Switch and Bait

April 16, 2018
Schultz (Mr. Right-Swipe) serves up a politics-flavored contemporary romance that features a well-paced story and vivid characters. Bookstore manager Blanche Carter has made a side business of helping D.C.’s most eligible single women snag the men of their dreams. But when a former fling—Henry Hughes, card-carrying Republican aide to a conservative member of Congress—reappears in her life, lefty Blanche isn’t sure what to do with him, except maybe fall in love. Told from Blanche’s point of view, the story is a delight. Schultz adds considerable depth and appealing layers with a strong array of supporting characters, including Blanche’s best friend from college, plucky Isla, who is living with Huntington’s disease; her endearingly klutzy client Ansley; and her sleazy occasional boyfriend, Cliff. She also shows a flawed and vulnerable side of seemingly immaculate Henry. Fans of women’s fiction and contemporary romance will be sure to keep an eye out for Schultz’s future books. Agent: Barbara Poelle, Irene Goodman Literary.

Blanche manages a bookstore, and in her free time she writes online dating profiles for women. Since college, Blanche has had a reputation as a love therapist, but when her ex pops up as a match on client Ainsley's profile, things become messy. Narrator Ava Erickson sounds confident and melodic as the charming Blanche. The character's wit is portrayed through Erickson's dancing speech. The men take a back seat for the most part in this story, but business partner and roommate Gordon is given a sassy tone as he points out Blanche's lies with affectionate bluntness. Ainsley is a sweet and even-tempered counterpart to Blanche but is never saccharine in voice. Erickson's narration is bright and energetic throughout this entertaining romantic comedy. A.L.C. � AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine