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Double Down
Johnny’s having a bad day. The worst, actually. A sales rep for a food-service company, he’s at the top of his game and usually enjoys his job. But today, he just lost out on his company’s prestigious sales award (the bad news delivered by his smug, egomaniacal boss), he’s trying to rebound from losing two key accounts, his customers won’t pay, and to top it off, he catches his long-term girlfriend cheating on him in his own bed. So when his worst customer, a world-class, sleazy jerk named Bernie Jacks, yanks Johnny’s business at Mother’s Café, Johnny reaches his boiling point. Bernie accidentally leaves a bag full of cash unattended, and Johnny knows it’s time to take the money and run…
To Vegas! With a plan to wash the stolen money by betting on everything from sports to blackjack, and with Bernie and his behemoth mother soon on his trail, Johnny embarks on an adventure in Sin City full of loudmouthed Vegas partiers, a sage, mysterious gambler, bickering tourists, sweet waitresses, a drunken bachelorette party, an annoying pop star, Russian mobsters, and an escort with a heart of gold. Can this pissed-off, cheated-on, mistreated regular guy pull off the ultimate win—and get away with it? Will the Vegas trip land Johnny in more hot water, or will his brush with stolen money leave him with a clean start? When the cards are stacked against you, sometimes the only play you have left is to Double Down
To Vegas! With a plan to wash the stolen money by betting on everything from sports to blackjack, and with Bernie and his behemoth mother soon on his trail, Johnny embarks on an adventure in Sin City full of loudmouthed Vegas partiers, a sage, mysterious gambler, bickering tourists, sweet waitresses, a drunken bachelorette party, an annoying pop star, Russian mobsters, and an escort with a heart of gold. Can this pissed-off, cheated-on, mistreated regular guy pull off the ultimate win—and get away with it? Will the Vegas trip land Johnny in more hot water, or will his brush with stolen money leave him with a clean start? When the cards are stacked against you, sometimes the only play you have left is to Double Down
- GenresFiction
278 pages, Paperback
Published April 18, 2018
21 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 19, 2019
Everyone has a bad day. But not as bad as Johnny's. This laugh out loud story was a great escape.
December 31, 2018
This book is good if you want some light reading that doesn't require too much pondering. If you just want to relax and read a book without much suspense or guesswork, then this is the book for you. That's what got it to three stars.
Unfortunately, I don't like light reading very much--I want something of substance. It was pretty well-written and flowed easily, but had quite a few typos. I think the story overall is probably like what you'd see in the movies, pretty impossible luck, lots of women, that sort of thing. I found many interactions to be a little unrealistic, like I can't see every beautiful woman being okay with Johnny's lame comments and jokes and pick-up lines. For example:
"I can't decide which is more impressive, the Grand Canyon, or the canyon between your chest." Johnny said.
Just looking at that example--first of all, typos; second of all, no. Who says that? There were many cringeworthy comments like that peppered throughout the book, but I could've forgiven those if there were any real twists or surprises. Like, I get it, it's relatable to many people because the guy just can't seem to catch a break, but then he goes to Vegas and gets so unbelievably lucky again and again and again, it gets kind of ridiculous and farfetched. He has a happily ever after, all the loose ends are tied up, and it's all fine and dandy, if that's what you're looking for. Which is why this book is just okay. I am okay giving it a 3 (as opposed to a 2, which I'd like to give) only because I know that there are people who'd enjoy reading a book just for some sort of entertainment value or that they can just kind of zone out while reading it.
Unfortunately, I don't like light reading very much--I want something of substance. It was pretty well-written and flowed easily, but had quite a few typos. I think the story overall is probably like what you'd see in the movies, pretty impossible luck, lots of women, that sort of thing. I found many interactions to be a little unrealistic, like I can't see every beautiful woman being okay with Johnny's lame comments and jokes and pick-up lines. For example:
"I can't decide which is more impressive, the Grand Canyon, or the canyon between your chest." Johnny said.
Just looking at that example--first of all, typos; second of all, no. Who says that? There were many cringeworthy comments like that peppered throughout the book, but I could've forgiven those if there were any real twists or surprises. Like, I get it, it's relatable to many people because the guy just can't seem to catch a break, but then he goes to Vegas and gets so unbelievably lucky again and again and again, it gets kind of ridiculous and farfetched. He has a happily ever after, all the loose ends are tied up, and it's all fine and dandy, if that's what you're looking for. Which is why this book is just okay. I am okay giving it a 3 (as opposed to a 2, which I'd like to give) only because I know that there are people who'd enjoy reading a book just for some sort of entertainment value or that they can just kind of zone out while reading it.
January 6, 2020
Double Down by Bruce Wessell is best described as a dark comedy. It follows the life of Johnny Riskin, a sales rep for Five Diamond Foods. The story starts off on the worst day of his life which sets readers up for a fun and exciting ride.
Johnny’s day begins by being woken up by a song he hates. His day only goes downhill from there. He learns from his egomaniacal boss that he won’t be getting a coveted sales award. Just when he thought things couldn’t get any worse, he finds his girlfriend, Michelle, in bed with another man.
By the end of the first few chapters, readers will sympathize with Johnny. From there, the story takes readers to Las Vegas where a cast of colorful characters is introduced. He wins money and loses it. He is chased by former clients, a mother and son team, along with a few Russians. Throughout it all, he retains his dark sense of humor.
Wessell’s writing flows smoothly and is filled with details. It is easy for readers to follow along with Johnny and imagine themselves in Vegas with him. The characters are well rounded and each plot line eases into the next. Readers are never left wondering if they missed a pertinent detail as the story evolves. For some, the ending might be surprising but it is well thought out.
To help readers keep up with the changing storylines and characters, each chapter is a day of the week. The chapters also start with a quote. Some are thought-provoking, while others might seem irrelevant. Each quote does fit perfectly with the chapter, giving readers something else to think about as the story evolves.
Double Down is a story about a man that is frustrated with his life. The anger he feels is relatable to many, along with some of the situations he finds himself in. Readers will chuckle at some of the ways he lets his anger out. They will also be amazed at his luck. Every time it seems like Johnny has hit bottom, something happens to turn it around.
Johnny Riskin suddenly goes from an ordinary man with a frustrating job in Iowa to taking a vacation in Las Vegas, with stolen money. He is surprisingly honest with himself about many of his flaws. He also ignores many of them. He is a man that readers will be able to easily identify with. Some of the events that happen to him may seem a little far-fetched.
Bruce Wessell’s Double Down is a fun read that shows life is always full of surprises. The attention to detail and vivid descriptions will keep readers interested from beginning to end. It is also fast paced with very little lag between storylines. A delightfully dark-humor read!
Johnny’s day begins by being woken up by a song he hates. His day only goes downhill from there. He learns from his egomaniacal boss that he won’t be getting a coveted sales award. Just when he thought things couldn’t get any worse, he finds his girlfriend, Michelle, in bed with another man.
By the end of the first few chapters, readers will sympathize with Johnny. From there, the story takes readers to Las Vegas where a cast of colorful characters is introduced. He wins money and loses it. He is chased by former clients, a mother and son team, along with a few Russians. Throughout it all, he retains his dark sense of humor.
Wessell’s writing flows smoothly and is filled with details. It is easy for readers to follow along with Johnny and imagine themselves in Vegas with him. The characters are well rounded and each plot line eases into the next. Readers are never left wondering if they missed a pertinent detail as the story evolves. For some, the ending might be surprising but it is well thought out.
To help readers keep up with the changing storylines and characters, each chapter is a day of the week. The chapters also start with a quote. Some are thought-provoking, while others might seem irrelevant. Each quote does fit perfectly with the chapter, giving readers something else to think about as the story evolves.
Double Down is a story about a man that is frustrated with his life. The anger he feels is relatable to many, along with some of the situations he finds himself in. Readers will chuckle at some of the ways he lets his anger out. They will also be amazed at his luck. Every time it seems like Johnny has hit bottom, something happens to turn it around.
Johnny Riskin suddenly goes from an ordinary man with a frustrating job in Iowa to taking a vacation in Las Vegas, with stolen money. He is surprisingly honest with himself about many of his flaws. He also ignores many of them. He is a man that readers will be able to easily identify with. Some of the events that happen to him may seem a little far-fetched.
Bruce Wessell’s Double Down is a fun read that shows life is always full of surprises. The attention to detail and vivid descriptions will keep readers interested from beginning to end. It is also fast paced with very little lag between storylines. A delightfully dark-humor read!
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June 8, 2019Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman
Double Down by Bruce Wessell is a fun romp through Las Vegas with a man who has been stretched to the limit by his job, his relationship and his life. Finally he takes a giant step and does something he never thought he would do. Johnny, a sales rep. for a food processing company in Iowa, was a success but today couldn’t possibly get any worse, could it? Just prior to the company’s annual conference where Johnny is going to be awarded the Pinnacle Award, including an enormous bonus, as one of the company’s top salesmen, Johnny is visiting some of his more difficult clients and not enjoying it one iota. When he gets a message from his boss, who he hates with a passion, he knows this day is going downhill fast. When Johnny’s informed he won’t be getting the Pinnacle Award due to some unaccounted for returns from one of his clients, he’s devastated and angry as hell. Seeking solace from his girlfriend, he returns home only to find her in bed with one of her co-workers. After rearranging the man’s face for him, Johnny storms off to see one his least favourite clients, Bernie and Mother. When presented with a bag full of cash at Bernie’s, sitting unattended in the office, Johnny grabs the bag and runs – heading for – Vegas, of course, some fun and adventure, all on Bernie’s money.
Double Down is a comedy but not in the gut-busting laughter vein. Its comedy is more subtle than that and Author Bruce Wessell has painted a scenario that each and every one of us has possibly wondered about from time to time. If presented with a clear opportunity, would I do something illegal if I was angry enough or feeling cheated enough? Johnny was a great character, in that despite his stealing Bernie and Mother’s money he still maintained and showed a moral compass that some of us may not have been able to. The supporting cast were all well-drawn almost to the point of caricature; with the Russian Mafia guys and Bernie’s Mother (the Mother of all Mothers). I liked the writer’s style, which flowed effortlessly from one amusing situation to the next. The action is fast-paced and the comedy subtle but funny. Johnny is on a winning streak and it seems no matter what he does, he will come up smelling of roses. This was a fun read and one I enjoyed very much. As a debut novel it is well presented, well-written and engaging. If you fancy a bit of light relief, I’d say give Double Down a try.
Double Down by Bruce Wessell is a fun romp through Las Vegas with a man who has been stretched to the limit by his job, his relationship and his life. Finally he takes a giant step and does something he never thought he would do. Johnny, a sales rep. for a food processing company in Iowa, was a success but today couldn’t possibly get any worse, could it? Just prior to the company’s annual conference where Johnny is going to be awarded the Pinnacle Award, including an enormous bonus, as one of the company’s top salesmen, Johnny is visiting some of his more difficult clients and not enjoying it one iota. When he gets a message from his boss, who he hates with a passion, he knows this day is going downhill fast. When Johnny’s informed he won’t be getting the Pinnacle Award due to some unaccounted for returns from one of his clients, he’s devastated and angry as hell. Seeking solace from his girlfriend, he returns home only to find her in bed with one of her co-workers. After rearranging the man’s face for him, Johnny storms off to see one his least favourite clients, Bernie and Mother. When presented with a bag full of cash at Bernie’s, sitting unattended in the office, Johnny grabs the bag and runs – heading for – Vegas, of course, some fun and adventure, all on Bernie’s money.
Double Down is a comedy but not in the gut-busting laughter vein. Its comedy is more subtle than that and Author Bruce Wessell has painted a scenario that each and every one of us has possibly wondered about from time to time. If presented with a clear opportunity, would I do something illegal if I was angry enough or feeling cheated enough? Johnny was a great character, in that despite his stealing Bernie and Mother’s money he still maintained and showed a moral compass that some of us may not have been able to. The supporting cast were all well-drawn almost to the point of caricature; with the Russian Mafia guys and Bernie’s Mother (the Mother of all Mothers). I liked the writer’s style, which flowed effortlessly from one amusing situation to the next. The action is fast-paced and the comedy subtle but funny. Johnny is on a winning streak and it seems no matter what he does, he will come up smelling of roses. This was a fun read and one I enjoyed very much. As a debut novel it is well presented, well-written and engaging. If you fancy a bit of light relief, I’d say give Double Down a try.
January 5, 2019
Do you believe in luck? Can one person have a hand in turning their own luck around?
After a day from hell, Johnny reaches a tipping point where he thought his luck couldn’t get any worse and decides to take matters into his own hands. One morning it all came to a head forJohnny. After getting a black eye from the day before during a basket ball game at the local YMCA, Johnny thought the worst of it was over until the next morning. Waking up late, rushing to get in a quick shave and head out the door to collect debt from some of Diamond Foods best and worst clients who couldn’t seem to pay their bills on time. Johnny pressed on through the day wearing the face of the worlds unluckily person. With a black eye and blood oozing nicks and cuts along his face, Johnny continued to remain optimistic as he looked forward to attending the Companies award retreat later that evening where he was sure to recurved the pinnacle award for top salesmen. Johnny remained optimistic until that too was stripped away. After being stopped by the police twice in one day, Johnny just about had enough and couldn’t seem to win. To make matters worse he came home to a cheating girlfriend. All in one day, Johnny crumbled bit by bit until he snapped, making a rash decision that would change his life forever.
Defiantly a book I would recommend. It was a quick read, some what rushed but full of details so that you feel as if you are apart of the story. Very descriptive and funny.
After a day from hell, Johnny reaches a tipping point where he thought his luck couldn’t get any worse and decides to take matters into his own hands. One morning it all came to a head forJohnny. After getting a black eye from the day before during a basket ball game at the local YMCA, Johnny thought the worst of it was over until the next morning. Waking up late, rushing to get in a quick shave and head out the door to collect debt from some of Diamond Foods best and worst clients who couldn’t seem to pay their bills on time. Johnny pressed on through the day wearing the face of the worlds unluckily person. With a black eye and blood oozing nicks and cuts along his face, Johnny continued to remain optimistic as he looked forward to attending the Companies award retreat later that evening where he was sure to recurved the pinnacle award for top salesmen. Johnny remained optimistic until that too was stripped away. After being stopped by the police twice in one day, Johnny just about had enough and couldn’t seem to win. To make matters worse he came home to a cheating girlfriend. All in one day, Johnny crumbled bit by bit until he snapped, making a rash decision that would change his life forever.
Defiantly a book I would recommend. It was a quick read, some what rushed but full of details so that you feel as if you are apart of the story. Very descriptive and funny.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2019
"Double Down" proved to be a book that disappointed me. At first, I thought this was going to be a great book, as I really enjoyed the way the author depicted a modern day scenario with a businessman thriving to stay "on top" so to speak. I appreciated the author's style of being thorough, vivid, and making his work realistic. However, upon reading further, I become agitated with the amount of profanity used. I was glad that the author relayed a sense of naturalness to his story, but I didn't think the author needed to cuss in order to get his point across. Another thing that disappointed me were some of the jokes used; though I loved the way this story had a comical feel to it, I ran across a couple that could be described as rude humor. Probably one of my biggest issues with this book was the storyline itself. It basically justified the main guy acting immorally.
With this review, I'm hoping to neither encourage nor deter anyone from reading this book. I'm fully aware that we all like different things, and this is just my opinion of the book; this book was just not my cup of tea.
With this review, I'm hoping to neither encourage nor deter anyone from reading this book. I'm fully aware that we all like different things, and this is just my opinion of the book; this book was just not my cup of tea.
May 28, 2018
Johnny has a massively bad day and ends up stealing money and heading to Vegas. While there, he meets many interesting characters and manages to get in a bit more trouble. Can he make it home and turn his life around?
This tale is something you read when you don’t really know what you want to read. It’s not a mystery or a romance or an urban fantasy, or anything else but just a tale about a man who’s having a massively horrid day and gets tired of being crapped on. As such, it’s a pretty decent book.
There were some issues with tenses switching throughout the book, some stilted dialogue in the early portion (the author needs to use more contractions), and a few missing words, so it could use a bit more editing.
If you enjoy a tale of mishap and adventure, filled with wit and interesting characters, you’re likely to enjoy Double Down.
This tale is something you read when you don’t really know what you want to read. It’s not a mystery or a romance or an urban fantasy, or anything else but just a tale about a man who’s having a massively horrid day and gets tired of being crapped on. As such, it’s a pretty decent book.
There were some issues with tenses switching throughout the book, some stilted dialogue in the early portion (the author needs to use more contractions), and a few missing words, so it could use a bit more editing.
If you enjoy a tale of mishap and adventure, filled with wit and interesting characters, you’re likely to enjoy Double Down.
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May 5, 2020Well, Mr. Bruce Wessell is quite the author. A friend handed me this book and it just laid around a week or so. The first 30 pages, my heart was racing, and I thought…….. This guy is some sort of gangster. After the first few pages, then my pulse rate calmed down and I knew Mr. Bruce was surely a “homeland gangster” with a passion for Vegas and a true passion for Russian women. I am sure that he has a few other passions, and I hope we see them when he writes “Triple Down” or whatever the next book will be called. The food business in the Midwest just can’t compare to a few days in Vegas. Russian gangsters, Russian girls, Vegas hotels and gaming tables and shows. What more can a guy ask for? 5 STAR
June 18, 2018
I read the book Double Down in one day. I couldn’t put it down. It was a great, easy read. The author takes you on a funny journey from beginning to the very end.
I enjoyed the character development throughout the book. The author did a great job describing the main character and his horrible day. I could visual the problems in my head. It was easy to relate to and I could imagine what it feels like to have so many problems at once.
The book was funny and entertaining. You will enjoy the book from Bruce Wessell. I look forward to reading another book from the author.
I enjoyed the character development throughout the book. The author did a great job describing the main character and his horrible day. I could visual the problems in my head. It was easy to relate to and I could imagine what it feels like to have so many problems at once.
The book was funny and entertaining. You will enjoy the book from Bruce Wessell. I look forward to reading another book from the author.
January 3, 2019
This narrative follows a character named Johnny, who has an extremely bad day and tries to escapes his sorrows by taking a vacation to Vegas. The problems end up following him close behind, and he ends up meeting some unlikely friends along the way. This book wasn’t in my wheelhouse, and I didn’t understand the humor. However, I would recommend this to sports fans that want a light read, and are interested in a story placed on the Vegas Strip. This book had some great imagery, and It gave me a wide glimpse of Vegas.
March 1, 2019
Excellent Book!
I am surprised to read that this is Bruce Wessell's first novel, since it's so good. It has every element needed to make it an entertaining page-turner. Johnny truly was having a bad day, so he just took a spontaneous flight to Las Vegas. His luck changed and his bad day turned into a few great days. This book has some funny parts, a few sad incidents, some intense situations, and a wonderful story line. I look forward to seeing more books by this talented author. Great job!
I am surprised to read that this is Bruce Wessell's first novel, since it's so good. It has every element needed to make it an entertaining page-turner. Johnny truly was having a bad day, so he just took a spontaneous flight to Las Vegas. His luck changed and his bad day turned into a few great days. This book has some funny parts, a few sad incidents, some intense situations, and a wonderful story line. I look forward to seeing more books by this talented author. Great job!
June 7, 2018
I enjoyed reading this book immensely. Fantastic, original, laugh-out-loud humor. The characters rocked, the plot rolled. Excellent flow. Great ending. For a first novel, I can tell the author put a lot of effort in putting out a quality product. This book compares to a Dave Barry-style novel but the story is superior and the humor matches up nicely. Ready for some laughs? Read Double Down. You'll be glad you did.
July 13, 2018
Great read!
This is this author's first book and I found it very enjoyable. The story flows very well, and it's well written, as his characters, especially Johnny, has a great depth to him. The plot is filled with humor, a bit of emotions and some suspense. It's a great read that brings the characters to life, and sets the reader right in the middle of the story. I look forward to more stories from this new author.
This is this author's first book and I found it very enjoyable. The story flows very well, and it's well written, as his characters, especially Johnny, has a great depth to him. The plot is filled with humor, a bit of emotions and some suspense. It's a great read that brings the characters to life, and sets the reader right in the middle of the story. I look forward to more stories from this new author.
July 5, 2018
I loved this book. The story was original and unique which is what I look for in a book. I found myself relating to the main character's feelings and emotions and the descriptions of the other characters in the book are excellent. I read the book in three sittings. It had a great blend of humor, imagery, great dialogue, and even some element of surprise. I highly recommend this book.
December 30, 2018
5 stars because of the comedy nature of this book. The author painted a real great visual of Johnny's ups an downs, and I felt really bad for the character. After the money issues with the eatery places not wanting to pay what they owe, the character surprised me how he went on vacation and all that happens.
Didn't like the cussing in the book but overall a very comical book!
Didn't like the cussing in the book but overall a very comical book!
June 16, 2021
Double Down is the story of Johnny, a sales rep for a food service company. His days are usually great, except today. Today turns out to be a terrible day. He should have known better. When he finds a stash of cash he runs to Vegas and then things turn even worse for him.
Great read and great characters. Recommend.
Great read and great characters. Recommend.
December 29, 2018
This was a great recommended book. Johnny is such a relatable character and his day is one we can all have experienced at least once in our life. His trip to Vegas is a shining spot. Overall it is a great, fun read.
February 14, 2019
Fun and enjoyable read.
Terrific first novel. I found it very entertaining and felt for Johnny and his most horrible day ever. The story held my attention throughout and gave me several laughs in the middle and a big smile at the end. I look forward to more from this author.
Terrific first novel. I found it very entertaining and felt for Johnny and his most horrible day ever. The story held my attention throughout and gave me several laughs in the middle and a big smile at the end. I look forward to more from this author.
December 31, 2020
A rather fun read. Takes the word fiction to a new level with its unbelievably at times. Johnny, if you read this, try shaving after you shower, and the odds of cutting yourself decrease enormously!
July 15, 2018
Good read
You will like this book - different approach to an old story line. Good characters, worth your time and energy - recommend this author.
You will like this book - different approach to an old story line. Good characters, worth your time and energy - recommend this author.
February 21, 2019
Interesting characters and easy to read. Enjoyed this book.
March 31, 2019
After a slow and rather boring start, this book gets very interesting and quite amusing. The basic plot is not very original, but everything that happens in Las Vegas is at a fast pace and very entertaining. Very good characters and the writing is OK.
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