Reviewed by Lynn on
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***
Reading updates
- Started reading
- 27 March, 2016: Finished reading
- 27 March, 2016: Reviewed