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The Billion-Dollar Bride Hunt
What if the woman he wants…
Is the one finding his bride?
When Matteo Vitale strides into matchmaker Emmaline Woodcroft’s office, he has an unusual request. He must marry and father an heir if he’s to inherit his family estate. After his first marriage ended tragically, what he needs is a wife who isn’t looking for love!
To understand her enigmatic client, Emmie accepts an invitation to his Italian villa. As she gets closer to the real Matteo, for once she gives in to desire. The trouble is, Emmie knows she can’t be the bride Matteo’s looking for…
Is the one finding his bride?
When Matteo Vitale strides into matchmaker Emmaline Woodcroft’s office, he has an unusual request. He must marry and father an heir if he’s to inherit his family estate. After his first marriage ended tragically, what he needs is a wife who isn’t looking for love!
To understand her enigmatic client, Emmie accepts an invitation to his Italian villa. As she gets closer to the real Matteo, for once she gives in to desire. The trouble is, Emmie knows she can’t be the bride Matteo’s looking for…
177 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 24, 2021
About the author
Melanie Milburne
978 books397 followersI grew up on a small farm on the outskirts of Sydney and as a keen horse rider, often competed in local gymkhanas and even broke in a few horses from time to time. As I was surrounded by animals, I decided at an early age to become a nurse, however I couldn’t stand the sight of blood and so opted for a career in teaching. It’s a bit ironic that I married a surgeon.
I read my first Mills & Boon novel when I was 17 and that encouraged me to continue reading romance novels; the lure of the tall dark handsome hero, who in reality I fell in love with and knew I was going to marry on our second date! After marrying a year later, we moved to Scotland with our six week old baby so my husband could work and study for his MD in surgery. After the birth of our second son we came back to Australia to settle in Tasmania.
I went back to University and up-graded my teaching diploma to a degree and then went on to do a Masters but still I felt as if something was missing. I sat down one day and began writing and everything clicked into place - I had finally found ‘my brilliant career’! I used to write from instinct rather than a specific plan, but now, so many books later I find a loose plan doesn't go astray. An idea will pop into my head, sometimes it will be just a simple phrase or a what if question and I'm away.
Writing is a skill that can be learned and the best way to learn it is to read and to write. So many people feel they have a novel in them and very probably they are right-the only trick is to get it out. My advice to ‘would be’ writers is to write, write, and write even more. Carry a notebook at all times and jot down ideas. And like any other activity the more you do, the more it feels comfortable.
I hope you enjoy my stories and look forward to hearing from you.
I read my first Mills & Boon novel when I was 17 and that encouraged me to continue reading romance novels; the lure of the tall dark handsome hero, who in reality I fell in love with and knew I was going to marry on our second date! After marrying a year later, we moved to Scotland with our six week old baby so my husband could work and study for his MD in surgery. After the birth of our second son we came back to Australia to settle in Tasmania.
I went back to University and up-graded my teaching diploma to a degree and then went on to do a Masters but still I felt as if something was missing. I sat down one day and began writing and everything clicked into place - I had finally found ‘my brilliant career’! I used to write from instinct rather than a specific plan, but now, so many books later I find a loose plan doesn't go astray. An idea will pop into my head, sometimes it will be just a simple phrase or a what if question and I'm away.
Writing is a skill that can be learned and the best way to learn it is to read and to write. So many people feel they have a novel in them and very probably they are right-the only trick is to get it out. My advice to ‘would be’ writers is to write, write, and write even more. Carry a notebook at all times and jot down ideas. And like any other activity the more you do, the more it feels comfortable.
I hope you enjoy my stories and look forward to hearing from you.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
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June 6, 2021Infertile heroine after battle with cancer. Sad and not for me!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2021
An emotional read, with a happy ending.
June 12, 2021
Sorry, but I want far less tragedy and misery in my romances. We have a heroine who is infertile because of cancer as a teenager; She has a sister who is ‘killing’ herself with anorexia and parents who have divorced because they couldn’t cope with the family tragedies.
Sorry, I know women with this infertility problem. It’s very real and it’s very painful and I I don’t want it in a romance. I knew girls who suffered from anorexia and saw the damage it created leading even to death. I felt their use here as sources of dramatic conflict was overdone.
I also could not understand why she would keep her infertility so secret as if it was something to be ashamed of. Nor why she was so against adoption, IVF etc. yes I know for some people - men and women - it’s impossible for them to accept a child who doesn’t have their DNA but we never got to see why Emmie wasn’t prepared to look into it despite wanting children so much. For those of us who couldn’t have children but welcome a child to love, this felt like a slap in the face
For the heroine to suddenly in the space of one conversation with an adoptee, realise she could parent a child not connected to her by blood/DNA was too much of a fairy story.
I loved Matteo - such a delicious hero who grew and emerged as a real honey. I did love the actual romance between Matteo and Emmie - that entire section as we see them literally falling in love as well as in lust was just so well written.
The epilogue wraps everything up so neatly. The parents of Matteo’s Godchildren conveniently die in a car crash so that Matteo and Emmie can adopt them. No mention is made of whether this allows Matteo to keep the estate in Umbria. I really felt uncomfortable at the cruel convenience of this solution. I’m afraid that I couldn’t enjoy this book as much as the author’s other books..
This writer is good and couldn’t write a ‘’bad’ book, but this was a real downer and I was left disappointed.
Sorry, I know women with this infertility problem. It’s very real and it’s very painful and I I don’t want it in a romance. I knew girls who suffered from anorexia and saw the damage it created leading even to death. I felt their use here as sources of dramatic conflict was overdone.
I also could not understand why she would keep her infertility so secret as if it was something to be ashamed of. Nor why she was so against adoption, IVF etc. yes I know for some people - men and women - it’s impossible for them to accept a child who doesn’t have their DNA but we never got to see why Emmie wasn’t prepared to look into it despite wanting children so much. For those of us who couldn’t have children but welcome a child to love, this felt like a slap in the face
For the heroine to suddenly in the space of one conversation with an adoptee, realise she could parent a child not connected to her by blood/DNA was too much of a fairy story.
I loved Matteo - such a delicious hero who grew and emerged as a real honey. I did love the actual romance between Matteo and Emmie - that entire section as we see them literally falling in love as well as in lust was just so well written.
The epilogue wraps everything up so neatly. The parents of Matteo’s Godchildren conveniently die in a car crash so that Matteo and Emmie can adopt them. No mention is made of whether this allows Matteo to keep the estate in Umbria. I really felt uncomfortable at the cruel convenience of this solution. I’m afraid that I couldn’t enjoy this book as much as the author’s other books..
This writer is good and couldn’t write a ‘’bad’ book, but this was a real downer and I was left disappointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2021
This book in one word... boring. Also, very depressing back stories for both MCs, so trigger warnings apply.
June 30, 2021
This is a story that is filled with emotion and is a very sensual one as well, Matteo Vitale asks matchmaker Emmaline Woodcroft to find him a bride as soon as possible and there are stipulations that need to be adhered to being that he needs an heir quickly to meet the requirements in his father’s will, love is not what he is looking for.
Emmie is stunned by the request Matteo has asked for she is all about matching couples and doing it well and they are love matches, never has she been asked to arrange a marriage of convenience. She is also shocked at the feelings she has for Matteo mixing business with pleasure is not what she is about.
It is not long before Matteo has plans himself and they involve Emmie even though she claims to never want marriage and the longer they spend together the harder it is to ignore the pull between them and maybe a fling will help, maybe not. Both Matteo and Emmie have secrets in their past and before they can find love and happiness they must first open up to each other.
This is a beautifully written story from MS Milburne she really knows how to put emotion and sizzle together, I really loved both Matteo and Emmie they had been through so much and I was cheering them on when they found their answers and their HEA. I do highly recommend this one to anyone who loves a good romance that will leave you smiling.
My thanks to the author for my digital copy to read and review.
Emmie is stunned by the request Matteo has asked for she is all about matching couples and doing it well and they are love matches, never has she been asked to arrange a marriage of convenience. She is also shocked at the feelings she has for Matteo mixing business with pleasure is not what she is about.
It is not long before Matteo has plans himself and they involve Emmie even though she claims to never want marriage and the longer they spend together the harder it is to ignore the pull between them and maybe a fling will help, maybe not. Both Matteo and Emmie have secrets in their past and before they can find love and happiness they must first open up to each other.
This is a beautifully written story from MS Milburne she really knows how to put emotion and sizzle together, I really loved both Matteo and Emmie they had been through so much and I was cheering them on when they found their answers and their HEA. I do highly recommend this one to anyone who loves a good romance that will leave you smiling.
My thanks to the author for my digital copy to read and review.
July 26, 2021
The Billion-Dollar Bride Hunt is super-talented author Melanie Milburne’s 90th title with Mills & Boon and what a beautiful story it is.
Due to his father’s will, Matteo urgently needs to find a wife so he barges into top matchmaker Emmaline’s office demanding urgent service. Emmaline’s quite taken by Matteo despite his audacious and presumptuous attitude. She smoothly runs through the procedures required and isn’t swayed by Matteo’s urgent demands. Accepting an invitation to his Italian villa, Emmie learns about Matteo’s tragic past and despite their attraction; knows that she can’t provide Matteo with what he requires to secure his family home.
Beautifully written, as Melanie Milburne fans are well familiar with her style; interesting characters and stunning backdrops which align with the heart break both Emmie and Matteo have faced in the past and the longings of a future together which seems terribly impossible to Emmie.
This story steals moments in time because of the perfect mix of emotion and the story which curves it’s way into your heart. A beautiful ending concludes this lovely story. Thank you, Melanie Milburne and congratulations, on this career highlight.
Due to his father’s will, Matteo urgently needs to find a wife so he barges into top matchmaker Emmaline’s office demanding urgent service. Emmaline’s quite taken by Matteo despite his audacious and presumptuous attitude. She smoothly runs through the procedures required and isn’t swayed by Matteo’s urgent demands. Accepting an invitation to his Italian villa, Emmie learns about Matteo’s tragic past and despite their attraction; knows that she can’t provide Matteo with what he requires to secure his family home.
Beautifully written, as Melanie Milburne fans are well familiar with her style; interesting characters and stunning backdrops which align with the heart break both Emmie and Matteo have faced in the past and the longings of a future together which seems terribly impossible to Emmie.
This story steals moments in time because of the perfect mix of emotion and the story which curves it’s way into your heart. A beautiful ending concludes this lovely story. Thank you, Melanie Milburne and congratulations, on this career highlight.
August 17, 2021
A billionaire Matteo Vitale and A matchmaker Emmaline Woodcroft the first time they see each other they feel a deep connection that they can't resist to avoid it but they don't admit the feelings to there self... Both of them feed the need of want and desire a great partner in bed and life so fit to be true to satisfied it
Finding true love it hard to find but when the right person come it like a speeding bullet that target your heart for love
Both of them comes they need each other to be complete and learn a lot of thing to each other at the end they found the love they can't denied
the author (Melanie Milburne) show the true meaning of love with no boundaries no if just take a chance and loving someone is all about facing the truth and losing it taking a risk
if a man truly loves you he will a accept you for who you're and not for what you can give for the sake of him what you can give...
LOVE doesn't need to find it come and go when the right person come and become part of your life you will know it
you just feel it without a word because to be with that person is priceless that money can't buy or replace in this world
Finding true love it hard to find but when the right person come it like a speeding bullet that target your heart for love
Both of them comes they need each other to be complete and learn a lot of thing to each other at the end they found the love they can't denied
the author (Melanie Milburne) show the true meaning of love with no boundaries no if just take a chance and loving someone is all about facing the truth and losing it taking a risk
if a man truly loves you he will a accept you for who you're and not for what you can give for the sake of him what you can give...
LOVE doesn't need to find it come and go when the right person come and become part of your life you will know it
you just feel it without a word because to be with that person is priceless that money can't buy or replace in this world
June 9, 2021
Matteo Vitale walks into Emmaline, Emmie, Woodcroft's office but instead of looking for someone to date and get to know he is looking for a bride that can give him an heir so that he can hold onto his family home. These two have some serious sparks between them, but Emmie can't be the one to marry him since she can't have children. This story centers around these two, and their pasts. It is another great read from author Melanie Milburne.
March 9, 2022
I barely made it through chapter 2
She has survived cancer, but is left unable to bear children, after all the chemo therapy.
He lost his pregnant wife, and their child.
Now, his father, who recently died of cancer as well, has given him an ultimatum…marry, and have a child, or lose your inheritance.
It may turn out to be a great romance.
For me, it’s too heavy, and too dark to be enjoyable.
Anguish, pain, death, and heartache are not what I look for in a romance. I want something that will allow me to relax, and enjoy an afternoon. I have grieved enough in my life. I don’t want more grief in a romance.
For me, this is a no, and is not a book I would recommend to anybody-ever. You
She has survived cancer, but is left unable to bear children, after all the chemo therapy.
He lost his pregnant wife, and their child.
Now, his father, who recently died of cancer as well, has given him an ultimatum…marry, and have a child, or lose your inheritance.
It may turn out to be a great romance.
For me, it’s too heavy, and too dark to be enjoyable.
Anguish, pain, death, and heartache are not what I look for in a romance. I want something that will allow me to relax, and enjoy an afternoon. I have grieved enough in my life. I don’t want more grief in a romance.
For me, this is a no, and is not a book I would recommend to anybody-ever. You
February 26, 2023
I have deeply mixed feelings about this one. While we learn pretty early on that our heroine, Emmie, is infertile due to cancer, I hadn't been expecting . Additionally, while Emmie does not miraculously become fertile, in the epilogue It also heaped on the drama with lots of miracle endings in a way that always strikes me as sloppy. I know that it's a Harlequin Presents novel but some of them manage to use the tropes and over-the-top drama to get at something real and gripping. This did not.
May 27, 2024
Quando Matteo Vitale entra nell'agenzia matrimoniale di Emmaline Woodcroft ha una richiesta molto particolare. Costretto a sposarsi per poter ereditare il patrimonio di famiglia, Matteo è alla ricerca di una donna che non creda nell'amore.
Emmie, continua a ripetersi che non le serve l'amore e una famiglia. A lei basta far felici i suoi clienti, ma continuando a vedere Matteo per lavoro, non riesce più a opporsi al bruciante desiderio che la consuma, ma è un desiderio che non può permettersi.
Attenzione. Questo libro mi è strapiaciuto! E chi lo avrebbe mai detto? Finalmente, anche se di poche pagine, i personaggi e la storia, hanno spessore ed emozionano. Davvero davvero bello. Peccato, la fine un pò frettolosa, ma per il resto ha fatto centro. Ho amato Emmie, e ho sofferto con lei. Forse perchè la sua storia è simile alla mia, e ho sentito perfettamente il suo dolore.
Matteo è il classico uomo sicuro di se, che si dedica al lavoro, per nascondere il dolore che prova.
Un dolore che lo porta ad essere realista, e senza sentimenti, e quando trova l'amore non capisce come mai il suo cervello va in tilt.
Una piccola perla in mezzo alla massa. Ripeto peccato il finale veloce, ma mi ha lasciato un sorriso stampanto in faccia e il cuore pieno d'amore e di speranza.
Direi che il suo lavoro lo ha fatto. Quattro stelle più che meritate.
Emmie, continua a ripetersi che non le serve l'amore e una famiglia. A lei basta far felici i suoi clienti, ma continuando a vedere Matteo per lavoro, non riesce più a opporsi al bruciante desiderio che la consuma, ma è un desiderio che non può permettersi.
Attenzione. Questo libro mi è strapiaciuto! E chi lo avrebbe mai detto? Finalmente, anche se di poche pagine, i personaggi e la storia, hanno spessore ed emozionano. Davvero davvero bello. Peccato, la fine un pò frettolosa, ma per il resto ha fatto centro. Ho amato Emmie, e ho sofferto con lei. Forse perchè la sua storia è simile alla mia, e ho sentito perfettamente il suo dolore.
Matteo è il classico uomo sicuro di se, che si dedica al lavoro, per nascondere il dolore che prova.
Un dolore che lo porta ad essere realista, e senza sentimenti, e quando trova l'amore non capisce come mai il suo cervello va in tilt.
Una piccola perla in mezzo alla massa. Ripeto peccato il finale veloce, ma mi ha lasciato un sorriso stampanto in faccia e il cuore pieno d'amore e di speranza.
Direi che il suo lavoro lo ha fatto. Quattro stelle più che meritate.
July 10, 2021
Italian Matteo Vitale is on a mission. His father’s will says he must find a bride and produce an heir. He’s not happy about it because of his loss years before. He goes to Emmaline, Woodcroft, Emmie her friends call her, to hire her to find him one. Even though Emmie feels chemistry, she knows not to cross that line. Her business has a good reputation. She agreed to go to his villa and see how he lives, to see what type a person he is. They end up letting the desire take over. He doesn’t understand why she won’t marry him. She can’t have children because she had cancer. She won’t let him know her secret. Will she find the right bride? Will she tell him her secret? Would he let her go if he finds out? I loved it. Both parties are hurt from their past? Can they both let go of the past? Can he let his inheritance go for Emmie? I loved it. Second chances for both of them, maybe.
June 29, 2021
There's a bit of mixing work with pleasure in THE BILLION-DOLLAR BRIDE HUNT by Melanie Milburne and I enjoyed every minute of it! Intriguing back stories, emotional turmoil and a breathtaking happily ever after.
Matteo is an attention grabbing character. He needs a wife to produce an heir and let him fulfill his father's will bequest, but he never imagined falling for the woman who was supposed to help him make it all happen.
Emmaline has overcome a lot in her life and wishing for a future with this enigmatic man might be more than she has ever dreamed of, but she's holding out hope.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys seeing emotional turmoil be overcome on the way towards that happily ever after.
Matteo is an attention grabbing character. He needs a wife to produce an heir and let him fulfill his father's will bequest, but he never imagined falling for the woman who was supposed to help him make it all happen.
Emmaline has overcome a lot in her life and wishing for a future with this enigmatic man might be more than she has ever dreamed of, but she's holding out hope.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys seeing emotional turmoil be overcome on the way towards that happily ever after.
July 17, 2021
THE BILLION-DOLLAR BRIDE HUNT by Melanie Milburne is a June 2021 release by Harlequin Presents.
Matteo Vitale wanted to marry and fast as time was running out. So, he approached Emmaline Woodcroft, a matchmaker. And Emmaline started setting up Matteo with prospective brides. Yet, the chemistry she felt for him made her give in to her desires. Would it last? Could she ultimately give Matteo what he wanted?
THE BILLION-DOLLAR BRIDE HUNT is a well-written romance. Author Melanie Milburne brought these two imperfect characters and made them fall in love for each other. Terrific characters and a fast-paced story theme which keeps us guessing what’s next.
Highly recommended for all readers of romance.
Matteo Vitale wanted to marry and fast as time was running out. So, he approached Emmaline Woodcroft, a matchmaker. And Emmaline started setting up Matteo with prospective brides. Yet, the chemistry she felt for him made her give in to her desires. Would it last? Could she ultimately give Matteo what he wanted?
THE BILLION-DOLLAR BRIDE HUNT is a well-written romance. Author Melanie Milburne brought these two imperfect characters and made them fall in love for each other. Terrific characters and a fast-paced story theme which keeps us guessing what’s next.
Highly recommended for all readers of romance.
June 25, 2021
Matteo Vitale has more money than he could spend however money will not buy him what is important to him. He wants to inherit his late father's estate in Umbria. Sounds so easy but a codicil in the will say he will lose it if he doesn't marry and produce and heir. The last thing Matteo wants is to marry after the death of his wife and son eight years ago. Unemotionally he hires a Professional matchmaker to secure a wife who will then have his heir. Emmie Woodcroft started her business after she accepted, she would never marry or have children but enjoy seeing couples fall in love. She never had a client like Matteo and she never had these feelings that she has for him. Her past is sad and I am not going to give more of this wonderful story away. Ms. Milburne always write such lovely books and this one is so beautiful as you watch two people determined to avoid love, find love. A beautiful HEA. On my keeper shelf.
September 6, 2021
The Billion-Dollar Bride Hunt by Melanie Milburne. Matteo Vitale is looking for a bride that can give him the heir he needs to hold onto the family home. What better way than to go through a dating agency. Emmie Woodcroft runs that agency and starts the process of getting to know her client to come up with the best match possible. Only problem is there is spark between them and this is not possible as she knows she cannot give him the one thing he needs. A great read.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews