial meeting, the sparks fly and before long they are involved in a little cat and mouse game.
I was conflicted when writing this review. One of my favorite authors style has change. Normally writing fast pace, energetic, humorous stories, I was rather surprised when I dove into Heart’s Desire. Sure, the same humor and easy flow was still there but there was more profanity than normal. The language seemed more realistic than the traditional Kimani Press works. Still, I embraced it whole heartedly.
The one thing that I love about this book was the humor. I’m a sucker for a good laugh and boy does Ms. Byrd deliver. Zora ends up in some sticky situations and it’s so fun watching her crawl (literally) out of them. I like that she was not the typical heroine, falling mercifully at the foot of the hero. Instead, she fought him left and right, despite her strong attraction to him. Jaxon was not having that though. He was blunt and persistent in chasing Melanie down. He pulled out some of the best romantic moves and I found myself falling for him too. Throw in some side characters that seem to try to keep the couple apart and you come up with a pretty interesting story.
My only problem was that I did not get to see how Jaxon’s problem with his grandfather got resolved. It was all sort of rushed at the end. I wanted further development, since his grandparents played a key role in the story. I also thought he reacted normal when he found out that his grandmother interfered again and I couldn’t understand why Zora never told him the truth once she finally caved in for a date.
The love scenes were scorching. I fanned myself several times while reading each scene. While Ms. Byrd’s love scenes were always hot, she took it to another level with Heart’s Secret. I had to check to see if what I was reading was by the same author that I have grown to admire. If you’re not a fan of vulgarity language during lovemaking then this might not be for you.
Overall, this book was really good. It’s always a pleasure to read another winner by Adrianne Byrd. I am curious to see if this is the new path she will be taking.
February 24, 2012
Ok let me start by saying I know this review is late but I recently discovered author Adrianne Byrd so I wanted to catch up on some of her work. And this is also a series and I’m a sucker for series.
Now to the review, this book was awesome! There was drama, comedy and of course ROMANCE! As mention in the overview this is apart of the Match Made series, covering Ms. Melanie Harte and her match making company Platinum Society. Melanie is is a third generation matchmaker for high profile clients. The client of this book is Mrs. Sylvia Landon she is the grandmother of our Hero Jaxon Landon (handsome name). Sylvia wants Mealanie to match her grandson, catch… He’s already engaged, bigger shock… to a STRIPPER!! After serious thought Melanie accepts the challenge and enlists her friend Zora(Heroine) to help tame Jaxon.
After a convincing lunch Zora agrees to the blind date at the Landon’s anniversary party. Catch…She doesn’t know about the engagement! This is how the story starts and it closes with just as much drama. As usual I don’t like to get into much detail about the books because I want you to read it for yourself but trust its worth the risk. Don’t believe me…
Rape, Bad Dates, Bathroom Love, … everything you have to look forward to ;-)
Now to the review, this book was awesome! There was drama, comedy and of course ROMANCE! As mention in the overview this is apart of the Match Made series, covering Ms. Melanie Harte and her match making company Platinum Society. Melanie is is a third generation matchmaker for high profile clients. The client of this book is Mrs. Sylvia Landon she is the grandmother of our Hero Jaxon Landon (handsome name). Sylvia wants Mealanie to match her grandson, catch… He’s already engaged, bigger shock… to a STRIPPER!! After serious thought Melanie accepts the challenge and enlists her friend Zora(Heroine) to help tame Jaxon.
After a convincing lunch Zora agrees to the blind date at the Landon’s anniversary party. Catch…She doesn’t know about the engagement! This is how the story starts and it closes with just as much drama. As usual I don’t like to get into much detail about the books because I want you to read it for yourself but trust its worth the risk. Don’t believe me…
Rape, Bad Dates, Bathroom Love, … everything you have to look forward to ;-)
June 21, 2012
I absolutely loved, loved, loved this book. Jaxon and Zora were the perfect match, the dialogue between them was hilarious. Their first official date had me laughing so hard I had to put the book down to wipe my eyes. Kwan definitely should not have been a chauffeur. I glad the drama with Richard Meyers was dealt with early. It was obvious that Jaxon was Richard's Achilles hill, but he truly went too far.
It was also obvious that Carlton Landon (Jaxon's grandfather) was a white man, and Jaxon's father (Carlton Jr) married a woman from Africa, but I could figure out his grandmother's race (not that it mattered). I kept wondering if the were the original inter-racial couple. They were definitely a sweet older couple still in love after 60 years (AMAZING!!!)
There are two other books in this series, but the authors truly have their work cut out for them, because this book is a hard act to follow. As always Adrianne Byrd knock it out of the park with this story. She truly is gifted writer. I really hated for Jaxon and Zora's story to end and when I got to the end I was like "Dang I can't believe I finished it already". Oh well I just have to read it again in a couple months.
It was also obvious that Carlton Landon (Jaxon's grandfather) was a white man, and Jaxon's father (Carlton Jr) married a woman from Africa, but I could figure out his grandmother's race (not that it mattered). I kept wondering if the were the original inter-racial couple. They were definitely a sweet older couple still in love after 60 years (AMAZING!!!)
There are two other books in this series, but the authors truly have their work cut out for them, because this book is a hard act to follow. As always Adrianne Byrd knock it out of the park with this story. She truly is gifted writer. I really hated for Jaxon and Zora's story to end and when I got to the end I was like "Dang I can't believe I finished it already". Oh well I just have to read it again in a couple months.
October 19, 2010
3.5 stars
This novel started off really slow and I was annoyed at first but once the pace picked up it didn't let up and I couldn't put it down. Of course the plot being the way it is made the story entirely predictable but there were a few surprises in there that made it worthwhile rather than a waste of time.
I thought she developed Jaxon's character very well, from education right down to family background. Unfortunately she failed at character development when it came to Zora which is a shame because she seemed to be an easy to love and very charismatic woman. I also got annoyed that there were no physical descriptions of Zora other than that her hair was black. I had no way of picturing her at all and furthermore we don't know how old either one of them are. This might not bother someone else but it bothered me a great deal.
Minor blips aside, I enjoyed Jaxon and Zora's story. It's filled with love, passion and Bryd's trademark of witty conversations infused with plenty of humor. It's possible that a few years from now I may pick it up and read it again.
This novel started off really slow and I was annoyed at first but once the pace picked up it didn't let up and I couldn't put it down. Of course the plot being the way it is made the story entirely predictable but there were a few surprises in there that made it worthwhile rather than a waste of time.
I thought she developed Jaxon's character very well, from education right down to family background. Unfortunately she failed at character development when it came to Zora which is a shame because she seemed to be an easy to love and very charismatic woman. I also got annoyed that there were no physical descriptions of Zora other than that her hair was black. I had no way of picturing her at all and furthermore we don't know how old either one of them are. This might not bother someone else but it bothered me a great deal.
Minor blips aside, I enjoyed Jaxon and Zora's story. It's filled with love, passion and Bryd's trademark of witty conversations infused with plenty of humor. It's possible that a few years from now I may pick it up and read it again.
May 11, 2010
The Match Made series tells the stories of The Platinum Society, an exclusive matchmaking service run by Melanie Hart. In this first book of the series Melanie is charged with the task of finding a match for banker Jaxon Landon. Two things make this assignment different though - first, she is hired by Jaxon's grandmother not Jaxon himself and second, he's already engaged. Melanie sets him up with former model, now agency owner, Zora Campbell, who is more than put off when she discovers that Jaxon has a fiance. Melanie doesn't give up easy and the chemistry between the two is undeniable.
I recently discovered Adrianne Byrd's writing (or maybe re-discovered; I forget a lot of books I've read over the years) and I wasn't disappointed by this one. The cat and mouse game played between Zora and Jaxon was fresh and not frustrating as some romance authors tend to make similar situations. Oh, and it was plenty steamy, too! Ms. Byrd is the best at that!
I recently discovered Adrianne Byrd's writing (or maybe re-discovered; I forget a lot of books I've read over the years) and I wasn't disappointed by this one. The cat and mouse game played between Zora and Jaxon was fresh and not frustrating as some romance authors tend to make similar situations. Oh, and it was plenty steamy, too! Ms. Byrd is the best at that!
July 30, 2010
As usual Ms. Byrd starts this Match Made Miniseries off with a BIG bang...the relationship between Jaxon and Zora is OFF-THE-CHARTS, hot & spicy (have plenty ice water or even better a man handy...lol)...once AGAIN she'll have you LOL at their antics throughout...Ms. Byrd crafts some LIVELY characters...some WITTY dialogue...and an ENTERTAINING storyline that will keep you turning the pages to see if Jaxon and Zora are definitely a Match Made in heaven...a sexy, yet HEARTWARMING romantic treat...I sure HOPE the rest of the series is as ENGAGING.
June 30, 2010
Once again Ms. Byrd has written a story using her trademark humor, characters with realistic dialogue and sizzing love scenes.
I so loved the scene when the heroine on a date in the restaurant with a man who realizes after they have ordered that he probably cannot afford this meal and the heroine realizes all that slipped into her clutch was a $20 bill.
And later in the book there is a scene in the during a benefit concert that will have you fanning yourself and saying I do not believe they just did that.
I so loved the scene when the heroine on a date in the restaurant with a man who realizes after they have ordered that he probably cannot afford this meal and the heroine realizes all that slipped into her clutch was a $20 bill.
And later in the book there is a scene in the during a benefit concert that will have you fanning yourself and saying I do not believe they just did that.
June 21, 2013
"Heart's Secret" most definitely had an interesting plot. Though the story started off a bit slow it picked up and I read the pages rather quickly. Overall the book was a good read, I was happy to see that Landon set aside his pride and let love into his life in the form of Zora Campbell. I look forward to reading "Heart's Reward", it should be interesting to see how Melanie the matchmaker herself, falls in love.
February 6, 2011
Zora and Jaxon loved them together they were really good together the chemistry WOW. Jaxon personality was so sexy and demanding and sexy, sexy and more sexy lol.
Richard what a LOSERRRRRR OMG couldn't stand him. But all in all a very good book to read. This is becoming one of my favorite authors....
Richard what a LOSERRRRRR OMG couldn't stand him. But all in all a very good book to read. This is becoming one of my favorite authors....
March 18, 2012
Ohh wee the chemistry between Zora and Jaxon was fire. The scenes were blazing hot especially the one in the bathroom. I loved Jaxon and the way he expressed himself…straightforward without the drama and he is the ultimate powerful playboy. Zora finally finds someone she cannot control. They are the perfect match for each other. Truly enjoyed reading this witty love story, great job Ms. Bryd.
June 18, 2013
Awesome read! I got a little nervous when Jaxon found out a out his grandmother's plot to get him married! Of course, Melanie Harte's services proved once again to be right on the money when it comes to matching two people together that should be together! Ultimately, honesty is always the best policy! Excellent love story!
February 26, 2015
Heart's Secret
I had a hard time getting into the story but as it progressed it got better. Melanie Harte the match maker did a good job of matching Jaxon and Zora I thought the scene when the limousine was supposed to run out of gas was priceless. They truly loved each other even though Jaxon found out about his grandmother's match making it ended well.
I had a hard time getting into the story but as it progressed it got better. Melanie Harte the match maker did a good job of matching Jaxon and Zora I thought the scene when the limousine was supposed to run out of gas was priceless. They truly loved each other even though Jaxon found out about his grandmother's match making it ended well.
May 9, 2011
The bathroom scene alone makes this book great
July 17, 2011
Mmm mmm good. Good read.
April 29, 2012
The cat and mouse game between Jaxon and Zora was very entertaining and oh so steamy. Richard was such an SOB and I'm glad he got his just desserts. The other characters were really fun too.
December 22, 2011
I really liked the story, but I thought Zora should have made him put in a little work at the end.
February 20, 2015
Yes
I lOvE all her books. This book made me laugh and cry. I love Zora and Jaxon the chemistry was jumping off the page.Please please buy this book you will not be disappointed.
I lOvE all her books. This book made me laugh and cry. I love Zora and Jaxon the chemistry was jumping off the page.Please please buy this book you will not be disappointed.
March 16, 2017
3.5 stars
Second time reading
Second time reading
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews