*ARC received from NetGalley*

This was a slower read for me, especially the first 25% of the book, then it started getting good.

I enjoyed the Connor character more than the Fizzy character for a couple reasons, one I felt he was more relatable and two because his actions were a bit more logical. Fizzy (Felicity) is a more off the walls character with a bit more angst.

I picked this up in part because I wanted to see where Christina Lauren took the series following the Jess/River romance in the "The soulmate equation" and this book was on par. Connor is a bit more relatable that River however I liked Jess more than Fizzy. Either was not an over the top dramatic romance but still a decent quick read with the steamy scenes built in.

Overall yes I am glad that I read it and Christian Lauren is still in my top list of Romance authors.

So glad we got to hear Fizzy’s story! Loved the bachelorette vibes reality tv show with the men fitting different archetypes. Loved Conner and his relationship with his daughter. Oh and can’t forget the chemistry between Fizzy and Conner or should we say Cizzy!

I've read and enjoyed a lot of CLo books but this one really blew those out of the water! Fizzy and Connor are both such great characters, the LONGING in this book is off the charts, and truly I live for characters that communicate with one another. Read this ASAP!! You won't regret it.

Thanks NetGalley for an E-Arc of The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren in exchange for an honest review!

This was another great romance by a tried and true duo! A successful romance writer who has slowly lost faith in love agrees to do a dating show but things take a turn when she begins to fall for the producer instead of one of the contestants!

Fizzy is such a strong, opinionated, funny FMC who openly communicates her feelings and says exactly what she's thinking (for better or worse). She really was the "star" of the book. Her juxtaposition with Connor's careful, patient demeanor paired really well and their banter was my favorite part of the book.

My only complaint is that the third act conflict felt a little out of character. For someone who has spent the entire book pushing boundaries and openly communicating her feelings, it felt out of character for Fizzy to clam up and run away instead of talking it out with Connor once the conflict emerges. This is eventually overcome, and the finale (of the book and the show) is one of the best romantic gestures I've ever read!

Overall, this is a great read and I highly recommend it!

This is the perfect companion novel to The Soulmate Equation. We finally get Fizzy's story! If you are a fan of the Bachelor or the Bachelorette you will love this. Fizzy a romance author who is friends with Jess and often writes about the DNAduo dating website that was created. She is asked by Connor who she might have a crush on to star as the lead female hoping to find her Golden Match as she embarks on a reality dating show where the audience gets to pick who they think is her perfect match. This is told in dual perspective between Fizzy and Connor. I really enjoyed the dual perspective and loved seeing the dynamic between Fizzy and Connor grow. This was fun and light. I really enjoyed the plot and all the characters involved.

I wanted to try it to see how it compares to Colleen Hoover and I would definitely recommend it to Romance readers. It's just a little too shallow for me.

This book was everything you could ever want in a love story and more!!

I think the reason Fizzie is my favorite Christina Lauren heroine so far is because she is everything we all want to be. She is hilarious, a great friend, beautiful and smart. She is a writer (hello, how many of us readers would love to write a book), and above all, she finds the strength to put her feelings out there, no matter the cost. She lets herself be completely vulnerable in the name of love, and that takes enormous strength!! My Fizzie is Ashley Park!! I can't even imagine anyone else as her.

Now, let's discuss Connor. My Connor is Henry Cavill. What other tall sexy British actor could I possibly imagine? I think Christina and Lauren did a fantastic job fleshing out Connor, and dang, did I not blame Fizzy for falling for him. He was a fantastic dad and lover, yet still not infallible. He had his faults, which made him even more perfect!!

Connor and Fizzie's chemistry was electric. Friends to lovers is my favorite romance. I am NOT a fan of reality shows AT ALL, but I loved the premise. It was fun and different. I would totally love it if they made this into a movie. This book and The Soulmate Experiment are by far my favorite Christina Lauren books!!

Thank you so much for giving us Jess and River and Fizzie and Connor. You created 2 couples who we readers not only love but admire and strive to be in their own love lives.

Honestly, I had a harder time getting into this one than other CL books. I LOVED Something Wilder & The Soulmate Equation so I had high hopes for this one, but I couldn't get past chapter 4. I think I will try it again soon, but for right now, it just wasn't what I needed.

A great addition to the rom-com genre! It was a fun read with a original concept. While the story may have been a bit predictable, it did not take away from my enjoyment of reading the book. It is one that I will recommend to lovers of this genre!

So much pining! So many entendres! So much fun!

I freaking love Fizzy. (Cast akwafina as Fizzy and make this into a movie!)

I credit their wishes for booksellers in the acknowledgements for my Suga tickets. 😂

y'alllllll – we love a christina lauren moment, these two always give us a fun romance moment and this book is exactly what i wanted of a character we'd met previously. connor is dreamy (the only word that feels appropriate! an accent! a good relationship with his ex partner! we love him!), and i always love when we're living in the same universe as previous MCs. this is (for once!) an open door romance, so there are some mildly spicy scenes. perfect chill day quick read or beach read, like pick it up in one sitting and read it straight through because it's that fun!

This is my first Christina Lauren book. I did not realize that it is connected to The Soulmate Equation (which I have not read). I think it had a decent premise but the author did not deliver. The obstacles the couple faced didn’t make much sense and it was just frustrating how it was drawn out so long. If this is a typical example of the author’s writing, then her books are not for me.

Fizzy Chen is a celebrated romance writer who has lost her desire. Conner Prince III is a single-dad documentary producer who’s boss is making him switch directions and enter the realm of reality TV. Sparks start flying when these two team up to create an epic new reality dating show.

I have always been a Christina Lauren fan, but this one is, hands down, my new favorite. I love that we were able pick up with Fizzy from The Soulmate Equation. She is the best friend you’ve always wanted and I loved seeing her get her moment to shine instead of being just a side character.

I immediately feel in love with Conner. His dynamic with Fizzy hooks you from their very first meeting. He is the best dad to Stevie. When I first saw the relationship with his ex-wife, Nat, I was worried that it was going to become an issue later, but thankfully it didn’t and it became clear how much mutual respect they had for each other.

This book was addicting and I couldn’t put it down. I can’t even remember how many times I laughed out loud. And the BANTER! perfection.

I cannot wait to get my hands on a physical copy when the book is released in May.

4.5

christian lauren doesn’t miss. really liked this one, but i think i remember liking the soulmate equation more. BUT that doesn’t mean this one isn’t super great. fizzy is the perfect heroine, and i enjoyed all the meta stuff that came with her being a romance writer and the dating show. i think they struck a great balance between pure fizzy & connor moments and their commitment to the rest of the plot points.

#netgalley

If there is an author that is a one click wonder, for me it is Christina Lauren. I have been reading books by this dynamic duo since the Beautiful series (yes, I read them all!)

Some I can say were favorites and this one is going to rank right up there at the top! The authors say it is a love letter to the reader and my heart believes that too.

So what was it about this book that captured my heart? It is the intense connection between the two main characters.

The author was able to articulate the undercurrent that runs between two people when you have that deeper connection. The tummy butterflies; the secret looks; the silent messages that flow between soul connections; the energy that floats around them; the heated passion that tells the true story.

The authors have a magical way with words that speaks to the reader’s heart and soul. They make you wish for your own love experiment and connection. Christina Lauren truly is a romance author that stands apart. They create fun-loving, wacky, wild, and wonderful characters that are oh so memorable and delightful.

The True Love Experiment is a must-read for romance lovers. Period! Amazing characters and an amazing story – funny, sexy, passionate, intense, beautiful.

Christina Lauren has done it again! A book that has you caring about the characters, reading after bedtime, and breaking a reading slump! Fizzy Chen is a romance writer that has not been able to write since she gave a commencement and realizes that she has never had romance like what she writes. Connor is a documentary film maker who is being forced to make a reality tv dating show. A chance encounter leads to the show True Love Experiment which has Fizzy as the person trying to find love. As Fizzy and Connor spend time together they find a connection but the success of the show will decide both of their futures. Will Fizzy find true love?

Was not expecting this to tie into The Soulmate Equation, but I'm really happy it did. I loved The Soulmate Equation and the DNAduo concept that they built in that book. Seeing Fizzy fall in love was so sweet and I love Connor so much. He's a really great MMC <3 The big grand gesture at the end was so cute and I ATE IT UP!

Who would have ever thought that this wonderful writing duo could ever equal or perhaps top Love and Other Words or Roomies, but they’ve done it with The True Love Experiment. This isn’t just a mature, friends-to-lovers romance between feisty, sexy, unapologetic romance author Fizzy Chen and the absolutely perfect book boyfriend, sexy, British, and reluctant dating reality show producer Connor Prince, but also a loving dedication to the romance genre, its writers and fandom as well.

Fizzy, who is the best friend of Jess, the heroine in The Soulmate Equation, is 37 years old and, despite having published several best-selling romance novels, has never experienced love and is facing severe writer’s block. Connor, a documentary filmmaker and single dad, has been told by his boss that he has to pivot and produce a reality dating show or risk losing his job. After admiring Fizzy from a distance in a bar, he serendipitously discovers her books on his ex-wife’s shelves and is inspired to create a show where she is the heroine. Fizzy’s initial reaction to the offer is a solid ‘No’ followed by an agreement to do it if he casts romantic hero archetypes to compete for her affection. As they spend months together, first on ‘joy excursions,’ then on set and in intimate post-episode confessionals, they struggle to fight their feelings and the scorching chemistry between them. However, with Connor’s livelihood on the line if their growing attraction were to be exposed, can they take the chance?

This has all the elements that Christina Lauren does so well: humorous banter, undeniable chemistry, well-developed personalities, strong family dynamics and friendships, and a cast of secondary characters who add depth and color to the story. The archetypal contestants are a hoot, Jess and her husband River feature prominently, and their daughter, precocious Juno, meets her match in Connor’s daughter Stevie. It’s so affirming to read a solid defense for the romance genre as well. If you’re looking for a captivating, feel-good romance with an intensely satisfying, steamy as hell, well-rounded relationship with a low degree of angst, pick up or download this one today. Very highly recommended!

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Gallery Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

I know Christina Lauren’s propensity for torching their entire book in the third act is already discussed ad nauseam amongst Romance nerds. I’ve read quite a few of their books before and it hit me this time around how their habit of destroying their own book and making you hate one or both of MCs by the end made it difficult to ever settle into this book. I was waiting for big sh*tty reveal of something from the MCs past or for the MC not to step up in some way and for the FMC to over react. That tension is not fun to sit with and makes for an extremely slow grind of a read.
Of course they do exactly what you expect them to do in third act as per usual. It almost was relief once it finally happened. The ending was also obvious from 10-12 chapters out so it made the angsty torture of the third act feel so forced.
I really think they would be stronger writers in the YA sector. They write in a very juvenile style. This book was like their other books I’ve read in where it’s not actually spicy. You basically get a cliff Notes recap of the spicy parts, but no actual spice. So just take out those recaps and you are even more on your way to a YA. They consistently make their FMCs incredibly immature, but wow Fizzy really took the cake. She is suppose to be 37, but to show she’s quirky and fun they gave her the maturity of a 17 year old obsessed with dicks. Her hyper fixation on his dick actually became pretty gross after a while. I’d rather have better written spice and less just circular thought about the MMC’s horse cock.
And what were their big things about them that drew them to each other oh, my gosh he is so tall. And oh, my gosh she is a wee tiny baby woman.
Yaaaaaaaaaawwwwwwwwwwnnnnnnnn
The on and on and on about how big he is and how tiny she is. Sweet baby Jesus and the grown one too! Enough! We got it. You don’t have to go full Ali Hazelwood on the big man/tiny lady loop.
Something just does not hit for this book. I don’t know if it’s just the lazy writing or the poor character development or something deeper.
I will say it is lazy especially for the handling of Connor’s failed marriage. It’s the same lazy sh*t authors will do with a widower: they want the DILF, but they gotta go out of their way to make it clear the MMC has never actually be in love before now. *heavy eye roll* be a better writer. Go there. Give it depth the falling in and out of love. Or other complications that can tear a couple a partS this was the dumbest divorce story ever.
It’s weird and not endearing to have these MMCs who have been married but never in love. I find that almost more unforgivable than the incredibly lazy way he ended his marriage.

Christina Lauren, have written another good, fun romance novel! The protagonist, Fizzy, has a passion for fun but has hit a rough patch. She agrees to participate in a reality dating show and falls for the producer instead of the contestants. I feel like this novel is a love letter to romance and reality tv - and feisty female characters. Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy in return for my honest opinion.