The Matchmaker's Playbook (Wingmen Inc., #1)

by Rachel Van Dyken

Wingman rule number one: don’t fall for a client.

After a career-ending accident, former NFL recruit Ian Hunter is back on campus—and he’s ready to get his new game on. As one of the masterminds behind Wingmen, Inc., a successful and secretive word-of-mouth dating service, he’s putting his extensive skills with women to work for the lovelorn. But when Blake Olson requests the services of Wingmen, Inc., Ian may have landed his most hopeless client yet.

From her frumpy athletic gear to her unfortunate choice of footwear, Blake is going to need a miracle if she wants to land her crush. At least with a professional matchmaker by her side she has a fighting chance. Ian knows that his advice and a makeover can turn Blake into another successful match. But as Blake begins the transformation from hot mess to smokin’ hot, Ian realizes he’s in danger of breaking his cardinal rule…

• ISBN10: 1503934489
• ISBN13: 9781503934481
• Publish Date: 5 April 2016
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Publisher: Amazon Publishing
• Imprint: Skyscape
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 304
• Language: English

Reviews

[Lynn]

3.5 stars

I confess I've not read any Rachel Van Dyken books. Ever! The title of this one intrigued me, so dived in blind.

Motivated because he thinks his sister settled for someone "safe" due to her shyness and low self-esteem whilst dating, Ian Hunter and his friend Lex established Wingmen Inc. to assist any female find their dream partner.

"Basically, the modern-day Superman saving women from themselves…"

Blake Olson needs assistance to attract David's attention, the friend she's known and had a crush on for a long time. She contacts Wingmen Inc. to assist but horrified when her new roommate's gorgeous, cocky friend turns up as the company contact. Wearing casual sports gear and flip-flops, Ian is equally shocked that his new client is the young woman hiding under the large, baggy clothes. He has his work cut out but didn't expect to be physically attracted to Blake too!

I liked the chemistry between Blake and Ian as they worked towards getting her the date of her dreams. With electrical sparks flying between them, it's impossible to ignore the raw attraction despite their strictly professional relationship...then they become friends until neither can deny how they feel for each other, making Blake rethink her seduction plan and Ian to contemplate the company "don't date a client" rule.

My first impression is, Ian isn't so perfect. He has issues too. Jealousy. His reaction to coming to the wrong conclusion when he spied on Blake and David was uncharacteristically immature...like when a toddler throws a toy whilst having a tantrum. I expected him to have a more balanced view, but I loved that he wasn't as "put together" as he made you believe. Underneath his cocky confident persona is someone who has hang-ups like everyone else, only he's more effective at pulling himself together most of the time.

I liked The Matchmaker's Playbook but didn't love it. It was a fun read yet I didn't find it hilariously funny. It didn't appeal to my particular sense of humour. RVD's writing kept me turning the pages but the plot dragged towards the end, but I'm sure many will disagree with me.

Will I read more of the series? Yes. Any story with two protagonists hating each sufficiently to want to kill should be dramatic and highly entertaining? Lex and Gabi – I can't wait!

***arc generously received courtesy of Skyscape via NetGalley***