*POST SCHEDULED FOR MAY 13 ON BLOG*

The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren is a contemporary romance novel which acts as a companion to another book by this author duo, The Soulmate Equation. In the The True Love Experiment, single dad and documentary producer Connor Prince III is recruited to develop a romance reality television show in order to boost ratings for his network. As a result, Connor enlists Felicity "Fizzy" Chen, an outgoing romance author, as the show's lead. If Fizzy fails to find love, it could mean the end for Connor's career. However, Felicity is more interested in Connor than the men recruited for her show.

Christina Lauren's book are usually hit-or-miss for me. My last few books that I've read by the author duo resulted in average age. I didn't even finish their new release last year, Something Wilder, as I found the synopsis didn't really match the contents or tone of the actual book. That being said, I was hopeful that I would enjoy The True Love Experiment as I really enjoyed The Soulmate Equation. While there were some aspects of The True Love Experiment that I did like, there were other areas where there could have been stronger execution.

The highlight of The True Love Experiment would have to be Fizzy, the main female character. Fizzy has a strong, likable personality. Fizzy can also be quirky, but not in an immature or unbelievable way. That being said, as with both main characters, I wanted a little more from their backstories. At the end of the book, I felt like I had a very surface-level understanding of Fizzy and what she needed in a relationship.

On the flip side, I found Connor to be a little bland. When I think of Connor, I can name several other similar protagonists. While I appreciated his maturity in approaching his relationship with Fizzy, there wasn't much that stuck out about him to me. Additionally, in very pivotal moments within the book, I found his words and actions to be inconsistent with the characters that had been developed throughout the novel. Also, similar to Fizzy, I felt like I had a very surface-level connection to his character. Although I didn't dislike Connor and Fizzy together, this prevented me from becoming fully invested in their relationship.

My biggest issues with The True Love Experiment were the plot and pacing. One of the big parts of the book's synopsis is the reality television show. However, the show doesn't really start until about 40% of the way through the book. Early in the book, Fizzy and Connor go to a boy band concert with Connor's daughter. Fizzy attends a soccer game where Connor is a coach. These scenes really didn't add much to the story for me, as it is established without these scenes that Connor is a devoted father. I found myself just wanting to push through these scenes to get to the real plot of the story.

Once I finally got to the show, I found that it lacked the tension which I expected. Fizzy's feelings for Connor are established before the show even starts. As a result, I never saw Fizzy as truly invested in the show. The dates which take places on the show are typically summarized very quickly. During Fizzy's time on the show, I felt like an outsider as a reader which took me out of the story. I assumed going into this novel that the show would be the main tension between the characters. As Fizzy's relationships would grow with the contestants, she would find herself more pulled towards the producer. Since her feelings were established so early on in the novel, the television show part just like a formality to pass by in order to get to the happily ever after. While there were still some stakes, such as Connor's job on the line, the stakes could have been much higher if the story was structured in a different way.

While I didn't dislike The True Love Experiment, I didn't find myself fully invested or engaged in the story. I was constantly picking this book up and putting it down. In the end, it took me about two months to finish this book. I give this book 2.5 out of 3 stars.

A truly fun, romantic story about a famous writer of romance novels who is asked by a documentary filmmaker to fall in love on camera. She doesn't want to do it, but, along with a list of demands, she finally agrees. Lots of action here, and a fun look at publishing and filmmaking as well. Readers who have always enjoyed Christina Lauren's books will love this, and it is so strong that it will attract new readers as well.

“Book people are just better, I swear by it.”

An ode to romance readers everywhere I absolutely loved this book. Fizzy is funny and built off the small amazing kernels of her we got in Soulmate. Connor is hunky, sweet, unable to be put into a singular box. Honestly this might be their best work.

*quick note that I am not Chinese American and neither are CLo. I know they had Chinese beta readers to support their creation of Fizzy and her family and I think their involvement shone through. I will say I generally dislike when white authors name race of POC but not white characters, and never once did Fizzy actually state that she is Chinese American (nor is there a strong character description imo). And for the first 40% or so I felt like Fizzy could be any race until her brothers wedding. And that’s when her race and culture really shone.*

My favorite part about The Soulmate Equation by the same author was Jess's friendship with Fizzy. This book is centers on Fizzy when she's approached to star in a reality dating show. Reading about the dating show was fun because all the eligible bachelors fit different romantic hero types such as hot nerd, tattooed bad boy or second chance. I liked that Jess's daughter Juno is featured often throughout the book and also the dating show incorporates the DNA matchmaking company from the previous book. Fizzy doesn't think much of the director Connor but as they plan the show together and start spending time together, they start to fall for each other. If the public finds out that Fizzy is seeing someone outside the show, she could be potentially sued and if Connor is found seeing Fizzy, he could lose his job. Will Fizzy and Connor find their way to one another?

“He is the stillness to my storm, the shadow to my bright sunlight, the Styles to my Harry.”

I AM SQUEALING WITH DELIGHT OVER THE EXISTENCE OF THIS BOOK! 😭🥹😍🤩😮‍💨

This is @christinalauren at their FINEST!! I am. OBSESSED.

I assumed I couldn’t love Fizzy more than I did in THE SOULMATE EQUATION (if you haven’t read it yet, you must!) but I was wrong. She’s an ALL TIME favorite female MC for me now 💞 She’s unapologetically herself, hilarious, smart, a fan girl, and the ultimate romance book supporter 🫶

And in THE TRUE LOVE EXPERIMENT we get to see Fizzy opposite Connor 🥹 a NEW TOP TIER book boyfriend 😮‍💨 a hot, British, single dad!! He coparents with maturity, cares about the planet, admits when he’s wrong, and knows what he wants 👏

This book was truly a love letter to romance novels! For those who write them and read them 🫶 how important they are, how condescending it is to call them a “guilty pleasure”, how they are joyous and sexy stories, yes, but also about challenging the status quo and social change! And everyone deserving a happy ending 😭

The romance in this particular romance book? INCREDIBLE! I was SWOONING and literally grinning ear to ear reading it. But it was also laugh out loud funny, had plenty of Harry Styles references, featured a romance trope reality tv show, and was a smidge spicy 😮‍💨

Obviously it got 5 SHINY ⭐️s from me - I loved it!! It was everything I wanted + more!! It was like if you took JOSH + HAZEL and THE CHARM OFFENSIVE (aka 2 of my favorite romance books) and mushed them together. It’s out 5/16 so preorder your copy now!! Read the first one if you haven’t!! And tell me all your thoughts while reading them because I can’t wait to have more people to gush over this one with 🥹🥰

Thank you to @netgalley + @gallerybooks for the eARC 💜

My favorite part of this storyline was the representation of Romance as a genre and its readers. I LOVED the way it was explained and defended.
This book as a whole was just what we've come to expect from this dynamic duo. Fun, flirty, spicy, and heartwarming.

<i> This book was given to me by NetGalley in return for an honest review. </i>

I had high hopes for this books and it did not disappoint! I LOVE Fizzy and Conner. I couldn’t put this book down. I just wanted to keep reading it every-time I had to stop. I can’t wait for it to be release to have my own copy.

This was a fun sequel to The Soulmate Equation. You don't need to read that book to read this one - it can be read as a standalone.

While I enjoyed parts of this story, other parts fell flat and I felt there were some pacing issues. Also, the characterization of Fizzy is a little hard... I get that she's a modern woman and liberated sexually but I also felt like for a 37 year old, she felt young and her personality was definitely in-your-face. I really liked Connor - he's definitely the ultimate romance hero.

I would absolutely watch a reality show like the one they made... so unique and fun.

This is a great weekend read for any fans of CL.

The True Love Experiment was a super fast read! I really enjoyed the characters and that the chapters alternated viewpoints.

I received this book as an advanced reader copy on net galley. I have read several books by this author duo and I have always been submerged instantly into the characters and their lives. I initially didn’t realize that the main heroine Fizzy in The True Love Experiment is the bestie from the Soulmate Equation(I hadn’t read that one yet) so I read that one first and so enjoyed her backstory and getting a real feel for all the characters intertwined lives that I loved that we got to spend more time with them in The True Love Experiment.


The premise of this book is amazing and could easily seem far fetched by relating dna to dating and reality tv, but the whole book I kept thinking I just want to tell Fizzy “What if it all just works out” I love the friendship between Stevie and Juno and how I can easily think of who in my own life these characters remind me of.

I’m so glad that the authors listened to their fans and gave Fizzy her own love story and stayed true to her character and all the shenanigans and real life relatability she brings.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5269068511

Gjjejxbwuajxbbs too excited to write a review. I somehow missed that this was Fizzy’s book until I had it on my shelf, and it’s even in my review for Soulmate Equation that wanted one from her POV because I love her so much! It did not disappoint in the slightest.

Everything I love is in this book. Dating reality TV, romance authors, a sassy protagonist, a strong male lead, HUMOR, fun secondary characters, ridiculous antics. For me, it’s perfect. Writing a match for Fizzy could not have been easy, but the authors nailed it with Connor. This is one of those books I could have easily read in one sitting — I was genuinely annoyed every time I had to put it down! Every time Fizzy is on the page, I’m smiling. I need like seven more books on her alone. And, of course, I liked seeing the appearances of Jen, River, and Juno (Soulmate Equation is extremely high on my C Lo ranking list).

Enough said. 5⭐️

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc!

Ahhh I love that they wrote a book about Fizzy! The premise was so fun and I fell in love with all the characters. Highly recommend!

Another solid romance from team Christina Lauren. It may not have been my favorite - I didn't feel as connected to the characters and the tone was much lighter - but they know what they're doing for sure.

The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren was a pure joy to read! The main characters have chemistry, share their wits, and readers are sure to enjoy the ride.

Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for an ARC of this novel; all opinions are my own.

The Soulmate Equation is one of my favorite recent releases from Christina Lauren and I did enjoy this follow-on story for Fizzy.

Quick Synopsis: Fizzy is a romance author in a serious writing slump when producer, Connor, approaches her about starring in a reality TV show called The True Love Experiment. The first season of the show will allow Fizzy to date a series of men that all align to a different type of romance novel hero such as “the one that got away,” “the bad boy,” “the Navy Seal,” etc. The only man she wants, however, is Connor. Unfortunately, that’s very much against the rules of the show.

Trigger Warnings: Parental neglect; childhood trauma; reference to serious car accident; public scrutiny

What I liked:
-While they exist in the same universe, the authors didn’t draw upon any of the same tropes or storylines used in The Soulmate Equation. Rather, they bring in aspects of the first novel to support this one.
-We FINALLY get some more spice. FINALLY. #bringbackspicyChristinaLauren While this novel is not nearly as spicy as their Beautiful Bastard series, we at least get more than we have been getting.
-I really loved Fizzy as a character: charming, charismatic, strong, forceful. She was just great
-I loved how they addressed the reality of being a romance author or a romance reader and the way the genre is misunderstood and purposely shat upon.
-Connor is a book boyfriend for life

What I struggled with:
-I hate the third act breakup that is characteristic for these authors. The portion between the breakup and the penultimate ending was so slow. So. Slow. But you have to get through it because the ending is great.
-I’ll be honest, I have no idea how this reality TV show was supposed to work. The ending seemed incredibly idealistic, but it was entertaining. Still don’t know what the show was about though.

Altogether, this was a great, fun read and I’m glad they told Fizzy’s story in such a fun, engaging way.

I must begin by saying that I did not read the first book in this series, The Soulmate Equation. It really was not necessary as The True Love Experiment is able to be a standalone book, which is a delight rom-c0m with great characters. Fizzy is a romance writer who is experiencing and writers block and has never really had a relationship. Most her encounters have been one-night stand or not very deep relationships. Connor is divorced with a daughter, He produces documentaries. Connor is asked to produce a dating show in order to boost network ratings. I have read several novels written by the writing duo, Christina Lauren. I was prepared for the graphic and explicit sex scenes. I loved the pot of The True Experiment and I rooted for Fizzy to find True Love! I would have preferred a little less graphic sex and more storyline. All in all, I enjoyed The True Love Experiment.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

I discovered Christina Lauren’s books last year, and I have since read almost all of them. Therefore, I was very excited to receive a copy of this book from NetGalley. I loved Fizzy in The Soulmate Equation so it was great to read more about her! The way that Fizzy’s and Connor’s relationship develops is so believable, and the role family plays in their relationship makes the book even better. Another great book by Christina Lauren!

4.5 ⭐️

Romance author Fizzy is stuck, on her love life and her writing. When she gets offered the opportunity to be the star of a new reality TV dating show, she takes it. Despite her crazy list of terms, the hot British DILF of a producer Connor refuses to let her turn the show down. Their interactions quickly transform into friendship with an undeniable amount of romantic and sexual chemistry, except Connor’s mission is to help Fizzy find her perfect match. How on earth will these two make it work?

I was glad that Fizzy got her own story because it was such a delight. I loved the ode to romance, the beloved reasons why women love reading romance, and how love is not lost, even for Fizzy. There were kids involved, a reality TV dating show, and a hot British hero I couldn’t help but love. It was just a tad bit longer than I would’ve wanted, but the grand gesture in the end was perfect.

I have yet to finish a Christina Lauren novel that I didn't love after putting it down. The True Love Experiment goes back to CL's roots of a solid romance with incredibly relatable characters, We get Felicity "Fizzy" Chen from The Soulmate Equation, and I was so thrilled to go back to. So good, very hard to put down.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was so excited to receive an ARC of this spicy follow-up to The Soulmate Equation. Whereas The Soulmate Equation was about Jess and River, The True Love Experiment is about Jess' best friend Fizzy (featured in the first book!). You do not need to have read The Soulmate Equation first, but I recommend it to truly appreciate Fizzy's growth.

This was a charming, funny, and sexy read! Highly recommend for contemporary romance lovers, Christina Lauren fans, or anyone looking for some joy.