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jackiehorne's review against another edition
3.0
ARC courtesy of Netgalley
Rai shifts from erotic romance to straight-out contemporary with this story of an app developer with a chip on her shoulder and the man who hopes for a second chance to make a better second impression. Thirty-seven-year-old Rhiannon Hunter, an African-American entrepreneur, is looking to expand her dating app company by negotiating the purchase of a competitor. But her business plan becomes more complicated when the new spokesman for her target company turns out to be the hunky guy with whom she last hooked-up—and who later ghosted her.
The feminist underpinnings of Rai's romance are clear:
"The funny thing was, Rhiannon could be sweet and kind, and she was loyal to the death, if she loved a person. But no one would have ever described her as sweet, kind, and loyal. Because the world had decided long ago what a sweet, kind, and loyal woman looked like, and it wasn't her.... When she'd found herself heartbroken and alone four years ago, she'd made a promise to create an alternate universe for herself. One in which she didn't spend hours and days and weeks and months losing time mourning people who who treated her poorly. In the other universe, with her time reclaimed, she owned the world."
I loved reading about an African-American woman who had made it in the computer app world, especially one who had overcome sexism in her past work life. I did wish, though, that Rai had showed us, rather than just told us, about Rhiannon's kind and sweet side. She's so tough and closed off, even to the reader, it make it difficult to feel strongly for her or to relate.
I wasn't as charmed as some reviewers were with the story's depictions of app-dating life (having not experienced it personally myself), although young readers with whom I've talked about the book say that those depictions are hilariously dead-on accurate. Rai depicts the impact of the NFL's attitude towards CTE on one former football player and his family with skill and care, too.
The big disappointment here: the love story fell surprisingly flat. Rai's previous books have been emotional roller coaster rides, with strong chemistry between all protagonists and lots of feels for the reader. Not so much in this one. Rhi's continued bad feelings towards Samson, even after she discovers the very excusable reason for his ghosting her, made it difficult for me as a reader to like or relate to her, or to buy into the idea that her feelings for Samson are changing. Samson's repeated observation that Rhi is "tough and blunt" but also "super adorable" was a bit more convincing, but still, not as emotionally moving as I'm used to from Rai's previous books.
Rai shifts from erotic romance to straight-out contemporary with this story of an app developer with a chip on her shoulder and the man who hopes for a second chance to make a better second impression. Thirty-seven-year-old Rhiannon Hunter, an African-American entrepreneur, is looking to expand her dating app company by negotiating the purchase of a competitor. But her business plan becomes more complicated when the new spokesman for her target company turns out to be the hunky guy with whom she last hooked-up—and who later ghosted her.
The feminist underpinnings of Rai's romance are clear:
"The funny thing was, Rhiannon could be sweet and kind, and she was loyal to the death, if she loved a person. But no one would have ever described her as sweet, kind, and loyal. Because the world had decided long ago what a sweet, kind, and loyal woman looked like, and it wasn't her.... When she'd found herself heartbroken and alone four years ago, she'd made a promise to create an alternate universe for herself. One in which she didn't spend hours and days and weeks and months losing time mourning people who who treated her poorly. In the other universe, with her time reclaimed, she owned the world."
I loved reading about an African-American woman who had made it in the computer app world, especially one who had overcome sexism in her past work life. I did wish, though, that Rai had showed us, rather than just told us, about Rhiannon's kind and sweet side. She's so tough and closed off, even to the reader, it make it difficult to feel strongly for her or to relate.
I wasn't as charmed as some reviewers were with the story's depictions of app-dating life (having not experienced it personally myself), although young readers with whom I've talked about the book say that those depictions are hilariously dead-on accurate. Rai depicts the impact of the NFL's attitude towards CTE on one former football player and his family with skill and care, too.
The big disappointment here: the love story fell surprisingly flat. Rai's previous books have been emotional roller coaster rides, with strong chemistry between all protagonists and lots of feels for the reader. Not so much in this one. Rhi's continued bad feelings towards Samson, even after she discovers the very excusable reason for his ghosting her, made it difficult for me as a reader to like or relate to her, or to buy into the idea that her feelings for Samson are changing. Samson's repeated observation that Rhi is "tough and blunt" but also "super adorable" was a bit more convincing, but still, not as emotionally moving as I'm used to from Rai's previous books.
itsambarnotamber's review against another edition
3.0
I loved Rhi as a business woman and I loved when she could be vulnerable but it was difficult to see both pieces melt together. Her character's reluctance at times was so off putting that the only character I liked out of the two was Samson, who basically allowed someone to be cold and reject him over and over again. Both characters were likeable but not always together.
barrettcmyk's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
4.0
adl2990's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- 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? It's complicated
3.5
currentlycheckedout's review against another edition
4.0
This book surprised me! I’d seen it everywhere and thought it could have been over hyped however, I totally enjoyed this read. I found it on hoopla and I’m glad I did because I’m VERY interested in reading Girl Gone Viral. It sounds adorable!
njreadsandwrites's review against another edition
5.0
The Right Swipe is about a dating app designer, Rhi, who has change the ways of online dating, but has specific rules for her own dating life. These rules disappear, Samson, who previously ghosted her, returns unexpectedly.
It was a beautiful story of how life has a way of breaking the rules we have set for ourselves within our personal lives. The way Alisha took a character with no desires or hopes of being in love after a terrible relationship and making her look those heartbreaking and bitter feelings straight in the eyes. I enjoyed the story so much, even in its sad moments.
The two main characters are undoubtedly my favorite. I loved the "go getter" personality of Rhi and the fresh start personality of Samson. Each made the book a better reading experience.
The plot was crafted so well that one would think it is based on a true story. The way the main character's lives intertwined without pressure or force from either party was all too real.
Overall, I feel this is an amazing book with some of the best characters I have ever read. Alisha's writing style is more straight-forward with a hint of melody within the seams. I highly recommend reading this book. I'm glad to have found another autobuy author.
Drop your thoughts on this book below. If you're pressed for time, and this was a quick read in between tasks, drop a pink heart in the comments.
Love, peace, and dope reading!
-NJ
It was a beautiful story of how life has a way of breaking the rules we have set for ourselves within our personal lives. The way Alisha took a character with no desires or hopes of being in love after a terrible relationship and making her look those heartbreaking and bitter feelings straight in the eyes. I enjoyed the story so much, even in its sad moments.
The two main characters are undoubtedly my favorite. I loved the "go getter" personality of Rhi and the fresh start personality of Samson. Each made the book a better reading experience.
The plot was crafted so well that one would think it is based on a true story. The way the main character's lives intertwined without pressure or force from either party was all too real.
Overall, I feel this is an amazing book with some of the best characters I have ever read. Alisha's writing style is more straight-forward with a hint of melody within the seams. I highly recommend reading this book. I'm glad to have found another autobuy author.
Drop your thoughts on this book below. If you're pressed for time, and this was a quick read in between tasks, drop a pink heart in the comments.
Love, peace, and dope reading!
-NJ
shyanne_shilson's review against another edition
3.0
This was a good modern love story moment.
It was great to see a woman in charge, several of them actually and it was a new take on a book where technology played a major part.
There was slow-burn, romance, enemies-to-lovers though I wouldn't really call them enemies. It was more of a misunderstanding but he gave good grovel which is always a plus.
It was a good read. Definitely enjoyed.
More reviews: https://sshilsonreviews.blogspot.com/
It was great to see a woman in charge, several of them actually and it was a new take on a book where technology played a major part.
There was slow-burn, romance, enemies-to-lovers though I wouldn't really call them enemies. It was more of a misunderstanding but he gave good grovel which is always a plus.
It was a good read. Definitely enjoyed.
More reviews: https://sshilsonreviews.blogspot.com/
milan_526's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The main character, Rhiannon, is not likeable at all.
hmcendree's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? No
5.0
crondeau_yvr's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
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? No
4.5
Greatly appreciated the side story in this romance novel. I know nothing about football or running an app company but was completely immersed in it and wanted more.