⭐️⭐️⭐️/5. I typically love Christina Lauren books but this fell short for me. I love an enemies to lovers trope but this felt very rushed. I didn’t relate to the protagonist which also made it difficult to enjoy the book. However, I did enjoy the supporting characters.

This book will steal your heart right away. Jess and Fizzy are such a loveable duo and it truly shows the value of friendship and how that intertwines with true love. I loved Jess's character and thought she was super relatable. I wish we saw a little bit more of River's personality throughout the novel and would have loved to see more dates between the two. I feel like it was lacking romance that did not center around intimacy that Rivers was there for Jess and Juno. I would have loved just one more date scene that you really got to see Rivers and Jess.

I’ve never met a Christina Lauren book that I didn’t love, so it’s no surprise that this was another in a long line of great reads by two great authors! They aren’t all 5 stars for me, though, and this one definitely was. I loved all of the characters. River Peña was a swoon-worthy male lead, and he and Jess had great chemistry. But Jess’ seven-year-old daughter Juno absolutely stole my heart. You may (will) have to suspend disbelief on the science - I’m no geneticist but I’m skeptical that any of it would make any sense irl to someone who is. Nevertheless, it’s a rom-com and you know what you’re in for from the description, so that did not detract from the story for me at all. I’m excited for my friends to read this one so we can chat about it, and that’s the hallmark of any great book for me.

Thank you NetGalley, Christina Lauren, and publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

I was a little skeptical at the concept but Christina Lauren rocked this one out of the park! I absolutely loved The Soulmate Equation. The characters were well-developed and super likable, and I felt like I was living right in the story.

It’s not often that I completely and utterly agree with the blurb on the front cover of a book, but on the cover of The Soulmate Equation it read “Emotional, sweet, and surprising.” -Shondaland.

This sums up exactly how I felt about this book. Except I’d add in swoon worthy. There was so much about it that I loved. The characters just worked. All of them. From her witty best friend to her adorable grandparents to her funny daughter. I love a book with amazing secondary characters and it definitely delivered. One can dream for Fizzy to get her own book!

And then there was River. He quickly got added to my group of favorite male leads. He was 100% swoon worthy and stole my heart. And Jess was equally as likable. I flew through their story and have no regrets!

Hands down one of my favorite books from Christiana Lauren!

In traditional Christina Lauren style, I was laughing within the first couple pages. The best friend, Fizzy, had me in stitches and the quick whips between Jess and River were hilarious. Great plot line, plenty of humor and cutesy moments but with all of the steaminess that Christina Lauren does so well. These girls can seriously write the best feel good romance stories! I really liked that this was one of the more serious stories that I've read by Christina Lauren, and is probably my 2nd favorite of their books so far. I devoured this book in less than a day, almost like it was super-glued to my hand. I really enjoyed the character development in this book, it was so well written and extremely realistic. Definitely recommend to anyone who wants a cute, light and fun read!

Forget about swiping left or right, blind dates just for sex, or looking for your perfect fish. GeneticAlly has discovered a break-through in relationships. After finding a correspondence in matching DNA with successful relationships, they’ved developed a dating service that will match you to your genetically perfect match. All you have to do is send in a spit sample and tell them how close you want your match to be.

Jessica is a single mom with no interest in dating, but after a rough day she sends in her DNA sample on a whim. She’s surprised to learn she has a match but it isn’t just any match. It’s a diamond match….to River, who thinks she is only average. He is also the founder of GeneticAlly. How can she trust if her feelings are real? Is it possible her feelings are there just because she knows they are a good match? Is River in this relationship for the right reasons, or is it just a business proposition?

As usual Christina Lauren did it again. This is a quick-paced witty read that you won’t want to put down.

#romcom #bookreview #bookreviewer #bookstagram #christinalauren #thesoulmateequation #netgalley

The Soulmate Equation is about a single mom, Jess, and her vow to give up on love just when a genetics-based dating app throws off her plans. She meets River, the CEO and creator of the app, who she matches perfectly with, but has also detested due to his stand-offish attitude. What will happen to the two of them?
I loved this book. In typical C-Lo style, I adored the romantic journey it took me along for. The idea of a genetic based matching app was truly unique. At first, I thought, uh-oh – this is going to be a problematic scenario, but the app didn’t discriminate based on race, gender, ethnicity, sexual preference, etc., so everything was taken into account, which I appreciated. It was really fascinating seeing how you could choose to see what type of person you wanted to date based on the percentage of your match. Of course, the book was predictable, but that’s okay – it was the ride you are reading for, and with that, this book delivered. It’s exactly what I needed right now and was a perfect rebound from In a Holidaze.

If you’re into the enemies-to-lovers trope, this one is for you.

VERDICT: 4 STARS.

Thank you to Gallery Books and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

🧬 Thanks to the publisher & Netgalley for the complimentary ARC. All opinions provided are my own.

After a bad day single mom & freelance statistician Jessica Davis sends in a sample to GeneticAlly, a matchmaking service that uses DNA to determine “biological compatibility” between users.

To her shock & horror Jess is *very highly* compatible with Dr. River Peña, the hot man—& also a geneticist-founder of the aforementioned matchmaking company—she’s had a couple of negative run-ins with.

She thinks he’s an asshole & his opinion of her isn’t favorable either.

But River’s worked so hard & put his reputation on the line to create this innovative matchmaking tech, so how can he ignore this result?

& after skeptical Jess loses a big job, GeneticAlly’s offer of a monthly payment for “research” encourages her to spend more time with him.

Will their time together reveal that they’re actually soulmates?

The Soulmate Equation has so many moments that call to my heart.

☑️ A single mom who has a mommy meltdown & day to day worries & insecurities.
☑️ A hero who comes across as a jerk & isn’t the most forthcoming conversationalist who later reveals himself to be sweet & kind & lovely.
☑️ Funny one-liners that put a smile on my face.
☑️ Our heroine refers to taking antidepressants—I love that rep!
☑️ freaking amazing chemistry!

While there’s so much to love here I did have a bit of a trouble with what I’m smartly calling the “science talk.” Also the “statistician talk.” On one hand it does a lot establishing the characters’s work & interests & the plot itself; on the other, it’s just difficult for me to understand . Numbers 🥴. There’s also a plot element I kinda questioned.

But I really enjoyed this one. The enemies ⚔️ to (reluctant) maybe there’s something more to this person to lovers, the sweetness, the STEM leads, the kissing. Yes yes yes.

4 ⭐️. ​The Soulmate Equation is out 05/18.

I have read several books by this author and enjoyed them. In fact, the Unhoneymooners is a favorite that I have recommended many times. I found this one a bit tedious, however. I really had to plow through all the science stuff to get to the meat of the story. It wasn’t very believable and until I got hooked by the characters and their romance, it was tough going. I enjoyed the second half of the book and we will add it to our collection for other fans of this author

This book was interesting. It didn’t feel like much of a romance for almost the first half of the book. It wasn’t that it’s a slow burn, there just wasn’t any romance yet. It was a unique idea and set up. I haven’t read any other romances like it. I loved the male love interest. He’s what bumped the rating up to four stars. He was perfect. Overall I enjoyed the book and do recommend it.

Good Reads and Blog Review:

A romantic comedy with heartwarming character evolution and laugh out loud dialogue. TSE is an absolute blast to read.

First of all, I love that Christina and Lauren are an author duo. All I can picture is two best friends hanging out, laughing, drinking coffee, and writing books. That’s probably not at all accurate, but I’m jealous.

The Soulmate Equation is about a futuristic dating app where they analyze DNA to predict the best outcome relationships. The concept itself is slightly trippy, completely intriguing, and, surprisingly, not that far off.

The whole book feels like it could easily come to life. Each character is accurate to the traits of real world individuals. Modern slang and common conversation balance some of the far-fetched romantic interactions. When it comes to book relationships sometimes I prefer that unattainable and almost perfect love. The Soulmate Equation will definitely satisfy the hopeless romantic in you. That said, the friendships and family connections are bittersweet and plausible. There were multiple moments well reading where I internally clucked “yep, been there”.

Although the plot is technically a romance, what resonated with me most was the journey of the MC, Jessica. There is a deeper theme of learning to put oneself first and navigating the obstacles of a changing world. Beyond the main idea of finding love (which is always warming to read about), there are multiple other subplots mixed in. I really enjoyed the back and forth from light sweet moments to more serious topics. The novel has just the right amount of humor, inspiration, and introspection. It emphasizes the messy beauty of life.

The writing style suits the subject matter perfectly. It is not by any stretch waxing poetry or seeping with metaphors. Instead, it’s airy and conversational, which is exactly what the plot requires. The tone adds to the conceivable and down-to-earth feel of the characters. I really enjoyed the “unfiltered” perspective. It makes each scene genuine. There is almost a sensation of encountering each situation first hand with no buffer between oneself and the characters.

To conclude: I screamed. I laughed. I obsessed. TSE is easy to read and totally addictive. A must add to your beach tbr.

A huge thanks to Netgalley and Simon and Shuster for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Instagram Review:

A romantic comedy with heartwarming character evolution and laugh out loud dialogue. TSE was an absolute blast.

First of all, I love that Christina and Lauren are an author duo. All I can picture is two best friends hanging out, laughing, drinking coffee, and writing books. That’s probably not at all accurate, but I’m jealous.

The Soulmate Equation is about a futuristic dating app where they analyze DNA to predict the best outcome relationships. The concept itself is slightly trippy, completely intriguing, and, surprisingly, not that far off.

Although the plot is technically a romance, what resonated with me most was the journey of the MC, Jessica. There is a deeper theme of learning to put herself first and navigating the obstacles of a changing world. Beyond the main idea of finding love (which is always warming to read about), there are multiple other subplots mixed in. I really enjoyed the back and forth from light sweet moments to more serious topics. The book has just the right amount of humor, inspiration, and introspection. I adore the emphasis on friendship and family.

The writing style suits the subject matter perfectly. It is not by any stretch waxing poetry or seeping with metaphors. Instead, it’s airy and conversational, which is exactly what the plot requires. The tone makes the characters more conceivable and down-to-earth. I really enjoy the unfiltered feel of the novel. It makes each scene genuine. I felt like I was encountering each situation first hand. There was no buffer between me and the characters.

To conclude: I screamed. I laughed. I obsessed. TSE is easy to read and totally addictive. A must add to your beach tbr. A huge thank you to @netgalley and @simonandschuster for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this book!! All the stars and then some! River is my new book boyfriend and I loved Jess and Juno! Fizzy was the best too! I highly recommend this book!! All the feels and then some and now I’m in a book hangover!

4.5 stars.

Thank you Gallery Pub and NetGalley for a gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

A year ago, I was really worried CLo were publishing books too quickly and losing their magic. While their most recent books definitely feel different than their backlist, I really love The Soulmate Equation! It is a stats filled nerdy romance that really speaks to me. I love personality and compatibility tests so a DNA compatibility test to find your soulmate sounds super interesting and exciting. I'm impressed with the research CLo must have done to write this novel. River is a perfect broody hero - he came off such an asshole and I kept wondering what his backstory was. He turned out to be quite sweet! He and Jess make a really good match. This story left me wanting more. I love love love Jess's BFF Fizzy - I hope she gets her own book!

TW - toxic parent/child relationship, alcoholism

4.5 stars

What is it about Christina Lauren!? How do they do it? How do they always create believable, compelling characters and intriguing storylines!?

Jess Davis is a freelance statistician, struggling to make ends meet for herself and her 7-year-old daughter, Juno.. She and her best friend, Felicia "Fizzy", a successful romance writer, work out of a local coffee shop. Every day a swoon-worthy hunk grabs his Americano at exactly 8:24, never deeming to acknowledge anyone else in the shop. What's his deal? One day, Jess ventures to ask him. He drops his business card, explaining he is part of a new technology that uses genetics for matchmaking. A dating app based on DNA. Can love be determined by biology? They're going to find out!

First off, I am a sucker for a book where characters have nicknames for each other. For some reason, that just adds such a level of realism for me. Fizzy for Felicia, Junebug for Juno - gets me every time!

Christina Lauren just has such a way of creating male leads that are not just a pretty face. River is academically a genius, but emotionally not so much. He's beautiful but flawed. His relationship with Juno - ahhhh!
We all know there's going to be a complication about 3/4 of the way through the story. It's inevitable. I swear my heart was racing when I got to that point. What was going to pull the rug out from under them? It's like watching a car wreck. You know it's going to happen and you are powerless to stop it!

Also, I am in awe of the amount of detail that Christina Lauren is able to put into their books. So much science and statistics in this one. I'm not a science or statistics kind of gal, so it was all Greek to me, but it sure looked impressive.

The only bad thing about reading this is that I no longer have it to look forward to. I have been saving this one, like the last present under the Christmas tree - anxious to see what's inside but sad that it's over!

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the opportunity to read this digital advance copy in return for an honest review.

This book is great! Would definitely recommend. Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Thank you so much Gallery Books and NetGalley for this ARC copy.

This was definitely a delightful read with an extremely interesting premise. Finding your soulmate with a DNA compatibility test? I can’t even imagine the amount of research that was involved in the writing process of this book and I am in awe. All the scientific facts about genetic compatibility and physical effects of love had me intrigued and turning the pages like crazy.

I loved Jess’ character. She was such a dedicated and sweet mom who only wanted what was best for her daughter, so much that she even forgot about her own needs as a woman. I loved how determined and smart she was and how she always stood her ground and was always very sure of who she wad and her worth.

River was an amazing hero in this story. He was a sweetheart and unconsciously charming. He seemed to be conceited at the beginning but he was only terribly shy. I loved how he noticed everything about her, even the smallest details and how helpful and supportive he was, even when they didn’t know what the future held for them as a couple. I also loved how thoughtful and sweet he was to Juno (Jess’ daughter). He definitely made an effort to be and give Jess the support and live she needed, he gave her the appreciation she deserved for being a badass mom.

Their relationship was sweet and swoony and the chemistry was absolutely explosive. I loved the way they allowed the sparks to fly and discovered the things they had in common, even when they wasn’t expecting it, it made their entire journey so intriguing and romantic. As the story flowed, it was so beautiful to shee the openness to vulnerability and how they took their relationship to a deeper level until they couldn’t deny their feelings anymore. 😍

This was a completely different from other books I’ve loved from Christina Lauren and I am honored to have read it before the relsease!

Whenever you’re in the mood for an intelligent, somewhat steamy, addictive romance, look no further than the writing duo Christina Lauren. In Soulmate Equation, their latest swoonworthy treat, single mom Jess, a freelance statistician, is intrigued by the gorgeous but arrogant man who has stopped into her local coffee shop every morning for the past two years. She and her best friend Fizzy, a bestselling romance author, have dubbed him Americano, but when the barista tells them this stuffy guy (real name, Dr. River Pena) is starting a matchmaker service, skeptical Jess can’t help but ask him for details. Turns out he’s a geneticist who has developed a dating app that matches people based on their DNA. When she and Fizzy visit his office to provide a spit sample, little does she suspect that she and River will be almost a perfect match.

This is marketing gold for a company about to go public. So when they offer to pay Jess to spend time with River for investors & the press to get a birds-eye view of the successful technology and for him to prove that his program works, she can’t afford to refuse. However, neither of these practical, data-driven doubters believes that a high score will automatically translate into happily ever after, especially since their initial impressions of each other are so negative. It’s no surprise that, as they spend more time together, the attraction grows and they both begin to realize that the numbers don’t lie...or do they?

There’s so much to love about this book: Jess’s precocious 7-year-old daughter Juno who instantly warms to River, her loving grandparents who raised her after her drug-addicted mother lost custody; River’s meddling sisters; the friendship between Jess and Fizzy; and the wonder of two people who’ve put their search for love on hold (he by focusing on his company & her by devoting herself to motherhood), only to realize that life is more than just statistics. As with any successful romance, the road to happiness is bumpy and littered with baggage, but this one is well worth the trip. Highly recommend.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Gallery Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

5 stars

Jess, a statistician, single mom, and 29- going on 30-year-old, is a likeable main character because she is facing a number of barriers and seems to be a generally good person. It is impossible not to root for her. Based on multiple factors, she is super uninterested in any kind of shipping but finds herself providing a sample for a genetic dating service early on in the novel. This is how she ends up getting matched with River, the brains behind this operation.

There is so much to like about this novel. The romantic elements are there, and the balance of sap to sweet to sex is going to appeal to any existing CL fan. The ancillary characters do a lot of work, too: Juno, Jess's daughter; Jess's grandparents; Jess's mom; River's sisters; and especially Felicity (who has the awful nickname "Fizzy") make this more fun than just the standard examples of the genre.

The central question here about soulmates will appeal to any reader of romance, and it's handled in a way that I found particularly intriguing. HIGHLY recommended for CL and romance fans and for those interested in dipping their toes in the genre.

A good page turner, well written and a long the same vein of her other books. Worth a read, quick entertaining and a good escape.