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Rules of Engagement
Twenty-five-year-old Samantha Skyler is an attractive college coed, who, like every other single girl, wants to find true love. The problem is, she has virtually no experience when it comes to the dating game.
Enter Harrison Bean. Harrison is intent on teaching Samantha and her roommates how to move from spinster status to that of the most-sought-after girl in the ward. His methods seem to be working for Samantha, until someone discovers the manhunt plot and is determined to sabotage all her efforts. Join Samantha and her roommates as they really play the dating game — and learn the secret information every girl needs to snag a guy!
Enter Harrison Bean. Harrison is intent on teaching Samantha and her roommates how to move from spinster status to that of the most-sought-after girl in the ward. His methods seem to be working for Samantha, until someone discovers the manhunt plot and is determined to sabotage all her efforts. Join Samantha and her roommates as they really play the dating game — and learn the secret information every girl needs to snag a guy!
266 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
5 people are currently reading
327 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Fowers
37 books971 followersUSA TODAY Bestselling Author, Stephanie Fowers loves bringing stories to life, and depending on her latest madcap ideas will do it through suspense, fantasy, historical, contemporary, and of course... romance, romance, romance. Presently, she lives in Salt Lake where she's living the life of the starving artist.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
September 3, 2007
My brain may have been slightly entertained and turned to mush as I read this book.
It's the story of a 25 year-old BYU student, Samantha, who doesn't know what she is doing in life or love. Of course, chaos ensues and she finds this great guy and things end well.
My complaints -- First, it would be embarrassing for anyone to flirt as much as the people in this book do. Second, BYU is not like this at all. I read another review of the book and some little graduating high schooler said that after reading this book she is super stoked to go to BYU. It's going to suck for her when she finds out this book is a complete work of fiction. Third, sometimes people have additonal goals for life as well as a goal to get married. Fourth, this is not a literary classic and the author does not intend it to be.
My likes -- First, it would be a cool thing if it were real. Second, no intelligence required. Third, if guys read this, they'd have a better idea of what we are going for.
So, if you dig Mormon romance novels it's not a bad one. If you dig stuff that's really good, maybe look at one of my other reviews for an idea.
It's the story of a 25 year-old BYU student, Samantha, who doesn't know what she is doing in life or love. Of course, chaos ensues and she finds this great guy and things end well.
My complaints -- First, it would be embarrassing for anyone to flirt as much as the people in this book do. Second, BYU is not like this at all. I read another review of the book and some little graduating high schooler said that after reading this book she is super stoked to go to BYU. It's going to suck for her when she finds out this book is a complete work of fiction. Third, sometimes people have additonal goals for life as well as a goal to get married. Fourth, this is not a literary classic and the author does not intend it to be.
My likes -- First, it would be a cool thing if it were real. Second, no intelligence required. Third, if guys read this, they'd have a better idea of what we are going for.
So, if you dig Mormon romance novels it's not a bad one. If you dig stuff that's really good, maybe look at one of my other reviews for an idea.
December 9, 2012
Absolutely love this book. Every page made me giggle because it was totally relatable. Some of the characters were over the top, but that's what I loved about them. I had roommates like them!
While sitting on the kitchen table, standing on chairs, and late at night all piled into bedrooms, I read several parts of this book out loud to my college roommates. We ALL laughed.
This book is meant to be a romantic comedy and it is just that, there's not really any seriousness to speak of, so if you're looking for that, you won't find it. I've re-read it several times since the first, and each time it calls me back to those college, roommate years of late nights, fun pranks, romantic hopes and disappointments.
Love it! It's my favorite of the three Stephanie Fowers book's I've read.
While sitting on the kitchen table, standing on chairs, and late at night all piled into bedrooms, I read several parts of this book out loud to my college roommates. We ALL laughed.
This book is meant to be a romantic comedy and it is just that, there's not really any seriousness to speak of, so if you're looking for that, you won't find it. I've re-read it several times since the first, and each time it calls me back to those college, roommate years of late nights, fun pranks, romantic hopes and disappointments.
Love it! It's my favorite of the three Stephanie Fowers book's I've read.
Read
November 17, 2021As someone currently living the BYU singles ward life, I thought this book was hilarious. This book was written fifteenish years ago and not a whole lot has changed about the Provo dating scene. Is it super cheesy? Yes. Are the characters all straight up stereotypes? Yes. Was it still enjoyable and funny? Also yes. I saw a lot of people talking about how the main character is annoying. And it is kind of true. She's very self-centered, but I think most young, single people are to a certain extent. And if anyone could see inside my brain and hear all the things I think, they would probably find me annoying too. I also really liked that it wasn't obvious who she was going to end up with until she was on a rooftop eating peanut butter sandwiches.
January 26, 2010
I have a rule when I read books. If I can't get into it by 100 pages, I will give up and move on. I figure there are plenty of interesting and imaginative books out there and I don't need to be wasting my time anymore. I rarely give up on a book. But this book met my rule.
After 100 pages I was inundated by a number of ridiculous conversations and premises. I overlooked the fact it was set at BYU but it was just too much for me. Time to move on to something interesting.
After 100 pages I was inundated by a number of ridiculous conversations and premises. I overlooked the fact it was set at BYU but it was just too much for me. Time to move on to something interesting.
April 17, 2019
I don't know that I've ever been more insulted in my life. I've read smutty romance novels with better character development. The main character, Samantha, is ridiculous. She is the most conceited, emotionally unstable character that I have seen in a book. She goes from zero to 100 whenever the slightest thing irks her. Also, "dash-diddily-dog" come on! No one says that.
While I have not attended BYU, I'm fairly confident that her portrayal of BYU culture is insulting. I also didn't appreciate the over all messages that, not being yourself will get you a guy, you have to look your best ALL the time, all men are afraid of commitment, and that your entire dating goal needs to be centered on getting a husband. (Not the mention the idea that any girl who goes to BYU is just trying to get her MRS. degree).
This whole book takes place over the course of a few weeks. the back of the book makes it sound like it's going to take a lot longer. The "dating game" is not meant to be "won" with an engagement in just under a month.
While I have not attended BYU, I'm fairly confident that her portrayal of BYU culture is insulting. I also didn't appreciate the over all messages that, not being yourself will get you a guy, you have to look your best ALL the time, all men are afraid of commitment, and that your entire dating goal needs to be centered on getting a husband. (Not the mention the idea that any girl who goes to BYU is just trying to get her MRS. degree).
This whole book takes place over the course of a few weeks. the back of the book makes it sound like it's going to take a lot longer. The "dating game" is not meant to be "won" with an engagement in just under a month.
May 11, 2022
Super fluffy and super stereotypical BYU. I didn't go there but have heard stories. It was a cute story but no depth to the characters. I didn't know enough about the
characters to be invested in what happened to them at all. I liked the writing and the characters were cute just left me wishing for more.
characters to be invested in what happened to them at all. I liked the writing and the characters were cute just left me wishing for more.
July 16, 2022
I am sorry, this book had no depth, the 25-year-old Samantha is so immature, and the target audience must be 12 year old girls, Who are working on developing their flirting and not their intellect.
I don’t like to give this low rating and maybe it’s one and a half stars. I recognize authors put a lot of work into their books, but this one is just not for me.
I don’t like to give this low rating and maybe it’s one and a half stars. I recognize authors put a lot of work into their books, but this one is just not for me.
May 10, 2022
Suuuuuuper fluffy. Brought me back to college. The antics were pretty spot on. Note it’s from 2010, so things have changed since the. Harrison’s preachy g about men and women made me cringe! I had to stop a couple times to clear the frustration from my brain. VERY Mormon culture, not doctrine.
May 15, 2022
Mildly entertaining for someone who actually lived through the BYU intra-ward dating game and married her home teacher. If you haven’t been there, don’t bother reading it. A fun lighthearted read for this very particular niche.
June 21, 2019
Cute and funny. A little predictable but it was a fun book to read.
October 6, 2020
Talented writer, witty humor, story took me back to the dating life at BYU (almost like a dating time capsule). Thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait to read more.
April 4, 2022
I LOVE this book! Rom Com is my favorite.
Audio Book
Audio Book
May 28, 2022
This book was laugh out loud funny! If you know even the slightest bit about Latter-day Saint singles culture, I bet it will make you laugh, too.
June 29, 2022
Quick, easy read but I just didn't love the main character so the whole story was hard to embrace.
July 20, 2022
Pretty cheesy romance set at BYU. It had a good moral to the story, but wasn't very interesting.
April 29, 2023
It was funny, but irritating with the sarcasm and immaturity. The characters were shallow but the story was written okay.
July 13, 2015
I recently reread this book for the first time as an adult, and while I still enjoyed reading it, it was more of an enjoyment of the familiar rather than an enjoyment of a great, literary masterpiece. I think what this book lacks mostly is a good editor. The writing style is very stream-of-consciousness and jumps around awkwardly at points. There were several adjectives and phrases that were used more often than was probably necessary-- there's only so many times a character can "toss her blonde curls", etc, etc... Another thing I thought was little ridiculous was the fact that the characters gasped and were shocked all the time.
The writing is clever and witty at points, but I had very little sympathy for the main character, for whom it seems every male supporting character likes at one point. The plot really isn't all that believable, which isn't really a fair assessment, because a person doesn't read LDS chick lit for the believable plot lines. I think this book is ten years old at this point, and there are some outdated pop culture references that reflect that: Avril Lavigne, CD players, phones in college apartments, and the like.
I do like this book, and I own several books by the author. There was a period in my life when I read a lot of LDS chick lit, and this writing is a step above the rest of the others books Deseret Book sells. If you don't go into this story with high expectations, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.
The writing is clever and witty at points, but I had very little sympathy for the main character, for whom it seems every male supporting character likes at one point. The plot really isn't all that believable, which isn't really a fair assessment, because a person doesn't read LDS chick lit for the believable plot lines. I think this book is ten years old at this point, and there are some outdated pop culture references that reflect that: Avril Lavigne, CD players, phones in college apartments, and the like.
I do like this book, and I own several books by the author. There was a period in my life when I read a lot of LDS chick lit, and this writing is a step above the rest of the others books Deseret Book sells. If you don't go into this story with high expectations, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.
April 10, 2009
While occasionally funny, the characters felt more like caricatures and less like real people. Everyone in this story is beautiful and apparently unemployed (as nobody ever has to go to a job). The only person who isn't ridiculously attractive is the creepy stalker guy and his creepy stalker girl. Where are all the normal people? You know, the kind that aren't models and have jobs? My other complaint is that the book is pretty predictable. I knew about a third of the way in how (and with who) Samantha's relationship would end/begin. The other three main characters I didn't guess, but that was just because the author employed the old "Ha! Tricked ya by throwing in a completely random twist at the end!" tactic.
Now what I did like was that Stephanie Fowers managed to capture the raw confusion and subtle nuances of the dating game, where nobody really knows what is going on in other peoples' heads, and where an attraction makes it even more confusing. She also does a good job of making me relate with the main characters' disillusionment and pessimistic outlook of herself and her life. I think we all suffer to an extent from the self doubts that plague her throughout the book.
So in all, it was a decent book with it's sporadic funny moments, but ultimately weighed down by the stereotyped secondary characters and formulaic ending.
Now what I did like was that Stephanie Fowers managed to capture the raw confusion and subtle nuances of the dating game, where nobody really knows what is going on in other peoples' heads, and where an attraction makes it even more confusing. She also does a good job of making me relate with the main characters' disillusionment and pessimistic outlook of herself and her life. I think we all suffer to an extent from the self doubts that plague her throughout the book.
So in all, it was a decent book with it's sporadic funny moments, but ultimately weighed down by the stereotyped secondary characters and formulaic ending.
October 15, 2009
I HATED this book. From page 2, I was irritated with the flat characters, predictable plot, cheesy dialogue, and immaturity. How on earth is this girl 25? I've been at BYU, I dated a lot at BYU. It wasn't like that--or maybe I just had more classy friends. The humor disappeared after the first few lines because the author is incapable of finding the line between funny and outlandishly overdone. Each character is based on such extreme stereotypes of BYU students, that they're hardly recognizable. Does Stephanie talk to people? She obviously doesn't understand them.
I couldn't connect with the characters because they were not human. Well, then there's the inane heroine, who sounds like the author just writing about herself.
I can usually read a book in a few days even if I'm not that into it. This book took me two months because I had to keep forcing myself to pick it up. While I was at it, my IQ dropped 10 points. I'm not entirely sure how I'm even continuing to string words together into coherent sentences.
I couldn't connect with the characters because they were not human. Well, then there's the inane heroine, who sounds like the author just writing about herself.
I can usually read a book in a few days even if I'm not that into it. This book took me two months because I had to keep forcing myself to pick it up. While I was at it, my IQ dropped 10 points. I'm not entirely sure how I'm even continuing to string words together into coherent sentences.
July 15, 2008
Okay, I was pretty much annoyed the entire time I was reading this book. It was pretty obvious the main character was just the author with a different hair color (seriously? Why all the discussion about her blonde hair? Once is enough). Anyway, she just came across as, "Hey! I'm lovably neurotic! Don't you love me?!" Short answer? No. You're obnoxious.
Also, I know it's LDS chick-lit and all, so we're expecting it's going to be all about getting married, but it really bugged me that every single female character in the book just acted like it was a given that, "Of course I want to get married. And now! Doesn't matter who, just get a ring on my finger!!"
Anyway, I really wouldn't have such big qualms with the story line if it were more skillfully executed, but really, the writing is disjointed and juvenile, and...well, without getting into all the details, it's just not a well-written book. I wouldn't waste my time with it.
Also, I know it's LDS chick-lit and all, so we're expecting it's going to be all about getting married, but it really bugged me that every single female character in the book just acted like it was a given that, "Of course I want to get married. And now! Doesn't matter who, just get a ring on my finger!!"
Anyway, I really wouldn't have such big qualms with the story line if it were more skillfully executed, but really, the writing is disjointed and juvenile, and...well, without getting into all the details, it's just not a well-written book. I wouldn't waste my time with it.
April 7, 2016
I enjoyed this book...and it drove me crazy at the same time. There were way to many things that seemed to come straight out of my journal from my experience at college! They seriously made me laugh out loud and have some major flashbacks! At the same time I hope I wasn't as immature as some of these characters (I'm sure I was which is really embarrassing). The author did a great job at capturing the apartment wars and games played, but I also came away feeling like it went overboard at making fun at some of the really important things that come from finding out Who you are or want to be. Cute, crazy, clean read. I probably wouldn't read it again, I'll just pull out my journals if I want to experience it again. Lol
September 13, 2010
You will be suprised to see that I actually did read this entire book but only gave it one star. I am not saying that others will not like this book, I have a few friends that I know would love it. However, it just wasn't up my alley. I had absolutly no connection with the main character at all. I also found it very slow. Sometimes there were three chapters that all took place in one day. The whole book is over only a month. The comparision of dating to being on a mission was very clever, but it was all too much for me. I will say this for the author though, she is a great writer and kept me intrigued until the end, with a great suprise ending. But didn't care for the book at all.
December 8, 2010
So, this book was cute. The love story was okay. The main character was annoying, but likable. The plot was bland.
I like a love story as much as the next girl. but an entire book devoted to a desperate girl going after and then losing guy after guy... it got old.
This book is set in a BYU girls' apartment. Brought back god memories, so that was fun.
It is a fun read, though longer than it probably needed to be. It does promise at the beginning that there's not much of a plot.. so that's good.
It isn't a waste of time if you have some extra time, but if you put off other things to read this book, you might be disappointed.
I like a love story as much as the next girl. but an entire book devoted to a desperate girl going after and then losing guy after guy... it got old.
This book is set in a BYU girls' apartment. Brought back god memories, so that was fun.
It is a fun read, though longer than it probably needed to be. It does promise at the beginning that there's not much of a plot.. so that's good.
It isn't a waste of time if you have some extra time, but if you put off other things to read this book, you might be disappointed.
June 22, 2009
This was just fun. I liked it, but that doesn't mean I would recommend it to anybody. It's basically the life of a girl at BYU and theories about how to snag the perfect man. Entertaining for sure. I think it's very funny for a Mormon, but probably if you weren't Mormon, you wouldn't get a lot of the jokes. It would still be very revealing though- you would learn a lot about Mormon life at the Y. I think it's pretty accurate (from my impressions, of course. I honestly don't have first hand experience)
July 5, 2021
I love this book! My best friend and I quoted it all the time as teenagers, and I think we've even got a file somewhere where we wrote down all the "articles of engagement." Is this book meant to be literary fiction? No. Was it fun? Absolutely! Samantha was flawed, as were the other characters, but in a way that still allowed me to like her. I also enjoyed how the overall story poked a bit of fun at college students, particularly those at BYU. College students can be ridiculous (I know I was!) and it was humorous. Definitely a book I enjoy!
September 10, 2008
I only finished this book because I can't stand to stop reading a book half way through it. It took me 3 days to get through the last 2 chapters that are about 10 pages long! I thought it was terrible. Unless you've been a single BYU co-ed that can never get any dates you won't like this book. The story line was just so boring, and made no sense, the characters weren't well developed. It was like reading a poorly written journal from a BYU student whose only desire is to get married.
January 2, 2009
A light romantic comedy which would only be fully appreciated by those in the Provo/LDS community. It seemed to have fairly low quality writing in the first couple chapters, but I was glad I stuck with it in the end, because the character development proved loveable. Additionally, some of the dialogue was scarily accurate. (I have heard the characters and happenings are all based on real associations of the author?)
June 15, 2009
This is a must read that causes laughter at every page. Bringing to mind college experiences of BYU back to the forefront of ones mind. Steph is 25 and still unmarried. She just broke up with Marcus because he was being a "jerk" and gave her the "I still want to be friends line." She flirts with everyone and seems desperate for a husband or so says Harrison and he has the instructions to trap any man that herself and her roommates may want. Let the hunting begin.
August 21, 2009
I couldn't even finish this book. Her writing drives me crazy. I suffered through her other book and thought this one would be an improvement, but it wasn't. Her main characters are completely unlikable, which doesn't leave much to hope for. Her writing is choppy and jumpy and gives me a headache. My tween daughter finished it and told me it wasn't worth sticking through it to get to the lame ending. I jumped to the end to read it, she was right.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2009
This book I think can only be fully appreciated by those who have gone to BYU (or BYU-I) and experienced the whole dating atmosphere that exists there. The reason why it is so funny is because it's true. It really does give a good insight into how the dating world at BYU works. The writing itself isn't that spectacular. It is similar to dessert. Yummy, but not that substantial. But the content is true at least to my life, and I love it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews