Switch and Bait

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. (June)