The Undateable

Starred review from January 30, 2017
Title (Practice Makes Perfect) launches her Librarians in Love contemporary romance series with a hilarious and charming first installment. San Francisco resident Melissa “Bernie” Bernard doesn’t mean to be a cliché, but when a picture of her is turned into a viral “Disapproving Librarian” meme, she becomes the poster child for the uptight and unhip. Colin Rodriguez is the token straight guy at a growing fashion magazine, and his job is on the line: either he turns the disapproving librarian into a successful article series, or he’s out on his ear. Prickly and at odds from the first, Bernie and Colin spark off each other as he persuades her to participate in 30 first dates in 30 days. Delightfully mouthy Bernie (“Totally not looking at your butt, Mr. Patriarchy”) accepts the challenge to prove she’s single by choice, not because she’s undateable, and endures a gut-busting succession of dates gone wrong. Meanwhile, Colin gets a crash course in dating from a woman’s perspective, an experience that forces him into maturity. Their story is funny, engrossing, and delightfully witty. Readers will be eager for the rest of the series. Agent: Louise Fury, Bent Agency.

February 15, 2017

When a video of a student flash mob in the Richmond College campus library goes viral and captures librarian Melissa "Bernie" Bernard looking grim, instantly her face becomes a meme for the Disapproving Librarian, and her world flips upside down. She seriously considers hiding until it all blows over, but since her boss thinks the whole thing is a marketing opportunity, that's not an option. Then a fashion blog decides she's a makeover candidate, and reporter Colin Rodriguez wants to make his mark (and secure his job) by turning the "undateable librarian" into one who's totally desirable--and the stage is set for a lighthearted series launch. Snippets from Colin's "Take a Letter, Maria" advice column add to the fun. VERDICT Delectably sensual, off-the-charts funny, and remarkably true to the academic library experience, this engaging story is a natural for the library community and everyone else who enjoys romantic comedies. Title (Practice Makes Perfect) lives in West Virginia.

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