On the Corner of Love and Hate

Bocci’s diverting debut presents a romantic paradox as Emmanuelle “Emma” Peroni’s first-person narrative exposes one version of reality to readers and another to herself. The Hope Lake, Pa., civil servant spends an inordinate amount of time blasting her longtime friend and coworker Cooper Endicott for his lack of focus and follow-through, to say nothing of his flagrant flirtations with anybody in a skirt. Emma grew up as just one of the guys with Cooper and two other male friends, and she’s oblivious to her reasons for being so interested in scrutinizing Cooper’s love life, even while she laments that her own romantic prospects are nil. When he runs for mayor, Emma’s behind-the-scenes management of his campaign broadcasts her profound denial to everyone but her. It takes the intervention of an archnemesis to force Emma to examine the feelings she and Cooper have for one another. Emma’s everywoman appeal lends charm to the story, and her self-deprecating humor is a plus. This is a fun bit of fluffy entertainment. Agent: Kimberly Brower, Brower Literary & Management. (Aug.)