Best Intentions

The Best Girls #5

by Tamie Dearen

Olivia Marshall never dreamed she’d have a crush on Santa Claus!
Olivia’s biological clock is ticking and she has no time for casual dating – especially not with the likes of Collin Sterling. Rich, spoiled, and arrogant, Collin is definitely not husband material, even though his deep green eyes send chills down her spine.
Collin admires everything about Olivia - her spunk, her sharp wit and sharper tongue. And he’s doing everything possible to prove he’s the kind of man who deserves her. Until he realizes she’d be better off without him.
Can Olivia and Collin find their way to happily-ever-after with the help of a magic kiss from Santa?
Note from Author: This sweet romance is a standalone, but contains spoilers for the other books in the series.

Genres: Romance, Christmas, Contemporary, Holiday, Contemporary Romance, Clean Romance

304 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 14, 2017

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Tamie Dearen has published more than twenty books, including The Best Girls Series and the Limitless Clean Billionaire Romance Series. Tamie believes real life is already full of enough heartache, so she gives her book-characters happily-ever-afters, no matter how difficult their paths.

Tamie Dearen lives in Texas with her incredibly romantic husband and two dogs. She hates dusting and exercising and loves anything musical or artistic. When she's not writing books, you might find her playing with her grandkids or drilling on someone's tooth.

Join Tamie Dearen's VIP Newsletter and get a free book as a welcome gift. Copy and paste: http://www.tamiedearen.com/enter-to-win/

Reviews

[Linda Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read several of the Best Girls series and this one was just as good. The dialogue is razor sharp, as always. The book is well-written and the pace keeps you reading and reading. I fell in love with Collin from the first scene (and wanted to smack Olivia for how rude she was to him, lol). Collin is one of those characters that is everything, smart, kind, funny, witty, and heart-stoppingly gorgeous with those green eyes. The Santa scenes were cleverly, and believably, written. I enjoyed the book. I did take exception to Olivia's 'feminist' views, but then, I'm old fashioned, lol. I kept thinking something 'almost' bad should happen to her when she was foolishly walking the streets alone after midnight in New York, just to prove Collin's point, lol. I do wish there would have been an epilogue so that we could enjoy the couple being 'together' after all of those chapters of them fighting and being mad at one another, but I didn't take a point off for it. The ending is still sweet (I'm just a sweetaholic, haha). In conclusion, I highly recommend this series of books, they are a satisfying, delightful, entertaining read. This one would make an awesome Hallmark movie! :)

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I read the prequel novella to this series a while ago, but this is the first novel I've read in this series. Now I can't wait to read the rest. I love Collin and Olivia! They are both stubborn people with things to work through, but they are so great together. I wished there was an epilogue because there were a few things left undone, but I assume they'll be cleared up in future books. Again, a great sweet read!

[Richard Goodrum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome! Wonderful story. Delightful characters. Olivia and Collin almost know how to fight without hurting each other. For me, the emotions in this story are very real.

I was provided this book by the author; however, the review is my honest opinion.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Grace, this isn't funny. There's something terribly wrong with me. I've got the hots for Santa Clause"

I received an advance copy for an honest review.

This is the fifth book in the Best Girls series, but it can be read as a stand alone. It's a clean romance, but it's still full of emotion. You really get sucked into the story and feel for both characters. The book is written from both characters points of view, and usually I find that annoying in a book, but this was really well done. You got a greater depth from the story.

This is the story of Olivia Marshall, a registered nurse who is studying to be a doctor and Collin Sterling who is studying Law. Collin is totally smitten with Olivia but she isn't interested as when they first met he bragged about his riches and social standing. Olivia has worked hard all her life to get where she is today.

There is always more to a person, if you really look, and as you go through the story you realise there is so much more to Collin. He happens to help out his room-mate one evening and stands in as a Real Santa Clause, and bumps into Olivia who gets goose-bumps from their encounter, although she doesn't know it's Collin.

The book has a good level of humour, and I liked that there was still tension and angst in the story, but not as much plotting and scheming as you got from Gram, Grace and Charlie in the previous books. It ended a bit too soon for me, I would have liked and epilogue a few months into the future or a year on to see how they got on, which I think one of the other books had.

This was a great edition to the series, and I'm really hoping that there is more to come as there are two more Marshall sisters with untold stories.

[Dana Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book and swooned! I have really enjoyed the Best series from Mrs. Dearen and I always love it when Ann and Steven pop into the story. Aww! I love these characters. This book is another fun read and it got me in the Christmas spirit. This can be read as a stand alone, but I recommend reading them all so you can enjoy the full effect.
*I was given this book by the author and was under no obligation to leave a favorable review.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not great, lots of concerns and many unhealthy messages regarding feminism and independence that have more to do with overgrown pride. Plus some other inaccuracies in the book. Yikes!

[Les · Rating 2 out of 5]

. Tough to get through

Took forever and the main girl character is annoying . I fast forwarded to the end ofThe book just to get through it

[Cherye Elliott · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25

The beginning of the book I almost just quit reading it. Olivia. What a horrible person. She discriminates against people with money yet she has gone back to school to go into one of the highest paid fields. What a hypocrite. Oh. She saved her money from her job, volunteers, lives a frugal lifestyle, at the age of 27 she still has let's her Father's viewpoint dictate her life. Case in point. "Charlie claimed Collin was a changed man, but Olivia couldn’t afford to take a chance, in case the change was only superficial." People like her make me sick. So judgemental. Another reason I don't like Olivia.... She is so politically correct. One can't have a conversation with her without her calling a man out yet SHE can verbally abuse the man. Olivia calls herself a feminist. Collin calls her a Florence Nightingale personality. Me? I call her an idiot.

This is the frosting on the cake. Olivia.....what a narcissist. "She imagined how Collin must despise her, not knowing all the facts. Maybe there was another way. Maybe she should tell him the truth." Duh. You think???? Needless to say, I could not stand the woman.

Now, the author did write a good story. She brought out emotions from this reader, it surprised me I could be so hostile towards a character in a book. I don't know if I will recommend this book..... But you do need to read it , write a review and let me see if it was me who just couldn't get past Olivia's behavior.

Martha's words of wisdom: “Remember…our families may shape us, but they don’t define us.”

[Sonya Wasden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Olivia Marshall was in her first year of medical school and didn't have time to date. She just wanted a husband so she could start a family since her biological clock was ticking. She met Collin Sterling through family and friends but he was not her type at all. He was in law school at Comubia and he was a spoiled rich brat who had never had to struggle for money or know the difficulties from not having money. What Olivia didn't know was that Collin's family life had been awful and he masked the pain through his sarcasm and witty banter.

As Olivia got to know Collin a little better, she realized he wasn't exactly who she had thought he was. He had much more depth of character that she had originally realized but could a relationship between them ever become more than friends?

This was a sweet, clean romance that was a pleasure to read. While the back and forth between Collin and Olivia at times because tiresome, the story was good. I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Sarah Anguish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Olivia is finally starting medical school, after working her way through nursing school and various jobs in order to pay her own way. At 27, she is feeling late to the party and very aware that she isn't where she thought she would be in life - not helped by the fact that her family and friends are all pairing off and having babies.

Collin has somewhat of a player reputation and has never really made the right impression on people he meets. Especially Olivia, who he met two years ago and has been attempting to get on her good side every since. But nothing seems to be working, with her stating that their lives are just too different and that he has no idea what it is like to struggle and work for everything.

With an impromptu kiss, Olivia is left weak at the knees and sending her head swimming with thoughts of Collin. But it would never work, although she is unaware that he has been making changes in his life. All he wants to do is protect and love her, will she ever let him?

[Randy Tramp · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Don't tell anyone... but I think I have a crush on Santa Claus!" BEST line.

Olivia has spunk, wit, and a sharp tongue. Collin Sterling likes that and tries to win Olivia's heart until he realizes she'd be better off without him.

I've enjoyed this series. This book can be read as a standalone but contains spoilers for the other books in the series.

With Dearen's book, I never have to be concerned about language and rated "R" scenes. It's simply not there. What is there is great, solid characters, who go through life in a normal but exciting way. They are people who have insecurities but learn to work out their doubts. If the world had more of Dearen's characters it would be a much better place.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new author to me and I am looking forward to reading more. My reason for only a 4 star is because it is really long and the story develops really slowly and I it could be a little shorter and still be just as good a story. I also was disappointed by the ending. While not really being a cliff hanger I still had a lot of questions. I would have liked to know how Martha's surgery went and see Collin and Olivia visit her and tell her of their plans. BUT, like I said, this is a VERY good story, written well and the characters are relatable. I will definitely be checking out the rest of this series

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first read by this author and in all fairness, billionaire books and love/hate books are not my favourite genre so I found it quite difficult to get into this particular story. The book is well-edited and has some interesting aspects to it. I liked Collin's interest and care for Martha, and loved how his sense of humour was protrayed in many instances. I found it difficult to understand his feelings towards his mother. Overall, there are some things in this story which will make you smile, and the sisters and their relationship was one of them.

If you are into this type of will she, will she not type of love or hate relationships, you will enjoy this story.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exhilarating!

This story kept the reader on the edge of the seat with it’s angst, romance and comedy all rolled into one amazing joy ride to the happy conclusion!

Follow Collin and Olivia as they navigate more than a couple of bizarre and completely funny situations as well as serious ones.

Really enjoyed the characters’ journey of discoveries about themselves and their decisions with much soul searching along the way. Loved the great razor sharp banter and conversations between many of the characters as they made me grin or want to cry depending on the scene.

Highly recommend this clean romance!

[Lisa Sandberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was a challenging read. The back and forth of this one wants to and that one doesn't, then the other wants to, the other doesn't and so on and so forth. Then something bad happens and no one talks about it, it gets misunderstood. I guess it was the lack of communication. Maybe I'm just too old for the love/hate thing.
Toward the end it was better. But would have liked to have known more of the outcome of certain things. An epilogue maybe. I did read this in a book full of other books/stories, so maybe there was an epilogue in the original book. Anyway, I'm rating the books separately.

[Konrie Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the tricky timeline, i love seeing the real emotions and the flipflop of instructions that Collin gives Blake. I appreciate how they end up stating that it isn’t sexist to want to take care of someone, but sometimes the feminist jargon was too strong. But my stomach kept reacting to the deep love and fear of loss that kept happening. I wish more of the story arcs were more carefully completed at the end like pop and martha, and fitz.i liked seeing the way the author kep the book clean but stated that people cursed or the silly ways that she got around it such as Martha telling him not to curse. I liked it.

[Sandra Hartzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Collin Sterling is a law student who has separated from his wealthy family because of his father’s control issues. Olivia is a nurse and studying to be a doctor. She thinks Collin is rich, spoiled and not husband material. When he is convinced to help his roommate by playing Santa at the store when Olivia works, she is drawn to him, but when she meets the roommate, Blake, she isn’t so sure. When she learns what Collin is really up to and what he has been doing, her opinion begins to change. This book includes a practically homeless woman who needs a kidney transplant, and much misunderstanding. A great Christmas story.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this sweet, clean romance. It is amazing how rude Olivia was to Colin; she was amazing to almost everyone else. My housework was set aside because once I started this, I could not put it down. Great characters, sparkling dialogue, and a plot with heart and humor as well as romance. Now I will have to read the reset of the series! I agree with some of the other reviewers - it would make a great Hallmark movie.

[Penny Leidecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have changed my mind, lol. Charlie and Josh’s story was my favorite, but now Olivia and Collin’s story has taken the top spot. This book is absolutely fantastic. I love how much Collin has matured and learned to stand on his own. His love for Martha is amazing. Olivia is a strong, stubborn woman, but I love Collin and her as a couple. No spoilers, so grab your copy and get ready to fall in love with Collin Sterling.

[Sue Wolz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful story of two people who needed each other like the next breath. Collin has been trying to get Olivia to go a date with him for the past year. She told him no every time. Seems she thinks their worlds are too far apart since he is rich and she isn't. He promised to leave her alone and with a heavy heart, he walked away. She admitted to herself that she missed him and that maybe she had been too harsh. I highly recommend that you read Best Intentions by Tamie Dearen.

[Carmel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet and crazy fun

This book contains a lot of elements that make it enjoyable to read. Most important in chick lit is the relationship/romance between the main characters. Also, Olivia’s sisters added fun to the story. Throw in the problems with the men and there’s a lot to enjoy (or be frustrated with, depending on how you feel about that).

[Sandra Cohen · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a rollercoaster of emotions! It's no wonder men can't figure women out!

These girls and their dating rules sure make things more complicated than they need to be! Then Collin's shuffling his feelings around made things even more conflicting! Olivia and Collin are going to have a very rocky marriage.

[Janet Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Olivia and Collin but expect a long roller coaster ride before th end. I think this book has more ups and downs and twists and turns than any romance I've ever read. I really enjoyed reading it though. It is part of a series but can be read as a standalone, it's an easy read, HEA.

[Rhiannon Hinton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

I've really enjoyed Tamie Dearen's books and this was no exception. I read it as a stand alone before reading the others in the set and do not regret it.
My favorite quote: "I’m stubborn and I worry a lot and my mom will testify I can make a mountain out of any molehill you can find.”
She sounds a lot like myself😂

[Christy Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Opposites attract.

She is working her way through med school. He is attending law school even though he could just collect the paycheck for being on the board of his father's business. She thinks he is an arrogant rich boy. He has decided to change to win her over. The sparks of wit are flying. Funny, sad, poignant story of love and sacrifice.

[Paige Norman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book, but honestly, the storyline was too long and it never seemed to end, until it did. And, the ending was a bit flat. It's book 5 in a series, and although it's a standalone, there were a LOT of characters that I had a hard time keeping track of. As an enemies-to-lovers story, it was better than most I've read and I really liked Collin. HEA

[Ali · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am sorry to say I hated this book. HATED it.

The storyline - stupid and unrealistic
The characters - horrible, all of them (other than some minor characters)

I couldn’t wait for it to be over (I have a policy I had to finish any book I start - I definitely regretted that policy whilst reading this!).

[Alecs · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't have as much fun reading this one. Honestly expected something just as outrageous like in Emily's or Charlie's stories because of her character (especially in the last book). And what happened to the Sterlings? Martha?

[Emabubby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best Intentions is a sweet clean romance that is a delight to read. This book is both a romantic and a heartwarming read. Olivia and Collin are terrific characters and desire their HEA.

I received this advanced copy and I am freely posting this fair and balanced review.

[C A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Romantic Read

Love the stories on "The Best Girls", hated to see their stories end. Enjoyed reading about their lives and their families.
Glad Olivia finally met her match! Truly an enjoyable read- thank you.