The Wingman

4,75/5

I loved this book so much. I still prefer The Fake Out, but The Wingman is a close second.

Hayden seems to be a fun-loving, no-string-attached golden retriever, but he is so much more than that. He's a great friend, protective, always taking care of other people man, who just wants to be loved. He hates the reputation of a player he acquired and he'd rather settle down with the girl of his dreams. The problem? She's not only his best friend. She's also his other best friend's ex.

Darcy was a shy wallflower who really blossomed into the woman she was always meant to be. She took risks and learned a lot and I loved seeing a new side of her, and how she grew and changed away from her ex's influence. She's super strong, even when she doesn't believe in herself, but she had Hayden by her side every step of the way and I loved that she finally started seeing him for who he is, rather than who she thinks he is.

I loved their story. They're best friends and didn't really want to destroy that, but they took a chance. I'm so glad that Hayden was so patient with her. I LOVE a boy obsessed and iI love how much he spoiled her! All those gifts and he never wanted anything in return. I love it.

This story was similar, yet different from the previous books in the series. Certain elements reminded me of Pippa and Jamie's story (sex toy, roommates), and Rory and Hazel's story (gift-giving, a boy obsessed, lingerie), but Stephanie managed to make it Darcy and Hayden's story their own. It was much softer and gentler than the previous books, without losing any intensity.

The spice was great too. I LOVED it. The toy scene? Perfection. The wall sex? I giggled and kicked my feet up when I read that Hayden wanted to do it, all because of Darcy's throw-away line at the beginning of the book. I love how all of the threads weaved together into a beautiful story and picture, allowing characters to grow, separately and together.

Stephanie can pull the lack of the third-act breakup trope so well, too. She creates tension and drama but not from within the couple. They're stronger together and they grow together, and they go through all of this together. There are no unnecessary misunderstandings that could get resolved in a single conversation but that are dragged on, like other authors like do to. She can create a drama that is meant to make the couple stronger rather than break them apart and I absolutely love it.

Thank you, Stephanie Archer, for providing me with the ARC. It was incredible and I'm so grateful that I was allowed to read this book earlier. It was one of my most anticipated releases of the year and I looked forward to every newsletter with updates. And The Wingman definitely became one of my favorite books I've read this year.

And I wanted to thank Stephanie for the ARC again. The Fake Out was the first ARC I've ever received and it started my adventure with ARCS and proper reviews and I'll always be thankful for that. To get another arc from my favourite author is a privilege and I'm very grateful.

Darcy and Hayden made my entire day and I didn't want the book to end. And I can't wait for Alexei and Georgia's book!! Sounds like either an accidental marriage in Vegas, or a marriage of convenience, and I ADORE those tropes! Plus I love how antagonistic they are towards one another and I'm looking forward to their book! (and the moment when Alexei finally calls Georgia his wife in that possessive way!)