This is a low-angst, low-stakes contemporary romance with likeable characters. The pace is leisurely, the tone upbeat.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Rooney Gao is an artist who incorporates red string into her art installations due to her strong belief in the Red String Theory—the Chinese legend that everyone is tied to their one true love by the red string of fate. Jack Liu is a NASA engineer from LA who believes in science and having control over one's own life.

After their chance encounter, they end up spending one magical evening together in NYC. But they lose touch afterwards, unable to find one another until they're given another chance to reconnect. Is it fate or a choice? RED STRING THEORY is a charming opposites-attract romance novel weaving fate, art and science together.

Since reading Jessen's debut novel LUNAR LOVE, I became a fan of her writing. Jessen writes thoughtful love stories with likeable characters, sweet familial relationships, and honest discussions on identity and love. RED STRING THEORY was no exception. This was an endearing read with a unique plot. Jessen does a fantastic job of weaving the red string of fate seamlessly throughout while exploring the topics of art and science, and fate vs choice simultaneously. Rooney and Jack were both likeable characters and there were several cute moments between them. I loved seeing them explore each other's cities (LA & NYC) and the descriptions made me feel like I was right there with them. Not to mention, it got me wanting to travel to NYC for late-night dumplings now!! Jack helping Rooney find inspiration again to create, and Rooney helping Jack break out of his shell with his colleagues were also enjoyable to read about—along with the openness in understanding they had of each other’s perspective on fate and choice with a healthy and mature communication style.

But rather than feeling like I was witnessing their romance blossom, it felt more like a friendship was developing instead. Their chance encounter was too insta-lovey for me to fully believe. I think I wouldn't have minded seeing it become a friends-to-lovers romance even if that meant it being more of a slow burn than it already was. There were also many subplots that I wish were more developed like Rooney trying to buy back an art piece of significant value to her. The outcome felt too easy of a closure when her reasoning behind wanting it back is more complex than what money can solve. By the end, I was left wanting more from the plot and the romance. Nonetheless, this was a solid follow up from her debut novel with a very sweet cameo in the book that made me smile 💞

Thanks to Red Forever Pub for the eARC!

Wow! What a perfect wintertime book. Cozy and sweet. So wonderful.

After Lauren and Jack spend six perfect hours together after a fortuitous meeting and a print shop, the future feels limitless—until Lauren realizes she mistyped Jack’s phone number. But in a lucky twist of fate, they end up working together a few months later. They’re coworkers and can’t date (obviously!), but that doesn’t stop them from growing closer. As their feelings grow, they must decide where their priorities lie. Fate brought them together, but will they choose to take advantage of this moment and be together, even if the future is uncertain?

Red string theory is the idea that we are each connected to an invisible red string, and on the other end of that string is our true love. Ugh! Soulmates! I love it.

You can expect:
👫 swoonworthy meet cute
🚀 space ships!
🎨 cool art projects
👩‍🚀 workplace romance
🥟 dumplings
❄️ snow globes

Thank you Parnassus Books for the ARC! Out on January 9th.

This love story pulled at my heart strings. The theme of fate and time are interwoven throughout the story building complex conversations between the love interests. The thought-provoking dialogue made you believe a "red" string connects you to your soulmate. This couples mutual respect and their constant uplifting of each other had me swooning.

This novel transports the reader through time and space, brings alive art from out of this world and showcases how culture bring people together.

Definitely a book to have on your radar for 2024..

Thank you Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the complimentary copy.

𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐑𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐨𝐫𝐲
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐧 𝐊𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐉𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐧
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟗, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5)

Thank you #partner @readforever for my #gifted copy of Red String Theory!

I absolutely adored Rooney and Jack! I found Red String Theory to be such a charming and thought-provoking story and I just found so much joy reading this book! This is the perfect love story and just one that left me with a smile on my face. So many themes were pulled together seamlessly in this book, including art, science, and mythology. This book is definitely worth the read if you are looking for sweet romance! I felt transported to a different place with the authors writing style, and found this book to be flawless!

Rooney is an artist who believes that everyone is tied to their one true love by the red string of fate. When she meets Jack, she feels like fate has brought them together. However, Jack doesn’t believe in fate, and after their magical evening together, it seems like they won’t see one another again. Will the two be given one more chance to reconnect? Can Rooney convince Jack to believe in fate?

Red String Theory
❤️Missed Connections
❤️Star Crossed Lovers
❤️Fated Mates
❤️Lovable Characters
❤️Chinese Mythology

"Our lantern will end up where it's supposed to. Don't worry"

Red String Theory tells the story of Rooney and Jack, an installation artist and a NASA scientist who stumble into each others' lives in New York. Rooney believes in fate and is holding out hope her "stringmate" will be discovered. Jack believes in free will and thinks love is a series of choices and commitments. Will the two of them overcome their differences and recognize the love the two of them share?

I thought the concept behind this love story was cute. Is love, and all other important things in life, a product of a series of choices, or a predetermined plan we're all just following? I also liked the tie-ins this theme had with the art and science worlds that we readers got to explore. But the length and density of this book prevented me from getting sucked in and rooting for these characters. The dialogue and banter was especially wordy, and it didn't feel like real people having real conversations. I wish I liked it more than I did!

Rooney- the artist known as Red String Girl- meets Jack- a NASA engineer- by chance in the print shop where they've both gone to pick up orders. Jack is in NYC to give a presentation, one he hopes will help him to finally get the promotion he's been missing while Rooney's got an installation in Washington Square Park. They have a magical night in New York, walking the town, eating dumplings, and then part, most logically to never see one another again except that Jack gets the idea that NASA should have an artist in residence. And poof-Rooney is in California and their romance, well, fans of the genre know what happens. I had some quibbles with this- I had a hard time visualizing the installation, I don't know why a NASA engineer would be giving a speech in NY, I couldn't figure out how they followed a lantern floating through the air (it's NYC, not the countryside) I didn't understand why Rooney was so focused on buying back the video of her birth in a museum (or how that was made to begin with)- and the pacing is uneven. That said I liked the characters (especially Rooney's mother Wren) and the representation. Let go and enjoy it for the non-steamy romance that it is. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. A good read.

I loved the main characters of this. These are two wonderful people I really enjoyed spending time with and getting to know. Their connection was also beautiful. I have not yet read Lunar Love, the debut of this author, but I plan on it after having read this.

This is not without some critique. I found this to be very slow. And I don’t even mean a romantic slow burn although it is that as well. You can still write slow burn with building tension and this felt a bit stagnant. I really appreciated their overarching friendship but felt like the romantic moments were constantly playing catch up due to some obstacles. While these obstacles were understanding, it just felt inconvenient not enticing or compelling.

The topic of fate. I think it’s a huge undertaking to write a romance that uses fate as a concept as this book does and for the most part it did not fall into some pitfalls I was kind of bracing myself for. It’s meta enough to reference Serendipity the movie but thank goodness Rooney is NOT a manic pixie dream girl. These two opposites attract main characters were thankfully not caricatures. I felt that Rooney understood why Jack needed to plan or at least was curious and willing to hear him out on his differences. They both shared with each other so openly it was really so sweet. I loved that they were both testing certain aspects of fate together rather than using it as an excuse to either be together or not be together (even on a friendship level).

My one issue with how fate was handled was wishing Rooney could just acknowledge the privilege it entails. On one hand Rooney is a struggling artist, living with her mom and making art that isn’t her passion as a way to pay the bills. Yet she doesn’t really acknowledge the luxury she is still making in following fate and seeing where certain paths take her. A lot of people don’t have that opportunity of such choice but I felt like that was never fully realized. She could see Jack’s perspective but he doesn’t represent the people I’m speaking of as a nicely compensated NASA scientist. I think there was still more to be explored with the overall red string theory and I was left a little wanting.

Overall I would recommend this. Honestly these days in romance it feels like it goes a long way when the main characters are so very much not annoying. Just with some of the downsides mentioned I did have to give this 4 rather than 5 but truly Lauren Kung Jessen is a talented writer and I know a lot of others LOVED this book. Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for this eARC!

Ever since I heard about this red string theory, a few years ago, I've always been fascinated with it. And to have a book based on it would've been like a dream come true. But it pains me to say that I didn't enjoy this one as much as I had loved Lunar Love.

Rooney & Jack's fated lovestory has got all feels. They meet under unexpected circumstances, spend a magical evening, and don't see each other for months due to miscommunication. And when they meet for the 2nd time, the timing is not on their side.

I enjoyed how fate plays a big role in the story, but I didn't feel that chemistry or spark from the MCs. I adored them as friends/confidants. The whole fate vs. science theme was clever, but I lost my interest quote a number of times.

<i>Thank you, Netgalley and publisher, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.<i>

Thank you to Net Galley and Forever Pub for the eARC.

As an artist, I deeply connected with Rooney's journey. The narrative addresses the significant pressure Asian parents often impose on their children, a theme usually overlooked in college-age stories. The author beautifully unfolds the unique relationship between Rooney and her mom, spanning from birth to the present. The highlight is witnessing Rooney detach from her mom's art narrative.

The incorporation of Chinese cultural nuances and Easter eggs heightened my excitement. The red string theory, previously unfamiliar to me, has become a newfound fascination.

Jack, a genuine character despite his space studies background, seamlessly complements Rooney's story. Their meticulously planned and creative adventures, along with Jack's wholesomeness, make him a perfect fit for the narrative.

The story's exploration of culture, arts, and belief in fate is well-executed. Eagerly anticipating more from the author, "Lunar Love" is undeniably a must-read.

🗽🥟❄️🎨🧶

Thank you Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and netgalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

I am a huge fan of the red string theory, so when i saw the title of this book, i was immediately intrigued! I was not disappointed! I really enjoyed reading Rooney and Jack's story. I was rooting for them the entire time. Their night together in NYC was so fun to read. This is seriously such a cute romance! It was filled with so much culture!!

If you're looking for a soulmates, fate vs choice romance, please check this book out!

Pub date: Jan 9, 2024 - preorder your copy now!

Red String Theory: ★★★☆☆ (3) - no smut

Thank you @readforeverpub for a copy of this sweet romance. I love the start of this story with the chance meeting with Rooney and Jack and their one day in NYC. They meet up again a year later to work on a project that mixes science and art. I love how the story of fate and science is woven throughout the story. Their banter was great and I love seeing both of their growth journey. It was also fun to see Bennett and Olivia make an appearance in this too.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
I really liked Lauren Kung Jessen’s debut this past year, so I was eager to see what she’d have to offer with her second book, Red String Theory. And while I was impressed with the concept, exploring the idea of soulmates from a Chinese cultural context, the book didn’t do a ton of the heavy lifting to make me feel that the central couple actually fit together.
I did like how both leads grappled with the concept, with Rooney believing in it, yet also struggling with the concept of fate dictating her life in other areas, and Jack being more cynical. On paper, both of them come from perfect contrasting places to help inform the other’s worldview. But I often felt like there wasn’t so much at stake for me to really care for them being together or not. I wasn’t expecting world-ending stakes, given the genre, but given they’re pitched as soulmates and “star-crossed lovers,” I wanted a bit more to the conflict than the sole focus on their contrasting perspectives. Their romantic chemistry was also rather lacking, and while I don’t mind it being closed-door, low-heat, that doesn’t equal “no heat,” which is what we got here.
This more introspective take also drew out the romance, making it very much a slow-burn. And there’s a couple of time jumps, which didn’t help in maintaining my investment either. While I liked the subtle way it incorporated the Chinese mystical elements, it lacked the “magic” I really need from a romance.
While I was underwhelmed by this book, there’s a lot of potential here, and I’m hopeful for Lauren Kung Jessen’s future releases. If you’re in the mood for a lower-heat slow-burn contemporary romance that explores Chinese mysticism and its role in the modern secular world, I do recommend giving it a try to see if it works better for you.

I personally loved this book with my whole entire heart. This was my first time reading Lauren's work and it absolutely won't be the last.

This was truly such a joy to read. The entire book surrounds themes of fate with the contrast of timing. As someone who is an incredibly nostalgic person and who strongly believes in fate within the universe, I felt the novel was so heartwarming and hopeful.

Lauren's writing is truly fantastic!!! Her dialogue is so funny, witty and perfectly encompasses the participation of fate within the first meeting between Rooney and Jack. Their whole friendship had me smiling so hard and giggling the entire time. I loved the differences yet similarities between Rooney and Jack. I loved their constant support and positivity on their respective lives.

I also just LOVED all of the space, artistic, and cultural representation throughout the book. It made for a fun time reading and I truly felt transported in their world.

Also they literally only kiss twice and the tension was personally everything to me!

Overall, this is moving up to one of my favorite reads of the year!

Thank you Lauren Kung Jessen, Forever, and Netgalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review!!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever Publishing for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a sweet romance! Rooney and Jack were precious. I loved their first night in New York together and how they continued to see each other in the most unlikely of circumstances. Rooney’s belief of stringmates and the Red String of Fate was so awesome. She has held on to this belief and hope since her mother first taught her about it, and she has used this in her art and hope for a future relationship. Jack is full of facts and puns about space and has a desire for control in all aspects of his life. After he meets Rooney, she turns his world upside down! I loved it. They see each other for who they are.

I also loved all of the moments at NASA! So many cool places that Rooney got to experience with Jack.

A solid second book from LKJ! I really enjoyed the premise of the book; a unique take on fate and how its intertwined with science and art. Jessen's writing is great here and while it was a little too slow burn for me, I did like Rooney and Jack together. Their late night in NYC was adorable and could easily be featured in a romcom. Excited to see what Jessen puts out next!

I ate this up!!! I am not a big fate believer in real life, but in a book?! I can not get enough!

Rooney was such an easy character to fall in love with and root for, and Lauren writes with such care and humor that I could not put this book down.

I enjoyed Lunar Love, but I LOVED Red String Theory. This was the perfect rom-com for me.

Just like Rooney, I’m obsessed with the idea of fate and serendipity, especially when it comes to love or relationships in general. The idea that someone is destined to be your soulmate? The person at the end of your (invisible red) string? It just sounds magical and scary. I love it. Like yes, it’s almost impossible to achieve, like the odds are almost zero but you never know, right? I loved this book so much. I love how it tackles identity and the skepticism of the red string theory. I love how Rooney and Jack may have different beliefs and perspectives about love but they still understand and respect each other’s beliefs and feelings. And most importantly, they try to understand each other. I love Lauren Kung Jessen’s books, it always makes me feel hopeful. I’m excited to read more of her future works!

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Do you believe in fate? What happens when an artist believing in fate meets a scientist who doesn’t believe in fate? What are the odds of them finding each other again and again? Is that fate? Are they string mates according to the Chinese legend which states everyone is tied to their true love by the red string of fate? This book will take you through fate, art, science, Chinese traditions, and above all a sweet love story that will warm your heart.

The story revolves around Roony an artist, who strongly believes in the Red String Theory which has inspired her to become an artist, an artist who uses red strings for her installations. She’s desperate to make a journey for herself to stop being overshadowed by her world-famous artist mother. Jack however doesn’t believe in fate. He’s a NASA scientist and relies on facts. He’s smart, handsome, and successful but not very social and is struggling towards building a successful career. They accidentally meet which unravels a series of events that ripple through making them meet each other again. This makes Roony question whether Jack is her string mate while Jack is trying his best not to fall in love with her. But they both keep falling for each other leaving us to wonder whether love is truly a work of fate.

Lauren’s stories are full of warmth and sunshine and make me feel like I belong. This one left me tearful and I cried when I finished. The character development, deep conversations, the settings, the uncertainty of fate, and love were beautifully woven together. I love how the story dives into Chinese culture and loved learning about it all. It made me think about life, fate, and decisions in a way I somehow never thought of before. The ending is so dreamy and heartbreaking at the same time. Beautifully written! What can I say except that I’d keep thinking about this book for a long while to come.

Readforever team, thank you so much for my ARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I only liked her first book, Lunar Love, but this one looked good. Unfortunately, I just don't think I was in the right mood to read a romance and couldn't really make it through this. Will hopefully pick this back up later