What do you think?
Rate this book
Straighten Up and Swipe Right
Laura Henderson already has two loves in her her cat, and her ever-increasing shoe collection. Three, if you include her best friend Martyn. But, as Martyn's wedding day approaches, Laura starts to think it might be nice to have someone to snuggle up to on those cold Mancunian nights. Join her as she enters the farcical, and occasionally disastrous, world of online dating. Is she destined to be the crazy cat lady with the nice shoes, or will she find her Mr Swipe Right?
381 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2020
3 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Lu Etchells
6 books55 followersLu Etchells was born in London, grew up in Essex and has been gradually travelling further north since turning 18. Having lived in Stoke on Trent, then Greater Manchester she now resides in East Lancs with her husband, a pack of tiny humans, 3 dogs, 2 cats, a gaggle of rodents, a python and two giant African land snails called Shepherd and Sloan.
She does her best thinking in the shower or whilst driving, and her best writing on the dining room table, accompanied by a cold glass of Pinot.
Following her dream of being a full-time writer, Lu has published various short stories and released her first full length novel in March 2018.
You can keep up to date with all the latest Luisms and news at www.luetchells.com
www.amazon.com/author/luetchells
She does her best thinking in the shower or whilst driving, and her best writing on the dining room table, accompanied by a cold glass of Pinot.
Following her dream of being a full-time writer, Lu has published various short stories and released her first full length novel in March 2018.
You can keep up to date with all the latest Luisms and news at www.luetchells.com
www.amazon.com/author/luetchells
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 19, 2020
Wow what can I say I think everyone needs a little bit of Lu Etchells and her wonderful book straighten up and swipe right now. This was an amazing book and far more than ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. If like me you have dabbled in the world of online dating then you will have experienced an Alan or two and experienced the many quirky things and complexities online dating might bring and Lu has brought this to live in her book. Full of humour happiness friendship and hope for the future that everyone will find their mr right eventually.
I could relate to Laura with her love of shoes and the part in the book describing this which I won’t detail here in case of spoilers really struck a chord with me. I felt at various points that I was Laura on her journey and was actually in the room with her and felt her moments of love and disappointment along side her. I also have people coming to my house without warning so I am with her on that one too.
I absolutely loved the dedication to the fabulous admins and other members of the fiction cafe in the back and shed a tear at 4am this morning when I finished reading this book which helped me through my steroid induced insomnia.
Thank you so so much Lu for such a wonderful book that has helped to brighten up a difficult week and put a smile on my face.
Lu Etchells straighten up and swipe right
book blurb
Laura Henderson already has two loves in her life: her cat, and her ever-increasing shoe collection. Three, if you include her best friend Martyn.
But, as Martyn's wedding day approaches, Laura starts to think it might be nice to have someone to snuggle up to on those cold Mancunian nights.
Join her as she enters the farcical, and occasionally disastrous, world of online dating. Is she destined to be the crazy cat lady with the nice shoes, or will she find her Mr Swipe Right?
I could relate to Laura with her love of shoes and the part in the book describing this which I won’t detail here in case of spoilers really struck a chord with me. I felt at various points that I was Laura on her journey and was actually in the room with her and felt her moments of love and disappointment along side her. I also have people coming to my house without warning so I am with her on that one too.
I absolutely loved the dedication to the fabulous admins and other members of the fiction cafe in the back and shed a tear at 4am this morning when I finished reading this book which helped me through my steroid induced insomnia.
Thank you so so much Lu for such a wonderful book that has helped to brighten up a difficult week and put a smile on my face.
Lu Etchells straighten up and swipe right
book blurb
Laura Henderson already has two loves in her life: her cat, and her ever-increasing shoe collection. Three, if you include her best friend Martyn.
But, as Martyn's wedding day approaches, Laura starts to think it might be nice to have someone to snuggle up to on those cold Mancunian nights.
Join her as she enters the farcical, and occasionally disastrous, world of online dating. Is she destined to be the crazy cat lady with the nice shoes, or will she find her Mr Swipe Right?
February 24, 2020
Can I somehow give a lot of stars to this book because it literally made my day today?
Dear Lu Etchells thank you sooo much for writing this brilliantly written book, full of laughter, likeness, imaginable situations and a well - round up ending!
Your non-subtle mention of the reading group (which I am proud to say I am a member of ☺️) in the book is awesome! 🤣 You put a smile on my face with every paragraph and you described the sadness of loosing something /someone so well that I went down my memory lose lane where I concluded that I felt exactly like that.
I vivedly could see Laura, the main character, in search of love via dating apps while dealing with all her emotions whilst her best friend is getting married and her beloved cat is getting older. Your descriptions and writing are so meticulous that it felt like watching a great women movie full of laughter and sympathising.
I am so glad that I met my husband the old fashioned way even though I fall under the millennial category. 😂
The thing that I loved the most is the fast pace of the book with just enough words in every chapter that don't allow you to put down the book even for one moment.
A fabulous book that I truly recommend reading because of the great feeling you have whilst reading it.
Dear Lu Etchells thank you sooo much for writing this brilliantly written book, full of laughter, likeness, imaginable situations and a well - round up ending!
Your non-subtle mention of the reading group (which I am proud to say I am a member of ☺️) in the book is awesome! 🤣 You put a smile on my face with every paragraph and you described the sadness of loosing something /someone so well that I went down my memory lose lane where I concluded that I felt exactly like that.
I vivedly could see Laura, the main character, in search of love via dating apps while dealing with all her emotions whilst her best friend is getting married and her beloved cat is getting older. Your descriptions and writing are so meticulous that it felt like watching a great women movie full of laughter and sympathising.
I am so glad that I met my husband the old fashioned way even though I fall under the millennial category. 😂
The thing that I loved the most is the fast pace of the book with just enough words in every chapter that don't allow you to put down the book even for one moment.
A fabulous book that I truly recommend reading because of the great feeling you have whilst reading it.
March 13, 2020
I don’t normally read women’s fiction but have to admit that the rare ones I do read I always enjoy.
This was just hilarious. I think it’s because the humour is so similar to mine so I could relate to all the quips of Laura’s personality. I’m basically Laura! I hate unexpected visitors, I love books and relate to her on so many levels. Like her bra! Yes I whip mine off too when I’m home for the night! ... Apart from shoes, because I only own a pair of walking boots, pumps and three pairs of smart shoes, one pair don’t fit because my feet got fat!
Anyway, I digress!
This beautiful story had so much touching elements and humour, I was literally laughing out loud! I cried, chuckled, winced and nodded in agreement.
Lu Etchells has a unique writing style, like a new friend is telling you their life story. So different to other women’s fiction I’ve read, yet even though I mostly read thrillers I was kept engrossed throughout from when I started the first chapter.
I can thoroughly recommend this if you need a giggle and want cheering up! Those serious chapters, are just poetic and fantastically heart warming with the familiarity of a best friend.
This was just hilarious. I think it’s because the humour is so similar to mine so I could relate to all the quips of Laura’s personality. I’m basically Laura! I hate unexpected visitors, I love books and relate to her on so many levels. Like her bra! Yes I whip mine off too when I’m home for the night! ... Apart from shoes, because I only own a pair of walking boots, pumps and three pairs of smart shoes, one pair don’t fit because my feet got fat!
Anyway, I digress!
This beautiful story had so much touching elements and humour, I was literally laughing out loud! I cried, chuckled, winced and nodded in agreement.
Lu Etchells has a unique writing style, like a new friend is telling you their life story. So different to other women’s fiction I’ve read, yet even though I mostly read thrillers I was kept engrossed throughout from when I started the first chapter.
I can thoroughly recommend this if you need a giggle and want cheering up! Those serious chapters, are just poetic and fantastically heart warming with the familiarity of a best friend.
February 17, 2020
There is so much I could say about this book!! As soon as it was available for pre-order, I got my copy without even reading the blurb. After Lus incredible debut, I already knew I would want to read this too. I was not disappointed at all! I loved it from the first page, all the way through to the last. I picked it up at every opportunity I could get.
The book focuses on Laura and her unlucky, but hilarious, love life. I say hilarious because that's exactly what this book is. I laughed too many times to count and read the majority of it with a smile on my face. Laura is a fantastic character and I loved how much of the author is shown through her, with her humour and the shoes!
There is only a handful of books that have really made me cry and this is now one of them. To be able to bring out such an emotion in someone is, for me, a sign of an incredible writer.
Well done Lu!! Bring on book 3!!
The book focuses on Laura and her unlucky, but hilarious, love life. I say hilarious because that's exactly what this book is. I laughed too many times to count and read the majority of it with a smile on my face. Laura is a fantastic character and I loved how much of the author is shown through her, with her humour and the shoes!
There is only a handful of books that have really made me cry and this is now one of them. To be able to bring out such an emotion in someone is, for me, a sign of an incredible writer.
Well done Lu!! Bring on book 3!!
February 21, 2020
I really enjoyed this book by Lu Etchells. It took me a couple of chapters to get into her writing style. It actually reminded me of Fleabag in the way that the main character, Laura, tells her story as if having a chat to the reader. I felt like Laura was one of my friends
There were plenty of laugh out loud moments as Laura blunders from one dating disaster to another. Disasters that mostly seem to stem from her alcohol consumption, hey we've all been there. There were also heartfelt moments with her cat Mr B, where I cried a lot.
So this book has everything you need for an enjoyable romantic comedy. My only criticism is I would have liked a little more at the end as I felt the story ended abruptly. Maybe I just wasn't ready to leave these characters behind and wanted just that little bit more.
The little bonus story at the end was good too.
There were plenty of laugh out loud moments as Laura blunders from one dating disaster to another. Disasters that mostly seem to stem from her alcohol consumption, hey we've all been there. There were also heartfelt moments with her cat Mr B, where I cried a lot.
So this book has everything you need for an enjoyable romantic comedy. My only criticism is I would have liked a little more at the end as I felt the story ended abruptly. Maybe I just wasn't ready to leave these characters behind and wanted just that little bit more.
The little bonus story at the end was good too.
March 18, 2020
Wow what can I say about this wonderful book. What an amazing author, thank you Lu for writing this hilariously funny, sad in parts, romantic and feel good book. It covers so much and it's such an ace book to read.
My favourite parts were the relationship change between Martyn and Laura, Laura becoming friends with Alice and The sense of pride you get when you read about what Laura wrote in her Best woman speech. Favourite line was When Martyn was saying his vows he says "my lawfully wedded Penguin" (he has tourettes for anyone reading this that hasn't read it)
I also loved/felt sick when Mr B was chewing on Alan's finger. Let's face it he was annoying but I was imagining one of my cats doing the same and I'd probably puke.
Thank you again Lu, fantastic book
My favourite parts were the relationship change between Martyn and Laura, Laura becoming friends with Alice and The sense of pride you get when you read about what Laura wrote in her Best woman speech. Favourite line was When Martyn was saying his vows he says "my lawfully wedded Penguin" (he has tourettes for anyone reading this that hasn't read it)
I also loved/felt sick when Mr B was chewing on Alan's finger. Let's face it he was annoying but I was imagining one of my cats doing the same and I'd probably puke.
Thank you again Lu, fantastic book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2020
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Literally just finished this book (and the little bonus story at the end) and I absolutely loved it. It is absolutely laugh out loud funny, while at other times being painstakingly sad. Laura is a wonderful character, and I felt as if I knew her. The dating mishaps are just wonderful and I defy anyone to read this book and not love it.
Literally just finished this book (and the little bonus story at the end) and I absolutely loved it. It is absolutely laugh out loud funny, while at other times being painstakingly sad. Laura is a wonderful character, and I felt as if I knew her. The dating mishaps are just wonderful and I defy anyone to read this book and not love it.
February 26, 2020
It's my first time reading anything by Lu Etchells and what a book to start with, it's funny, bitter sweet, nostalgic and had me crying in certain parts. I'm just sorry that it took me so long to get around to reading her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2020
Not my thing
November 27, 2020
Loved this book. New author, check her out
December 1, 2024
Brilliant
One of the best books I've read in a while, had me laughing out loud and bawling my eyes out. Just brilliant x
One of the best books I've read in a while, had me laughing out loud and bawling my eyes out. Just brilliant x
February 16, 2020
What better way to spend a Sunday than sat on the sofa with this absolute masterpiece of a book!
As soon as I saw Lu Etchells was bringing this out, I pre ordered it straight away purely because, after reading When All That’s Left Is Hope, I just knew this would be another outstanding read.... and I certainly was not wrong.
From the minute I picked this book up, I knew I would have to clear my day of anything I had planned because there was no way I would be able to leave this book unattended.
The way Lu has wrote this book is absolutely brilliant. I felt like I was Laura’s best friend and was living the story with her as it unfolded. The humour in this book is absolutely second to none and at times left me with tears rolling down my face and my sides absolutely aching! The way Lu describes and explains what is going on is so clear and precise that it feels like you are in that very situation with the characters, and that for me is a talent beyond belief. As you read this book you can see and feel the authors personality shine through.... and also her own love of shoes! Please, please, when you see the shoes mentioned, google them to see what they are.... the wedding shoes are absolutely bang on to the story and brought tears to my eyes.
This story gave me many, many highs, but also brought me the ultimate low. The sign of excellence in an author, for me, is being able to change a persons emotions with the story and Lu hits the nail on the head with the storyline of Mr B. This part absolutely floored me, but was written so beautifully. It actually left me speechless.
I salute you Mrs Etchells on yet another amazing book ❤️
As soon as I saw Lu Etchells was bringing this out, I pre ordered it straight away purely because, after reading When All That’s Left Is Hope, I just knew this would be another outstanding read.... and I certainly was not wrong.
From the minute I picked this book up, I knew I would have to clear my day of anything I had planned because there was no way I would be able to leave this book unattended.
The way Lu has wrote this book is absolutely brilliant. I felt like I was Laura’s best friend and was living the story with her as it unfolded. The humour in this book is absolutely second to none and at times left me with tears rolling down my face and my sides absolutely aching! The way Lu describes and explains what is going on is so clear and precise that it feels like you are in that very situation with the characters, and that for me is a talent beyond belief. As you read this book you can see and feel the authors personality shine through.... and also her own love of shoes! Please, please, when you see the shoes mentioned, google them to see what they are.... the wedding shoes are absolutely bang on to the story and brought tears to my eyes.
This story gave me many, many highs, but also brought me the ultimate low. The sign of excellence in an author, for me, is being able to change a persons emotions with the story and Lu hits the nail on the head with the storyline of Mr B. This part absolutely floored me, but was written so beautifully. It actually left me speechless.
I salute you Mrs Etchells on yet another amazing book ❤️
February 18, 2020
Absolutely brilliant, thank you for the beautiful distraction x
After reading endless doom and gloom all over Facebook and the Internet, I needed something to focus my mind on and cheer me up!
I started reading this Sunday night and I have just finished it.
At first I was a bit apprehensive and wasn't sure if it was my kind of book, but I soon found out that it was exactly my kind of book and I simply could not put it down.
I laughed out loud at 2am this morning and then felt guilty for laughing at some parts that probably were not really supposed to be funny, well in the real world they wouldn't be funny but this amazing author made me see the funny side.
I found myself talking to the book a few times when I worked out a few things.
This book was most definitely a beautiful and most welcome distraction from the real world, I found myself lost deep within it and loved every moment.
Lu, I blame you for my only 5 hours of sleep last night (well technically this morning) but at the same time I thank you for giving me the wonderful opportunity to read such a well written that was impossible to put down.
Thank you for being you, don't ever change and please don't ever stop writing x
After reading endless doom and gloom all over Facebook and the Internet, I needed something to focus my mind on and cheer me up!
I started reading this Sunday night and I have just finished it.
At first I was a bit apprehensive and wasn't sure if it was my kind of book, but I soon found out that it was exactly my kind of book and I simply could not put it down.
I laughed out loud at 2am this morning and then felt guilty for laughing at some parts that probably were not really supposed to be funny, well in the real world they wouldn't be funny but this amazing author made me see the funny side.
I found myself talking to the book a few times when I worked out a few things.
This book was most definitely a beautiful and most welcome distraction from the real world, I found myself lost deep within it and loved every moment.
Lu, I blame you for my only 5 hours of sleep last night (well technically this morning) but at the same time I thank you for giving me the wonderful opportunity to read such a well written that was impossible to put down.
Thank you for being you, don't ever change and please don't ever stop writing x
March 13, 2020
This is the first book I have read by Lu. And after accomplishing many emotions other authors failed with it certainly will not be my last.
I am considering billing her with buying me new clothes. This is due to the fact she made me pee my pants with laughter, and she made me ugly cry to the point my mascara (waterproof, I want a refund) has stained my top!
This book is just simply stunning. There is no other way to describe it. It is hilariously funny at the points that we all as humans can relate to and heartbreaking in the points us humans have probably loved through ourselves. I will recommend this book for years to come for anyone that needs a good pick me up or a good cry!
Amazing Lu, keep them coming!!!
I am considering billing her with buying me new clothes. This is due to the fact she made me pee my pants with laughter, and she made me ugly cry to the point my mascara (waterproof, I want a refund) has stained my top!
This book is just simply stunning. There is no other way to describe it. It is hilariously funny at the points that we all as humans can relate to and heartbreaking in the points us humans have probably loved through ourselves. I will recommend this book for years to come for anyone that needs a good pick me up or a good cry!
Amazing Lu, keep them coming!!!
March 14, 2020
A book for all emotions: crying, laughing, hiccuping included
What a fabulous book! So very easy to read and enjoy. Laura is a wonderful character and you will soon want her to be your friend. I do hope this is the first of many stories as Laura deserves her own series. Through the book, we feel every bump in the road to meet her Mr Right. We laugh a lot at the scrapes she finds herself in, or rather puts herself in... we end up crying a lot too as she loses someone close to her. It’s a modern day romance with all its pitfalls and it is wonderfully written. Enjoy everyone x
What a fabulous book! So very easy to read and enjoy. Laura is a wonderful character and you will soon want her to be your friend. I do hope this is the first of many stories as Laura deserves her own series. Through the book, we feel every bump in the road to meet her Mr Right. We laugh a lot at the scrapes she finds herself in, or rather puts herself in... we end up crying a lot too as she loses someone close to her. It’s a modern day romance with all its pitfalls and it is wonderfully written. Enjoy everyone x
March 12, 2020
I've just finished this book in a day and have to say its the easiest 5 stars I've awarded in a while.
Straighten Up and Swipe Right is the Minke to my Penguin. I will be buying myself a hard copy ❤️🐧
For the majority of the book my stomach hurt from laughing so much. I read it through type #79 rain on the school run because I just could not put it down and then I cried until there was snot. I am not ready for this book to have ended, I miss my own Mr B and I absolutely love Laura. Lu you are a genius. Thank you, I loved Every Single Word ❤️❤️
I cannot recommend this book enough.
Straighten Up and Swipe Right is the Minke to my Penguin. I will be buying myself a hard copy ❤️🐧
For the majority of the book my stomach hurt from laughing so much. I read it through type #79 rain on the school run because I just could not put it down and then I cried until there was snot. I am not ready for this book to have ended, I miss my own Mr B and I absolutely love Laura. Lu you are a genius. Thank you, I loved Every Single Word ❤️❤️
I cannot recommend this book enough.
February 26, 2020
Such a brilliant book!
It has everything!
Humour, quirkiness, emotional moments, fantastic characters and twists you don’t see coming!
I loved the character of Laura, you just can’t help liking her and laughing at her escapades! Her love life certainly has it’s fair share of comic moments! Her sense of fun and humour definitely is a positive thing, as is her loyalty to her best friend Martyn, who also is so very likeable!
A really positive read that had me chuckling out loud!
It has everything!
Humour, quirkiness, emotional moments, fantastic characters and twists you don’t see coming!
I loved the character of Laura, you just can’t help liking her and laughing at her escapades! Her love life certainly has it’s fair share of comic moments! Her sense of fun and humour definitely is a positive thing, as is her loyalty to her best friend Martyn, who also is so very likeable!
A really positive read that had me chuckling out loud!
February 28, 2020
After hearing such wonderful things about this book I can confirm that I was not disappointed. This was a fantastic, hilarious read that gave me so many laughs throughout while still delivering a powerful message. This was brilliantly written and I absolutely throughly enjoyed it the humour! This book is my penguin 🐧
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews