The Wingman

Vancouver Storm, Book 3

By: Stephanie Archer

Narrated by: Andi Arndt, Nelson Hobbs

The best way to gain confidence after years with the wrong guy? Hayden Owens—the hottest defenseman in pro hockey, my confident best friend, and my new dating coach.

He’ll teach me to be a player, but convinces me to practice with him.

We’ve been friends for years, but our flirting lessons and practice kisses push the bounds of friendship.

We’re roommates, but sleeping in the same bed.

He buys me a toy as a favor… but helps me use it.

All that relationship stuff he’s always avoided? He doesn’t seem to mind it anymore.

Rule number one of being a player is no attachments, but when Hayden sees me picking up other guys, he’s jealous enough that I wonder...

Maybe my wingman's been waiting for me all along.

The Wingman is a pro hockey relationship coach romance. It's the third book in the Vancouver Storm series but can be enjoyed as a standalone.

©2024 Stephanie Archer (P)2024 Stephanie Archer

Fun Friends to Lovers Hockey Romance

4.5/5 ⭐️

Darcy has recently ended her long term relationship and moved back to Vancouver. She is currently staying with Hayden, her best friend and Vancouver Storm’s star hockey player. Darcy is done with relationships. She’s only been with one guy and decides she wants to have fun. And she knows just the guy to teach her the ropes. Hayden has the reputation of being a player. He’s also had feelings for Darcy since they met in college. When she approaches him with the wingman plan, he’s hesitant but ultimately agrees. Flirting lessons, practice kisses, and sharing one bed push their friendship boundaries. The number one rule of being a player is no attachments, but Hayden becomes jealous when he sees Darcy with other guys. Hayden doesn’t want to be seen as a player anymore (never really wanted to in the first place) especially in Darcy’s eyes. Instead of showing her how to be a player, maybe Hayden can show her that he is a relationship kind of guy.

Hayden and Darcy have the sweetest relationship. I loved how they easily teased each other (Darcy scaring Hayden with a gnome lol). The banter between them was so good as well as Alexei and Georgia. I loved that Hayden supported what whatever Darcy wanted to do unlike her ex. I was sad that Hayden felt like no one wanted to be with him long term after what happened in high school. A jealous Hayden and Darcy was gold. The narrators did a great job bringing the character to life. I really liked the duet style narration. I loved this book and wait to read Alexei and Georgia’s story.

Enjoyed the story but narration needed more heat!

I enjoyed the main characters and storyline, even if it was a slow burn for the first few chapters. Loved the narrators’ voices for Hayden and Darcy but my main criticism is that the narrator for Darcy needed more heat, passion and enthusiasm during the smutty scenes. The way she read them was so monotone the scenes just fell flat and were a non-event for me. Maybe the writing of these scenes was different from the previous two books, which had pretty hot scenes. The narrators really brought them to life! Needed more of that in this third book. Loved the story overall though and this whole series. I want more hockey romances by this author!

So cute!

Being in love with your best friend’s girl is adorably cliche but being in love with your best friend is top tier. Hayden is the cutest 🥰

Hayden and Darcy

I loved this story so much! The Wingman reminded me just how much I love the friends-to-lovers trope. Hayden and Darcy stole my heart, and their story was perfect. The opening scene had me hooked, and I could not put this book down.

I was completely invested in Hayden and Darcy's relationship and enjoyed their genuine friendship. After an 8-year relationship that dimmed her light and didn't allow her to be her best self, Darcy is trying to navigate life as a newly single woman. Darcy is inexperienced in dating, so she asks Hayden to teach her his ways. Darcy is insecure, but I loved her determination to find her sparkle again. She is super sweet, smart and caring. I loved that she is a woman in STEM. Darcy grew so much as a character in this story, and I enjoyed witnessing her become more confident in expressing her wants and needs.

Hayden is selfless, kind, loving, patient, protective, and everything else that makes a great man. He is perfect! I loved how he supported Darcy and encouraged her to fully be herself and make her own decisions. I stan men that aren't intimidated by smart women. He didn't force things with Darcy. The dates, spicy lessons, and close proximity made it impossible for these two not to take things to the next level. Hayden is obsessed with Darcy and truly wants to make her happy. I loved it when she saw him interacting with children and could envision him being a good father to his own kids one day. New microtrope unlocked!

This book had me giggling, kicking my feet, and laughing out loud. It also has just the right amount of heat. If you are looking for a feel-good story that will make you smile, this is it. Highly recommended!

Narration:
Andi Arndt and Nelson Hobbs perform this audiobook in duet narration. I am familiar with Andi Arndt's work, but this was my first time listening to Nelson Hobbs. Andi and Nelson did an amazing job with this story. Their voices were absolutely perfect for Darcy and Hayden. Andi and Nelson fully embodied the characters and brought them to life.

Holy tension

This book had so much angst and tension. I just needed them to get together so bad. But when that tension snapped. Oooooo so good! Loved this newest installment. I also love a sweet misunderstood MMC. 🥵 😮‍💨

Way too good!!!

Stephanie Archer is easily one of my favorites because of how she writes chemistry, banter, and love. She gives you no choice but to fall head over heels in love with every single character she writes. Every couple has their flaws, but they fit together so perfectly that all you can think of is how much you want them together. Her books are never long enough, because I want infinite stories of each couple.

Darcy and Hayden were absolutely no exception, especially when narrated by Andi Arndt and Nelson Hobbs. This audio was my favorite this month, and it’s all because of how wonderful these characters and narrators are. Hayden is down bad, and it cracks me up how long it took Darcy to figure that out. He supports her and allows her to find herself all while cheering her on. They are too wonderful together.

No third act break up! Character development was paced well.

I loved the build of their relationship, and I always appreciate a no third act breakup book.

Hayden and Darcy

These two are so cute! Fun, lighthearted characters that totally deserve each other! I loved the spicy scenes, they weren’t over the top, yet very realistic and very energetic. I adore dual narrations in Stephany’s books, they give life to the characters and is easy to follow along.

I’m not crying, it’s raining inside

Okay, I didn’t realize this was a book in a series and started this one first. I think I would’ve enjoyed it more if I read the others before, but definitely can be a standalone. Now I’m off to read the rest! I love a good friends to lovers, and based on the other reviews I read, they hit it on the head! It’s a good story, but the VA’s didn’t have much heat - but only in the beginning. At times I felt like they were just reading, and not actually the characters themselves. But over time, I didn’t even notice it! I’m obsessed with the pining guy friend trope, so if you’re into that, read this one!

Hayden & Darcy💜

Mannnnn did I love this one! This audio was fantastic too!! Done in duet, so the narrators did a fantastic job bringing these two & their journey to life! Andi & Nelson were a great pairing!!

Friends to lovers is such a fun trope, although one I don’t read enough of, because I almost forgot how much I enjoy it! Hayden & Darcy are perfection honestly!

Their relationship as friends is so special, & how it grows to more is slow burn goodness! They have great banter, inside jokes, & just a total ease with one another that speaks volumes!

Hayden has fought his feelings for Darcy for years, & his struggle to control them while being her “wingman” is valiant for sure, but gotta love a jealous (fictional!) man! The double date was hilarious & he needed that shove😂

And Darcy’s development?! ADORED! Her transformation or reemergence after her breakup with Kit as who she truly is & wants to be had me CHEERING for her!! LOVE LOVE LOVED TO SEE IT! And how Hayden supports her?! SWOOOOON!

Obviously I’m obsessed🫶🏻