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!

Sweethand

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Read this as part of a tandem collective and collective voices readalong. I did enjoy this read and felt engaged from the start.

I thought the whole ensemble of characters were a great set of people. They all had a fun dynamic but also all have each other’s backs. I really had a sense of family within this book and I love how the author brought her culture into it all. I actually learned what soca was because before that, I had no idea! There’s not only BIPOC representation but LGBTQ+! And not just one character, but multiple characters.

I love the enemy to lovers trope, though with this read, I was laughing a lot at what the two main characters Kieran and Cherisse would do to each other, because it was so petty. I was there for it! There was no real reason why they disliked one another since childhood, but with Cherisse’s sister Ava getting married, they were forced together due to being best man and maid of honour. I liked how it all unravelled and how their forced duties to plan a joint hen and bucks night, was either going to end in disaster or reveal sides that the characters didn’t know about one another.

I had lots of fun reading this book. There were so many moments where I laughed or smile. Liked how bossy Cherisse was especially when it came to the bedroom. I find that with so many romances, the men take the lead but Cherisse was just empowered and took control. It was awesome to read that! Also, reading about all the baked good Cherisse made, made me wish I had them in my possession. Sounded so good!

Would recommend to any fan of rom coms.

Not Your Valentine

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks NetGalley, the author and publisher for having this available as an ARC.

I had so much fun reading this book. Helen’s internal thoughts had me laughing a lot! The whole premise with her ex dumping her on Valentine’s Day and have that break up go viral would be so devastating! In todays world, that really could happen, which is a bit sad as no one’s personal life should be on display like that!

I thought Taylor was so cute! Their friendship or should I say conversation did seem a bit odd when they met for lunch. It seemed as though Taylor was a bit short in his answers. I thought maybe he was reserved and when Helen asked to fake date, it’s like it opened his personality. I guess we found out later why that was.

I thought the pacing was good and length of the book was perfect. Loved Helen’s mum as it just reminded me of a typical Asian parent. Would have loved more scenes with Helen’s friends, so if this is made into a series, I’d be there for it.

This is easily a read that can be done in a few hours because it flowed so well.

Let it Snow

⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was a short romance and great for those that love the forced proximity trope.

Nia and Andrew are snowed in at an airport together. Nia wants to get away from her family for Christmas, yearning for her Jamaican holiday whilst Andrew isn't overly looking forward to an awkward Christmas with his family, when his ex is now with his brother. All passengers are stuck at the airport Christmas Eve, but they try to make the most of it for not only the children but for themselves.

Everyone learns a bit more about themselves as the passengers interact with one another, giving each other support in various ways. Nia and Andrew can't believe they've somehow stumbled upon their next love interest, whilst also wanting to be better people in their own lives.

I enjoyed the spirit of people making the most out of an unexpected situation. People can always come together to make light when things go wrong. The Christmas spirit was definitely high for the characters and it highlighted how random acts of kindness goes a long way.

I think there was one part where I cringed a little when Andrew said "you're not vegan are you?" - it was as if this was a bad thing and a deciding factor on whether Nia was good enough to be on the date with him. I just found it odd - like who cares about people's lifestyle choices?

I thought it was an okay read... Just my opinion. The MCs grew at the end after getting to know each other, giving life advice that helped them want to be better and that was good. I didn't overly connect with them and it was their love for Boyz II Men that brought them together in the end, which I can totally relate to. Boyz II Men are awesome!

The Best Worst Christmas

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I loved the narrator on this story and thought it’d be a cute Christmas read.

Lily has come home to England after being in Australia for 10 years. She wants to surprise her mum for Christmas but because her town gossips so much, her mum finds out prior! Lily has come home to find her mum dating her ex’s dad, who is also their neighbour. She also can’t stop thinking about her ex Tom. All the feelings and memories come back. Tom is now a doctor and Lily feels like he succeeded more in life. But Tom also has all his feelings rush back. Did they miss their chance? A lot of time has passed and they could be different people.

Though it’s a short story, I felt like it had enough depth for us to know the MCs. As they go through their feelings, we get to understand why events occurred and how it impacted each character. Lily going away was her chance to grieve her situation but also find herself. Tom was going through some mental health issues and hid that, thinking he had to deal with it himself, which I imagine many people do because depending on those around them, they may feel judged.

This definitely bad Christmas spirit bringing people together and realising what is important in life. These two MCs never lost their love for one another and they just had to find themselves first before exploring what could be again.

Definitely a wonderful second chance romance story. Would love to check out more from this author.