Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this story. It is better than their last few books and I enjoyed the main character and her daughter. It felt realistic (as much as it could be) and was just a nice feel good story.

What if you could find your soulmate with a genetic test? But what if the person you’re 98% compatible with is kind of a butthead?
Combing the enemies to lovers & fake dating tropes, this was a delightful story. With the witty banter & wonderful characters that I have come to expect from CLo books, this one didn’t disappoint. It was a little predictable, but in a good way. There was just the right amount of steam (nothing explicit) and I loved Juno & Fizzy.
Definitely recommend for contemporary romance lovers.

This is the second book I have read about a DNA test determining your soulmate and I have to say, I love the idea. I think it’s so interesting and part of me wonders if it’s really something in the works.

This is about a single mom named Jess who is a freelancer. Her and her best friend, Fizzy, a romance writer, work at a local coffee shop and like clock work a handsome man they nicknamed “Americano” comes in at 8:24am daily. One day they end up talking to him and he explains that he owns a company that searches DNA samples for your soulmate and invited Jess and Fizzy for a tour. They take the tour and end up sending in their samples. It all comes to a head when Jess finds out that she is a near perfect match for River Peña, aka Americano.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC for my honest review. I loved the twists and turns this book took and will be recommending it to everyone when it releases on May 18th.

"Have you ever wondered what a soulmate truly is?" she asked. "Is love a quality you can quantify?" — The Soulmate Equation
The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren is without a doubt my version of book crack. By the first page, I was intrigued. By the end of the first chapter, I was hooked.  By the time Dr. River Peña entered the picture, I was already mentally inserting myself as the heroine into every single interaction he and Jessica Davis had together.

The Soulmate Equation is a story that has it all: a badass single mother, a best friend that is on the slightly-crazed side of quirky,  and a scientist that if he were translatable to another fictional character he would be the 2005 version of Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice with all the swoon-worthy awkwardness that comes from a hand flex (if you know, you know).  Add in a big helping of a meet cute gone wrong, all within a situation that is rife with not only scientific implications to the lives of both Jessica and River, but also social and most obviously romantic ones too, it translates to one amazing book. Through it all, The Soulmate Equation serves up a hefty helping of everything I adore about the romance genre.

For me, The Soulmate Equation is the book that I cannot stop talking about, and has easily become my favorite Christina Lauren (CLo) book…ever.  If you’re a fan of Penny Reid or any of the Smartypants Romance books, or are a reader who adores stories with meaningfully written characters who are put into situations that are equal parts absurd yet totally believable…you and I are of the same mind, and trust me when I say that you will enjoy this book. CLo, the duo with the word magic, does not do anyone dirty here with this story. The sweet moments made me melt into a pile of gushy goo, and the emotional ones had me clutching at my chest with all the beautiful feelings that are so easily translated from the page. It’s smart, and at times scientific, but not overly so. Jess is a career woman, an independent woman with a brain, intelligent and yet not the overly-stereotyped kind. She is a kind mother, granddaughter, daughter, and friend. Watching how seamlessly River falls within her world is equally romantic and enchanting.

The Soulmate Equation is a story that you read, finish, and then read again immediately. If you couldn’t tell, if I had more than 5 stars to give it, I would. I loved The Soulmate Equation so much I sent a DM to CLo and gushed my happy little heart out. I even used the phrase “Chef’s kiss, gold medal, rose petals falling softly as you accept all the stars higher than the 5 that you’ve emphatically earned…” I may have also used an innuendo because Jess’s BFF, Fizzy, is a romance author with the mind of a teenage boy. I’ve adored Christina Lauren since I got to meet them with my own bestie at a book signing (remember those?), and after this book, my love has grown exponentially. In fact, Jessica Davis is a character who could calculate just how much it’s grown and I would buy her a flat white while she told me the results.

Preorder The Soulmate Equation immediately. Once it releases on May 18th, read it and then tell me what you thought, because I need someone else to talk to about this amazing book! Congrats CLo!

This is the type of witty and charming romance I've come to expect from Christina Lauren. They took the classic enemies-to-lovers trope and made it more nuanced as single mom and data whiz Jess and single non-parent and scientist River fall in love. The chemistry between the two of them was palpable, but I also enjoyed Jess' interactions and relationships with her best friend and romance author Fizzy (possible surrogate for Christina Lauren?), her grandparents Ron and Jo, and her precocious daughter Juno.

There's one frustrating toward the end (I won't spoil it, but it has to do with how River handles conflict) that made me give this four stars, but if you're a fan of Christina Lauren and are looking for a lighter romance with some heart and intelligence behind it, give this one a try.

4 charming stars for Christina Lauren’s latest romantic comedy!

The Soulmate Equation follows single mom Jess, a freelance statistician who has pretty much given up on ever finding love. Funnily enough, her best friend Fizzy, a popular romance novelist, convinces Jess to send a sample in for testing after hearing of a new app-based dating company that matches participants based on DNA.

After skeptically submitting her DNA sample, Jess is floored when she finds out that she’s a 98% match (the first in the DNA company’s history) with none other than the startup’s founding scientist, Dr. River Peña. Not only is River handsome, smart, and successful but he’s also stand-offish and rude...Jess can’t believe that of all people, he could be her match.

This was such a fun romance! I really enjoyed the storyline, the main characters’ chemistry, and the supporting characters were great as well. Fizzy and Juno were super cute and I loved the relationship between Jess and her family.

Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Single mom and statistician Jess is sure of two things: her love for her family and numbers. What she’s not so sure about? The 98% compatibility score she gets with Dr. River Peña, founder of GeneticAlly—a new matchmaking service that believes it can predict compatibility between potential partners through DNA. Problem is, she and River are already acquainted, and let’s just say neither believes theirs is a love connection.

I read this one in about 4 days, which is faster than usual for me! I'm not sure how sound the science is or if it even exists but I found it to be an interesting concept. I loved following along as Jess tried to balance everything: her freelance business, parenting, and being a good friend to Fizzy (who is a stand-out side character BTW!). Once you get to know more about River, his seemingly icy facade melts into a sweet and shy guy who just wants people to find love. This one was such an enjoyable read.

With a hilarious and supportive best friend, wonderfully nerdy science talk, and sexual tension between our leads so thick you could cut it with a knife, THE SOULMATE EQUATION is a charming story that’s a perfect kickoff to summer.

Jessica Davis’ primary concern is raising her daughter, Juno. Raised by her grandparents, Jess never really knew a mother’s unconditional love. She’s determined to make sure her daughter gets all of her attention and that doesn’t leave much time for dating or men in general. When Jess and her friend Fizzy happen upon a company that specializes in not just matching making but matching a person with their Soulmate via DNA, she tries it on whim. Not only does Jess have a match, but she matched with one of the founding members of the company. Their ninety-eight percent match is unheard of. The problem number one, she and River Pena don’t exactly see eye-to-eye and aren’t the biggest fans of each other. Problem number two, River’s company is about to go public and news of their match has garnered so much attention that the two are now legally bound by contract to spend time together in public.
Not too much to say about this book except a witty, fun read. I wasn’t sure I was going to like both the two primary characters but the turned out to be quite fun. I was pleasantly surprised at how laid-back River turned out to be, regarding relationships, not his work…he is a scientist after all. I the beginning I was ready deck him. He was your stereotypical scientist who didn’t think before he spoke. I even enjoyed his sisters. I especially enjoyed River’s relationship with Juno, and Fizzy was a hoot (hope there’s a Fizzy story somewhere out there). I enjoyed the process of these two characters getting to know each other.
The one thing keeping me from giving this four stars, it was kind of heavy on the science and that lost me a bit, the whole talk of algorithms/statistics/equations had me wanting to skip pages at times, but the upside to that was these two where nerdy as heck and perfect for each other!
Add this one to your beach or pool side read for the summer.

Jessica Davis is a single mom and statistician who has basically given up on dating. And although she may sit up and take notice when the resident hunky jerk makes his daily appearance at the coffee shop she frequents, she immediately decides there is most likely nothing redeeming about him...

Dr. River Peña may not be the most aware of the world around him, but being on the precipice of all of his hard work coming to fruition, living inside his head is what he's accustomed to. But the moment that River's dating DNA gets paired with the girl from the coffeeshop... his thoughts can't seem to come out of the clouds fast enough...

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The Soulmate Equation was an original, entertaining, and uniquely smart read! When Jess submits her DNA to a matchmaking service, the last person she expects to match with is the company's founder and a decidedly unfriendly acquaintance, Dr. River Peña. But when they start to date, for the sake of the science, of course, Jess and River may have to fight against their expectations and the pressure of being in the spotlight before a real relationship between will ever have a chance...

Jess is a selfless single mother to an adorable seven year old daughter, who is her entire world. While she is generally frustrated with dating, Jess doesn't mind being single... most of the time. But when she and her BFF learn about a new DNA matchmaking service, she applies on a whim... and her entire future changes before her eyes.

I loved River, and once we get to know him a little more, the reason for all of his silence and awkward moments was such a great male character attribute (that you rarely see!) But, I would have LOVED to see some of his male POV when it came to his relationship with Jess.

This book introduced a completely unique concept and plot, all of which I wholeheartedly loved! The unconventional connection between Jess and River made for an engaging and fun, modern love story. I was hooked from the moment the explanation of the science behind River's innovative matchmaking service takes root, and I really enjoyed where this author duo takes the story from there!

I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.

The Soulmate Equation is Christina Lauren at their best.

Thank you Gallery Books and NetGalley for my advance review copy.

Can genetics predict a couple's long-term compatibility and commitment? That's what GeneticAlly is trying to prove. Jessica Davis is a single mom, who only submits her DNA to this new dating service because her best friend pressures her into it. What's the harm, right? River Pena, one of the founders of GeneticAlly, is so busy with the behind the scenes management of the company to even go on a date. But when he and Jess get a 98% match, they agree to give it (and each other) a chance. Funny and sweet, The Soulmate Equation has heart.

The Soulmate Equation reminded me why I love Christina Lauren. Quirky, tender, and real, The Soulmate Equation quietly charmed me, and I rooted for Jessica and River all the way to the last page.

I devoured this new Christina Lauren book in one sitting! I am a huge fan of their writing and this one did not disappoint.

Jess Davis is a single mom living next door to her grandparents, who raised her and are helping raise her daughter. Jess’s best friend, Fizzy, pushes Jess to complete a DNA test with GeneticAlly, which will tell you who your soulmate could be. Of course, Jess doesn’t think she will match with anyone, much less one of the founders of the GeneticAlly with one of the highest scores ever.

This is such a cute sciencey romance that made my nerd heart swoon. This one is full of endearing and lovely characters. Everyone should have a friend like Fizzy! The premise of finding your soulmate by DNA was intriguing to me and I felt they explored this concept well.

Thank you for the eARC Gallery Books and NetGalley!

This one was a hit for me!
There's a lot of things I loved about it...
I loved the family relationship between Jess and her grandparents. I loved the relationship between Jess and her best friend. And can we talk about how her BFF is also a romance writer? This gave me quite a few giggles when they discussed the relevance of romance novels. Being an avid romance reader myself, I was rooting for those little moments.
Another thing that I really appreciated was the communication between the two leads. I have an issue with very poor communication in books. I liked how clear and communicative River was. In general I was quite the River fan.

The only part I didn't like was how long Jess put up with her mother's behavior. I do believe that this could have been perfectly realistic. Simply analyzing as a reader- I wanted Jess to make some relationship regarding her mom choices sooner.

5 stars
3 steam level

Christina Lauren is back!

This author duo is about to release a romance that defies science...sort of.

Thank you Netgalley and Gallery for a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

The Soulmate Equation follows a single mom who randomly takes a DNA test for a dating site that matches people based on genetics. When she is paired with the app’s creator, things gets a bit more complicated for her.

Ahhhh...this novel hits on all of the things that CLo writes well: romance, banter, and relationships. The characters in this novel jump off the page, especially Jess’s best friend, Fizzy, who is one of the most lovable and hilarious romance writers I’ve read in fiction. The romance between Jess and River was ON POINT and the chemistry was on fire. There was just enough steam and sweetness to make this story so engaging and lovely.

Highly recommend!

Watch out.. @christinalauren is back with one of my favorite books of 2021. This book has it all.... charming characters, daring dialogue, heartwarming setting and gut wrenching scenes.
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Think about it. They match your DNA to other people who sent In spit to see who you'll be linked to. Will it work out? Who knows thats something YOU need to find out... and something River and Jess are entangled in!
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I LOVED this one! It comes out May 18 and I am forever grateful for the e arc.

Christina Lauren, you have done it again! It had such a unique plot, I was immediately drawn in. While the storyline is full of science and stats, Lauren pairs it with some amazing and hilarious characters that it all ties together well. The loving relationships really made me love the characters even more. I laughed, teared up, and my heart grew a couple sizes for sure reading this. Also, I could not get over how adorable Juno was. What would have made me love the book even more was a wrapped up ending than the abrupt one we get. Overall, Christina Lauren I will read anything you publish, I'm a fan!!

Really enjoyed this book’. Christina Lauren. Books are always a win for me! Thanks for the opportunity to read this! Looking forward to more from these authors.

This released right when that Netflix show, THE ONE, came out.
I like Christina Lauren's spin on genetically matched romances much more than the show. Their stories always have the best relationship build, a bit of angst and testing to make sure the romance is real, then the cutest happy endings.
This was finally a good rom com I needed to get into my summer romance reading.
CLo always delivers solid story line, and I really loved seeing a single mom take the spotlights. This was a fun story and a quick read.
We will also be chatting with these authors in June, so grab your copy!

This is a charming romance with a compelling premise. I read it in a single day, I couldn't put it down! It made me think about all sorts of questions about the roles biology and pre-determined characteristics play in our attraction to someone.

Jess is a single mom who hasn't ever dated seriously. Her best friend talks her into submitting a sample for a new matchmaking company that uses DNA samples to make matches. River is a founder of the company, so when he gets a match in the system, it's a huge deal. I absolutely loved this concept of matching based on DNA. It made the story interesting because it was something neither character had control over.

The writing is sharp and hilarious. I liked all of the characters and enjoyed getting to know them while watching their personal development. While a love story is obviously at the center of the novel, there's other heavy stuff going on. The novel explores the idea of having a chosen family when your biological one doesn't show up for you. It also looks at how difficult it can be to ask for help and let people in when you've been taking care of yourself for a long time, having healthy boundaries and letting them down a little.

Overall this is a top notch romance and I highly recommend it.

4.5 stars - I really liked Soulmate Equation and I liked it enough that I read it twice so that I could try to better articulate why this worked for me. I thought the science behind what makes love work long term was cool Soulmates always been a favorite trope for me and the idea that encoded in our DNA is the key to a HEA appealed to my inner nerdette. Said nerdette also appreciated the pairing: Dr River Peña is a hot geneticist and closet romantic and Jessica(Jess) is a a free lance statistician/data analyst - smart is sexy:) They don't particularly care for each other at first but once past the initial friction, the pair really did feel like soul mates - there was such a connection.

I also liked the trappings of the story: I liked the neighborhood where Jess lives which is quirky and where everything is within walking distance and everyone know everyone. I liked Jess' romance writer friend who offers her advice and gets Jess to realize that meeting Jess her own needs isn't selfish - especially because Jess does so much for her daughter and grandparents. And I liked Jess' family - her grandparents relationship is a perfect example of a HEA - and her daughter was a cute bright spot - and kids aren't always as well done in romances. My only nit with the story (and it was not a big one) is that when the potential showstopper event that is part of the romance 'formula' occurs - the event that is the big rock in the road to the HEA - I thought there needed to bit a bit more groveling by River or a bit more caution from Jess to get past it, but that's just me letting reality slip into my fantasy.

Overall, I thought this was sweet and satisfying.

ARC courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley.

This was a cute story , very well loved across the bookstagram community. The story was quite unique, finding your match throw DNA is something I’m still trying to wrap my mind around . Jess and River were so likable , and so were their whole community.
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I just could not get into this one as much as I wanted, I was a bit bored in the first half and the romance was a bit lacking to me. I kept looking for more because I’ve seen So many 5 ⭐️ review . I like it, and I’m a huge fan of the authors . Absolutely Loved My favorite Half Night Stand and Love and Other Words, I’m excited for other release.

3.5⭐️