Matched to the Mercenary

by Hope Ford

She’s going to be mine.
She’s my friend’s little sister.
She should be off-limits.
But I never was one to follow the rules.

I was sent to protect her, but one look at her, and I want more.
She’s smart, beautiful, and curvy, and she consumes my every thought.
But I’m a mercenary.
I have enemies all over the world, and I travel more than I’m home.
I have plans to make.
Plans that include loving Jenna but also keeping my crew safe.
I just need time to put them in place.

But when I find out that MY woman has signed up with Seeking Curves, an exclusive matchmaking company that guarantees a match, I’m no longer playing.

Nothing else matters… Jenna means everything to me.
I just hope she’s ready because she’s about to be matched to a mercenary.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Novella, Military Fiction, Ebooks, Amazon, Contemporary Romance

130 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 7, 2021

About the author

Bestselling short romance author Hope Ford writes short, steamy, sweet romances.  She loves writing about ALPHA MEN that fall in love with CURVY WOMEN.  She has over 70 books and they are all available on Amazon.

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www.authorhopeford.com
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Reviews

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You’d think I’d never dated a woman before and instantly I know. I may have dated before, but I’ve never felt this before. Not for another woman and definitely not to this extent.”

I absolutely loved this book! It was so cute! I absolutely loved Riggs. He was this great combo of possessive alpha male and sensitive guy. It’s not something I often see in these types a books. I have a book crush on him now. I’m also really thrilled this ties in with Hope Fords Whiskey River Run series because I love the stories that take place there and am looking forward to the new series that is coming out soon.

[*CJ* · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Matched to the Mercenary" is the story of Jenna and Dylan.

Curvy heroine is being harassed by a crazy ex. Hero is the mercenary friend to her brother, and takes the task to protect her. Ofcourse, he immediately falls for her, there is some running away drama, but it all ends in a HEA.

Safe
2.5/5

[Ivy Deluca · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've been desperately on the hunt for a good BBW romance, and this is....fine.

It's insta-love quick read with a damsel in distress heroine and a mercenary/hacker hero. There's little time spent on building the romance beyond the usual MINE, but it's a very specific vibe - for those who want a smutty little read that gives you an alpha hero who rushes in and fixes everything. I would have loved more time giving the heroine a personality and building the 'verse around them. But hey, if you love this kind of story, it may work for you in a way it didn't for me.

[Jen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm so over plots where the heroine's keep insisting they can handle creeps by themselves, even as they get stalked and harassed and threatened by them. DOES NO ONE WATCH TRUE CRIME IN THESE UNIVERSES???? JUST LET THE COMMANDOS BEAT THE GROSS GUYS UP JFC

[atomickitten · Rating 1 out of 5]

1 star

DNFed somewhere in the middle.



I didn't like it.
The insta crap, the ott hero, the same old, same old.
Just nope.

And maybe I would've continued if it wasn't for the heroine.

I know people will throw raw eggs at me for saying this but I don't like overweight/obese heroines in my books.
Sorry, but nope.



I am a very weight conscious person and whenever I feel like I've gained something, I automatically exercise more and skip dinners.

I am not a part of this new fat acceptance movement and will never believe girls who say they love being overweight.
Sorry, that's just pure nonsense to me.



I understand we have different body types, skinnier, fuller, curvier etc but for me loving yourself is also trying to be the best version of yourself.
You can still have curves without the risk of a heart attack.
That's what self love is.

Being overweight and stuffing your face with junk or sweets because you gave up and dieting is hard ... well, that's not self love.

And I got this crap from our heroine here.
She stated clearly she knew she was overweight but she kept stuffing her face with chocolate cakes and she kept repeating it was ok.

Sorry, sis, but that ain't ok in my dictionary.



And like I said, I don't want to offend anyone who doesn't agree with me on this one.
This is just my personal opinion.
And the reason for the DNF and the rating.
Plus the cover was horrible.

I think I'm done with all the curvy/ BBW crap for good now.

[Shelley C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matched to her Perfect Man😍

Jenna is a curvaceous lady and after her latest relationship failure, she’s not sure she’s ready to get back in the game of dating😳 That is until Dylan makes his way into her coffee shop and ensures her safety and protection from her ex❣️

A really sweet love story that I enjoyed and read quickly….and has set me up for a new series by the author which I’m excited about🤩A definite must read if you like insta-love stories❤️

[A-reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

My reviews always contain spoilers, I write them so I can remember the story.

Jenna has a stalker, an ex boyfriend who she dated 3 times, but the guy went full psycho when she broke up with him. He starts harassing her at home and her coffee shop. He breaks her car window and leaves a copy of a revealing pic he has of her from her bedroom. Her brother John is an ex-military guy who currently works for a security company that does good work helping people. To help Jenna he send their tech guy Dylan. Dylan is very attracted to Jenna and is happy to help her in any way he can. Embarrassed by the situation and her pictures she is glad Dylan is helping her. He sticks close until they find everything he needs to turn over to the police, but he asks for a few minutes alone with him, for Jenna. When he returns to Jenna’s she cleans up his busted hands and that leads to sexy times. Dylan realizes he needs to talk to her brother and resign from his job so he can be with Jenna in LA. Without talking to her he tells her he has to go and leaves. She thinks he got what he wanted, sex, from her and now is gone. But he has a moment of clarity at the airport and rushes back to her. He talks to John on the way to her house and tells him he loves her and will be staying in LA. John says he didn’t set them up for him to leave Tennessee, he is supposed to bring her back home. Dylan apologizes and explains what he was thinking to Jenna, she mad but after a bit forgives him and tells him she will come back to Tennessee with him. Epilogue with them married and expecting, she has opened up a new coffee shop in Whiskey Run.
Dylan has to leave right before the end of the book to help find Brooklyn, their admin who has been kidnapped. That sets up the next book.

[Nikki'J' · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great start to the Seeking Curves series and introduction to Hope Ford's men in Whiskey Run Heroes. I want to move to Whiskey Run between the cowboys, the good country bad boys and the heroes there is a lot to love in Whiskey Run.

A great instant love story with a bit of drama thrown in. If you like alpha men who know what they want and will protect it at all costs then you'll love this book and probably anything else Hope has written.

Jenna is a curvy girl independent and on her own but has her brothers love and protection even from far away. When he can tell something is up with her he sends one of his team to watch over her while he can't. As soon as Dylan sees her picture he feels something he can't escape from. He will watch over Jenna and when the time is right he'll make his move. He knows what he wants and he will claim her as his. He just has to figure out how to move his life across the country to keep her.

Enjoy your next escape.
Happy Reading :)

[Eleanor · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Seeking Curves Stars

If you’re looking for a a short read to get you through a long week then this book is for you.

Matched to the Mercenary is one of the books in the Seeking Curves Novella series by Hope Ford. Jenna is so sick of her failing relationships and she always seems to fall for the wrong man. Her brother is overprotective and always seems to be going on one mission or another so she decides not to tell him about her latest failure but somehow he knows and sends his friend and colleague to protect her, Dylan walks into her coffee shop and helps save the day.

“You’d think I’d never dated a woman before and instantly I know. I may have dated before, but I’ve never felt this before. Not for another woman and definitely not to this extent.”

This was a sexy short read that had me hooked until the last page. It was short enough to read in one sitting and had all the feels.


http://realtastypages.com

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charmingly romantic

Matched to the Mercenary by Hope Ford is the first book in the multi-author Seeking Curves series. This is a delightfully cute and romantic story about Jenna Taylor and Dylan Riggs. Jenna's brother, John, is part of a mercenary group so when an ex-boyfriend gets scary she calls him for help. He send one of his brothers in the group, Dylan. One look at Jenna and Dylan was ready to claim her. He is an Alpha who is possessive and protective with Jenna, while she is sweet and charming but also has an inner strength.
This book is nicely written, has an charming story-line and wonderful characters. I quite enjoyed it.

I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.

[Oriana Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet, romantic, safe and OTT story😍😍😍Dylan is tasked to keep an eye on his buddy's sister, but knows that she is his One😍😍 Insta love and J/P man that would do everything for his woman👍👍👍 Can't wait for the next Ghost guy to get his HEA😍😍

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/11/2022)! 🎁

[Never Stop Reading or Dreaming · Rating 3 out of 5]

2 1/2 stars. It was pretty good. I think I wanted more tho. And the next isn’t about Brooklyn so that kinda stinks. But im excited to read her story.

[Lissa Smith Reads'~A Bookaholics Bookshelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's crazy how this one book starts a new series but ties directly to Whiskey Run series.

[Netty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy short read, lots of openings for other stories. Like that it’s tied in to Whiskey Run. Just a bit too touchy feels in parts with emotions with declarations of love etc having only been together a day. Otherwise another enjoyable read from Hope Ford.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rebecca Grove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jenna is having a problem with a guy she used to date. She only went out with him 3 times but he was too controlling and critical of her so she broke things off. This really upset Paul so he has been harassing her. Jenna has an older brother in the militarywho is very protective. Even though he is about to go out of the country for a mission, he still wants to take care of her. She tries to tell him she has it handled but he still goes to one of his best friends and asks him to watch over Jenna. When Jenna sees Dylan in the coffee shop she owns, she is tongue-tied because of how hot he is. She is very surprised that he only has eyes for her until she learns that he is watching out for her as a favor for her brother. When Dylan pushed her for more information about Paul, he learns that he broke her car window and left pictures of her half-dressed Jenna is worried.

Dylan is glad to help out his friend and help look after Jenna. Just looking at her picture had him half in love with her and the first time he saw her in person he knew she was his. He just has to get Paul out of her life to keep her safe. It is a good thing he is a computer expert which helps him track down Paul. He also has to break it to his friend that he is in love with his sister.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Beverly McCall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Matched to the Mercenary is the first book in Hope Ford’s Seeking Curves series. In this short, readers meet Jenna Taylor and Dylan Riggs. She is an intelligent, beautiful, and curvy woman. She successfully owns and operates a little coffee shop in downtown LA called Honeybee Coffee. She is healing from a toxic relationship with Paul, her ex. Jenna shares her fears with her brother, John, who is also special ops. John wants her to check out Seeking Curves. Dylan is a computer whiz and a vital part of a mercenary team. He is a product of the foster care system and ten years her senior. Dylan and John are part of the same team. In fact, John asked Dylan to check out Seeking Curves to see if it was legitimate. He also asks him to protect his sister while he is away. Dylan agrees. A sinister Paul blackmails Jenna and terrorizes her. Can Dylan keep her safe? What will happen between Dylan and Jenna? Will they act on their attraction or struggle with misconceptions of forbidden love? You must read this book to find out.

Ms. Ford pens a delightful romantic short story. Her lead characters are likeable and multi-dimensional. I appreciate her use of a dual POV so readers can glean their romantic journey through both perspectives. I like how she masterfully constructs dialog to help with her plot movement. Her descriptive scenes contributed to hold my attention. Ms. Ford cleverly ends with a cliffhanger to tease readers to read the next book in this series. I know I will be reading it. Nicely done, Ms. Ford.

[KMH · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, but to be fair, if it hadn't said it was part of the seeking curves series I wouldn't have known, since it wasn't a main element of this book, I think its mentioned once at the beginning and then brought up at the end.
That's not saying that the book wasn't good because it was, I really enjoyed the main h, she was independent and strong but still managed to come across as vulnerable, innocent and sweet which gave a lot of depth to her personality.
The main H was a really likable character, he was protective and slightly possessive but had a sweet side for those he cared about, and he was happy to be a part of the relationship but not take over it or try to control it.
The added element of drama also gave the book more depth and allowed the storyline to have that damsel in distress scenario where the hero saved the day.
The added confusion/drama at the end and then the final reconciliation gave the ending that perfect feel, like everything was being wrapped up nicely.
Then the author gives you an epilogue, a glimpse into the future, which leaves the book open ended, so that the series can continue with future characters, and you get to see these two main characters enjoyed their happily ever after.
I cannot wait to meet all the H work buddies and maybe even get a story for the h's best friend.

[Raecharmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Jenna is talking to her brother she lets out that her last date has lead to some problems. Her brother is getting ready to leave on another mission so he calls a friend to ask a favor. Jenna promised her brother that she would sign up for this dating app so she went ahead and signed up not thinking anything would come of it. Dylan goes to check in on Jenna and finds her at the coffee shop. When her friend makes no head way with the sexy stranger she talks Jenna into going over to him. Its not long before she learns who he is and why he's there. Dylan is attracted to Jenna from the moment he sees her but he is there to keep her safe as a favor for a friend. After pushing her more detailed about Paul Dylan is more concerned over the situation than he was at first. He sets about figuring out who Paul is and everything he can about him. The more time he is with Jenna the closer they grow to each other. Soon they give into temptation and have an amazing night together. Will they be able to deal with her possible stalker? Can Jenna and Dylan have a future together? This is a great story that will draw you in from the first chapter on. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to any book lover.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Char · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jenna is a curvy, sassy, independent business woman. Jenna is currently dealing with a deranged ex boyfriend. Jenna’s brother is concerned. Jenna’s brother is part of a mercenary group. He is going on a job that will take him out of the country. He is asking his best friend, Dylan to help protect Jenna. Dylan shows up at Jenna’s coffee shop and proceeds to let Jenna know he is going to help her with her problem. What Jenna doesn’t know is Dylan has already fallen for her just seeing her picture. It only takes an instant to be attracted to someone! He is instantly attracted to Jenna. He feels things he can’t explain - he loves her. He touches her and he knows she is the one for him. This is an instant attraction/instant love. Will they be able to work together? Will Dylan be able to tell her how he feels? Will Jenna feel the same? They live in different cities what will happen? Can they make this work? The characters are sweet, sexy, lovable and they feel right together - they click. They are tenderhearted and caring and clumsy at times. It is a quick little read and a sweet, sexy romance. Very enjoyable and entertaining read!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The addition starts with the book cover….yeah…yeah…yeah don’t judge a book by its cover they say ….well we all do it and this one here it is the scratch to your itch or better yet the filling to your oreos! Within the first chapters you get the panoramic view of whom you’re dealing with! This is book is part of the Seeking Curves series why just read one when you can start at the beginning and keep reading through the series it won’t be a waste of time. The forbidden is always the most attractive that is the case with Dylan sexy as all get out alpha, possessive, protective older brother to a little sister and going all the way out of his way to get her best friend. Jenna is sweet, loves her best friend, a little awkward but strong and independent which she learned early on in life. Jenna has a crazy ex who insist on bothering and her brother asked Dylan to keep her safe, so he insists on protecting her at any cost. The chemistry is instant and intense, the magnetic pull can’t be ignored (honestly, he isn’t trying to ignore it 😊). So, the adventure begins will he keep her safe, will she accept his help, why is her ex such a jerk, and can they find happiness?

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jenna is a single business owner in Los Angeles.  She owns and runs a successful coffee shop.  Her older brother, John, is military and living in Tennessee.  Having lost their parents, the two are the only family the other has.  When an ex-boyfriend is harassing Jenna, John is worried.  Getting ready to leave on a mission, John is not able, to fly out to LA to make sure Jenna is truly safe.  He asks Dylan, a teammate and friend to go and check on Jenna.  Upon seeing Jenna's picture, Dylan is captivated.  He is immediately drawn to her and nothing will stop him from going to LA and taking care of Jenna.  Can he keep Jenna safe from her ex and convince her to trust him with not only her safety but her heart as well?

This a good short, steamy, insta-love story.  Jenna is an independent successful woman who is a bit insecure about her weight.  John is an growly alpha male to the core but it is fun to see him get all twisted up over Jenna.  It's almost cute how he messes things up because he can't think straight and he is a take charge kind of guy not a talk it out kind.

I received a review copy of this book from the author. I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book!!!

I really enjoyed this book! Dylan and Jenna are perfect for each other. Dylan is part of Jenna's brother's team. They are a branch of the military. Jenna has an ex that won't leave her alone. Jenny's brother asks Dylan to keep an eye on Jenna. Dylan flies from Tennessee to LA to watch over Jenna. After Jenna's brother shows Dylan a picture of Jenna, Dylan knows that she is the one for him.
Not wanting to worry her brother Jenna is selective in what she tells her brother about her ex. Her brother knows that she is hiding something from him and sends Dylan to help Jenna. Dylan immediately falls for Jenna. He does admit to Jenna that he is there to help her. She hates the idea, but accepts his help. Jenna is a curvy girl so she doesn't realize that Dylan is attracted to her. He has to tell her that he's attracted to her. Dylan has a few missteps with Jenna, but is able to work it out. She does make him work for it though.
The author writes a great story for Dylan and Jenna. They get their HEA. It's a great book and I would definitely recommend this book.

[Starbubbles · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this for free years ago in one of those "stuff your kindle" events. Honestly, it was one of the better (or best) ones i have read so far from that haul. (Don't be too impressed, I have come to realize that most of those books were free for a reason.)

Anyway, this is a really short story with a touchy-feely guy and insta-love. I get that there was no time to waste due to page space, so it had to be an insta-love story, but I was legit confused by Riggs' mannerisms towards whatsherface. The hand to heart when he first saw her, the constant touching... like I didn't understand how this person who was built to not understand affection was so affectionate. I guess I needed a bit more on why that was. Or, maybe it's because of my own former military person(s) experience(s) that have led me to question how realistic the need for constant physical touch is. Needless to say, it was not my experience.

But yeah, it's cute enough. The abruptness of the introduction for the next book seemed odd and out of place, but I am intrigued. I am also confused how a match service can guarantee a match, but this is romantic fantasy, so it can slide.

[Thisbe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jenna and Dylan made me cry and laugh. I could relate so much to Jenna, knowing what it is like to be a woman with big curves. Even when you begin to accept yourself, little and big actions and coments from other people get to you, even when you try to build up a shield. I loved the dynamic between Jenna and her brother. And then there is Dylan, a swoon worthy alpha male, who is intelligent and the whole package. He has his own difficult past, growing up in foster homes. I came back so tired from work when I started the story, but could not stop reading. It has so many elements I love in a book, an over the top alpha, the family/ work dynamic, friends (maybe Madison will become Jenna's sister in law?? I root for it), the ex and how protective and possesive Dylan got. Like I wrote before, I really loves the Jenna is a big girl, who is an independent woman, who tries to accept herself and find her place in life. I am so lloking forward for this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Suzanne Houser · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Do I know you?"

Yes. I'm your future husband. That's what my head says, anyway...

The first book in Seeking Curves, a new multi-author series, is Matched to the Mercenary by Hope Ford, and it just may be my favourite book of hers yet. Dylan, the tech genius on a team of private special forces, agrees to help the younger sister of his friend and teammate - and as soon as he sees a picture of her, he is determined not only to protect her but to make her his. Jenna owns a coffee shop in downtown LA, and the curvy beauty has been stalked by her ex-boyfriend. When Dylan shows up at her shop, sparks fly. Dylan is a swoon-worthy hero, and the chemistry between him and Jenna is immediate and palpable. This is an entertaining, steamy and sweet read, and in typical Ms Ford fashion, is can't-put-it-downable!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Jenna is this sweet small business owner living in LA. She has a protective older brother, John who is the only family she has left. John is part of a former military now mercenary team based in Whiskey Run in Tennessee. John has a bad feeling that Jenna's not telling him everything about an ex-boyfriend harassing her. As luck would have it John is leaving on a mission so he asks their tech team member, Dylan if he would fly out to LA and keep watch and investigate the ex. Once Dylan sees Jenna's picture he's all in! I enjoyed their story especially since Dylan didn't lie to try to spin the reasons why he was there. There was a slight bump in their road but it was quickly resolved. Looking forward to Walker's book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dawnmarie Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jenna and Dylan's story was so good! Jenna needs help with an ex boyfriend that won't take the hint so she tells her brother John who just happens to be some kind of special forces. He asks his friend and teammate Dylan to help and one look at Jenna's picture and Dylan was a goner. He packed his computer(s) since he's the tech guru,grabbed some clothes and off he went to LA to claim his woman Jenna just didn't know it yet. I don't want to say anymore and ruin it for anyone else with spoilers but I will say this you definitely need to read this book as each of Hope Ford's books are better than the last and I would know I read them all. I look forward to the next book by the incredibly talented Ms. Ford.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

John and Dylan are on a unit together that gets things done when no one else can. Dylan is the tech guy for the unit and while John is on a mission, he asks Dylan to watch and protect his sister Jenna, who owns and runs a coffee shop. Seems Jenna broke up with Paul and he will not stay away and is threatening her. Dylan knows he wants her when John gives him the info and goes into super protective mode.
The characters are strong and determined, not having the easiest of lives already. Friends are their family and they are very tight-knit. The storyline has plenty of surprises, drama, suspense, protectiveness and romance. Great ending, like usual with this author. Can not wait to see what she writes next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this story. It was entertaining and enjoyable even with the crazy "ex". The characters were interesting and likable. John was a wonderful brother to Jenna and a great friend to Dylan. He was also super sneaky and I loved it! Seeking Curves sounded like an interesting match service and definitely got at least one match correct. Madison was an awesome best friend to Jenna. Everyone needs a best friend like Madison. Dylan met Jenna after agreeing to go to LA as a favor for John. He was drawn to Jenna as soon as he saw her picture. When they are at the Honeybee, Dylan and Jenna are attracted to each other. Dylan was protective, possessive, and sweet. Jenna was sweet but a bit insecure. Dylan and Jenna were great together. I loved their happy ever after. I recommend reading this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.