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Emerald Bay #1
Swipe Right
Imogen Flynn didn’t think that moving to a small town would cause so much chaos.
Emerald Bay promised something quiet and tranquil; somewhere she could heal after her father’s death, and the chance to reconnect with her brother while focusing on her PhD.
But when she meets Roman Burke, things begin to spiral out of control.
Roman is guarded and obsessed with his work, still reeling from the sudden loss of his wife four years earlier. When his friends convince him to try a new dating app, he decides to give it a shot not expecting it will amount to anything.
They thought it was just going to be a hookup.
Fake names. No strings attached.
But when they discover that Imogen has been hired as his teaching assistant, they’re forced to wrestle with their mutual attraction while trying their hardest to do things by the book.
Emerald Bay promised something quiet and tranquil; somewhere she could heal after her father’s death, and the chance to reconnect with her brother while focusing on her PhD.
But when she meets Roman Burke, things begin to spiral out of control.
Roman is guarded and obsessed with his work, still reeling from the sudden loss of his wife four years earlier. When his friends convince him to try a new dating app, he decides to give it a shot not expecting it will amount to anything.
They thought it was just going to be a hookup.
Fake names. No strings attached.
But when they discover that Imogen has been hired as his teaching assistant, they’re forced to wrestle with their mutual attraction while trying their hardest to do things by the book.
444 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2024
188 people are currently reading
1206 people want to read
About the author
Thea Lawrence
9 books163 followersThea Lawrence is a neurodivergent PhD dropout turned romance author. After spending almost a decade in academia studying criminology (with a focus on carceral studies and prison theatre), she decided to shift gears for her mental health.
A lifelong storyteller, Thea has been an actor, burlesque dancer, screenwriter, and even dabbled in painting. Now, she focuses on romance stories with heart, grit, a dash of the forbidden, and a hell of a lot of spice.
Her hobbies include: Reading, binge watching Criminal Minds, reading comic books, coloring, and taking long walks around neighborhood.
She currently lives in Ontario with her partner.
INSTAGRAM: @thealawrenceauthor
TIKTOK: @thealawrenceauthor
WEBSITE: thealawrenceauthor.com
A lifelong storyteller, Thea has been an actor, burlesque dancer, screenwriter, and even dabbled in painting. Now, she focuses on romance stories with heart, grit, a dash of the forbidden, and a hell of a lot of spice.
Her hobbies include: Reading, binge watching Criminal Minds, reading comic books, coloring, and taking long walks around neighborhood.
She currently lives in Ontario with her partner.
INSTAGRAM: @thealawrenceauthor
TIKTOK: @thealawrenceauthor
WEBSITE: thealawrenceauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
December 20, 2025
🎧 Alexa play "Freak" by Doja cat 💍
Now a moment to appreciate the songs in this book wither the book playlist or the character playlist and even the chapters were named after song 😋 Yup I was having my best time .
I think this the most criminally underrated book I've read this year and it's making me craaaazy
GUYS GUYYYS you're not listening this is perfect, if you love Abby jimenez writing but think a little bit spicer THIS IS FOR YOU🙌🏻 the way that these couple helped each other was soooo sweet there's a lot of grief in this book and I found myself tearing up more than I would like to admit.
The forbidden romance was done so right first he's her professor second her brother best friend third he's about 15 years older opps 🙈 that's just the best recipe for forbidden...
Imogen and Roman characters were so relatable and they really had very good chemistry I just know they'll never break up after the epilogue and don't even let me start about the side characters I LOVED her brother Logan so much and I'm sure his story is going to be even better I can't wait to read it.
There's a lot of kink exploration happening and BDSM themes but it doesn't take away from the romance at all it's balances everything perfectly.
This man was so down bad for her HE SOBBED for her CRAWLED for her just like how I think you need to crawl to this book now and read it yupppp there was just something about the writing and the references that was very millennial in a nostalgic way I just wish everyone can experience this story🙏🏻🌸
Now a moment to appreciate the songs in this book wither the book playlist or the character playlist and even the chapters were named after song 😋 Yup I was having my best time .
I think this the most criminally underrated book I've read this year and it's making me craaaazy
GUYS GUYYYS you're not listening this is perfect, if you love Abby jimenez writing but think a little bit spicer THIS IS FOR YOU🙌🏻 the way that these couple helped each other was soooo sweet there's a lot of grief in this book and I found myself tearing up more than I would like to admit.
The forbidden romance was done so right first he's her professor second her brother best friend third he's about 15 years older opps 🙈 that's just the best recipe for forbidden...
Imogen and Roman characters were so relatable and they really had very good chemistry I just know they'll never break up after the epilogue and don't even let me start about the side characters I LOVED her brother Logan so much and I'm sure his story is going to be even better I can't wait to read it.
There's a lot of kink exploration happening and BDSM themes but it doesn't take away from the romance at all it's balances everything perfectly.
This man was so down bad for her HE SOBBED for her CRAWLED for her just like how I think you need to crawl to this book now and read it yupppp there was just something about the writing and the references that was very millennial in a nostalgic way I just wish everyone can experience this story🙏🏻🌸
February 24, 2025
3.8 ⭐️
my gawd this is so cute and hot 🙈🤌🏻
roman and iggy had me giggling one second and then fanning myself the next 😮💨
i genuinely enjoyed this sm and i feel like i would’ve rated it higher if i wasn’t in a slight reading slump 🤞🏼
there really isn’t much to say except if ur looking for a fun, steamy book with a forbidden love trope, and an adorable found family trope, then this is definitely for u 💜
i’m definitely checking out more of this author’s books she really lured me in 🤸🏻♀️
y’all this was kinky asf don’t be surprised going into it 😭
quotes:
”You’re pretty when you blush, cowboy”
I LOVE HER 🛐
”She’s pure goddamn sunshine”
”Keep your eyes on the door, we don’t want anyone interrupting my meal”
SQUEELING 🤭
”I want you, all of you.”
”You’re my universe, darlin’.”
lord if u hear me give me someone like that please 🙏🏼
my gawd this is so cute and hot 🙈🤌🏻
roman and iggy had me giggling one second and then fanning myself the next 😮💨
i genuinely enjoyed this sm and i feel like i would’ve rated it higher if i wasn’t in a slight reading slump 🤞🏼
there really isn’t much to say except if ur looking for a fun, steamy book with a forbidden love trope, and an adorable found family trope, then this is definitely for u 💜
i’m definitely checking out more of this author’s books she really lured me in 🤸🏻♀️
y’all this was kinky asf don’t be surprised going into it 😭
quotes:
”You’re pretty when you blush, cowboy”
I LOVE HER 🛐
”She’s pure goddamn sunshine”
”Keep your eyes on the door, we don’t want anyone interrupting my meal”
SQUEELING 🤭
”I want you, all of you.”
”You’re my universe, darlin’.”
lord if u hear me give me someone like that please 🙏🏼
Read
May 18, 2025story:
spice: /5 🌶️
tropes:
dual POV
forbidden romance
age-gap (fmc 26/mmc 43 17 years)
brothers best friend
professor x teaching assistant
adhd rep
mental health topics
grief and loss
academic setting
small town romance
secret kink dating app
nicknames: cowboy/darlin
kinks:
impact play
public sex/exhibitionism
rimming
sex toys
hand necklaces
spit kink
cock worship
praise kink
breaking kink (no pregnancy)
bondage
anal play
tw/cw:
violence
alcohol use
discussion of death
trauma around death
grief
suicide of a spouse (off page)
death of a parent (off page)
mild drug use
open discussion of suicide
mental health issues
addiction
open discussion of medically assisted death
discussion of terminal cancer
REVIEW COMING SOON…
(thea and her books. they have me done for)
spice: /5 🌶️
tropes:
dual POV
forbidden romance
age-gap (fmc 26/mmc 43 17 years)
brothers best friend
professor x teaching assistant
adhd rep
mental health topics
grief and loss
academic setting
small town romance
secret kink dating app
nicknames: cowboy/darlin
kinks:
impact play
public sex/exhibitionism
rimming
sex toys
hand necklaces
spit kink
cock worship
praise kink
breaking kink (no pregnancy)
bondage
anal play
tw/cw:
violence
alcohol use
discussion of death
trauma around death
grief
suicide of a spouse (off page)
death of a parent (off page)
mild drug use
open discussion of suicide
mental health issues
addiction
open discussion of medically assisted death
discussion of terminal cancer
REVIEW COMING SOON…
(thea and her books. they have me done for)
September 30, 2024
Thea knew how to pull one right in into the academic world and all its settings was top tier! The campus, even the classes, the fall vibes and the characters are written in such a realistic way with the characters being so raw and lovable. You get emotionally attached to the characters for different reasons and it was a spiral of grief and laughter through the pages. This lovingly family atmosphere this book is radiating is so wholesome but it also handles mental health in a way to remind us we are never alone to get through what’s heavy on us 🤍
Imogen moves in with her brother in Emerald Bay to focus on her PhD as a teaching assistant, more specifically to Professor Roman Burke. When I first met her I was like “yup that’s my girl”. Her ADHD representation is written so well and she’s wild in the best way with confidence basically being her middle name. She’s just SO amazing and I admire her for not letting anything stop her for achieving what she wants.
Roman is really passionate about his work in teaching and it really shows that he’s thriving in his topics. He’s calm, guarded and sees himself almost protected in his comfort zone ever since he lost his other half. The amount of times I just wanted to give him the biggest hug because I knew he’s caged a big part of him for so long! Even though their relationship is very much forbidden, seeing him and Imogen connect was an experience of so many things that they felt themselves. Finding yourself again and letting other people see what you can’t alone, it’s a beautiful thing to witness. The chemistry between them was felt immediately and I loved how it let Roman experience something new and Imogen being the just the best freaking partner 🌶️ As always, Thea delivers a wild ride of spice. Buckle yourself up and helmet on 🎢
Imogen moves in with her brother in Emerald Bay to focus on her PhD as a teaching assistant, more specifically to Professor Roman Burke. When I first met her I was like “yup that’s my girl”. Her ADHD representation is written so well and she’s wild in the best way with confidence basically being her middle name. She’s just SO amazing and I admire her for not letting anything stop her for achieving what she wants.
Roman is really passionate about his work in teaching and it really shows that he’s thriving in his topics. He’s calm, guarded and sees himself almost protected in his comfort zone ever since he lost his other half. The amount of times I just wanted to give him the biggest hug because I knew he’s caged a big part of him for so long! Even though their relationship is very much forbidden, seeing him and Imogen connect was an experience of so many things that they felt themselves. Finding yourself again and letting other people see what you can’t alone, it’s a beautiful thing to witness. The chemistry between them was felt immediately and I loved how it let Roman experience something new and Imogen being the just the best freaking partner 🌶️ As always, Thea delivers a wild ride of spice. Buckle yourself up and helmet on 🎢
September 5, 2024
I was SO excited for this book that I signed up to get an ARC of it and HOLY CANNOLI it did not disappoint!
One of my favorite five star reads of the year immediately.
I love how the author masterfully mixes ADHD representation with an academic setting in a way where the FMC, Imogen, understands her struggles and works with herself instead of letting her ADHD stop her from her goals.
Aside from my full nerd out of Imogen studying sociology, I was enraptured with Imogen and Roman from their first meeting. They have natural chemistry, the bantering was TOP TIER, and that fact that he is her professor she’s TA-ing for???? DELIGHTFUL ❤️❤️❤️
The spice was SPICY, the bantering was BANTERFUL, and I laughed, cried, and devoured this book!
So thrilled and excited to read it again and again. Definitely one that will be in my Kindle library for a long while (until I can score a physical copy)
Do yourself a favor and download this when it releases.
FIVE HELLA DESERVED STARS ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
One of my favorite five star reads of the year immediately.
I love how the author masterfully mixes ADHD representation with an academic setting in a way where the FMC, Imogen, understands her struggles and works with herself instead of letting her ADHD stop her from her goals.
Aside from my full nerd out of Imogen studying sociology, I was enraptured with Imogen and Roman from their first meeting. They have natural chemistry, the bantering was TOP TIER, and that fact that he is her professor she’s TA-ing for???? DELIGHTFUL ❤️❤️❤️
The spice was SPICY, the bantering was BANTERFUL, and I laughed, cried, and devoured this book!
So thrilled and excited to read it again and again. Definitely one that will be in my Kindle library for a long while (until I can score a physical copy)
Do yourself a favor and download this when it releases.
FIVE HELLA DESERVED STARS ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 2, 2026
This was cute and wholesome and kinky and just a good time.
You can tell the author did their research in to bdsm but you can also tell they did their research/had experiences in dealing eith grief. How it manifests itself differently in different people.
The weaving of BDSM and grief into the story of their relationship was something I thoroughly enjoyed and cannot wait for book 2.
You can tell the author did their research in to bdsm but you can also tell they did their research/had experiences in dealing eith grief. How it manifests itself differently in different people.
The weaving of BDSM and grief into the story of their relationship was something I thoroughly enjoyed and cannot wait for book 2.
October 1, 2024
Swipe Right is one of the most beautiful books I’ve read this year. The raw emotions Thea makes you feel and the representation for ADHD is incredible. It is written so well!
Imogen has her struggles but knows it and works on them everyday. She doesn’t let them impeded on her life. She is a force to be reckoned with and has goals she wants to accomplish.
Roman…sweet Roman…just wants to find his way again. He just needs a little help. Imogen breaks him out of his shell with their amazing chemistry and her Dom persona.
Not only was their spice and chemistry top tier. They had an emotional connection that I felt made their relationship stronger.
Roman and Imogen also have an amazing support team. Their found family is one of the best l’ve read. I’m so hooked on Emerald Bay and can’t wait to continue to read books in this series.
Thea, thank you so much for the early copy! 💕
Imogen has her struggles but knows it and works on them everyday. She doesn’t let them impeded on her life. She is a force to be reckoned with and has goals she wants to accomplish.
Roman…sweet Roman…just wants to find his way again. He just needs a little help. Imogen breaks him out of his shell with their amazing chemistry and her Dom persona.
Not only was their spice and chemistry top tier. They had an emotional connection that I felt made their relationship stronger.
Roman and Imogen also have an amazing support team. Their found family is one of the best l’ve read. I’m so hooked on Emerald Bay and can’t wait to continue to read books in this series.
Thea, thank you so much for the early copy! 💕
March 31, 2025
ARC REVIEW:
Rating: ★★★.5
Spice: ♡♡♡♡
Holy sh*t! DON'T JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER!!
The plot was fantastic, filled with all those great tropes — Prof x TA, brother's best friend, a kinky dating app. I was giggling and squirming throughout the book.
Imogen and Roman were perfect for each other. Their chemistry and tension were top-notch, and the romance was both spicy and sweet. The spice - I won't say a word about it. Whatever I say will be an understatement.
I looove a good found family trope and this one did not disappoint. Plus, the whole academic setting was beautiful to read about.
Thank you, Thea, for the e-ARC :)
TROPES:
Small town
Forbidden romance
Age gap
Professor x TA
Brother's best friend
Dating app
Mental health rep
LOTS of kinks
Rating: ★★★.5
Spice: ♡♡♡♡
Holy sh*t! DON'T JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER!!
The plot was fantastic, filled with all those great tropes — Prof x TA, brother's best friend, a kinky dating app. I was giggling and squirming throughout the book.
Imogen and Roman were perfect for each other. Their chemistry and tension were top-notch, and the romance was both spicy and sweet. The spice - I won't say a word about it. Whatever I say will be an understatement.
I looove a good found family trope and this one did not disappoint. Plus, the whole academic setting was beautiful to read about.
Thank you, Thea, for the e-ARC :)
TROPES:
Small town
Forbidden romance
Age gap
Professor x TA
Brother's best friend
Dating app
Mental health rep
LOTS of kinks
October 4, 2024
Roman and Imogen were so fun to read about! The reverse BDSM-esque dynamic was amazing. I kept forgetting when she was the one in charge lol… but I do love books like this one where they can both explore comfortably their k!nks and fantasies. Imogen is not new to the lifestyle but Roman is. He makes quite a great switch 🤭
Not only was Swipe Right amazing to me in that aspect, it was also in the academic, school setting. Imogen is a college student (and a TA for Roman). Roman has a passion for his work that's completely commendable. He tends to be calm and guarded and protects his comfort zone. That's to be expected after losing his wife. Meeting Imogen through the kink dating app was his way of getting back into the dating world.
Not only does Swipe Right embrace the kink and academic worlds, it does so with the world of the neurodivergent. Imogen has ADHD. We get to read about her struggles on second-guessing herself and keeping her focus on her goals while studying sociology in college.
⭑⭑⭑ 𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐒 ⭑⭑⭑
- best friend's sister, boss x employee vibes, boy obsessed, college romance (student x professor), contemporary romance, k!nky dating app, forbidden romance, forced proximity, friends with benefits, he fallas first, her liked to cook, hidden identity, indecent proposals, love after loss, mental health rep, mutual pining, no strings attached, workplace romance, opposites attract, secret romance, small town
- battery friends (iykyk), bdsm elements, light br##ding k!nk, consent, he crawls for her, praise & degradation, domme/brat x sub/switch, edging, impact play, "oh god" x "not god", exploring his k!nk-terests, spit play
September 1, 2024
Received as an ARC.
🩷 Small town
🩷 Age gap
🩷 Student x Professor
🩷 Brother’s best friend
🩷 Forbidden
🩷 A shopping list of kinks
🩷 Love after loss
🩷 ADHD and mental health representation
Ok, hang on a minute because if this book isn’t it then I don’t know what is anymore. I was super excited for this release after seen all the little teasers dotted around and IT.DID.NOT.DISAPPOINT!!!! Thea……what the hell are you putting in your books because honestly I think I need it pumped directly into my veins. I stayed up all night to finish this and then found myself desperate for Crushing It even though I know I’ll have to not so patiently wait for it to come out. I’m unwell 😫
Imogen and Roman were perfect, their dynamic together was just what you want in a story and they well and truly delivered. Thea’s writing style was the ideal way to portray them and had me so immersed I didn’t know which way was up by the end of it. Imogen’s ADHD representation was written so bloody well and I saw so much of myself in her struggles, it was a testament to the writing for it to feel so relatable.
Thea is now a firm top 5 go to author for me and I can’t see that changing anytime soon. An absolutely stellar introduction to their work and a must read for anyone after a new top book for 2024.
🩷 Small town
🩷 Age gap
🩷 Student x Professor
🩷 Brother’s best friend
🩷 Forbidden
🩷 A shopping list of kinks
🩷 Love after loss
🩷 ADHD and mental health representation
Ok, hang on a minute because if this book isn’t it then I don’t know what is anymore. I was super excited for this release after seen all the little teasers dotted around and IT.DID.NOT.DISAPPOINT!!!! Thea……what the hell are you putting in your books because honestly I think I need it pumped directly into my veins. I stayed up all night to finish this and then found myself desperate for Crushing It even though I know I’ll have to not so patiently wait for it to come out. I’m unwell 😫
Imogen and Roman were perfect, their dynamic together was just what you want in a story and they well and truly delivered. Thea’s writing style was the ideal way to portray them and had me so immersed I didn’t know which way was up by the end of it. Imogen’s ADHD representation was written so bloody well and I saw so much of myself in her struggles, it was a testament to the writing for it to feel so relatable.
Thea is now a firm top 5 go to author for me and I can’t see that changing anytime soon. An absolutely stellar introduction to their work and a must read for anyone after a new top book for 2024.
September 27, 2024
Rating : ☆☆☆☆☆
—————
𝘐’𝘮 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘱𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘪𝘻𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘰𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘶𝘴 𝘢𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵. 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘺 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘪𝘯’.
—————
𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨 & 𝙄𝙣𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 :
- 𝙎𝙢𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙏𝙤𝙬𝙣 : 𝙀𝙢𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙙 𝘽𝙖𝙮
- 𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙗𝙞𝙙𝙙𝙚𝙣 𝙍𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚
- 𝘼𝙜𝙚 𝙂𝙖𝙥 : 17 𝙔𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙨 (26&43)
- 𝘿𝙪𝙖𝙡 𝙋𝙊𝙑
- 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙛𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙤𝙧 𝙭 𝙏𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘼𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙩
- 𝙎𝙚𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙩 𝙄𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙨
- 𝘽𝙧𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝘽𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙁𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙
- 𝙈𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙡 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙝 𝙍𝙚𝙥
- 𝙁𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝘽𝙪𝙧𝙣
- 𝙉𝙞𝙘𝙠𝙣𝙖𝙢𝙚𝙨 : 𝘾𝙤𝙬𝙗𝙤𝙮 & 𝘿𝙖𝙧𝙡𝙞𝙣’
- 𝙃𝙀 𝘾𝙧𝙖𝙬𝙡𝙨
- 𝘼𝘿𝙃𝘿 𝙍𝙚𝙥
- 𝙇𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙎𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨
✔️ Available On KU
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Amazing, amazing, and amazing. I’m in awe of Thea’s writing. It never misses the spot.
You can see how much research, academia life experience and care Thea puts into all books. Amazing author.
If there’s one thing Thea always knocks out the park it’s side characters. They’re always such a huge part of the story and give such great entertainment and want you needing more of them. I’m so glad this is gonna be a series. I need 1000 books
I love Piper and Jay & Logan and Abi with my whole heart and I’m also SO interested in Frankie.
Roman and Imogen were a dream to read about. I love every single part of their story and even when it was over I was NEEDING more. It was addictive.
I’m so excited for Crushing It. I know Logan and Abi are gonna blow my mind.
Thank you for the early copy @thealawrenceauthor. I adore and love you and always in awe of your talent 🫶🏼
—————
𝘐’𝘮 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘱𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘪𝘻𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘰𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘶𝘴 𝘢𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵. 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘺 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘪𝘯’.
—————
𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨 & 𝙄𝙣𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 :
- 𝙎𝙢𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙏𝙤𝙬𝙣 : 𝙀𝙢𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙙 𝘽𝙖𝙮
- 𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙗𝙞𝙙𝙙𝙚𝙣 𝙍𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚
- 𝘼𝙜𝙚 𝙂𝙖𝙥 : 17 𝙔𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙨 (26&43)
- 𝘿𝙪𝙖𝙡 𝙋𝙊𝙑
- 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙛𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙤𝙧 𝙭 𝙏𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘼𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙩
- 𝙎𝙚𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙩 𝙄𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙨
- 𝘽𝙧𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝘽𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙁𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙
- 𝙈𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙡 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙝 𝙍𝙚𝙥
- 𝙁𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝘽𝙪𝙧𝙣
- 𝙉𝙞𝙘𝙠𝙣𝙖𝙢𝙚𝙨 : 𝘾𝙤𝙬𝙗𝙤𝙮 & 𝘿𝙖𝙧𝙡𝙞𝙣’
- 𝙃𝙀 𝘾𝙧𝙖𝙬𝙡𝙨
- 𝘼𝘿𝙃𝘿 𝙍𝙚𝙥
- 𝙇𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙎𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨
✔️ Available On KU
—————
Amazing, amazing, and amazing. I’m in awe of Thea’s writing. It never misses the spot.
You can see how much research, academia life experience and care Thea puts into all books. Amazing author.
If there’s one thing Thea always knocks out the park it’s side characters. They’re always such a huge part of the story and give such great entertainment and want you needing more of them. I’m so glad this is gonna be a series. I need 1000 books
I love Piper and Jay & Logan and Abi with my whole heart and I’m also SO interested in Frankie.
Roman and Imogen were a dream to read about. I love every single part of their story and even when it was over I was NEEDING more. It was addictive.
I’m so excited for Crushing It. I know Logan and Abi are gonna blow my mind.
Thank you for the early copy @thealawrenceauthor. I adore and love you and always in awe of your talent 🫶🏼
September 6, 2024
“i don’t care who or what tries to tear us apart. i will always find my way back to you darlin’.”
rating: ★★★★.25
review:
this book blew me away. there were so many real, raw moments and emotions flowing through the entire story that i couldn’t get enough.
i truly loved imogen for her wild spirit and confidence. even when she didn’t feel confident she always showed up for herself and others in the ways that mattered. plus her chaotic and easily distracted brain really spoke to me, which only made me love her more.
roman was so special, and he can only be described as human. the emotions he felt, including his doubts, depression and anxiety made him seem so real. he helps people like me remember that i don’t have to do everything alone and there are people that i can lean on when times get tough. i just want to reach into this book and give him a big hug.
both mc’s showed a level of vulnerability that i couldn’t help but admire. being vulnerable with yourself is difficult, let alone being vulnerable with others. i’m proud of them for finally opening themselves up and not letting the grief they constantly felt completely take over their lives.
i’m SO EXCITED for book two in this series!!! i already fell in love with logan’s nerdy and goofy character, as well as abi’s spunk. i just know their book is going to give me life.
THANK YOU @thea for the opportunity to read this as and ARC and share my love for it!! SWIPE RIGHT is out now and free to read on KU!!!
WARNING: this book is for mature audiences (18+). this book contains explicit content concerning multiple different kinks, and BDSM, as well as grief, mentions of suicide, cancer and more. please read content warning before proceeding.
rating: ★★★★.25
review:
this book blew me away. there were so many real, raw moments and emotions flowing through the entire story that i couldn’t get enough.
i truly loved imogen for her wild spirit and confidence. even when she didn’t feel confident she always showed up for herself and others in the ways that mattered. plus her chaotic and easily distracted brain really spoke to me, which only made me love her more.
roman was so special, and he can only be described as human. the emotions he felt, including his doubts, depression and anxiety made him seem so real. he helps people like me remember that i don’t have to do everything alone and there are people that i can lean on when times get tough. i just want to reach into this book and give him a big hug.
both mc’s showed a level of vulnerability that i couldn’t help but admire. being vulnerable with yourself is difficult, let alone being vulnerable with others. i’m proud of them for finally opening themselves up and not letting the grief they constantly felt completely take over their lives.
i’m SO EXCITED for book two in this series!!! i already fell in love with logan’s nerdy and goofy character, as well as abi’s spunk. i just know their book is going to give me life.
THANK YOU @thea for the opportunity to read this as and ARC and share my love for it!! SWIPE RIGHT is out now and free to read on KU!!!
WARNING: this book is for mature audiences (18+). this book contains explicit content concerning multiple different kinks, and BDSM, as well as grief, mentions of suicide, cancer and more. please read content warning before proceeding.
October 6, 2024
I kind of knew what to expect from this book but then I opened it, read it and all my expectations were thrown out the window because WHAT THE FUCK. THIS BOOK IS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. I’ve always been in love with Theas writing but I think this book topped everything. I knew from the first few pages that I’m going to be hooked and that it will be a 5 star read for me. There’s just something about the way Thea writes about grief that’s so relatable and the way the characters deal with it. This book was therapeutic for me in many ways and I just want to say THANK YOU THEA for giving us Imogen and Roman. I can’t wait for this series to continue and I’m so excited for Abi and Logans book!!
Ps. I adore the way Thea named the chapters. It warmed my little Swiftie heart.
Tropes:
- Age Gap
- Brother’s Best Friend
- Professor/Teaching assistant
- Forbidden Romance
- Mental Health Representation
Thank you Thea for letting me be an arc reader!
Ps. I adore the way Thea named the chapters. It warmed my little Swiftie heart.
Tropes:
- Age Gap
- Brother’s Best Friend
- Professor/Teaching assistant
- Forbidden Romance
- Mental Health Representation
Thank you Thea for letting me be an arc reader!
September 21, 2024
Swipe Right was such a fun book that also tackled some heavier topics. I really like when authors are willing to dive into topics like mental health and grief, which Thea does beautifully. She illustrates that even when you find that perfect someone, your past can often get in the way of allowing yourself to enjoy that person, but she also shows what it looks like when you let them help you fight those demons. Imogen and Roman are such a dynamic couple. Their chemistry jumps off the page and pulls you into their relationship. There were so many times where I found myself leaning into the book, bc I felt like I was part of the story. And let me tell you, the spice was spicing! My jaw was on the floor, and I was fanning myself! I do think Thea did a great job of balancing plot with spice. I loved the story line, and I look forward to the rest of the series!
October 4, 2024
Arc review
Swipe right by Thea Lawrence
Welcome to Emerald Bay
Where you meet on a k!nk app
💜Age gap
💜Professor x Teaching Assistant
💜Adhd rep
💜K!nk rep
💜Mental health rep
💜Pierced 🍒
💜G00d Boy x G00d Girl
💜Friends w/benefits x Lovers
💜Nicknames
💜Brothers Best Friend
💜Forced Proximity
Imogen moves to Emerald Bay, with no affordable apartments nearby, she's forced to ask her brother if she can live with him while finding a TA position at the University he teaches at.
She gets a position and it's her brothers best friend, who also happens to be the stranger Imogen had one
k!nky night with but also connected with him on another level.
Roman, this man is SO DANG FINE and I'm pretty sure I have a girl crush on iggy because those two together, holy wow. Insatiable for each other and downright feral, even though they both said no more since they work together.
The mental health rep and grief rep hit close to home in this and thank you Thea for putting a light on it and how it effects everyone differently. 💜💜💜
Swipe right by Thea Lawrence
Welcome to Emerald Bay
Where you meet on a k!nk app
💜Age gap
💜Professor x Teaching Assistant
💜Adhd rep
💜K!nk rep
💜Mental health rep
💜Pierced 🍒
💜G00d Boy x G00d Girl
💜Friends w/benefits x Lovers
💜Nicknames
💜Brothers Best Friend
💜Forced Proximity
Imogen moves to Emerald Bay, with no affordable apartments nearby, she's forced to ask her brother if she can live with him while finding a TA position at the University he teaches at.
She gets a position and it's her brothers best friend, who also happens to be the stranger Imogen had one
k!nky night with but also connected with him on another level.
Roman, this man is SO DANG FINE and I'm pretty sure I have a girl crush on iggy because those two together, holy wow. Insatiable for each other and downright feral, even though they both said no more since they work together.
The mental health rep and grief rep hit close to home in this and thank you Thea for putting a light on it and how it effects everyone differently. 💜💜💜
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2025
This book wasn't what I was expecting at all, I went into it without even reading the blurb, and I wasn't disappointed.
Swipe Right is the story of Roman and Imogen. It was a cute read that touched on the subjects of grief and suicide. I adored the relationship between the two characters and the side characters were enjoyable as well. I hope they all get books in the future!
I'll definitely read more from Thea in the future, the writing was funny and easy to read. An enjoyable read that I easily lost myself in.
Swipe Right is the story of Roman and Imogen. It was a cute read that touched on the subjects of grief and suicide. I adored the relationship between the two characters and the side characters were enjoyable as well. I hope they all get books in the future!
I'll definitely read more from Thea in the future, the writing was funny and easy to read. An enjoyable read that I easily lost myself in.
September 30, 2024
I love love loved this book. These charachters are so relatable ! I loved seeing Roman and Imogena relationship grow ..
Seeing (reading 🤣) people find love … and family is just so beautiful . And when they found each other they also found themselves !
This is book one in the emerald bay series and let me tell you i WILL be reading book 2!
Thea you are amazingly talented ! Your writing is beautiful and unique and i am just a huge fan 🫶🏻
Seeing (reading 🤣) people find love … and family is just so beautiful . And when they found each other they also found themselves !
This is book one in the emerald bay series and let me tell you i WILL be reading book 2!
Thea you are amazingly talented ! Your writing is beautiful and unique and i am just a huge fan 🫶🏻
September 17, 2024
❈ 𝚜𝚠𝚒𝚙𝚎 𝚛𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 (arc) 𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠
The amount of love I have for @thealawrenceauthor and this book is just so big. Thea writes in such a smart way. You fall in love with the atmosphere that the book creates and then you connect to characters that you never imagined yourself connecting with. Because when it all comes down to it. We are all human. And we all yearn to feel.
And, in my opinion, Thea captures that so perfectly with this book. You have super lovable side characters. And you have trauma and grief, but you also have immeasurable growth and love. And the writing? Just out of this world funny and heart pulling.
Did I mention the book is pink? Because, to me, that’s such an important factor.
I grew as a person reading this book and that’s such an incredible thing for an author to have the ability to do.
With that said, my notes commentary on this book was completely unhinged. And the fmc will have you on your knees FOR HER. She is so confident and empowering and lovable and just everything.
I also just appreciated everything topic that Thea touched on in this book and how beautiful and real it was addressed.
Absolutely a 5 ⭐️ read for me 👏🏻
The amount of love I have for @thealawrenceauthor and this book is just so big. Thea writes in such a smart way. You fall in love with the atmosphere that the book creates and then you connect to characters that you never imagined yourself connecting with. Because when it all comes down to it. We are all human. And we all yearn to feel.
And, in my opinion, Thea captures that so perfectly with this book. You have super lovable side characters. And you have trauma and grief, but you also have immeasurable growth and love. And the writing? Just out of this world funny and heart pulling.
Did I mention the book is pink? Because, to me, that’s such an important factor.
I grew as a person reading this book and that’s such an incredible thing for an author to have the ability to do.
With that said, my notes commentary on this book was completely unhinged. And the fmc will have you on your knees FOR HER. She is so confident and empowering and lovable and just everything.
I also just appreciated everything topic that Thea touched on in this book and how beautiful and real it was addressed.
Absolutely a 5 ⭐️ read for me 👏🏻
September 13, 2024
ARC read I was hooked from the beginning it’s well written thanks for sharing your book with me.
October 2, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
It’s no surprise that I’m a sucker for a brother’s best friend’s romance and this didn’t disappoint and was so hot, so spicy, I almost threw my Kindle because I was blushing HARD! 🥵😂
Thea didn’t come to play when it came to Imogen and Roman, they were both so very different and yet, fit so seamlessly together.
Roman is a professor at the university in Emerald Bay, where Imogen has just landed a TA position, whilst also working towards her own PhD. They really tried to fight their feelings in the beginning, after they had matched on a dating app, specifically designed to match you based on your kinks and subsequently, shared a steamy night together, only to discover that they’re not only working together, but Roman is her older brother’s best friend.
I really liked the whole kink exploration, especially on Roman’s part, as he was the inexperienced one and I felt like it wasn’t overwhelming either. I was WHOLLY unprepared for Imogen being a domme, and I LOVED IT 😻 we need more female doms in books, it’s so underrated!
The journey of grief is not linear and Thea done an exceptional job of portraying that in both Imogen and Roman’s characters, alongside the mental health rep, especially with Imogen’s ADHD.
I loved all the side characters, too, especially Logan and Frankie, I can’t wait for more to come from the Emerald Bay series! Thank you so, so much Thea for the arc, I really had the best time and can’t wait for everyone to Swipe Right with Imogen and Roman’s story!
Tropes
💝 age gap (17 years)
💝 brother’s best friend
💝 forbidden romance
💝 professor/ teaching assistant
💝 adhd and mental health rep
It’s no surprise that I’m a sucker for a brother’s best friend’s romance and this didn’t disappoint and was so hot, so spicy, I almost threw my Kindle because I was blushing HARD! 🥵😂
Thea didn’t come to play when it came to Imogen and Roman, they were both so very different and yet, fit so seamlessly together.
Roman is a professor at the university in Emerald Bay, where Imogen has just landed a TA position, whilst also working towards her own PhD. They really tried to fight their feelings in the beginning, after they had matched on a dating app, specifically designed to match you based on your kinks and subsequently, shared a steamy night together, only to discover that they’re not only working together, but Roman is her older brother’s best friend.
I really liked the whole kink exploration, especially on Roman’s part, as he was the inexperienced one and I felt like it wasn’t overwhelming either. I was WHOLLY unprepared for Imogen being a domme, and I LOVED IT 😻 we need more female doms in books, it’s so underrated!
The journey of grief is not linear and Thea done an exceptional job of portraying that in both Imogen and Roman’s characters, alongside the mental health rep, especially with Imogen’s ADHD.
I loved all the side characters, too, especially Logan and Frankie, I can’t wait for more to come from the Emerald Bay series! Thank you so, so much Thea for the arc, I really had the best time and can’t wait for everyone to Swipe Right with Imogen and Roman’s story!
Tropes
💝 age gap (17 years)
💝 brother’s best friend
💝 forbidden romance
💝 professor/ teaching assistant
💝 adhd and mental health rep
October 1, 2024
I have been a binge reader for over 3 years and I have read some kinky stuff- queue in Nikki Sloane books and I am rarely rattled or I rarely feel hot because of a book but OMG this book!! I was blushing, sweating and squirming all the same time.
The premise of the book was so good with a kink app being a new thing but the professor TA thing never gets old and is hot hot always.
I liked how they could be bold yet vulnerable with each other at the same time and could understand each other's need and want.
This story is hot, needy, sweet and emotional in its own ways and I enjoyed it thoroughly.
The premise of the book was so good with a kink app being a new thing but the professor TA thing never gets old and is hot hot always.
I liked how they could be bold yet vulnerable with each other at the same time and could understand each other's need and want.
This story is hot, needy, sweet and emotional in its own ways and I enjoyed it thoroughly.
October 6, 2024
5/5 stars
i devoured this in one day so idk what that tells you about this book but i loved it sooo much.
Roman is my fav cowboy professor 🤭
i devoured this in one day so idk what that tells you about this book but i loved it sooo much.
Roman is my fav cowboy professor 🤭
January 27, 2025
I was just supposed to be reading a smutty romance, NOT UGLY CRYING
this was so freaking good and I related to Imogen SO MUCH! I want to be her friend 😭 Her and Roman are absolutely perfect and the 3rd act breakup was so rough but also so freaking relatable. Please give me more books with dominant ladies!!
this was so freaking good and I related to Imogen SO MUCH! I want to be her friend 😭 Her and Roman are absolutely perfect and the 3rd act breakup was so rough but also so freaking relatable. Please give me more books with dominant ladies!!
January 13, 2025
Thea knocked it out the park with this one! It was so incredibly tender, smart, moving, and sexy. I l laughed and cried and blushed. Imogen Flynn is a PHD candidate looking to forge her way in the academic world against her father and brother's shadows while grappling with her father's death. Roman Burke is sociology professor struggling to thrive and find his passion the loss of his wife and the discovery that she was hiding her depression. They meet on a kink app unaware that Iggy is slated to be his new TA.
This story absolutely blew me away and will be on my mind for ages to come. Woven in with the incredible chemistry (like the kind that leaves your cheeks aching from smiling so much) and sexy play, I saw stunning examples of grief, personal exploration, and what it means to heal and let someone in…to trust them. How Thea had me blushing at a fun remote-control scene and sobbing over depictions of grief in one book is beyond me. It is wholly intimate and beautiful and reevaluating my preconceived notions on so many things and characters. To top it off, the whole cast was absolutely HILARIOUS. The physical comedy in here had me cackling constantly. Grief, mental health, süicide, adhd, and so many other things see handled so incredibly well. Infinity stars!!!
Iggy and Roman forever!
This story absolutely blew me away and will be on my mind for ages to come. Woven in with the incredible chemistry (like the kind that leaves your cheeks aching from smiling so much) and sexy play, I saw stunning examples of grief, personal exploration, and what it means to heal and let someone in…to trust them. How Thea had me blushing at a fun remote-control scene and sobbing over depictions of grief in one book is beyond me. It is wholly intimate and beautiful and reevaluating my preconceived notions on so many things and characters. To top it off, the whole cast was absolutely HILARIOUS. The physical comedy in here had me cackling constantly. Grief, mental health, süicide, adhd, and so many other things see handled so incredibly well. Infinity stars!!!
Iggy and Roman forever!
May 3, 2025
This is one of those books where everyone gives it a 4 or 5 star rating, and I feel like I'm generously giving it a 1. Holy fight to keep reading it.
Omg this book was a headache. It was too much tossed together.
Girl with ADHD
Girl with ADHD moves to small town
Girl with ADHD falls for her college professor
College professor is much older
College professor also happens to be a cowboy....so random.... and only a tiny part of the story!
College professor also happens to be girls brother's best friend.
College professor and girl start a secret relationship.
Girl is researching and writing her PHD on the kink scene.....WHUT?.
Dad dies by assisted suicide.
His wife dies.
Their deaths are randomly thrown in here and there so they can relate and comfort one another, but it never goes into detail.
............I could go on, but my head currently hurts too bad from this stupid book.
The end. Not worth it.
Omg this book was a headache. It was too much tossed together.
Girl with ADHD
Girl with ADHD moves to small town
Girl with ADHD falls for her college professor
College professor is much older
College professor also happens to be a cowboy....so random.... and only a tiny part of the story!
College professor also happens to be girls brother's best friend.
College professor and girl start a secret relationship.
Girl is researching and writing her PHD on the kink scene.....WHUT?.
Dad dies by assisted suicide.
His wife dies.
Their deaths are randomly thrown in here and there so they can relate and comfort one another, but it never goes into detail.
............I could go on, but my head currently hurts too bad from this stupid book.
The end. Not worth it.
January 30, 2025
one star is too much
January 15, 2025
Yes please professor
What do you do when you match with a hot, older guy on a kink app, hit it off immediately, have a wild, hot steamy night, then get introduced to him as not only your brothers best friend but the professor you’re going to be TA’ing for making him your boss….. kind of hard to separate that mental imagine with the one of him on his knees as you made him beg to like a good boy to please you….
The FMC Iggy is a young, unashamedly kink loving, strong willed woman who while completing her PHD is working as a TA for one of her brothers best friends and work colleagues.
Shame that the hot profesor and older MMC Roman who is learning that he has a good boy and FemDom kink had to have that experience with his friend’s little sister….
Can they keep their hands to themselves, their one night secret, or to just one night.
I really enjoyed this book, I loved the exploration of kink’s, not only from a strong FMC but from a switch and submissive MMC, not something you get to read about often but very hot!🔥
Roman is struggling with grief, Izzy is struggling with trying to have her life feel like she’s got it together especially compared to her ‘very got it together professor and house owning brother’
Neither is looking for more but when you meet someone who you hit it off with so easily, who doesn’t judge but supports both publicly and personally, can you really stay as FWB’s when your heart was in it from the start.
I really enjoyed this book, I enjoyed the characters and the banter with the side characters, it was like being in the middle of a friend group whose love language was gentle mocking each other.
The only reason this didn’t get a 5⭐️ from me was personally, although I understood the ADHD aspect it at times felt a little disconnected and had random actions thrown in as ADHD but weren’t really relevant to that paragraph or sentence at the time. ‘She forgot her keys, in a rush to go out’ yes I know that can be ADHD but also, who hasn’t prepping for a night out 🤣.
The only other aspect for me, I know the plot was academia, she’s getting her PHD, brother, MMC, friends, all in academia, but aspects of lectures or teachings were a little too heavy on that side for me personally and could have been skipped without affecting the overall plot and felt more like filler. That is a very personal preference though, not to detract from the book itself.
I really enjoyed this book, I loved seeing a man on his knees who also loved every second!
4⭐️3.5🌶️
What do you do when you match with a hot, older guy on a kink app, hit it off immediately, have a wild, hot steamy night, then get introduced to him as not only your brothers best friend but the professor you’re going to be TA’ing for making him your boss….. kind of hard to separate that mental imagine with the one of him on his knees as you made him beg to like a good boy to please you….
The FMC Iggy is a young, unashamedly kink loving, strong willed woman who while completing her PHD is working as a TA for one of her brothers best friends and work colleagues.
Shame that the hot profesor and older MMC Roman who is learning that he has a good boy and FemDom kink had to have that experience with his friend’s little sister….
Can they keep their hands to themselves, their one night secret, or to just one night.
I really enjoyed this book, I loved the exploration of kink’s, not only from a strong FMC but from a switch and submissive MMC, not something you get to read about often but very hot!🔥
Roman is struggling with grief, Izzy is struggling with trying to have her life feel like she’s got it together especially compared to her ‘very got it together professor and house owning brother’
Neither is looking for more but when you meet someone who you hit it off with so easily, who doesn’t judge but supports both publicly and personally, can you really stay as FWB’s when your heart was in it from the start.
I really enjoyed this book, I enjoyed the characters and the banter with the side characters, it was like being in the middle of a friend group whose love language was gentle mocking each other.
The only reason this didn’t get a 5⭐️ from me was personally, although I understood the ADHD aspect it at times felt a little disconnected and had random actions thrown in as ADHD but weren’t really relevant to that paragraph or sentence at the time. ‘She forgot her keys, in a rush to go out’ yes I know that can be ADHD but also, who hasn’t prepping for a night out 🤣.
The only other aspect for me, I know the plot was academia, she’s getting her PHD, brother, MMC, friends, all in academia, but aspects of lectures or teachings were a little too heavy on that side for me personally and could have been skipped without affecting the overall plot and felt more like filler. That is a very personal preference though, not to detract from the book itself.
I really enjoyed this book, I loved seeing a man on his knees who also loved every second!
4⭐️3.5🌶️
December 15, 2024
Definitely Swipe Right!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥🔥🔥
Swipe Right is the first book in the Emerald Bay series by Thea Lawrence. Written in a dual POV, tropes include: age-gap, brother’s best friend, and professor/student along with BDSM representation.
We first meet Imogen Flynn in New York City on the eve of her departure. Imogen has been awarded a fellowship for a doctorate in Sociology at Emerald Bay University in Washington State. Coincidentally, EBU is where here older brother Logan, is a faculty member. Anxious, and still without a place to live in Washington, Imogen finally swallows her pride and asks her brother if she can stay with him while attending school, to which he excitedly agrees.
Enter Roman Burke, Sociology professor at Emerald Bay University, depressed, grieving widower. Roman has pushed everyone away in the last two years since his wife took her own life. However after a particularly intense conversation with his friend and department chair, decides to download a new dating app in order to explore the BDSM scene and a means of hopefully breaking out of his grief.
Once in Emerald Bay, and before classes start, Imogen decides to go out for a night of no strings attached fun in Seattle. Using her favorite BDSM dating app, she matches with “Henry” who is new to the scene. Enticed by his faceless profile picture, Imogen AKA “Jade” (for the purposes of the app) swipes right on “Henry” and they arrange to meet.
Effortless conversation and instant chemistry between “Henry” and “Jade” eventually explode into a face meltingly hot motel tryst. The two continue to chat on the app after their date and both have every intention of meeting again. Inconveniently, fate has another plan and shortly thereafter Imogen & Roman are thrust into a new reality in which they discover (at a “welcome to the department” party) that Roman is in fact Imogen’s brother Logan’s best friend and colleague. To make matters worse, Imogen has been set to TA for Roman. From there, the real fun begins.
Additional points of interest are, neurodiversity representation done accurately and with sensitivity. As well as careful, thoughtful attention paid to descriptions of grief and depression.
From fabulous character and plot development, to an incredibly satisfying spice level, Lawrence does everything right. Swipe Right is a must read!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥🔥🔥
Swipe Right is the first book in the Emerald Bay series by Thea Lawrence. Written in a dual POV, tropes include: age-gap, brother’s best friend, and professor/student along with BDSM representation.
We first meet Imogen Flynn in New York City on the eve of her departure. Imogen has been awarded a fellowship for a doctorate in Sociology at Emerald Bay University in Washington State. Coincidentally, EBU is where here older brother Logan, is a faculty member. Anxious, and still without a place to live in Washington, Imogen finally swallows her pride and asks her brother if she can stay with him while attending school, to which he excitedly agrees.
Enter Roman Burke, Sociology professor at Emerald Bay University, depressed, grieving widower. Roman has pushed everyone away in the last two years since his wife took her own life. However after a particularly intense conversation with his friend and department chair, decides to download a new dating app in order to explore the BDSM scene and a means of hopefully breaking out of his grief.
Once in Emerald Bay, and before classes start, Imogen decides to go out for a night of no strings attached fun in Seattle. Using her favorite BDSM dating app, she matches with “Henry” who is new to the scene. Enticed by his faceless profile picture, Imogen AKA “Jade” (for the purposes of the app) swipes right on “Henry” and they arrange to meet.
Effortless conversation and instant chemistry between “Henry” and “Jade” eventually explode into a face meltingly hot motel tryst. The two continue to chat on the app after their date and both have every intention of meeting again. Inconveniently, fate has another plan and shortly thereafter Imogen & Roman are thrust into a new reality in which they discover (at a “welcome to the department” party) that Roman is in fact Imogen’s brother Logan’s best friend and colleague. To make matters worse, Imogen has been set to TA for Roman. From there, the real fun begins.
Additional points of interest are, neurodiversity representation done accurately and with sensitivity. As well as careful, thoughtful attention paid to descriptions of grief and depression.
From fabulous character and plot development, to an incredibly satisfying spice level, Lawrence does everything right. Swipe Right is a must read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
Enter Imogen doing her PhD in kink; we love kink, we love women, we love women in STEM.
This was a super easy read, and binged it in like, a day? As indicated from BookTok, swipe right is a spicy story that introduces kink and how it helps bring together and heal two people struggling to pick up their lives after facing personal tragedies regarding loss, and suicide. So we are getting some sentimental sprinkles in an otherwise spicy book.
Things of note:
This is the first spicy book I’ve written in which both characters intentionally switch dom/sub roles in the bedroom. Must say was quite new to me, albeit refreshing to see our girl take charge. Imogen is a sweetheart and I’m happy that she knows how to take what she wants.
Usually the brothers in a brothers-best-friend storyline are insufferable, overprotective, hypocrites, but I actually LOVE our FMCs brother. You’ll love him too, such a golden retriever.
I was a bit confused at the need to make our character have ADHD? The author mentions in their note that they themselves had AuADHD, and as a woman in academia herself she could relate to moments our FMC faced. However, despite the book having took place over months, there was very little fleshing out of the actual manifestation of her diagnoses besides the occasional “I had a panic attack once” and “I know I’m supposed to do this one paper but I can’t focus cuz this man is sexting me to distraction”. As someone with ADHD and who works with children with exceptionalities, I love representation in books! I just felt that this fell a bit flat in this regard.
Lastly I LOVE the depiction of support systems in this book. The friend group here is top-tier. Logan, Frankie, Abi, Piper and Jay— never a dull moment. Just wait until you get to their epic twister showdown. I loved that even though this spicy secret romance was held over the span of months, no one was holding a massive unnecessary grudge for being kept out of the loop. Nothing pisses me off more, than characters who claim to love their friends but then begrudge them for living their lives the best way they thought they could— even if it meant they weren’t clued in. Be empathetic, be understanding, be a friend. AND THEY DID. I love that.
Enter Imogen doing her PhD in kink; we love kink, we love women, we love women in STEM.
This was a super easy read, and binged it in like, a day? As indicated from BookTok, swipe right is a spicy story that introduces kink and how it helps bring together and heal two people struggling to pick up their lives after facing personal tragedies regarding loss, and suicide. So we are getting some sentimental sprinkles in an otherwise spicy book.
Things of note:
This is the first spicy book I’ve written in which both characters intentionally switch dom/sub roles in the bedroom. Must say was quite new to me, albeit refreshing to see our girl take charge. Imogen is a sweetheart and I’m happy that she knows how to take what she wants.
Usually the brothers in a brothers-best-friend storyline are insufferable, overprotective, hypocrites, but I actually LOVE our FMCs brother. You’ll love him too, such a golden retriever.
I was a bit confused at the need to make our character have ADHD? The author mentions in their note that they themselves had AuADHD, and as a woman in academia herself she could relate to moments our FMC faced. However, despite the book having took place over months, there was very little fleshing out of the actual manifestation of her diagnoses besides the occasional “I had a panic attack once” and “I know I’m supposed to do this one paper but I can’t focus cuz this man is sexting me to distraction”. As someone with ADHD and who works with children with exceptionalities, I love representation in books! I just felt that this fell a bit flat in this regard.
Lastly I LOVE the depiction of support systems in this book. The friend group here is top-tier. Logan, Frankie, Abi, Piper and Jay— never a dull moment. Just wait until you get to their epic twister showdown. I loved that even though this spicy secret romance was held over the span of months, no one was holding a massive unnecessary grudge for being kept out of the loop. Nothing pisses me off more, than characters who claim to love their friends but then begrudge them for living their lives the best way they thought they could— even if it meant they weren’t clued in. Be empathetic, be understanding, be a friend. AND THEY DID. I love that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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