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Alpha Men #1
The Wingman
She was supposed to be his one-night distraction. But their attraction is undeniable.
Introverted Daisy McGregor is used to being a wallflower, but what she lacks in style, she makes up for with an acerbic wit, a passion for life, and a deep devotion to her family. So she’ll suffer through her sister Dahlia’s bachelorette party and accept the cloud of pity for going stag to the wedding.
Out at the pub, sexy bad boy Mason Carlisle is a reluctant wingman tasked with entertaining Daisy while his brother flirts with her oldest sister, Daffodil. When the plan fails and Mason’s true intent is revealed, he feels intense guilt—and a sensual spark of desire for the unlikeliest of women.
Daisy decides to use this unfortunate encounter to her to make it up to her, Mason will be another kind of wingman, playing the role of her boyfriend and wedding date. Will their ruse unravel completely—or will Mason and Daisy’s undeniable attraction ignite a scorching love affair that knows no rules?
Introverted Daisy McGregor is used to being a wallflower, but what she lacks in style, she makes up for with an acerbic wit, a passion for life, and a deep devotion to her family. So she’ll suffer through her sister Dahlia’s bachelorette party and accept the cloud of pity for going stag to the wedding.
Out at the pub, sexy bad boy Mason Carlisle is a reluctant wingman tasked with entertaining Daisy while his brother flirts with her oldest sister, Daffodil. When the plan fails and Mason’s true intent is revealed, he feels intense guilt—and a sensual spark of desire for the unlikeliest of women.
Daisy decides to use this unfortunate encounter to her to make it up to her, Mason will be another kind of wingman, playing the role of her boyfriend and wedding date. Will their ruse unravel completely—or will Mason and Daisy’s undeniable attraction ignite a scorching love affair that knows no rules?
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 7, 2017
1504 people are currently reading
4322 people want to read
About the author
Natasha Anders
23 books3,190 followersSince making her publishing debut in 2012, Natasha Anders has drawn praise and attention as a unique voice in romance. Montlake author and 2018 RITA® Finalist, Anders was born in Cape Town, South Africa. She spent nine years as an associate English teacher in Niigata, Japan, where she became a legendary karaoke diva. Anders currently lives in Cape Town.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 669 reviews
April 16, 2022
3.75 - 4 Stars
I am a huge fan of Natasha Anders and I have read everything she's put out.
Literally.
Everything.
I love her writing style and I love her plot lines.
As I've said before, they are like old school Harlequin goodness.
But GOOD. Really good.
And without any trite cheesiness.
So imagine my excitement when I saw this bad boy coming out.
Yup, that's "I'm a fish but gonna walk on land" levels of excitement right there, people.
But anymermaid, as I was saying. I love me some Natasha Anders.
My favorite Anders book is The Unwanted Wife...followed closely by A Ruthless Proposition.
Now, as you can see by my star rating, I didn't love this one as much as those two - which isn't to say this one wasn't good - because it was.
It just didn't hit the spot as much for me.
The H, Mason, is to die for, of course.
And the h, Daisy, is a refreshingly different h.
Daisy is one of three sisters.
Dahlia is "the pretty one."
Daffodil is "the cute one."
And Daisy is "the other one."
Meaning...Daisy is basically the DUFF sister.
Just keeping it real.
Now, as much as I loved this spin, this and the story set up here left me in catch-up mode a little bit.
Why, you say?
Well, when Mason and Daisy make contact for the first time, Mason makes it very clear - to both the reader and Daisy - that he's not attracted to her or really IN to her in "that way."
Like, at ALL.
Which kind of bummed me out, I guess.
So when he did start to develop an attraction for her, I had a hard time catching up to him, I guess.
But again, that's just me.
Soon after their meeting they make "a deal" requiring them to spend some time together.
Which was super fun.
I just felt like it dragged a little in parts, that's all...which, again, I think is just me.
Because if not for that (the parts where I felt it dragged a little bit) this was a really fun and cute story and I really enjoyed it.
In fact, I will definitely be re-reading this and I can see it being one of those books that I like more and more as I read it a second and third time.
I am a huge fan of Natasha Anders and I have read everything she's put out.
Literally.
Everything.
I love her writing style and I love her plot lines.
As I've said before, they are like old school Harlequin goodness.
But GOOD. Really good.
And without any trite cheesiness.
So imagine my excitement when I saw this bad boy coming out.
Yup, that's "I'm a fish but gonna walk on land" levels of excitement right there, people.
But anymermaid, as I was saying. I love me some Natasha Anders.
My favorite Anders book is The Unwanted Wife...followed closely by A Ruthless Proposition.
Now, as you can see by my star rating, I didn't love this one as much as those two - which isn't to say this one wasn't good - because it was.
It just didn't hit the spot as much for me.
The H, Mason, is to die for, of course.
And the h, Daisy, is a refreshingly different h.
Daisy is one of three sisters.
Dahlia is "the pretty one."
Daffodil is "the cute one."
And Daisy is "the other one."
Meaning...Daisy is basically the DUFF sister.
Just keeping it real.
Now, as much as I loved this spin, this and the story set up here left me in catch-up mode a little bit.
Why, you say?
Well, when Mason and Daisy make contact for the first time, Mason makes it very clear - to both the reader and Daisy - that he's not attracted to her or really IN to her in "that way."
Like, at ALL.
Which kind of bummed me out, I guess.
So when he did start to develop an attraction for her, I had a hard time catching up to him, I guess.
But again, that's just me.
Soon after their meeting they make "a deal" requiring them to spend some time together.
Which was super fun.
I just felt like it dragged a little in parts, that's all...which, again, I think is just me.
Because if not for that (the parts where I felt it dragged a little bit) this was a really fun and cute story and I really enjoyed it.
In fact, I will definitely be re-reading this and I can see it being one of those books that I like more and more as I read it a second and third time.
November 12, 2020
2.5 stars
I’m really confused about how to interpret this book. (don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing mysterious or any hidden symbolism in there, it’s just that I’m trying to ascertain if it’s bad or ok-ish)
One of my all time, most abhorred tropes (if you can call it that) is when the heroine puts herself down a lot due to her looks.
I mean, this was not a case of internal musings and awful comparisons, nope, this was straight up “You could never be attracted to me because you’re like hotter than the sun, and we mortals have no right to look upon your godlike face and body, whereas, I am frumpy, fat, plain, and short ... “
Every paragraph had some sort of reminder that she was the “other” (translation: the ugly) sister.
Our heroine, Daisy, is the youngest of 3 sisters and the town knows them as: the beautiful one, the cute one and the other one. Guess which one she is. And look, I don’t mind that kind of “plot” (yes, I used quotation marks because to call such a premise plot is like an insult to actual plots out there) but I absolutely hate it when the characters talk about it so much and when every conflict comes from the insecurity brought on by that trope.
I hate it when a supposedly intelligent, witty, sarcastic veterinarian, still puts herself down so much and values herself based on looks only when it comes to social interactions. She is shallow in my opinion. She keeps going on and on and onnnnn about how pretty her sisters are and how they are the town favourites and how she lived in their shadow, oh pleaseeeee. And of course by the end of the book we discover that she wasn’t ugly, she was just shorter, curvier and had less fashion and beauty sense than her sisters. Once she puts on a low cut, short dress, combs her hair and takes her glasses off, BAM, bombshell.
Oh, puhleeasee.... and it was all because of a guy, who noticed her when no one did and gave her confidence to come out of her self imposed social isolation. *pukes*
It makes no sense how after 27 years on earth, she still hasn’t managed to learn how to comb curly hair, or how to buy any article of clothing that doesn’t make her look like a potato sack. It’s just so unbelievably stupid.. oh and she’s also a 27 year old virgin, cause apparently girls that don’t look like Heidi Klum, don’t have any takers when it comes to giving it up... This is such a horrible idea to perpetuate and it has no basis in real life...
Anyway, apart from this whole “I’m not pretty, and I keep telling you that every time we make conversation” issue, the book is not bad, so if you can overlook that, it might be a decent read. The hero, Mason, was an ok guy, so there was that.
I usually like Natasha Anders and her very angsty stories, but this was an epic fail which hit every awful stereotype about women and instead of dispelling them, it reinforced them.
I’m really confused about how to interpret this book. (don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing mysterious or any hidden symbolism in there, it’s just that I’m trying to ascertain if it’s bad or ok-ish)
One of my all time, most abhorred tropes (if you can call it that) is when the heroine puts herself down a lot due to her looks.
I mean, this was not a case of internal musings and awful comparisons, nope, this was straight up “You could never be attracted to me because you’re like hotter than the sun, and we mortals have no right to look upon your godlike face and body, whereas, I am frumpy, fat, plain, and short ... “
Every paragraph had some sort of reminder that she was the “other” (translation: the ugly) sister.
Our heroine, Daisy, is the youngest of 3 sisters and the town knows them as: the beautiful one, the cute one and the other one. Guess which one she is. And look, I don’t mind that kind of “plot” (yes, I used quotation marks because to call such a premise plot is like an insult to actual plots out there) but I absolutely hate it when the characters talk about it so much and when every conflict comes from the insecurity brought on by that trope.
I hate it when a supposedly intelligent, witty, sarcastic veterinarian, still puts herself down so much and values herself based on looks only when it comes to social interactions. She is shallow in my opinion. She keeps going on and on and onnnnn about how pretty her sisters are and how they are the town favourites and how she lived in their shadow, oh pleaseeeee. And of course by the end of the book we discover that she wasn’t ugly, she was just shorter, curvier and had less fashion and beauty sense than her sisters. Once she puts on a low cut, short dress, combs her hair and takes her glasses off, BAM, bombshell.
Oh, puhleeasee.... and it was all because of a guy, who noticed her when no one did and gave her confidence to come out of her self imposed social isolation. *pukes*
It makes no sense how after 27 years on earth, she still hasn’t managed to learn how to comb curly hair, or how to buy any article of clothing that doesn’t make her look like a potato sack. It’s just so unbelievably stupid.. oh and she’s also a 27 year old virgin, cause apparently girls that don’t look like Heidi Klum, don’t have any takers when it comes to giving it up... This is such a horrible idea to perpetuate and it has no basis in real life...
Anyway, apart from this whole “I’m not pretty, and I keep telling you that every time we make conversation” issue, the book is not bad, so if you can overlook that, it might be a decent read. The hero, Mason, was an ok guy, so there was that.
I usually like Natasha Anders and her very angsty stories, but this was an epic fail which hit every awful stereotype about women and instead of dispelling them, it reinforced them.
January 30, 2017
4.5 STARS
I have a confession to make; having first fallen in love with Natasha Anders's signature brand of angst and delicious alphahole heroes back when I read The Unwanted Wife, I didn't even bother to read the blurb to this book. I already knew I'd like it. I didn't care what it was about. Having now finished, I'll say two things; it was nothing like what I've come to be used to from this author, and I adored every page of it.
The Wingman was a quirky and swoony perfection. It reminded me all over again why I love romance. It was sweet and funny, quirky and sexy, it was nothing I expected and I'd read it all over again in a heartbeat!
If you're a fan of the quirky heroine, you'll fall in love with Daisy McGregor. With two stunning sisters, Daisy is used to being "the other one". The smart one. The one with the personality. She's a wallflower, and she's just fine with it. When she suddenly gets the attention of one of the most handsome men she's ever met, she almost doesn't believe.
Mason was the bad boy from her youth that every girl wanted to have for one night. Growing up on the wrong side of the tracks, his family is nothing like the wealthy and entitled kids at their school. Now Mason is back to the small town he couldn't wait to get away from, but he's not the same boy that left it. He's made something of himself. The last thing he wants is a woman. He's had his fill of bad experiences and he's not eager to dip back into that pool. So when his brother begs for him to entertain that "other" McGreggor sister so he can hit on the older one, he figures what's a little conversation. He just doesn't expect for quirky and unassuming Daisy to grab his attention so thoroughly.
I have to say just how much I love the way that Natasha wrote Daisy's character. She was so adorably quirky. She's not the stunner, she's not a perfect size two, and she doesn't want to be. She's a bombshell in her own right, but it takes the right man to make her see that. What I truly appreciated was that she never changed. She didn't feel like she needs to lose weight or be a different person. She just slowly discovered who she is and became more confident. It was such a sweet pleasure watching her come into her throughout the book. This wasn't an insta lust sort of romance. It was a slow build, yet it was so believable. With every new piece that Mason discovers about Daisy, he falls for her more and more.
Mason certainly had his moments where I wanted to shake him a little, but ultimately he stole my heart with his sweet persistence. He really won Daisy over. I loved that he never tried to change her. It just took him a while to see her full appeal. And when this man falls? Oh boy does he fall!
All of the swoons!!!
If you're looking for an alphahole, you won't find it here. There's no enemies to lovers, hate lust thing going on. Mason Carlisle was ALL man. A caring, loving, protective man. Daisy McGregor was a quirky and adorable hot mess. I adored these two. Simply adored.
I hope there's more to come with these characters. There's a certain older McGregor sister that I'm hoping to get her HEA next. If you're craving a different read from the usual angst filled romance, you can't go wrong with this one. It may be angst light (compared to Natasha's usual) but it's no less satisfying.
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
he couldn’t bring himself to let her go. He didn’t think he would ever have the strength to let her go. He fell asleep resigned to that fact.
I have a confession to make; having first fallen in love with Natasha Anders's signature brand of angst and delicious alphahole heroes back when I read The Unwanted Wife, I didn't even bother to read the blurb to this book. I already knew I'd like it. I didn't care what it was about. Having now finished, I'll say two things; it was nothing like what I've come to be used to from this author, and I adored every page of it.
The Wingman was a quirky and swoony perfection. It reminded me all over again why I love romance. It was sweet and funny, quirky and sexy, it was nothing I expected and I'd read it all over again in a heartbeat!
She rolled her eyes, and his jaw clenched. “I’ve been looking at you for the last half an hour, and up until this very moment, I saw a smart, funny, entertaining woman with whom I wanted to spend more time,” he said, his voice so low she barely heard him over the crowd and the music. “That was before the self-pity, though.”
“Self-pity? I was being realistic.”
“Fine, don’t go out with me!”
“Fine! I will go out with you,” she rejoined, and he looked completely confused. “Wait, what?”
If you're a fan of the quirky heroine, you'll fall in love with Daisy McGregor. With two stunning sisters, Daisy is used to being "the other one". The smart one. The one with the personality. She's a wallflower, and she's just fine with it. When she suddenly gets the attention of one of the most handsome men she's ever met, she almost doesn't believe.
Mason was the bad boy from her youth that every girl wanted to have for one night. Growing up on the wrong side of the tracks, his family is nothing like the wealthy and entitled kids at their school. Now Mason is back to the small town he couldn't wait to get away from, but he's not the same boy that left it. He's made something of himself. The last thing he wants is a woman. He's had his fill of bad experiences and he's not eager to dip back into that pool. So when his brother begs for him to entertain that "other" McGreggor sister so he can hit on the older one, he figures what's a little conversation. He just doesn't expect for quirky and unassuming Daisy to grab his attention so thoroughly.
I have to say just how much I love the way that Natasha wrote Daisy's character. She was so adorably quirky. She's not the stunner, she's not a perfect size two, and she doesn't want to be. She's a bombshell in her own right, but it takes the right man to make her see that. What I truly appreciated was that she never changed. She didn't feel like she needs to lose weight or be a different person. She just slowly discovered who she is and became more confident. It was such a sweet pleasure watching her come into her throughout the book. This wasn't an insta lust sort of romance. It was a slow build, yet it was so believable. With every new piece that Mason discovers about Daisy, he falls for her more and more.
Mason certainly had his moments where I wanted to shake him a little, but ultimately he stole my heart with his sweet persistence. He really won Daisy over. I loved that he never tried to change her. It just took him a while to see her full appeal. And when this man falls? Oh boy does he fall!
All of the swoons!!!
If you're looking for an alphahole, you won't find it here. There's no enemies to lovers, hate lust thing going on. Mason Carlisle was ALL man. A caring, loving, protective man. Daisy McGregor was a quirky and adorable hot mess. I adored these two. Simply adored.
I hope there's more to come with these characters. There's a certain older McGregor sister that I'm hoping to get her HEA next. If you're craving a different read from the usual angst filled romance, you can't go wrong with this one. It may be angst light (compared to Natasha's usual) but it's no less satisfying.
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
March 25, 2017
1,5 stars The half star because I liked the setting and I like the author!
I so wanted to like this book. Really!!
Firstly....I like this author, Natasha Anders and I loved two of her books...well, one, not so much!
Secondly.....I had this hope Wingman would be a "sparkler" and hey....it's about a pilot!!! Right, Wingman!
WRONG...WRONG....WRONG!!
Wingman is just as awful as A Ruthless Proposition and it's not about a pilot...not even close!! The book title refers go: the hero being is brother's "wingman" - keep the heroine busy whilst the hero's brother tries to get off with heroine's sister!!!! Talk about tacky!~~
Okay, the first few pages were promising.....but after Chapter 1..........let me clarify my dislikes in the shortest way possible...don't want to do a looooong rant!!
The hero.........Mason Carlisle, town's bad boy made good, ex SAS soldier, ex famous underwear model, ex owner of security company to the stars and royalty, who only dates beautiful models and even a Princess or two......blushes, yes, his face reddens, when the heroine, jokingly tells him that there is a website in their local town dedicated to him!!!! Seriously, he blushes~!!!Excuse me for a second.........
The heroine..............Daisy McGregor, the girl from the right side of town aka her family has money, the hero's doesn't! I tried to like...actually, I liked her in the first few chapters..but then..OMG...her whole feel sorry for me please...
Dahlia aka THE PRETTY ONE
Daffodil aka THE CUTE ONE
And Daisy aka THE OTHER ONE...you know, the ugly duckling, the fat one~!!
Girl, get a life. You don't like your big butt or your rolling waist....exercise and get it together instead of bemoaning your lot!!
The chemistry between these two just wasn't there. He thought she wasn't that attractive but he wanted to "bonk" her...nothing else. And she....not sure what she wanted from him...apart from himNow, if you've read my spoiler and you think that's bad...wait, there's worse...the hero doesn't realize that the heroine is a virgin..uh..uh...she has to tell him and he's beyond surprised!!!OMG...idiot is too good a word to describe him!
The secondary characters..........OMG....the heroine's sisters friends were beyond a caricature!!! Too stupid and dunce heads galore!!! Other characters were totally unforgettable!!
And then...when the heroine goes off by herself to a very dangerous place to help the poor and needy..........I just couldn't.........
Anyway, before I actually turned the last page...well, a long time before........I had these really horrible thoughts in my head towards old Mason and Daisytjie!!! (that means little Daisy!!!!)
If you want to check out my reviews on the books I've read by this author:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
I so wanted to like this book. Really!!
Firstly....I like this author, Natasha Anders and I loved two of her books...well, one, not so much!
Secondly.....I had this hope Wingman would be a "sparkler" and hey....it's about a pilot!!! Right, Wingman!
WRONG...WRONG....WRONG!!
Wingman is just as awful as A Ruthless Proposition and it's not about a pilot...not even close!! The book title refers go: the hero being is brother's "wingman" - keep the heroine busy whilst the hero's brother tries to get off with heroine's sister!!!! Talk about tacky!~~
Okay, the first few pages were promising.....but after Chapter 1..........let me clarify my dislikes in the shortest way possible...don't want to do a looooong rant!!
The hero.........Mason Carlisle, town's bad boy made good, ex SAS soldier, ex famous underwear model, ex owner of security company to the stars and royalty, who only dates beautiful models and even a Princess or two......blushes, yes, his face reddens, when the heroine, jokingly tells him that there is a website in their local town dedicated to him!!!! Seriously, he blushes~!!!Excuse me for a second.........
Is this guy for real!!!!!
The heroine..............Daisy McGregor, the girl from the right side of town aka her family has money, the hero's doesn't! I tried to like...actually, I liked her in the first few chapters..but then..OMG...her whole feel sorry for me please...
See, Daisy has two sisters....
Dahlia aka THE PRETTY ONE
Daffodil aka THE CUTE ONE
And Daisy aka THE OTHER ONE...you know, the ugly duckling, the fat one~!!
Girl, get a life. You don't like your big butt or your rolling waist....exercise and get it together instead of bemoaning your lot!!
The chemistry between these two just wasn't there. He thought she wasn't that attractive but he wanted to "bonk" her...nothing else. And she....not sure what she wanted from him...apart from himNow, if you've read my spoiler and you think that's bad...wait, there's worse...the hero doesn't realize that the heroine is a virgin..uh..uh...she has to tell him and he's beyond surprised!!!OMG...idiot is too good a word to describe him!
The secondary characters..........OMG....the heroine's sisters friends were beyond a caricature!!! Too stupid and dunce heads galore!!! Other characters were totally unforgettable!!
And then...when the heroine goes off by herself to a very dangerous place to help the poor and needy..........I just couldn't.........
The scenes with the heroine's parents when the hero I actually broke out by this time...yes guys, I persevered with the story...yes, give me some kudos for my tenacity......but this did help me in some small way..
Anyway, before I actually turned the last page...well, a long time before........I had these really horrible thoughts in my head towards old Mason and Daisytjie!!! (that means little Daisy!!!!)
Although this was not a book for me, I am sure there's a lot of others out there that will like it...that it does something to them.......to me......it did zero!!!
If you want to check out my reviews on the books I've read by this author:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
April 11, 2022
The Wingman was not a bad read per se... Definitely not the authors best work that's for sure. As much as I love a plain Jane romance, in some aspects it didn't feel like it because the author was very inconsistent in the way she described the heroine... who was both unconventionally and conventionally attractive? Very confusing. If the author was trying to make a statement there, it was definitely a bit weak.
The romance was okay, the buildup was sweet but nothing spectacular. Although this book had a fake relationship trope, in my opinion, it didn't add much to the romance. I also wasn't a fan of the ending and the reconciliation as it seemed a little too convenient for my tastes. The villain(s) in this book were also rather caricatured and hard to take seriously.
Overall, this book was okay but it's hard not to compare it to the masterpiece that the The Unwanted Wife was...
Rating: 2.5/5
The romance was okay, the buildup was sweet but nothing spectacular. Although this book had a fake relationship trope, in my opinion, it didn't add much to the romance. I also wasn't a fan of the ending and the reconciliation as it seemed a little too convenient for my tastes. The villain(s) in this book were also rather caricatured and hard to take seriously.
Overall, this book was okay but it's hard not to compare it to the masterpiece that the The Unwanted Wife was...
Rating: 2.5/5
December 18, 2018
I guess this book was meant to convince show me that an ugly unattractive woman can catch a very handsome man.
I disagree!
Because there are NO ugly women!
And if someone tells you otherwise,f*uck them ignore them!
I’m aware that there some beauty standards that the society thrusts upon us, but it doesn’t mean I want to read a whole book about ugly/unattractive/different/the other one heroine with zero self-confidence and very thin backbone paired with an extremely handsome (like überattractive) hero with narcissistic tendencies.
The worst part – the heroine didn’t gain much self-confidence and looked like pity case almost till the end.
Firstly, why the hell was she the other sister? Did the story take place in Barbie & Ken village where everyone was rail thin, physically fit and standard-attractive? Was she the only one with a bit overweight and the only one who wore glasses? Why the hell was she harassed? WHY?
She was a nice kind girl and I just didn’t understand WHY she was treated this way? Because she let people do it to her? Because she didn’t have any support from her family and was the ugly duck in comparison with her 2 sisters?
What mother doesn’t support her child and doesn’t help her to be stronger? But I won’t dwell much on this issue, maybe the heroine just didn’t see the loyalty and love of her family? It was a moot point.
And the saddest part, OMG, the saddest part in my opinion – the heroine was a 27-year-old virgin.
I didn’t mistype: two and seven, twenty seven.
27-year-old virgin!!! *crocodile tears*
Romance or not, but it’s a common knowledge that there are men who like real women, who desire women with curves!
And the worst part (again IMO) the hero didn’t notice she was a virgin after they had sex for the 1st time. She told him afterwards… *facepalm*
The hero, well, the hero… Was he a joke?! Ex-soldier, ex-underwear-model *eye roll* who dated many beautiful women, models and even… Princess… Like for real? Princess?!
The jerk talked to the heroine for the 1st time while his brother asked him (so he/H’s brother could flirt with h’s sister).
On their 1st date he noticed how pretty the waitress was, looked at the cleavage of the h’s nemesis, and thought how he should have sex with some pretty girl.
On their 2nd date he thought how he wanted to f*ck the h out of his system (to have sex with her and move on).
On their 3rd date he told her about his beautiful ex whom he dated for 1 year and who was actually perfect for him.
Prince Charming! NOT!!!
Ok, he defended her against insults of some a*sholes and tried to talk some sense in his brother who couldn’t understand why the H was interested in plain girl. And he liked h's boobs!
Yada, yada, yada and ups, let’s turn the tables so the heroine was the one to blame for her false assumptions about the hero.
Yes, it was definitely what I wanted to read – how the heroine apologized to the hero, how she was the 1st to tell him she loved him, how everybody pushed her toward the hero – because apparently ad*ck man at home is the life-goal of every woman.
Sorry, I can't anymore!
Cut. The end.
Girls, please don’t doubt yourself! Don’t settle for less!
I disagree!
Because there are NO ugly women!
Girls! You are beautiful!
EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU IS BEAUTIFUL!
Not your looks make you beautiful, but your self-confidence!!!
And if someone tells you otherwise,
I’m aware that there some beauty standards that the society thrusts upon us, but it doesn’t mean I want to read a whole book about ugly/unattractive/different/the other one heroine with zero self-confidence and very thin backbone paired with an extremely handsome (like überattractive) hero with narcissistic tendencies.
The worst part – the heroine didn’t gain much self-confidence and looked like pity case almost till the end.
Firstly, why the hell was she the other sister? Did the story take place in Barbie & Ken village where everyone was rail thin, physically fit and standard-attractive? Was she the only one with a bit overweight and the only one who wore glasses? Why the hell was she harassed? WHY?
She was a nice kind girl and I just didn’t understand WHY she was treated this way? Because she let people do it to her? Because she didn’t have any support from her family and was the ugly duck in comparison with her 2 sisters?
What mother doesn’t support her child and doesn’t help her to be stronger? But I won’t dwell much on this issue, maybe the heroine just didn’t see the loyalty and love of her family? It was a moot point.
And the saddest part, OMG, the saddest part in my opinion – the heroine was a 27-year-old virgin.
I didn’t mistype: two and seven, twenty seven.
27-year-old virgin!!! *crocodile tears*
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Romance or not, but it’s a common knowledge that there are men who like real women, who desire women with curves!
And the worst part (again IMO) the hero didn’t notice she was a virgin after they had sex for the 1st time. She told him afterwards… *facepalm*
The hero, well, the hero… Was he a joke?! Ex-soldier, ex-underwear-model *eye roll* who dated many beautiful women, models and even… Princess… Like for real? Princess?!
The jerk talked to the heroine for the 1st time while his brother asked him (so he/H’s brother could flirt with h’s sister).
On their 1st date he noticed how pretty the waitress was, looked at the cleavage of the h’s nemesis, and thought how he should have sex with some pretty girl.
On their 2nd date he thought how he wanted to f*ck the h out of his system (to have sex with her and move on).
On their 3rd date he told her about his beautiful ex whom he dated for 1 year and who was actually perfect for him.
Prince Charming! NOT!!!
Ok, he defended her against insults of some a*sholes and tried to talk some sense in his brother who couldn’t understand why the H was interested in plain girl. And he liked h's boobs!
Yada, yada, yada and ups, let’s turn the tables so the heroine was the one to blame for her false assumptions about the hero.
Yes, it was definitely what I wanted to read – how the heroine apologized to the hero, how she was the 1st to tell him she loved him, how everybody pushed her toward the hero – because apparently a
Sorry, I can't anymore!
Cut. The end.
Girls, please don’t doubt yourself! Don’t settle for less!
YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!!!
February 7, 2017
Find all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/
Dearest Val, my eternal gratitude for your inability to read “reel” books. If it weren’t for you I would have never discovered this little gem.
The story here is about a trio of sisters with the most ridiculous names ever. Dahlia, Daffodil and Daisy. Thank the good lort this one was about the least puke-inducing member of the family, Daisy. Daisy has always been known as the “other sister.” Y’all know what that means, right?????
While Dahlia and Daff are both built like models with perfect long straight hair, Daisy is short and curvy. Which means she’s always felt like the wallflower, but in reality she’s pretty much this girl . . . .
(I don’t know that I love anyone more than I love Emilia Clarke in Me Before You so that’s about the highest compliment I can pay to a leading lady.)
Daisy is trying her best to disappear into the wall while attending her sister’s Hen Night when she is approached by one of the Carlisle brothers. Jaw-droppingly handsome with a résumé including a stint in the Army, some time as a model and co-owner of a security business, Mason is not the type of guy who would generally pay attention to Daisy. After a couple of drinks and some time getting to know each other, Daisy finds out Mason wasn’t interested – he was sent over as a distraction so his brother could try and get in Daisy’s sister Daff’s panties. In layman’s terms, he was acting as wingman . . . .
When Daisy overhears a conversation between the two brothers disclosing the truth, she turns tables and convinces Mason to act as her wingman – a/k/a be her “date” to her sister Dahlia’s wedding.
Okay, so not only do we have a D.U.F.F. situation (Erica, it's THE DUFF!!! Your favorite!), but now we have an additional trope of a “pretend relationship” . . . . .
It probably goes without saying that I loved nearly every second of this one. Not only was Daisy hilarious (luckily not at all in a manic pixie dream girl sort of way), but Mason was all ex-military with cropped hair and tattoos so casting him in my brain worked out wonderfully as well . . . . .
There was NO instalove (in fact, quite the opposite) and despite a hardcore case of blue balls setting in before these two finally took their road trip to Pound Town, when they did it was good . . . . .
SO. GOOD.
4 Stars rather than 5 because the pacing wasn’t quite spot on so it probably should have been a bit shorter, there was an extra twist at the end that made Mason recognize his twue wuv that I thought was totally unnecessary (even though the set up that it was coming was presented pretty much through the entire book), and Mason talked about more unreconciled boners than a 14 year old. How much wood could Mason's woodchuck chuck????
Still HIGHLY recommended however, and this is currently a Read Now selection on NetGalley so go get you some.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!
Dearest Val, my eternal gratitude for your inability to read “reel” books. If it weren’t for you I would have never discovered this little gem.
The story here is about a trio of sisters with the most ridiculous names ever. Dahlia, Daffodil and Daisy. Thank the good lort this one was about the least puke-inducing member of the family, Daisy. Daisy has always been known as the “other sister.” Y’all know what that means, right?????
While Dahlia and Daff are both built like models with perfect long straight hair, Daisy is short and curvy. Which means she’s always felt like the wallflower, but in reality she’s pretty much this girl . . . .
(I don’t know that I love anyone more than I love Emilia Clarke in Me Before You so that’s about the highest compliment I can pay to a leading lady.)
Daisy is trying her best to disappear into the wall while attending her sister’s Hen Night when she is approached by one of the Carlisle brothers. Jaw-droppingly handsome with a résumé including a stint in the Army, some time as a model and co-owner of a security business, Mason is not the type of guy who would generally pay attention to Daisy. After a couple of drinks and some time getting to know each other, Daisy finds out Mason wasn’t interested – he was sent over as a distraction so his brother could try and get in Daisy’s sister Daff’s panties. In layman’s terms, he was acting as wingman . . . .
When Daisy overhears a conversation between the two brothers disclosing the truth, she turns tables and convinces Mason to act as her wingman – a/k/a be her “date” to her sister Dahlia’s wedding.
Okay, so not only do we have a D.U.F.F. situation (Erica, it's THE DUFF!!! Your favorite!), but now we have an additional trope of a “pretend relationship” . . . . .
It probably goes without saying that I loved nearly every second of this one. Not only was Daisy hilarious (luckily not at all in a manic pixie dream girl sort of way), but Mason was all ex-military with cropped hair and tattoos so casting him in my brain worked out wonderfully as well . . . . .
There was NO instalove (in fact, quite the opposite) and despite a hardcore case of blue balls setting in before these two finally took their road trip to Pound Town, when they did it was good . . . . .
SO. GOOD.
4 Stars rather than 5 because the pacing wasn’t quite spot on so it probably should have been a bit shorter, there was an extra twist at the end that made Mason recognize his twue wuv that I thought was totally unnecessary (even though the set up that it was coming was presented pretty much through the entire book), and Mason talked about more unreconciled boners than a 14 year old. How much wood could Mason's woodchuck chuck????
Still HIGHLY recommended however, and this is currently a Read Now selection on NetGalley so go get you some.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!
March 8, 2017
3.5 Stars
The Ugly Duckling Scores A Prince
Ms. Anders is a new author for me, and she drew me into this story like a moth to the flame, giving me hope for a five star rating. Unfortunately, before the half way point, the tension and sparks which drew me in to begin with between the H and h, fizzled out. I was still interested in the characters and the ending, but it just started losing it's appeal. The tension reemerged near the end of the story, so I bumped my rating up to 3.5 stars.
All in all, it was a decent read, but it could have been awesome, as I loved the premise of the plot line. I really liked this author's writing style and always enjoy a dual POV.
Mason Carlisle, as a teenager, was known as a rebel rouser from the wrong side of the tracks, but now in his early thirties, is the town heartthrob who is quite accomplished. While visiting a local pub, his brother, Spencer, asks him to be his wingman. Spencer wants to make a move on one of the McGregor sisters and asks him to flirt with the youngest sister as a distraction. Mason is not the least bit keen on the idea, but will do anything for his brother who is coming out of a hellacious relationship with his ex-girlfriend.
Daisy McGregor, is the youngest of three sisters. Her two older sisters are the beautiful ones, but she is known as "the other one." She is more the frumpy and disheveled type. While attending the bachelorette party for her middle sister, and wishing she was anywhere but, Daisy is shocked when one of the gorgeous and totally ripped Carlisle brothers comes over, sits down next to her and chats up a conversation. The next thing she knows, he is asking her out. Daisy is totally confused because handsome men like Mason don't ask out girls like her, ever.
"Maybe I missed something here," she said, circling her finger in the space between them. "Or maybe I'm drunker than I thought because this conversation stopped making sense about two minutes ago."
"I asked you out," he said, and she blinked, before laughing.
"Guys like you don't go out with girls like me," she ridiculed.
What starts out as a brother playing wingman so his older brother can score, turns into an affair of the heart which throws Mason for a loop.
*I received this book, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review*
The Ugly Duckling Scores A Prince
Ms. Anders is a new author for me, and she drew me into this story like a moth to the flame, giving me hope for a five star rating. Unfortunately, before the half way point, the tension and sparks which drew me in to begin with between the H and h, fizzled out. I was still interested in the characters and the ending, but it just started losing it's appeal. The tension reemerged near the end of the story, so I bumped my rating up to 3.5 stars.
All in all, it was a decent read, but it could have been awesome, as I loved the premise of the plot line. I really liked this author's writing style and always enjoy a dual POV.
Mason Carlisle, as a teenager, was known as a rebel rouser from the wrong side of the tracks, but now in his early thirties, is the town heartthrob who is quite accomplished. While visiting a local pub, his brother, Spencer, asks him to be his wingman. Spencer wants to make a move on one of the McGregor sisters and asks him to flirt with the youngest sister as a distraction. Mason is not the least bit keen on the idea, but will do anything for his brother who is coming out of a hellacious relationship with his ex-girlfriend.
Daisy McGregor, is the youngest of three sisters. Her two older sisters are the beautiful ones, but she is known as "the other one." She is more the frumpy and disheveled type. While attending the bachelorette party for her middle sister, and wishing she was anywhere but, Daisy is shocked when one of the gorgeous and totally ripped Carlisle brothers comes over, sits down next to her and chats up a conversation. The next thing she knows, he is asking her out. Daisy is totally confused because handsome men like Mason don't ask out girls like her, ever.
"Maybe I missed something here," she said, circling her finger in the space between them. "Or maybe I'm drunker than I thought because this conversation stopped making sense about two minutes ago."
"I asked you out," he said, and she blinked, before laughing.
"Guys like you don't go out with girls like me," she ridiculed.
What starts out as a brother playing wingman so his older brother can score, turns into an affair of the heart which throws Mason for a loop.
*I received this book, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review*
dnf
February 28, 2017
I'm tapping out on this one. Not ONE character in this book is likable to me. The hero and his brother are douches. The heroine is so OTT self-deprecating it is ridiculous.
Here is basically what the hero thought of her...
"She wasn’t even that bad looking. She just needed to do something with her hair, maybe. Put on a little makeup . . . dress better . . . lose a few kilos."
So basically change everything about herself THEN he MAY find her attractive. Nice...
May 7, 2017
To see this review and others please visit www.readrantrockandroll.com
The Wingman by Natasha Anders has to be one of my favorite romances so far for 2017.
I loved it from start to finish, especially the interaction between Mason and Daisy. The one element I cherished was how different the two of them were and how unlikely the relationship was. Daisy's personality transformation toward the end seemed fast, but I still ♡ it.
This is my first read by Natasha Anders and it looks like she may be one of my new favorite authors.
4****
Thanks to Netgalley for sharing a copy of The Wingman with me.
The Wingman by Natasha Anders has to be one of my favorite romances so far for 2017.
I loved it from start to finish, especially the interaction between Mason and Daisy. The one element I cherished was how different the two of them were and how unlikely the relationship was. Daisy's personality transformation toward the end seemed fast, but I still ♡ it.
This is my first read by Natasha Anders and it looks like she may be one of my new favorite authors.
4****
Thanks to Netgalley for sharing a copy of The Wingman with me.
February 7, 2017
I loved this one! Review to come closer to release date.
Original Post
I lurve this author and this little ditty is a NetGalley Read Now. You can read it right now! Gah!
https://s2.netgalley.com/catalog/book...
Even though I have approximately 103 books to read first, I'm diving into this one pronto.
Original Post
I lurve this author and this little ditty is a NetGalley Read Now. You can read it right now! Gah!
https://s2.netgalley.com/catalog/book...
Even though I have approximately 103 books to read first, I'm diving into this one pronto.
March 1, 2017
Review @ Vanilla & Spice Books
The three McGregor sisters are the cherished daughters of the local vet. All three have monikers they are being referred to. The pretty one, the cute one and Daisy...well she is "the other one". Daisy is short, with love handles, a bit of a double chin and curls which can't be controlled.
To her utter surprise Mason Carlisle, ex-soldier, ex-bodyguard, ex-underwear model, chats her up and makes her feel a little bit special at her sister's hen/bachelorette party. She has a rude awakening when she overhears Mason talking to his brother and realizes that he was supposed to distract Daisy so that Spencer can make a move on her oldest sister.
When his brother asked him for a favor, he didn't anticipate to be entertained and a little bit enchanted by the plain McGregor sister. When she blackmails him into accompanying her to her sister's wedding he realizes that it isn't exactly a chore. The more he gets to know the spirited, intelligent Daisy, the more he is attracted to her, and the prettier she becomes to him, belly pooch and unruly curls and all. All of a sudden her 50s bombshell body gives him blue balls 24/7. Sadly, Daisy would never believe him - too often has she been the butt of a joke.
Daisy has dulled to the constant bullying she receives from her sisters' "friends". It was a little bit heartbreaking to see how the catty b*tches tried to make her life hard and how they segregated her. Her self esteem is lower than low. She is still an endearing heroine - funny, forthright with a sharp wit.
I loved that Daisy didn't have to lose weight to be loved by the hero. It was the fact that Mason learned to see her beauty without her changing her appearance that made this story so poignant. When Daisy starts to see herself through his eyes she starts to become more secure about herself and her body. Yes, it was a little bit frustrating that it took her most of the book to come to that conclusion and kept deflecting compliments...yet when she did, she owned it.
Mason is a good guy, a stubborn one at that. Bossy and often sweet, and he holds a mean grudge. He is utterly charmed by Daisy - she is easily embarrassed and he doesn't leave out an opportunity to make her blush. She is unpredictable and her intelligence, wit and straight shooting character confuse and amuse him. I was happy that he looked past her appearance and fell in love with her character.
Natasha Anders is a new to me author. Her writing style resonates with me - it's fluid and witty. This story is for everyone because I think we all have felt insufficient, deficient and insecure at one point in our life. This story is a hymn to imperfection and I bow to this author for doing right by the characters by making the readers accept them for what they are. I really enjoyed reading Daisy's and Mason's journey to find love.
I hope that we get to see Spencer's and Daffodil's story. There is a past which I can't wait to uncover!
The three McGregor sisters are the cherished daughters of the local vet. All three have monikers they are being referred to. The pretty one, the cute one and Daisy...well she is "the other one". Daisy is short, with love handles, a bit of a double chin and curls which can't be controlled.
To her utter surprise Mason Carlisle, ex-soldier, ex-bodyguard, ex-underwear model, chats her up and makes her feel a little bit special at her sister's hen/bachelorette party. She has a rude awakening when she overhears Mason talking to his brother and realizes that he was supposed to distract Daisy so that Spencer can make a move on her oldest sister.
When his brother asked him for a favor, he didn't anticipate to be entertained and a little bit enchanted by the plain McGregor sister. When she blackmails him into accompanying her to her sister's wedding he realizes that it isn't exactly a chore. The more he gets to know the spirited, intelligent Daisy, the more he is attracted to her, and the prettier she becomes to him, belly pooch and unruly curls and all. All of a sudden her 50s bombshell body gives him blue balls 24/7. Sadly, Daisy would never believe him - too often has she been the butt of a joke.
Daisy has dulled to the constant bullying she receives from her sisters' "friends". It was a little bit heartbreaking to see how the catty b*tches tried to make her life hard and how they segregated her. Her self esteem is lower than low. She is still an endearing heroine - funny, forthright with a sharp wit.
I loved that Daisy didn't have to lose weight to be loved by the hero. It was the fact that Mason learned to see her beauty without her changing her appearance that made this story so poignant. When Daisy starts to see herself through his eyes she starts to become more secure about herself and her body. Yes, it was a little bit frustrating that it took her most of the book to come to that conclusion and kept deflecting compliments...yet when she did, she owned it.
“Why do you do that? You’re constantly selling yourself short, and it’s annoying as hell..."
Mason is a good guy, a stubborn one at that. Bossy and often sweet, and he holds a mean grudge. He is utterly charmed by Daisy - she is easily embarrassed and he doesn't leave out an opportunity to make her blush. She is unpredictable and her intelligence, wit and straight shooting character confuse and amuse him. I was happy that he looked past her appearance and fell in love with her character.
“Stop counting my freckles and try to get some sleep,” she whispered, not at all sure what to make of this.
“That’s what I’m trying to do; it’s like counting stars, only so much prettier.”
Natasha Anders is a new to me author. Her writing style resonates with me - it's fluid and witty. This story is for everyone because I think we all have felt insufficient, deficient and insecure at one point in our life. This story is a hymn to imperfection and I bow to this author for doing right by the characters by making the readers accept them for what they are. I really enjoyed reading Daisy's and Mason's journey to find love.
I hope that we get to see Spencer's and Daffodil's story. There is a past which I can't wait to uncover!
"What do you see when you look at me, Mason?"
"Everything," he grated out. "I see my whole f*cking world, Daisy, I see all my days, my weeks, and my years. Every season of my life. All spent with you. I see everything I want, need, and desire all wrapped up in you."
February 7, 2017
★★ 2.5 Stars ★★
I must admit, I was nervous picking this one up because I am a huge fan of Natasha Anders previous books, she is famous for creating some of the biggest arsehole heroes in the indie romance arena, and when I discovered that this story was a total 180 from her usual, I was worried that I wouldn't enjoy it as much as past books.
I am disappointed to say that I was right to be worried, this story was lacking for me, and I found it fairly boring and bland. The heroine was very self-deprecating and spoilt my enjoyment of the book with her constant paranoia about her weight/plainness, and whilst I did appreciate that this was the whole point of the plot; that the hot guy in town ends up finding her interesting and sexy in her own way, it was a bit too much for me.
The Wingman, although not for me, was a sweet book with a nice message - I hope many people do enjoy this story more than I did.
The Wingman is a standalone contemporary romance, told from dual POV.
ARC gratefully received
I must admit, I was nervous picking this one up because I am a huge fan of Natasha Anders previous books, she is famous for creating some of the biggest arsehole heroes in the indie romance arena, and when I discovered that this story was a total 180 from her usual, I was worried that I wouldn't enjoy it as much as past books.
I am disappointed to say that I was right to be worried, this story was lacking for me, and I found it fairly boring and bland. The heroine was very self-deprecating and spoilt my enjoyment of the book with her constant paranoia about her weight/plainness, and whilst I did appreciate that this was the whole point of the plot; that the hot guy in town ends up finding her interesting and sexy in her own way, it was a bit too much for me.
The Wingman, although not for me, was a sweet book with a nice message - I hope many people do enjoy this story more than I did.
The Wingman is a standalone contemporary romance, told from dual POV.
ARC gratefully received
March 28, 2017
Title: The Wingman
Series: Standalone
Author: Natasha Anders
Release date: March 7, 2017
Cliffhanger: No
HEA
So. Due to the fact that this review is loooooong overdue, this is going to be short and sweet.
This was my very first Natasha Anders book and I really think I picked the right introduction to her writing. This author is known for her asshole heroes, and since my personal preference is not this type, I've held out. But I'm really glad I decided to give this one a shot. I fully admit, nerdy/quirky characters are my kryptonite. After seeing that the heroine was a quirky introvert type, I folded like a deck of cards. Daisy McGregor had me at hello.
Yes, Daisy's self-esteem was sorely lacking, and she had quite a lot of negative thoughts about herself. However, when you're constantly belittled and ridiculed for years by your sisters' friends, it's no wonder that these hateful comments would take control of her head. I sympathized with her. She was a bit of an odd ball, but she had intelligence, wit, and I couldn't help but find her endearing from the start. After finishing school early, she followed in her father's footsteps and joined him in his veterinary practice. She's devoted all of her time working towards her career, so by the time she reached the age of twenty seven, she was sorely lacking in social and dating skills.
Whereas Daisy was an awkward duck, Mason has done well for himself after high school. He's now a successful man, confident, and very popular with the ladies. He and Daisy don't have very much in common on the surface, but I really felt like they clicked naturally from the start. I loved how he accepted her and challenged her to stop selling herself short.
“Thank you.” “What for?” “Believing me.” Her words infuriated him, made him want to take on every single person in the world who had ever made her feel worthless and unattractive. Starting with Daisy herself.
Mason and Daisy strike a deal with each other: to play the part of a couple to ward off her family's interference and rude comments. The plan doesn't quite go as planned when their attraction blooms and lust flares.
I think this was a solid four star book, my main difficulty with it was the fact that Mason went completely overboard towards the end and held onto his grudge with an iron fist. I didn't feel like his reaction towards the circumstances was fitting. Frankly, if I were Daisy, I would have taken his attitude and treatment more seriously than her. Not only that, but he was throwing out quite a few mixed signals towards her, and his push and pull indecisiveness throughout the book left a little to be desired for me.
Overall, I found Wingman to be an enjoyable and cute read, and I'm definitely on board to read more from this author. I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a light read about a heroine that has to learn to love and accept herself, and a hero who accepts her just as she is.
“I see my whole fucking world, Daisy. I see all my days, my weeks, and my years. Every season of my life. All spent with you. I see everything I want, need, and desire all wrapped up in you.”
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February 7, 2017
2 stars
I am a huge fan of Natasha Anders, The Unwanted Wife is one of my all time favorite romances ever. I knew going into this book it wasn’t going to be like her past ones, less angst and more humor. But even knowing that, I did not care for this one which makes me sad because I was very much looking forward to this book. I found this book to be really boring, and at times it felt very choppy with rapid changing POV’s. I also felt the plot itself wasn’t focused very well.
This book reminded me a lot of her other book His Unlikely Lover (the only other book by Anders I didn’t enjoy) and I think her take on the ugly duckling trope just doesn’t work for me. I already don’t love the ugly duckling trope in general, but I also found the main character Daisy to be really annoying and I didn’t empathize with her at all. And I have a very high tolerance for “annoying heroines”. Mason and Daisy’s family also would seem clued in to her insecurities and yet still always say the wrong thing to her and hurt her feelings.
I have lots of other friends who read and enjoyed this book, so I encourage you to read their positive reviews while considering picking up this book. I tend to have very picky tastes and what doesn’t work for me works fine for other readers. I will still reading anything Natasha Anders puts out, she’s a one of a kind author. This book just simply did not work for me.
ARC provided by publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
I am a huge fan of Natasha Anders, The Unwanted Wife is one of my all time favorite romances ever. I knew going into this book it wasn’t going to be like her past ones, less angst and more humor. But even knowing that, I did not care for this one which makes me sad because I was very much looking forward to this book. I found this book to be really boring, and at times it felt very choppy with rapid changing POV’s. I also felt the plot itself wasn’t focused very well.
This book reminded me a lot of her other book His Unlikely Lover (the only other book by Anders I didn’t enjoy) and I think her take on the ugly duckling trope just doesn’t work for me. I already don’t love the ugly duckling trope in general, but I also found the main character Daisy to be really annoying and I didn’t empathize with her at all. And I have a very high tolerance for “annoying heroines”. Mason and Daisy’s family also would seem clued in to her insecurities and yet still always say the wrong thing to her and hurt her feelings.
I have lots of other friends who read and enjoyed this book, so I encourage you to read their positive reviews while considering picking up this book. I tend to have very picky tastes and what doesn’t work for me works fine for other readers. I will still reading anything Natasha Anders puts out, she’s a one of a kind author. This book just simply did not work for me.
ARC provided by publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
January 12, 2022
“You’re the wingman. I’m the ugly girl.”
Mason is asked by his brother, Spencer, to be his wingman. Spencer has a plan to talk to one girl in particular. He figures if her not-so-attractive sister is being entertained by Mason then he’ll have a chance to make his move on her sister. Daisy is used to being the overlooked sister and when Mason suddenly shows interest in her she's a little suspicious. As the youngest McGregor sister, she's grown up knowing the town refers to the sisters as:
✦The pretty one
✦The cute one
✦And the other one
When she uncovers the sham the Carlisle brothers are trying to pull she turns the tables on Mason. Daisy creates Operation Wingman 2.0 where she coerces Mason to be her wingman to her eldest sister’s wedding. No more having her family and town people thinking that she can’t find a guy to take her out.
Both Mason and Daisy have impressive resumes. She’s a respectable veterinarian who has set up a free clinic on certain days to help out people who can’t afford vet care for their pet. And then we have Mason who was a war hero and then an underwear model and then a bodyguard for the stars.
Even with her impressive career, Daisy’s lack of confidence is off-putting. It takes most of the book for her to realize that she’s worthy of the affection of a guy.
This was my first book by Ms. Anders and I really enjoyed the style of writing. It had an easy flow to it. The story was more on the sweet side. A beauty and the beast type where the girl is the ‘beast’. She’s afraid to believe anyone can love her because she’s not pretty and the ‘beauty’ in this story can see beyond others cannot.
I plan to check out Ms. Anders other books because her other books are on my friends favorite list. Sounds like those stories are edged with angst and redeeming jerks. I’m a fan of angst in my romance books so her books sound like winners to me.
The Wingman is a standalone. After reading the epilogue I could see the potential for Daisy’s sisters to have their own books.
✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦
RELEASE DATE: March 7, 2017
STANDALONE
**Complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.**
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Mason is asked by his brother, Spencer, to be his wingman. Spencer has a plan to talk to one girl in particular. He figures if her not-so-attractive sister is being entertained by Mason then he’ll have a chance to make his move on her sister. Daisy is used to being the overlooked sister and when Mason suddenly shows interest in her she's a little suspicious. As the youngest McGregor sister, she's grown up knowing the town refers to the sisters as:
✦The pretty one
✦The cute one
✦And the other one
When she uncovers the sham the Carlisle brothers are trying to pull she turns the tables on Mason. Daisy creates Operation Wingman 2.0 where she coerces Mason to be her wingman to her eldest sister’s wedding. No more having her family and town people thinking that she can’t find a guy to take her out.
Both Mason and Daisy have impressive resumes. She’s a respectable veterinarian who has set up a free clinic on certain days to help out people who can’t afford vet care for their pet. And then we have Mason who was a war hero and then an underwear model and then a bodyguard for the stars.
Even with her impressive career, Daisy’s lack of confidence is off-putting. It takes most of the book for her to realize that she’s worthy of the affection of a guy.
This was my first book by Ms. Anders and I really enjoyed the style of writing. It had an easy flow to it. The story was more on the sweet side. A beauty and the beast type where the girl is the ‘beast’. She’s afraid to believe anyone can love her because she’s not pretty and the ‘beauty’ in this story can see beyond others cannot.
I plan to check out Ms. Anders other books because her other books are on my friends favorite list. Sounds like those stories are edged with angst and redeeming jerks. I’m a fan of angst in my romance books so her books sound like winners to me.
The Wingman is a standalone. After reading the epilogue I could see the potential for Daisy’s sisters to have their own books.
✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦
RELEASE DATE: March 7, 2017
STANDALONE
**Complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.**
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February 7, 2017
**** 4,5 stars ****
March 7, 2017
5 - "What do you see?" Stars!
Natasha Anders isn’t an author new to me, and I have been a fan of every book of hers that I have so far read, but I can without doubt say The Wingman, is my favorite. We are looking at a bit of an Ugly Duckling story with Daisy McGregor, in that she is the youngest of three, and the one that people think of last.
"The pretty one, the cute on, and the other one…"
Every previous book I have read by this author has featured a male lead that has been a struggle to like in the beginning, and in the main the story has been built around him redeeming himself with the lady in his life.
"You’re the wingman. I’m the ugly girl."
This one is different in that I adored Mason Carlisle from the offset, this is a guy who comes across as a Prince (trying to be) Charming, but a lot of his efforts just fall a little shy of being perceived in the right vein. His heart is definitely in the right place, he just struggles to show it without making himself look like an idiot to Daisy a lot of the time.
"Guys like you don’t go out with girls like me."
But the one thing that stood out for me and resonated so deeply is that this is a guy who takes absolutely no-one putting down or belittling Daisy in his presence, and there are a lot of nasty people in this book looking to do just that. In truth this is a book that on reflection I could have quite easily hated because of the mean-girl and douche-bag quota it contained, but because Mason effectively and swiftly cut every negative person off and with such great style I just loved this couple’s story.
"I’ve been the butt of someone’s joke too many times to count."
I basically want my own Mason, alright I won’t have the expectation of him being an Ex-SAS, bodyguard/underwear model, but a guy with his personality and beliefs in relation who you treat a woman would be alright by me.
"I’m not allowing you to un-invite me from that wedding. We’re going. Together. Got that?"
Nothing new or hugely unusual about the fake relationship story-line, but the writing was superb, the story well executed and the characterizations for Mason and Daisy made them both people that you rooted for. Both were more than their initial descriptions and their story was one I read pretty much in one sitting.
He made her want to throw caution to the wind and just be very, very bad…
I hope that the author has plans to give Daisy’s sister Daffodil a book at some point, and I hope that Mason’s brother Spencer is the man that the author pairs her with. Both of them didn’t come out of this story looking particularly good and I would like to see them both given the opportunity to redeem themselves in the telling of their own story.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was an absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.
Natasha Anders isn’t an author new to me, and I have been a fan of every book of hers that I have so far read, but I can without doubt say The Wingman, is my favorite. We are looking at a bit of an Ugly Duckling story with Daisy McGregor, in that she is the youngest of three, and the one that people think of last.
"The pretty one, the cute on, and the other one…"
Every previous book I have read by this author has featured a male lead that has been a struggle to like in the beginning, and in the main the story has been built around him redeeming himself with the lady in his life.
"You’re the wingman. I’m the ugly girl."
This one is different in that I adored Mason Carlisle from the offset, this is a guy who comes across as a Prince (trying to be) Charming, but a lot of his efforts just fall a little shy of being perceived in the right vein. His heart is definitely in the right place, he just struggles to show it without making himself look like an idiot to Daisy a lot of the time.
"Guys like you don’t go out with girls like me."
But the one thing that stood out for me and resonated so deeply is that this is a guy who takes absolutely no-one putting down or belittling Daisy in his presence, and there are a lot of nasty people in this book looking to do just that. In truth this is a book that on reflection I could have quite easily hated because of the mean-girl and douche-bag quota it contained, but because Mason effectively and swiftly cut every negative person off and with such great style I just loved this couple’s story.
"I’ve been the butt of someone’s joke too many times to count."
I basically want my own Mason, alright I won’t have the expectation of him being an Ex-SAS, bodyguard/underwear model, but a guy with his personality and beliefs in relation who you treat a woman would be alright by me.
"I’m not allowing you to un-invite me from that wedding. We’re going. Together. Got that?"
Nothing new or hugely unusual about the fake relationship story-line, but the writing was superb, the story well executed and the characterizations for Mason and Daisy made them both people that you rooted for. Both were more than their initial descriptions and their story was one I read pretty much in one sitting.
He made her want to throw caution to the wind and just be very, very bad…
I hope that the author has plans to give Daisy’s sister Daffodil a book at some point, and I hope that Mason’s brother Spencer is the man that the author pairs her with. Both of them didn’t come out of this story looking particularly good and I would like to see them both given the opportunity to redeem themselves in the telling of their own story.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was an absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.
March 7, 2017
Well, well, well. This was absolutely nothing like Natasha Anders previous books, my favourite of hers being The Unwanted Wife. The Wingman comes a close second, without a single alphahole in sight.
The hottie and the wallflower about covers these two characters and whilst I'm not a fan of the "I'm not good enough for you" trope, this one worked because Daisy knew what she was and was quite happy with her life thank you very much. The best part ... witnessing Mason extracting his head from his arse and waking the hell up to what was in front of him all the time.
Arc received from Netgalley
The hottie and the wallflower about covers these two characters and whilst I'm not a fan of the "I'm not good enough for you" trope, this one worked because Daisy knew what she was and was quite happy with her life thank you very much. The best part ... witnessing Mason extracting his head from his arse and waking the hell up to what was in front of him all the time.
Arc received from Netgalley
February 6, 2017
Yay, we've got a winner! What a sweet and fun little romance (and is it just me or does the cover guy look like Patrick Wilson? ♥♥).
To be honest, I'm usually not a fan of the „ugly duckling“ trope. Typically, they go like this:
Shy and visually unappealing wallflower heroine experiences something humiliating and decides she has to get her shit together and make something out of herself. Hero, who has never acknowledged heroine as an actual girl before, finally sees her now that she's pretty, and falls head over heels in love with her. Because, you know, she's so much more lovable when she's hot and popular.
And as entertaining as those reads may be, they tend to leave that ugly taste in my mouth that something's just terribly wrong with that...
So I'm immensely relieved and happy that is not the path Natasha Anders took with The Wingman.
Sure, Daisy is what you would expect from an „ugly duckling“ heroine – she's shy, insecure and touchy, a typical people-pleaser. For as long as she can remember, she's been the „other McGregor sister“, the odd one out while all the guys lusted after her sisters. She's never had a relationship, always keeping a low profile, not wanting to attract any attention for the fear of being hurt.
BUT: Even though she's kind of resigned herself to that fate, she has developed a thick skin and a snarky, dry kind of humor that I loved. And even though she sometimes lets herself be dragged into self-pity parties, she never wallows in them for too long, coming out quickly with her head held high.
So when she finds out that Mason's sudden attention was nothing more than a scheme to distract her so his brother Spencer can hit on her older sister, instead of going all woe-is-me, she grabs the opportunity and uses Mason guilt to coerce him into posing as her date at her sister's wedding.
Mason, being the genuinely good guy that he is, is actually happy to help and sees a chance to redeem himself. He even goes so far as to suggest they pretend to be dating in order to shut up her well-meaning but misguided family and all the other naggers once and for all.
Cue drama, lots of hot-and-cold behavior, misunderstandings and bitchy bridesmaids.
"You were what?" she gritted out, after diverting her eyes back on the road.
"Counting your freckles... and I'm a little irritated with your interruption. You made me lose count. I like how they congregate on your nose and then kind of carelessly scatter across your cheekbone like drunken little soldiers, just a few here and there. Do you know that some fell out of line and randomly landed wherever the hell they wanted? Little rebels. There's one just below the corner of your lip, looks a little lonely down there, but it hasn't fallen as far as this little guy here." He reached out and brushed his thumb over the sensitive skin of her throat. "What is it doing all the way down there? I think this one is my favorite."
Mason was absolutely yummy - easy-going, charismatic, a little damaged and very alpha. A little too bossy for my liking from time to time, but he was being so charming about it I couldn't stay mad at him for long for being such a freaking caveman. I loved how he had Daisy's back from the second the met, how he helped her overcome her insecurities and wouldn't take crap from her when she got all self-conscious and defensive on him.
Most of all, though, I loved how he saw how beautiful she was, inside and out, from the start, and didn't require a huge makeover on her side to fall for her.
"Don't say it!" Mason interrupted viciously, and Spencer turned his gaze back to his brother.
"What?" he asked, all innocence. "She's hot."
"I know that," Mason said. "I don't know how none of you saw that before. Why does she have to shimmy her way into a skirt that ends just below her ass cheeks for you to see it now?"
A light and cute read that tackled the rather serious underlying subject of bullying with a charming sort of nonchalance, and that made do without any sap and grand gestures of love, and thus seemed all the more relatable and realistic. There were even two adorable dogs. Nobody can resist the charm of adorable dogs.
The dogs were stretched out on their tummies in front of the cold hearth, facing each other with their wet noses touching. Coop looked smitten but confused, while Peaches looked smug.
"You too, huh, boy?" Mason said in quiet sympathy. "Trust me, it won't get any easier. She's going to drive you completely crazy."
Just one thing that bugged the hell out of me, though: Daffodil, Dahlia and Daisy? Seriously? Who does that to their children?!
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 17, 2017
FOUR OPPOSITES ATTRACT STARS.
"She was supposed to be his one-night distraction. But their attraction is undeniable."
This was exactly the book fix that I needed. Right up my street and by an author that I've previously fallen in love with - double the win. Natasha Anders, is normally my go to author for when I want an angsty, arse hole -hero filled romance. But here surprisingly we have a romance that was sweet, quirky and all kinds of sexy. With that being said I have zero to complain about, this book was marvellous, this reader just wants some more (greedy I know).
What did I love?
Natasha Anders claimed a spot as a must read author from the moment that I opened her books and my love for her writing did not stop there. Every book since has stole a little of my reading heart and I always wind up desperate for more. This book hosted a hero to die for, I could wax lyrical for days about how swoony, sexy and outright delicious he was, but that would only be the tip of the iceberg this hero won me over and then some. The leading lady of this sweet romance was at times utterly engaging and on the flip side slightly frustrating (but quite honestly I think that was the whole point). Everything about this stories progression was winning points from chapter to chapter and it's the type of book where it's easy to get lost in. Thoroughly enjoyable and adorable to the end I wanted to be best friends with these characters and jump right into their world.
Why not five?
This book was obviously to my tastes, there wasn't much that I didn't adore about what was between the front and back cover. I just needed that little bit more of a connection with the characters to tip me over into the five star rating. All in all a lovely romance book that I thoroughly enjoyed I just didn't get that 'don't ever want this to end' vibe. A solid four star that's certainly not to be scoffed at.
Final thoughts ...
Those that love an opposites attract story need to get themselves together and read this book. Natasha Anders is a firm favourite and I'll always be on the reader lookout for future releases. Until then ill be happy to chat with fellow readers about their similar love for this authors words. Enjoy ... kisses.
"She was supposed to be his one-night distraction. But their attraction is undeniable."
This was exactly the book fix that I needed. Right up my street and by an author that I've previously fallen in love with - double the win. Natasha Anders, is normally my go to author for when I want an angsty, arse hole -hero filled romance. But here surprisingly we have a romance that was sweet, quirky and all kinds of sexy. With that being said I have zero to complain about, this book was marvellous, this reader just wants some more (greedy I know).
What did I love?
Natasha Anders claimed a spot as a must read author from the moment that I opened her books and my love for her writing did not stop there. Every book since has stole a little of my reading heart and I always wind up desperate for more. This book hosted a hero to die for, I could wax lyrical for days about how swoony, sexy and outright delicious he was, but that would only be the tip of the iceberg this hero won me over and then some. The leading lady of this sweet romance was at times utterly engaging and on the flip side slightly frustrating (but quite honestly I think that was the whole point). Everything about this stories progression was winning points from chapter to chapter and it's the type of book where it's easy to get lost in. Thoroughly enjoyable and adorable to the end I wanted to be best friends with these characters and jump right into their world.
Why not five?
This book was obviously to my tastes, there wasn't much that I didn't adore about what was between the front and back cover. I just needed that little bit more of a connection with the characters to tip me over into the five star rating. All in all a lovely romance book that I thoroughly enjoyed I just didn't get that 'don't ever want this to end' vibe. A solid four star that's certainly not to be scoffed at.
Final thoughts ...
Those that love an opposites attract story need to get themselves together and read this book. Natasha Anders is a firm favourite and I'll always be on the reader lookout for future releases. Until then ill be happy to chat with fellow readers about their similar love for this authors words. Enjoy ... kisses.
January 23, 2022
The Wingman falls for Dr Daisy
I think The Wingman was written with me in mind. So, first off…thank you Natasha Anders, I was thoroughly entertained. Now there are a few reasons why this book was made for me. I’m one of three girls and Daisy, the main character, is too. I loved that Natasha Anders ripped my heart out (as she is so fond of doing) BUT didn’t trample it to dust. The Wingman also had something come up which I’m very guilty of doing…looking at myself with distorted glasses.
I started reading The Wingman and was sucked in from the very start. We meet Mason and to be honest, my first impression of him was that he was a little shy and hesitant. Boy, was I wrong. This man has lived through fighting in a war, running a successful business and working as an underwear model. He is not shy at all. When his brother asks him to meet him at a pub to ask a favour, he does not hesitate. When that same brother then asks him to distract “the other sister” while he attempts to connect with her older sister…he does hesitate. It seems a little mean and unsavoury but he eventually agrees to talk to the…plain, weird, frumpy and badly dressed sister.
OK…here’s where Natasha Anders messes with my mind. Why do I keep going back for more of her stories when I want to physically harm the hero? I question how Natasha Anders could possibly make a douchewaffle lovable? How is it that with my eyes rolling to the back of my head and my teeth gritted to snapping point, I eventually get to a point where I want to give him a book boyfriend slot?
Seriously, I loved Mason by the end even though he once thought that Daisy was plain, weird, frumpy and badly dressed. I am not a fan of heroes who admit (OK, it’s only in his head…but I’m reading it so I can totally read his mind) that they think the heroine is unattractive. I think my change of heart is because by the end even he can’t believe he once thought those things and his constant arousal is proof she’s more than attractive. I get a kick when the hero is forever hiding behind benches ;-)
I could relate to Daisy. Daisy’s two sisters are tall, pretty and popular while she’s short, curvy and nerdy. In my case, my sisters were popular, short and curvy while I was shy, tall and nerdy. Daisy was jealous of her sisters' beauty while her sisters were jealous of her curves. My sisters were jealous of my height while I was jealous they were petite. As with a lot of females…we’re never happy with what we’ve got.
Daisy has very low self-esteem because she constantly feels like people compare her to her sisters and she looks at her sisters with rose-coloured glasses. Her family have a bad habit of trying to change her. As we all know, you can't change someone unless they want to be changed. Daisy also allows "friends" to talk to her in a very negative way. These "friends" take pleasure in her discomfort. I struggled that her sisters allowed them to treat her so badly for so long.
The love story between Daisy and Mason is a slow-burn that turns from friendship into attraction and eventually more. There's a wee bit of heartache that they must suffer through before they find a happy ever after. Mason must learn to trust his feelings and Daisy needs to get past her insecurities. They both must look past the surface to see what's important.
The Wingman didn’t really pack the punch that a lot of Natasha Anders readers have come to expect. Maybe, that’s why I actually enjoyed it a little more. My heart wasn’t trampled like normal, it just took a few punches instead.
I enjoyed The Wingman and I'm hoping that we might get to see a story for Spencer and Daffodil in the future.
Stacey is Sassy, received an advanced copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.
I think The Wingman was written with me in mind. So, first off…thank you Natasha Anders, I was thoroughly entertained. Now there are a few reasons why this book was made for me. I’m one of three girls and Daisy, the main character, is too. I loved that Natasha Anders ripped my heart out (as she is so fond of doing) BUT didn’t trample it to dust. The Wingman also had something come up which I’m very guilty of doing…looking at myself with distorted glasses.
I started reading The Wingman and was sucked in from the very start. We meet Mason and to be honest, my first impression of him was that he was a little shy and hesitant. Boy, was I wrong. This man has lived through fighting in a war, running a successful business and working as an underwear model. He is not shy at all. When his brother asks him to meet him at a pub to ask a favour, he does not hesitate. When that same brother then asks him to distract “the other sister” while he attempts to connect with her older sister…he does hesitate. It seems a little mean and unsavoury but he eventually agrees to talk to the…plain, weird, frumpy and badly dressed sister.
OK…here’s where Natasha Anders messes with my mind. Why do I keep going back for more of her stories when I want to physically harm the hero? I question how Natasha Anders could possibly make a douchewaffle lovable? How is it that with my eyes rolling to the back of my head and my teeth gritted to snapping point, I eventually get to a point where I want to give him a book boyfriend slot?
Seriously, I loved Mason by the end even though he once thought that Daisy was plain, weird, frumpy and badly dressed. I am not a fan of heroes who admit (OK, it’s only in his head…but I’m reading it so I can totally read his mind) that they think the heroine is unattractive. I think my change of heart is because by the end even he can’t believe he once thought those things and his constant arousal is proof she’s more than attractive. I get a kick when the hero is forever hiding behind benches ;-)
I could relate to Daisy. Daisy’s two sisters are tall, pretty and popular while she’s short, curvy and nerdy. In my case, my sisters were popular, short and curvy while I was shy, tall and nerdy. Daisy was jealous of her sisters' beauty while her sisters were jealous of her curves. My sisters were jealous of my height while I was jealous they were petite. As with a lot of females…we’re never happy with what we’ve got.
Daisy has very low self-esteem because she constantly feels like people compare her to her sisters and she looks at her sisters with rose-coloured glasses. Her family have a bad habit of trying to change her. As we all know, you can't change someone unless they want to be changed. Daisy also allows "friends" to talk to her in a very negative way. These "friends" take pleasure in her discomfort. I struggled that her sisters allowed them to treat her so badly for so long.
The love story between Daisy and Mason is a slow-burn that turns from friendship into attraction and eventually more. There's a wee bit of heartache that they must suffer through before they find a happy ever after. Mason must learn to trust his feelings and Daisy needs to get past her insecurities. They both must look past the surface to see what's important.
The Wingman didn’t really pack the punch that a lot of Natasha Anders readers have come to expect. Maybe, that’s why I actually enjoyed it a little more. My heart wasn’t trampled like normal, it just took a few punches instead.
I enjoyed The Wingman and I'm hoping that we might get to see a story for Spencer and Daffodil in the future.
Stacey is Sassy, received an advanced copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.
February 21, 2017
ARC requested through Netgalley, and kindly provided by Montlake Romance in exchange for an honest review.
Natasha Ander’s stories are so addictive. The Wingman was no different and I loved it! Her stories are usually filled with angst and one hot alpha asshole but this story was quite different and didn’t follow the usual formula.
Mason Carlisle, originally from the wrong side of the tracks, had made himself into a success. He, against his better judgment, decided to act as a distraction to Daisy McGregor while his brother Spencer attempted to connect with Daisy’s sister, Daffodil. After convincing Daisy he was interested, she very quickly learned the truth and was humiliated, leaving Mason feeling quite guilty.
In a turn that was surprising to Daisy, she used Mason’s guilt to talk him into going to her sister, Dahlia’s, wedding with her. And so the story began…
Daisy, known in town as “the other one” when talking about the McGregor sisters, had super low self-esteem. I loved the way she worked through this, thanks largely in part, to Mason. His no nonsense approach to inner negative monologue was refreshing.
I think what really worked for me, though, was Mason. Though I felt bad for Daisy, I have to say that Mason did not come across as a douche at all. I also did not feel like he started out “shallow” and then, after getting to know Daisy, started to see the real her and fall for her. Instead, I think Mason’s own self-esteem issues caused him to never allow anyone close and therefore shaped his point of view.
One thing that struck me whenever the reader got a view into Mason’s thoughts - all of his thoughts were a direct contradiction to his actions. His jaded thoughts about relationships and his own worth had him warping what he was really feeling. Each time he said he wasn’t interested in Daisy, he proved himself wrong in his actions. Each time he said he didn’t have feelings for her, again his actions betrayed him. In the end, Mason and Daisy were exactly what the other needed.
I couldn’t help but notice that things for Daffodil and Dahlia were left very unresolved. Is it too hopeful to think we may have more stories into the McGregor sisters?
Great read!
Natasha Ander’s stories are so addictive. The Wingman was no different and I loved it! Her stories are usually filled with angst and one hot alpha asshole but this story was quite different and didn’t follow the usual formula.
Mason Carlisle, originally from the wrong side of the tracks, had made himself into a success. He, against his better judgment, decided to act as a distraction to Daisy McGregor while his brother Spencer attempted to connect with Daisy’s sister, Daffodil. After convincing Daisy he was interested, she very quickly learned the truth and was humiliated, leaving Mason feeling quite guilty.
In a turn that was surprising to Daisy, she used Mason’s guilt to talk him into going to her sister, Dahlia’s, wedding with her. And so the story began…
Daisy, known in town as “the other one” when talking about the McGregor sisters, had super low self-esteem. I loved the way she worked through this, thanks largely in part, to Mason. His no nonsense approach to inner negative monologue was refreshing.
I think what really worked for me, though, was Mason. Though I felt bad for Daisy, I have to say that Mason did not come across as a douche at all. I also did not feel like he started out “shallow” and then, after getting to know Daisy, started to see the real her and fall for her. Instead, I think Mason’s own self-esteem issues caused him to never allow anyone close and therefore shaped his point of view.
One thing that struck me whenever the reader got a view into Mason’s thoughts - all of his thoughts were a direct contradiction to his actions. His jaded thoughts about relationships and his own worth had him warping what he was really feeling. Each time he said he wasn’t interested in Daisy, he proved himself wrong in his actions. Each time he said he didn’t have feelings for her, again his actions betrayed him. In the end, Mason and Daisy were exactly what the other needed.
I couldn’t help but notice that things for Daffodil and Dahlia were left very unresolved. Is it too hopeful to think we may have more stories into the McGregor sisters?
Great read!
January 12, 2017
ARC provided by NetGalley and author for an honest review.
Our hero Mason is meeting his brother at a bar for a drink and he's not sure why yet. Well come to find out his brother needs a favor, he needs a wingman. His brother has always had a thing for one of the three McGregor sisters and he needs his brother to distract/flirt with the younger one Daisy. Mason feels bad for his brother as he's just gone through a tough and hurtful break up and feels he needs to do this for him, even though he doesn't really like it or feel comfortable doing it.
Daisy is at a bar with her sisters (the pretty ones) to celebrate one of her sisters coming marriage. She always been the forgotten, quirky, quiet, curvy McGregor sister and she's fine with it. Daisy is not only with her sisters but some of her friends that are not what you'd call likable either.
While at the bar for the her sisters party Daisy is approached by Mason and the next thing she know he's flirting with her. Daisy is shocked and unsure about what going on but Mason and her connect.
Unfortunately Daisy learns accidentally (overhears) what Mason and his brother had cooked up/planned. She's hurt and mad, but she comes up with her own plan that involves Mason and he agrees and goes along with it. Daisy needs a date for her sisters wedding, she doesn't want to go alone and so she talks Mason into being her "wingman"/date.
The story unfolds as Mason and her start dating to give the appearance that they are a couple and make it more credible to others. These two have some great chemistry and repertoire. I enjoyed the development of their relationship and how it had depth, dialogue as well as spark. It was nice to have a heroine that was curvy and considered "plain" as well as a hot military hero who was a underwear model for a while. The pace was steady and didn't lag anywhere and great secondary characters too. A enjoyable read.
Our hero Mason is meeting his brother at a bar for a drink and he's not sure why yet. Well come to find out his brother needs a favor, he needs a wingman. His brother has always had a thing for one of the three McGregor sisters and he needs his brother to distract/flirt with the younger one Daisy. Mason feels bad for his brother as he's just gone through a tough and hurtful break up and feels he needs to do this for him, even though he doesn't really like it or feel comfortable doing it.
Daisy is at a bar with her sisters (the pretty ones) to celebrate one of her sisters coming marriage. She always been the forgotten, quirky, quiet, curvy McGregor sister and she's fine with it. Daisy is not only with her sisters but some of her friends that are not what you'd call likable either.
While at the bar for the her sisters party Daisy is approached by Mason and the next thing she know he's flirting with her. Daisy is shocked and unsure about what going on but Mason and her connect.
Unfortunately Daisy learns accidentally (overhears) what Mason and his brother had cooked up/planned. She's hurt and mad, but she comes up with her own plan that involves Mason and he agrees and goes along with it. Daisy needs a date for her sisters wedding, she doesn't want to go alone and so she talks Mason into being her "wingman"/date.
The story unfolds as Mason and her start dating to give the appearance that they are a couple and make it more credible to others. These two have some great chemistry and repertoire. I enjoyed the development of their relationship and how it had depth, dialogue as well as spark. It was nice to have a heroine that was curvy and considered "plain" as well as a hot military hero who was a underwear model for a while. The pace was steady and didn't lag anywhere and great secondary characters too. A enjoyable read.
March 13, 2017
This book was aright. Not my favorite, but alright. Something to pass time with. Daisy McGregor (27) was naive, cute, uncertain and had very low self esteem. Mason Carlisle (31) was sexy, kind hearted, hated talking about himself and made Daisy open her eyes. Together they were cute and made me laugh a bit with their funny bantering and smile because of their nice moments. Overall; it's okay, light and easy. Nothing too deep, and one can relate to being damaged by hurtful words and actions.
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Contemporary Romance
Series: - Standalone
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Mason Carlisle
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - I don't know.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Sure.
Will I read this again in the future? - No.
Rating - 2.5/3 stars.
“What do you see when you look at me, Mason?”
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Contemporary Romance
Series: - Standalone
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Mason Carlisle
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - I don't know.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Sure.
Will I read this again in the future? - No.
Rating - 2.5/3 stars.
January 10, 2017
4 1/2 stars. I think I'm in a book funk, I've said that before but this is different, the last book I read(before this book) was amazing, and the book before that was too but in between books I just feel like mmm. I've decided that it might be that I need to branch out on books I feel like I read too many books last year with not enough story and even though I liked them then I think I need more this year(maybe) what I can tell you was the story in this book was one of the very best things in this book. And of course a book needs a good story but I think now that the market is saturated with romance we have lost some of the storytelling that makes romance great(in some books, I know not all have this).
Don't get me wrong I loved Mason and Daisy. Mason is all man and strong and an amazing person, Daisy has some scrapes from life but she's strong and I loved seeing her growth. They were an amazing couple but I loved that we really see their relationship in this book, I feel like there have been too many books lately that we are just supposed to believe they love each other and I"m left think yeah but why do they love each other. In this book we see their love grow, we see their friendship build and we see the transformation it has on both of their lives both individually and together.
I loved this one the flow was great I wasn't bored and I just really enjoyed myself and I actually want to read something right now and that doesn't always happen for me(lately) and I know being busy is part of that but I think I just needed more and this book gave me that. The romance wasn't rushed it was built and the story wasn't a side not for sex. Yes there is sex but this book is so much more. We get to see what I am guessing is book two's main characters and I can't wait for that one either. This book just made me excited and for that I am so appreciative.
Mason is called by his brother to meet him at a bar agreeing because of his brothers resent breakup Mason finds himself agreeing to be his brothers wingman. Mason's brother has always had a thing for the oldest of the McGregor sisters and since the middle sister is taken that only leaves the youngest. So Mason agrees to talk to her so his brother can make his move. Daisy knows she is the odd one in the family the forgotten sister and one who gets looked over so when Mason comes and talks to her she is shocked and even more so that she finds herself opening up to him.
But when Daisy hears the truth, she is surprised she has let this hurt her and then a crazy ideas pops into her head and she goes with it. With her sisters wedding coming up and knowing Mason feels bad Daisy asks him to be her wing man for the wedding to stop all the stares and questions she will get for once again being alone. What neither of them planned was the friendship that grows and then the feelings neither planned, and soon they are questioning it all including the fact that this is supposed to be temporary.
I can't recommend this book enough. Nathan Anders does a great job pulling the reader into this story and giving us that an amazing story and romance.
*Thank you NetGallery, Natasha Anders, and Montlake Romance for this ARC for my review.
Don't get me wrong I loved Mason and Daisy. Mason is all man and strong and an amazing person, Daisy has some scrapes from life but she's strong and I loved seeing her growth. They were an amazing couple but I loved that we really see their relationship in this book, I feel like there have been too many books lately that we are just supposed to believe they love each other and I"m left think yeah but why do they love each other. In this book we see their love grow, we see their friendship build and we see the transformation it has on both of their lives both individually and together.
I loved this one the flow was great I wasn't bored and I just really enjoyed myself and I actually want to read something right now and that doesn't always happen for me(lately) and I know being busy is part of that but I think I just needed more and this book gave me that. The romance wasn't rushed it was built and the story wasn't a side not for sex. Yes there is sex but this book is so much more. We get to see what I am guessing is book two's main characters and I can't wait for that one either. This book just made me excited and for that I am so appreciative.
Mason is called by his brother to meet him at a bar agreeing because of his brothers resent breakup Mason finds himself agreeing to be his brothers wingman. Mason's brother has always had a thing for the oldest of the McGregor sisters and since the middle sister is taken that only leaves the youngest. So Mason agrees to talk to her so his brother can make his move. Daisy knows she is the odd one in the family the forgotten sister and one who gets looked over so when Mason comes and talks to her she is shocked and even more so that she finds herself opening up to him.
But when Daisy hears the truth, she is surprised she has let this hurt her and then a crazy ideas pops into her head and she goes with it. With her sisters wedding coming up and knowing Mason feels bad Daisy asks him to be her wing man for the wedding to stop all the stares and questions she will get for once again being alone. What neither of them planned was the friendship that grows and then the feelings neither planned, and soon they are questioning it all including the fact that this is supposed to be temporary.
I can't recommend this book enough. Nathan Anders does a great job pulling the reader into this story and giving us that an amazing story and romance.
*Thank you NetGallery, Natasha Anders, and Montlake Romance for this ARC for my review.
March 16, 2017
The Wingman by Natasha Anders
Publication Date: March 7, 2017
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Synopsis
She was supposed to be his one-night distraction.
But their attraction is undeniable.
Introverted Daisy McGregor is used to being a wallflower, but what she lacks in style, she makes up for with an acerbic wit, a passion for life, and a deep devotion to her family. So she’ll suffer through her sister Dahlia’s bachelorette party and accept the cloud of pity for going stag to the wedding.
Out at the pub, sexy bad boy Mason Carlisle is a reluctant wingman tasked with entertaining Daisy while his brother flirts with her oldest sister, Daffodil. When the plan fails and Mason’s true intent is revealed, he feels intense guilt—and a sensual spark of desire for the unlikeliest of women.
Daisy decides to use this unfortunate encounter to her advantage: to make it up to her, Mason will be another kind of wingman, playing the role of her boyfriend and wedding date.
Will their ruse unravel completely—or will Mason and Daisy’s undeniable attraction ignite a scorching love affair that knows no rules?
My thoughts
5 stars!
Brilliant!
Mason and Daisy are amazing characters!
I'm a huge fan of this author.
I love her writing, characters, and storylines.
Her characters have depth and their stories are never easy, but the journey is so worth it in the end.
Ms. Anders has once again written a well developed, well-executed story about two people who don't start out in the best of situations, but through time and getting to know one another- they realize they can't deny how much they're meant for each another.
There are a lot of twists and turns, but the end result is an amazing story!
I highly recommend this story, and hope that the author continues on with this series!
"A copy of this book has been provided by the author in exchange for an honest review"
June 18, 2019
I do really enjoy this book. I thought this book is about fake fiancee rom com story. But its really more than that. Yes there is that sweet tender banter between Daisy and Mason. I love Mason. He is brute brooding alpha male. He said less but he shows he has so much to offer. How much he loves Daisy without him realizing that.
And for Daisy... I can relate to her. I went through that hideous awkward teenager years. Where everyone is way much popular than you. Where everyone pranked you and belittled you just because they can. What an awful memory! And I can relate it all with Daisy. Mason helps Daisy to gain her self esteem and in return Daisy teaches Mason to trust his feeling.
The story is simple but with so many layers, it is very sweet tender and cute story. The audiobook is 10 hours long. But I do not feel the story is dragging. I enjoy everything on this book.
5 stars
And for Daisy... I can relate to her. I went through that hideous awkward teenager years. Where everyone is way much popular than you. Where everyone pranked you and belittled you just because they can. What an awful memory! And I can relate it all with Daisy. Mason helps Daisy to gain her self esteem and in return Daisy teaches Mason to trust his feeling.
The story is simple but with so many layers, it is very sweet tender and cute story. The audiobook is 10 hours long. But I do not feel the story is dragging. I enjoy everything on this book.
5 stars
February 5, 2017
I always jump at the chance to read a Natasha Anders book. Seems her typical trope (at least the books I've read) is more along the lines of a jerky hero that has a "Come to Jesus" moment and spends the book groveling to win his heroine back. This is not the case with our hero, Mason Carlisle, in The Wingman. For all intent and purposes, he's a good guy doing a good thing for a heroine with low self esteem.
The Wingman has a bit of a Cinderella fanfic feel to me. One of three daughters, Daisy has always been a bit of the "ugly duckling" of the crew. Her sisters are beautiful, catching the eye of men near and far, as she fades into the background. More plump than thin, more awkward than graceful, more unsure than confident. So it's no surprise to her when she goes out for Hens night for her sister that the hottest guy in the pub gives her attention because he was begged to....to be the wingman for his brother so the he can make the moves on Daisy's pretty sister without obstructions. Said wingman- Mason. What Mason didn't realize is how fun and refreshingly real Daisy is. What he also realizes is her pitiful lack of self confidence. A person beaten down so much, she questions every honest compliment thrown her way...
The Wingman was a really cute book focused on the "average" girl uncharacteristically catching the eye of the "hot" guy. The attraction to Daisy wasn't immediate for Mason, instead grew with getting to know her personally, realizing she's so much on the inside, that the outside just shines all the more with time. My heart really went out to Daisy. Typically I gravitate towards the confident, strong heroines, but the curvy, "love handle-y" side of me really empathized with her inner psyche. Always the bridesmaid, never the bride type girl. However, she's strong in so many other ways. A veterinarian, she's intelligent and caring, philanthropic and genuine. Natasha Anders built her character perfectly over time and I couldn't help but fall for her right alongside Mason. Mason, the guy who doesn't do relationships.
When Daisy asks Mason to be her wingman at her sister's wedding to ward off the fact she has no date, no boyfriend, Mason feels obligated to do it for the poor girl. Is it sympathy? Guilt? Or does he genuinely want to spend time with her?
Though the book waxed and waned at times, I feel we needed everything Natasha Anders included to build an unconventional love story and make it believable. Otherwise, too fast-paced, I wouldn't have bought it.
A different style book for Natasha Anders and an enjoyable one at that. I genuinely look forward to more from this author.
Advanced copy received by Montlake Romance Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
March 7, 2017
4-Peaches and Cooper are dog BFFs- Stars
Mason, one of our main characters, is at the bar with his brother Spencer. Spencer needs Mason to distract a girl so he can speak to her sister.
That sister is Daisy, our other main character. Daisy is the "other" sister, you know like Jan from the Brady Bunch. Daffodil and Dahlia are considered the pretty sisters.
Daisy overhears a convo between Spencer and Mason realizing that Mason wasn't really into her like she thought.
She winds up convincing him to pretend to be her date to get people off of her back since she's never dating and considered the ugly one.
But then Mason starts to get feelings, because turns out Daisy is kinda hot...and has a good personality.
But because of Daisy's self-confidence and lack of relationships, not to mention the way their relationship began, Daisy doubts Mason's sincerity.
Will she ruin a good thing?
ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Mason, one of our main characters, is at the bar with his brother Spencer. Spencer needs Mason to distract a girl so he can speak to her sister.
That sister is Daisy, our other main character. Daisy is the "other" sister, you know like Jan from the Brady Bunch. Daffodil and Dahlia are considered the pretty sisters.
Daisy overhears a convo between Spencer and Mason realizing that Mason wasn't really into her like she thought.
She winds up convincing him to pretend to be her date to get people off of her back since she's never dating and considered the ugly one.
But then Mason starts to get feelings, because turns out Daisy is kinda hot...and has a good personality.
But because of Daisy's self-confidence and lack of relationships, not to mention the way their relationship began, Daisy doubts Mason's sincerity.
Will she ruin a good thing?
ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
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