Thirteen remaining contestants got to continue on their “journey of love” and fight for Desiree Hartsock. The episode began with everyone going to Atlantic City, where the contestants got to stay in a gorgeous penthouse suite in the Revel. The episode took off with a one-on-one date where Brad was lucky to be reserved, quite, and not the right guy for Dez. Brad opened up a little and enjoyed his date with Dez as they walked on the boardwalk, played games, and won prizes. They even stopped by a café for salt-water taffy. However, the conversation became awkward and his quite side came out. Desiree sent him home because she didn’t feel a connection. Brad is a 27-year-old accountant from Boulder, CO, who also has a son, Maddox.

Eleven guys got a chance to go on the group date, leaving one contestant for another one-on-one. Brooks, Bryden, Zack K, Kasey, Drew, Juan Pablo, Zak W, Mikey T, Ben, James and Chris were chosen to compete in a Mr. America pageant, which appropriately comes after the crowning of Miss USA, the night before. Reigning Miss America, Mallory Hagan, coached the boys along with help from pageant coach, Christopher Deed. Each contestant had to find a talent, and compete in a swimwear and interview round.

The competition was set in front of a live audience. From hula hooping, baton twirling, tap dancing, and poetry reading, the men impressed in the talent rounds in a comedic way. During the interview portion they were asked various questions, one of them being, “what animal in the jungle would you be and why?” During the segment we also learned that Juan Pablo has a daughter. This later concluded with a swimsuit competition, which made women swoon. Kasey ended up winning and taking the title at being the first ever Bachelorette’s Mr. America. He had an entertaining tap routine, even though in my opinion, he botched his interview question.

Later in the night, Zak W continued to impress Desiree with his talent, playing the guitar and singing a song he wrote for her. While Ben stirred up drama as he stole Desiree away and had his one-on-one with her in front of all the guys. Finally, Zak W ended up getting a rose for the night.

James, 27, who is an advertising executive, went on quite an emotional date with Dez. Together, they took a helicopter ride, flying over the damage done to New Jersey by Hurricane Sandy. It was very overwhelming for both of them. They met an elderly couple, Manny and Jan, who have been married for 38 years and had survived Hurricane Sandy. Both James and Dez were so touched by their story that they decided to give their dinner date to them. They sent the adorable couple off to Atlantic City to spend an evening in the House of Blues. James who is from Chicago, Illinois, took Dez to get some spaghetti from a local restaurant in Seaside. Realizing he was really into her and they were developing a strong connection, he wanted her to know about some mistakes he had made in the past. He opened up to Desiree about a past relationship. He had been dating a girl for five years and had cheated on her in college. He was torn by the fact that he had hurt the girl so much. He said to Desiree, “A man can’t really love until his heart’s been broken,” justifying that now he is ready for a family and finding his true love. He also shared that he learned a lot from it. Desiree appreciated the fact he was so honest and shared an intimate kiss with him

Meanwhile, Manny and Jan were enjoying the anniversary date and were thankful for everything being given to them. Red Cross sent them a letter and gift, which brought tears to their eyes. They recovered their wedding photos, retouched them, and made an album. The couple felt blessed and Desiree and James were happy to share the experience with them. Both couples ended the night dancing to country artist, Darius Rucker.

At the cocktail party, Bryden shared some eye-opening feelings. He felt that he was losing a connection with Desiree and going backwards. He said he has “issues” and is “struggling” with the experience. He needed some one-on-one time with her to get some assurance of whether if he would stay or not. Desiree cleared up his anxiety a little bit by telling him she wants him to stick around.

During the rose ceremony, Bryden accepted the rose with a little hesitation.
Fan favorite, Zack K, who is a 28-year-old book publisher did not get offered a rose and was sent home.

Next week, the contestants follow Desiree to Munich, Germany. A lot of drama is expected to unfold involving James. Contestants question his intentions on the show due to some foolish statement he supposedly makes. Can he really be trusted? What do you think? Tune in next Monday on ABC to find out.

Image: ABC