Blog Tour: The Matchmaker's Replacement: Rachel Van Dyken

by - Monday, July 25, 2016

The Matchmaker's Replacement 
(Wingmen Inc. #2)
Rachel Van Dyken
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(Also Kindle Unlimited)
Expected August 9, 2016 

Wingman rule number two: never reveal how much you want them.

Lex hates Gabi. Gabi hates Lex. But, hey, at least the hate is mutual, right? All Lex has to do is survive the next few weeks training Gabi in all the ways of Wingmen Inc. and then he can be done with her. But now that they have to work together, the sexual tension and fighting is off the charts. He isn’t sure if he wants to strangle her or throw her against the nearest sturdy table and have his way with her. 

But Gabi has a secret, something she’s keeping from not just her best friend but her nemesis too. Lines are blurred as Lex becomes less the villain she’s always painted him to be…and starts turning into something more. Gabi has always hated the way she’s been just a little bit attracted to him—no computer-science major should have that nice of a body or look that good in glasses—but “Lex Luthor” is an evil womanizer. He’s dangerous. Gabi should stay far, far away.

Then again, she’s always wanted a little danger. 
"And the damsel fell in love with the villain. Write that, Disney." 

Lex is the wicked smart computer genius and so called "villain" of Wingmen Inc. He's handsome, unfiltered, cocky, and considered a manwhore. Lex, his  fellow Wingman, Ian, and Gabi make a trio, but Ian is their connecting factor since he is best friends with them both. But Lex and Gabi do not usually play well together. One of his favorite past times is torturing her.

Gabi is organized, awkward, inexperienced, but volatile and sharp-tongued. They taunt, tease, torture, and thrive on getting a rise out of each other. They have sexual tension between them and a few shared out-of-control moments in their history that ended badly but left a lasting impression. And they are supposed to be off limits due to their mutual best friend. 

But now Lex has to train Gabi to be a part of Wingmen Inc. which means they need to practice fake dating, kissing, and inspiring jealousy. But what happens when the student inadvertently outmaneuvers the teacher?

The thin line between love and hate just keeps shrinking. Boundaries are pushed. Jealousy is ignited. Repressed feelings come to light. Fears increase.

Their angry, flirty banter with sexual undertones escalates. They spout hate, but show underlying concern for the other. They are not proficient in sharing effective or positive communication very often. They are friends by association, but not real friends.  Any romantic or sexual contact between them has been forbidden. But they both harbor an underlying attraction that they have tried to keep buried under the negative attention.

This is a fast-paced, fiery story of frenemies to lovers. He was overly experienced and she had little to compare it with. They confused each other frequently. Lex especially could give Gabi whiplash with how his moods changed. They would take one step closer then push back. Both become conflicted in their heads, heart, and bodies.

Sparks of anger eventually lead to fire in the bedroom. But they've got to keep it a secret from Ian and continue their war to prevent exposure. And Gabi is keeping her own secrets from both Lex and Ian. Fear of being found out, losing Ian, and of ultimate rejection keep these two anxious.

This was fast-paced, feisty, sexy, angsty, and at times even sweet. This installment was told in dual points of view and they were both equally snarky, and sarcastic, but had underlying vulnerabilities. Lex was the perfect mix of the bad-boy with a good heart, and Gabi was a strong, balancing match for him. Their verbal banter made for some fun foreplay and they had hot chemistry.

We got to hang out more with Ian and Blake from The Matchmaker's Playbook as their lives were all intertwined. They stir the pot with expectations and decisions that add more drama and humor. This was one of those books that makes you laugh, touches your heart, and leaves you worn out from the angst. But it was a fun ride! 

I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review. 

Review coming July 27 (will be updated with a link)
The Matchmaker's Playbook (Wingmen Inc. #1)
Add to Goodreads
Buy Amazon/Amazon UK (also Kindle Unlimited)
Our 4.5 star reviews


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.…

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Rachel Van Dyken 
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Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she's not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor.

She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband, adorable son, and two snoring boxers! She loves to hear from readers!

Want to be kept up to date on new releases? Text MAFIA to 66866!

You can connect with her on Facebook www.facebook.com/rachelvandyken  or join her fan group Rachel's New Rockin Readers. Her website is www.rachelvandykenauthor.com

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2 comments

  1. Thanks for the post and your thoughts on this book. This series is new to me and it sounds fun! I love the concept of Wingmen Inc. and enemies to lovers are my favorite reads! This sounds perfect for me! =D

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  2. Great review, Rachel! This sounds like a great, action packed read! And very character driven, too!

    ReplyDelete