Everything about this book was perfect to me… I absolutely adored this book and fell in love with Fizzy and Connor and the overall story.

To start off with, this book is a beautiful ode to romance readers. As Fizzy is a romance writer, she uses so many tropes and all the romance book lingo and I thought that was such a fun little thing to include for romance readers. To me, Fizzy was the highlight of the book and I loved her so much; I loved her positivity and her humour and also her vulnerability. Fizzy is the kind of FMC I would love to have as my friend… I also really liked our hero in this book, Connor… Grumpy single dads will and forever have my heart. I love how much he cared for his daughter, and just how overall character, I thought he worked really well with Fizzy.

I also really loved the whole concept of this book and the whole reality dating show bit as that’s one of my guilty pleasure. I also just loved the overall plot and how this book also really focused on joy and how to find yourself again after you lose hope. This book had everything I love in a Christina Lauren book, and it was FUNNY. I laughed out loud multiple times while reading this book, but it also had very real and emotional moments… It also had spice!! 🥵

This should definitely be on any romance readers lists. The littles nods to romance books made me so happy, and the overall story was really well done. This could be read as a stand alone, however I would highly recommend reading the Soulmate Equation first in order to better understand the premise of the dating show and to better know River and Jess 🥰

Thank you to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster Canada, and Christina Lauren for the ARC of this incredible book. Out today!

4.5⭐

This book was WOW! I loved the soulmate equation (which was my favorite Christina Lauren to date) but this one knocked it out of the park. It was funny and heartfelt, the characters were so likeable I fell in love with them right away. Fizzy is now my absolute rom-com favorite heroine. She is so funny and witty and quick on her feet. She gives the best advice and she's the aunty and friend everyone would love to have. And Connor. I loved how we can see the biggest change in him from the beginning to the end of this book. He has the best character development in my opinion. The side characters were also great and added to the story either my giving us more insight on why the MCs are the way they are or by having an actual supporting role. The pace of the story was perfect, fast enough but not too much that we did not get character growth or skipped on the chemistry building (which was hot hot hot). It really felt like I was watching a love story unfold and I could not put it down. This is hands down the best Christina Lauren book to date.

Christina Lauren - these ladies have written so many books that I adore! I know a few haven’t been my favorites, but so very many have been my top reads … The Soulmate Equation was in 2021, and now The True Love Experiment is very likely my top 2023 read! It’s absolutely incredible and I sped through all 412 (ish?) pages at lightning speed because I had to know the ending.

I re-read Soulmate immediately before picking up True Love, because it was over two years ago that I read it. There were so many things I’d forgotten, and I’m really glad I did this. I forgot the characters, and quite honestly, the majority of the plot and storyline. If you haven’t read Soulmate, you’ll probably want to read it first (or give it a re-read), for character background (very, very important background).

Fizzy (Felicity) was such a beloved side character from Soulmate that all of us begged for her story - and they finally brought it out! She’s a romance author, beloved auntie to best friend Jess’s daughter Juno (book 1), and serial dater. She’s dated plenty of men from everywhere and DNADuo, the DNA testing dating company that Jess’s husband River founded, but hasn’t met her match. She has never been in love, though. Nothing like Jess and River!

When Fizzy is approached by Connor, the hottie she was checking out at the bar last night, to make a reality TV dating show (think Bachelorette style), but using DNADuo technology. He saw her at the bar that day, discovered she is his ex wife’s favorite romance author, and couldn’t pass up the chance, especially if it meant spending more time with her. She throws in as many crazy demands as she can, including requiring them to include all of the romance trope elements for the men - and somehow they all make it work … while things seem to entirely go off the rails at the same time, during filming.

Such a wild and crazy thrill ride and I loved every second - I completely recommend this book for everyone! I know there are a ton of Christina Lauren fans out there, so for anyone new to this awesome writing duo, start with The Soulmate Equation for the character background and you will be blown away by The True Love Experiment!

I received an advance review copy from NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada (Gallery Books), and this is my honest feedback.

4.5⭐️
I smiled, laughed, and teared up reading this. I thoroughly enjoyed The Soulmate Equation as well, and was so excited realizing that this book would be about Fizzy!

Fizzy is adorable and funny and I love her, I was rooting for her from the get go and knew she deserved the best. The best came in the form of Connor, who was very much the swoon-worthy hero!

There was one incident that had occurred with Connor which I think some people wouldn’t like at all, but I do believe in personal growth over time, and it did seem like he was head over heels for Fizzy <3

Jess, River and Juno made appearances which was so fun. The characters alone make these books worth reading!

The plot was a bit drawn out at times? But I loved how they created a new form of reality TV, and the added tension it created for Fizzy and Connor.

Although it may lead to biases like Fizzy mentions in the books, I kind of wish DNADuo existed in real life! Loved both books overall.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Canada for the eARC in exchange of a review!

Christina Lauren fans have been anxiously awaiting Fizzy’s story and it does not disappoint.

I loved the chance to see Jess, River and Juno again and to see that everything had continued to work out for them. I love Jess and Fizzy’s friendship. It reminds me of my own friendship with my best friend. More like family than just friends. And the way Fizzy is an aunt to Juno is so heartwarming. Fizzy is the world’s best auntie.

In the acknowledgements, the authors talk about how Connor took a little bit to shape up. All I can say is that the wait and the work were worth it. Connor is wonderful. A terrific dad and an equally terrific human. I loved him for Fizzy. He is the yin to her yang. Their chemistry is palpable but more than just lust, the foundation of friendship is also there. I loved how supportive they are of each other. How they just allow the other person to be who they are.

Watching the mechanics of creating a reality TV show was a lot of fun and I loved how both Fizzy and Connor strode to create something a little more authentic than what you typically get from these shows. They didn’t let the situation force them to abandon their values.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the obvious commentary running through this book on the romance genre. We get to watch Fizzy navigate the ups and downs as a romance author, experiencing both the hurtful assumptions and the fandom highlights. As a whole, this book reads like a love letter to the genre and I’m here for it.

The True Love Experiment is everything I had hoped and dreamed for Fizzy’s story.

Thank you, Gallery Books, an imprint of Simon and Schuster for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Felicity ‘Fizzy’ Chen is a romance novelist who can’t seem to find her own happily ever after. After a love affair gone wrong, she loses the joy she once felt for life and writing. Connor Prince III is a documentary maker who’s tasked with something completely outside his wheelhouse and comfort zone: producing a reality dating show, starring Fizzy, and featuring romance hero archetypes. The pair don’t even like each other at first, but they agree to embark on a journey to help each other find their lost spark and lust for life…without realizing a lot of that lust will soon be aimed at each other.

I loved this book so freaking much. The Soulmate Equation was one of my favourite books of 2021 and I was so excited when I learned Fizzy was getting her own book. While this can technically be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading The Soulmate Equation first, not only because it’s an incredible book, but also because you get to know many of the important players of Fizzy’s book (including Fizzy), plus the science technology behind the dating show.

In many ways, this book felt like a love letter to love, romance, and the romance genre. I loved how Fizzy defended the genre and how Connor learned his initial opinion on romance was based on ignorance, but he was willing to correct it. The two of them had sizzling chemistry, hilarious banter, and I loved watching them form a bond and search for joy in life, often finding it in each other. Connor is super swoony - perfect book boyfriend material and one of my new favourite book boyfriends - and Fizzy is easily one of my new favourite characters. She’s smart, hilarious, irreverent, and has so much love to give. She loves her people fiercely but is guarded when it comes to romantic love. I adored the different dynamics she had with Jess, River, and Juno, and I was so glad we got to see a lot of Jess and River because I truly loved their story.

The True Love Experiment filled me with warm fuzzies, made me laugh and swoon in equal measure, and I basically happy-cried through the last couple of chapters. This book was also much steamier than most of CLo’s recent books, which I appreciated and I know a lot of other readers will too since I keep reading reviews about how ‘tame’ their books have become steam-wise. This one is a must for romance fans, especially those of us who staunchly defend romance as the best, most satisfying genre out there, despite what much of society believes.

I am completely obsessed. Christina Lauren have written the most captivating book I have ever read. Fizzy was the best main character to read about and she never had me rolling my eyes or screaming at the book. Connor was just sad great and seeing his dynamic between Nat and Juno was so cute! Although I had a feeling I knew how this was going to end, it did not stop me at all from wanting to keep reading. I was hooked from the very beginning and am so thankful I got a copy of this.

So when I started my 2023 Reading Challenge, I had specifically stated that I needed to be reading out of my comfort zone and hit genres that I would normally eschew - one of which being Romance in any form. I feel like I cheated a bit when picking a Christina Lauren, as is Romcom truly what I have been trying my challenge myself to approach? Nevertheless, here we are!

I did get a kick out of The True Love Experiement, specifically more in the character than the plot itself (anything reality-TV/Bachelorette-based seems so overused at this point). I will say that I really like Fizzy Chen, and was sad to realize that I had missed out on her 1st outing in The Soulmate Equation (I have also been told that this book does spoil a lot of that previous title, so woe is I).

As someone who is no longer in my 20's, I did appreciate the imperfectness of the story and the people here. People are messy and so is the pursuit of an other that complements ourselves. It is for this element that I enjoy authors like Nick Hornby and Dave Nichols.

That said, was it the best foray into Romance that I could have ventured into -probably not. 4 stars for this inspite of the tired cliches of Romance author doing X and person getting involved in a reality show. I will say that, if anything, The True Love Experiment has emboldened me to find that next romance title to stretch myself as a reader!

Thank you Netgalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for this advanced copy of this title for an unbiased review.

I loved reading the predecessor to this book; The Soulmate Equation, a lot and this book was no different. Fizzy was such a great character in the first book and I loved getting to read about her getting her very own chance at love. Connor was such a great hero and the reality tv show setting was something I have never read before but so fun! This book also included two of my favourite troupes… mutual pinning and forbidden love! Overall I really liked this book.

Whenever I pick up a book by this duo, I know that I am going to be in for a good time. The True Love Experiment was just the cheerful, romantic, humorous read that I was in the mood for.

Felicity “Fizzy” Chen certainly is a character. She’s a best-selling romance author who is as effervescent as her name implies. She has a killer sense of humor, she’s confident, outgoing, intelligent, and she’s never been in love. Never. Oh, she’s had plenty of dates and lovers, but to say that she’s ever been truly smitten or head-over-heels with someone, she really hasn’t.

I couldn’t help but love Fizzy. Yes, she was a lot, but she was fun, entertaining, and interesting. When she was offered the opportunity to be on a brand-new reality show to find her true soulmate with the formula that her friend had developed, she was hesitant, but eventually decided to go for it. What was the worst that could happen?

Connor Prince III had to develop this new dating show in order to keep his job and continue to live close to his daughter. The last thing that this documentary filmmaker wanted to do was a dating show, but you gotta do what you gotta do, and once he met Fizzy, he knew that she had enough star-power to bring in the ratings and keep his job. Ah, but Fizzy was more intriguing than just the face of his show. She was the firecracker that was about to add the spark to his world. Yes!

I enjoyed the interactions between Fizzy and Connor. They had a smoldering attraction, great banter, and a reason to spend a lot of time together, but the show was about finding Fizzy’s soulmate among the Hero contestants, not about her developing a relationship with the show’s producer.

The True Love Experiment felt like an ode to romance readers (I loved that). Fizzy loved her fans and the exuberance that they had at her book signings and for her upcoming releases, and despite being in a bit of a creative drought, she loved writing romance.

If you’re looking for a bit of joy in your own life, pick up this book, it is sure to bring a smile to your face and delight your romance-loving heart.

*4.5 Stars

3.5 Stars! This was a quick, fun read. This story had great banter, fun flirting, and a sexy single dad...what's not to love?!?! It also had hot chemistry between the characters and much more depth to each of them (and their romance) than I was anticipating. I'll be honest, I've never watched any of those "reality" bachelor shows and was curious as to how the authors would integrate it into the story without making me role my eyes on every other page - but they did it. If I could change one thing about this story though it would be that the "show" took time away from Fizzy and Connor. Fizzy is a successful romance novelist looking to get her groove back and is presented with the opportunity to be the lead in a dating show with a twist...she is able to dictate how the show will work. She's sassy and snarky and bubbly and, because of that, she breaths life into what can be a predictable type of reality program. Connor produces documentaries and is definitely out of his element when asked to work on this program but when he meets Fizzy things immediately start to make sense - both for the show and for him personally. And, ultimately, he became a great producer and a great love interest for Fizzy. Now, I will be honest that there are some things in Connor's past I didn't like but I feel like they actually made this story more real...none of us is perfect and this story dealt with some of that which I appreciated. Overall, the interactions between these two were witty, spicy, and endearing and I enjoyed watching their romance progress which made for a fun read.

The dynamic writing duo Christina Lauren has done it again. I have been in the biggest reading slump of my life and this book cured me. As always, Christina Lauren deliver fun and witty characters you cannot help but fall in love with.

Fizzy and Connor's chemistry was magnificent and their banter had me squealing like a child. I loved the build-up of their relationship and I thought it was so natural and real. Fizzy was the perfect heroine and I felt so connected to her. She was so funny and I wish she were a real person so I could meet her in real life and give her a giant hug. Connor was also the perfect hero to balance out Fizzy. His communication skills? Are you kidding? How could you not fall in love with Connor. He was so dreamy and his love for his daughter Stevie was so precious.

The "true love experiment" plot of the book was executed so well (in my opinion, as someone who watches a lot of reality TV dating shows) and it was definitely a highlight of the book. If you're also a big fan of reality dating shows, you will love this book.

Overall, this book was an absolute hit for me. I was unsure going into this book if I would like Fizzy and Connor as a couple considering I loved River and Jess so much but wow I was proven wrong. If anything, I love Fizzy and Connor more. Their relationship in this book was too good and they just fit so well together. This was easily a 5 star read for me.

The True Love Experiment
By Christina Lauren
••• ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• •••
I love, love, loved this novel. It was everything that I was looking for in a contemporary romance. The dialog was witty and fast paced, the characters are perfectly crafted and the development is well executed, the plot was amazing with no slow spots and the writing is so easy and beautifully created. I highly recommend it, it’s in the same world has her other novel the soul equation! I loved Fizzy so much, she felt like a real person and just so lovable. Meeting Connor was a dream come true, so handsome, smart, and with a English accent (The perfect jackpot). It was lovely to see Jess and River again, and to see the relationship between Jess and Fizzy as best friends makes my heart so warm. It was a fast read and I recommend picking it up when it comes out this week.

Felicity “Fizzy” Chen is lost. She is a beloved romance writer, that loved having relationships with men until she became the other woman and stopped trusting men altogether. She realized that she has never been in love, she’s been in lust but never found her Hero to her love story.

Connor Prince, is a beloved single father who loves to make nature documentaries. But when he is ordered to make a reality TV show to save the company, Connor is so out of his element. When Connor meets Fizzy, he finds his perfect lead for his reality show “The True Love Experiment” where the audience will vote for the perfect match and see if it lines up with DNA match. This sounds like it might be exactly what both Connor and Fizzy need.

My copy was given to me by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Romance: ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Spice level: 🌶🌶
Plot points: 💥💥💥💥💥
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

I wasn’t sure if I was going to like Fizzy’s story going into it because I don’t watch reality tv shows. But I was proven wrong - I loved this book so so much. The banter was top notch. I smiled, sent screenshots, and squealed so many times. I loved The Soulmate Equation, but Christina and Lauren really outdid theirselves with this one.

Memorable quote: “I want to stuff this happiness in a pie crust and eat it with ice cream.”

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for this advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.

The moment I knew a sequel-type story was coming out following The Soulmate Equation, I was squealing. Not even kidding with you!

Fizzy Chen is a bestselling romance novelist, a proactive first dater/one night stander and soon to be, a lead in a reality show that focuses on helping her find true love. But really, she's hoping to just find her mojo again and everything that makes her Fizzy, while navigating the newest intruder in her life - Connor Prince III (What a name, hey?). Connor lands the role of producer for a new Bachelor-like reality show and must make everything work in order to make his own life work out. From the moment Fizzy lands in his radar, Connor just knows he's in for it.

Where to even begin? I don't even think this book belongs in any of the trope categories, only that there's slight single dad romance vibes. Otherwise, this is a one of a kind type of rom-com read, in true Christina Lauren nature. Fizzy was unhinged, loveable and the perfect little weirdo that I could see parts of myself in. Connor was swoon worthy, reserved yet says ALL the right things. The plotline was super fun, unique, full of quirkiness and yet addressed some topics about romance reading culture that insinuated perfectly with Fizzy's story. Also, loved seeing the Asian representation in this one, mentionables of Chinese wedding cultures, Cantonese name addressing - So good and made me so proud! I have nothing but praises for this book, my newest favorite CL story😍

This one hits the stands next week and I highly recommend you have a go at it. For fans of the Bachelor and reality dating shows, this is a read you must get into!

Thank you NetGalley and Gallery books for providing a digital copy of this fun read for my honest thoughts.

"The True Love Experiment" by Christina Lauren is an absolute gem of a novel, and one that I cannot recommend highly enough. As a fan of the romance genre, I've been disappointed by many lackluster books in recent years, but this one truly stands out.

The story follows the protagonist, a woman who has been burned by love in the past and is skeptical of romantic relationships. When she meets the charming and attractive hero, their chemistry is undeniable, but they decide to embark on a platonic relationship to see if they can truly be friends without the pressure of romance. What follows is a delightful and heartwarming story of self-discovery, personal growth, and, of course, romance.

What I loved most about "The True Love Experiment" was the way that the authors, who write under the pseudonym Christina Lauren, expertly balanced the humor and wit of the story with the emotional depth and character development. The dialogue was snappy and engaging, the pacing was perfect, and the romance was swoon-worthy without being over-the-top.

Overall, "The True Love Experiment" is a delightful and engaging novel that reminded me why I love the romance genre so much. Christina Lauren is a talented writing team, and I look forward to reading more of their work in the future. If you're a fan of romance, or just looking for a heartwarming and engaging story, I highly recommend giving this book a try. You won't be disappointed!

Oh my goodness. Well if that wasn't a late attention grabbing book, I don't know what is.

I've seen DNF reviews about this book from fellow early readers, but seriously. Stick. It. Out. It's so worth it! I was at 25% for what felt a little long, but the minute the show's filming started and our spunky couple started really letting sparks, I finished this in a day. The slow beginning really builds this hilarious and adorable couples foundation.

Not to mention, who doesn't like a literal present Daddy figure with substance that went to therapy and loves the earth!?

I strongly believe that this will be one of the popular beach reads this year and all I ask is that you stick with our flaky Fizzy and uptight, workaholic Connor. They really do make THAT couple that you just look at and know they can communicate without words and just looks.

The True Love Experiment follows Fizzy from The Soulmate Equation! Fizzy is feeling stuck in life, not writing, not dating and not experiencing joy. Then she meets Connor, a nature documentary producer that has been tasked with creating a falling in love reality show. Upon meeting Fizzy, he decides she’d be perfect to lead the show and casts her. Along the way of finding joy and filming the show, both Connor and Fizzy, who cannot and should not be attracted to each, realize they are.

I’m so happy Fizzy got her own story! I absolutely loved her character in SE and was so excited to read her story. Fizzy is so funny, genuine, unique and straight up entertaining. Her and Connor have such amazing chemistry and I was rooting for them the whole way through. The story is funny and heartfelt, I loved their journey and their banter, the progression of their relationship and how unique the story was. The ending had me giddy, kicking my feet, it was so perfect. I highly recommend this! The only part I didn’t love was Connor’s confession and Fizzy’s reaction (which I don’t think was wrong), that took away from my like for both the characters just a bit even though they were redeemed and I see why that was necessary for the plot. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the free preview in exchange for an honest review. Please read this, it’s such a fun time!

I'm absolutely thrilled to say that I LOVED this book! Fizzy, the main character, had me laughing with her funny and feisty personality, and Connor was the perfect book boyfriend. The plot was incredibly creative, and I adored the character and plot crossovers from THE SOULMATE EQUATION.


Usually, romcoms aren't my go-to favorites, as I lean towards more emo romances. However, this book had me laughing, smiling, and completely vibing with its charm. Christina Lauren can do no wrong in my book. 👏🏼 It felt like their signature style of delivering fun and delightful love stories.


The chemistry between the main characters was off the charts, and I could truly feel the depth of their love story and connection. The banter and one-liners throughout the book were fantastic. Plus, since the characters are older adults, you can really see their maturity, growth, and reflection.


Now, usually, reality show tropes and plots make me roll my eyes (yes, I'm looking at you, THE CHARM OFFENSIVE), but this book offered a fresh and enjoyable twist on the TV show trope. I appreciated how the show wasn't the sole focus—it only came into play after 150 pages of solid character and plot development. In my opinion, that wasn't even the main plot, which I absolutely loved. And let's give another round of applause to Connor—he truly stole the show! 🥹

Overall, I can't recommend this book enough. It brought me pure joy and I couldn't get enough of it. Christina Lauren's talent shines through once again, and I can't wait to devour more of their amazing stories.

A big CLo fan over here!!!! After loving The Soulmate Equation (and literally ever other book by these amazing authors), I couldn’t wait to dive into Fizzy and Connor’s story.

I loved the alternating POVs and the side characters soooo much. Jess, Stevie, Nat, River and Juno (of course) they added so much heart and nostalgia into this book.

The premise was fantastic. I loved the dating show and how Fizzy and Connor met. The banter between the two MCs was awesome. This book delivered on so many fronts!

I can’t wait for what’s in store next from Christina Lauren!

Thank you to NetGalley and Galley Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.