It is a well-known fact that a single man without a penny to his name must be in want of a rich wife.Darcy, Bingham and Wick Austen are about to lose the family business. Without a miracle or a substantial cash investment, Austen’s—the bookstore chain that was established by their great-great-grandfather—will go into receivership.A chance encounter at a charity ball with the attractive, single … attractive, single and filthy-rich Bennet sisters has Wick Austen convincing his brothers that the way to save their livelihoods rests at the Bennet’s red-soled-shoe clad feet.
But these three women are far more than your average, simpering, society-loving heiresses.
Darcy isn’t so sure about his youngest brother’s plan, especially when the smart, feisty and ridiculously sexy Eliza Bennet shoots down his advances in a ball of flames, and accuses him of being a proud and egotistical jerk.
Meanwhile, Bingham meets the sweet and approachable Jane, and insta-love ensues, and Wick gets used up and spat out by the youngest and most flighty sister, Lydia.
Will the Austen bachelors secure a wife and save the family name or will they become the Bennet sister’s latest conquests?
*Inspired by Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, The Bachelors is a contemporary twist with added naughtiness*
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Loved this twist on Pride and Prejudice. Smart, funny and well-written.
It was very entertaining, being based on an original premise of reversing the gender basis of Pride and Prejudice.
A great redo of pride and prejudice
5.5 amazing stars!!!!
I’m in love with the Austen brothers! As we all know there are many subgenres in Romance and one of my absolute favorites is the Romantic Comedy. Not everyone can do it well, unfortunately, and Rom-Com is where so many authors try too hard and end up with a mess on their hands. Luckily for us this is not the case with The Bachelors! Everything about it is sheer perfection. Taking her cues from one of classical literature’s most beloved books, “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen, Ms. Carter has given it a modern age spin, and it is going on my list of Top Ten for this year! With so many things to love about it I just want to mention my favorite one: Mr. Darcy Austen! Ladies, you’re in for a treat.
The Austen family has owned Austen’s Book Stores, a nationwide chain, for five generations. The current owners are Darcy, the eldest, followed by Bingham, or Bing for short, and Wickham “Wick”, the youngest at twenty-four. All three Austen brothers are handsome, single and, unfortunately, soon to be unemployed. They might have to sell the failing company. Now, with the boom in eBooks and audio books, it’s in dire straits, and Wick desperately wants to save it. He convinces Darcy to give him six months, to find a way to do so, before they have to sell it. Wick has to find someone with deep pockets who can invest in it. The more he thinks about it, the clearer the solution is: He needs to find a rich bride. With his playboy and bad boy reputation, that might be little problem. But, as fate will have it, there’s a charity ball being hosted by the Bennet sisters, all three sisters single and very wealthy. He just needs one of them to fall madly in love with him in less than six months. Or, maybe he can talk one of his brothers into it. Darcy, who’s the straight-as-an-arrow, no-nonsense brother, might be hard to get on board his plan. And Bing, being the nose to the grindstone, nerdy one, will be just as hard to convince. Wick’s not too concerned with the schematics of it, he’s sure it’s a good, solid plan.
Eliza, Jane and Lydia are the Bennet sisters. Known as being “richer than the Royal family” the beautiful, single sisters all have very different temperments. “Lize”, the eldest, has been the head of The Bennet Group, a multibillion dollar company, since her father died less than a year ago. The savvy businesswoman is headstrong, practical and very stubborn. Jane, the middle one, is the gentle one; she’s very generous and is proud of her charity work, something that was near and dear to their late mother. Lydia, at twenty-one and the youngest, has always been thoughtless and selfish. As the bad girl in high society, she’s always in the tabloids, equal parts due to gossip and her high fashion sense. As with all sibling dynamics, there’s a little rivalry, and it’s usually Lydia against her two sisters. Elize and Jane are unusually close to each other and seem to agree and understand each other best.
So, when Lydia does the unexpected at the Charity Ball, with Wick on her coattails, the Austen brothers and Bennet sisters join forces, to shake some sense into them. And forces are not the only things joined **wink, wink**
“I knew it would feel like that.”
“Like what?”
“Like I was tasting a thousand of our lives on our lips.”
As the couples pair off there’s one couple that gets along as well as a fly and vinegar. Or rather not very well at all. I felt like I wanted a bucket of popcorn, to munch on, every time they interacted together.
“The ice princess has been hiding her talents beneath her frosty outer-layer. Why, Miss Eliza, if you ever lose your place at The Bennet Group you’ll always get work as a stand-up comedienne. I’d pay good money to see what other material you have.”
“You couldn’t afford it.”
This book had me reading nonstop, I practically read in one sitting. I loved the witty, laugh out loud dialogue and I had a huge grin on my face while reading. Any book that has my clutching my Kindle to my chest, at the end, is a great one!
****On a very personal note: This is one of the most beautiful book covers that I’ve seen in ages! I absolutely love it!!!
3.5*
The Bachelors is a witty take on Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.
I’m ashamed to say I’ve never read the book- I’ve only watched the different movie adaptations, but that at least that gave me enough background to appreciate the upside down nature of this storyline! And now I have a great need to read the original.
While it was fun getting to see things from all 6 characters’ points of view, I do wish more of the book had focused on Eliza and Darcy, instead of focusing so much on Wick and Lydia’s antics, and even Bing and Jane’s burgeoning relationship. It felt like it was more the story of those 2 couples instead of the who you’d expect from a retelling of P&P. I honestly felt more invested in Bing and Jane (I really liked those 2) than I did in Darcy and Eliza, and there was so much potential with them. They were both such great characters I would have loved to have spent more time with them.
But overall this was an easy, entertaining, and enjoyable twist on a much loved classic tale.
This is my first book by E.S. Carter and I adored it! I devoured it in practically one sitting. So original and exquisite. So emotional and romantic. So shocking and funny. The three Bennet sisters have met their match in the three Austen boys, just watch the fireworks explode! It wasn’t like anything I’ve ever read before and I loved it!
I’m honored and voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this beautiful book.
The Bachelors was my very first book by E.S. Carter and I’m totally in awe! Eli managed to grab my attention from the first page on. And even though I’m not a fan of books written in 3rd person, Eli showed me otherwise. I never felt closer to characters written from the 3rd POV than to the three Bennet Sisters and the three Austen brothers.
The writing style is captivating and I never got bored once. The Bachelors is a funny and light-hearted story with charming and witty characters, it made me smile and laugh throughout the whole book.
It was so clearly written with a constant pace and the change of character focus was flawless. I always knew on which main character we are concentrating on.
I loved how Eli worked out each character and outlined the parallels between the parings: Wick and Lydia (young, carefree, wild, self-centered), Jane and Bing (sensible, cautious, caring, soft-hearted), Eliza and Darcy (confident, responsible, feisty, reserved).
You can’t help but laugh about the mess Wick gets himself into with Lydia, nor can you deny the insta-love/insta-attraction between Jane and Bing (it just made me sigh every time over and over again). You also can’t help yourself feeling the need to push Eliza and Dary’s heads together, to finally see what clearly is between both of them because they are too stubborn.
This book made my feel at ease and gave me a happy mood. I can totally picture this book as a movie.
The only thing why I can’t give 5 stars is the fact that all felt a little rushed (but not in a bad way!). Every character and therefore pairing has high potential for their own books. I wished I could have known more about each of them and how it really will work out in the end. As the ending of the book might look like a happy ending, but to me it’s clearly an open ending (without cliffhanger). I wish for three more books (at least): One where we will see how Lydia and Wick really fall in love and work out the mess they created. One where we will see Jane and Bing getting married and parents. One where we get Eliza’s and Darcy’s story, because they are clearly not finished yet! I also want to know how the Bennet sisters find their way back together. And if there is still time for a fourth book, I want to hear Pemps story!
Well, Eli: Way to go here 😉
The Austen family owned a bookstore business for generations, but modern method of reading was slowly killing their company. The brothers Darcy, Bing and Wick all had their own thoughts on how to get out of the predicament. When opportunity presented itself, the youngest brother Wick devised a plan that he thought would bring the family business back to the glory days.
The Bennet sisters Eliza, Jane and Lydia were not only known for their beauty but also their immense wealth. As the oldest, Eliza worked hard to keep the family legacy. But attention from the Austen brothers had each of the sister flustered one way or another and they had to decide on listening to their heads or hearts.
I don’t read a lot classics because the language can be tedious. But I certainly won’t shy away from modern reinterpretation like this book which was inspired by Pride and Prejudice.
There are six main characters in the book and each one of them brought their own set of personality to the table. However, I feel because of the high number, the characters didn’t get enough individual spotlight shone on them. My favorite is Eliza who I could relate to the most. Actually, Pemberley was very entertaining too lol!
This book had a light, amusing vibe which I enjoyed. I also like the dynamics between the character especially the sibling comradery and rivalry. I do wish a little more sexiness though, because personally I need more motivation when it comes to light stories haha!
The Bachelors is a story of family connections and personal ambitions. It would appeal to readers looking for light hearted stories.
P.S.: I tend to read with British when a book is very British lol!
Like all books by ES Carter, it is so easy to fall in love with the characters, and The Bachelors follows.
In this contemporary romance we meet 3 totally opposite Austen brothers who meet their matches with the Bennett sisters. From the flirtatious, troublesome youngest sister Lydia, to the middle, quiet Jane ending with the powerful yet snark Elizabeth we can see a beautiful story unfold before our eyes. What many authors would need three full books to get us to see the story, ES Carter grabs the reader, throws us into the mayhem between Austen/Bennett famity drama, yet still ends with a sense of closure. I would love to continue seeing thsee siblings bc their interactions are hilarious and makes one realize all family have quarks whether wealthy or poor, and just makes these 6 that much more believable.
“In fact, she continued, with wickedness dancing in her eyes. “I’d say the Austen boys, including the one about to make our beloved sister his wife, are so poor that if their dear old daddy hadn’t cut holes in their trouser pockets at Christmas they wouldn’t have had anything to play with.”
I have read the LBN series, the New Order series and now this and each one just makes me a deeper fan for this author and her ability to make me wish I was there in the book watching as life unfolds.
“…ignore the days, hours and minutes, live in the minute, and love every second.”
The Bachelors is a -modern- story inspired by Pride and Prejudice. Before anything I must admit I haven’t read P&P *Hides* so I feel I enjoyed a little different from the fans.
This was a fun story about 3 brothers and 3 sisters, each of them with different goals and different point of view of life.
The Austen brothers are looking for something to save their family business, even when not all want the same but it’s family business. In desperate time comes desperate mesures: Find someone with money.
The Bennett’s sisters are dealing with the recently lost of their father and Eliza, the oldest is dealing with a little more, be the head of the multimillion family business and with a rebel sisters that only looks for way to bother her sisters.
When the 3 brothers and 3 sisters met, it’s all kind of reactions that leads them all to new adventures where all of them discover their real intentions toward each other.
Add to this adventure a pair of parents that see their situation so different that sometimes you don’t know if laugh or be annoyed.
I loved all the siblings but my favorites were Bing and Jane, because they were so “out of the drama” and the more neutrals of the situation.
It was an story I didn’t know what to expect, because all I knew about it, was that it was inspired in P&P, so I was curious about it, Right now I need to start P&P and if it’s something like this I know I am gonna love it.
ES Carter knows how to write a “re-make” of one of everyone’s favorite book, this is not the same story, it’s a modern story inspired in the classic, and yes, it’s so “our times”, now the roles are inverted. You need to read it to find out what I am talking about.
Don’t be afraid to read this one, you will spend a great time reading about their adventures to save their family companies and maybe find love while you remember one of your favorite books (Because I Know P&P is a favorite of everyone).
My Review
“for all the other people”
Here’s what you’ll read on Goodreads: What are your favorite tropes? Marriage for Hire? Enemies to Lovers? Insta-Love? How about your H/h? Need a Billionaire? A pauper in need of saving the family ‘farm’? The wallflower that is forever overlooked? Now take your trope, add your characters, mix in some cheeky British humor, and maybe have the author flip all the expectations on their heads and cook it up for a serving of —
The Bachelors!
Yes, it’s the story that takes our most favorite tropes and with tongue in cheek spins a delightful contemporary journey for the reader to find your other half. As the saying goes, everybody needs somebody. Each one of the main characters have found their ‘perfect’ somebody – whether they care to admit it or not. But it goes without saying that secondary characters can make or break a fantastic read. Ms Carter offers up some of the best with family and friends joining the frey of who gets the mark in the win column. Besides the comedic elements, you’ve got the perfect romance with ‘fade to black’ that you’ll find you can recommend to the most prudish of friends – but still feel that sizzle.
“When Hell freezes over.” Darcy grinned, leaning closer to Eliza than ever before and replied, “I’m not afraid of a little frostbite.”
Worried because 3rd person isn’t your thing? Eli Carter nails the writing and intertwining of each characters story that keeps you engaged that you don’t realize you’ve reached The End . Concerned with another ‘British’ book? If you can watch Notting Hill, you’ll clutch your eReader to prevent it from slipping with all the giggling that will ensue.
And for this reader, it ended on the perfect note. Brilliant and satisfying conclusion — for now. This is definitely one to show up on my eReader when I want to just have fun with the story for re-read over and over again.
So, wait…you know I’m a huge Austen fan. Yet, not one peep. In all seriousness, you do not need to nor be a fan of the classic to enjoy this fun and wicked ride. She delivers Austen in modern language and situations to make this great classic approachable.
My Review
“for Austenites”
Are you like me? You pick up an advertised ‘retelling’ of the classic tale you so dearly love. You slowly crack open the spine, hopeful, you’ll find what you are looking for. Because lets be honest – all of us Austenites believe nothing can ever replicate ‘Jane.’
I’ve picked up quite a few stories inspired by…and found them close. They mirror the premise of prideful ignorance and prejudicial judgment. But there is where the inspiration ends. However, Ms Carter offers something truly amazing to the Austen fan. She uses Austen as a muse to bring the Benetts to life in modern times. She gives each of them a different and yet similar life, and keeps the subtle, well-loved British humor intact. More so, she gives the avid Austenite enough ‘Easter eggs’ in reference to the classic that will make you giggle with annoying delight to anyone within earshot as you read.
“When Wick raised his brows in question, his father clarified, “Rendered your mother speechless. I’ve tried to do as much for years and never succeeded.”
You find those precious characters so beloved represented in a fresh, new look but keeps the charm of the story. The characters under Ms Carter’s tutelage are made accessible to the modern reader. They are given situations and reactions expected. Think back to the beloved words, the misunderstandings and judgments, and here The Bachelors brings the same feel of surprise to reactions as you would anticipate when set in the age of technology.
“Like what?” she all but breathed, her body closer than ever to his, their mouths once more almost touching.
“Like I was tasting a thousand of our lives on my lips.”
With lines like above, a reader feels Jane Austen is respectfully reborn between the pages. And yet…
Yes, Ms Carter, your words have bewitched this reader body and soul.
It is not a retelling. This story is its own. But truly inspired to become something delightful. For those book friends who don’t understand your love of the classic or find it to ‘tasking’ or ‘daunting’, will find this tale bewitching and entertaining.
Just as you find yourself re-reading the classic tale, this book will fast become a story to pull off the shelf when you want smart humorous romance to fill the hours. The Bachelors has earned a spot in my ‘personal favorite’ shelf with many more stars than the lowly 5 that Goodreads allows.
It is a truth universally acknowledged that if there is a book based on Pride and Prejudice, I will want to read it. It is my favourite book bar none. This retelling of the classic book is set in 21st century London.
It has all the best facets of the book but the author puts her own spin on the story. This time, there are three Austen brothers – Darcy, Bingham and Wickham – who are down on their uppers. Their counterparts – Eliza, Jane and Lydia Bennet – are ladies with class and money who are being pursued by the Austen brothers.
There are clever nods to the original story along the way – the naming of supporting characters, the use of original and iconic dialogue and the way certain elements stay the same (I don’t think I’m giving to much away by saying Wickham and Lydia still bring out the best and worst in each other).
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this romp through Jane Austen’s best loved story. Highly recommended and worth every one of its five stars.
I love Jane Austen and I love reading other works in her worlds. They can been wonderful twists, innovative re-interpretations, or forced re-imaginings, awkward plotlines. Unfortunately, this story fell into the latter categories.
There was nothing subtle. It was obvious how things were going to end. Sure, it’s obvious because we know the characters and their stories, but I didn’t have to do much imagining or reading to see where this was going. I didn’t get to enjoy the journey because it felt like it was over way before it really started.
I didn’t enjoy the twists/alterations to the characters much, either. It felt juvenile and amateurish. I liked the expansion to Lydia Bennett but I think even she could’ve been done better.
I finished this book – barely – and if I could go back, I would’ve skipped it entirely.
This was a fun read with a contemporary twist on the characters in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Needs a bit of editing for grammar.
Was bothered by the shift from old english to shock expletive.
A really cute take on the Pride and Prejudice theme but a little short on some character development. I didn’t really get into caring about any of these characters because there just wasn’t enough substance to who they were beyond a very cursory stock character. Jane Austen was more subtle in drawing her characters but fed the reader much more personality information.
Each character was believable and the story flowed nicely. Nicely written and a very enjoyable read.
This book started very good but somehow it didn’t live up to the promise.
I’m usually a sucker for a good re-telling of Pride & Prejudice but the writing was not only hackneyed but simply terrible. Don’t bother.
When I discovered the F word and the S word were being used liberally, I realized this book was in no way related to Jane Austen. Consequently, I did not finish reading it.