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What influenced your decision to join Meridian Matchmakers to find love?

BELLA

While growing up, my parents told me stories about how they met only once before they were married in their small Sicilian village. Practically strangers but now husband and wife, they moved to America. Even with all the ups and downs they faced, an epic love grew. Too often, people mistake attraction and desire for love. I’m looking for something deeper and more lasting.

HOLDEN

Three years ago, I walked away from everything. My tech company. My lavish lifestyle. And my cheating fiancée. But even after everything that happened to me, there was one thing I could never let go of—the desire to share my life with someone. The world thinks they know me, but there is more to me than what can be found on gossip websites. I want to find that person who can look past their preconceived notions and see the real me.

A mountain man in search of a bride. A curvy heroine in search of adventure. One week to find out if their love is a true match.

MOUNTAIN MEN MATCHMAKER is a series of short, sweet, and steamy romances about curvy women finding love and adventure with rugged mountain men. Read HOLDEN if you like solitary billionaire, action-adventure, with a happily ever after. No cheating. No cliffhangers.

43 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 21, 2020

About the author

Lana Dash

110 books223 followers
Lana Dash writes short, sweet, steamy romances that will leave you swiping for more. From blue-collar bad boys to rugged mountain men, you will find a book boyfriend to swoon over in the span of your hour-long lunch break.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
Profile Image for Kat.
742 reviews46 followers
June 14, 2021
Holden bk 1 (Mountain Men Matchmaker)

This book Follows Holden and how he finds love and also you will get to learn more about his past in this book that Holden Sworn off woman when he found out that his Fiancée and best friend were together and it hurt him because his best friend was also his business partner so he left to live in a small town..

Holden is funny, sweet, caring, Works with Computers, He has been hurt in the past by people he thought were his friends, he is looking for love, He has made online role playing computer games for a living when he was younger and then there were the development of two spin-off games that he made as well before he got hurt by his friends

Bella is sweet, kind, caring, she is looking for love, Looks out for her friends, Has a best friend called Nikki

This book is packed full of:
⦁ Awesome characters
⦁ Strong friendships
⦁ Matchmaker Romance
⦁ Fast read
⦁ Steamy
⦁ Action packed
⦁ Short Story
⦁ Small town

I think it was sweet that his sister signed Holden up to a matchmaking service so he can get
matched with someone that would see him as a normal guy and someone who will love him.. its nice to see that his sister cares about her brother and wants him to be happy..

I think Holden's wee dog Chance was so sweet and cute.. I liked how the dog liked Bella from the start when she arrived at Holden's house for the weekend..

It was cute reading about Holden and Bella because they were matched together on the matchmaking service and i liked how their relationship happened as they got to know each other.. I am glad that Holden and Bella got a happy ending..
Profile Image for Contina.
966 reviews4 followers
January 6, 2022
Good Matchmaker Story

I love a matchmaker romance. Yes, it's a bit far fetched but it's an over the top romance. It's suppose to be unbelievable and hot. Bella and Holden were so sweet and Chance , the dog was a great chaperone. I really enjoyed this one.
9,811 reviews40 followers
August 26, 2020
I feel drunk from his kiss, and I want more...

Holden Manning may be a retired tech billionaire but he has not been successful with finding a woman who loves him for himself and not his money or other status. When he was sixteen he developed an online role playing game that became a huge success. Then there were the development of two spin-off games that did just as well. This brought him a lot of money, a lot of fame in the gaming world, and a lot of pressure and long hours of work. So when he found his fiance had cheated with the man who he thought was his best friend and who he had hired to help build the company with him he had decided to bow out and retreat to the mountains. The only problem was that the tiny town did not offer up a love match for him. So instead he has turned to Meridian to be matched with someone.
Bella De Luca may be twenty-five but she is ready to settle down. As her parents were introduced by a matchmaker twenty-eight years ago and are still madly in love with each other she has decided that she will see if lightening can strike twice in the same way. So Bella turned to the Meridian in hopes of being matched with the man who would look at her like she was the most precious jewel for the rest of their lives.
Bella finds herself in the small mountain town of Hastings for the weekend. She is there to meet and spend time getting to know the man that she has been matched with, Holden. When she finds her way to his cottage in the woods she actually finds it is a beautiful and very large two story log cabin situated on a lake with no other property close by. She also finds a sweet and very lovable yellow lab and a handsome and sexy man. The lab, Chance, is doling out kisses while the man, Holden, is looking like he wants to eat her up. There is an immediate attraction and then some between them, plus Chance loves her also. But as we all know even when all signs point to the best outcome things can still go wrong and before the weekend is over they certainly do with a paparazzi picture and a gossip website which cause an accusation that does not go down so well. So Bella leaves the love next early and for the next month nothing seems right for either Holden or Chance. It is a good thing Holden has a loving sister who gets to the bottom of who actually called the paps and it sure wasn't Bella. Will he be able to grovel enough for Bella to accept an apology and maybe have a second chance?

HOLDEN is the first book in the MOUNTAIN MEN MATCHMAKER series and it is a wonderful book to kick the series off with. I loved the story and the characters, even when I wanted to kick Holden for what he said to Bella. But getting to their HEA and then the charming Epilogue was worth it. This is a well written, charming, sweet, deliciously dirty sexy and romantic story with a couple nice characters and a very lovable dog. What is there not to fall in love with here?
Profile Image for A-reader.
1,519 reviews39 followers
October 21, 2020
Bella’s parents who have been married 28 years were matched by a matchmaker. Having tried and failing to find her true love she decides to use the method that worked for her parents. Holden is a game makes and a billionaire, he lived a lavish lifestyle with his fiancé. When he was a teen he made a game that became a hit and he worked crazy long hours. And those he was closest to, his best friend and fiancé, betrayed him. So he left everything and lives a quiet life in the mountains. Knowing he should start living again, his sister suggests the matchmaking site. When he sees Bella for the first time, she’s petting and loving on his best friend Chance, his golden retriever. The two have an instant attraction to one another. That evening they spend hours talking and getting to know one another. Bella can’t believe how wonderfully everything is going. On there way back from dinner they run into the guy she asked directions from in town, he’s a creep who asks her out and Holden tells him she’s not available. The next day while on the lake the creep deliberately almost rams their canoe causing Bella to fall in. Holden saves her and they have their first kiss. Back at the cabin Bella can’t deny their chemistry and they have their sexy time. The next morning her friends sends her a gossip magazine article about her and Holden, he gets mad and accuses her of telling the paparazzi about his location and says some mean things to her. She gets angry and leaves. It takes a whole month before his sister does the digging to find out Bella had nothing to do with the leak. It was the creep from town. Holden goes to the creep and makes him confess then goes to see Bella to apologize and get his girl back. He explains and says ’I love you’ and she forgives him. Epilogue with a new baby.
Holden started off like a good hero but ended in as meh. He needed to go Elmore, Bella forgave him way to quickly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1,475 reviews4 followers
August 26, 2020
Holden is sick of dating. Having caught his Fiancee in the arms of his best friend & business partner, he has sworn off women.

When his sister informs him that she signed him up to a matchmaking service, he is not angry with her as he knows he constantly walks round like a bear with a sore head!

Bella's parents were matched together years ago & have lived a very happy life together. Having been burnt by men, she has decided that if a matchmaker worked for her parents, then it can hopefully work for her too.

Upon arriving at Holden's cabin, she is impressed with what she sees. When he opens the door, her legs nearly give out - He is drop dead Gorgeous!

Holden is gobsmacked. The woman sent by the matchmaker is absolutely stunning. She looks like an angel & has a heart of gold.

What ensues is a whirlwind of beautiful romance & I loved it!

Well done Lana. I look forward to more!
Profile Image for Barbara Van Zandt.
1,361 reviews1 follower
May 28, 2021
Matchmaker

She wanted a marriage like her parents and he was just lonesome and ready to settle down. His fiancée and est friend cheated on him and she was tired of jerks. She goes to his place in the mountains, gets direction,when her phone died. Instant attraction on both sides,go outta supper and they get to know one another. While they were on the lake the creepy guy from the store tried to get her to go out with him. On a jet ski got closer and close to the boat, splashing water and she went over board. He saved her and kissed the stuffing out of her and took her home. All hell broke lose pic of them and where he lived. Hes super rich and invented several games. He accused her of the leak to the paparazzi and she leaves. A month later he finds out it was the jerk from the store, he confront him and leaves to find her for a second chance. He had to really work at getting her to forgive him and another chance.
Profile Image for Beverly McCall.
Author 2 books26 followers
March 15, 2024
Holden is the first installment in Lana Dash’s Mountain Men Matchmaker series. In it she sets the standard for the rest of the installments in this series. In this first book, readers meet Bella DeLuca and Holden Manning. Both lead characters have scars from previous emotional experiences. They’ve reached out to Meridan Matchmakers for help in finding a forever love. Will they be successful? Is happiness in their future? What obstacles fall in in their path? To find out what unfolds, you must read this book.

This is short story has a good girl meets boy story line that is imbedded with ups and downs. The dialog, both conversational and internal monologues, moves the story along as it also helps readers to discover Bella and Holden's true character. This is a quick read and a great way to escape for a brief time.
Profile Image for Karen Roma.
2,761 reviews33 followers
August 21, 2020
Holden is the first story in Lana Dash’s brand-new Mountain men Matchmaker series and I just loved it! There was so much to enjoy in this story about two attractive and successful individuals, tired of the complications of trying to find a meaningful relationship in the world of opportunistic and self-serving people. Both characters are well-developed and easy to like, and the storyline flows at a comfortable pace with just a touch of drama and angst to spice up the final outcome. While all Ms Dash’s insta-love stories are quick, short reads; nothing is lost in translation and I can’t wait for the next in what is sure to be a entertaining series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Trish.
1,601 reviews7 followers
August 23, 2020
This is the first book in the Mountain Men Matchmakers series. It’s a short, hot and steamy instalove story. It’s an easy read and took me less than an hour to finish. If you love instalove stories and you’re looking for a book to pass a little time, grab this book.

Belle and Holden have both been unlucky in their search for someone to love so they try a matchmaker. Belle’s parents met through a matchmaker and have been very happily married for a long time. She’s hoping this will work for her too. Holden’s a billionaire who has been used too many times for his money, so he doesn’t trust easily. Can these two find happiness together?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,128 reviews7 followers
August 23, 2020
Bella's parents met through a matchmaker, so she thought that would be the perfect way to meet the man of her dreams. She went to visit he match for the weekend to see if they are compatible, but on the way she stops to gets directions at a small store. There she meets a guy that is a real creep and trouble maker. When she finally meets her match, she was pleased and everything went well most of the weekend. Would they be able to make work?

This was a good story, but I found it lacked that intense spark that Lana's books usually have. It was fast moving, but fairly predictable. Still an enjoyable read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for casvec.
7,337 reviews71 followers
August 24, 2020
Trust is an easy thing to loose and a hard thing to earn, so when Holden is wanting something more in a relationship he caves into his sister's request to join a matchmaker service. Bella is looking for they type of love she sees in her parents, tire of the normal way of dating she steps outside the box.

When she drives up to Holden's cabin she is not sure what she expected, but it sure was not what she found. Holden first impression of Bella, blew him away especially how she took to Chance, but can he trust her to be just with him and not because he is a big deal. Mistakes are made, the trust comes out, but can Bella be with Holden.

This is a really sweet story that will make you smile.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6,380 reviews25 followers
August 24, 2020
This is the first book in a five book series all set in the world of a matchmaker. This book is a short read that takes less than an hour to read but is a great fun read for when you are short on time.

Holden walked away from his wealthy world after his fiancee cheated on him and retreated to the mountains to try to find peace but he one thing he still wants is a woman and family of his own so he decides to ask a matchmaker for help. Bella had always heard stories of how her parents where matched by a matchmaker home in Sicily. Now they are about to meet for the first time and there is a connection and things go well, but can they have a future when things go off track or will they both retreat as is their normal. You will have to see if they get a HEA together
Profile Image for Shannon.
3,855 reviews30 followers
August 22, 2020
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.

This is the first book in the Mountain Men Matchmaker series, can be read as a standalone story. No cliffhangers, no cheating.

Bella and Holden have been matched and now is their first meeting and it's as if they have known each other forever. Holden has been betrayed in the past and is cautious of giving his heart to someone again. Bella very quickly works her way into his life and his heart until the worse happens.... can Holden convince Bella for a second chance at their HEA?. Wonderful story, entertaining and well-written. Both Holden and Bella are wonderful likable characters.
908 reviews6 followers
August 23, 2020
I loved the premise of this series! The idea of using a matchmaker to find love, to cut out some of the games played while dating is such a fun concept! In particular, I really enjoyed Bella's reasoning for using a matchmaker. And Holden's are a little heartbreaking. Seeing these two fall in love was fun and heartwarming. There''s a little drama caused by some outsiders, some misunderstandings, but watching these two work for their HEA is all part of the fun! A quick read, but well worth your energy! Happy Reading!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6,139 reviews55 followers
August 24, 2020
A short sweet steamy romance. You have a curvy woman and a rugged mountain man they are both looking for love. They both have a small adventure and then then rug is pulled out from underneath them. Holden is a living on his own terms after leaving his Tech Company. He is living incognito. Bella has been matched to Holden and is going to meet him for a weekend but loses her GPS. When she stops for directions a snot nosed kid pulls sum stunts. You have to read to see what really happens and why Holden ended up in the dog house. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,281 reviews12 followers
August 23, 2020
I volunteered to read this ARC for an honest review. I enjoyed this quick story about Holden and Bella. Bella had been matched with Holden by the Mountain Man Matchmaker and she's spending the weekend at his cabin. When her phone dies she stops in town to get directions. Holden was burned by his ex fiancee and had trust issues.. But they have an instant connection. But his secret may blow then apart.. Great HEA in the end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Julie.
828 reviews5 followers
August 24, 2020
Great story or finding the one for your soul. Bella has always dreamed of having the love that her parents have even through the good and bad. Holden has been through hell with his last relationship and left all behind. He wants someone to see him for what he is on the inside and wants to find someone he can share a life with. They both join a matchmaking company and have a short time to know whether they are each other’s soul mate.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Charmaine Nouwen.
4,405 reviews20 followers
August 25, 2020
HOLDEN Mountain Men Matchmaker by Lana Dash is a short,sweet and steamy mountain man romance story of Holden and Bella.holden is a Billionaire Tech Guy who left behind his lavish lifestyle and his cheating fiancee.Bella is a curvy and sweet woman..A mountain man in search of a bride. A curvy heroine in search of adventure. One week to find out if their love is a true match.; an exciting and intriguing read that you will love and enjoy!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,981 reviews16 followers
August 27, 2020
Bella' s parents had loved each other until they passed and Bella wants the same for herself. They had used a matchmaker and Bella believes in the ability of a good matchmaker. So when she is told her match is a man living deep in the mountain she is intrigued. She agrees to a weekend of getting to know him at his house. That her asking for the way to his house is leading to trouble, she could not have imagined.
A nice short romantic story, run of the mill, but entertaining and well-written.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6,577 reviews36 followers
August 21, 2020
An entertaining fast pace book one in the Mountain Men Matchmaker series! It is well-developed, well written, emotionally deep, engaging, funny, witty, passionate, and steamy with a little drama, misunderstanding, and trust issues. The characters you will love; their chemistry is instant and off the charts! Definitely recommended!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Alison.
41 reviews2 followers
August 23, 2020
HOLDEN by Lana Dash was a wonderful twist on mountain man insta love. These characters were developed to make them more than just a quick insta love book. I really felt for both characters. A little angst- but not too much because I am so not into these books for angst! I want to visit that mountain for sure!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6,606 reviews29 followers
August 23, 2020
This is the first book in this Mountain Men Matchmaker series and you will not be disappointed. What an amazing start. The story is entertaining, easy to read, quick, steamy. It will have you flipping pages and not putting it down. The story is perfect for a little quite time. The chemistry between Holden and Bella is steamy. It was a fun and enjoyable read. Looking forward to the next book in this series.

I am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,930 reviews
August 24, 2020
Find me a find, catch me a catch. Holden is looking for a match. He felt he needed to withhold information because he wanted to be sure of Ne;;a’s intentions. They were honest. It’s a shame that he didn’t think so. Everything was so right .... until it wasn’t. He has to make it right or the will be a cliffhanger. Good short read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for S.
536 reviews
August 24, 2020
With current day environment who still believes in matchmaking? Well despite the change in times apparently Bella and Holden. Thanks to her belief in possibly recreating a relationship she witness by a matchmaker and his desire for love despite his history. We are witness to a sweet love story built on some faith, hope and the belief in love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,438 reviews4 followers
August 26, 2020
A great first book in the Mountain Men Matchmaker series! I loved everything about this book from the storyline to the wonderful characters, especially the adorable dog, all the way to the beautiful ending! It is a short, quick, pick-up-your-feelings, sexy little book that will leave the reader with a feel-good emotion!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,550 reviews49 followers
August 22, 2020
A very entertaining story. Holden and Bella are so sweet together and their chemistry is pretty steamy hot. I love Chance as well!. The story line was cute and fun. This was a very enjoyable quick read!

I received a free advanced review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a fair and honest review.
Profile Image for Victoria.
3,826 reviews
August 22, 2020
I enjoyed this short story about two people going for what they wanted. The chemistry and connection between them was written well and lovely to read. Chance is a great character who made the story that much sweeter.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Mari (Mystics & Metaphysics Book Blog).
7,749 reviews168 followers
August 23, 2020
This is a different mountain man series where the men are matched through a matchmaker. It’s actually a cute idea and at first I wasn’t sure about Bella showing up somewhere by herself. But even though the story is short, it gives us enough information for it to seem plausible. It’s sexy and sweet.
Profile Image for Lisa.
1,849 reviews18 followers
August 24, 2020
Holden and Bella meet through a service. They have a insta story with some drama mixed in. The story line is fun and sweet. Holden has to overcome his past. Bella has to overcome the drama. Thisnis an enjoyable short read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews

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