The Undateable by Sarah Title (Libarians in Love #1)
Released: February 28, 2017
Contemporary Romance
Zebra Shout

Reviewed by Mandi

Melissa Bernard, or as she calls herself, Bernie, is a librarian at Richmond College. She loves her job – she loves helping students research and finding exactly what they need. She doesn’t really date much, but is content with her single life, and the occasional visit from her neighbor’s dog. When her co-worker gets a wedding proposal set up with a surprise flash mob inside the library, Bernie frowns. It’s not that she doesn’t enjoy romance or a wedding proposal, but her co-worker is young and Bernie is cynical about young love. Unknown to Bernie, someone takes a picture of this frown on her face and turns it into an internet meme titled, “The Disapproving Librarian Disapproves.” It shows Bernie’s face in an unattractive light – and it goes viral. Bernie is horrified.

Colin works for an online fashion magazine and he contributes stories about dating and what straight men thing in the San Francisco area. He kind of hates his job, but there are some perks – trying out new restaurants and the hottest spots in the city to report on. He feels a little threatened by a junior associate who is aiming for his senior writing spot – so he is willing and ready to do any story. When the Librarian Meme makes its rounds at the magazine, and they realize she is local, he comes up with the idea that she needs a makeover. And he goes further – she gets a makeover and he will set her up with 30 dates in 30 days, and he will report on the “disapproving librarian” and whether she can go from “unattractive meme face” to finding her one true love.

Bernie of course will not have this. She can’t believe they want to change her image and send her out with men who will be judging her solely on her looks. But when her boss at the library starts to push it, and offers her a month-long vacation, Bernie starts to give in. She realizes her life is pretty boring and maybe something will come of this.

“What?” she asked, clearly irritated.

“You hate this meme because it makes you look undateable?”

“No, I hate this meme because it reduces my existence to a shrewish stereotype.”

“But you still think you’re undateble.”

“I don’t think that. I know it.”

“How?”

“What do you mean, how? I know because I don’t go on dates.”

I really adored both Bernie and Colin. Bernie has never worn make-up, doesn’t care about her hair, so when the fashion people at the magazine want to give her a make over she is offended that they need to do so much to make her presentable to men. She really sticks up for personality over appearance and her attitude in this book is charming, refreshing and made me laugh.

Colin on the other hand just wants to keep his job. He is not your standard alpha, charming hero. He is a little selfish at first, and pushes Bernie into this dating scheme without much thought to her feelings. But as he witnesses each date, and as each  new man talks to Bernie and learns about her, Colin starts to learn about her too and starts to fall for the person she is. They start out hating each other, but by the end they are laughing together about the ridiculous dates.

The dates are pretty ridiculous and disastrous.

“You’re being a baby,” he whispered as they walked up the block to the restaurant.

“You want one of these pointy shoes up your ass?”

“Can you at least try? You look good. Just quit walking like a penguin.”

She muttered something under her breath he was pretty sure he wouldn’t be able to run in tomorrow’s story.

This book held my attention and I found myself smiling through most of it – but there is a “but.” The actual romance between Bernie and Colin is lacking. It’s great that they take the time to get to know each other but I was antsy for them to start falling in love. I think they are on that path, but it’s very rushed at the end. I wish we didn’t have to go through quite so many dates, and would rather have Bernie and Colin alone to fall in love. They felt more like best friends – kind of like a When Harry Met Sally relationship – than actual lovers.

There is one sex scene that happens off-page. There isn’t even that much kissing or hand holding. I needed more romance! The declaration of love at the end felt rushed and out-of-place.

For more of a rom-con with friends who go from haters to better friends- this is cute. For those looking for more romance, you might be a bit disappointed.

Grade: C+

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