Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Book Tour for The Matchmaker's Replacement by Rachel Van Dyken (Review & GIVEAWAY)


The theme of enemies to lovers grabs me every time which is just part of the reason why I'm thrilled to give you a glimpse of this sensual romance full of witty banter today.  After being charmed by the previous book in this series I was anxiously awaiting this one and if you keep reading you'll get a tempting glimpse of The Matchmaker's Replacement by Rachel Van Dyken along with my impressions of it.  You can learn even more by visiting the other sites hosting this tour while waiting for its release on August 9th.  In honor of this second installment in the Wingmen, Inc series make sure to fill out the form below for the chance to win 1 of 5 print copies of this book too!

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.

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MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

As a reader who loves naughty boys with hidden hearts of gold I was presented with two delightfully decadent choices in the Wingmen, Inc. series.  In the first installment we were introduced to Ian who fell for the tomboy in a relationship of friends to lovers while slowly discovering the jewel in front of you.  Lex was his best friend and business partner and was the epitome of a playboy, treating sex as a quick and satisfying moment before moving on.  He never let his heart show but in spite of his emotional issues I found myself captivated by him and his intoxicating mix of snarky and sexy.  He and frenemy Gabi have known each other since they were children in a connection that was combustible and full of push and pull moments.  For every one moment of sweetness he showed her it was balanced with a moment of hurt and cold comments.  It was clear that he's always cared for her but was afraid to put his heart on the line. As adults though they can no longer ignore the rampant sexual tension between them.  With arguments ending in scorching kisses they can no longer deny their feelings. Though Ian's sworn Lex to not become involved with Gabi friendships will be put on the line in a war waged over love that leaves readers on edge.

From the moment I saw Lex I knew he was a character not easy to forget and in this tale where he takes center stage I was left drooling over his transformation from player to perfect boyfriend.  His childhood was one of parents always at odds with one another, never giving him time or affection.  He lashed out in every way, most prominently was in the area of sex, where he learned at an early age that sex equaled having someone care about you for at least a moment.  Those feelings have never left him and shows in his continued quick and casual one-night stands that are satisfying, and have women wanting to come back for more, but leave him feeling alone in the meaningless afterglow. He's always been drawn to Gabi, been her hero and her adversary, in a connection hard to define.  As they've gotten older his thoughts about her have become more erotic and more complicated as the small tastes he's had of her have only left him more conflicted.  His connection to Ian, the brotherly feelings they have as they've been there for each other during big losses since they were children, fuels his conflict and ultimately puts their friendship to the test.  Lex is a complex character when it comes to his words and deeds.  He insults Gabi in many ways, like a boy pulling the pigtails of the girl he likes, but whenever she needs help he's there riding to her rescue and never expecting acknowledgement.  He's a sexy guy, and knows it as his self-esteem is off the charts, but when it comes to feelings he seems a bit insecure as his parents taught him nothing but coldness.  Lex has so much to offer and for me he was the perfect romantic hero.  His scenes with Gabi were scorching with banter that was wickedly funny and decadent which made their scenes even hotter. Romance readers will find themselves charmed by this naughty boy, just as I was.

Gabi's the quintessential good girl who's been saving herself...saving herself for Lex as he's a temptation she no longer wants to ignore after a Christmas party four years ago showed her all the sexy possibilities.  Since they were young she's been drawn to him but conflicted by his push and pull feelings.  He's always been there for her and that's what has her coming back for more in a relationship full of verbal sparring and teeming with sexual tension.  She'll need his help more than ever though as her parents have fallen on hard times and she struggles to give them every penny which unleashes Lex's protective side in numerous sweet acts that slowly changes their relationship from frenemies to lovers.  Gabi's an admirable and strong-willed young woman who would do anything for those she loves, works her fingers to the bone and takes a job that puts her in danger.  She values her friendship with Ian as he's like a brother and hates keeping her feelings for Lex hidden, but fears the consequences of him finding out as she doesn't want to break up their family.  It's the only conflict in her relationship with Lex but it's an emotionally heartbreaking one that kept my fingers crossed for a HEA.

This was a decadently delightful read courtesy of the witty and rapid-fire dialogue between Lex and everyone else.  He's charming and oozes sex appeal but shows a bit of coldness towards relationships from a childhood of loneliness. When in Gabi's presence though you see a man with a hidden heart of gold as he goes out of his way to support her through many sweet and subtle acts that have you easily forgiving his moments of callous commentary.  Gabi's a strong woman going through a rough time but she never gives up, especially with Lex finally by her side, and together they're a formidable pair.  Theirs is a scorching relationship that doesn't really pick up steam until the mid-point of the story. The early stages are wonderfully full of verbal foreplay, sexy banter that made me tingle.  Once they finally admit their feelings though, their relationship evolves into steamy romps that are also playful and chuckle-inducing which put a smile on my face.  Theirs is ultimately a feel-good romance that brought this series to a wonderful conclusion.  Life changes for Ian and Blake and a true HEA for Lex and Gabi, and her family, leave readers with a warm embrace as the final page is turned on Wingmen, Inc!

My rating for this is an A.

*I got this book from the author for review in exchange for my honest opinion.

AUTHOR INFO:

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.

**********GIVEAWAY**********

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2 comments:

  1. Thanks for hosting today, Jody! Glad you liked it! :)

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    Replies
    1. TY for stopping by! I did enjoy this series for its delicious heroes and fun & flirty dialogue. Sad to see it end (as then epilogue sure felt like an end)!

      The Scarf Princess

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