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Bait and Switch
The Wolfgang former model, newly single, habitual wiseass. It’s a profile only his ailing mother could love—but it makes him perfect for one thing . . .
The Billionaire Nelson Scott wants Schmitt to seduce his wife—setting off a prenuptial clause that will keep her hands off his money. The job pays a million bucks just for trying. Another four if Schmitt pulls it off. All he has to do is say yes . . .
The Next thing he knows, he’s dealing with a lot more than he bargained for. Like Scott’s gorgeous, stiletto-sharp lawyer. A couple of shady suits who may or may not be Feds. And a few more dead bodies than he’s used to. But in the big leagues of money and power, Schmitt happens.
The Billionaire Nelson Scott wants Schmitt to seduce his wife—setting off a prenuptial clause that will keep her hands off his money. The job pays a million bucks just for trying. Another four if Schmitt pulls it off. All he has to do is say yes . . .
The Next thing he knows, he’s dealing with a lot more than he bargained for. Like Scott’s gorgeous, stiletto-sharp lawyer. A couple of shady suits who may or may not be Feds. And a few more dead bodies than he’s used to. But in the big leagues of money and power, Schmitt happens.
400 pages, Paperback
First published July 6, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 26, 2017
It's always nice when a thriller surprises you with something you hadn't seen coming, and Bait and Switch is full of twists and turns that do just that. A great premise of a sarcastic, cynical, former model turned ad guy who gets an offer from a billionaire he just can't refuse. What follows is a fast-paced game of cat and mouse, but who's the cat and who's the mouse is what will keep you turning the pages to find out.
June 3, 2013
Now here's a gem of a book I picked up off the dollar table at the local bookstore.
First, there are some really cool twists and turns to this story and the climactic moment was very, very satisfying for me.
The author writes using very clever similes. His character is witty and clever, and the similes he uses are nothing short of just plain fun. In other words, he is fun to read. The character reminds me of Harlan Coben's Myron Bolitar in some ways--
Okay, the author did switch back and forth between the first person and a narrative point of view and this, apparently to help build the tension and make the reader say "huh?" bothered me a bit. I think the book would've been better without those "cut" scenes, but that's just my opinion. The author wanted to show some hints and clues that the leading players didn't see.. but I think the tension would've been stronger without it.
Still, this was a pretty enjoyable book. I liked the smartaleck remarks and thoughts of the character and almost every chapter opens with a "blog-like" listing of some particular rant that in somehow relates to something that happens in the chapter. Each of these rants is sort of like a strong Jerry Sienfeld "You ever notice..." or "what's the deal with" and is humourous. the listings are from the hero's unpublished book entitled "B.S. in America" and honestly, if Mr. Brooks ever publishes that as a standalone book, I would be interested.
Funny, Clever.. turns out to be a cross between indecent proposal and the Firm with more clever wit thrown in... but a good read.
First, there are some really cool twists and turns to this story and the climactic moment was very, very satisfying for me.
The author writes using very clever similes. His character is witty and clever, and the similes he uses are nothing short of just plain fun. In other words, he is fun to read. The character reminds me of Harlan Coben's Myron Bolitar in some ways--
Okay, the author did switch back and forth between the first person and a narrative point of view and this, apparently to help build the tension and make the reader say "huh?" bothered me a bit. I think the book would've been better without those "cut" scenes, but that's just my opinion. The author wanted to show some hints and clues that the leading players didn't see.. but I think the tension would've been stronger without it.
Still, this was a pretty enjoyable book. I liked the smartaleck remarks and thoughts of the character and almost every chapter opens with a "blog-like" listing of some particular rant that in somehow relates to something that happens in the chapter. Each of these rants is sort of like a strong Jerry Sienfeld "You ever notice..." or "what's the deal with" and is humourous. the listings are from the hero's unpublished book entitled "B.S. in America" and honestly, if Mr. Brooks ever publishes that as a standalone book, I would be interested.
Funny, Clever.. turns out to be a cross between indecent proposal and the Firm with more clever wit thrown in... but a good read.
April 25, 2015
Wow. Just when I thought I had it figured out everything changed, and then changed again, and again... This story twisted and twined its way into a delicious story of intrigue, backstabbing, suspense, love, betrayal and false facades. What an incredible ride! If you're looking for a book that you can't put down, a book that twists and turns into the unexpected but at the same time makes perfect sense in retrospect -- this is one thriller that won't disappoint. Larry Brooks is amazing, his skills in storytelling unmatched. I'm off to read the sequel... because I just HAVE to see what happens next. Wow. Incredible. Wow. I hardly know what to say -- that's how amazing this story is. Part of me wishes I wrote it, the other part knows only Larry Brooks could pull this off as flawlessly. As a reader I know I'm in expert hands when I sit down to read one of this author's books.. I've now read two of his thrillers and two of his craft books and I can honestly say he is a master storyteller who takes his reader hostage until The End. Love crime fiction but undecided about what to read next? You just found it. Bait and Switch... the characters aren't the only ones in for the ride of their life..
August 8, 2011
Larry Brooks writes the Storyfix column for authors on how to structure a novel. So I thought I'd read this to see if he practices what he preaches - Yes, he does. This fast-paced eBook had me turning the electronic pages, and checking for the defining moments and plot points which appeared as advertised. The title is spot on - there were many twists and turns, but I never had to scroll back to try and remember what was going on. That was a feat in itself. Plus,the book made me laugh out loud a few times - and that can't be bad.
July 23, 2011
Wow. This is SOO not the type of book I normally read, and had it not been for the fact that the Kindle version was on sale at Amazon, I probably would not have bothered. I was very pleasantly surprised. The central character, Wolfgang (Wolf for short) Schmitt is a very likeable part-time model who works full time in advertising. Just short of middle age, and still trying to get over a recent painful break-up, he comes to the conclusion that he hates what he does. When he is offered a life-changing opportunity, he finds himself embroiled in a complex plot involving billionaires, the IRS, the FBI, seduction, blackmail, murder and double-crosses. All in all, this book was a very satisfying thrill ride. The further I read, the harder it got to put the book down when pointless distractions, like preparing dinner for my kids, got in the way.
I just have two minor points to take issue with. First, all of the people in this book are described as incredibly gorgeous, poised, sexy, driven and self-confident. Someone like me (short, slightly overweight, not blonde, and basically completely average looking) would not exist in this world.
My second criticism is aimed specifically at the formatting of the Kindle version. There were frequent line breaks in the middle of sentences, making it look like a new paragraph was beginning which made me think I had missed something, and then I would have to go back and re-read the last couple of lines before realizing it was the formatting that was off. There were also a few words that were hyphenated midway through, as if they should have been at the end of a line to be continued on the next, except that they were located right smack dab in the middle of the line. Of course, I don't have a stand alone Kindle and had to make do with my Droid phone Kindle app. It may well be that these formatting glitches do not exist on an actual Kindle.
I just have two minor points to take issue with. First, all of the people in this book are described as incredibly gorgeous, poised, sexy, driven and self-confident. Someone like me (short, slightly overweight, not blonde, and basically completely average looking) would not exist in this world.
My second criticism is aimed specifically at the formatting of the Kindle version. There were frequent line breaks in the middle of sentences, making it look like a new paragraph was beginning which made me think I had missed something, and then I would have to go back and re-read the last couple of lines before realizing it was the formatting that was off. There were also a few words that were hyphenated midway through, as if they should have been at the end of a line to be continued on the next, except that they were located right smack dab in the middle of the line. Of course, I don't have a stand alone Kindle and had to make do with my Droid phone Kindle app. It may well be that these formatting glitches do not exist on an actual Kindle.
December 23, 2015
Okay, so Larry Brooks has been on my radar since I read Jennifer Blanchard's book, "SoundCheck" (which is AWESOME!). Jennifer is a story coach and I've been following her blog. I read "SoundCheck" to see how she put her own great advice to work, and was blown away.
Naturally, since Larry Brooks is her mentor, and someone she refers to quite a bit as her story coach, I had to see what he was all about.
I rarely start a book unless I'm almost guaranteed to love it. Hey, there's too many great books out there, not to mention all of my favorite authors who continue to write like crazy! There's no time to waste on a crappy story, so I don't .
Anyway, I started "Bait And Switch" with no expectations, I just wanted to see if I'd get pulled into the story. Short answer, yes! What an awesome read! I devoured this book, I really couldn't stop reading, it was so addictive.
Following Wolf through the story was like being pulled behind a truck, in a good way. This wasn't a quick and easy page flipper either, this was a totally complex, multi-leveled story with many twists and turns. And the the protag, Wolf, is one of the best leading men I've read in a long time.
Don't miss this one, well worth the ride.
Naturally, since Larry Brooks is her mentor, and someone she refers to quite a bit as her story coach, I had to see what he was all about.
I rarely start a book unless I'm almost guaranteed to love it. Hey, there's too many great books out there, not to mention all of my favorite authors who continue to write like crazy! There's no time to waste on a crappy story, so I don't .
Anyway, I started "Bait And Switch" with no expectations, I just wanted to see if I'd get pulled into the story. Short answer, yes! What an awesome read! I devoured this book, I really couldn't stop reading, it was so addictive.
Following Wolf through the story was like being pulled behind a truck, in a good way. This wasn't a quick and easy page flipper either, this was a totally complex, multi-leveled story with many twists and turns. And the the protag, Wolf, is one of the best leading men I've read in a long time.
Don't miss this one, well worth the ride.
August 26, 2011
Larry Brooks, in addition to being an acclaimed and seasoned author, manages a website called Storyfix.com. He advocates a structured style to fiction writing with plot points and midpoint shifts, along with pinch points. I have followed Brooks for about a year, and have learned plenty. I had always struggled with the Midpoint Shift, that is until I read Bait and Switch, an intriguing novel of deception and corruption. The Midpoint Shift in this book hit me like a sledge hammer to the forehead. Now I get it!
I won't give you any spoilers, but if you love thrillers with a distinctive, edgy voice and want to see story structure in the purest form, read Bait and Switch. You won't be disappointed and if you are a writer, you will learn a thing or two.
I won't give you any spoilers, but if you love thrillers with a distinctive, edgy voice and want to see story structure in the purest form, read Bait and Switch. You won't be disappointed and if you are a writer, you will learn a thing or two.
March 12, 2009
Well if you like suprise endings in book, then you will like the ending of this book. It was not at all what i thought was going to happen. Its the type were its so confusing, and so much is going on that you have to keep reading the book just to know what the heck happens at the ending of it, and to the people in the book. It was a little confusing at times, lots of names, and plots to remember. And the suprise ending was a shocker to me. But i enjoyed reading it. And you should too if you get the chance.
June 4, 2012
I had the Kindle version and it had a lot of formatting problems. New parapraphs in the middle of sentences, dashes in words that were not split, typos such as identify should be identity and the car switched from one model to a different one. It was a good, light summer read with some clever prose. The action moves along at a good pace to keep me reading. The voice switched from first person to third, but not as seamlessly as it could have.
January 3, 2015
Well written and an interesting story. I liked the twists and turns scattered throughout the book. Usually my forte is scifi/fantasy but I really did enjoy this. I have a sweet tooth for good stories. And this was candy!
April 27, 2009
Really good. Local Author (and a former co-worker) makes good!
September 29, 2009
Awesome book. Witty and well written. Good suprise ending.
November 28, 2009
Interesting, but I despise what he did with his book, regadless of the cause.
June 25, 2016
I really enjoyed this one, especially because it is set in Portland. My paperback copy is signed by author.
June 27, 2013
A classic novel
May 26, 2014
A lot of Schmitt happens in this book! Do yourself a favor, get this book, and savor this six course meal!
Concept+Character+Theme+Structure+Scene Execution+Voice!
Concept+Character+Theme+Structure+Scene Execution+Voice!
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July 13, 2015read everyone of his books - they are great
October 10, 2011
Loved it! A great book, keeps you on your toes and guessing right up to the very end!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews