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Alpha Men #2
The Best Man
It has all the makings of a picture-perfect wedding. There’s just one detail that could have used a little more planning…
Hulking ex–rugby player Spencer Carlisle has crushed on Daffodil McGregor since high school. On the field he knew the moves. Off, he was a clueless clod who never gained an advantage. Rejected and rebuffed, his infatuation finally cooled—like ice.
Now, it’s impossible not to feel the chill—since he’s the best man and she’s the maid of honor at their siblings’ wedding. For the sake of harmony, they’re calling a truce.
Daff has her reasons for being a cynic when it comes to romance. And twice as many for not letting on that she finds Spencer attractive—although she’d rather gnaw off her thumb than admit it. Still, there’s more to the sweet and sexy lug than meets the eye. Maybe he is the one who can heal her emotional scars. Maybe he’ll give her a second chance. Because Spencer could be Daff’s own best man—if it’s not too late to come to terms with the past.
Hulking ex–rugby player Spencer Carlisle has crushed on Daffodil McGregor since high school. On the field he knew the moves. Off, he was a clueless clod who never gained an advantage. Rejected and rebuffed, his infatuation finally cooled—like ice.
Now, it’s impossible not to feel the chill—since he’s the best man and she’s the maid of honor at their siblings’ wedding. For the sake of harmony, they’re calling a truce.
Daff has her reasons for being a cynic when it comes to romance. And twice as many for not letting on that she finds Spencer attractive—although she’d rather gnaw off her thumb than admit it. Still, there’s more to the sweet and sexy lug than meets the eye. Maybe he is the one who can heal her emotional scars. Maybe he’ll give her a second chance. Because Spencer could be Daff’s own best man—if it’s not too late to come to terms with the past.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 10, 2018
828 people are currently reading
2098 people want to read
About the author
Natasha Anders
23 books3,196 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 205 reviews
July 6, 2018
3.5 - 4 Stars
First of all, let me say, my apologies to Natasha Anders. She's a total sweetheart and gave this ARC to me and how did I repay her?
By taking MONTHS to finish it.
For real though.
Not cool of me.
I'm sure you can all relate to this, but I am a moody AF reader on super steroids.
I will binge on one trope of romance and blow through six books in one weekend and then I will turn around and not touch that genre for months.
Also, *confession time* straight contemporary romance (with no sports or military angle) is a genre that I am usually in the mood for the least.
What can I say, I am a paranormal, fantasy, MC club, mafia, dark romance slut of the highest order.
And I think that accounts for the bulk of my lackluster pace here.
The other part is probably this:
The main character in this story, Daffodil, is one ginormous C-U-Next-Tuesday.
She was a bitch in the first book and she was almost even worse in the beginning of this one.
She treated Spencer (the H) like complete shit and I wanted to punch her ass in the face.
However.
Once I pushed past that hump I was stuck behind, we got to see where Daffodil was coming from and why she was the way she was.
I still don't think it excused some of her behavior...but at least I didn't still want to smack-a-ho at the end of the book.
Is this book as good as Unwanted Wife?
No.
But then again, I love that book so hard I don't know if anything else in this vein will ever come close.
Still.
Once I finished this book, I appreciated the character development and I think I will like it even more when I re-read it in the future.
First of all, let me say, my apologies to Natasha Anders. She's a total sweetheart and gave this ARC to me and how did I repay her?
By taking MONTHS to finish it.
For real though.
Not cool of me.
I'm sure you can all relate to this, but I am a moody AF reader on super steroids.
I will binge on one trope of romance and blow through six books in one weekend and then I will turn around and not touch that genre for months.
Also, *confession time* straight contemporary romance (with no sports or military angle) is a genre that I am usually in the mood for the least.
What can I say, I am a paranormal, fantasy, MC club, mafia, dark romance slut of the highest order.
And I think that accounts for the bulk of my lackluster pace here.
The other part is probably this:
The main character in this story, Daffodil, is one ginormous C-U-Next-Tuesday.
She was a bitch in the first book and she was almost even worse in the beginning of this one.
She treated Spencer (the H) like complete shit and I wanted to punch her ass in the face.
However.
Once I pushed past that hump I was stuck behind, we got to see where Daffodil was coming from and why she was the way she was.
I still don't think it excused some of her behavior...but at least I didn't still want to smack-a-ho at the end of the book.
Is this book as good as Unwanted Wife?
No.
But then again, I love that book so hard I don't know if anything else in this vein will ever come close.
Still.
Once I finished this book, I appreciated the character development and I think I will like it even more when I re-read it in the future.
December 13, 2018
I don’t dispute this author’s talent/the writing.
I always rate and review the plot, the characters and the message/moral of the story.
I didn’t particularly like the previous book in this series – The Wingman – and I didn’t plan on reading this one, but then I saw some reviews saying that the heroine was a ‘bad’ one, even an a§§… And since my understanding of the strong and different heroine leaves me often in the minority, I took it as a sign, that this heroine could be a sassy, maybe even b*tchy woman -> nothing like her wallflower-sister from the previous book and... hopefully not a doormat.
The one with a hope is a lucky person…
Review contains mild spoilers!!!
I always rate and review the plot, the characters and the message/moral of the story.
I didn’t particularly like the previous book in this series – The Wingman – and I didn’t plan on reading this one, but then I saw some reviews saying that the heroine was a ‘bad’ one, even an a§§… And since my understanding of the strong and different heroine leaves me often in the minority, I took it as a sign, that this heroine could be a sassy, maybe even b*tchy woman -> nothing like her wallflower-sister from the previous book and... hopefully not a doormat.
The one with a hope is a lucky person…
Review contains mild spoilers!!!
April 2, 2018
3 STARS
As a long time fan of all things Natasha Anders, I don't even bother to read the blurb before adding her books. But when I saw that this book will featured Daisy's sister and Mason's older brother from The Wingman, I was that much more excited.
If you haven't read this series yet and are expecting it to be on the same level of angst as some of Natasha's previous books, you're in for some disappointment. While there's definitely emotion brimming from the pages of these stories, it's not that angsty overload the likes of The Unwanted Wife or A Husband's Regret. I love a little variety from authors, so this didn't bother me one bit.
With a delicious unrequited love setup in the previous book, The Best Man was sure to deliver some feels, and it certainly did. I'll admit, I struggled quite a bit to stay engaged to the story in the beginning. This is a character driven story and was entirely too slow paced for my particular taste. Having said that, the pacing fit the story and anything more than that would have ruined the effect.
Spencer Carlisle was a bit of a bumbling alpha in the previous book, I fell head over heels for him in this one. You truly get to know the heart of this incredible man, and it was full of love and depth. He's been in love with Daffodil McGregor since high school only to get her scorn and be ignored time and time again, almost cruelly. This is ultimately where my rating lowered. I'm a reader that has to love the heroine in my book, and if I don't, it will color my entire reading experience. And truth be told, I struggled hard with Daffodil. The author did a wonderful job with her character development and peeling back her true self layer by layer to reveal the scared and somewhat insecure woman beneath the boastful and sassy exterior. And even though I wanted so badly to connect with it and empathize, most of the time I just wanted to throttle her. Her constant hot and cold personality with Spencer drove me out of my ever loving mind. I adored how understanding and patient Spencer was with her and even though Daffodil tried to wrong her rights, most of the time it just didn't feel like enough.
Because of this, I really struggled to completely buy into their romance. That's not to say I didn't still enjoy the story, because I did. While it was frustrating at times, it was still satisfying. And the set up for the third McGregor sister is nothing short of delicious so of course I can't wait for that.
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
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As a long time fan of all things Natasha Anders, I don't even bother to read the blurb before adding her books. But when I saw that this book will featured Daisy's sister and Mason's older brother from The Wingman, I was that much more excited.
If you haven't read this series yet and are expecting it to be on the same level of angst as some of Natasha's previous books, you're in for some disappointment. While there's definitely emotion brimming from the pages of these stories, it's not that angsty overload the likes of The Unwanted Wife or A Husband's Regret. I love a little variety from authors, so this didn't bother me one bit.
With a delicious unrequited love setup in the previous book, The Best Man was sure to deliver some feels, and it certainly did. I'll admit, I struggled quite a bit to stay engaged to the story in the beginning. This is a character driven story and was entirely too slow paced for my particular taste. Having said that, the pacing fit the story and anything more than that would have ruined the effect.
Spencer Carlisle was a bit of a bumbling alpha in the previous book, I fell head over heels for him in this one. You truly get to know the heart of this incredible man, and it was full of love and depth. He's been in love with Daffodil McGregor since high school only to get her scorn and be ignored time and time again, almost cruelly. This is ultimately where my rating lowered. I'm a reader that has to love the heroine in my book, and if I don't, it will color my entire reading experience. And truth be told, I struggled hard with Daffodil. The author did a wonderful job with her character development and peeling back her true self layer by layer to reveal the scared and somewhat insecure woman beneath the boastful and sassy exterior. And even though I wanted so badly to connect with it and empathize, most of the time I just wanted to throttle her. Her constant hot and cold personality with Spencer drove me out of my ever loving mind. I adored how understanding and patient Spencer was with her and even though Daffodil tried to wrong her rights, most of the time it just didn't feel like enough.
Because of this, I really struggled to completely buy into their romance. That's not to say I didn't still enjoy the story, because I did. While it was frustrating at times, it was still satisfying. And the set up for the third McGregor sister is nothing short of delicious so of course I can't wait for that.
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
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November 12, 2018DNF due to bad heroine behavior.
She was a bitch to him, I mean a B.I.T.C.H., in junior high.
She is a bitch now.
Stupid or desperate.
Nope. He deserved better.
She was a bitch to him, I mean a B.I.T.C.H., in junior high.
She is a bitch now.
Stupid or desperate.
Nope. He deserved better.
December 13, 2020
"The Best Man" is the story of Daff and Spencer.
Ms Anders, I DEMAND you release Spencer into my arms right now. He is the most precious hero ever and I want to hug him because he must be protected at all costs.
Now, we are so used to mean heroes and wussy heroines. Imagine if the tables were turned? This is what happens in this book.
The hero is an introverted, chivalrous, socially awkward hunk of a kind man who has loved the heroine since they were teenagers. Fighting against odds and a traumatic childhood, he worked day and night to provide a good life for himself and his brother. He repeatedly confessed his feelings for the heroine, only for him to be shot down every single time.
And that brings us to the heroine- prickly, annoying, selfish, vain, short tempered, commitment phobic- this princess took her merry time leading the hero on, bullying and poverty shaming him, calling him dumb and every name in the book, judging and abusing him, and basically being the most terrible person on the earth. She ridiculed his love poems? No. Bad woman.
The plot begins from the end of book one- they get together as the best man/ maid of honor for their siblings wedding and are forced to work together. The hero is a sad puppy, repeatedly trying to woo the heroine and she leads him on every single time to push him away. I felt SO BAD for him and my heart broke EVERY SINGLE TIME! Aaaaaa she did not deserve him- GIVE HIM TO ME :(
I didn't get her excuses-yes she improved at the very end but I had already given up on her by then.
As long as I can push her in a ditch, and keep the hero, I am happy.
Angst filled, heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time with one of the best heroes and worst heroine combinations ever. Yes she grew and improved, but I had a hard time forgiving her.
I hereby accept him to my harem of book husbands.
Unsafe
4/5
April 18, 2018
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I was so excited to get this ARC for the follow-up to The Wingman. This was Daff and Spencer’s story. We got a glimpse of Spencer and Daff in “The Wingman” and I just knew their story was going to be good.
Spencer and Daff’s story went all the way back to school, where Spencer had a hopeless crush on the popular Daff. Caving to peer pressure and the need to fit in, Daff was a typical “mean girl” to Spencer.
On the surface, this seemed like it was going to be a story of opposites attract, but I was pleasantly surprised by the depth with which we got to know Daff and Spencer. This book did not go in the direction I thought it would. In fact, based on the way Daff and Spencer were behaving in the beginning, I couldn’t see either of them getting it together in enough time to find their way to one another.
This is a story about two damaged souls. One who wants so badly to belong to a family and the other feeling like they don’t deserve to be happy.
Daff really rubbed me the wrong way when we were first introduced to her. She really did not do herself any favours and came off as a very stereotypical shallow mean girl. It was so nice to really get to know her and see where her behaviours stemmed from. Though, I have to say that I didn’t really “get” her reasons for the choices she made, I enjoyed watching Spencer chip away at her wall.
What can I say about Spencer except that he was pretty much a perfect hero. God love him for sticking with Daff long enough for the two of them to develop feelings. We need to invent another word that describes someone who is patient to the nth degree and then put a picture of Spencer beside it in the dictionary. I seriously loved him! Every scene with the McGregors had me feeling such emotion at Spencer’s reaction.
While I enjoyed Daff’s journey to figuring out what made herself happy, I have to say that Spencer made the book for me. Very enjoyable read!!
I was so excited to get this ARC for the follow-up to The Wingman. This was Daff and Spencer’s story. We got a glimpse of Spencer and Daff in “The Wingman” and I just knew their story was going to be good.
Spencer and Daff’s story went all the way back to school, where Spencer had a hopeless crush on the popular Daff. Caving to peer pressure and the need to fit in, Daff was a typical “mean girl” to Spencer.
On the surface, this seemed like it was going to be a story of opposites attract, but I was pleasantly surprised by the depth with which we got to know Daff and Spencer. This book did not go in the direction I thought it would. In fact, based on the way Daff and Spencer were behaving in the beginning, I couldn’t see either of them getting it together in enough time to find their way to one another.
This is a story about two damaged souls. One who wants so badly to belong to a family and the other feeling like they don’t deserve to be happy.
“Let me know if you need help with the cleanup.”
Somehow Daff didn’t think she meant the cleanup of the house, and that made her feel small and petty.”
Daff really rubbed me the wrong way when we were first introduced to her. She really did not do herself any favours and came off as a very stereotypical shallow mean girl. It was so nice to really get to know her and see where her behaviours stemmed from. Though, I have to say that I didn’t really “get” her reasons for the choices she made, I enjoyed watching Spencer chip away at her wall.
“She wished that she could just wake up tomorrow and find herself living the perfect life. But she wasn’t entirely sure what constituted a perfect life, and she had no idea what would make her happy. It was a grim and disturbing awareness.”
What can I say about Spencer except that he was pretty much a perfect hero. God love him for sticking with Daff long enough for the two of them to develop feelings. We need to invent another word that describes someone who is patient to the nth degree and then put a picture of Spencer beside it in the dictionary. I seriously loved him! Every scene with the McGregors had me feeling such emotion at Spencer’s reaction.
“The news, while unsurprising, had shaken him more than he cared to admit. After Mason and Daisy left, he’d be alone once more. ”
While I enjoyed Daff’s journey to figuring out what made herself happy, I have to say that Spencer made the book for me. Very enjoyable read!!
April 10, 2018
5 - "The menu has changed and you're now on it..." Stars!
Can’t lie Natasha Anders is an author that takes me to my happy place. I have adored every book that she has written and book two in the Alpha Men series, did not disappoint.
Daffodil McGregor had been treating him like a second-class citizen since… well, since forever, really, and he was done with her.
The Best Man gives us Daff and Spencer Carlisle’s story, we met both of them in book one; The Wingman and this story is based around Daisy and Mason’s wedding (H/h book one). You can absolutely read The Best Man as a standalone, but you do get more of an understanding of this couple if you read the first book beforehand. Because initially Daff’s feelings towards Spencer seem to be mainly disdain and dislike, while Spencer leans to ambivalence and disinterest. Its only as you get into both of their heads you realize that the reasonings for their behavior stem back to their school days, and Daff’s treatment of Spencer back then.
She was beginning to discover that she liked pushing his buttons…
I won’t lie it was difficult to like Daff initially, and it was wholly due to the authors characterization, prickly and sometimes outright rude, I struggled to find any common ground with her, or her behaviour towards Spencer, who was an absolute darling, but then I realized that the author was doing to Daff’s personality exactly the same thing she is so good at doing with her men on occasion, and making her dislikeable in order to have her redeem herself as the book progresses.
"I don’t know how to be what you want…"
"That’s okay… You are exactly what I want."
This was a quick read, the plot was pretty predictable, although the author did manage to throw in a couple of curve balls along the way. You can’t help but love Spencer, his actions towards Daff, even when she was behaving at her worst highlighted just how deep his feelings ran for her. As I said Daff was a tougher nut to crack, although as things were revealed in the stories progression, I did understand her behavior a little more.
"It’s not that I don’t like you… It’s that I like you too much. And that terrifies me… I don’t want to like you. Not when I’m just starting to like myself."
The stage has firmly been set for Lia and Sam to have their story told next in The Wrong Man, due for release in September, and once again it would seem that opposites attract. I cannot wait to see what type of story the author gives them, although I have an idea after the way things were left between them in this one.
"No regrets…"
ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for the above honest review.
Can’t lie Natasha Anders is an author that takes me to my happy place. I have adored every book that she has written and book two in the Alpha Men series, did not disappoint.
Daffodil McGregor had been treating him like a second-class citizen since… well, since forever, really, and he was done with her.
The Best Man gives us Daff and Spencer Carlisle’s story, we met both of them in book one; The Wingman and this story is based around Daisy and Mason’s wedding (H/h book one). You can absolutely read The Best Man as a standalone, but you do get more of an understanding of this couple if you read the first book beforehand. Because initially Daff’s feelings towards Spencer seem to be mainly disdain and dislike, while Spencer leans to ambivalence and disinterest. Its only as you get into both of their heads you realize that the reasonings for their behavior stem back to their school days, and Daff’s treatment of Spencer back then.
She was beginning to discover that she liked pushing his buttons…
I won’t lie it was difficult to like Daff initially, and it was wholly due to the authors characterization, prickly and sometimes outright rude, I struggled to find any common ground with her, or her behaviour towards Spencer, who was an absolute darling, but then I realized that the author was doing to Daff’s personality exactly the same thing she is so good at doing with her men on occasion, and making her dislikeable in order to have her redeem herself as the book progresses.
"I don’t know how to be what you want…"
"That’s okay… You are exactly what I want."
This was a quick read, the plot was pretty predictable, although the author did manage to throw in a couple of curve balls along the way. You can’t help but love Spencer, his actions towards Daff, even when she was behaving at her worst highlighted just how deep his feelings ran for her. As I said Daff was a tougher nut to crack, although as things were revealed in the stories progression, I did understand her behavior a little more.
"It’s not that I don’t like you… It’s that I like you too much. And that terrifies me… I don’t want to like you. Not when I’m just starting to like myself."
The stage has firmly been set for Lia and Sam to have their story told next in The Wrong Man, due for release in September, and once again it would seem that opposites attract. I cannot wait to see what type of story the author gives them, although I have an idea after the way things were left between them in this one.
"No regrets…"
ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for the above honest review.
April 14, 2018
The Best Man (Alpha Men, #2)
by Natasha Anders
Expected publication: April 24th 2018
Genre: Contemporary Romance - Adult
A short excerpt:
“It was just a kiss, for God’s sake,” Daff said with some of her old spark.
“Why do you have to overthink things like this?
Why can’t we just be in the moment and share a kiss?”
“Because we weren’t just in a moment. You showed up at my house at two thirty in the morning, soaking wet, rambling on about liking me, and then you planted your mouth on mine in the most desperate excuse of a kiss I’ve ever had the misfortune to experience.”
"5-Learning to Love Stars"
The Best Man is the second book in Natasha Anders' Alpha Men series.
I really enjoyed this story.
Spencer and Daffodil (Daff) were great, complex, volatile characters to get to know and read about.
This is an emotional, slow burn story about learning to love and trust.
Purchase Links:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
https://www.amazon.com/Best-Man-Alpha...
https://www.amazon.com/Best-Man-Alpha...
"I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy which has been provided by the author."
May 5, 2018
4 Stars
I loved the first book of this series ( The Wingman ). It was a ugly duckling story, but with 'The Best Man' we get the complete opposite.
Daff (our h) is not a nice person. She's bitchy, self centered and treats Spencer ( the H) like dirt.
Spencer is in love with her since high school and she never ever even thought about giving him a chance.
Sounds like a great start for a romance, doesn't it?
It's a complicated story and I truly understand why everyone seems to hate Daff. Spencer is such a great guy, but she just doesn't see it. Or she doesn't want to see it.
Throughout the story we learn more about why she is the way she is. Are her reasons good enough to justify her actions? I don't know.
All I know is that the end made me very happy.
This not Natasha Anders' best book. If you haven't read anything by her, give "The Unwanted Wife" or "Ruthless Proposition" a try. These two are my favorites.
I loved the first book of this series ( The Wingman ). It was a ugly duckling story, but with 'The Best Man' we get the complete opposite.
Daff (our h) is not a nice person. She's bitchy, self centered and treats Spencer ( the H) like dirt.
Spencer is in love with her since high school and she never ever even thought about giving him a chance.
Sounds like a great start for a romance, doesn't it?
It's a complicated story and I truly understand why everyone seems to hate Daff. Spencer is such a great guy, but she just doesn't see it. Or she doesn't want to see it.
Throughout the story we learn more about why she is the way she is. Are her reasons good enough to justify her actions? I don't know.
All I know is that the end made me very happy.
This not Natasha Anders' best book. If you haven't read anything by her, give "The Unwanted Wife" or "Ruthless Proposition" a try. These two are my favorites.
April 15, 2018
The heroine was a snobby piece of sh*t
DNF'd at chapter 3
DNF'd at chapter 3
April 1, 2020
Disappointed with the shallow, vacuous, loser heroine. The hero was a darling and deserved so much better. Could not get past 33%.
March 22, 2018
So at the beginning of this book I'm not gonna lie This book was not going to be getting a 4 star review for me. I read book 1 and really enjoyed it and I liked the characters in this book form book 1. So reading this book was a no brainer for me and I also think this author is as sweet as can be. The problem or issue for me was when I was reading this book I was not liking the heroine. She came off too mean and opinionated so I wasn't sure how this book would turn out. Add to that that this hero(Spencer) is so sweet and caring and just wants the best for everyone and to belong and to just be a part of a family. How can you fault someone like that. Since I liked him so much her deserved a great heroine.
Daffodil and Spencer have known each other since they were little and Spencer has always let it be known that he has feelings for Daff but when he gets his brother to distract her sister so he can talk to her Daffodil is done. But Daff really isn't done with Spencer. Now that her sister and his brother are getting married and they are both in the wedding Daff has to see Spencer a lot. That they work right across from each other makes it all the more often. What Daff doesn't want to admit is that she likes Spencer's attention and maybe just maybe she likes him a little too.
As Spencer and Daff see each other more they both start to learn more about the other and enjoy each others company. When they decide to take things even further Daffodil can't believe how great of a guy Spencer really is. Not only does he care about her and think she is beautiful but he shows her in every way possible that she, Daff matters and that is one of the most important things to Daff. But even though Spencer is great relationships scare Daff and putting a lable on what they have may be too much for her. While not going further and having a happy life together is all Spencer wants and he isn't sure he can accept anything less.
Well I was wrong this heroine(Daff) does start on a tough note, but then her shell starts to come down and she starts to fall in love and trust Spencer and I loved her. Another thing I really appreciated was that once she realized what she was doing she makes it right and does everything she can to show Spencer she loves him and values him. And that right there is huge for me. I don't mind a character who is rough round the edges and has some lessons they need to learn as long as they do in fact learn those lessons and then makes their wrongs right.
I really, really liked this book The story is great and this is an amazing addition to this series. The added character towards the end was such a impressive addition to this storyline and made me fall even more in love with this book. How this new addition is handled just shows us yet again(even though we are shown through out this entire book) how wonderful of a hero Spencer is and not just with Daff but with everyone. Spencer is the type to tie himself in knots to hep someone one in need and to do everything possible for those he loves. I love after her rocky start that we get to see Daff fall so in love and that we get to see how great of a person she really is while not only working on her and Spencer's relationship but herself. And thank goodness we also get to see that Daff and Spencer tell others to stop worrying about them and butting into their relationship even if it wasn't malicious.
I highly recommend this book and I can't wait to see how the next book turns out. We get a nice sneak peek into book 3 and it really got me excited for Lia and her hero. Also if your like me we get to see a nice little section of the villain from book 1 getting put in her place in this book. This was a great read and with every book I have read from Natasha Anders I fall more in love with her writing style. I also love that this book like her other books are set outside of America, it's just another thing that makes this book really stand out.
*Thank you Natasha Anders, NetGallery and Montlake Romance books for this book for my review.
Daffodil and Spencer have known each other since they were little and Spencer has always let it be known that he has feelings for Daff but when he gets his brother to distract her sister so he can talk to her Daffodil is done. But Daff really isn't done with Spencer. Now that her sister and his brother are getting married and they are both in the wedding Daff has to see Spencer a lot. That they work right across from each other makes it all the more often. What Daff doesn't want to admit is that she likes Spencer's attention and maybe just maybe she likes him a little too.
As Spencer and Daff see each other more they both start to learn more about the other and enjoy each others company. When they decide to take things even further Daffodil can't believe how great of a guy Spencer really is. Not only does he care about her and think she is beautiful but he shows her in every way possible that she, Daff matters and that is one of the most important things to Daff. But even though Spencer is great relationships scare Daff and putting a lable on what they have may be too much for her. While not going further and having a happy life together is all Spencer wants and he isn't sure he can accept anything less.
Well I was wrong this heroine(Daff) does start on a tough note, but then her shell starts to come down and she starts to fall in love and trust Spencer and I loved her. Another thing I really appreciated was that once she realized what she was doing she makes it right and does everything she can to show Spencer she loves him and values him. And that right there is huge for me. I don't mind a character who is rough round the edges and has some lessons they need to learn as long as they do in fact learn those lessons and then makes their wrongs right.
I really, really liked this book The story is great and this is an amazing addition to this series. The added character towards the end was such a impressive addition to this storyline and made me fall even more in love with this book. How this new addition is handled just shows us yet again(even though we are shown through out this entire book) how wonderful of a hero Spencer is and not just with Daff but with everyone. Spencer is the type to tie himself in knots to hep someone one in need and to do everything possible for those he loves. I love after her rocky start that we get to see Daff fall so in love and that we get to see how great of a person she really is while not only working on her and Spencer's relationship but herself. And thank goodness we also get to see that Daff and Spencer tell others to stop worrying about them and butting into their relationship even if it wasn't malicious.
I highly recommend this book and I can't wait to see how the next book turns out. We get a nice sneak peek into book 3 and it really got me excited for Lia and her hero. Also if your like me we get to see a nice little section of the villain from book 1 getting put in her place in this book. This was a great read and with every book I have read from Natasha Anders I fall more in love with her writing style. I also love that this book like her other books are set outside of America, it's just another thing that makes this book really stand out.
*Thank you Natasha Anders, NetGallery and Montlake Romance books for this book for my review.
dnf-for-good
April 15, 2020dnf. I can't get passed the horrible narrator. :-( Sucks because I was really enjoying the story.
March 27, 2018
I'll get my minor criticisms out of the way first so I can commence with telling you just how much I adored this storyline. The Best Man felt a bit slow moving at first, but once I got into it I couldn't put it down. This story was the PERFECT blend of humor, heartache, angst and steam and I enjoyed every single second. There were some minor transitions that felt a little jarring in the moment, but other than that, this book was adorably unputdownable and I couldn't get enough.
Daffodil McGregor and Spencer Carlisle are like oil and vinegar. They don't mix well, they push and spar and compete, but they're absolutely delicious when they come together. This story is an enemies to lovers romance kicked up a notch by the bittersweet history this pair shared in high school. I fell in love with their story. I was addicted to their push and pull, and I loved the bumpy journey that evolves in this book. Sometimes I couldn't even tell if these two actually loved each other or if they truly hated each other because their mutual disdain was so palpable yet their chemistry was off the charts. Figuring these two out was entertaining, so emotional, and captivating from beginning to end. This is one seriously refreshing read.
Natasha Anders has such a unique voice in romance and I have been over the moon for every one of her books. But I have a newfound appreciation for her work with The Best Man. This story was lighter than some of her other books, but super super steamy, and it made me unexpectedly laugh out loud more than once. It tugged at my heartstrings (those notes!!! Sigh.) And it swept me away with how absorbing the romance is. I so enjoyed Mason and Daisy's story in The Wing Man but I think Spencer and Daff just knocked them down a peg with this book.
The more I think back on this book, the more I fall in love with it. Daff is infuriating at times, so relatable at others. Spencer is a big brooding jerk at first, but he truly stole my heart with his sweet words and his heartbreaking history. I adored these characters so much. I was enamored by their twisty, complicated romance and I am head over heels for this world Anders has built around the McGregor family. I may have started out anxiously waiting for the story to pick up but it didn't take long for me to never want it to end. The Best Man is a delightfully addictive gem of a romance, an unforgettable story of enemies turned lovers, and a uniquely smart story that's as sweet as it is salty. Now more than ever I can't wait for Lia's story just to see more of all of these characters! I really loved this book.
Daffodil McGregor and Spencer Carlisle are like oil and vinegar. They don't mix well, they push and spar and compete, but they're absolutely delicious when they come together. This story is an enemies to lovers romance kicked up a notch by the bittersweet history this pair shared in high school. I fell in love with their story. I was addicted to their push and pull, and I loved the bumpy journey that evolves in this book. Sometimes I couldn't even tell if these two actually loved each other or if they truly hated each other because their mutual disdain was so palpable yet their chemistry was off the charts. Figuring these two out was entertaining, so emotional, and captivating from beginning to end. This is one seriously refreshing read.
Natasha Anders has such a unique voice in romance and I have been over the moon for every one of her books. But I have a newfound appreciation for her work with The Best Man. This story was lighter than some of her other books, but super super steamy, and it made me unexpectedly laugh out loud more than once. It tugged at my heartstrings (those notes!!! Sigh.) And it swept me away with how absorbing the romance is. I so enjoyed Mason and Daisy's story in The Wing Man but I think Spencer and Daff just knocked them down a peg with this book.
The more I think back on this book, the more I fall in love with it. Daff is infuriating at times, so relatable at others. Spencer is a big brooding jerk at first, but he truly stole my heart with his sweet words and his heartbreaking history. I adored these characters so much. I was enamored by their twisty, complicated romance and I am head over heels for this world Anders has built around the McGregor family. I may have started out anxiously waiting for the story to pick up but it didn't take long for me to never want it to end. The Best Man is a delightfully addictive gem of a romance, an unforgettable story of enemies turned lovers, and a uniquely smart story that's as sweet as it is salty. Now more than ever I can't wait for Lia's story just to see more of all of these characters! I really loved this book.
Want to read
February 3, 2018I was confused at first when I saw the rating... but then I see that this book is not available yet. So why giving 1 star ? Who is cruel enough to do that ? 😪
April 10, 2018
Daff is so annoying and hypocritical I can't even finish this book. I just hope Spencer leaves her in the dust and finds someone who isn't an asshole.
August 9, 2018
Daffodil McGregor has always known that Spencer Carlisle has a crush on her. He hasn’t exactly hidden it. However, that crush has chilled and they do their best to avoid one another. Only it’s not possible as Daff’s sister is marrying Spencer’s brother and as the maid of honour and best man they need to work together. So they call a truce. As they spend time together Daff comes to realise there’s way more to the clumsy, oversized former rugby player than she thought.
I started the first book in this series, The Wing Man, on a whim. I saw it on Kindle Unlimited and thought I would take a chance. A chance that paid off so I decided to move on to the second book in the series The Best Man. Sadly, I wasn’t quite enthusiastic about this book. It took me a long time to read as I found it difficult to connect with the heroine.
It can’t be denied that Daff is a hard character to like. Quite simply she’s a bitch, something that is demonstrated often in this book. I genuinely found it hard to see how Spencer had maintained a crush on a woman who had consistently treated him callously and cruelly since she was a teenager. The only reason I didn’t out rightly despise Daff was because, as the reader you know the multitude of hurt and insecurities driving her.
It isn’t until about halfway through the book that she thaws out. At that point you can understand why Spencer, a shy guy who feels like an outsider in social situations might fall in love with her. But by then it seemed too little too late. I did like that Anders took a chance and created a heroine different from what you might expect and by the end she had redeemed herself some what. But, it just didn’t work for me in the same way alpha a-holes don’t work for me.
I started liking this book about halfway through; however, it felt like a bit of a slog to get to that point. There were some interesting developments with the one remaining single sister, so I will be reading the next book in the series. For me though The Best Man isn’t something I would recommend.
I started the first book in this series, The Wing Man, on a whim. I saw it on Kindle Unlimited and thought I would take a chance. A chance that paid off so I decided to move on to the second book in the series The Best Man. Sadly, I wasn’t quite enthusiastic about this book. It took me a long time to read as I found it difficult to connect with the heroine.
It can’t be denied that Daff is a hard character to like. Quite simply she’s a bitch, something that is demonstrated often in this book. I genuinely found it hard to see how Spencer had maintained a crush on a woman who had consistently treated him callously and cruelly since she was a teenager. The only reason I didn’t out rightly despise Daff was because, as the reader you know the multitude of hurt and insecurities driving her.
It isn’t until about halfway through the book that she thaws out. At that point you can understand why Spencer, a shy guy who feels like an outsider in social situations might fall in love with her. But by then it seemed too little too late. I did like that Anders took a chance and created a heroine different from what you might expect and by the end she had redeemed herself some what. But, it just didn’t work for me in the same way alpha a-holes don’t work for me.
I started liking this book about halfway through; however, it felt like a bit of a slog to get to that point. There were some interesting developments with the one remaining single sister, so I will be reading the next book in the series. For me though The Best Man isn’t something I would recommend.
April 3, 2020
Where to start? I love, love, loved The Wingman, I thought it was clever and funny and cute. Unfortunately I just thought that this was a hot mess.
Daff(odil) McGregor is the oldest of three girls (Daisy and (Dah)Lia being her younger siblings). Daisy is marrying Mason Carlisle (ex-Special Forces, ex-male model, millionaire etc) which forces Daff as her Maid of Honour to play nice with Mason's older brother Spencer who is also his best man.
Spencer had a crush on Daff all through school and used to send her notes and poems. She being a self-absorbed teenager mocked him mercilessly and was paranoid that her friends would think she liked him. Years later and Daff has a job she hates and is aimlessly drifting through life. Spencer and Mason had a difficult childhood with druggie/ alcoholic parents, Spencer practically brought Mason up single-handed and they were viewed as the town's ne'er-do-wells, bad boys and delinquents, when really all they were was hungry and cold. Now, Spencer parlayed a short career in professional rugby into a successful sports shop and is doing well.
Daisy and Mason got together as a result of Spencer asking Mason to be his wingman at Lia's abortive wedding, by drawing the frumpy Daisy away from Daff so that he could chat up Daff. When Daff found out she was furious and has held a massive grudge ever since.
Why didn't I like this book? First, I didn't like Daff and I couldn't understand what Spencer saw in her. She was unkind to him at school because he wore threadbare clothes and scuffed shoes and wrote her love notes. She holds a grudge for one small incident, an incident that led to her sister finding love, and she has some massive insecurities and low self-esteem. Spencer on the other hand is a paragon of virtue. He uses his wealth to help disadvantaged children, he brings Daff healthy lunches every day, he has a beautiful family home, he's a real homebody. There's just too much angst. Spencer's angst about his childhood, Daff's angst about her past relationships (don't even get me started on that!), the runaway girl that Spencer wants to help - it was all too much. Third, considering the girls had a loving family childhood with not traumas the three of them seem to have some massive issues. Also, the set up for the next book about Lia was too blatant and frankly the guy seemed like a douche.
It's a pity because I really liked the other books I have read by Natasha Anders but this one just didn't do it for me.
Daff(odil) McGregor is the oldest of three girls (Daisy and (Dah)Lia being her younger siblings). Daisy is marrying Mason Carlisle (ex-Special Forces, ex-male model, millionaire etc) which forces Daff as her Maid of Honour to play nice with Mason's older brother Spencer who is also his best man.
Spencer had a crush on Daff all through school and used to send her notes and poems. She being a self-absorbed teenager mocked him mercilessly and was paranoid that her friends would think she liked him. Years later and Daff has a job she hates and is aimlessly drifting through life. Spencer and Mason had a difficult childhood with druggie/ alcoholic parents, Spencer practically brought Mason up single-handed and they were viewed as the town's ne'er-do-wells, bad boys and delinquents, when really all they were was hungry and cold. Now, Spencer parlayed a short career in professional rugby into a successful sports shop and is doing well.
Daisy and Mason got together as a result of Spencer asking Mason to be his wingman at Lia's abortive wedding, by drawing the frumpy Daisy away from Daff so that he could chat up Daff. When Daff found out she was furious and has held a massive grudge ever since.
Why didn't I like this book? First, I didn't like Daff and I couldn't understand what Spencer saw in her. She was unkind to him at school because he wore threadbare clothes and scuffed shoes and wrote her love notes. She holds a grudge for one small incident, an incident that led to her sister finding love, and she has some massive insecurities and low self-esteem. Spencer on the other hand is a paragon of virtue. He uses his wealth to help disadvantaged children, he brings Daff healthy lunches every day, he has a beautiful family home, he's a real homebody. There's just too much angst. Spencer's angst about his childhood, Daff's angst about her past relationships (don't even get me started on that!), the runaway girl that Spencer wants to help - it was all too much. Third, considering the girls had a loving family childhood with not traumas the three of them seem to have some massive issues. Also, the set up for the next book about Lia was too blatant and frankly the guy seemed like a douche.
It's a pity because I really liked the other books I have read by Natasha Anders but this one just didn't do it for me.
October 31, 2018
Spencer es maravilloso, un osito de peluche que dan ganas de abrazar, esta enamorado de Daff de toda la vida y en el colegio le enviaba poemas, ella los leía en voz alta y se burlaba de el, y después de adultos siguió siendo un poco matona y bravucona con el, finalmente comprende lo afortunada que es de que alguien como el la quiera. Entretenido. Me gusto mas el 1 libro.
August 13, 2024
Wow! Let me congratulate Mrs. Anders for writing my official first pathetic doormat-y Hero 😁 Someone - finally!!
Even though, Spencer was completely bland, the main issue, here was Daff. Not because she acted like a guy when it came to relationships, I actually sorta admired that, but because she was unlikeable as hell... The book was missing angst, chemistry and lastly at least a bit decent drama.
Never had I ever before wished for some OW drama that bad!
So that leaves it rounded to 2 stars for being my first on many levels 😁
June 13, 2018
I'm gonna have book hangover after this one. Have I said I love this author? Cause I do! So much. After "The Wingman" I had to read this and it didn't disappoint. Spencer was in Love with Daff for years. Even wrote her cute poems. She was a jerk to him for years. They've got to get along for the wedding of their siblings tho.
Daff has her own hangups. After years of dating the wrong men and pretending to be interested in all the things they are. She doesn't know who she is anymore.
I wasn't to sure I like Daff at first. Then I related to her a bit and loved her. Could Spencer be any more perfect? I think not! ❤
You also get a sneak peak at the next book with Lia and Sam! I CAN'T WAIT!!!!
Daff has her own hangups. After years of dating the wrong men and pretending to be interested in all the things they are. She doesn't know who she is anymore.
I wasn't to sure I like Daff at first. Then I related to her a bit and loved her. Could Spencer be any more perfect? I think not! ❤
You also get a sneak peak at the next book with Lia and Sam! I CAN'T WAIT!!!!
May 25, 2018
I knew I was going to like this one but hate the heroine but it turned out I loved this one & didn't hate her as much as I though. Once you released why Daff was the why she was you kind of understood but Spencer totally stole the show.
Spencer had a crush on Daff since high school & secretly she liked Spencer but was shallow & treated him badly. When his brother & her sister are getting married they call a truce & start to hang out. The way Spencer treated Daff was seriously hot & breath taking!!
Spencer had a crush on Daff since high school & secretly she liked Spencer but was shallow & treated him badly. When his brother & her sister are getting married they call a truce & start to hang out. The way Spencer treated Daff was seriously hot & breath taking!!
Read
April 18, 2018DNF at 80%
I was willing to overlook a weird BDSM thing in the beginning but it's become downright insulting and kink shaming by now, so I'm giving up. I loved some elements in the story but killed it for me.
I was willing to overlook a weird BDSM thing in the beginning but it's become downright insulting and kink shaming by now, so I'm giving up. I loved some elements in the story but killed it for me.
October 29, 2019
Much better than the first one. Definitely a sweet story, although Spencer’s character got a bit too aggressive and moody for my liking sometimes. Here’s hoping for book three 🤞🤞
April 28, 2018
Finally, it's Daisy and Mason's wedding! Well, not yet.. but it does happen somewhere in this book. Nope, it's actually more about Spencer and Daffodil. They are the best man and maid of honor at their wedding. Spencer had a huge crush on her back when they went to high school together.. and sure enough, it's still there till this day. Then there's Daff, who wont give him the time of day anymore. They, of course, still have to work next to each other while at this wedding and through the entire planning process of it all. So they decided to play nice with each other.. for now.
Of course I started shipping them together! How could I not do that?!? I loved how things would slowly but surely start to escalate between the two. I mean you could just feel the tension building up between them while reading. It was beyond obvious that they would eventually hook up and then potentially be together. So with that in mind, the ending didn't really surprised me.
However, I will say that I enjoyed their smuttiness. I loved their romance and their chemistry. They were on fire together.
Besides all of that, I was so happy to see the damn wedding happen! From that ending we sort of get a glimpse into what the next book will be about and I can't wait to read it!!
Of course I started shipping them together! How could I not do that?!? I loved how things would slowly but surely start to escalate between the two. I mean you could just feel the tension building up between them while reading. It was beyond obvious that they would eventually hook up and then potentially be together. So with that in mind, the ending didn't really surprised me.
However, I will say that I enjoyed their smuttiness. I loved their romance and their chemistry. They were on fire together.
Besides all of that, I was so happy to see the damn wedding happen! From that ending we sort of get a glimpse into what the next book will be about and I can't wait to read it!!
never-gonna-read
September 13, 2018Wow...so glad I passed on this one! He heroine is horrible!!
Chapter 2 of the third book and this heroine (Daff) is complaining because Spencer won’t let her move in because he wants to set a good example for his younger sister! She’s a total bitch! He wants to be a good role model for his sister and she’s pissed because she can’t have sex with him every night? She’s also pissed and called the last six months “wasted” time because he hasn’t proposed yet? Gah...WTF did Spencer ever see in this bitch!
Chapter 2 of the third book and this heroine (Daff) is complaining because Spencer won’t let her move in because he wants to set a good example for his younger sister! She’s a total bitch! He wants to be a good role model for his sister and she’s pissed because she can’t have sex with him every night? She’s also pissed and called the last six months “wasted” time because he hasn’t proposed yet? Gah...WTF did Spencer ever see in this bitch!
no-way-jose
April 24, 2018When I read reviews like this, I am thankful for books that gave the inspiration for them. Even if the reviewer had a bad experience. Sorry Alex.. thanks for taking one for the team.
I am sure the best thing about this book is your review
👇👇👇👇👇👇👇
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I am sure the best thing about this book is your review
👇👇👇👇👇👇👇
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
June 26, 2018
Pretty decent on the whole. Not a lot of angst. Here the heroine is the not so nice one who needs to wise up which she does well enough. Hero is laconic type which is something I enjoy.
April 22, 2018
Spencer and Daffodil are thrown together again as they are best man and maid of honor for Mason and Daisy's wedding. While Spencer has always had a huge crush on Daff, even writing her poems back in high school, Daff has barely given him the time of day for fear of judgment from her uppity friends. Now they both have to play nicely to get through the wedding. What starts off as "planning meetings" to discuss the wedding festivities, eventually escalates to friendship and then more. Daff struggles with scars of her past relationships, and Spencer has a hard time not pushing Daff into more than she is ready for.
I really loved Spencer's character. He is a good guy, an old soul, and certainly doesn't deserve Daff's bitchiness. Yet, she is the only one that he seems to want. It was almost heartbreaking to read when Daffodil pushed him away, despite having very good personal reasons.
I really loved Spencer's character. He is a good guy, an old soul, and certainly doesn't deserve Daff's bitchiness. Yet, she is the only one that he seems to want. It was almost heartbreaking to read when Daffodil pushed him away, despite having very good personal reasons.
November 28, 2018
Standalone/Cliffhanger: Standalone
Ages of H and h: Late 20s and early 30s
Multi-Luv'n/Ménages:
Was There Descriptive Sex:
Descriptive Sex &/Or Drama Between H/h With OW/OM:
>>If So, Before or After H/h Hookup:
Contains Cheating:
Amount of Sex In The Book:
HEA/HFN/etc Ending:
Will This Meet My 'Safety Gang' Buddies' Approval:
Any Triggers/Warnings: No
>>Detail: N/A
Do You Recommend This Book: Yes.
Will You Re-read This Book: Yes
Would You Read More Books By This Author: Yes
My Thoughts
I enjoyed the book but I struggled to gain any sympathy for Daff. I felt like Spencer deserved better. I liked the side plot with Charlie
Ages of H and h: Late 20s and early 30s
Multi-Luv'n/Ménages:
Was There Descriptive Sex:
Descriptive Sex &/Or Drama Between H/h With OW/OM:
>>If So, Before or After H/h Hookup:
Contains Cheating:
Amount of Sex In The Book:
HEA/HFN/etc Ending:
Will This Meet My 'Safety Gang' Buddies' Approval:
Any Triggers/Warnings: No
>>Detail: N/A
Do You Recommend This Book: Yes.
Will You Re-read This Book: Yes
Would You Read More Books By This Author: Yes
My Thoughts
I enjoyed the book but I struggled to gain any sympathy for Daff. I felt like Spencer deserved better. I liked the side plot with Charlie
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