Sometimes, a bit of romance is exactly what you need. A little distraction from the rest of the world and, when it all works out well in the end, then you know things will be okay. That’s exactly what Swipe Right manages to do.
I’ve been so immersed in historical fiction and fantasy recently that I almost forgot what a balm a fun rom com can be. I saw this book reviewed by Emer on A Little Haze and well, I have faith in her opinions ๐
Title: Swipe Right
Author:ย Stephie Chapman
Pages: Kindle Edition
Publisher: Hera Books
Publication Date:ย 13th May 2020
When Fran interviews for a job at content website Viral Hive, she didn’t expect to interview against Mr Cool. They instantly clash but have great creativity and ideas. But even if he hadn’t caught her eye, it doesn’t matter, because she has Lucas and he has Lou. But when Fran’s relationship with Lucas crumbles, she decides to get on Tinder and document her dates – great content, after all!
I have a lot of gripes with romance novels (but still keep going back to them). They don’t always get it right. The friends are just there as filler for the MC. The MC is cuter than she realises. The ex is a total douche. The new guy is swoon-worthy. They make a few mistakes and then BAM. Kisses at midnight. Or in the park. Or at the coffee shop.
Thankfully,ย Swipe Right doesn’t quite go in for all of those tropes. Fran is probably hot, but aside from having notable red hair, there’s not much about her looks. She comes across as a lot more … normal. She’s also sharp and snarky. She’s not wet, she makes mistakes and she can hold her own. So far, so go.
Her chemistry with the new guy, Ollie, is totally on point. They clash. They call each other out. They care. Definite sparks and, if you know that feeling, then it’s definitely there in this book. I was a bit worried he would have to come and rescue her at one point, but thankfully …
My rom com gripe here is that all the dates, all the men, that Fran meets are definite pieces of work. Some are pathetic, some are manipulative, some are nasty. That was just the bit of depth missing from this for me – well-rounded male characters that don’t require romantic interest. Likewise, there could have been a lot more going on with her friends. I’ve read a lot worse (!!!) but am still waiting for that rom com that gives me it all.
But seriously, Fran and Ollie – great chemistry, natural conversation, very believable. It worked and I enjoyed seeing their relationship blossom. Even better, this story takes TIME. It’s not 4 weeks of sizzling chemistry. It’s years. I need a little realism in my fuzzy romance feels.
I think if I were to read this at a different time it might be a 3.5 rounded down to 3 stars, but given that this book did me no wrong, it’s up to 4 stars.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
It was just a lot of fun wasnโt it! Just hit the spot for me. I agree with you about the guys on the dates….like it was all a big lol and nothing was essentially authentic… but I didnโt care. Oops ๐๐๐๐๐ I was here for a good time and not a long time ๐คช๐๐๐โค๏ธ๐งก๐๐๐๐
Haha exactly. And when you’re ready to go along with them this kind of book is great!