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kfmcf's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I found both leads likeable and grounded. Samson was sweet but not so absurdly so it became unbelievable. Rhi was spunky and fiery but showed a vulnerability that rounded her character out well. I do wish we had gotten to see a bit more of the side characters. For how long this book was we got a lot of the leads (which isn't bad) but we didn't get much time with some of the compatriots like Lakshmi, Harris, etc. I don't mention Katrina on that list because I know she's the FL of book #2.
Plot-wise, I knew where the story was leading but it mostly made sense and had a few surprises thrown in. I won't go into detail for spoilers sake but the ending was expected but made sense. Also, I do want to mention that this is one of the only romance books without an epilogue that I've read where I still feel fulfilled by the plot and characters' arcs. I do want to commend Alisha Rai on that because it is usually a severe pet peeve of mine.
Lastly, I want to say that I greatly appreciated this book's focus on the brain effects of prolonged football playing. As someone who likes sports, football has always been infuriating to me because of the disturbingly high rates of brain injury and sustained aftereffects. This book doesn't beat around the bush about the issue but it also shows why players keep playing. Focusing on this topic made this book have a more solid footing, in my opinion.
Overall, I do recommend this book and look forward to reading the sequels!
Graphic: Sexual content, Terminal illness, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Cursing, Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, Grief, Death of parent, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Alcohol
kylieqrada's review against another edition
- 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
4.0
Graphic: Chronic illness, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Misogyny, Terminal illness, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Death, Dementia, Grief, and Death of parent
philmarie321's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Sexual assault, Grief, and Death of parent
diana_blackmoon's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
On the other hand, the characters were great. There were very important issues touched on and properly elaborated. Love story was really cute even though I still don't belive in personality questionnaires :P
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual assault, Dementia, and Grief
Minor: Chronic illness and Hate crime
camilleareads's review against another edition
- 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
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!
Graphic: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Sexism, and Grief
rcypherd's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Grief
readerette's review against another edition
- 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
Moderate: Chronic illness, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Death of parent
Minor: Bullying, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Racism, Sexism, Dementia, and Grief
cheye13's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
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.
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.