Alisha Rai certainly knows how to write a romance with just the right amount of substance and steam! Our heroine, Rhiannon, was strong willed, independent and unapologetic about who she was (maybe to a fault) but it was nice to see a woman portrayed in such a manner. Our hero, Samson, was kind, considerate and thoughtful. Rai included extremely important topics from brain injury in professional NFL players to #MeToo in the workplace and did so with dignity and did not cheapen these important issues for a minute. The steamier scenes fit in perfectly and did not feel gratuitous. I was thrilled to discover that Rai has an extensive backlist, one of which I will certainly be working my way through in the near future!

Thank you to Avon for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

I didn't really enjoy this one. I think it falls down to the face that I really disliked Rhiannon. There was just something about her that rubbed me the wrong way. Her attitude and the way she came off so bitchy and such a know it all really bothered me. Who would want to fall in love with someone like that? Let alone root for them to find love. I thought that Samson was just okay. However, I do think that he deserved better than Rhiannon.

While the sex scenes were very steamy, it’s hard to like the romance. It was hard to care about a relationship for these two when you aren’t sold on them being together.

What I did enjoy about this one was the diversity of the characters here. That’s always something that we need more of.

Overall, I just couldn’t find myself getting into the story. Maybe my expectations about this book were too high.

Rhiannon is a bad-ass, dating app creator who is fighting her way against sexism and racism to the top of her industry. Samson is the ex-NFL player who ghosted her after she let her walls down despite her usual rules. When circumstances force them to work together in a professional capacity, their personal lines are quickly - but not easily - crossed.

This is a book about trust, taking chances, and being honest even when it's scary.

I've been wanting to read Alisha Rai for years, and I finally picked her up, but it's quite possible that I picked up the wrong one entirely. In a very contemporary tale of online dating, Rai introduces Rhiannon, a confident and powerful businesswoman who runs an internet dating company confidently despite being burned from using it personally. This past burning colors everything about her and what she does. Now, while I understand becoming slightly jaded from a past wrong, Rhiannon let that shit sink to her very core and instead of becoming a "confident man-eater", she was the very definition of a scorned woman and man, it was kind of ugly to read. I didn't feel that past wrong was enough of a wrong to justify her attitude. She was unforgiving and simply unkind and it was not a pleasant character to read about for 400 pages. I'm swiping left on this one, unfortunately.

A fun, sexy read with likeable characters. Rhi’s internal monologue and problems were a bit repetitive though.

I really enjoyed this book. The characters were really enjoyable and fun. I definitely laughed out loud a few times reading it. I loved the dating app and tech company elements. I think they made it interesting and different. I also loved that she incorporated some of the characters from her Forbidden Hearts series. It did tackle some tough subjects such as CTE in football players, and sexual harassment. However, both of those issues were tackled with care.
All in all, this was a great, funny, sweet book and I can't wait to read the next one.

Rhi Hunter has created a successful dating app and is eager to buy out her competitor so she can cover all types of "hookups." Rhi is feisty and smart as a business woman, but not so much in romance. An enjoyable summer read.

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!

I loved this funny, witty, sexy contemporary novel!

If you like books by authors such as Jasmine Guillory and Helen Hoang, then you will love this book!

I was so excited to get this one as a “wish granted” by the publisher and it did not disappoint! This is actually my first Alisha Rai novel — I’m always sucked in by the illustrated covers and the description of this one had me extra intrigued. I connected with both of the leads and felt invested in their love story early on, but I also appreciate that it had some depth and commented on current events/women’s issues, etc. It hit all the right notes for me and I will definitely be picking up Rai’s other books now!

3 Stars - I am a big fan of Alisha Rai's modern romance novels, however this one fell a little short for me. While I wanted to love this the pace was a bit too slow for me, I also didn't feel like I was waiting for the couple to get together. I wanted a bit more of a slow burn, or a bit more banter and fun interactions on the way to the end. Perhaps it is just that this was quite a bit about their jobs and personal lives, and I didn't connect with that in these specific characters. I am not sure. I will continue to read Rai's books and enjoy them, but this was not my favorite so far.

My first book by this author, and if this is anything to go by, certainly not my last!

First of, a word of warning: the cover is extremely misleading and doesn't really fit if you ask me. To me, the cover suggests a light chick-lit beach read, and not the emotionally charged romance novel that it is. I was really stunned (in a good way!) when I reached the first sex scene, which is much more steamy than I suspected judging by the cover. Also, both characters are in their thirties, and that cover for some reason led me to believe they would be maybe in their early twenties. But maybe that's just me.

Aside from that, I really enjoyed it. I love the diverse cast and am looking forward to seeing more of these people!

Rhi and Samson were interesting (I especially loved how Samson has absolutely no clue how to date in the modern world and is just adorably hopeles), both with some heavy baggage and issues to work through.

And that was actually the only negative thing I can say: for the complexity of Rhi's issues alone, I would have like the book to be a bit longer, maybe with an epilogue. Right up until the end Rhi jumps to conclusions and runs from Samson, avoiding a conversation, which made it a bit hard to believe their HEA as it is. They do talk, but only on the last few pages, and given how burned she is, I just would've liked to see her grow and change a bit more before the end. It would've taken some of the angst and drama out of it.

Other than this, it was a really great book, with interesting characters, and a great supporting cast that we will hopefully see again! Great start to a promising new series!

3.5 stars rounded up for the delicious and adorable Samson!

Review also posted on Edelweiss


I have mixed feelings leaving this book. I am a fan of Alisha Rai’s previous work and was looking forward to this spinoff. I did enjoy the glimpse of Gabe and crew... though I did not enjoy the romantic relationship in this book. I know that may make me in the minority of her fans, but I was not invested in their relationship.

What I did like about this book, was that Rai presented to the contemporary romance world a storyline that addresses issues that need a spotlight shone on them.

1. Sexual harassment in the modern work place.
2. Safeguards for athletes health in the short and long term. The book specifically addresses the health risks due to head injuries in football.

As a woman whose background is in management in the financial sector, assumptions of ones role, education, general aptitude, and sexuality were rampant. Having been on the receiving end of unwanted sexual advances, the main characters reaction to her situation was spot on realistic. Another reality that I witnessed in the workplace that I appreciated in this novel, Rai included a male employee as one of the victims coming forth. Well. Done.

In our society there is stigma attached to perceived mental health issues. More so for men, in my opinion. We as a people are to be strong. We put forth our best face that we’ve weathered the storms unscathed. Our mental health is judged differently than our visible physical health. I was appreciative of the manner in which Rai presented the need to have better safeguards in place. This is an issue that has gained more traction in recent years. Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy is discussed very realistically. Well. Done.

So I leave this book appreciating the conversations it may start. For the encouragement it may give someone to speak up and speak out for what is right. For the unique cast of characters it presented. I may not have connected directly with the romantic relationship, but I thoroughly enjoyed the other elements of this book.

This story was fun set with two opposite matchmaking app owners. The dialogue was fun. The chemistry was mostly there. I don’t mind a sexy book but this was a bit too graphic for me and I found myself skimming much of the second half of the book.

I received an e-ARC of The Right Swipe in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. A full review of the novel will be posted on my blog on the release date, July 2.

The Right Swipe is an upcoming romance novel following Rhiannon Hunter, a dating app mogul who is CEO of Crush, a swipe-style dating app ala Tinder, but more feminist. Rhiannon, who was recently ghosted by Samson Lima, is stunned to see him working for one of her competitors, Matched, which is akin to Match.com.

The diversity, woman-power, and emphasis on consent really made The Right Swipe stand out. As other reviewers have pointed out, the diversity is pretty widespread, and it all felt natural. Rhiannon is black, Samson is Samoan, and multiple side characters have aspects of diversity as well. Lakshmi, a majr side character, is an Indian lesbian, Samson's aunt has agoraphobic anxiety, and there is also a focus on sexual harrassment in the workplace and the #MeToo movement.

Aside from the plentiful diversity, this novel focuses on a woman of color being her own boss, leading an (almost) billion dollar company, and being a badass bitch. I loved seeing a woman in such a power position, and it's a nice too see a character who takes charge and goes for what she wants, without apologies. All of the woman in this novel were like that, including Anabelle (Samson's aunt), Lakshmi, and other minor characters. I would love to see companion novels following any of the women mentioned.

My only complaint was with Rhiannon's character. I did warm up to her a lot, but in the first act she was really harsh and stubborn. We learn why she does have such deep trust issues, but her lack of forgiveness in the beginning of the novel did rub me the wrong way. However, I wouldn't say this is too much of an issue after reading the whole book, but it did make me a bit wary of her on first read.

The Right Swipe did a great job of balancing its heavier topics along with the romance, making Rhiannon and Samson both a steamy couple and one that I could actually see beating the odds in the long run. While not perfect (and really, what book is), The Right Swipe is a great romance novel and one I'd recommend!

Sometimes you read a book and know that any book you read next won't stack up, so you're going to have to reread this one and enjoy it all over again. The Right Swipe is one of those books for me.

Rhiannon Hunter (who is the older sister of Hurts to Love You's Gabe, if the name sounds familiar) is the co-owner and CEO of Crush, a dating app. After leaving an abusive relationship at her previous job, she formed her own company with her best friend.

Samson Lima is a former pro football player who has taken a spokesperson job for Matchmaker, his Aunt Belle's company. Few know of their connection because she never married his Uncle Joe and is a bit of a recluse. He is stunned to see Rhiannon at an industry event and quickly discovers she gave him a fake name during their hook-up earlier. He ghosted her when his uncle's health deteriorated quickly (he has been his uncle's caregiver for the past five years) and Rhiannon deleted him from her contacts on the app so he couldn't find her. Through a joint media interview that is done for their companies, Samson admits he's really out of touch from the dating scene - it's been over 5 years - and he doesn't even know what ghosting is.

Samson and Rhiannon get their past ghosting sorted out fairly quickly because of what he said in the interview but Rhi's not one to trust again. After a disastrous first date for Matchmaker, Samson asks her to help and they do a set of videos together with her walking him through the modern dating scene in exchange for publicity and a meeting with his Aunt Belle, because Rhiannon wants to buy Matchmaker. Think of Crush as a Bumble-like app and Matchmaker like eHarmony, with more extensive profiles and matching.

A lot of this book is about how their pasts are shaping their present and future. Samson's family history with concussion damage due to football and his career choices have landed him where he is now. Rhi's focus on her career is also related to her past, both how she grew up and her relationship in her former workplace. They have a lot to get through before they are ready for each other, let alone ready to admit they want each other for more than something physical.

The Right Swipe is an excellent book. Rai is just SO GOOD at balancing a bit of humour without detracting from the seriousness of a situation. The histories of the hero and heroine and their stories are so well woven into the story and so essential because it is why they both have trouble trusting in others. The supporting characters are so well developed that I am cheering for one secondary romance, and hope to see future books for a couple of the other characters. Also, under things I never thought I would be writing in a review: I 100% agree with Rhi's feelings about glitter.

If you're looking for a book with chemistry, characters that tackle sexism, athletes who take a stand, characters that have depth and are also diverse, then you have to read The Right Swipe. I adored the character's struggles - an independent and savvy tech business woman meets former athlete who is trying to help his aunt out. It's a recipe for chemistry and Rai will leave your heart warm and you gasping!So I'm sure you can imagine that Rhi would be my type of protagonist, and OF COURSE! Not only does The Right Swipe tackle issues of sexism in the tech world, but it takes a close look at how women succeed within it. The behaviors, mindsets, and risks they have to take to get to the top, to survive in this business that is still very much sexist. Rhi is independent, driven, and passionate.Whereas Samson is loyal, trusting, and passionate about his family. There's more than meets the eye with both of these enigmatic characters. And when they collide, sparks ensue. Can the women who has had to fiercely guard her heart work through her trust issues? Can Samson trust the chemistry between them throughout all their challenges?

A very cute and satisfying modern romance, with compelling leads and secondary characters. A couple things make this book a particular stand-out in the romance genre: a relative lack of super contrived misunderstandings between the leads (one of my major pet=peeves about romance novels in general) and the very compelling nature of the two leads' personal and professional concerns/ambitions/struggles/etc. beyond the central romance (the storyline about Samson and CTE was particularly great). A lot of fun!

I had such high hopes for this one and they were MET 🙌🏼 Steamy and modern and including many relevant current topics, Rai pivoted from her latest series, Forbidden Hearts, and created a whole new fabulous world. I don't want to say too much because this is such an early review, but here are a few things to know:

1) Tech + CTE in pro football
2) STEAMY but not at all erotica
3) so much diversity in characters
4) consent, consent consent + #MeToo
5) some long-time Rai fans have wondered if the cutesy cover would be deceptive given how steamy her other books have been, but I can assure you that this cover is perfect for the book! A traditional mass market paperback cover with tons of skin would have been deceptive, though.

When I started reading this book I thought it was going to be the typical romance book. But once you get past the hot hookups you get a story that touches on important topics and characters with depth. Rhi is an entrepreneur who has one goal on her mind and that goal is to be the best in her industry. Unfortunately some of the men in her industry just don't want her to be great. Though a little contrived she and one of her app hookups Samson start working on a campaign for his aunt's business. Samson is a former football player still coming to grips with life after retirement and looking for a purpose. Alisha Rai takes you on this journey with two opposite people who are finding their common ground.

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I've only ever read one other book by Alisha Rai, so this was kind of new for me. The formula works, even though it's not my personal favorite when a story relies on action that happened "off screen," or prior to the events of the current narrative.