Goldsmith delivers another pleasurable read. This time she uses the standard Pygmalion story line, but this isn't your usual My Fair Lady. A woman, Tracie Higgins, is the teacher, while the pupil is her best male friend, Jon Della. Jon's problem is that he is too nice, too sweet, and too much of a "computer geek," making his romantic life nonexistent. Wanting to change his kindly ways, he enlists Tracie to transform him into the type of guy that women fall head over heels for--a "bad boy." Tracie can't help but fall for bad boys herself--her current boyfriend, Phil, is consistently unavailable and commitment-shy. Goldsmith's timing is right on: as Jon progresses from nerdy to knockout, the story becomes clever and more engaging. Although the plotline is familiar--the dynamics of the platonic teacher-student relationship change as the tutor, unprepared for the pupil's successful evolution, becomes jealous--Goldsmith fashions a fresh and amusing story. Tracie must change as well; the bad boys are beginning to bore her, and she's tired of picking up the bill. Readers who do not think of light romantic comedy as "their cup of tea" should take a sip, relax, and enjoy--realistic yet entertaining characters and witty dialogue are Goldsmith's top priority. Michelle Kaske
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Review
Witty and wonderful! This is Olivia Goldsmith at her best. -- Sue Grafton
Gulity pleasures don't come much tastier than this latest bon-bon from Goldsmith.... -- People Magazine, January 22, 2001
Bad Boy is Olivia Goldsmith at her best-funny, hip, and very clever. -- Nelson Demille
...a delight, a confection of out-loud laughs and romance, by a novelist who deserves to be treasured.... -- Scott Turow
About the Author
Olivia Goldsmith is the bestselling author of Pen Pals, Bad Boy, The First Wives Club, Flavor of the Month, The Bestseller, and Switcheroo.
