Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy of THE SOULMATE EQUATION by Christina Lauren. This author duo is an auto-read for me, and this book might be their best yet. I loved how it delved into whether people can be made for each other or if it's just about making your choice, choosing your destiny, and sticking to it. I also loved that the main character, Jess, was a single mom, as a mom myself, and I was able to connect so strongly to everything she was feeling about doing right by her daughter while also finding her own happiness. The LI, River, was an absolutely gorgeous Mr. Darcy type and I would die for him, lol. I fell so hard for these two and loved going on this journey with them. I highly recommend this fun, smart, dreamy read.

Happy Pub Day to The Soulmate Equation! 🎉⁣
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Brief summary:⁣
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.⁣
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🧬⁣
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From there the story takes flight and I don't think you should read past that part of the summary as it gives too much away. Just let this one take you on a sweet ride because it is definitely that.⁣
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When I first shared I was reading this I shared my break down of CLo books, but here it is again...⁣
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Loved/Enjoyed⁣
🔸Love and Other Words⁣
🔸The Unhoneymooners⁣
🔸Josh and Hazel's Guide to Dating⁣
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Not for me⁣
🔸In a Holidaze⁣
🔸My Favorite Half-Night Stand⁣
🔸The Honey-Don't List⁣
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Where does this one fit? I'll have to reread Love and Other Words because this one rivals that top spot!⁣
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I hope you love this one as much as I did 💜⁣ Thank you @netgalley for this free copy to review.
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4.5 stars

Unless you’re new here, I’m sure you know I (and everyone else) love Christina Lauren! I was on board with their new book from the second I heard the premise. A dating app that matches you through your DNA?! It’s too good. It’s like the funnier, lighter version of The One by John Marrs plus a hilarious 7-year-old, a romance author sidekick, and adorable grandparents. I couldn’t get enough.

The dynamic duo has done it again and this is one you shouldn’t miss. I’ll admit, some of the science and statistics went a bit over my head. But the rest was my exact level of nerdy. Cheesy science jokes may even make an appearance at one point.

More of what I loved:
⚡️enemies to lovers with plenty of wit and banter
⚡️Jess- she’s the strong, independent single mother we can all relate to
⚡️ so much chemistry between River and Jess

I’m sure you’ve all seen the millions of glowing reviews by now, but believe the hype! This book is on shelves now so go get it!

Thank you to Gallery Books and Netgalley for my copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

What do you expect from a romance novel? It must have moments of comedy and tragedy, romance and lust, heartbreaks and reunions, goody-goody main characters, a couple of morally gray secondary characters, and a Happily Ever After. The most important factor on which this genre relies is predictability. And yet, it must have some novelty to succeed in readers' minds. If you are looking for a book that checks each and every one of these boxes, The Soulmate Equation is for you.

Jessica Davis, an almost-broke, single mom who freelances as a statistician, has sworn off dating to care for her old grandparents and seven year old daughter. To satisfy her best friend Fizzy, Jess ends up joining GeneticAlly, a new dating site that matches profiles based on the person's genes. Imagine her shock when the company reveals a potential soulmate with an unprecedented 98% compatibility. The problem? This "soulmate" is none other than River Peña, the chief scientist and head honcho of GeneticAlly, who himself is stunned at this revelation of an almost perfect match. After all, he was into this research for the science, not for romance. Neither Jess nor River have a good opinion of each other. What do they do? Can they allow statistics to decide their relationship? Should they listen to their heads or their hearts? You know what happens next.

I've read The Unhoneymooners by this pair of authors together known as Christina Lauren and remember thinking that it was overrated. The first half was excellent, the second half went over the top with crazy plot twists and unrealistic situations. So when I started reading and enjoying this particular book, I kept awaiting the downswing in my experience. To my great surprise, it didn't happen at all.

The book maintains a steady balance of fun and seriousness throughout. Most of the characters are really nicely sketched and appear human rather than perfect, something that is usually not the case with most women's romance books. One thing I especially enjoyed was that Jessica wasn't the typical ditzy klutz who is so common in such books nowadays. As an educated woman, a practical mother, and a caring friend, she won my heart.

I can't remember the last time I enjoyed a book of this genre so much. More importantly, I can't remember the last time I read such a book without rolling my eyes even once. We don't read these kinds of books for their writing accomplishments, we read them to go Oooohhh and Awwww! And there are plenty of Oooohhh and Awwww moments in The Soulmate Equation. So it is a very satisfying book for when you want something you can read with your brain turned off.

But me being me, there has to be a critique too. (My brain only goes on standby, never off. 🙄)
1. For once I would like to see a romance novel with at least above-average looking characters, if not average. Why does the lead couple have to be physically stunning every single time?

2. There is one minor character in the story whose presence doesn't add much to the main plot but only serves as the antagonist when required. That character wasn't explored to the full potential. It would have been better to either drop that character entirely or detail out their relevance to the main story in a better manner.

3. Neither Jessica nor River stop and consider what would happen to the company's reputation if their relationship doesn't end up as a success. Considering how and why they begin their trial relationship, this is too big a loophole for two intelligent people not to have considered at all.
(Not a spoiler, don't worry. The Goodreads summary has even more details than this.)

0.25 reduced for each of these points, and thus I end up with a 4.25, which might be the highest I've ever rated a contemporary light romance book. 🤭

If you thought The Unhoneymooners was the bee's knees, just wait till you read this one!

If you haven't read Christina Lauren yet and want to know where to begin, consider this book a perfect introduction to their work.

If you are looking for something light on the mind and satisfying on the heart, go for this book.


Thank you, NetGalley and Gallery Books, for the ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a unique and fun book. Dr River Pena is on the verge of launching his company. His idea is based on finding compatibility through science. Gene data is used to predict how well two people might match up in order to potentially help others find their soulmates. He is super excited about it and focused on the upcoming release until he is completely surprised by a match of his own.

Jess is a single mom not looking for love. She’s a scientist herself who lives on a property with her grandparents and loves to spend her free time with her best friend, Fizzy, and daughter, Juno. She is less then thrilled when she finds that, after being pressured by Fizzy, she submits a sample to River’s company only to match with him in the strongest results the company has ever seen.

There is so much to love about this book. The writing is witty and dialogue engaging. The chemistry between River and Jess is fantastic and I love the relationship he forms with Juno. There is tremendous friendship between Jess and Fizzy and the family aspect with her grandparents and neighbors is endearing. Seeing two scientists come together and work through the consequences of the data and whether to trust it was intriguing. It makes you really consider what really makes two people match up well for the long-haul.

Overall, this is a sweet, fun story and one of my new favorites from this amazing duo. The entertainment value is strong and the characters just so lovable. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a solid contemporary romance.

What if you could take online dating to the next level and add genetic compatibility to it as well. Single mom Jess is skeptical but the dude she has been ogling for the last few years is one of the inventors of such a platform. Too bad he kind of seems like a big jerk when she actually talked to him. When they match up 98% he is willing to give dating a try. But is it too good to be true?

Jess was feeling a little vulnerable one night and decided to send in her DNA for the test. She never thought she’d match up with anyone so completely. Their first few meetings didn’t go very well. River is always on his phone and stuck in work mode. He seems curt and dismissive and a little bit assholish if we are being honest.
“River is attractive. We can all see that.”She made the mistake of instinctively glancing his way when she said this and noticed a tiny muscle twitching upward at the corner of his lips. It made her feel softer, bending toward him, and self-preservation swelled up in her throat. She hated it. “But speaking to him is like having a conversation with a grouchy calculator.”

When the company, on the verge of an IPO, sees their score they are willing to sweeten the pot so Jess has time to get to know River and see if a 98% score means soulmate or something else.

I immediately loved Jess. She is this funny, hardworking, super mom with a great BFF and fun kid. But let’s face it, her entire life has been about said kid and right now she might be feeling a little lonely. Plus her romance writing best friend makes it (dating, life, men, sex) all look so easy.
For the thousandth time, Jess wondered whether she’d always follow Fizzy around like a broom and dustpan sweeping up chaos. Being around Fizzy made Jess feel simultaneously more alive and duller.

River takes a little while to warm up to. I mean grouchy calculators aren’t for everyone. But, he is a man who has been wrapped up in his company and this mission for over a decade and all that work is about to pay off. He is also a man that once you get his focused attention is a force to be reckoned with. Jess is trying to deal with the tsunami of emotions she is starting to have for this rather shy man who says exactly what is on his mind.
“He actually said the words ‘I want you in my bed’? Just like that?”
Jess nodded.
“With eye contact?”
“Steady, ardent, I’m-going-to-fuck-you-until-you-find-religion eye contact,”

Christina Lauren has delivered a fun, flirty, swoon worthy story yet again. I really couldn’t help falling in love with the characters in this book and really liked the premise of finding a genetically compatible match and what that means. It was a very believable story in so many ways with a great amount of humor kicked in. Fantastic for when you just want to feel good, have some laughs and some sexy all in the same book.

I love a good enemies to lovers as well as a “is this fate or is this love” conundrum, and The Soulmate Equation delivered on both counts.

The whole DNA determining your future soulmate thing has been done before in various media, so while that didn’t quite throw me, the resolution of that particular thread left me wanting more detail.

Other than that, I was excited to read the love story of two extremely guarded people slowly falling in love.

Heads up people – this story uses a DNA-based dating app to match people – bringing in science, maths, probabilities and statistics – and delivers it all with a sense of humor and fun that can’t be eclipsed.

Jess is a single mum with a daughter (Juno) and grandparents who help to raise her. Struggling for every penny to make ends meet is nothing new, but as a maths geek and loving numbers, data and statistics she’s always looking for options but for in one place – men. With parents who were absent, a baby daddy who dipped before Juno was born and more than a few disastrous relationships, she’s not interested – with a capital NOT. But, when she hears all the buzz surrounding GeneticAlly, a dating service that uses data, statistics and DNA to find a match –she's intrigued. Intrigued enough to give it a shot. But her results are improbable at best, faked at worst – because a 98% match brings her face to face with the application developer – River. A man she knows, thinks is arrogant and unappealing – and there’s no way she’s interested.

Of course, there’s a twist – the app wants Jess to get to know River – they'll even pay her – because they do believe that their metrics are solid and correct. With every penny counted, the money isn’t something Jess can give up – but can she bite her tongue often enough to deal with the snobby and stubborn Dr. Pena?

Taking what is a fluffy premise (fake date) to include some more serious questions as the two get to know each other – the story is fast-paced and clever. River is (as one might expect) rather socially awkward and takes some navigation on Jess's part to get to know him better. Is it enough that statistics make a match – or is there something undefined (and undefinable) in love that transcends all ‘science’ that brought them together in the first place. Additionally, we tackle some ‘touchy’ subjects that are primary concerns with DNA testing, including River’s feelings about eugenics, Jess's familiarity with numbers and data, and plenty of chemistry (once the two let themselves simply be). A fun, clever and feel-good story that will have you thinking (and laughing) often.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest reivew. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=” https://wp.me/p3OmRo-aUa /” > <a> I am, Indeed </a>

A single mother, a geneticist, and a new dating app. What could go wrong?

Especially in today's climate, writing about a dating app isn't that remarkable—it's kind of the new thing to do, especially in contemporary romance. Except the app in The Soulmate Equation, GeneticAlly, is extremely unique and something I never really thought could be possible. Like looking into a person's ancestry, people are fascinated enough with finding love, that they would go as far as to test genetically. Who wouldn't be interested to find their soulmate?

This was somewhat of a departure from the usual rom-com you expect from a Christina Lauren book, but I still loved it. This definitely won't be for everyone—people are very unyeilding when it comes to stories with a kid. However, Christina Lauren did an excellent job of using the character of Juno sparingly and only when driving the story forward. All the characters were really excellent. River and Jess had incredible chemistry, a relationship that developed really well as the story moved forward. The dynamic between Jess and her best friend Fizzy was so much fun, however I do wish we got a little more of a backstory as to how they met and became friends.

I don't read romance for plot twists, so I definitely don't see this one coming. It added an extra layer that elevated an already great book. I will always pick up a new Christina Lauren book, no matter what, but I'm really interested to see if they continue in this direction of rom-com with a little twist.

This may be my favorite book of theirs! I love the combo of using DNA compatibility with matchmaking. They will continue to be an auto read author for me.

3.5 Science And Heart Stars
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
Christina Lauren is an immediate click for me and I can't remember if I ever have been disappointed. This time they take on a new way to do online dating. DNA and Science. They have engaging and extremely smart, clever characters who will at first seem not jiving with each other and end up being perfectly suited.

The way it all is woven together gives the reader plenty to dig in and enjoy.

What a great read by Christina Lauren. I have enjoyed so many of their books and this one is no exception. The blurb grabbed me and right from the start I was into it. Definitely recommend this one!

The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren was funny, sweet, smart, nerdy, and sexy as hell. Yes all of that rolled into a romance with a single mom heroine who has wicked math skills (she’s a freelance statistician) and a science nerd who once lived up to that name but now is hot and has invented the next phase of online dating based on DNA. I honestly don’t think I could have loved this book more with the exception of I NEED that damn number ladies!!



Jessica (call me Jess) Davis is a single mom with a refreshingly darling daughter who is smart and inquisitive and better yet acts like a lot of 7 years olds I know. Jess lives in an apartment in a complex owned by her grandparents who raised her and live right across the courtyard. It’s a great set up as they are instrumental in Juno’s life as well. Jess’s mom is an addict and has been in and out of her life depending on what she needs which is usually money, I will say other than this relationship was used to prove a point I found this part of the story a bit tedious but I overlooked it for the most part. Jess works hard but struggles staying ahead mostly because she is an enabler to her mother, again I feel she is smarter than that, but again I’m letting it go. Her best friend Frizzy is a romance author and the two spend their working hours in a local coffee shop where at 8:24 a.m. every morning Americano walks through the doors and Jess enjoys the view. After learning about his “matchmaking” from one of the baristas Jess stops him one day and soon she and Fizzy are touring the GenecticAlly offices.



Dr. River Pena (aka Americano aka River Nicholas) has worked tirelessly on proving long term couples share DNA that makes them compatible. It is his life’s work and he stands to make millions when their service goes public. He comes across as uninterested, aloof, almost rude, but honestly he’s a bit shy, awkward, and always thinking about his company. So when he is informed he’s a 98% match and to Jessica a woman he’s not sure he even likes, he is skeptical until he runs another test and it’s confirmed. This can make or break his IPO, but does he really have time to even try a relationship when his life is about to be busier than ever.



There was something about this couple from the start that intrigued me, they were very different people yet they both have that math/science brain and are extremely intelligent. Sure River is more introverted and Jess is more sociable, but they still see the world in very strict terms. When they begin to “date” for the sake of the company and because they make it worth Jess’s time, at first it’s a bit awkward but they soon find common ground. While Jess has no intentions of introducing Juno to River, they meet a bit accidentally and I found the interactions between River Nicholas and Juno Merriam delightfully charming.



I enjoyed the slow burn of this romance as they continue to face investors, the press, and the public as a Diamond matched couple as well as date casually. It was interesting watching them fall for one another all the while trying to not get attached. I loved that nothing about Jess’s life phased River and that he freely shared so much about his awkward childhood and teenage years.



While the plot might be a bit far-fetched I didn’t even mind because I was so engrossed in what was happening to the characters that the whole DNA match-making was just a small part of the story. In addition to really liking the hero and heroine, the secondary characters were pretty fantastic as well.

I have enjoyed so much of this writing duo’s work and The Soulmate Equation has become a fast favorite!

The duo behind the Christina Lauren pen name is one I consistently enjoy, so when the chance to read The Soul Mate equation came up, I couldn’t resist. This is a read that definitely did not disappoint!

Our characters of Jess and River (along with the small secondary cast) are interesting and fun to get to know. Not only are they entertaining on their own, but they are a couple that gets more interesting as the layers are peeled back and their dynamic evolves.

The premise behind The Soulmate Equation is unique and I appreciated how it played into the emotional background of the characters. The conflict in the story came from a direction I didn’t anticipate, and it was fun to see what I thought was the more obvious route avoided. But, that more obvious item is actually the reason that this doesn’t have a higher rating - I felt like it was a large question that went unanswered. To see what that is - you get to enjoy the book!

Opening lines: Jessica Davis used to think it was an honest-to-God tragedy that only twenty-six percent of women believed in true love. Of course, that was nearly a decade ago, when she couldn't image what it felt like to be anything but deeply and passionately obsessed with the man who would one day be her ex. Tonight, though, on her third first date in seven years, she was astounded the number was even that high.
Reason I picked up the book: I'm a huge Christina Lauren fan, and I pretty much love all of their books.
And what's this book about? The New York Times bestselling author of The Unhoneymooners returns with a witty and effervescent novel about what happens when two people with everything on the line are thrown together by science—or is it fate? Perfect for fans of The Rosie Project and One Plus One.

Single mom Jessica 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 was never 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 percent compatibility with another subject in the database: one of GeneticAlly’s founders, Dr. River Peña. This is one number she can’t wrap her head around, because she already knows Dr. Peña. 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 Match” that could launch GeneticAlly’s valuation sky-high, 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.
Recommended for: Anyone who enjoys a love story with a bit of science thrown in.
Something to know: I think this might actually be the first book by Christina Lauren that stars a mom! Usually they (I say "they" because "Christina Lauren" is actually two writers working together) write about single ladies with no kids.
What I would have changed: This is going to sound a bit Neanderthal but ... normally Christina Lauren's books have more sex scenes. This one had one or two, and they were well-written, but ... books like Beautiful Bastard by them had hotter sex scenes!
Overall rating: 4 stars out of 5.

The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren was my first book by this author. 4/5⭐

Jess is a very well written character. I feel she is very resilient, though still imperfect and all the more relatable for it. When we begin the book, I'm not 100% invested in her character. I kinda judged her. It's not until she is challenged by River that her character development really shines. And River is a socially obtuse genius so... it makes sense that they are 98, right? Haha well, the things that happen in this book are very relatable. They make you feel, they make you yearn, and they make you believe and not be so pessimistic about love. The side characters are all very good too! I enjoyed the book overall.

When it comes to the conflict, I felt Jess was... very lenient. I think that just reflects more on my personality. Also Juno seemed very mature for 7 years old. Not that you can't be a genius at 7. But some things she did had me question her age a little bit.

Overall these statistics don't lie, 100% probability you'll enjoy this book if you like intelligent, relatable, punny characters who find out love is more than an equation.

You have pleased me Christina and Lauren.

I'll be honest, the last few books that they've written have been a little dud-y for me. Boring characters, or unlikable ones.

But I really liked Jess and River. I super loved Fizzy, legit my fav (probably bc of all the Hazel vibes she gives off). There was a lot of family stuff, but not so much that it felt unnecessary. The romance was a nice slow burn, and the resolution of the relationship was rewarding.

It was really good, so thank you ladies for that. I needed my faith restored

I read this gem in one day. It helped that I was traveling, but still....ONE DAY!

The Soulmate Equation was Christina Lauren at their best!! River and Jess were such a fun couple! River is a grumpy, self-centered hottie - - at least that's how he initially appears. Jessica (Jess) is a self-sacrificing single mom who puts herself behind everyone else in her family.

River is the head of a matchmaking company that bases its matches on DNA. Imagine his confusion when he matches with single mom, Jess who he's already had a less than positive run-in with. Equally shocked is Jess who has already labeled him as a "cardboard cutout" by suggesting he may be easy on the eye but has no personality. What ensues is a great mix of enemies to lovers combined with a single parent romance. I was absolutely glued to this book. I loved River and Jess' characters. When the unlikely duo realizes they actually are attracted to one another, I wanted to fist pump the air. Let's just say, these two had some spectacular chemistry. Christina Lauren definitely nailed this book!

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.

Thank you to Gallery Books for my advanced copy of The Soulmate Equation! Christina Lauren books are ones that I will always read. They are funny, swoony, and light-hearted while also being grounded. Their characters are people that you want to become best friends with. Every time I pick one up I know I’m in for a solid, easy read.

The Soulmate Equation is no exception. Jess is a single mom who tries a new dating app that uses your genetics to match you with your soulmate. River is the CEO of the company, and when it is discovered that they are a 98% match, they are asked to spend time together to give the app some positive press. Occasionally the stats and genetics elements of the plot were a little over my head, but that didn’t impact my enjoyment of the story. River and Jess had great chemistry, and I loved their love for one another!

I don’t know how they do it but every book these women write is enjoyable and entertaining. Originally I thought the plot was a little an outlandish but very quickly I was into it. The two main characters have a quiet connection that you can’t help rooting for. However the star of this book is Fizzy! We all wish we could have a friend like Fizzy. I laughed out loud every time she was on the page. I will be recommending this book to all of my friends, family, and bookclub. This is a perfect book for summertime beach reading.