This review comes with a warning. Basically, you shouldn’t read it if you haven’t read the book. And pretend my 4 stars up there is 2.
Bc here’s the deal - I went in expecting...meh. I have loved books by this author (these authors). And I’ve hated them. So my attitude as I went into this was literally “I’m in a reading slump. I hate all the books. I might as well sacrifice an ARC to my mood.” Lo and behold, I enjoyed the heck out of this.
Yes, I skimmed some science. Yes, I thought parts were ridiculous or silly. But...I wanted to read it. I looked forward to picking it up. The story pulled me in.
That means a lot to me. Reading can often seem an obligation - particularly ARCs. I go months without requesting any. I resent them before they’re even started.
This one, however, had that light-hearted magic that had me coming back for more.
All of this said, I think expectations need to be low. Not because the book is crap - but because so many books die on the altar of The Buzz. Everyone’s reading it. Everyone’s loving it. And when you start it you’re rightfully unimpressed. This sweet little book can’t handle that kind of pressure. You’re going to be torqued off if you go in thinking grandiose.
Open this up when you want light and easy that isn’t dumb. And you’re okay being aggravated a little. ;)

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to offer my unvarnished opinion.

I spent 2 years on Plenty of Fish, Bumble, Tinder and OKCupid just looking at profiles until I met my the love of my life. I was holding out for a 90% or better compatibility on OKCupid (and striking out) when I accidentally swiped UP (superlike!) on a not-yet-divorced man on Tinder (a site I barely used, because I was looking for long term, not a quick hookup). Tinder was a stopover for him while he was perfecting a J-Date profile. I'd like to think if we had completed all those tests on OKCupid, we'd be a solid 90% match.

In The Soulmate Equation, single mom statistician Jess has just sworn off dating. She and her best friend work from a local coffee shop, a place where you could set your watch by the attractive man who comes in at 8:24 every morning, face buried in his phone. When it turns out he runs a dating company the finds matches based on genetic compatibility across 200 genomes, Jess and her friend romance novelist Fizzy end up getting a tour, the pitch and sending in a spit sample for a possible match; Jess ends up 98% compatible with the grumpy but hot owner.

The company, poised to go public, offers to pay Jess $30,000 to date River for three months; the match is too good not to share, and a real relationship for the two of them would solidify the data. Jess agrees, so long as her adorable 7 year old Juno is kept out of the PR spotlight. River comes up with the clause they are under no obligation to get physical. Jess and River find themselves ordering the same meals, making similar gestures on their dates, and their chemistry is palpable. River shows up for Jess in all kinds of ways - picking up Juno at school, standing vigil at the hospital after the grandmother that raised her had an accident - but when Jess comes upon some information that could compromise the data, and the company, she can't remain silent, even though she risks losing everything she ever wanted.

San Francisco is a strong presence in the book, and Jess's grandfather's love of crossword puzzles is one of the things that adds depth to the characterizations. Jess's addict mother Jamie keeps everything a little too real. I completely geeked out over all the data science. My only complaint is I would have liked some remaining questions answers.

If my love and I were able to get a genome sequencing, like the characters in the book, would we come out with a strong match? I think so. Would we want to know the results? Again, I think so - it would just prove what I already know to be true.

I received a free copy for review purposes from #NetGalley
#SoulmateEquation

Another 2.5 star read from Christina Lauren...I'm seeing a pattern emerging...

While the premise of finding a soulmate through DNA was interesting, it's been done before, and better in my opinion (check out The One by John Marrs for the same idea with a thriller bent). The plot followed your typical rom-com flow, with nothing unexpected or unique to make it stand out in the sea of similar storylines out there. There's a lot of scientific jargon that made my eyes glaze over and the romance between River and Jess didn't feel authentic to me. I felt way more invested in the secondary characters, and they're really what kept me reading.

Christina Lauren's books have officially become more of a miss than hit for me, so it'll take an eye-catching plot summary and rave reviews to convince me to request the next.

I received this book complimentary from NetGalley but all opinions are my own.

Christina Lauren is one of my favorites of all time. This was no exception. Jess was interesting and smart and unique. Juno and Fizzy were delightful. River was enchanting. The plot was fascinating. The story was well-written and charming. As usual for Christina Lauren. Another excellent book. I will be waiting for the next.

Jess is a single mom who lives a pretty lonely and boring life. River Peña is a scientist who would rather work in a lab than go out and meet people.

River has devised a technique to match people with their soulmate through their DNA. Jess is talked into submitting her DNA by her best friend Fizzy. Turns out Jess and River are the highest compatibility match yet. Can these two introverts get out of their own way to find love?

Jess and River are really great characters. I love how the writing duo Christina Lauren are able to take interesting stories and great characters add a little romance and some drama to boot to come up with wonderful books.

I was provided this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

I very much enjoyed this book. It was charming, funny, and romantic. I really enjoyed getting to know these characters. Jess, River, Fizzy, Juno to name a few. I loved how passionate our nerdy lead characters got when talking about science and statistics! I especially loved the shout out to the pink haired librarian.

One million thank you to NetGalley, Gallery Books and Christina & Lauren for gifting me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion!
Let’s talk about our favorite authors! I read my first Christina Lauren book only last year. I know, I know, WHERE HAVE A BEEN?! The answer? I’ve been seriously missing out is where I’ve been. Since then I’ve been trying to read their older work and devouring their new stuff! Every time I connect deeply with one of their characters I think they can’t make me love their work anymore... and then I read the next book.
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I pre-ordered The Soulmate Equation as soon as I heard it was being released. Imagine my surprise when I hopped on NetGalley yesterday and saw it waiting for me to read! I had requested the book forever ago and completely forget it was even on there. I was 3/4 through an Amazon Unlimited book but I immediately put it down and started to read this one. I stayed up way too late to finish last night and I was excited to share my review... and then I realized it releases in MAY. I’m honestly sad this isn’t available for everyone yet because it was SO. GOOD. I debated saving my review until then but the book is already all over Booksta, so what’s one more early review to raise the hype?
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I honestly don’t know who I loved more in this book. Strong and independent Jess, her hilarious and spunky best friend Fizzy, her smart and sassy daughter Juno or the handsome and brilliant River. I mean seriously, I LOVED this cast. I need to see this movie/show on the screen ASAP. I was dying at Fizzy. She reminded me so much of me with my own best friend. My dear friend is Jess. Responsible, put together and with a filter. Me? Well I’m those first two also, but I may or may not have lost my filter a few years back. Juno was a joy. Sometimes kids in books are written in without their character really getting much page time. Juno had such a fun personality and she really did add the comedic relief you needed!
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I’m such a sucker for a good enemies to lovers trope and I would say there’s a hint of fake dating. Like a smidge. There were a few times I really wanted to lay into River and I loved reading a female lead who did it for me. Jess wasn’t afraid to advocate herself and we love to see it in a romance! We need more strong female leads. River was a tough nut to crack but what was inside was so worth the fight. When I closed this book I may or may not have tears up a little because I just felt so satisfied. 10/10 recommend buying this ASAP!!

A fun and somewhat different plot, but written like a typical and drawn out light romance. River and Jess are matched through a new type of dating app and romance ensues. I enjoy most books by these authors but this was a tough one for me. I liked it at first, and thought the “older” single mom angle was different and fun too. Unfortunately it bored me once the story got going and I had a hard time finishing.

Christina Lauren books are like brain candy, and I enjoyed this particular treat in one sitting on a lovely weekend afternoon. I loved the way the authors ran their sexy-but-socially awkward River and the brilliant and assertive single parent Jess through the fake dating trope. But some of my favorite moments came from the supporting characters, especially Jess's darling daughter, her supportive grandparents, and her friend who suffers a terrible break-up just as Jess's own relationship is taking off. Much fun.

The duo behind Christina Lauren did it again, another great read! I really enjoyed this book and was absolutely engrossed in the story right from the beginning. It’s a tad predictable but I actually appreciate that in this context. But the characters are developed so well that I was really invested in what happened to them. I also love the banter between Jess and her best friend, Fizzy. Christina Lauren not only do wonderfully steamy sex scenes but I always enjoy how they write female friendships.

✨ The Title/Cover Draw:
I love Christina Lauren’s writing style. This one reminds me a lot of John Marrs’ The One without the thriller element.
💜 What I liked:
I connected with both Jess and River right off the bat which made reading a pure enjoyment. I also was very thankful that there wasn’t a stubborn character that refused to see the proof of their feelings and relationship. In this case, there are MAJOR pride and prejudice vibes.
😱 What I didn’t like:
This isn’t a dislike, but instead there are statistics, numbers, or science jokes that got lost to me. This doesn’t ruin the story itself at all though.
💁‍♀️ The Characters:
Juno as a 7 year old was a smart little character. All the characters in this book jive together well and are totally believable.
🚦 The Ending:
Pretty perfect.
💭 Reminds me of:
The One meets Pride and Prejudice.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Received from Netgalley.

I was instantly immersed in this book. I loved the main characters, loved the push and pull and their resistance to acknowledging their chemistry. When they finally do, it's off the charts. The app sounds like an ethical nightmare for real life, but the authors integrated these questions into the story and made the details bring it to a believable level. Fun premise, slow-burn done right with great pacing, great chemistry, and great supporting characters. A fantastic ending that left me with a big smile in my face. This one has the chemistry of earlier Christina Lauren books and the thoughtfulness of their more recent books. A favorite that I will re-read!



I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

It was alright. I think that there was a huge chemistry factor missing from the book. The characters weren’t really exciting until about 80% into the story. I think CLO has lost their touch in the romance world. Where is the romance????

Christina Lauren is BACK! This had the charm and smarts that some of their more recent books lacked. I loved the premise and the characters. I wish that Jess hadn't paid her mom the 7k and just sent her packing but I am glad she finally got her out of her life. I loved River's sisters and Gramps. This just made me happy all around. It was a quick one day read that I needed in my life. Now, I just wish I knew what River and Jess's real score was!!

OMG THIS WAS SO GOOD!! Christina Lauren has done it again and maintained their spot as one of my favorite author duos. THE SOULMATE EQUATION was an amazing novel following a single mom being matched with her soulmate, but then sprinkle in a little bit of fake-dating and a dash of hate-to-love and you have Jess and River. The progression of their relationship was done so realistically, each of their interactions was written so well and their getting to know each other was so natural. They stood so well by themselves too--each of their personalities were distinct and lovable. Jess, in particular, was relatable and I loved following her as the main character. I also adored the family dynamic between Jess and her daughter and her grandparents. They got a lot of page time as well and made the story all the more realistic and moved it along. Plus I looooved Fizzy! She was the perfect best friend who has a wild and adventurous side that encouraged Jess and their friendship was so well done. Really, I have no complaints. This was the perfect rom-com and I can't wait for everyone to read it!

The fact that this is a story by Christina Lauren had me from the start. The premise was so up my alley, I couldn’t wait to dive in. This was probably my most anticipated read of 2021.

All that being said, unfortunately I didn’t end up loving this one. It pains me so much to write this.

It had some bright moments and the writing was great, however the story itself was too linear in my opinion. The story itself was completely predictable for the first 96% of the book (which isn’t a bad thing), but the tension between the two main characters was absent. The entire relationship developed without any issues and while the ending was decent, the build to some things about River’s character that were a point of drama were a little overwrought. To be frank, he came off like a child and she scolded him like a mother. Just not romantic. And their characters were flat and other than the heavy petting scenes, I didn’t get a lot of chemistry between Jess and River.

To say I was dissatisfied in this story is accurate.,

The premise is amazing. The idea of matching based on DNA markers is so cool. The side characters were the stars. Juno abs Fizzy need their own books. However, The storyline between the main characters didn’t feel like enough to carry the book on their own. Not even close.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Gallery Books For the advanced copy.

I find reading Christina Lauren such a mix - I love some of their stuff, like Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating, but others I’m eh about.

This is one of the better ones; everything seemed realistic, and the entire cast of characters had great chemistry. Juno and Jess’ relationship was adorable, as was the friendship between Fizzy and Jess. River and Jess were just...so incredibly wholesome, and it was so clear how much they cared for each other.

All of that being said, I felt like something was missing from the book. I felt somehow disconnected from the characters, though I can’t say why. I love a good slow burn, but the pace was a little slow, which perhaps had something to do with my mood. On paper, this had everything I would want in a fun, pick-me-up-read. But, for whatever reason, it didn’t entirely hit the spot for me, but was a cute, enjoyable read nonetheless..

3.5 stars

Cute, fun read that encourages you to think about what makes a romantic connection, and what proof a person needs to be able to be able to believe in compatibility. Is it logic? Is it heart? Is it that feeling of being at home with someone, wherever you may happen to be?

This one's for the geeks, the unapologetic rom-com consumers, and the drama mamas who want to know what love is, or what it could be. The first half gives off a definite 'Pride and Prejudice' vibe with first impressions that deliciously fail to predict what is to come for a couple that is - at least on paper - meant to be.

I loved this book! I loved the characters, plot, story! It was such a fun read. 5 stars!

Thank you Gallery Books & Netgalley. for the ARC

*Thank you Gallery Books for the eARC from Netgalley.

Imagine discovering your perfect match, your potential soulmate, well now it is possible all because of GeneticAlly. The experts at GeneticAlly are ready to help you discover your other half. All you have to do is submit a sample and they will help lead you to your soulmatch. The odds are in your favor.

Jess Davis gets roped in to submitting her DNA with GeneticAlly when her best friend suggests using the new matching service to see what might happen for them both. Jess is all about numbers so she hesitantly agrees to see what might happen. It comes to be a shock when Jess is paired with one of the founders of the company; a man who she cannot see a potential partner.

I love reading about the concept of dna matching. I find this idea to be so complex with so much room for error. I have appreciated reading about this topic before which made me really think over things critically. I think that this definitely impacted my reading experience with this novel and let me think a bit more deeply and critically over the subject matter in this book. I found everything that this novel presented to be quite interesting. This book kept my attention most of the time.

One thing that I wished would have been included a bit more was learning more about River. I think that some of the elements between River and Jess were too rushed. I think that River needed to be fleshed out a bit more in addition to having some deeper scenes with Jess. In some moments things were a bit too rushed and seemed unbelievable, which took me out of the story a bit.

Overall, I did really enjoy reading about these characters and the things they faced. I appreciate the choice toward the end with things, I was pleasantly surprised by how it all played out. One of the best things that I enjoyed was getting to read about Jess and her daughter. I think how different forms of relationships are included and explored. I also like how there is commentary about how the DNA matching could lead to relationships with friendships and close relationships that are not romantically focused.