Book Review – The Matchmakers’s Playbook

Hello, my wonderlandians. I hope your weekend is going well. How is your Saturday? Are you getting ready to do family things for Sunday?

While this is being published I am currently at work. I am dressed in my “uniform” as I have dubbed it. I wear all black. I will be sitting at my desk anxiously waiting for Sunday.

Today I am going to be reviewing The Matchmaker’s Playbook by Rachel Van Dyken.

We need to talk about the cover. There are two versions of this cover. So there is this one that I have posted. Also, there is one that moves. Let’s talk about this one first. In all honesty, there is nothing wrong with it. The photo of the guy was taken perfectly. The way that the lighting is hitting his face really makes his eyes pop. It also makes his facial features pop. (As a photographer I really appreciate the technical side of this cover. When it comes to the photography aspect.)  This is something that is talked about in the book.

As for the book cover as a whole, I like it. It is simple and well done, but I have seen similar ones. I am not overly excited about.

Now with all that being said Amazon does something Kindle in Motion. They are bringing in moving parts to enhance the overall reading experience. I own two books that are Kindle in Motion. My copy of The Matchmaker’s Playbook is in the format. Honestly, I like it better. It added something to the story. I also own it in audiobook.

They also have changed the guy on the front of the books. You will also find him throughout the Kindle in Motion version of the book.

I really enjoy the motion part of it. The lighting is the same just like the original book cover. So they are keeping with it in that regard. Little touches like that really make me happy. So for me, all of the Kindle in Motion ones really bring an extra element so I am going to have to go with this cover.

Synopsis 

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…

My Thoughts 

It has taken me all week to actually figure out how I feel about this book. I liked the book and I did enjoy my time listening to it, though I didn’t love it. The narrator is one of my personal favourites. Jeremy York did the narration of this. He always does a fantastic job. This book was no different. I feel like this is the type of book you have to read a couple times. I found that I really liked all of the characters in the book. There were some really funny and sarcastic lines. The banter between the two main characters was great. This book was not an insta-love story. The chemistry built naturally over the course of the book. Nothing felt forced.

Let’s break this down into points, shall we?

This I really liked

Reasons I found this book so appealing. 

1. It was different from your typical New Adult college story
2. Ian Hunt is overly cocky
3. His best friend Gabi puts him in his place
4. Blake our main girl is not really overly impressed with him when they first meet
5. It takes really getting through walls for her to start to see the real him
6. This was not an insta-love story
7. All of the Superman reference they make (Smallville is one of my favourite shows)
8. Lex while misguided really wants the best for Ian
9. Gabi and Lex always fighting with each other
10. How the relationship naturally happens between Ian and Blake
11. Ian is flawed and we see that
12. We see the natural progression of him changing
13. NOTHING EVER FELT FORCED IN THIS BOOK

Reasons I found this book so frustrating

1. Ian really underestimate himself
2. I don’t like when people do that
3. He is overly cocky
4. I love and hate that

One thing I would like to point out is that I didn’t really feel a connection to the characters as I did with my last review Roomies. I felt invested in the story as if these were two of my friends.  So take that for what you will.

So the reason that I was interested in reading this book is because it was announced that it was going to be turned into a movie.

(Photo Credit goes to PassionFlix) 

I am really looking forward to seeing how close they stay to the book.  So far this cast looks amazing and all the BTS stuff they have been posting is only getting me more excited for this movie next year.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I am excited about the movie.

Thank you guys for joining me in our part of Wonderland. Please feed the unicorns some Christmas treats on your way out.

Until next time

Much love

Ashten