I absolutely loved this book. I had not read the Soulmate Equation, but it really did not matter overall. I laughed and cried throughout the book. The characters were well written. I cannot say enough about how much I enjoyed reading this book. I would highly recommend.

5⭐️

I loved this book!

If you're looking for a book with:
• single dad
• witty banter
• found family
• friends to lovers
• workplace romance
• laughing out loud moments

Please give this one a shot, you will not be disappointed.

I would read anything Christina and Lauren put out, hands down. And I want to be Fizzy, I want to adapt her quirky but super lovable personality and have the confidence she does. How does one think up something so good that I continuously can't put down?!

Fizzy is a successful romance author who everyone loves and wants to be, but she is stuck in her own romance department after men have burned her in the past. Connor is a DILF who produces earthy documentaries that he is passionate about. Fizzy and Connor's worlds collide when he is tasked by his company to produce the next hit dating show and he decides to cast Fizzy, everyones beloved romance author, as his lead looking for love. Immediately Connor falls for Fizzy's wild but confident personality and recognizes that he likes being near her when she convinces him to search for JOY in life while getting to know her to produce the show. While I thought the book was predictable in knowing at the end they were going to fall and love and be together, I was entranced in their love story and struggle to figure out how to get beyond producer and show lead. Their chemistry was off the pages and was so easy to imagine on the big screens and in real life. The book itself and the words from the authors jumped off the pages and brought you to a whole other world where you could imagine the characters interactions in real life and yourself watching the show. I cannot say enough good words about this book and the authors. I love how they took the best friend character from another of their beloved books and turned her into the star. Seriously, go read this book and fall in love like I did while flipping the pages! 5 stars because I loved it so much!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book thanks to Christina and Lauren, Gallery Books, and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Felicity "Fizzy" Chen may have an incredible career as a romance author with several bestselling books under her belt and an audience just itching for her next release, but she's lost. It isn't until she's invited to give a commencement speech when she realizes that she hasn't been practicing what she's preached - she's never been in love, never had that all-encompassing can't-live-without-him moment with any guy that's come her way. So when Connor Prince, a documentary filmmaker and single father, is forced to create a reality T.V. dating show to keep his job and stay close to his daughter, he approaches Fizzy with the chance to be its first contestant, because he knows that showing the queen of romance herself falling in love on his show is sure to bring in views. So what does Fizzy do? She turns him down - or more accurately, says no unless he complies with her long list of demands she wrote to scare him off. Well, Connor is determined to keep his job and make the most of this situation so, surprising Fizzy, he agrees to everything. Thus, The True Love Experiment is born, and while Connor and Fizzy take chances on living life leading up to filming and the show's debut, they start to wonder if true love can be in the cards for both of them.

While I wasn't a reader who was itching for Fizzy's story after finishing The Soulmate Equation, now that it's written I'm glad to have picked it up. Something I definitely wanted more from The Soulmate Equation was River's perspective - the entire thing is written in 3rd person from Jess's point of view. But The True Love Experiment delivers with dual POV, so at all times we understand how Fizzy and Connor are feeling. Fizzy is such an interesting character to me because she is nothing like me yet I want to be her best friend - she understands that people may have perceptions about her because she's a romance author, but that doesn't stop her from living her life as truly as possible. She isn't afraid to speak her mind, have a little fun, and try to go after exactly what she thinks she deserves. Then we have Connor, who moved across the country to be closer to his child (co-parenting with his ex wife) and will do anything, including not taking his father up on any offers of support, in order to make sure he doesn't lose his job, including making a reality dating show even though he knows nothing about, and doesn't even like, reality television. And that's clear to Fizzy from the offset, so she makes sure to put him in his place and only accept his offer to be on the show if he vows to take things seriously, because that, being authentic to herself and to her audience, matters. I also loved how Connor's ex wife, Natalie, definitely talks some sense into him after she senses him looking down on romance books and reality television - then later on in the book, when other people express unsavory opinions towards romance books, and Fizzy as an author of them, he comes to her defense almost instantly and understands how bad a take it is because he used to believe it himself. I wasn't sure how I would feel about the pacing, since the actual filming of The True Love Experiment doesn't start until about half-way through, but that first half really built up the chemistry between Connor and Fizzy, and then we see how difficult it is for both of them on set - how Fizzy can't stop looking towards Connor when on camera, and how strained Connor is to see Fizzy connecting with these men, even though he chose them. I loved Fizzy's request to have all the guys fulfill a romance hero trope, and I really appreciated how drama-free the set was - I'd say the only drama present was that Fizzy and Connor couldn't be together during filming due to a contract, while not all of the guys clicked with Fizzy and some had more flaws than others, I was never hoping for someone to be eliminated. I just had so much fun getting to see Fizzy and Connor find love after feeling lost in their lives - I laughed, I cried, and had a great time.

In conclusion, I'm sure fans of The Soulmate Equation are going to love seeing Fizzy find her man, just like in all her own romance novels. Jess and River, and a few other characters, are sure to make their presence known, so while this isn't truly classified as a sequel, I would highly recommend reading their story first. Fizzy and Connor's banter and chemistry lights up the page and their romance is sure to make any reader smile. *Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Gallery Books, for the early copy, all thoughts and opinions are my own.*

Thank you NetGalley and Gallery Books for this advanced copy!

No surprise here that this is another 5 star read! Christina Lauren deliver another swoon worthy, JOY FILLED, romance worth binging.

This is everything I like packed into one novel. You are getting a romance author, a sexy Brit pirate DILF, a dating show, and sooooo much sexual tension.

Obvi, you should pick this up tomorrow when it is released!

4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

I’m one of those readers who fell in love with Fizzy in The Soulmate Equation.   I eagerly jumped at the opportunity to read her book. It was worth it!  Fizzy’s lovable personality shines.  This was a great sequel but can also be read as a standalone. There are some references to the first book that make more sense if you’ve read it.

Romance writer Fizzy has hit a block, not just a writing block but in the area of romance.  At first, she resists Connor's request to star in the dating reality show that he’s being forced to produce.  Fizzy is the type of person who doesn’t hold back her thoughts, Connor, a single dad, has a serious demeanor and usually produces documentaries.  Neither are excited going into the show. A successful show can save Connor’s career and possibly help Fizzy rediscover romance.  Fizzy will agree to the show if Connor follows her requests, which include spending time together before filming.

Honestly, going in I thought I knew what was going to happen.  Yes, some things happen as expected, but there were enough surprises along the way that made this a unique and entertaining read.

First off, the plot was so much fun. The entire premise of the show based on Fizzy’s career as a romance writer and references to tropes was a lot of fun and never came across as cheesy. I enjoyed the behind-the-scenes and all the dating show details. The dating show really came off of the pages visually. 

But, my favorite part was watching Fizzy and Connor’s relationship develop. Their chemistry filled the pages.  I loved the time they spent getting to know each other and of course all of their verbal sparring.  Let me tell you Chapter 50 increased my love for the story so much.

There were times when the pacing felt a little slow for me personally.  Then the last few chapters felt a little quick.  I enjoyed the unique way this writing duo found to creatively share what Fizzy and Connor’s future looked like.  I was left wanting more, I feel like I still needed an epilogue.  Overall this was a fun well-rounded, well-written, steamy romance.

Absolutely 100% IN LOVE with this book. CoHo is a go to author of mine so when I got accepted for this one I squealed with excitement! I'm so glad that Fizzy got her own book so we could learn more about her and see her get her own HEA! Could not put this one down!!

Fizzy and Connor are my new favorite couple from Christina Lauren!

Fizzy is a hilarious, delight who you’ll be rooting for the whole time. Beloved romance author who is asked to be the star of a new reality show? Yes! And falls for sincere, sweet producer, Connor? Yes!

This duo is the perfect balance and definitely go on this journey with them!

Oh and you definitely get a bit more Jess and River!

Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read and review.

Loved this story! So cute and the main character was everything I want in a female main character. The reality television setting was very creative and enjoyable.

4.5 stars!! Wow I loved Fizzy and Connor so much. Fizzy is everything I want in a FMC. The reality tv setting was unique and SO much fun. 10/10 banter and LOL moments. It was so nice to get glimpses of Jess and River throughout the story. Definitely recommend this one!!

It's been a few years since I've been this head over heels with a new CLo book but this one....damn. It was SOOOO good. I read it in less than 24 hours as we drove from Michigan to Florida and it truly got me through the middle of the night hours. It made my stomach riotous with butterflies, had me quietly cackling, and most of all, it just made me fall in love all over again with their writing. And honestly? It reminded me how special the world of romance in books and media is and how lucky we are to have authors like this telling these stories. You're DEFINITELY going to want to check out Fizzy's story when it's out.

I loved it! Fizzy and Conner are such a perfect rom com couple, and I loved their banter and everything about this book. I was immediately hooked and drawn into the story. I absolutely loved how this story was paced. I wasn't so sure I would love this one since I liked, but didn't love The Soulmate Equation. The True Love Experiment was better, which is also super rare for a sequel. Overall, this book only confirmed that Christina Lauren is at the top of their game.

Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy.

Fizzy got a book!! I was so thrilled when I found out that CLo's new book would be about Jess's best friend, who was my favorite character in The Soulmate Equation. Fizzy is such a fun and quirky character and she was super fun to read about.

Making a reality show based on River's DNA matching software is a pretty genius idea, and Fizzy was definitely a fun contestant. The chemistry she had with Connor was amazing, and when they FINALLY acted on it - whoa. There were several parts that had me giggling out loud, and the banter was really funny.

I actually enjoyed this book more than the first one, probably because I liked Fizzy and Connor more than Jess and River. It's predictable in the best way, and the ending was great.

4.5 stars

I chose to DNF this book at 45%. I just couldn't get behind Fizzy as an MC and the story wasn't interesting enough for me to look past that. I liked her as a side character, but she wasn't likable enough to be an MC for me. I get that Fizzy is supposed to be unique and outspoken, but to me, she just came across as rude and shallow. I liked Connor and his POV, but I really disliked Fizzy's POV. I'm not a big fan of dating shows, so that wasn't enough of a draw to keep me reading, even though I did think the concept was pretty cool. I especially liked Fizzy's idea to cast LI types from romance books. I'm sure I'll be in the minority, but this one just didn't click for me.

Another hit for Christina Lauren! A "spinoff" from their successful novel, "The Soulmate Equation," this one centers on Fizzy, the energetic and sassy best friend. She os center stage as she agrees to participate in a reality dating show with a specific scientific bent. But in true CLo fashion, things go haywire along the way, and her loyalty to her own heart is tested.

This one is a great entry into the CLo romance/rom-com/steamy genre. They are truly masters when it comes to writing a fun, fast paced, yet moving story. Their characters have depth and range, and this is ultimately what draws their readers in so quickly and thoroughly. Huge fan!

If you read the Soulmate Equation then you'll recognize Fizzy, the lead character of this book! She is a romance author who finds herself in a bit of a rut. Her love life has become stagnant and she can't seem to get any words on paper. When she is approached by a producer she thinks he wants to adapt one of her books for a movie but instead, he wants her to be part of a reality dating show where the fans decided who gets eliminated each week. Fizzy type cast Connor as the billionaire executive and initially says no but after further contemplation she agrees but only if he meets her demands. She wants the men on the show to fall into romance novel categories, Navy SEAL, Cinnamon Roll, tattooed bad boy, and even vampire. Connor meets these demands and as the 2 spend more and more time together trying to find joy, their mutual attraction becomes undeniable and despite how hard Fizzy tries to put a label on Connor none of them seem to fit. Getting involved will put the show and Connor's job at risk. They both agree it is a bad idea yet pushing down their feelings for one another becomes harder and harder.

LOVED THIS BOOK!

Fizzy is the ultimate MC. She's hilarious, she's self-aware, she's bold, and she loves so fiercely.

Connor is the ultimate swoon. Tall, dark, handsome, in touch with his emotions, a great parent and coparent.

This book is spicy. It's funny. It's sweet. It's sad. And it's set on the set of a reality TV dating show!

This might be my favorite CLO yet!

LOOOOOOOOOVED this book! Thank you to Simon & Schuster, Gallery Books & Christina Lauren for the beautiful (and SO fun) package and ARC!

This is Christina Lauren at their best. A bit of a spinoff from Soulmate, this book is centered around Fizzy, a romance writer. We get a glimpse at what romance writers go through creatively as well as the criticism they endure and the pressure they feel to deliver for their readers.

We also have Connor who, in order to save his career, has to produce a reality dating show, even though it’s far from something within his wheelhouse.

This is The Bachelorette + forbidden love + romcom. It’s absolutely hilarious, sweet, steamy, and just so, so good. I’m a Favorite Half-Night diehard, but this might be tied for first in my opinion!

Snarky, sexy romance novelist Felicity “Fizzy” Chen was one of my favorite secondary characters from Christina Lauren’s novel The Soulmate Equation. She was one of those fabulous characters who stole every scene she was in and so I was thrilled to hear we would be getting her story in The True Love Experiment.

When we meet Fizzy in this book, however, she’s struggling a bit in the love department and it is spilling over into her professional life, giving her major writer’s block. She would do just about anything to give her personal life a much needed kick in the pants so she can meet her publisher’s deadline.

Enter Connor Prince, single dad and producer of nature documentaries. Connor’s boss wants to pivot from documentaries to reality TV and although Connor is not thrilled, he wants to stay with this company since it means he can live in San Diego where his daughter lives and see her more. Connor has been tasked with coming up with an idea for a reality TV dating series and a chance meeting with Fizzy gives him a perfect idea…if she’ll agree to it. Fizzy at first refuses, but then says she’ll do it, if he meets all her demands, including a hilarious list of hero archetypes that Connor must pull from in order to find acceptable dating candidates for Fizzy.

The chemistry between Fizzy and Connor is absolutely off the charts! It was pretty clear from their first meeting but only becomes more intense the more they work together and interact. I loved how hard Connor worked to find dating prospects that he truly thought would be great boyfriends for Fizzy, but then it was so freaking adorable how jealous he got behind the scenes if she actually seemed to like any of them. The reality TV show was also well done and a lot of fun to read about. I also loved that there was a forbidden love element to the story as well since Connor is technically Fizzy’s boss. It really added some juicy layers of sexual tension that kept me turning those pages to see what would happen between them.

I also adored being back in this world and seeing River, Jess, and Juno again. I thought it was an especially nice touch having the DNA technology from The Soulmate Equation play a part in Connor’s show. With my love for the first book and for all of its characters, especially Fizzy, The True Love Experiment was, no surprise, one of my most anticipated reads of the year and I’m thrilled to report it was everything I hoped it would be and more!

This is one of my favorite Christina Lauren books I've read, and I've read most of them. I really love when storylines intersect, so I was excited to see that the protagonist was Fizzy Chen, a secondary but much beloved character from The Soulmate Equation. She was just as fun as I remembered, and Connor's character was perfect too.

Thank you to the authors, Net Galley, and Gallery for an ARC of this novel.