When Harper becomes the youngest person to ever become a partner at a top law firm, she decides that success must be the cause of her litany of failed relationships. Convinced of the link between the success of her professional life and perceived failure of her personal life, she (and her friends) hatch the aptly-titled blonde theory to break this pattern and find Harper a man.

Specifically, Harper creates an online dating profile, highlighting her blonde hair and completely eradicating her professional accomplishments. Posing as a city bartender (and sometimes a cheerleader), she solicits dates from eligible men who value beauty over brains and seek to establish a connection with her. The novel allows readers to eavesdrop on a few of these evenings out, as Harper bats her eyelashes, tosses her hair, and hopes to find the man of her dreams.

The framework is a familiar one, with women attempting to change themselves to find the ideal man only to realize that their ideal man would not want them to change. While the theme is not new, Harmel’s ability to embellish it with wit and humor does set it apart from the similar books that have come before it. So, while The Blonde Theory will not break any new literary ground, it, along with the warm sun and a cocktail, makes an enjoyable way to spend a summer afternoon.