The Right Swipe: A Novel

I don’t read a lot of modern romances. I usually stick to the so-called “Regency” romances that take place in England during the Victorian era. But I have heard a lot of good things about Alisha Rai, so I was eager to start The Right Swipe. I actually think it’s probably harder to write a romance set in current times, because readers may have much more baggage and expectations.

Rai does a great balancing act of providing escapism but also awareness about the current conversation of sexual autonomy and consent. Rhiannon Hunter is the creator of the female-centric dating app, Crush. She meets Samson Lima, a retired professional football player for the second time at an event where he is representing one of her current competitors.

You could almost consider this a Pride and Prejudice story, where the heroine has to battle her initial impressions to see the good man that is actually there. However, there is no pride in Samson Lima’s part, he is perfectly happy to let Rhiannon take the lead. This is a departure from the plotline/central conflict of many romances but doesn’t detract from the tension that the story builds. Consent is hot, Rhiannon and Samson’s commitment to clear, continuing communication only enhances their chemistry. I found this story refreshing and a good turn on traditional romance paradigms. There were parts of it I found repetitive.