It took two weeks for Amazon to deliver this as the order went missing and had to be replaced. I was looking forward to reading this as I had just read The Playboy by the same author and wanted to read the other books in the series. The Batchelor is the first book in the Chandler trilogy. For those of you not in the know the Chandler trilogy revolves around the Chandler brothers, Chase, Rick and Roman who live in a small town in upstate New York. All three brothers are devastatingly handsome, sexy and caring and most of the women of the town want them. Unfortunately for the town’s women-folk these men are literally having none of them. One day, however, there is admitted to hospital with indigestion and when there comes up with a cunning plan. In order to get them settled she feigns heart trouble and says that her fondest wish is to have grand children before she dies. Wanting to do right by their mother but not wanting to give up their bachelor lifestyles the three brothers solve their problem as most men do by tossing a coin, the loser has to get married and have kids. Unfortunately Roman the globetrotting reporter loses. His initial plans involve finding some woman who is willing to stay at home, have his children while he goes and continues his travelling lifestyle. His plans however do not include meeting up with his childhood flame Charlotte Bronson. This stunning lady has returned to the town to set up her lingerie business and when the two of them meet sparks fly again. Charlotte however wants to marry a man who will stay in one place with her. Can she tame this Chandler man or will she end up kicking him to the curb? Will he change his bachelor ways or will he be leaving on a jet plane without her? To find out you’ll have to read the book. The book is well written and has an easy reading style. The characters are interesting enough that you do want to know what happens to them. Given the genre that this book belongs to you know how it’s going to end but it is an enjoyable read getting there.
The book has an assortment of side characters and even a spot of crime when the “panty-thief” strikes. It took me about 6 hours or so to read and is a good read for planes, trains and automobiles, as it is quite light and enjoyable. I personally preferred ‘The Playboy’ (see my review for this one) more as it was funnier and if I’d read this one first I’m not sure I’d have read the others. However since I didn’t I personally am now looking forward to the final book in the series that is out later this year and tells the story of the eldest brother as from the excerpts that I have read this seems to be the best of the lot.