*I received a free copy of Bachelor from Tantor Media via Tantor Media. This has in no way influenced my voluntary review, which is honest and unbiased *
Warning: This book includes mature content such as: sexual content, and/or drug and/or alcohol use, and/or violence.
Bachelor by Winter Renshaw Narrator: Elizabeth Hart, Nelson Hobbs
Series: Rixton Falls #2
Published by Tantor Media on September 6, 2016
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Format: Audiobook
Source: Tantor Media
Derek Rosewood is never going to marry-ever again. Fresh off the heels of a bitter divorce, there are only three things he cares about: his daughter, his career, and his bachelorhood. An attorney by trade and happily married to his job, he saves the drama for the courtroom and keeps women at arm's length. Their fragile, sequined hearts are safer that way. And besides, he's not in any condition to offer them the love and attention they so foolishly seek from him. It's not until he's assigned as the financial conservator for an aloof, enigmatic heiress that he finds his professional-and personal-boundaries pushed to the wayside. They're all wrong for each other. Emotionally unavailable. Bitter. Jaded. And he's supposed to look out for her best interests. Protect her. But this wasn't supposed to happen. And for that reason, Derek Rosewood pleads the fifth. Contains mature themes.
I enjoyed my return visit to Rixton Falls but Bachelor was a bittersweet read. While I like the Rosewood family and was eager for Derek’s story, Bachelor left me wanting. There was just a little something missing in Derek and Serena’s relationship that kept their story from being stellar.
After his wife left him for her plastic surgeon, Derek became a confirmed bachelor. His life revolved around his law practice, his daughter, and casual hookups when he could manage. Serena, recently split from her fiance after finding him in bed with two of her best friends, has been relegated to her family estate after some erratic behavior. She and Derek meet because he’s been designated her estate conservator. After spending some time with her, Derek decides there’s more going on within her family, and to protect her he removes her from her estate to…his apartment in Rixton Falls.
Although I enjoyed watching Serena get acquainted with the Rosewoods – Demi in particular – many of Derek’s action were dubious considering his profession and status as Serena’s conservator. These actions were dealt with in the story but it made some of the character development inconsistent and parts of the plot were made to feel contrived. Serena showed growth and I appreciated that. She found something she’d always wanted in the Rosewoods – a close-knit family. Derek changed too, realizing he could give his heart again, and I was happy for them but I felt there was something missing that kept me from really feeling their relationship. The resolution to Serena’s problems was more than a bit too tidy for my tastes and the reasons behind the issues were melodramatic.
Elizabeth Hart and Nelson Hobbs did a fine job narrating Bachelor. The kept their character voices distinct, conveyed the proper emotions, and kept the flow of the story smooth.
Overall, Bachelor was a bit of a letdown. There’s only one more story available in this series at the moment and I’m torn. I’d like to go ahead and finish the series but I’m thinking maybe I need a break from Rixton Falls. I will return eventually though.
About Brandee @ (un)Conventional Bookworms
Brandee is a mom of 3 and a soon-to-be empty nester. She is also an avid reader, a genre omnivore, and a compulsive one-clicker - but she's in recovery. Besides being a reader, she's also a writer and hopes to divide the vast quantities of spare time she'll soon have between reading and finally publishing her first book.
Too bad this one didn’t fully deliver. It sure sounded like it had the makings of a hit. Two characters who are closed off and both keeping others at arms length – I can them falling hard, once they allowed themselves to. But it sounds like Derek’s character development was pretty lacking. That makes it hard to really connect. I hope the last one is better, whenever you decided to pick it up.
Maybe that’s the most disappointing part, Tanya…that it could have been great. Oh well. I did go ahead and listen to #3. It was great! 🙂
Too bad it was a bit of a letdown. Always sucks when that happens. =/
Yeah it is, Stephanie. I will tell you that I went ahead and listened to #3 and the series was redeemed. 🙂
Ahh man too bad this one kinda let you down, from what you say I think I’d probably feel the same about this one =[
Thanks, Teresa. I did go ahead and listen to #3 though….and I loved it! 🙂 One of the big differences? The narrators. Sigh. There wasn’t anything wrong with these but the ones for book #3 were awesome.
Twitter: ailynk
the story didn’t sound too bad though, probably wasn’t the best delivery? do give the next one a try?
Yep, I did go ahead and listen to the 3rd book, Ailyn. And it ROCKED! And I realized that even though the narrators of this one didn’t necessarily irritate me in any way, there are narrators who really MAKE the story. The series is worth the time. 🙂
Twitter: talksupeblog
I’m learning to appreciate audio more, I still have a lot to learn in terms of narrators but listening to more audio is reviving my love for romance again. For the first time in years I’ve finished my first PNR, I’m hopeful contemporary romance is next
I’m still learning too, Braine. For instance, this narrating pair was fine. I enjoyed them, nothing irritated me. But I listened to the 3rd book in this series and that narrating pair ROCKED! So I’m still figuring out what makes a really good narrator. Woohoo for the PNR! I’m listening to Darkness Dawns by Dianne Duvall, narrated by Kirsten Potter, and it’s excellent! What did you read/listen to? I’ll keep my fingers crossed for the Cont. Rom. 😀
Twitter: talksupeblog
My very first PNR is years is Sherrilyn Kenyon’s Dead Man Walking. It’s a pirate fantasy & now I’m listening to Furyborn w/c is YA I think. I also had the pleasure of listening to Mary Robinette Kowal, she narrated the first book of her Glamourist series & shes my favorite so far. I didn’t know she’s a professional voice actress so now I’m inclined to listen to whatever book she’s narrating.
Too bad this one did not live up to your expectations Lexxie. Nice review regardless.
Thanks, Carla. You know, I actually decided to go ahead and listen to the 3rd book in the series and I ended up loving it. So even though Bachelor didn’t exactly trip my trigger, the series overall has been worth the time. 🙂
That is good. Always nice to find a series you can enjoy.
Twitter: ailynk
Narrators are backbone of a good audiobook after all.
Ahh disappointing when it just doesn’t quite get all the way there. And goodness. That’s quite a good reason for leaving her ex. smh