2026 International Impact Book Award - Contemporary Fiction: Romantic Comedy
Get Your Sneak Peek!
"This love story gave me hope again! We all deserve love regardless of age or whatever traumatic experiences we’ve experienced."
Torrie Q. Jones, Best-selling Fantasy Author
"Surprise – Swipe Right blends humor, romance, and the magic of New Orleans into a story that will leave you smiling and believing in new beginnings."
Dr. AudreyAnn C. Moses, Best-Selling Author
"It's an all-night, can't put it down kind of read!"
Sharon C. Jenkins, Founder of Forty Plus and Flirty Dating Initiatives
"If you're looking for a new holiday favorite to get you in the spirit, this one is definitely worth picking up"
Nicole Butler, @Butlersbookbag
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She didn't swipe right.
Her daughter did it for her.A Big Easy Holiday Comedy
Ms. Loretta is a jazzy widow who has built a full, fabulous life in New Orleans — and she's perfectly happy with it. The last thing on her mind is dating. But her well-meaning daughter Liza has other ideas. Wanting her mother to have a companion for her legendary New Year's Eve party, Liza secretly signs Loretta up for a dating app. Now Loretta finds herself swiping, messaging, and going on dates she never asked for — and discovering that second chances at love don't come with an age limit.
Surprise… Swipe Right is a warm, laugh-out-loud romantic comedy set against the richly textured backdrop of New Orleans. It celebrates Black women's joy, later-in-life love, and the beautiful chaos of modern dating at any age.
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Perfect for readers who love:
* Mature women's romantic comedy
* Senior romance & later-in-life love
* Black women's fiction with cultural roots
* New Orleans-set holiday fiction
* Second-chance romance after loss
* Feel-good fiction that celebrates life after 50
Bring Ms. Loretta to your book club
This book was made for lively discussion. Get the free book club kit — discussion questions, author background, and bulk order information for groups of 10 or more.
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Printable discussion guide with 12 conversation starters
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Author Q&A — submit questions for a virtual visit
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Bulk pricing available for orders of 10+ copies
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Signed copies available for in-person events
Also available in print and ebook wherever books are sold.
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MEET THE AUTHOR
25-time published author · Literary strategist · Retired U.S. Army Master Sergeant
Dr. Rhonda M. Lawson is the founder of Meet the World Image Solutions. She has supported nearly 1,000 authors over a 30+ year career in writing, editing, and publishing. A former U.S. Army journalist and New Orleans native, she brings cultural richness and authentic humor to every page. She hosts the Horizons Author Lounge each Monday at 7 pm ET and co-hosts Black Authors Matter TV each Tuesday at 8 pm ET, and founded the Black History Month Literary Weekend.
