Loved it! Loved it! Loved it! The Soulmate Equation is another fabulously funny and romantic book from Christina Lauren. I think it’s my new favorite book from them !

First and foremost, I will say I will read ANYTHING this duo writes! I love how they can come together to create such funny, romantic, sometimes emotional, and heart-felt masterpieces.

The premise of this book had me very excited because I've never read anything like it before and to me, it didn't disappoint. I loved the idea of a genetic based dating service that matches you to your SOULMATE!! I mean come on, tell me that's not interesting?!

I also really loved the fact that the main female character is a single mother because I feel like we do not get enough of these in books and it was very refreshing and also very "real" if you know what I mean. You could definitely see the struggles being a single mother Jess endured and also the fact that she knew she didn't need no man in her life. Until she met Dr. River Pena that is.

I really enjoyed getting to know these characters and watch them fall shamelessly in love even though they were matched as "soulmates". Thank you @christinalauren for writing this amazing book and for sharing it with your readers.

When I pick up a Christina Lauren book, I usually know I'm in for a good time, but this just might be my favorite one to date. It's a warm, witty, funny, and sexy story that's tropey in the best possible way. When single mom and statistician Jess impulsively sends her DNA to a startup that promises to find people's genetic "soulmates," she's horrified to find out that not only does she have a match, but it's the highest percentage the company has ever seen - and it's with River, the brusque, arrogant scientist who's one of the founders. They reluctantly agree to give dating a go, for financial benefit and scientific curiosity... and I'm sure you can guess the rest.

It's always the characters that make Christina Lauren's books a standout, and Jess and River are right up there with the best. They're messy and flawed and have incredible sparks; it's so satisfying to watch them fall for each other. The supporting cast, especially Jess's BFF Fizzy and daughter Juno, are colorful and fun to read.

One of my personal pet peeves with romances is the "big misunderstanding" trope to tear the couple apart in the last act, and I'm so relieved that the predictable misunderstanding doesn't happen here. Instead, the last twist in the conflict doesn't necessarily pit the two leads against each other, instead giving them something different to evaluate and face together. It's a small thing, but it helps make the story feel more real and emotionally honest. I'm so delighted with this book!

I absolutely loved this book! The premise was so fresh and creative - a single mom gives a DNA sample for a dating app and discovers that she is a strong romantic match with the app’s founder, the gruff hottie she sees daily at her coffee shop. I loved how their romance developed. I also loved the supporting cast of characters. I appreciated that the conflict wasn’t just a miscommunication between the two main characters but was more interesting than that. This was my second Christina Lauren book and I will definitely be reading more!

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

4/5

When an up and coming matchmaking company promises compatibility via participants' DNA, data analyst Jess Davis is skeptical. Getting back into the dating scene has been a bit of a challenge recently – what with raising her seven year old daughter practically on her own and keeping her career afloat. The idea that finding a soulmate could boil down to DNA seems impossible, yet the numbers are begging to be analyzed. Submitting a sample to the company seems simple enough, but Jess doesn't expect anything to actually come by it. Certainly not a platinum level match with the last person on earth she would ever date: River Pena, founder of the company, and Jess’s nemesis. A match of this level is unheard of though, and the company hopes to segway it into promotion for their upcoming IPO. The catch: Jess has to date River publicly, add or subtract a few media appearances. With the success of the company on the line, as well as her own love life, Jess is out to prove just whether or not love can be quantified.

Based on the track record of my reception to Christina Lauren’s past few books, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this one. The Soulmate Equation was like a magnificent phoenix, rising from the ashes of all the recent Christina Lauren books I had not enjoyed, and reaffirming the author’s talent for crafting impactful romances. This book was exactly what I needed, even with the added statistics class flashback that occurred right in the middle. The originality of the premise, combined with the depth of the characters, had me devouring this in well under three hours. At this point I’m just going to assume that if a romance is hate-to-love, I’m going to be entertained by it. This one gave off serious Pride and Prejudice vibes, but set in a modern dating world, to which I am eternally grateful. The main characters had such raw chemistry stemming out of their mutual hatred, that I couldn't help but root for them and the success of their romantic relationship. What can I say, I am nothing if not on brand. While most of the novel focuses on romance, I quite liked the quieter more tender moments between family and friends. This is very much a story of family, and that is represented in the supporting characters if nothing else. It made me that much more comforted in how the book resolved knowing everything fit together as it should. One other thing that really stood out to me was the women in STEM rep. Even if the mathematics was at times overwhelming, I adored seeing Jess command attention and take charge in her career. Besides the romance, it was one of the most compelling aspects of the novel. While this isn't necessarily on the same level as The Unhoneymooners, it definitely comes close to being one of Christina Lauren’s best. Look for it out May 18!

Trigger warnings: substance addiction (mentioned), alcohol consumption, alcoholism

A very cute story, I enjoyed it!
Jess is a single mother who is kind of down on her luck when enters a sample into a DNA matchmaking company that is determined to change dating forever.
Jess is skeptical of the numbers and all but when she is given the 98% compatibility to one of the men that is responsible for the company, she is definitely skeptical!
When the company offers her a contract paying her to get to know Mr. Pena she takes it because it means that she can make her bills and have a little extra for later on.
Slowly but surely she starts to see behind the walls that Mr. Pena has put up around himself and sees that there is more to him than she originally thought!
Oh Man! I loved this story soo much! It's cute and it's a slow grown romance that shows that neither partner is perfect but it's soo cute to follow along. I found myself laughing at several moments and even having those aww moments! This story is really cute and I definitely recommend it if you like funny, cute and witty romances!

Holy adorableness! Wowza. I was completely and totally overwhelmed by all the cuteness in this book.

You have Jessica, the main character, hard-working single mom, incredibly likeable, fun, and smart. Then, there’s her best friend, Felicity. They all call her Fizzy (of course they do, because how cute is that?!), and she is everything you could possibly want in a best friend. Fun, encouraging, always there when you need her, basically part of the family. Jessica’s daughter, Juno, who is precocious, but not sassy. Super smart and really loves her mama. Jessica’s grandparents, Nana Jo and Pops, who have been married over 50 years and are still crazy about each other. And of course, Dr. River Peña. *Swoon.*

Jessica and Fizzy have noticed the super hot guy who comes into their local coffee shop every morning at exactly 8:24 a.m. to order an Americano. So predictable that they have nicknamed him Americano. Not surprisingly, mega-serious Americano is actually Dr. River Peña, a super smart scientist. The big surprise? He studies love! Oooohhh, sexy! His company is founded on the idea that DNA can predict happy couples. Jessica and Fizzy sign up and guess what? Matches ensue. Not just any matches - Jessica matches with none other than….AMERICANO! *You had better still be swooning.*

Although it’s not super difficult to figure out where the story is going, it’s absolute joy watching it unfold. Instead of trying to figure out the ending, I just enjoy the ride. It’s a privilege to be able to support and encourage these authors. They are real, they are awesome, they get it. The book is lighthearted and fun - definitely things we need more of in our lives. Release date is May 2021, so put this one on the top of your beach reads list!

Thanks to Christina Lauren, Gallery Books, and Netgalley for the ARC in return for my honest review.

The two women learn that he works for a biotech dating company, and finagle their way into a tour of the company. GeneticAlly uses DNA data to determine compatibility.
They’re both shocked when they not only match, but get the highest match possible from the test. They begin to date to see if their test results are real.
This book has such great vibes. Pulled me right in and I was hooked! A one day read for me!
Just stunning writing and beautiful characters! A favorite of mine so far for 2021!

Once again this is another Christina Lauren story that I absolutely loved. Although the plot may have been a bit predictable, I could not put it down. The characters in this story are everything. I loved Jess and River and their chemistry was so good. Also I’m crossing my fingers that Fizzy gets her own story, I would devour her story as well. 🤞🏻 This is just a feel good story that will make you smile, laugh and possibly hate yourself for reading it too fast. 😬😂

The Soulmate Equation is one of many books I’ve read by the romance duo powerhouse, Christina Lauren – but it is my favorite. This book made me laugh out loud. It made me cry. It made my heart swell up with affection.

This is a well-earned 5 star rating for The Soulmate Equation, which is out on May 18, 2021.

What I liked

- You can always count on Christina Lauren to have a cast of charming characters, and she’s done it again! I love Fizzy, Jess’s best friend, and Jess’s grandparents Nana Jo and Pops the most, but every side character adds to the narrative and makes the story better.
- Speaking of which: I think Christina was laying the groundwork for Fizzy to have her own romance afterward, so crossing my fingers that it pans out!
- River and Jess’s romance is A+. I love when the heroine thinks her love interest is cocky and arrogant, and then finds out – no, he’s just an introverted, geeky guy. Seriously, I love it, and it always works for me.

What I didn’t like

- I can’t think of anything, y’all. I can’t think of a single thing. Can you believe it? I am so picky.

If you liked that, you’ll like this

- Enemies to lovers
- Data
- Scientists falling in love
- Single mothers

Christina Lauren doesn’t disappoint in this new and wonderful romantic comedy. The mixture of good characters, emotion, laughs, and just plain fun is perfect. I couldn’t put this book down. I really enjoyed the storyline of two scientists falling in love over a new scientific dating app. While I don’t know much about data or science myself, it was such a pleasure to read such a fresh and new story.
Thanks to Christina Lauren, NetGalley, and Gallery Books for this advance reader’s copy.

My single March read so far was “The Soulmate Equation” by my FAVS Christina Lauren!!! It’s an early release I was granted an early peek at thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, and I think it tops my absolute favorite book of theirs of all time! It’s perfect in every way and has all the features everyone loves about these books: friendship, family and all the romance!! It releases in May and you will NOT want to miss this one!

I’m obsessed with the friendship between Fizzy and Jess, I can picture every bit of the romance between River and Jess, and Juno!! Such a perfect addition with the grandparents showcasing a nowadays typical family!!

I loved this entire story!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

I’m a fan of Christina Lauren books but this one didn’t seem to have the same heart and humor as the other books. I liked the premise and thought the Jess and River were likeable. Jess’s best friend Fizzy is the one who stole the book for me would love a book about her misadventures in love and writing about it.

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I will pick up any book written by Christina Lauren and I have never been disappointed. The writing is always on point with loveable characters, wit, charm and romance. I can't get enough. The Soulmate Equation did not disappoint. I loved the main character, Jess, for her independence and quirkiness. I loved her daughter, Juno, for her sass and intelligence beyond her years. I loved her best friend Fizzy simply because everyone needs to have a BFF that will always have your back. Lastly, I love River because by the end of the story who can resist him let's be real. Christina Lauren has built a storyline around a DNA dating app (too bad it is fiction) that leads you to think that soulmates really exist and can be determined through a blood test. Jess only signed up in a desperate moment of reflection about her life but quickly realizes she entered a roller coaster line with no way off the ride. The chemistry between Jess and River leaps off the page and the cast of characters support and engage in a way that is fun to read. I recommend this book to anyone that loves contemporary fiction, chick-lit, and anyone who loves LOVE. At the end of the day aren't we all looking for our soulmate?

I will start by saying that I find the "DNA is destiny" schtick incredibly offensive so the _only_ reason I picked up this book was that it was by Christina Lauren who are one of my favorite authors. That said, this was a relatively well done book. The plot, such as it was, was good. The secondary characters were great (I actually kind of liked Fizzy better than Jess); the hero and sex were hot; the kid was cute. What more do you want from a romance? Still...I'm looking forward to their next book as the premise of this book didn't get any better the more I read.

I had read "The Unhoneymooners" and liked it well enough, but hadn't read anything by Christina Lauren besides that. That being said, I LOVED this one, and enjoyed it way more than Unhoneymooners! I really appreciated the characters and their honesty, and what a cute HEA. I want a River.

Fantastic romantic read with a twist of science. Jess and River together whether they are bantering or trying to figure out if they are a match are electric. The sparks fly right off the page. River is not what Jess expected or what he shows most of the world. Jess is just trying to raiser her daughter on her own and giving up on romance and dating. Fizzy is an added bonus to the mix. She is her best friend and a comedic addition to the story. Story is fast paced and does how some science mixed in. I would definitely reread this one and it is on my 5 star keeper shelf.

I’ve read a few Christina Lauren books and have liked them, but this one might be my favorite! I really liked the main characters and even though it was somewhat predictable, there was a moral dilemma that I wasn’t expecting. I would recommend it for a quick, summer read.

The Soulmate Equation is the latest book from author-duo Christina Lauren and while I have really enjoyed their early books, I have actually skipped some of their more recent books or had issues with them. But while not every book of theirs is my jam, I still read every one because I’ve enjoyed the majority of them. And I’m super glad to say, this one was a hit for me! As soon as I heard the premise for this book, it gave me The One by John Marrs vibes (which I was intrigued because I loved that book) but less thrillery sci-fi and just romance.

Jess is a busy single mom about to be 30 who spends her time taking care of her 7-year-old daughter, helping out her grandparents (who raised her), and with her job as a statistics analyst. One thing Jess doesn’t have time for is a relationship, but her best friend, Fizzy is a romance writer and obsessed with Jess having a love life. Jess and Fizzy hear about GeneticAlly, a new DNA-based matchmaking company, and Fizzy jumps at the chance to get a tour of the labs and drags Jess along with her. On a whim Jess takes the test too and is shocked-surprised when she matches with the founder of the company, Dr. River Peña. But not only did they match, they have the highest compatibility the company has ever seen & Jess already knows him...River is the stuck-up, stubborn man she sees every morning at her local coffee shop who can definitely NOT be her soulmate. But GeneticAlly has a proposition for Jess: get to know River and they’ll pay her.

I love the concept of this book, a DNA-based dating app and the idea of being able to tell people’s compatibility and longevity of their relationship based off genetics. I really enjoyed both of these characters, River and Jess are both sciencey and get into lots of conversations about statistics and probabilities. I enjoyed their annoyed-to-love banter and I always love a hero who appears to be cold & aloof but has more going on once the heroine gets to know him. While still not on the level of their early books steaminess, this one did have more steam happening on the page than some of their more recent reads. I liked that Jess was a single mom & apprehensive about the entire dating process/inviting a new man into her life. This was just a really cute read and I enjoyed it so much!

Thank you to the publisher (Gallery Books) for an e-ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest thoughts & review. The Soulmate Equation publishes May 18, 2021.

A delightful romance from beginning to end. I enjoy the premise that you can find your soulmate through a DNA match. The characters were fun and likable with great backstories.