The Right Swipe

This book is a 3.75 for me.

I liked the premise taking on modern dating with an initial ghosting that sparks the interactions between the two main characters Rhi and Samson. In this instance, Samson actually did have a family emergency which made him forget a second date with Rhi, and in retaliation she blocked him, so no further contact could be had. Rhi also is a CEO of her own dating app. She wants to take her dating app Crush to the next level by buying its competitor Matchmaker. By chance, Samson’s aunt is the owner of Matchmaker. Rhi isn’t big on second chances though fate would have her cross paths with Samson once again.

This book was unexpected because I was anticipating a fluffy type of romance book. I go into most books blind and had no idea what to expect with this. I was pleasantly surprised with some serious real life issues that this book covered. Rhi’s narcissistic boyfriend and abuse from a person in a position of power was well written and allowed her to slowly open and face this issue throughout the book. Power to the women who have the strength to do this and find the support they need. It was hard for Rhi and she soon realised she was never alone.

Then Samson’s pursuit of CTE support in NFL. His narrative also strikes up a conversation of head trauma injury in sports. I had to google the acronym to research it myself. In Australia, with the sports I watch, they take concussions seriously and if players get knocked out, they don’t get forced to play without proper approval by the teams doctor. I can’t say I know much about it in the US or other countries and the seriousness each sports take. This story definitely opened my eyes where ongoing research in this area allows how sports can impact the brain. You definitely wouldn’t think that a romance book would have this plot, but it was a change from my normal reads and an impactful one!

The chemistry between Rhi and Samson was there from the start. It was unfortunate circumstances and lack of communication that led to them talking to one another. As they got to know one another better, Samson had so much patience even if Rhi didn’t always let him in. Sometimes we just have to listen, be there for someone and let them open up in their own time. Rhi definitely had her barriers up to protect herself from not being hurt.

I loved Aunt Belle. She was unconventional in how she operated her business which I liked reading. You didn’t really know what to expect from her. Thought Rhi’s friend Katrina was such a great support with some wise advice. And I wish I could have an assistant like Lakshmi who can literally foresee everything in my life and guide me through it!

Overall, I enjoyed this read and would love to check out this author’s other work. Read this as part of a tandem collective and collective voices readalong and it was definitely worth it!