"The Arc" is a romance novel and is the debut novel of author, Tory Henwood-Hoen. It was released on February 8th of this year.
If you would like to purchase "The Arc" you can find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. You can follow the author, Tory Henwood-Hoen, on Instagram and Goodreads! You can also check out her website!
Thank you Macmillan Audio, Tory Henwood-Hoen, and Netgalley for sending me this audio Advanced Copy in exchange for an honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed throughout this review are my own.

35-year-old Ursula Byrne, VP of Strategic Audacity at a branding agency in Manhattan, is successful, witty, whip-smart, and single. She's tried all the dating apps, and let's just say: she's underwhelmed by her options. You'd think that by now someone would have come up with something more bespoke; a way for users to be more tailored about who and what they want in a life partner--how hard could that be?
Enter The Arc: a highly secretive, super-sophisticated matchmaking service that uses a complex series of emotional, psychological and physiological assessments to architect partnerships that will go the distance. The price tag is high, the promise ambitious--a level of lifelong compatibility that would otherwise be unattainable. In other words, The Arc will find your ideal mate.
Ursula is paired with 42-year-old lawyer Rafael Banks. From moment one, this feels like the electric, lasting love they've each been seeking their whole adult lives. But as their relationship unfolds in unanticipated ways, the two begin to realize that true love is never a sure thing. And the arc of a relationship is never predictable...even when it's fully optimized.

I gave this one 3.5 stars on Goodreads. This was a fiction audiobook that I struggled to fully get into. I don't know if my luck would have been better had I actually read this book. I liked the concept, but the actual book kind of fell flat to me. I didn't connect to the main character at all.
There was some jokes that landed with me, but others were pretty bad and unfunny.
There are other books that are similar enough to this one in theme, "The Love Hypothesis" or "The Soulmate Equation", which I found to be more enjoyable.
I would revisit the idea of reading another book by this author in the future, though!

I really enjoyed this audiobook one of the better narrators I have listened to in a while. I loved the eclectic writing, eccentric characters, and unique concept. I enjoyed the characters and the unusual beginning of their love story. The amount of conflict they had to handle throughout their relationship made it feel more realistic and I connected more with the characters. Ursula was a TREAT of a character, at some points she could be incredibly annoying but she grew on me. I appreciated the wrap-up of this story. My only complaint was it was VERY long and I did not like how some chapters were a 1 hr and the next 8 minutes making some parts of the story drag.

This took a bit of a slow start, but after initially reading the description, I knew I needed to power through and get to the good stuff. Once Ursula is introduced to the concept of the Arc, my interest piqued and I really started to become intrigued with the process of the Arc and Ursula's journey. After Ursula is paired, I was just waiting for the other shoe to drop the entire time. I just had a feeling things would go wrong and of course they did. I was really rooting for Ursula and Rafael and somehow knew that belonged together despite what the Arc was telling them. I was so angry when they decided to go through with the emotional detachment procedure because I was sure they were making a huge mistake. As their journey progressed, I began to feel sad for the characters, only to feel completely elated by the ending few characters. The last few pages of the book were absolutely perfect and I did not see it coming at all. I thought this was such an interesting concept and completely unique to any other book I've ever read. I thought the characters were relatable and compelling and I would love to see a follow up with these characters.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. 8.5/10 rounded up to 5 stars

This is definitely a quirky book, but I loved every minute I spent with it. In a nutshell, it is the story of a woman in her mid-30s who seeks a lasting love, and takes a chance on a novel way to get it. I passed the first half pondering where the story was going to go, because, while I loved envisioning Ursula and Raphael's blossoming relationship, I couldn't figure out what the drama was going to be. I spent a lot of time thinking about "The Arc" and wondering if it was truly a revelation in matchmaking or the work of the devil. To me, this is the mark of a great book, that you spend a lot of time thinking about it when you are not reading it (or, in this case, listening to the audiobook). Many elements, notably "The Stake"--the women's club where Ursula and her friends gather--are over the top, but that adds to the fun. This book is simultaneously one that will cause you to think deeply about love and relationships and how we establish them in the world today, but will also satirize that world in the most delightful way.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with this audiobook!

The concept of this book really pulled me in. The idea that you could pin point your exact match of a soulmate was intriguing. The story was well developed but the execution was a tad lacking. I felt like the characters just kind of automatically fell for each other because they were told to. I didn't really see them fall in love. Maybe that was the point of The Arc (to skip all of that and just get with your soulmate) but it fell a little flat for me with no build up. The story was very sweet and enjoyable though. The struggles they did find themselves in seemed realistic. I enjoyed the overall concept and the journey we were presented with. It was definitely a unique romance plot. The author did a great job smoothly laying out the foundation for a lovely and sweet story.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for The ARC.

There were a few points where I laughed and felt like this book was so relevant, but overall, I kept finding myself getting annoyed with every main character and the premise itself. There are so many little clever bits and it's pretty humorous, but that was it for me.

The Arc by Tory Henwood Hoen was a new, fresh and kind of snarky take on romance that I enjoyed quite a bit for Valentine’s and #februaryromance
Our world monetizes most everything so if you could lock in your perfect soulmate for 40.000 to 50.000 $ would you do it ? Using a super invasive matchmaking service that pokes and prods you body and subconscious for a week - would you do it?

Ursula is a 35 year old successful marketer/ brander who just cannot find her perfect match. She has been unsuccessful so far so she is ready to invest serious cash in a long term match. Even while remaining kind of skeptical about the process, she does meet a 42 year old lawyer and everything points to an ideal match. But are they actually falling for each other or is there investment in the program make them assume a perfect match ? Are they just supposed to fall for each other or are the feelings real ? Is their feeling sustainable ? Is relationship perfection attainable ?

I have not read other matchmaking romance books so to me this was fresh and innovative - I listened to the audio provided by @netgalley and @macmillan.audio in exchange for an honest review and I enjoyed it a lot - twisty end and all - smart and kind of philosophical

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

This was such an interesting read. Would you pay 40.5K or 50K dollars to trust a service to find the love of your life? A perfect match for you? I can see this happening in the maybe near future. With all teh work on genetics it's not a far off idea!
I loved the romance between the two MCs. The book took an interesting turn. Definitely recommend if you like a good romance with a twist!

The Arc definitely wasn't like anything I've read before. A book about a dating agency where they charge a crazy amount of money and put the people through insane testing to determine compatibility with others. I was sold by its inventiveness. I enjoyed Ursula's personality right off the bat. When she's finally matched with Rafael, I found his character to be completely perfect for her. And that's where I'm going to stop. I won't give away any of the plot twists for the book. Let's just say it isn't as cut and dry as it sounds. It's clever, inventive and timely. But these two characters matching with the help of this dating agency is just part of the story. There's much more to it.

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: I enjoy toggling between an ebook and audiobook. So, I was thrilled when I received an early review copy of the audiobook for The Arc. I enjoyed the narration for this. She kept my attention and I felt that her voice fit the storyline. 4 stars

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

The Arc by Tory Henwood Hoen

I loved this romance with a hint of sci-fi that I received on audio!

Our MC is tired of dating apps and just wants to find love. She is approached by a woman who suggests she try The Arc, which is a new “dating architecture” company, that matches you with your perfect match through a variety of tests they conduct on you.

It’s a very cute story that isn’t too cheesy and I’d highly recommend it if you’re into contemporary romance!

How much would you pay to be matched up with your perfect person? $100? $1000? $10000? Well for the bargain price of $40-$50K, The ARC could be perfect for you.

This is a well written story of Ursula and Rafael being paired together through The ARC. The story has the right amount of twists and turns to keep the story going and a good pace. I enjoyed the satire in the writing and really want to advocate for a local The Stake!

A drawback I found is that this story wasn’t overly original. Between The Soulmate Equation and The Love Hypothesis

4 stars

Thank you to @netgalley and @macmillanaudio for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

I received an ARC of this audiobook by the publisher via Netgalley in an exchange for an honest review

The Arc is a fascinating read exploring the mechanics of romantic relationships. At the beginning of the novel, our female protagonist, Ursula Byrne, is 35-years-old and single. There were moments towards the beginning when Henwood Hoen describes Ursula's feelings and quandaries about relationships up-to that point in her life and it was scary how much I could relate. As a woman in my early 30s, I felt like Ursula was describing me and my thoughts. I deal with the same struggles, fears, and doubts that Ursula faces in the novel. And if a company like The Arc really existed, I'd be saving up my coins for that $40,000 price-tag.

This novel is a fun mix between satire, wish-fulfillment, and fiction. Both Ursula and Rafael are beautifully written characters. Rich characterization with real struggles and flaws that make them so relatable to readers. The story also has its twists and turns which makes it a fun ride while reading. I especially enjoyed the satire infused into the novel with everything pertaining to The Stake (an exclusive women only private club in NYC that Ursula is a member of).

My only qualm about the book is that for some reason I didn't feel the draw to continually pick it up. I wasn't bored with it and enjoyed every moment I spent with it. But it took my awhile to get through the novel because I'd pick it up randomly when it popped into my mind. Maybe it's because I'm a crow and other "shiny things" were catching my attention at the time.

I give The Arc 4 out of 5 stars.

This book is clever and smart and a very contemporary romance/ Womens fiction that is definitely appealing to readers of Taylor Jenkins Reid and Jennifer Weiner. It’s fairly breezy, set in Manhattan with a kick ass protagonist who excels in business but falters in love. Nothing terribly creative about the protagonist as she’s your typical highly critical, self-sabotaging heroine. But she’s admirable in that her life is quite full, her friendships run deep, and she is willing to try outsourcing her love life because she can. This is Bad Luck Bridesmaid meets The Husbands. Enjoyable and great narration.

What a perfect Valentine's Day read. I am not always a huge fan of romance's, but this story was the perfect balance of romance and literary fiction.
Ursula and Rafael are complete strangers in New York City. Until they both go to a new company called The Arc and pay an exorbitant fee of $50K to be scientifically matched with their perfect mate.
This was one of the most well done stories I've seen following this trope of scientifically paired romance. I think executions have been all over the board, but I greatly enjoyed this one.

The plot was stylistically perfect. The length was ideal and the arc of the story (no pun intended) was well created. I adorned this light hearted read. It hit home with enough seriousness to not be cheesy and without the angsty drama usually present in romance novels.
I would highly recommend this and would love to discuss if you read!

How much would you pay to find the love of your life? Well our two main characters Ursula and Rafael decide it's worth over $40K! They are both invited to the ARC an intensive program that promises to find them the love of their lives.

At the beginning, everything seems magical. They seem to click on every thing. Until they have their first fight, and they start to wonder if maybe the match wasn't so perfect after all.

Ursula is our main character, working in advertising. I felt like this book was almost poking fun at millennials, and I'm a millennial! I don't know a single person that acts like the characters in this book.

I was also hoping for a more sci Fi explanation to the ARC. This is definitely not my usual genre and so don't put too much stock into my review.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan audio for giving me an advanced review copy in exchange for an honest review.

I loved The Arc!! The premise of the story is original, and the characters have so much depth I felt like I really knew them. Nothing in the story felt forced and the pace was perfect. Some of the nicknames used (particularly tale tip) were a little cringe-worthy, but there was so much else to love about this book that I could overlook the nicknames Raphael and Ursula gave each other. As New Hampshire native, I loved all of the state references that read very authentic to New Hampshire. Overall this was a wonderful book and I am very glad I read it!

Thank you to the author, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review. #TheARC #NetGalley

A new matchmaking service that uses a very thorough process to guarantee finding your perfect match. All for the small price of 50,000. While Ursula has gotten used to the idea of being alone, she cannot pass up the chance to give the ARC a chance.... 😻❤️🍦

This book has an interesting premise, reminding me greatly of The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren. While there are some sweet moments, there were definitely some cringey moments as well. I appreciated Ursula's sense of humor though. Overall, I enjoyed this one. ⭐⭐⭐

I got about 15% in and didn't love this one and thought it was trying a little too hard to be trendy yet ironic? If you wanted romance with a twist, you might try this.

Ursula Byrne, the VP of Strategic Audacity for a branding agency in NYC, is 35 and single; she’s tried all the dating apps, but they’ve been a disaster. When a woman tells her about The Arc, a secretive agency that promises to find you your ideal match by going much more in depth than any other dating agency. Ursula is paired with Rafael Banks, a 42-year-old lawyer. The connection between them is deep and immediate, but as their relationship progresses, they discover that even a promised love is not without bumps or fights.

Do people like Ursula and her friends really exist? She is a piece of work, although at least she realizes in the end how she is sabotaging her own life. This book is very pretentious, although you can definitely feel the connection between Ursula and Rafael. I think this will be hit or miss depending on whether people like the tone of the book. If you would like a book satirizing feminism, rich people, etc., check this one out. Otherwise, I suggest giving it a pass. If you’re looking for a romance novel, please note that this is not your typical romance.

Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an audio ARC of this book.

Ursula is “vice president of strategic audacity” at a branding agency, smart and driven. Rafael is a laid-back 42-year-old lawyer specializing in wills and trusts.

They don’t seem to have much in common, except for this: both have been unlucky in love. And that brings them to The Arc, which promises the perfect match, guaranteed.

After a weeklong series of questionnaires, tests and surveillance at Arc headquarters — and huge payments for the service — Ursula and Rafael are paired. Their connection is quick and strong. But as Mr. Shakespeare knew, the course of true love never did run smooth …

This debut novel from Hoen, a Brown University graduate who’s worked both in the branding world and as a journalist, treads the usual romance-novel ground in a fresh way. She’s helped by a strong reading from Kelly, equally adept as Ursula, Rafael and the stern Dr. Vidal, who runs The Arc.