Best Dating Rules

The Best Girls #2

by Tamie Dearen

Emily Best is a stickler for rules, and the Best family has a whole set of rules where dating is concerned. But when Spencer comes into her life, the rules start to unravel.

Spencer has been waiting to meet a very special girl, and he knows Emily is the one. But communication isn't his strong point.

Emily finds herself on unsure footing for the first time in her life, while Spencer runs himself ragged chasing Emily.

With a relationship fraught with misunderstandings, miscommunications, and mistakes, Spencer fears he's missed his chance to make Miss Best his Mrs.

Best Dating Rules will keep you chuckling as you follow the convoluted path of romance, woven with lots of fun characters to love and one good villain to hate.

Approximately 347 pages.

Genres: Romance, Chick Lit

322 pages, ebook

First published January 19, 2014

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

[Claire - The Coffeeholic Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Best Girls are back, and they're funnier and feistier and more charming than ever. Anne Best is now married to Steven Gherring and her daughter Emily is interning in their company as an accountant. Things are looking up for Anne, but Emily isn't sharing the fun. Spencer Marshall, the guy she met on a rock-climbing gym when she visited her mom for the first time in New York, is back and is also working in Gherring Inc. Just when she decided to live an uncomplicated boring single life, here comes Steven, the unpredictable, daring and heart-stoppingly handsome man who makes her lose control.

Steven is known to be player, always seen with a lot of girls around him. Little did they know that he actually hasn't dated anyone or any girl for that matter. He's got lots of girl friends in the hiking club, but he never ever has kissed one, because he's waiting for that one special girl to share it with.

In Best Dating Rules, we meet a lot of new characters and fun personalities. There's Becca, an untrustworthy shameless girl who's got the hots for Spencer; there's also Spencer's four charming and quite boisterous sisters Grace, Claire, Hannah & Olivia; and Brad & Josh, two doctors who have somehow found their way to the Best family. I love all of them, (except for Becca) and I had a great time reading their banters, hoots and loud & crazy convos.

Oh, there are also two little additions to the Best-Gherring family and they're probably going to be my most favorites yet.

Tamie Dearen hits another jackpot with her Best Girls series. She really does know how to make the reader feel happy, tickled in love and satisfied. I always enjoy reading her stories, especially the simple but witty dialogues. So far, this one really made me smile:

"Why do women make everything so complicated?

It's our punishment as men. We have to suffer because Adam took that apple from Eve.

I hate that guy. "

I look forward to reading Charlie's lovelife next. Woohoo!

[Randy Tramp · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Book
Emily Best moves to New York. She has no desire for romance until Spencer Marshall, then fights feelings she has for him. Spencer wants to win her heart, but Emily isn’t easily won.

My Thoughts
This is the second book in The Best Girl’s Book. I love the characters, each one with a likeable personality. Emily-strong willed and determined. Charlie-stronger willed and ornery. Spencer-misunderstood and sensitive. Josh-arrogant and adventurous. Put Emily and Spencer; Charlie and Josh together and a fiery story unfolds. Add, Anne (Best) and Stephen Gherring and an unexpected surprise and you get a Best seller. (Sorry for the pun, but the book inspires wit.)

I enjoyed the clean, pure love that radiated from the pages. Funny and feisty came to mind as I turned the pages.

I’m hooked and look forward to the next read in the romantic comedy series. You’ll want to be friends with these characters.

[Kitty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received the book by the author for an honest review (Thank you Tamie!). This review is based on the ARC copy and some changes may have been made by the editor or author so the review may differ from the published copy.

I loved reading Best Dating Rules so much so that I read it late into the night because I couldn't put it down! There was so much improvement from book 1 in writing syle, story and the characters and I enjoyed seeing all the characters again. Here's what I thought about the book.

1. I think I liked Steven more in this book with him being so overprotected and sweet.

2. Emily was easily to like with her witty, independent yet vulnerable personality.

3. Spences was so awesome and I loved how he wouldn't give up on Emily. For some reason I pictured him as a cute little puppy:-D

4. I liked the little side romance between Charlie and Josh.

5. As in the last book, the relashionship between Anne, Emily and Charlie (and now Steven) was so wonderful that I wissh all mothers and daughters were so close.

5. I absolutely hated Becca and her cunning and desperate ways. I wanted to reach into the book and strangle her!

However...

The book dragged a bit in the end and I just wanted to see the happy ending instead of seeing both Emily and Spencer moping over their assumptions. Also, the art teacher really put me on edge and I didn't really find him charming.

The small problems in the book may have been edited so I will eliminate those from my reviews. Besides that, I absolutely adored the book and would recommend it to anyone who likes sweet romances.

[Diane Rapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Light, breezy, and loads of fun

After finishing a somber piece about supernatural creatures trying to kill the hero of the novel, I chose this book to brighten my day. What a good choice! The Best girls are delightful and the guys who fall in love with them...well move over Tom Cruise! That's not to say that everything runs smoothly for these characters, heartache, misunderstanding, and near death situations add tense moments to the tale. Their mother is also dealing with a medical situation that worries the whole family until the end of the book (I don't want to give away the plot).

Emily and Charlie (sisters) are girls who are attempting to navigate the treacherous world of dating by using a list of firm rules to keep them out of trouble--the Best Dating Rules--but in modern times these old fashioned rules are very hard to enforce. Will the men in the lives get frustrated and walk away? Can the girls learn to trust again after they've been hurt? These are questions every modern young woman must face. Waiting to learn the answers keeps this story interesting, but don’t get me started on the evil girl who tries to snatch Spencer away from Emily!

This book is a really "clean" read, one that any mother could recommend to her daughter. In fact it might give that daughter insight into dating that she doesn't get from TV and movies now days. The Best girls are a breath of fresh air, refusing to fall into bed with every young man who strikes their fancy. If you're looking for a "clean" romantic comedy, I recommend this one without reserve.

[Melody · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to agree with another review I read, the story was dragged out a bit at the end, but I didn't knock off any stars for I found this to be a completely delightful read! I saw it on Goodreads and it intrigued me so I had to buy it. I just wish I had read sooner this was book 2! I will now have to go back, but I am sure it will be fine!
So many characters points of view in this book! I love it when that happens! I hope that continues in the next one. I am so dying for Josh's story, and hope he gets a happy ending! He kind of wormed his way into my heart- even when I was determined not to like him!
Spencer, on the other hand, love at first sentence! And his sisters were delightful as well. I am really hoping this author writes their own stories!
Emily drove me crazy, but still didn't stop me from liking her as I can drive my own self crazy, and I completely relate to stubborn and spunky! I could easily be a Best girl! ;)

[Loren Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Dating Rules by Tamie Dearen is book two of the Best Girls romantic comedy series. Although we find out more about Anne and Steven in this book, the focus is on Emily and Spencer's romance. Or comedy of errors, as the case may be.

Emily and Spencer have some MASSIVE communication problems, and its somewhat blind obstinance on both sides. Yet, somehow, they keep getting drawn back to each other. We meet the Marshal girls, Spencer's four rambunctious sisters. And through it all, we gain a respect for what Emily and Spencer will do for the other, as well as what their limits are. The book stayed light and humorous, even when I was ready to bash some heads at the stupidity of the lovebirds.

Anne has some big news too, and it causes Steven to go all protective on her. But in the end, everything works out for the best. So, our friends from book one aren't completely absent.

[Holli Davila · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is wonderful! As a continuation of the Best girls antics and shenanigans, all the best parts of the characters (pun-intended)make an appearance. I love that Tamie Dearen doesn't quiet the stars from Her Best Match in order to highlight the characters that have taken a central lead in Best Dating Rules. She keeps all the characters' lives in motion, which makes for a fun, twisted, complicated plot. She writes a girl you love to hate, and if its possible, you fall in love a little bit with each male leads. I have no complaints about this one! Get it! Read it! NOW!

[Wesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laugh Out Loud Love Story! I enjoyed Best Dating Rules and falling more in love with each character. Dearen keeps the audience guessing until the end with funny surprises that will leave you laughing out loud and turning the page late into the night. This sequel is just as fun and exciting as the first of the series. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to escape into a fun (and innocent) love story!

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh how I do love the second book in this series. You get to learn more about Anne and Steven from the first book, and rather than just a glance over the characters you do truly get more in depth information about them.

I love how tight knit the family are, not just the Best family but also the Marshall family who you are introduced to. This is another rollercoaster ride of love, misunderstandings, scheming, plotting and romance between Emily and Spencer.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read about one of the Best girls we met in Best Match. Such a cute read--although a lot of the problems could have been prevented with better communication! Spoiler: It did bug me that I don't get to find out the sex of the babies at the end of the book. Come on, just tell me already!

[Amber Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the second book in the series and getting to know the Best girls. I felt like the novel was drug out a bit with some lulls but if you cut those out its a great read! On to the next one!

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book

This was another great book in the series. Once again, clean, funny with a little drama in it. I am now going for book 3. While this is a little pricey it is still worth it.

[Rachel Braugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! It was fun catching up with my "friends" from Her Best Match and finding out what new twists and turns their lives were taking. A fun light read!

[Franky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so cute and sweet. A great read!

[Gidg · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was readable but not a story I would read again or suggest it to someone I know. The couples only annoyed me and never did I get that "Awe, that's so romantic or so sweet" moment. I didn't laugh, cry, or get upset at any given situation. I was just annoyed at some of the bad behavior and lack of common sense many of these charters had. I just had no reason to route for any of them.

Worse off the author introduces a villain in a girl named Becca and paints her as a relentless vindictive woman and yet as soon as we hear that Emily and Spencer are engaged there is no mention of Becca again. No resolve as to if she is ever made to pay her dues for ruffie Emily or setting up Spencer. No mention if she ever attempts to contact or do anything else to Spencer and Emily after she hears they are engaged. And we certainly don't even hear of Steven doing something to put that girl in her place. The man is of wealth and means and you mean to tell me he can't hire a detective to investigate Becca and use what he can find to leverage her out of their lives or get proof that she was the one who purchased and ruffied Emily? Nope, none of this is even addressed or that up to find a way to wrap up that Becca story line. The author just wrote her to act a blurb villain as a speed bump in the story of Emily and Spencer. For such a vindictive woman she sure gave up pretty easily and disappeared.

The first book was good and I was invested in those characters and all the supporting players but in this book I just couldn't stomach Emily and her sister Charlie. And that is why I will skip reading the next book in the series that is about Charlie and Josh's romance. Nothing but another story of Charlie acting as foolish as her sister I'm sure. I'll pass on that.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short review. 3.5 Enjoyable but at times frustrating book. Anne and Steven now happily married return to help Emily and Spencer navigate that little thing called loved. This book shows the importance of not only communicating with one another but listening and how not to make assumptions about someone because you could be completely wrong. It did dragged a little because the story shifted from being about Emily and Spencer to about Josh and Charlie growing feelings for each other in several chapters. I wouldn't had a problem with it if it didn't take away from this book being about Emily and Spencer at least with Anne and Steven's continued love story from the first book it doesn't feel like as if their love story sidelines Emily and Spencer's.

[Janeiowa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was such a disappointment. I had enjoyed the prequel novella and #1 in this series about Anne Best and Steven Gherring. This one revolves around Anne’s 24 yr old daughter, Emily, and her relationship with 25 yr old, Spencer. I don’t know when I’ve read a book with two characters I disliked more and more as the story progressed.

Emily is such an immature, emotionally stunted, no common sense control freak. She acts and thinks like an immature 10yr old. Spencer is supposedly a “hot” 25yr old...who’s never dated or kissed a girl. REALLY? I think both of them were sick.

It’s discouraged me from reading the next one about Charlie, Emily’s sister, who displayed some of these same emotional and maturity issues. These characters sound like gossiping 13 yr old “mean” girls.

[Sarah Anguish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now that she has gained her CPA Emily Best is starting at her step-father's company Gherring Inc. although she hopes that everyone knows that she got the job with her own merits. Keeping her head down, Emily is reserved and cautious happily going about her new life in New York.

Spencer is loving his internship at Gherring Inc. especially when he sees that Emily is working on the same floor. He has been trying to persuade her to go out with him since they met through her mom. With them both in the same city, it should be easy to get her to agree to a date or two.

The course of true love never did run smoothly and a series of misunderstandings leaves them on a rollercoaster of a ride. Navigating through the 'Best family dating rules', reputations and proving their feelings for each other.

One that will have you rooting for them to be together and frustrated that they keep getting diverted.

[Eunice Coorlas · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice follow up to Her Perfect Match. In this book Anne and Steven are married and enjoying each other at their corporation and home. Quite a nice surprise awaits the couple something neither anticipated.

On the romantic front, Anne’s daughter Emily - newly employed by Steven’s company- has met Spenser. Both work at the company and are fast friends - could it develop into something more? Is Spenser the man about town as Emily suspects or does one woman make waves with her future in mind?

We meet a host of new characters- each interesting in their own right- and old favorites from the first installment.

An easy read, perfect for the beach or a lazy afternoon.

[Regina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't like the story as much as I did the first in the series. At times I felt the urge to take the characters and shake some sense into them. Not only Spencer and Emily, but some of the assorted family members as well.

Also, some typos and grammar issues were at times distracting.

Still, it was a nice read.

[Penny Leidecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a clean read that will have you laughing at times, this is the book for you. I think this is my favorite book in this series so far. I love Emily and Spencer and those Best dating rules. I sure hope Becca ends up getting what she has coming to her. She is truly vindictive. Grab your copy and fall in love with these characters. I can’t wait to read Grace’s book next.

[Cilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Communication certainly wasn't Spencer's strong point especially when pride is involved, add in Emily's stubbornness and over-cautiousness and you get some hilarious misunderstandings, let alone what happens when a vindictive and jealous 'friend' decides to 'help'. I have been really enjoying the Best Girl series - great for when you just want to escape from real life into a book.

[Gloria Markus · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ups and downs of young love

Emily and Spencer are in love but neither one of them seems to be able to express their feelings to the other. Despite all of this waffling back and forth and a lot of interference from another woman who fancied that she loved Spencer, they finally get together. Very entertaining read.

[Cayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grrrrreat book!

There are no words to describe how much I love this book. It's funny, witty, and full of great banter. I felt sorry for the couples who have all these communication hiccups. They all make dating sound more fun than my last few dates! I look forward to reading more in the series, if any more can be found!!!

[Elizabeth Topolse · Rating 4 out of 5]

dating rules

This was a fun book. People you would want to meet or have as neighbors. No serial killers, no torture and good fun. I liked the characters though wonder where all the billionaires that seem to populate books. What’s wrong with a millionaire or someone financially comfortable
Good read

[Alecs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had to read this after Her Best Match and so glad I did because I love Anne and Steven. Not sure I like how Emily's and Charlie's characters were presented in this one, mostly confusing and unpredictable. But still a light, clean, funny and romantic read

[C A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding True Love

Loved this story about Emily and Spencer. Their chemistry was off the charts. Also the introduction of Josh and Brad. Nice to see Emily's circle of friends grow, from Spencer and his family to Josh and Brad.
The humor was great as always and entertaining.

[LeAnne Bruels · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice series to enjoy

I really enjoyed the book and for the story itself would give it five stars but down rated due to errors in the book. Unfortunately, I find few books without spelling errors or grammar errors. It takes away from enjoying the book fully.

[April Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Total confusion

He nearly lost her not once but twice, but he still would not give up on her. She was everything he had been waiting for and he had been waiting a long time. These two are so cute in their own confusing little way.

[Richa Upraity · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rules!

Read the book mainly to catch up on the first book leads. Fell in love with Steven even more! Stephen was great too, though I really couldn't understand Emily and her stubbornness.