I was super excited to read this. I tend to love Christina Lauren’s books, and after seeing them say that this is their favorite one, I got more excited.

I really liked the concept of this book. It was funny and cute, but it just didn’t reel me in.

I really enjoyed the characters, but I felt like it was hard for me to connect with them.

Overall, cute, enjoyable book!

Fizzy and Connor sizzle off the pages of True Love Experiment. Their romance is as spicy as Fizzy but it also allows her to become more than she has been to herself and to others. It allows Connor to break out of his protective shell and open up again.

I definitely think that Christina Lauren gave Fizzy the story she deserved.

With their latest standalone romcom, The True Love Experiment, perennial dynamic duo Christina Lauren prove, once again, they’re soaring among the best business partnerships ever. Batman and Robin. Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders. Lennon and McCartney. Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor. Starbucks and Spotify. Whether they’re writing smartypants STEM romcoms, angsty YA contemporaries, or heavier adult contemporary romances, they’re definitely at the top of their game.

We first met Fizzy Chen in The Soulmate Equation, when she and her friend Jess were trying out the algorithmically predictive matchmaking company, GeneticAlly. Jess was paired with its founder, Dr. River Peña, and Fizzy was left to her own romantic devices. It’s a good thing, too, because she counts every experience as fodder for her career as a romance author. It’s something she uses to hide the fact she – a bonafide expert in romance -- has never been in love. She’s actually feeling like she may never fall in love.

Fate steps in with documentary filmmaker Conner Prince, who’s been tasked with developing a reality TV show based on Fizzy’s “life work as the central hook.” The authors nearly lost me there because I can’t even with reality TV. But reality TV wrapped in the bubble of a romance novel is entirely different than any number of unwatchable reality shows IRL. The True Love Experiment is what Connor comes up with, and he casts Fizzy as his star. He’s a single father who’s crazy about his daughter, and like Fizzy, wonders if love is in the cards for him. Good thing an experiment requires more than one element to make it pop.

This is a smart story with endearing characters, an enjoyable pace, and a fun premise. I love that Fizzy and Connor have been around the block. They’re in their late thirties and a little cynical about love and happily ever after. That being said, they’re also practical about matters of the heart and the reality of romantic liaisons. Both are employed, have robust friend and family sets, and are generally happy making their way through life. I understand conflict makes for good drama and storytelling, but it’s so refreshing to read about characters who are actually happy in life and satisfied professionally, and decide that taking a risk – both emotionally and romantically – isn’t going to kill them.

This is fun and charming and romantic, and although it’s not absolutely necessary, I found it helpful to go back and read The Soulmate Equation to get the inside jokes between Fizzy and Conner’s squads.

The True Love Experiment is my favorite Christina Lauren book because, as the dedication states, “This one is a blatant love letter to our genre.”  And it is. This upbeat story about love and friendship and romantic relationships will lighten your heart and bring a smile to your face. Every hallmark of a fun romcom is present, from snappy, flirty dialogue to fun, relatable characters. It’s like sitting with an old friend and catching up after years apart.

Christina Lauren...they know what they are doing!

This dynamic duo is back with a follow-up to their saucy novel, The Soulmate Equation. This time the secondary character from that novel gets her own front and center love story.

Fizzy!! She is just the character of the year for me. She's real and honest and fun and free. She is tough and hilarious. When you pair her with the beguiling British, Connor there are sparks galore. This novel brings what Christina Lauren is best at banter, spice, and a whole lot of nice (swoons). If this isn't the blockbuster romance of the summer then I don't know what is.

This one is a must-read!

I loved this story. From the get go their was chemistry between the two main characters. I can appreciate how the dating show was very respectful of the participants and did not force them in to thing to create drama. I love the ending. The friendship between the girl was a wonderful surprise. And it was great to see Jess and River again.

Oh I just couldn’t get enough of this book! If you love romance then you are guaranteed to enjoy this. I’ve read everything this author duo has written and I can say hands down this is my favorite by them. The characters are so much fun, the banter is top notch, It’s spicy and there is so much heart in this gem of a story! Made me tear up a bit too. You will love Fizzy and Connor!! Five star read!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I cannot watch dating shows, I find them way too cringey, but I found myself desperately wishing to the universe that The True Love Experiment would become a reality. While predictable, I loved this romantic comedy about a romance author and her reality tv producer. Yet another Christina Lauren book I couldn’t put down!

I wanted to love this book and for the most part it’s likeable. Fmc and mmc are stereotypical funny adorable individuals. Why did it take 200 pages for them to hit it off?! Then every chapter after that ending with I’m falling in love. Overall readable and unmemorable. I think this might be my last book from this duo.

I have read and enjoyed several of coauthors Christina and Lauren's books, but I must say that I think this one has become my new favorite. I really enjoyed The Soulmate Equation and was excited when I found out the story would be continued through Fizzy’s POV. This book did not disappoint. I loved it so much that I will be purchasing a physical copy even though I was gifted this digital ARC. The cover is gorgeous and the pages inside tell a feel good, laugh out loud, rom-com about finding joy again and possibly true love. The story centers around the idea of finding true love by using DNADuo, a DNA based matchmaking company, formerly known as GeneticAlly in The Soulmate Equation, while participating in a reality TV show, similar to The Bachelor/Bachelorette. Was it predictable like most rom-coms? Yes, but it still kept my attention and was hard to put down. There was the perfect amount of spice, angst and banter. The characters were so easy to connect with and were written in a way that they felt like real life people. I couldn’t get enough of Fizzy and Connor, and didn’t want their story to end. I really appreciate Christina and Lauren’s writing style. They write in a way that makes the reader feel like they are part of the story, and many times feels like the characters are talking specifically to the reader.

If you love a good rom-com and reality dating shows, then you’ll love this book. If you haven’t purchased it yet, now is the perfect time because it is publication day and I highly recommend it!

Thank you Netgalley, Gallery Books and Christina Lauren for this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Love, love, loved the chemistry between Fizzy and Conner. They are both such endearing and likable characters. I kept wanting their unfortunate circumstances to work out, and they did in exactly the way the authors hinted at. This book was exactly what I needed, light romance with a little bit of spice and heat. I enjoyed every minute.

This was a delightful romance from the author duo Christina Lauren. This novel could be considered a sequel to The Soulmate Equation, which I also really enjoyed. The main characters in that book make an appearance, so if you liked that one, you'll probably like this one too. I recommend reading that one first before this one if you care about spoilers. While The Unhoneymooners continues to be my favorite book by Christina Lauren, this one is a close second.

Connor is a divorced DILF documentary producer and Fizzy is a famous romance novelist whose romantic life is in a rut. When Connor is tasked with producing a reality TV show, which is far out of his comfort zone, he's reluctant, but his career is dependent on the success of this TV show. Connor's boss wants him to cast Fizzy as the main love interest and the audience will have to pick the guy she ends up with. What he doesn't expect is to fall head over heels for Fizzy.

I loved all of the characters in this book and I've never rooted so hard for two characters to end up together. Of course the ending was predictable--it's a romance novel after all. If that bothers you, then you probably wouldn't rate this book five stars. I recommend reading the physical book or the digital version and skipping the audio. I do not normally discourage the audiobook, but I hated it. It sounded amateur and low quality, hence the four stars instead of five.

Special thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

After falling in love with Jess, River, and Juno in The Soulmate Equation, I was so excited to get my hands on this one! And while I did enjoy this one, unfortunately it just didn’t live up to the first one for me. While I did enjoy getting a closer look at Fizzy and I found myself warming up to her more as the book went on, I found the premise rather predictable and didn’t find myself wanting to read this one. While it was fun and I did enjoy it at the end, I’d definitely recommend other CL books before this one.

There aren’t many things I love more than soulmate love stories and Fizzy and Connor’s story is all that and more. The connection these two have is unparalleled. Throw in best friends, little fangirls, and an dating show and you’ve got the recipe for an unforgettable story.

I haven't always liked Christina Lauren's books, but this one was a surprise! I agree with the reviews already written. It was a joy to read.

5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Review
The True Love Experiment was an absolute joy to read! I cackled out loud often at Fizzy’s hilarious commentary. She said the craziest things and was so confident and bold! I did not think I would fall for Connor, but I could not help how I tumbled right along with Fizzy! Their chemistry was addicting and I never wanted the book to end. Connor is patient and considerate and he took the time to see Fizzy for who she really was. Both main characters are older (mid 30’s) with their own rather dismal opinions about dating. It was such a treat to see their relationship grow into something so beautiful!

The tension between Connor and Fizzy as they become friends kept me from putting this book down!

I loved the premise behind The Soulmate Equation and I was curious to see just what chaotic Fizzy would do to defy the urge to find her soulmate in the same way Jess does. This Bachelorette x Real House Wives type of reality show was not at all the direction I thought she would go! Connor was brilliant and I liked what he and Fizzy created together! I could totally see myself watching it!

This book was hilarious but there was some deeper conversations that occurred in this book in regards to family expectations, dating, women’s joy, and media that is created for women’s enjoyment. I enjoyed how the authors handles all these topics with both care and comedy.

It written with dual perspectives, from Fizzy and Connor, which I really appreciated seeing! In previous C-Lo books, I have gotten the audiobook as well just to hear the bonus chapters from the MMC of the book and they’re some of my favorite parts of those books. In The True Love Experiment, we get Connor’s POV almost as much as Fizzy’s. I can definitely say that Connor’s chapter were equally as funny as Fizzy’s!

Let me tell you this book is sexy as hell! Omgoodness I want more open door from Christina Lauren! They know what they’re doing and now I’m a fiend! Spicy with a capital S! A

Thank you again to Gallery Book for this ARC! I’m looking forward to a reread! I’m getting my lil grabby hands on the audiobook as soon as it was published!

Favorite Quotes

“Once the world sees you, Fizzy, they’re going to fall in love.”

“But Connor’s thighs could crush me like a grape. I want that, just once before I meet a different kind of prince… I swear, I just need to get this out of my system.” “That is literally your least favorite romance trope.”

“This isn’t about feelings, it’s a distraction. I have a taste for him now.”

“We start with kissing… If it feels good, we maybe take some clothes off. If you don’t want to have sex with me, that’s fine… You can just eat my p*ssy and head home, and everyone is happy.”

Spice Rating

3/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book features several open door scenes and innuendo throughout!

Triggers

Here is some of the sensitive content that I observed while reading this book:

Alcohol
Cheating (not between MCs)
Divorce (Not MCs)
Pregnancy/Childbirth (Not MCs)
Profanity
Sexually Explicit Scenes


Genre

Romantic Comedy

Tropes

Opposites attract
Forbidden Romance
Forced Proximity
Coworkers
Friends to Lovers

I don't even know where to begin, I absolutely ADORED this book and it might even take the spot for fave Christina Lauren book over The Unhoneymooners! It is the sequel to The Soulmate Equation (which I really enjoyed) and it's everything!

What I loved:
1. Fizzy - she shines as the main character!
2. Connor - I'm a happily married woman, but I have a serious crush on Connor!
3. The BANTER!!!! - this is why I love their books so much and this one did not disappoint! I was laughing out loud so much!
4. A reality show in all the best ways!

I could list so much more, but I promise you this one is for all the rom-com fans!

This is a wonderful read ! I definitely love Christina Lauren , everything they write it’s just so awesome and so swoony at the same time, definitely some things to look forward to in this book are .

Things I loved about this book:
•reality tv
•friends to lovers
•single parent trope
•found family
•witty banter

Very rarely does a book leave me speechless, but usually it’s a book by the amazingly talented duo, Christina Lauren.

I was one of the many fans who hoped Fizzy would get her own book, but never in my wildest dreams could I have ever imagined it would be as incredible as it is.

I am someone who highlights and annotates my way through each book she reads – but I struggled to with this one. Don’t get me wrong, entire scenes are highlighted in my copy, but what made this book incredible wasn’t the one-liners or rare drops of wisdom – it was everything. How it all came together. How the characters worked off of one another. How their story was formed from beginning to end.

This story is the epitome of “the heart wants what the heart wants”, but love isn’t often easy…especially if it’s forbidden. There were INCREDIBLE grand gestures, hilarious banter, phenomenal chemistry, and a love story for the ages that even Fizzy couldn’t have written herself – her words, not mine.

I aspire to be more like Fizzy in my life. Adventurous, honest, bold, unapologetic for being herself, vulnerable, and courageous above all else. And Connor? WOW. I wouldn’t mind knowing him, too.

I cannot recommend this book enough – although I would recommend reading Soulmate Equation first, since this one gives away some of the details from the first book.

Tropes:
- Workplace romance
- Forbidden romance
- Grand gesture
- Single dad romance
- Banter
- Friends to lovers
- Dating show

This is the story I was waiting for after reading the Soulmate Equation. I was so excited to read Fizzy’s story, she was my hands down favorite. I thought this was such a cute story. Fizzy, a successful romance writer is kind of stuck. She can’t write and has not been able to get back into dating. Connor Prince is forced to create a dating show that he has no interest in and asks Fizzy is she wants to be the shows “Bachelorette”. Fizzy agrees after making some demands of her own. Will Fizzy find a match? Will Connor be able to make this show a success and find his own happiness along the way?

This was such an cute story and brought me back to loving the duo that is Christina Lauren. I have missed the lighter side and fun that their books have always had and this one definitely brought the magic back!!

4 ⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

#NetGalley #TheTrueLoveExperiment #ChristinaLauren

A must-read for romance readers, the plot begs for page-turning and it's Christina Lauren, so you know it'll make you read late into the night because you can't get enough. The concept: take all the swoon-worthy guys you'd find in a romance novel, all the hero archetypes, and put them into a dating show to see how they connect with a romance writer who is looking for love. Try to resist the magnetism of this plot . . . it maximizes the good stuff and makes you think about how we connect with others. But what makes for the ultimate connection? The one we all hope to find.