Anything from Christina Lauren is an auto-buy for me because everything they put out is read worthy! This was no exception and might be my new favorite from this writing duo. Jess & River (with a fun side of Juno & Fizzy) give you everything you want from a modern romance with in depth relationships and a few steamy scenes! The characters were so well drawn out that I can vividly picture River and his Americano order! Stop reading reviews and just read this great book!

The Gist: Single mom and data geek Jess Davis signs up for a new DNA-based matchmaking service and finds she has an unheard-of 98% compatibility with the service’s founder Dr. River Pena. The only issue? She can’t really stand the guy.

My Thoughts: Wowee! I loved this!! Such a unique concept - I’ve recently done genetic mapping for health reasons and have been finding the study of genes so fascinating. Would love for this service to exist in real life!!

I loved the whole cast of characters here. And our main couple, Jess and River, were sizzling. I loved how, along with Jess and River, we are stuck in the tension of wondering whether they are just attracted to each other because of the numbers, or if the numbers are that way because they are attracted to each other. There are some fun twists in regards to the DNA element of it all, but ultimately you learn that it doesn’t matter. What matters is two people trying to make it work.

This also featured one of the most refreshing elements you can find in the romance genre - a couple who actually communicates with each other!!! (At least for the most part.) Can’t express enough how nice it is when the characters actually just say what they’re feeling in the moment, insecurities and all. More of this in romance, please.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the authors for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I have read all of Christina Lauren's books and have loved them all!! I could not wait to read this book. Loved it just like I knew I would!! I really enjoyed everything about this book and couldn't put it down once I started!!

WOW, I really enjoyed this ultra nerdy contemporary romance. We follow Jess, a statistician and single mom who has made herself completely unavailable to dating of any kind. Enter River, the brooding hunk who frequents the same coffee shop as her. Eventually, Jess finds out that River is the head of a new dating app that matches people based on DNA compatibility. Jess is super hesitant to participate in the study, but her best friend Fizzy (PLEASE GIVE MY GIRL HER OWN BOOK) convinces her to give it a shot. Lo and behold, she has an unheard of 98% match.....with River.

This is a slow burn, hate/strongly dislike to love, fake dating-ish story that I really really loved. To start, there are SO many science puns that made my biology major heart very happy. As to be expected with a CL book, this was also genuinely funny. I loved the story between our main characters but I also liked how they had lives separate from each other. Jess is a single mom and makes it very clear that her top priority will always be her daughter. River is running a huge company and spends long nights at work where he sometimes loses track of time. The whole thing felt healthy and real and I really appreciated that. Another huge plus for this book was the side characters!!! I loved them so much and they made the story even better.

My only (very small) complaint is some missing information at the very end of the book. I totally understand why the author's left it out, but I was very curious and would have really liked to find out the answer for sure. Also, River is a complete jerk in the beginning. He makes up for it, but he's mildly insufferable for the first 75-100 pages.

Overall, if you have liked CL's books in the past, I think this is a safe bet for you. It's funny, witty and has great characterizations. It's light on smut, which is fine for me, but may be either a deterrent or a green light for other readers. If you're like me and have a sweet spot for nerdy characters, this will be right up your alley. Highly recommend.

I love Christina Lauren books! Christina Lauren writes the books that all my other books strive to live up to. I have seven paperback books on my Favorite Books shelf, and two of them (Love and Other Words, and Roomies) are by CL.

That being said, I didn’t love this one. Good story, but it was a little too science-y for me. This is not the fault of the authors, just a personal preference. It reminded me of the Smartypants Romance books by Penny Reid, where I always learn something, but they can go a little over my head!

I loved all the characters in this book. What a fun read! River is sexy and smart and he seems so perfectly put together. Jess is smart, pretty, and a great mom. Science brings them together but the heart trumps science.

This was delightful! I feel like we are slowly getting back the old Christina Lauren and that makes me so happy! My only complaint with this one was that I wish there was more steam. I have no problem with closed door romance but in this one, since sex was talked about so much, I felt like the closed door aspect really left a hole in the plot. But I loved River and Jess so much! And the secondary characters like Juno and Fizzy and Pops really rounded this out and contributed so much to the overall arc of the story.

This is one my favorite Christina Lauren books! I loved the sweet enemies-to-lovers romance. It’s not a true enemies-to-lovers since they don’t really know each other when they start dating, but I love bad first impression stories too. As someone who does not know much about science or math, some parts about the genetics and algorithm talk went way over my head. But I wasn’t taking the premise too seriously anyways so if you’re averse to math like I am, I don’t know think it will be a problem. I just enjoyed how incredibly nerdy both of them were!

I also appreciated how both characters are skeptical of the science but also giving their relationship a shot. Even though River is the founder, he never really inserted himself as a real possibility. He was just super focused in getting the startup going. I felt the story does a good job of questioning how statistics can influence how we feel about an outcome. Not only between River and Jess, but with Fizzy, the characters who give their sample to DNADuo constantly question their own thoughts and behavior. For example, Jess wonders if she is truly attracted to River as a person or if it’s knowing they’re matched so high influencing her and making her feel like she should be attracted to him.

I also don’t normally go for single-parent romances but Juno was so cute. I loved her curiosity and interactions with River. One aspect I appreciated was that the conflict they had after getting together. It’s not a dumb misunderstanding. In my real life, I know a lot of ambitious and hard-working people and the conflict they had felt pretty realistic.

Overall, I was thoroughly engaged the entire time and really rooting for Jess and River.

There are a couple on-page sex scenes but they are not really detailed. The story also has a subplot about a toxic mom and drug/alcohol addiction.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. I truly enjoyed this book. I fell in love with Jess and Fizzy and Juno. The characters were interesting and full of life. I thought this was a heartwarming story, about taking chances and opening your heart. This is tremendously difficult and risky but totally worthwhile if things go right. With Dr. River Pena's program and app-what could go wrong? 4 stars I think most romance readers will love this book.

Jess is a single mom and a freelance statistician. She is incredibly close with her grandparents, her best friend, Fizzy, and her daughter. Although, she sometimes thinks about dating, she never really puts any effort into finding a soulmate because she worries about how it will affect her daughter. Besides, she's really pretty happy with her life anyway. When Fizzy talks her into submitting a DNA sample to a matchmaking company called GeneticAlly, Jess doesn't think much of it. But when her results show a 98% compatibility rating with the company's founder, River, Jess is sure there must be some mistake. She has seen River at her favorite coffee shop and he's pretty rude! GeneticAlly makes a deal with Jess - they'll pay her a large sum of money every month to date River and see if they really are a match. Jess can use the money so why not? The story was definitely unbelievable at times, but it was very sweet and a little steamy.

Thank you to Gallery Books and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.

Christina Lauren is one of my favorite duo romance authors! The Soulmate Equation is a fake dating troupe that takes place in lovely San Diego. This contemporary romance novel explores using DNA testing to find your true love. Overall, I enjoyed this one! I really loved the supporting character’s: Fizzy (Jess’s best friend) and Juno (Jess’s 7 year old daughter). This is definitely a slow burn romance. I liked the descriptions of the setting in San Diego as well. The only part that didn’t work for me was River’s character. There were times where I felt like we didn’t know much about him or something felt out of character. Besides that, this was a 3.5 star read for me which I rounded up to 4 stars on GoodReads. I really hope there’s a sequel so we can get Fizzy’s love story!

This author is an auto buy for me. All it takes is to see her name in bold script across the cover of a novel and I’m sold. I’m so glad that she has yet to let me down. I don’t even think it’s possible this novel was fast paced it was creative it was sexy and sweet all in one.

✨The Soulmate Equation✨
RATING:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

📚SUMMARY: Jess is a data and statistics guru but no amount of number crunching can convince her to step back into the dating world. But when Jess hears about GeneticAlly, a new DNA dating site, she might be convinced to give it a chance. When is is matched with Dr. Peña, the founder of GeneticAlly, she is convinced that that this stuck but and stubborn man from the coffee shop cannot be her soulmate. Will Jess listen to her heart or the data when it comes to love?

❤️REVIEW: OKAY cue the warm and fuzzies because this book is fabulous! It is everything a romcom should be; funny, cute, a little deep with some steam (I wanted more IMO but 🤷🏼‍♀️). I definitely adored this new release from @christinalauren and will be reading more from them! Pick this book for just a freaking good time!! 💃🏼

3.5 stars

The Soulmate Equation was a cute read. When I saw the blurb I knew I wanted to get my hands on this book. I liked the premise of the story-it was very unique. Jess and River were great. They started out as sort-of enemies and then when they were "perfectly matched" that's when the fun starts. The more they got to know each other the more they liked one another. I enjoyed the progression of their relationship. I liked how Jess and River were quirky characters. They were personable to me as a reader. And they were just good together when they were together. I liked the family that Jess had for herself and her daughter Juno was adorable. I was interested to see how the story would play out and what would happened for this "perfectly matched" couple. While it was an enjoyable read, I wanted more at the end. Overall, The Soulmate Equation was delightful.

4.5 stars

Single mom Jess Davis is a data and statistics wizard, but no amount of number crunching can convince her to step back into the dating world. Raised by her grandparents—who now help raise her seven-year-old daughter, Juno—Jess has been left behind too often to feel comfortable letting anyone in. After all, her father’s never been around, her hard-partying mother disappeared when she was six, and her ex decided he wasn’t “father material” before Juno was even born. Jess holds her loved ones close, but working constantly to stay afloat is hard…and lonely.

But then Jess hears about GeneticAlly, a buzzy new DNA-based matchmaking company that’s predicted to change dating forever. Finding a soulmate through DNA? The reliability of numbers: This Jess understands.

At least she thought she did, until her test shows an unheard-of 98% compatibility with another subject in the database: GeneticAlly’s founder, Dr. River Pena. This is one number she can’t wrap her head around, because she already knows Dr. Pena. The stuck-up, stubborn man is without a doubt not her soulmate. But GeneticAlly has a proposition: Get to know him and we’ll pay you. Jess—who is barely making ends meet—is in no position to turn it down, despite her skepticism about the project and her dislike for River. As the pair are dragged from one event to the next as the “Diamond” pairing that could make GeneticAlly a mint in stock prices, Jess begins to realize that there might be more to the scientist—and the science behind a soulmate—than she thought.

Funny, warm, and full of heart, The Soulmate Equation proves that the delicate balance between fate and choice can never be calculated.

There is so much about this book that I love. The friendship, the chemistry, the different familial aspects, and the setting. Jess lives in the University Heights area of San Diego and, while I didn’t live in the same area, I am familiar with so many of the locations this story uses. I had a complicated relationship with San Diego when we lived there, but this story really made me want to take a trip to revisit some of the things I loved about the area.

Although it’s very tempting to think of River as a jerk who is a bit too full of himself, it was evident to me that he is just achingly shy and isn’t great with social cues. River is not a man of subtleties, he states the facts. Once Jess comes to understand River’s personality more, she actually finds she respects his matter of fact attitude. Jess deals with numbers…facts, figures, data. Don’t tell her how something feels or seems to be, give her proof.

There is a lot of strife between River and Jess at first that makes this story a bit of an enemies to lovers, although they were only enemies for a short time. They really didn’t interact much before she finds out about his dating app and the science behind his matchings. Once the pair get over themselves and relax enough to be themselves, they are extremely sweet together. Of course, with Jess’ past she often tries to find a hidden meaning behind the nice things River does. Yet it obvious to the reader that River really is just a nice guy.

Immersing myself in this story was a joy. It made me laugh, cry, get angry, and swoon. And, of course, it has me daydreaming about a trip to San Diego.

I have enjoyed every book of theirs that I’ve read - but this is my favorite! I really enjoyed the talk of statistics and genetics (I have a stats degree) but you don’t have to be nerdy to enjoy it! The characters are fun and likable and their non traditional family is loving and sweet! I read this in just two sittings - I didn’t want to put it down. Thank you Netgalley for the eARC!

So if a DNA-based matchmaking company promised to match you with your dream partner based on your DNA, would you do it? No more left and right swipes, no more guessing and hoping for the best. In The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren, Jessica Davis decides to give it a try and ends up with a nearly unheard of perfect match - but the match shocks her. She already knows Dr. River Peña, and she’s not a fan.

Jess, the single mom of seven-year-old Juno, has dabbled in the dating scene since Juno’s birth but has been underwhelmed with the results. She’s a self-employed statistician making ends meet - but barely. Her grandparents (who raised her when her mom bailed out of parenthood) are helping to raise Juno as well, and Jess is surrounded by love (including her romance-writing best friend Fizzy) - the only thing missing in her life is romantic love.

River is also a scientist and is part owner/inventor of GeneticAlly - a genetics-based matchmaking site that is about to launch. He frequents the same coffee shop (Twiggs) that Jess and Fizzy use as offices every day, at the same time, ordering the same drink. He’s hot but oh so cold! When Jess and Fizzy ask him about his business, he is standoffish until he realizes that Fizzy is a successful romance writer with a huge following. He invites Fizzy and Jess to come and take the GeneticAlly test for free and see what happens.

When Jess and River’s tests come back with a near perfect match - the highest seen to date - both are shocked. But River’s co-owners are thrilled. What a great opportunity for amazing publicity with their own founder finding love through GeneticAlly! Jess is approached by GeneticAlly to use her and River’s match to help launch their site - some photo shoots, some interviews, being seen together for a few months. She wants to say “no” but her biggest client has just fired her and she could really use the money they are offering to pay her - $10,000/month for three months. Jess is not in a position to refuse (and a part, a very small part, wonders...what if?).

This book is such fun! Jess really doesn’t like River - she’s turned off by what she sees as an aloofness, but she’s a realist and she knows the gig is her best way to keep making ends meet and maybe save a little. So when Jess decides to do it, she goes all in. She’s going to pretend to be part of a budding couple and give it a real shot. River goes all in as well. He is intrigued by Jess, even though they seem so vastly different. The authors don’t waste our time with a hero and heroine dragging and protesting until halfway through the book; they give us an almost real couple early on and let them figure it out!

Both Jess and River are very likeable people. Jess is an optimistic pragmatist (hard to find!), a terrific mom, and a stellar granddaughter, someone you’d love to have as a neighbor or friend. River is much deeper and more relatable than Jess originally thinks. He is so kind and aware of her needs and desires; he taps into what is best for her early on and adjusts his life around hers. When the romance roadblock arises in the story, River falters for a bit but then comes through with full marks. I was cheering for them both from the start!

The supporting cast is also well done, especially Fizzy, Jess’s best friend. Fizzy is a romance writer who is constantly pulling stories from her interactions with others and who never goes anywhere without her notebook. Fizzy made me snort on many occasions!

He looked at his watch. “All right, well...catch you later.” With a final amused pursed-lips smile, he turned to leave Twiggs with his Americano in hand. Stride, stride, stride. The bell over the door cried when he left.

Fizzy stared after him. “What just happened?”

“He bought us coffee.” Jess was extremely casual. Not at all unsettled. “Calm down, Fizz.”

Meanwhile her brain was shouting in all caps.

“My vagina just unfurled like a flower,” Fizzy said, still staring at the door.

“No.”

“A fucking flower, Jess.”

Jess cupped her forehead in her hands. It was going to be a long day.

I also enjoyed Jess’s extended family and neighborhood friends, and the ensemble the authors have crafted is impressive. My only quibble is that Jess’s daughter Juno reads much older than her seven years. This seems to be a common issue these days. Authors, it’s okay to have a seven-year-old act like a seven-year-old!

Minor quibble aside, The Soulmate Equation is a happy, funny read and a pleasure to recommend.

Buy it at: Amazon, Audible, or your local independent retailer
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Loved, loved, loved this book! Christina Lauren is my absolute favorite writing duo and every book they write brings me so much joy! Their latest, The Soulmate Equation is no exception!

I absolutely loved this whole group of characters (minus Jess’ Mom) and loved the chemistry between Jess and River. And Juno and Fizzy have to be some of my favorite literary characters of all time.

The Soulmate Equation is funny & sweet, smart & heartwarming, steamy & moving. I highly recommend that everyone read it as soon as possible!

I loved the premise but the story fell flat for me. Once Jess and River found out about being a diamond match, River turned from a curmudgeon to the best book boyfriend in an instant. The ending felt rushed and unfinished.

Jess is a freelance statistician and single mom with no time for dating. Her best friend, Felicity (Fizzy), is a romance writer and they meet every day at the local coffee shop to work and visit. Jess is attracted to another customer who she dubs Americano after his daily drink choice. But when she starts bumping into him around town she realizes how surly and rude he is. On a whim, she and Fizzy take a tour of his lab, GeneticAlly who promise to match you to your potential soulmate with just a spit sample. They both try it and Jess has an unheard of 98% match with none other than the founding scientist of the project, River Peña, or Americano. The company is eager to get them together before their public launch in the months and offer to pay Jess for her time so she reluctantly agrees. As they date and start to get closer, Jess still has doubts if River really likes her or is just dating her to further his career.
I love the concept of using DNA for dating but the reality in the book fell a little flat for me. When the romance started to heat up I thought well ok maybe this isn't just a business arrangement, and the way River interacted with her family, especially her daughter Juno, was really sweet. But the end of the story, even after he explained himself, left me a little cold.