I had jumped at the chance to get my hands on an ARC of Lauren Kung Jessen’s second novel, Red String Theory (RST) after I had the opportunity to read an ARC of her debut, Lunar Love (LL) last year. I like that she wrote such sweet characters in LL, with a lot of cultural and food references. But RST wasn’t it for me. @ imnotabeautyg and I did a buddy read for RST, and it was fun discussing our thoughts even though we both read at our own paces. I’ve come to realize that I prefer non-structured buddy reads because there’s too much pressure to keep up with a schedule, and lately I’m not able to accommodate many reading commitments because life feels weirdly busy for me at the moment.

I feel like I struggled to get through this book, even though I liked the concept of it. I felt like a good chunk was overly written and it was distracting from moving the plot along. I liked the MCs, Rooney and Jack, individually, but I just didn’t sense their chemistry and thought their connection was flat. I did like their meet cute (and set in NYC? ☺️) but after that, I didn’t have much interest in their relationship.

My favourite character in the entire book is Jack’s Gōng Gong/grandfather, who makes his own ice cream and was just so sweet 🥹🍦.

While RST was sadly not it for me, I am still a big fan of the author and look forward to reading whatever she writes next.

Thank you so much @readforeverpub and @hbgcanada for the ARC.

This was a very fun read!

I had a blast delving into the complex themes of fate, love, and choice - and all within the heartwarming backdrop of Asian representation. Weaving (pun intended) in the Chinese myth of the red string of fate was a very distinctive and engaging way to move the story along, and I learned so much! The other theme of intertwining NASA/space/science concepts with fate was also a very refreshing perspective to read.

I fell in love with Rooney right way: she's so relatable, fun, and is very three-dimensional, Her relationship with her mother was uplifting to read about, and both of their appreciation for art and their Chinese culture were absolutely delightful. On Jack's side - I loved his relationship with Gong Gong! I want to give Gong Gong the biggest hug, and his facts were some I'll remember for a long time.

I enjoyed my read, but I had a few critiques. First - Jack has many endearing moments, but I didn't love him as much as I loved Bennett in Kung Jessen's debut, Lunar Love. It's not that he was a bad person - I just didn't connect with him. I really wanted to because I absolutely loved Rooney and her POV, but Jack's didn't quite click with me. Secondly (this is just my opinion! Take it with a grain of salt, please) the book was too insta-love to me, and thus didn't feel as realistic. I get that they're stringmates and they needed to establish their connection right away, but the couple was a bit too in-love from the very first encounter. (If insta-love happened to you and your significant other, I'm madly jealous. I just not the biggest fan of insta-love in books). There wasn't enough emotional tension, solely external factors that kept them apart, which wasn't as appealing to me. Finally, I really enjoyed how the ending came about, but their connection didn't resonate with me until the last quarter of the book or so. The pacing was a tad slow and drawn out, but after the 75% mark, I was more engaged.

Overall, it was a very tender and sweet read! I know there will be diehard fans of this book in no time.

Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC!

The premise of this story was what got my attention and I found the Chinese culture interesting. The story felt repetitive talking about fate and the main character, Rooney’s quest for whether she found her match or not knowing what fate has in store with her connecting her with Jack. I felt like it was too long winded in the beginning with one night that seemed to go on and on. I was also confused about her art and the string exhibit. It was very hard to understand.

I absolutely love Lauren Kung Jessen’s writing style and wholesome love rom-coms. I was thrilled to have read her second novel after falling in love with Lunar Love. I absolutely adore how the author weaves her culture and experiences into her books and her characters’ lives. For a person unfamiliar to Chinese lore, Lauren Kung Jessen does a fantastic job in explaining her culture without it feeling like and interruption to the narrative.

Overall this is a great read about destiny (fate) versus free will. Following Rooney and Jack’s adventures as they tested their theory was enjoyable. Their chemistry was undeniable however reluctant Jack was to accept his fate. The ending was just as sweet and exactly what I expected from the author.

I loved this authors debut novel but this follow up felt too similar to the first. It agai. Follows the culture that is the red string of fate and ultimately didn’t bring me anything new. I loved the diversity and inclusion of the different characters but I didn’t feel overly connected or drawn to them like I did in her last. I liked the idea of choice vs fate but there’s just something about this book that bored me. It was cute, glad I read it but I will forget it pretty quickly

Thanks to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the ARC copy!
2.5 stars
I have such mixed feelings on this book. Unfortunately it didn’t quite hit it for me. I’ll say that I love the concept and representation. Bringing the idea of the red string of fate into a contemporary romance is a match made in heaven. Unfortunately that’s the extent of my positive feelings. I felt the main thing this book suffered from was slow pacing. There were frequent parts where the dialogue would go back and forth too much without really advancing the plot. I found a couple of instances as well where there would be some assumptions the reader would have to make before it was clearly spelled out.
The characters in this I didn’t hate but didn’t love. Personally, I think it would have been better suited for a single POV vs dual. I usually love dual POVs but I found that this actually got a bit confusing for me at times
As much as I seriously wanted to love this book and scream it from the rooftops, it wasn’t my cup of tea.

Thank you to the publisher, Forever (Grand Central Publishing), and Netgalley for providing me with an early copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.

This book was really sweet! I loved the integration of the red string theory. I remember first hearing about that folk tale and absolutely loving it, so it was really cool to see it woven in (pun intended) to a romance novel.

I think the pairing was cute and all the characters/relationships were super well constructed, especially the mother/daughter one.

I had some issues with the miscommunication, but thats to be expected for me, and in this case it didn't really detract from the book.

I was super into this book in the first half, and although my focus dwindled in the second, I still enjoyed it!

I received an eARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed the character development and the exploration of fate versus choice in this romantic comedy. The slow burn is slow and while it captures the culture beautifully, it was difficult to keep my attention. As such, I read it disjointedly over time and had difficulty connecting immersively. This just comes down to preference for the reader. I am not generally a fan of a slow burn. I did enjoy the acts of serendipity and could appreciate the story and the writing for what it was. I would recommend to those that are looking for a cozy romance with that spark of fated soul mates.

A great new book from Lauren Kung Jessen that feels like a combination of La La Land and To All the Boys I've Loved Before! The mash up of multi-cultured main characters who have a lot of depth plus a constant discussion of the realities of fate (and fated mates).
This contemporary romance includes philosophical thoughts, a scientific MMC, an artist and freethinking FMC, a bit of an fated mates situation (but don't tell the MMC, Jack, that!👀), and a slow burn opposites attract (grumpy X sunshine situation).
I really enjoyed getting to learn more about different cultures (such as learning about the Red String of Fate🧣) and getting to see these two characters meet, miss each other, meet again, and try to make things work! It was a little hard for me to get into the book at the beginning (just to establish character relationships, understand the Red String of Fate, etc.) BUT after the first chapter or so, I was HOOKED! This was such a fun read and I can't wait to see all the hype surrounding this on release day! Thank you so much to Forever for a free e-ARC of this amazing book!💖

I was super lucky to get an eARC of the Red String Theory, thank you to Forever and NetGalley.

The Red String Theory By Lauren Kung Jessen, is a sweet opposites attract romance. When Fate believing Rooney and NASA scientist Jack keep meeting is it meant to be? Or is there a science to love?

Overall I really enjoyed The Red String Theory, it is definitely a slow burn where you really get to see what motivates the characters. Some of the conversations between characters feels a little awkward, but overall the relationship is one you can really root for. I have one question for you, are you ready to find out where will the red string of fate lead you?

loved this romance about fate and stringmates and the color red. I loved that they met each other and did fun things and found love. I love that they waited til they weren't working together to have a relationship. Loved that fate was mentioned and that they have a night to remember and that they met up again for work.

4/5 stars
0/5 spice

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

"Red String Theory" by Lauren Kung Jessen is about Rooney and Jack and their pull towards each other; but is it by fate or choice?

Rooney, an artist who believes and lives her life guided by the red string of fate, a Chinese myth that your soulmate/stringmate is bound to you by a red thread, is a mature and optimistic wears-her-heart-on-her-sleeve strong FMC. On the other hand, Jack Liu is a scientist at NASA who steadfastly believe in a more logical, analytical, has-to-see-it-to-believe-it guy. And so ensues a beautiful story of their opposing beliefs which made for engaging debates throughout the story and lots of witty banter and cute moments as they try to "test" fate.

"Red String Theory" is a spice free romance, and focuses on their emotional connection and how they help each other - he helps her re-ignite her inspiration and she helps him advance in his career by empowering him to cultivate his relationship skills.

This is a sweet and heartwarming romance that explores the question of fate versus choice weaved with Chinese myth beuatifully. While I enjoyed this story and would recommend to anyone who likes a heartwarming slow-paced romance, there were moments when I wanted to see more character development and felt like there was that missing component of really making a reader feel the emotions of turmoil that could really elevate this.

#RedStringTheory #NetGalley

4.5 stars. This is a feel good and heartwarming novel with themes including fate and believing in yourself. It takes place in two of my most favorite cities: LA and NYC. I loved how the author explored the concept of fate while including cultural details of being Chinese American. I enjoyed all of the characters and thought they were all well developed. The alternating POV between Rooney and Jack kept the story moving along well. There are also tons of science and astronomy references as well as fun puns and jokes throughout. I haven’t read the authors other book, but after reading Red String Theory I’m definitely adding the other to my list!

Thanks to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing), Forever for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book in my opinion was better than the first. Although it didn't hook me right away I truly did enjoy the FMC. The artist who believes in fate and then the scientist who believes in facts trope was done very well. 

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

“Gravity is invisible, but we can measure it. What are the gravitational effects of fate but people being pulled toward their destined soulmates?”

I am such a fan of Lauren Kung Jessen's writing. I really enjoyed her debut novel, but I think I loved this one more.

I particularly enjoyed the thought provoking exchanges between Jack, the science guy, and Rooney, the artist who believes in fate. The dialogues were written so well, and I had such a fun time reading.

NASA/space + art = one happy reader. Absolutely recommend picking this up!

Thank you so much for the eARC, Forever.

I absolutely adored Lunar Love, so I was really excited for this one. This one didn't hook me right away, so I ended up setting it to the side for now. I'll probably come back to it later, but for now, it was just a really slow start.

A sweet romance between an artist who believes in fate and a scientist who believes in facts. It was fun to read about Rooney’s artistic process and conceptual art. While I didn’t personally connect to the characters or feel their chemistry, I think fans of opposites attract and one true love/soulmate plot lines will enjoy the story. 2.5 stars.

Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a copy.

3.5⭐️

An absolutely endearing story with a dash of swoon and stardust. I adored Lunar Love and was so excited to dive into Lauren’s newest novel. The topics of art and space were beautifully intertwined with discussions of fate, choice, family, and love, and Lauren painted stunning visuals against the backdrops of NYC and LA. Lauren gives a fun, while honest and vulnerable peek inside the creative process - the observations, relationships, moments, and beauty in even the smallest of places that spark inspiration.

This exploration of fate and choice was well balanced and was wonderfully represented in Rooney and Jack’s characters - Rooney being more spontaneous, creative, and believing in signs, whereas Jack was more matter of fact and believed “you make your own fate.” In peeling back their layers, there was such tenderness and vulnerability in how Rooney and Jack approached life and love. It was wonderful to witness their growth and how they, in time, were able to reach a place where they took chances on the unknown - people, opportunities, and their hopes and dreams - and became active participants in their lives, not fearing but enjoying the magic that transpired.

While the burn and overall pacing might have been a tad too slow for me personally, this was still very sweet and I loved the message of family, possibility, and love.

If you loved Lunar Love as much as I did, you will absolutely adore Red String Theory! It's very similar in themes as to the movie Past Lives, so if you liked that, too, you'll love this book! It's so hard not to fall in love with these characters because of her writing. You can feel the chemistry between the characters just leap off the page!

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher's for this Advanced Readers Copy of Red String Theory by Lauren Kung Jessen!