Bad Bachelor

London (Trouble Next Door) launches her Bad Bachelors contemporary series with a heartfelt novel that’s surprisingly deep despite the whimsical premise. New York PR whiz Reed McMahon loves the ladies but is allergic to commitment. When the dating app Bad Bachelors anoints him their number-one bachelor to avoid, chiding him for his love-’em-and-leave-’em ways, the label soon goes from a minor annoyance to a potential career-killer. His assistant, Kerrie, suggests he rehabilitate his image by providing pro bono PR to a library in need—even though he hates libraries. Gutsy Brooklyn librarian Darcy Greer has been wary of men since catching her fiancé cheating on her just days before their wedding. When Darcy and Reed meet, the chemistry is immediate and explosive. But can two polar opposites attract long-term? London tosses in lots of delicious plot curves—including the identity of the Bad Bachelors founder and the real reason Reed hates libraries—along with achingly flawed characters who’ll have readers rooting for their romantic success. Though on the surface this is a quirky match, London’s skillful writing and expert characterization carry the day. Agent: Jill Marsal, Marsal Lyon Literary. (Mar.)