Swipe Right on Fate

by Roxie Ray

Genres: Paranormal, Vampires, Paranormal Romance

342 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 22, 2026

About the author

Roxie Ray is a group of writer friends who love to write Sci Fi Alien Romance and Paranormal Romance. They love to talk, read and write this lovely genre. They hope you love their books and strive to make sure you have a steamy, wonderful experience!

Reviews

[Whitney Cooksey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was such a fun book concept, but I got bored towards the end. Maybe that says more about me than the book.

[Cheyyleigh · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5!

spoilers.


I think I may not be a fan of this author. It's not that she's bad or a bad writer it just falls flat for me. It's the typical rom com with supernatural elements and if that's your thing go for it! I just felt bored for most of the story and wanted something to actually happen. I also won't lie and say I wasn't disappointed that the premise of the book wasn't leaned into. I wanted some texting conversations from when they meet on the app, get to know them along with each other rather than honestly instalove. I know usually we reserve that for fated mates who jump each other right away but as soon as they connect on their date that's it. No tension, no build up, just yup makes sense.

Both our main characters are "misfits" in someway but I had a hard time connecting that in the book. He was incredibly good looking (even if we are to take his albinoism as he does and makes him "weird"), he's rich, cultured, kind I mean I could keep going but he didn't ever really seem as odd as we are supposed to think he is. I see that he doesn't match the rest of his coven but I didn't ever read a part of the book and go "yup that's why he's weird" maybe because in my mind vampires in lit have always run the gambit of people, and it didn't really make sense that his "old way" of speaking set him apart especially since he really didn't seem all that different when talking. He also gets flack for not dressing like a Hot Topic store, but I guess again I didn't really understand that stereotype being the big deal it was for the coven/other vampires.

As for our FMC, I mean. I guess the latent shifter part would set you apart....but again....she's attractive, has a job, is fairly confident and is kind to others. And her only "flaw" is that she can't shift, so I'm back to the I guess that's enough to build this misfits lore on but is it? I also don't understand at 33 why she an outgoing kind person had no other friends. This isn't to be mean and I know they talk about separation of species etc but she talks to everyone and is friends with everyone so there isn't a barrier there, so why not make friends around you?

Then all the side characters and side stories that are left hanging even with an epilogue frustrated me. Does Carolina like Iko? What happens with the idiot brothers? Is her brother gay and is having a hard time with his family? How did her brother get in contact with the coven to start problems? They aren't friends or know each other. So many things are just dangling out there without explanation.

I was also surprised to see how many people talked up the spiciness level of this book. yes we get sex scenes but if I'm being honest I didn't really feel any tension or build up to them and I would call them obligatory sex scenes for a romance book these days versus bringing anything extra to the story.


Overall, I just struggled with the main premise of this book and I wanted something to happen. I may not be a huge fan of baseline romances but I wanted some tension, something rather than what I felt could be described as a very long walk in the park which seems fitting because they do that multiple times in this book.

[Dankinia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd recommend this if you are in the mood for a spicy and cozy paranormal romance story about what happens when two outcasts, a lonely vampire and a shifter without an animal form decide to use a human dating app to find a connection.

Overall, I rate it 4⭐out of 5 based on the following: 🤩Enjoyment - 4; 👥Characters - 4; 📖Plot - 4; 🗺️Atmosphere - 4; and🖋️Writing - 3 with the first 3 categories being most important. Based on my review scale a 4⭐rating means I really enjoyed this, I'd recommend it, can see myself potentially rereading it, and I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.

What worked for me:
• Rowan's generally happy personality even though he gets lonely due to being an outcast among his own kind
• Naomi standing up to her brother while he was trying to scare Rowan off
• The community they end up building with others like them though out the course of the book
• No third act break up

Finished Reading
01/20/2026

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cozy read. I instantly adored the characters, and loved how wholesome some aspects were. I don’t know how they managed to sneak wholesomeness in there along with the spice, but they did!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review ☺️

[Breann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely recommend

This book was amazing the love that this showed was remarkable. The things they went through was horrible no one should have to go through but when they came together was just so beautiful. I also really liked when they decided to help other misfits find there happiness and confidence. I definitely recommend this to anyone who likes supernatural fantasy,love.

[Caroline Buck · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like the story, world building, and the fact that both were "misfits". My only "issue" is that there were a few uses of words and phraseology that literally made me go look up words in a dictionary or re-read to see if I misread. Those few things popped me out of the story, but not enough to make me stop reading. Usually, I like the Roxie Ray books, so this one is an outlier for me.

[Kayla]

I could not put this down! You can help but fall in love with the characters and their quirks. This book made me laugh and made me cry (mostly good tears!) And gave me all the warm feels.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kendyl Shantz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute but not worth the time

[Shawna Z · Rating 3 out of 5]

🌶️ Three and a half stars- I’d have gone with four, but there were a few moments that I didn’t truly care for.

Okay, first off, this book is a lot spicier than I thought I’d get and a bit excessive for what boils to a sweet and cute rom-com storyline. We had a few characters suddenly crop up closer to the end without much note of who they were, which was rather annoying as I was wondering if I had accidentally forgotten someone from earlier in the story or something, but that’s hard to do when the main story consists of less than ten people.

What else- the big bully showdown because how did Celestia know who Maverick was let alone arrange to meet up together. But then Celestia as a character is such a pointless caricature lacking the depth of paper cut that she really lacks any real bite… heck, Naomi’s youngest brother, Reggie, has more meat on the bone and we don’t get anything on him other than he likes pumping iron and is gay (or bi- not sure on that, nor does it matter because he’s like a token diversification throwaway character anyway).

I’m also curious just how many wolf packs live in this town, because Naomi is basically dumped by an Alpha at the start of the book, her idiot of a brother is also heir to being an Alpha (once daddy steps down, I guess?) and yet Naomi mentions in the book how often her brothers set her up with their loser friends, but she says elsewhere how she worries she’s never going to find an Alpha around that will want to mate her? That sounds like there are plenty of local fish in the sea but they are all jerks???

Why is it at the end we are suddenly learning Naomi has gotten her period early? Why would we need to know that or to care because it doesn’t add anything to the story and, as it is, a big chunk of that chapter is like driving on a badly washboarded road… ka-thunk and ouch. Her menses have no reason to be mentioned nor everything going wrong with their “plans”.

Unless to serve as a bookend to how their first few dates kept being swept up in drama? Maybe? The Maverick shout out seemed pointless as well, but I can live with that.

So what does work? Well, I like Naomi and Rowan’s two best friends… and as sweet as the idea they might become a couple of their own was kind-of cute, that’s only because this is clearly marked as a rom-com and of course bestie support characters can also work out to be possible soulmates. Still, I am not a fan of just throwing two characters with obvious PHYSICAL disabilities at one another.

But yes, Carolina and Iko are both likable, even if I wish they could have been utilized more/better.

Naomi and Rowan are very likable characters and their banter is so entertaining, even if a few of their jokes are a bit stretched. And it’s nice to see lead characters with some unusual jobs- though dog walkers seem a bit Hallmark Channel… though obscure old instrument restorer does sound like Hallmark could have made that work as well.

Which reminds me- how does a vampire from the early 1900’s know how to restore so many unique instruments? And for a guy who restores them, we never hear about him playing anything except in one childhood flashback and then that clunker of a closing chapter where he suddenly wants to play Naomi some obscure instrument that he’s having trouble obtaining.

But I was listing pros not cons, wasn’t I? Yes, I do like Naomi and feel for how verbally and emotionally she is abused, by family as well as pack (or is her family it for pack members… that would explain multiple packs in an area, though a bunch of wolf shifter packs all living within a city’s limits sounds silly as that mucks with going for runs in wolf form (unless you’re driving out of town for it? But why not live in the country and just drive to town as needed?)

And Rowan is a dear, even if he’s too sweater-set for the Hot Topic crowd. So he’s a geek in multiple niches but then you add his albinism on the pile and it seems a little too many issues, doesn’t it? I mean Naomi just has no wolf to shift to- the dog walker thing isn’t so off-brand for that, but Rowan is just that much more. Not that I minded much, but I have to wonder how someone so looked at as being “not a real vampire” and just frankly too vanilla in wardrobe, musical tastes and considered boring to talk with by his fellow vamps can suddenly start narrating to us about his sexual skills and experience?

Wait… I also remembered that while I understand Rowan’s language shifting back and forth as he is an older being, it seemed Naomi’s speech was intelligent one minute and then later would shift to like she was some sort of slang-talking extra from Jersey Shore outtakes.

And I went back to book cons again, didn’t I?

Maybe this really is just three stars after all, and only because I loved the give and take when these two were first dating and flirting like mad.

[Genevieve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starting strong right out the gate in the middle of a bad date, and courtesy of the descriptive writing I can see the schmuck’s face and hear his voice in my mind.

I can’t even count how many times I thought “I love this book!” before, at the beginning of chapter eight, I thought I should have been keeping track of how many times I thought it. I think I smiled the entire way through this book, which might be more meaningful if you know I have RBF and by the end of the book I half wondered if my cheeks were going to be sore!

The banter, the wit, the kindred spirits, the pace, the balance between Naomi and Rowan and their friends, and the way the story flowed smoothly through every transition delighted me page after page.

I’d say the spice level is 3/5 after the slow burn, and they’re descriptive enough to have kick, but leave enough to the imagination to use your imagination

I don’t think I’ve read a Roxie Ray standalone that I didn’t like. They are 100% on my “yes, please, and thank you!” list, and Swipe Right on Fate may be my favorite one yet. I’m so happy I don’t even care that I was up until the wee hours of the morning finishing it!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Swipe Right for Fate takes the familiar chaos of modern dating and infuses it with Roxie Ray’s signature blend of paranormal charm, simmering chemistry, and emotional vulnerability. The story follows a heroine who’s juggling real‑world pressures while trying to make sense of the strange, magnetic pull she feels toward someone who seems far too good — and far too impossible — to be real. Ray leans into the tension between choice and destiny, exploring how much of love is timing, how much is effort, and how much is something bigger than either person can control.

The romance builds with an addictive mix of flirtation, humor, and slow‑burn intensity, and the supernatural elements add a fun twist without overwhelming the heart of the story. The characters feel grounded even when the world around them gets fantastical, and their emotional arcs give the book more depth than its breezy premise might suggest. It’s the kind of read that balances escapism with sincerity, offering both swoony moments and a sense of personal growth.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Swipe Right on Fate was just like a Hallmark rom-com, and I mean that in the best of ways. From the dedication (that brought a smile to my face) to the characters, I just adored it. Naomi's spunk was charming, and Rowan's sunshine personality was totally lovable. Neither of them fit the mold society was trying to force them into, so they went out and found a mold that fits them. Each other. They were a little awkward at times, but surprisingly genuine for people keeping a secret. Naomi and Rowan just clicked. They found their person.


Sometimes you just need a lighter read without all the angst and drama. Roxie accomplished that while still addressing a few serious topics. I especially enjoy a book if it makes me laugh, and this book accomplishes that. One of my favorite scenes was with the crepes. I laughed so hard I cried. This book was an easy read with an enjoyable plot. Swipe Right on Fate is great if you're looking for a new cozy romance.

[De Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a good read. I wasn’t sure how it was going to go at first but I love the direction it took. It’s a cozy paranormal romance with spice. I love a good outcast story and this one was something more unique than what I’ve read in the past. My heart felt for both them. Being alone in each of their communities. You couldn’t help but hope they each found connection and acceptance. Rowan is one of my favorite MCs. He’s such sweet soul. Rowan just wants someone to spend time with. Naomi is strong but so very kind. All I wanted was for someone to see her and not immediately see her as imperfect or broken. The connection and chemistry between them is Hallmark levels of adorable. They found their other halves. In true Roxie Ray fashion there’s excellent banter and perfect flow to the story. I couldn’t put it down. I also have to give a shout out to Brahm - one of the best characters in the book by far.

[Jackie O · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was so hard to put this book down. If you are a fan of Roxie's books, this one will DEFINITELY NOT disappoint you.

After feeling out of place in their respective groups Rowan (vampire) and Naomi (shifter) decide to look for love in a dating app.

This story is very cute and it was what you expect from a Roxie book. It is so easy to love Rowan with his eloquent words and intelligence in his actions. Naomi isn't a typical FMC. She stands up for herself and doesn't wait for others to come and save her.

I kinda wish the book was longer and that we get more insight into the other characters like Caroline and Iko.

I am so happy I got the ARC of the book. I still would have added to my TBR for 2026.

I am definitely a sucker for a well written vampire/shifter book.

💙🐺🦇💙

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[ajscenic · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is what I would class as a gentle read. It is sweet, fun, and romantic, but it does deal with some very important topics. It deals with societies stigmas and how being different affects everything in that persons life and the trauma those people experience.
This is a very good read. I love Rowan and Naomi, they are amazing, fun people. Rowan is so cute, has such a positive attitude and tries to see the best in people. Naomi has been made to feel inferior due to circumstance and does her best to get past that. They make a dream couple. I love their banter, drive to succeed and ability to do the right thing.
I like the red herrings in this book as it didn’t go the way I thought it would and I am so pleased as the story was much better for that.
This is a great feel-good read and really hope there will be more stories set in this world.

[Christine Love · Rating 4 out of 5]

The instant connection between Rowan and Naomi was the cutest, especially their mutual anxieties. The way they each tuned into one another so well made my heart smile. The way the story highlights the impact familial and community bullying can have on someone's willingness to let themselves be loved shines. Side note: can we please give a round of applause for Wingman of the Year Brahm? Unusually for me, I had to put this down for a bit out of frustration with side characters and their shenanigans. That being said, I'm enjoying the way the author is highlighting the various marginalized communities in this one and will likely recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[BookishBibliotherapy • AB · Rating 5 out of 5]

adorable!

This was such a cute and unexpected, quick read! In a world of things that go bump in the night, there are some beings looking for connection and community. After a frustrating time of being lonely, Naomi (a latent wolf shifter) and Rowan (a vampire) both join a human dating app unknowingly matching with each other - the only two non-human members. At first their meeting has secrets, but overtime their connection is so intense and beautiful, even being different species doesn’t bother them a bit. Their time together creates a lovely and exciting vision for the future and change begins to happen within the magical realm. This was so cute and I throughly enjoyed it! If you’re looking for a cozy, paranormal romance with the sweetest characters, this is for you.

[AvidBookLover · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and honestly, I'm baffled at some of these reviews. This is a cozy, hilarious RomCom a la 2000s like Hitch, 13 Going on 30, or The Proposal, without a lot of the more dated views from that time. It has excellent representation vis-à-vis disabilities, sexualities, nationalities, personalities, pretty much whatever you can name.

Also, it's funny AF. I like a book that can be humorous but also not dumb down the narrative. There are some old fashioned or $5 dollar words in the book, but one of the characters is a vampire who's over 100 years old and knows that his lingo is a mixed bag.

All in all, I can't recommend enough if you want cozy, hilarious paranormal romance without all the toxic tropes of the genre and a real message of hope.

[Cheran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great concept for a shifter / magical being story.
I loved the character development and the way Roxie has used shifters and magical beings with disabilities to explore ableism. As a disabled person I could relate to the experiences the characters had. It has been written in a very sensitive way.
Although it covers this topic the story is also lighthearted in places and has lots of laugh out loud moments. One word garlic! When you read it you will understand.
I would love to see other stories about some of the other characters we met in this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle Houghton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant! If you are looking for a true heartwarming, sweet romance this is it! Roxie Ray has outdone herself with these two beautiful lead characters and their friends. I desperately would love to meet them all in person. The descriptions and dialogue brought this story to life. Truly a beautiful story. If you are looking for suspense or tension this is not the book for you but if you are seeking a cozy, sweet romance with genuine and lovely characters this is it!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one! It was a cute, comforting, low-stress story about people who'd been made to feel broken/useless by the people who were supposed to care about them most finding love, support, and friendship among other "broken" people. Yes, it's a romance book, but, beyond that, it's a story about people learning different doesn't mean broken, family doesn't have to mean blood, and everyone deserves community. I hope the characters appear again, even if it's just in cameos, in future books.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Selena Spiropoulos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roxie Ray has easily become one of my top favorite authors. It’s not a surprise that Swipe Right on Fate gets a 5/5 rating from me.
The story is the cutest reminder that even if you don’t think you fit in with the “norm” your people are out there waiting for you to find them. Family isn’t always blood related.
Each character plays an important role in this story and they easily could make it a series! I’m so invested in them that I’m hoping Roxie Ray considers it.
If you are looking for a romantic, feel good story give Swipe Right on Fate a chance… you will be so happy you did.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

'He’s a vampire who never fit in. She’s a werewolf with no wolf.'

The characters drove the storyline and they were so very appealing and likeable and chaotic and funny and absolutely perfect together. Plot was exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding a book that has the main characters meet by mistake is nothing new. This book explores something quite different. Slow and steady wins the race for attraction and love. I enjoyed reading some cultural differences between the people and the ideals they thought were important. This is a reminder to make everyone feel included.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ebony · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new author to me. I found this to be an enjoyable read. A good mix of characters, throughout the book. I would like to see some of the characters in their own stories. (They may already have one, I'm new here)
I liked the humour, too. Rowan and Naomi are great main characters.
They kept me reading, even when I should have been sleeping..

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[LizJ. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swipe Right on Fate by Roxie Ray is a heartfelt funny story reminiscent of a Hallmark romantic comedy. The characters are exceptional, worldbuilding excellent and storyline I totally loved! Highly recommended!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Siobhan D · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the start, I found myself falling for these two. Both Naomi and Rowan have a mutual problem not able to find love. Oh the hoops that the go through to find each other. True mates and kindred spirts, the humour and trust me this book will have you laughing and signing out loud.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michalle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and I felt so seen. I’ve often felt like an outsider with my own family and friends. The story was sweet, humorous, chaotic in a good way and spicy. Rowan and Naomi were considered outsiders but they fit together so fine. I really wish there was a Misfit app. That would be incredible. I highly recommend this book as it made me joyful to see their relationship come together.

[Suzanne McNeill Taviner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fab read.

This was such a fun, warm read about not needing to fit in order to find the love you deserve.
I loved it when Naomi stood up to her brothers and, later her family, she deserved to be treated better. Also loved Roman, such a gentleman in the streets but a baad boy in the sheets!!

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Cozy Romantasy!

I loved the amount of depth the characters and world had. The author did a great job keeping points aligned and speaking as certain characters. Not a lot of fantasy, just like humans with extra quirks living in a city. A great addition to my Cozy romance collection!