Oh, Man

No matter how hard we try, we find it impossible to resist the irresistible charms (and the come-hither eyes, and the rock-hard abs, and the amazing ass, and the ... ) of the quintessential bad boy. Now relationship guru and self-described bad boy Steve Santagati says there's a way for women to turn the tables. In his new book, The MANual (Crown Publishers, 2007; $21.95), available locally at Brookline Booksmith (279 Harvard Street, Brookline, 617.566.6660), Santagati provides a peek inside the male mind and a how-to on manipulating it for love's sake. Self-diagnose with his "Do You Like Bad Boys?" quiz, then delve into such enlightening chapters as "Bum's the Word," "Porn Explained," and "Cleavage, and Other Reasons to Wear a Shirt Well." Santagati has tips on meeting guys at the grocery store, the gym, and online; once you've hooked your bad boy, use his tricks to help keep him around - that is, if you're not on to your next conquest, you bad girl.