The Playboy

I have enjoyed reading The Playboy by Carly Phillips, book two in The Chandler Brothers series, many times as this was one of the early series that introduced Ms. Phillips to me. This 20th anniversary reissue of the original edition is updated and has a new cover. The original sits on my keeper shelf, that’s how much I love this series. We have three brothers; each totally different with none of them wanting to marry. There’s also their mother who has devised a plan to get each of her boys to marry. The relationship between the brothers and their mother and the brothers themselves is written wonderfully. You sense the love and respect they have for each other as well as see the teasing and shenanigans between the brothers. Police officer, Rick Chandler has been able to fend off the marriage-minded women in his small town, so far; but it’s getting more challenging with each passing day. The Chandler charm seems to keep those women returning for another attempt; after all, one of these days he has to give in, right. Kendall Sutton is a runaway bride, stuck on the side of the road, until the sexiest cop she’s ever seen rescues her. When Rick arrives on the scene he thinks his mother has once again arranged a matchmaking scheme; though Kendall’s bridal gown does seem over the top. Recognizing the sparks, attraction and chemistry they have; Rick asks her be his fake girlfriend to keep his mother, and the town’s women away. Kendall agrees as she doesn’t plan to stay in town too long. Spending time together, promoting their charade, they realize that their relationship is feeling real. Rick might not be a forever kind of guy but meeting Kendall was the best thing to happen to him, and her. This book is not as sexy as Phillips’ more recent books, but still has those loveable characters that you want to cheer on, hoping for their happy ending. Ms. Phillips wrote a wonderful, emotional and sizzling story that is not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with chemistry, amusing banter, lots of shenanigans and charming secondary characters giving Rick and Kendall a chance for happiness, love and a future together. I highly recommend The Playboy to other readers. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

Rick Chandler is the middle Chandler brother and he is a cop for the city of Yorkshire Falls, NY. With his brother Roman happily married now, it seems as if all the single ladies in town are trying to make their play for Rick, especially Lisa Burton. Too bad he has no desire to ever settle down.....with any of them! When Rick is called out on a broken down car he comes upon a gorgeous woman in a wedding dress with pink hair! Rick may have a white knight complex, but something about Kendall Sutton just draws him in. After talking with Kendall, Rick realizes that they both have the same feelings towards marriage....not for them! Rick convinces Kendall to pretend to be his girlfriend to help ward off all the single Yorkshire Falls women and in exchange he will help her fix up her late Aunt Crystal Sutton's home to sell. Of course you know how best laid plans never go the way you think and the more time Rick and Kendall spend together, the more their feelings deepen. Just when it looks like Rick might be the second Chandler boy to get married, Kendall does what she always does....she runs away! It will take a lot of soul searching, but Rick and Kendall finally do get their happy ending! I really enjoyed Rick and Kendall's story! I loved how both of these two tended to run away from things in their life, but in the end, they found their happy ever after! I also enjoyed Kendall's younger sister Hannah. It was fun seeing the interaction between her and everyone else. Two Chandler boys down.....one to go!

4.5 Stars This is book 2 in The Chandler Brothers series and it features Rick and Kendall. Their meeting was unusual as is their quick arrangement. They both think they have it all under control until they don’t. Don’t forget that their mother, Raina, seems to be quite the manipulator when it comes to seeing her sons settle down. I love the Chandler brothers and their mom! The story line is fantastic. Tremendous character growth for most of the characters. I can’t wait to visit Yorkshire Falls in the next and final book in The Chandler Brothers series.