Fate or Choice?

Rooney, a budding artist, who's struggling to create in the shadow of her mother, and Jack, a scientist, who is very type A run into each other in New York, and then again, and again. Is it fate or coincidence? Well this is a romance novel so the outcome already seems predetermined, it definitely wasn't a surprise that they would end up together, but the how was definitely an interesting journey.

I think the idea of fate and choice was a well developed theme to set a romance to and including the red thread of fate story made it feel very personable to the characters. I also enjoyed the the inclusion of intergenerational relations. How your parents can have a lifelong impact on you, whether good or bad. It shows that it may take time to unpack the impacts that can have, and sometimes you need that outside prospective from someone to see it.

I enjoyed the story for the most part, but it just didn't fully click with me personally. I think the main hurdles with the book were that the intro felt too over the top in such a short period of time and seemed more forced than natural to me. I also know that characters play a big part in whether a romance novel is enjoyable for me, and found myself wishing this dual prospective was actually just told from Jack's viewpoint. I found Rooney a bit bland, and not fully formed until about halfway through the book. I know this is mostly just personal preference, but I didn't gel with her character.

I did feel that the book got more interesting and improved a lot towards the second half, and it was fun seeing all the activities they got to do at JPL/NASA, and around LA, especially the Huntington and NHMLA.

Thank you Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

A romantic and enchanting story about two people who meet and fall in love after one night. Rooney and Jack are opposites when it comes to their beliefs but instead of arguing with each other, they embark on a journey to understand each other's beliefs in love. Rooney is all about fate and destiny, while Jack is all about science. There is a will they, won't they. Both individuals have their careers to consider if they pursue their feelings for each other further. Rooney and Jack are well aware of the attraction between them. I liked that Rooney and Jack are communicative with each other-you can tell that there is a mutual respect, which is important in love.

Rooney has been hiding behind her anonymous Red String Girl moniker, creating large-scale string art (or pet portraits, when it comes to it) and trying to avoid living in the shadow of her famous artist mother. Her art and take on love is tied to the Chinese legend of red string theory, in that your soulmate is tethered to you, ankle-to-ankle, by a red string. When she meets Jack one night in New York, it seems like they were destined to meet. But when she realizes she took down the wrong phone number for him and he disappears, it seems as though fate has other plans. That is, until she gets a call from NASA, asking her to be their artist-in-residence, and Jack turns out to be the liaison.

I absolutely adored this book. I had really enjoyed Lunar Love (whose characters make a brief appearance in this book), but this one really blew it out of the water. The discussions regarding art, space, fate, and more are just so... beautifully done. The author has a way with words that really shone in her second novel. I also can't imagine how much research had to go into this book, and I am so impressed by the dedication. The intense discussions about the variety of topics and how they intertwine... they simply blew my mind. And Rooney and Jack really did seem like soulmates, or stringmates, rather. I love all the "signs" that were included, that I don't want to spoil. I can't wait to see what she does next!

Thanks to Forever for my eARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

5 stars - 10/10

This was the cutest romance book. I loved the representation of the Chinese culture and feel like I learned more about a culture that I am not educated about. I absolutely loved the STEM aspect, one of my favorite things to be included in a book.

The beginning of this book drew me in, but I didn't find that the initial chemistry between the main characters traveled through the rest of the book. I found the plot to be fun and intriguing, but maybe a little too out of the box to be believable. I would definitely like to see what this author does next!

Red String Theory was such a lovely follow up from Lauren Kung Jessen’s debut novel Lunar Love. It beautifully combined mixed-race character(s), second chance/star crossed lovers, chances & “fate,” clean romance, STEM + art, and more. The book was clearly well researched as there was a lot of interesting information about NASA and space. I really appreciated learning about all of the Chinese traditions. There was so much great banter between the characters too. One of my absolute favorite parts was Sprinkles the cat!

Fans of Lunar Love will appreciate the Bennett and Olivia cameo! Thank you so much to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I loved the premise of the book that revolves around a string that ties two people together.
Jessen successfully merges art with science by having Rooney be the artist in resident for NASA.
I loved that Jack and Rooney had one night and then relentlessly searched for each other and how they came back together.
I also appreciated how each respected the other’s career and didn’t want to jeopardize either.
The whole concept of Rooney’s fame from birth was hard to wrap my mind around and I understood Rooney’s opinion about it.
I also loved how the author incorporated characters from Lunar Love into this story.
I think some people are destined to be together, but sometimes it takes several tries to find that person.

I’m so bummed to DNF this one at 50%. I loved Lunar Love last year but something about Red String Theory is not working for me. The writing seems really short and I feel no connection to either character.

Unfortunately I did not love this one as much as Lunar New Year. I love the author and how she incorporates Chinese culture into her novels. I just didn’t connect to this story or characters. I’m so sad it didn’t work for me, I hope it does really well with romance fans!

The Red String Theory has been one of the most interesting romance novels I’ve read in years. I really enjoyed the concept of the red string/soulmate/fate and its workings in reality. The main couple, Jack and Rooney felt like they were woven with magic. The dialogue was beautifully written and the lead characters had such wonderful conversations. Overall, I found this book fantastic!

Thank you to #Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

When Rooney Gao and Jack Liu meet randomly on a stressful day for both of them, they don’t really think too much of it—until they end up meeting again at a party later that night. The two then find themself on an enchanting adventure across New York. But after their magical date ends, they find themselves lost to each other…until Jack happens pick an anonymous Rooney for the newly reinstated Artist-in-Residence program at NASA that he is just signed on to be the liaison for.

It has become an annual December tradition to cuddle up with a warm cup of tea, my heated blanket, and the newest Lauren Kung Jessen galley and I absolutely hope that it never ends. I have been waiting for this book for a year and it was everything I could have hope for and more.

This book is jam-packed with all signs leading to fate and it was so much fun to yell at Jack that he was being an idiot to not believe in it. From their very first meeting, it’s clear (to the readers at least) that they are meant to be a part of each other’s lives. While not exactly what you expect grumpy/sunshine to be, Rooney and Jack’s personalities are just enough to scratch that grumpy/sunshine itch in the best way.

The tension, the signs, the science, the art…everything about this book is just joy and charm wrapped up in a thick red (thread of fate) scarf. Lauren has a way of teasing out a story that makes you comfortable because it feels familiar while still making you wonder what’s going to happen next.

Fans of Lauren’s debut LUNAR LOVE will pick up on some threads (pun fully intended!) that connect the two books. There also may or may not be a scene that honestly feels like Lauren was just pandering to my love of romance novels and how books from the same author sometimes interconnect. I won’t say any more than that in order to preserve the surprise, but I definitely screamed (in all caps in Lauren’s DMs, of course).

Oh, and if I didn’t believe in fate before this book, I definitely do now. This is definitely just a “me” thing, but the amount of fate-itious moments in this book that proved Lauren and I were meant to be friends were too many to count. From a line that I will continue to live in my delusions she wrote inspired by me to the several very personal details that she wouldn’t have known about me that ended up in the book, there is truly no way for me to not believe in fate after that.

A truly charming romcom, Lauren finds the perfect balance between romance and comedy. I often found myself swooning one moment only to be laughing out loud the next. I said it a year ago and I'll say it again now: Lauren is an author to watch and I am so excited to see what comes next from her!

Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher for free and have voluntarily written this review.

This book has serious heart eye vibes. It was just adorable and sweet and SO fun to read. I loved the connection between fate and science - the author does an amazing job of showing that it doesn't have to be one or the other, but that you can believe it both... and actually supports this idea in the stories. I loved the second chance lovers - it was not a totally unbelievable tale, but their story was realistic. I find that sometimes this can be overdone and hard to believe - but I thought this was very well done. I wish we got a little more out of the relationships they had with family and their pasts. I also wanted a little more "fun" from the middle of the book - it moved slowly during that part. Overall a really sweet and adorable romance!

Rooney Gao believes in fate - a Chinese legend that everyone is tied to their one true love by a red string of fate. This belief has been the inspiration in her art. When fate seems to throw her and Jack into a perfect New York night, Rooney is convinced it is destiny. Jack however, does not believe in anything but science. After their magical night, they lose one another, until there is one more chance to reconnect. Will Rooney be able to convince Jack that they should be together?

Thank you Netgalley for my advanced reader copy.

I liked Lauren’s first book and this one was very similar in ways I liked. I love the setting and she always has good banter between her characters.

I absolutely adored Lauren's first novel Lunar Love - so I was so honored to receive an ARC of her newest novel from Forever Publishing

Red String Theory follows Rooney Gao, a NY based artist and Jackson Liu a LA based NASA engineer. Their paths cross one night at a Lantern Festival in NYC and fate steps in (at least Rooney believes in Fate). They spend a fun spontaneous evening together in NYC but Jackson has to return to LA the next day; unfortunately Rooney wrote down his number incorrectly and while they intended to stay in touch they did not have a way. Will fate bring them together again??

I love the themes of these book: Science vs fate, Dual POV, Love, opposites attract

This book is so cute, full of sweet moments, humor and more. The dynamics between the characters main and supplemental are amazing. It even made my science brain consider fate as a possible outcome for events.

This book is fast paced, a joy to read and the asian-americas representation are wonderfully written. Lauren is a must buy author for me! Her books leave me with a smile on my face and warmth in my heart

I read Lauren Kung Jessen’s debut novel, Lunar Love, and absolutely fell in love with the witty banter and the story that included culture and love. When I saw she was coming out with a second book and it was available for advanced review? Y’all… I ran! I crossed my fingers and I got approved! Red String Theory is every bit as good as Lunar Love, BUT I think I love it MORE! Rooney is hilarious and witty and I felt super connected to her. I loved seeing everything unwind (pun intended?)! The fact that the author threw back to Lunar Love made it even more special!!!

Red String Theory publishes on 1/9/24, so make sure you read Lunar Love *and* grab this to read immediately after!!!

With so many love stories banking on miscommunication; I loved that Red String Theory offered us fresh, wholesome, and healthy look at a love story. From the get go, I loved both main characters, their energy and passion into the careers, and their thoughtfulness towards each other.

I found the myths and science fascinating and it really added something unique to the storyline like her first book, Lunar Love did. I found myself also looking up the facts that the book shared (like, I didn't know adult butterflies only lived on average 2 weeks!), and it was just overall great bonus to an already entertaining story.

The romantic in me was a goner for the Red String Theory and I definitely recommend the read.

You know how some books you can see as a movie in your head? That's Red String Theory. Totally cinematic with Before Sunrise and Serendipity vibes.

It's set against a NYC (and later LA) backdrop with opposites attract MCs drawn together by fate. Rooney, who makes art under the moniker Red String Girl (RSG), seredipitious-ly meets Jackson Liu, a NASA engineer in NYC on business. They have one glorious evening running around NY before saying goodbye without a way to reach other. Until fate intervenes...

So great to see a mixed Chinese American MC in the arts, even if she's working in her more famous artist mom's shadow. I loved that Rooney's the loquacious, free thinking one without falling into a quirky, open-to-the-universe artist stereotype. And the juxtaposition between the belief in fate and factual science is handled just so well.

High five to Lauren and her editors for using "the" before freeway numbers in LA. We notice these things.

CW: Achievement to get parents to recognize/love a kid, single parent,

Fate or Choice? Which one does love fall under?

Rooney and Jack meet in NYC and end up spending the entire night running around the city and having a whirlwind date. Rooney thinks it must be fate, until they can’t find each other the next day.

Lauren Kung Jessen has done it again - Red String Theory is a beautiful story of love, belief and second chances. I adore the discussions of Chinese culture and familial expectations. Jessen writes unbelievably sweet characters and swoon-worthy romances!

A perfect cozy romance pick for the winter!

Rooney Gao is an artist who believes the Red String of Fate will one day bring her to her one true love. Jack Liu is a NASA engineer who deals with hypotheses and tests, and the power of choice. Can fate work with one magical night in New York despite their differences and physical separation?

This was a really cute read! The banter was both fun and funny (yes, there is a difference).
Rooney and Jack were so different with their art and science backgrounds, but it's adorable how they were able to incorporate them in their relationship and tried to understand the other in the way they would like to be seen.

Jessen delves into a discussion of fate vs choice, but doesn't try to convince the reader to just believe in one. Rather concluding that it is possible for both to coexist.

There's also great cultural representation here, since it's a story about two Asian Americans trying to stay connected to their roots.

Read if you like:
💕 Soulmates
✨ Chance meetings
🧶 Chinese mythology
🔥 Slowburn strangers to lovers
🐈 Cats and ice cream

Other details:
Dual POV
Closed door; kissing only and no strong language

Thank you to the author and Forever for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This enchanting romance questions whether fate or choice makes the biggest difference in our lives, and it does it in such a beautiful way.

Rooney believes in fate, especially the red string of fate that ties soulmates together. Her art incorporates red string in grand exhibits, and she is as bold as her artwork. Jack doesn’t believe in fate- he believes that we are in control of our lives through our choices. When these two opposites meet cute and have an enchanting night together in NYC, Rooney is left questioning whether Jack is truly her string mate.

The night that Rooney and Jack spend together is nothing short of magic. Stardust seems to surround them as they are each the best version of themselves, sparkling and witty and seemingly made for each other. I was utterly charmed by the entire evening.

Jack works for NASA, and outer space and stars are just as noteworthy in this read as fate and chance. Our main characters have multiple meaningful discussions on these topics, and I had to save several quotes that really made me think about my own beliefs in fate and control.

I really enjoyed the touches of culture that were written into this book as well, from the Lunar New York and lantern ceremony to the traditional Chinese ritual called the zhua zhou ceremony. I found these fascinating and loved learning something new.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.