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camilleareads's review
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
This was such a fun read! I love that the book focused on mental health and pushing its characters to acknowledge the hurt that had been done to them and working towards forming a healthy romantic relationship.
Rhiannon is abrasive and distrustful because of her past. I was very surprised to find myself relating to her. I guess, you never really know how deeply past relationships can affect you until you see it from another perspective. Her tendency to always want to be in control of her narrative and no-second-chance belief is so me. What made me love this book is that though these characteristics are not good, the author never condemned or judged Rhi for it. Rather, Alisha Rai acknowledged not only how deeply trauma can stay in one's self but also that the right support system can help us step out of these "bonds." We see this in secondary characters like Annabelle and Katrina - trauma can manifest itself in different ways and one of these can be grief. I do hope we get a spin-off novel or novella of these characters! Sadly, Rhiannon's own issues were not explored beyond explaining her trauma. I wish the author had considered including moments where Rhi is challenged on her behaviour or is encouraged to seek professional help.
I think it's because of this aspect that I was not as invested in the romance. Samson Lima, sweet as he was, was a forgettable character. His own agency seemed to revolve around Rhi but the author would have done better if they had pushed Samson out of his comfort zone.
The Right Swipe is an amazing feminist take on hookup culture and entrepreneurs - especially women's experiences in a corporate workplace. In addition, this book also provided a critical eye for healthcare in professional sports which is a very important discussion. If you're looking for a lighthearted read with a strong message, I recommend picking this up!
Rhiannon is abrasive and distrustful because of her past. I was very surprised to find myself relating to her. I guess, you never really know how deeply past relationships can affect you until you see it from another perspective. Her tendency to always want to be in control of her narrative and no-second-chance belief is so me. What made me love this book is that though these characteristics are not good, the author never condemned or judged Rhi for it. Rather, Alisha Rai acknowledged not only how deeply trauma can stay in one's self but also that the right support system can help us step out of these "bonds." We see this in secondary characters like Annabelle and Katrina - trauma can manifest itself in different ways and one of these can be grief. I do hope we get a spin-off novel or novella of these characters! Sadly, Rhiannon's own issues were not explored beyond explaining her trauma. I wish the author had considered including moments where Rhi is challenged on her behaviour or is encouraged to seek professional help.
I think it's because of this aspect that I was not as invested in the romance. Samson Lima, sweet as he was, was a forgettable character. His own agency seemed to revolve around Rhi but the author would have done better if they had pushed Samson out of his comfort zone.
The Right Swipe is an amazing feminist take on hookup culture and entrepreneurs - especially women's experiences in a corporate workplace. In addition, this book also provided a critical eye for healthcare in professional sports which is a very important discussion. If you're looking for a lighthearted read with a strong message, I recommend picking this up!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Sexism, and Grief
jujubeees's review
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Sexism, and Toxic relationship
readerette's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A new favorite. The characters are deep and varied, the story detailed and believable, and the main and supplemental romances sweet.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Chronic illness, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Death of parent
Minor: Bullying, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Racism, Sexism, Dementia, and Grief
cheye13's review
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Been feeling kinda slumpy, so for my usual cure, I turned to romance and I picked this up on a whim, thinking it'd be light and fun and probably over-hyped. It is not over-hyped.
I'd categorize this as more contemporary genre than romance, as it has a stronger plot than the romances I'm used to, and the love story does sort of take a backseat, which makes me love the story all the more. Rhi and Samson are visceral characters and all the relationships throughout – work, platonic, with each other, with themselves – sparkle. Both Rhi's and Samson's individual plots and the way their stories play off each other had me misty-eyed more than once.
I'd categorize this as more contemporary genre than romance, as it has a stronger plot than the romances I'm used to, and the love story does sort of take a backseat, which makes me love the story all the more. Rhi and Samson are visceral characters and all the relationships throughout – work, platonic, with each other, with themselves – sparkle. Both Rhi's and Samson's individual plots and the way their stories play off each other had me misty-eyed more than once.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse
Moderate: Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Grief, and Medical trauma
Minor: Cursing, Racism, Sexual assault, and Dementia
Everything I've listed is implemented intentionally and handled with care. The main character is a Black woman in a male-dominated field navigating the dating app industry, and the story addresses that. The main plots are about the treatment of traumatic brain injuries in professional football and sexual harrassment in the workplace.