I liked the idea of this book more than the actual book itself. An “opposites attract” romance with fated mates? Sign me up. However, the plot of Red String Theory was a little bit unbelievable and I didn’t connect with the love interests as much as I would have liked to. Honestly, the character I felt the most attached to was Gōng Gong, Jack’s grandfather, who is only in a handful of scenes. I would LOVE to read a book about his life. I would like to give Jessen’s writing another try in the future as she is obviously talented and this book just didn’t work for me.

I wasn’t in love with Lauren Kung Jessen’s debut novel, Lunar Love (review here). But I still enjoyed her approach to romances, her writing, and the sound of her second novel, Red String Theory. I’m glad I gave this one a chance - especially in audiobook form - as it was a really enjoyable romance that I’m still thinking about, a few days after finishing it.
Here’s the book’s description:

Just a date . . . or a twist of fate?
When it comes to love and art, Rooney Gao believes in signs. Most of all, she believes in the Chinese legend that everyone is tied to their one true love by the red string of fate. And that belief has inspired her career as an artist, as well as the large art installations she makes with ( obviously ) red string. That is until artist’s block strikes and Rooney begins to question everything. But then fate leads her to the perfect guy . . .
Jack Liu is perfect. He’s absurdly smart, successful, handsome, and after one enchanting New York night—under icy February skies and fueled by fried dumplings—all signs point to destiny. Only Jack doesn’t believe. And after their magical date, it looks like they might be lost to each other forever . . . until they’re given one more chance to reconnect. But can Rooney convince a reluctant skeptic to take a leap of fate?
Like the heroine in Lunar Love, Rooney is a bit too set in her views on romance (and fate). I appreciated that she believed in love so much and I love the idea of stringmates (when two people are connected by an invisible string and are considered soulmates) but it seemed so limiting and I felt it was really harming her romantic life. But, as an artist, she was curious so even with her set beliefs about love, she did try to approach life a little differently.

I loved that Rooney was an artist and Jack worked at NASA. These are not careers you may expect to see collide in a romance but it was so much fun. Their views on the world could not have been more different but it was a beautiful example of how a couple can succeed (and thrive) because they approach things differently but love and respect the other and their opinions. And the way they supported each other? Gah, it was so wonderful.

While the romantic relationship between Rooney and Jack was, you know, kind of the point of the romance, I think the story was made stronger by the familial relationships included. Rooney and her mom had a tight and unique bond since it had been just the two of them against the world for Rooney’s whole life. And while Jack didn’t have a close relationship with his parents, his grandfather had been a constant in his life and I adored every scene Gong Gong was in.

Finally, a note on the audiobook! I find romances can sometimes be less enjoyable on audiobooks for some reason but the narrators for this one? Oh, they sold me on the story immediately. Yu-Li Alice Shen and Andrew Grace were the narrators for Red String Theory and they did a great job. I liked that it was dual narration and, bonus, they read all the dialogue too. I have listened to many books where the narrator does a terrible opposite gender voice and the story and my enjoyment is harmed because of it. It was a really enjoyable narration and I would definitely listen to either narrator again.

Red String Theory was a delightful, sweet romance from Lauren Kung Jessen. I’m so happy to have read it and look forward to reading her next book.

*An egalley was provided by HBG Canada and an ALC was provided by Forever, both via NetGalley, in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are honest and my own.*

The narrators were amazing, I also read the book and the audiobook was just as good. You can truly feel the emotions through the narrators. This was so good, I highly recommend this book and audiobook!!

Hi I missed the archive date because it was close to when i was approved. I went ahead and bought the audiobook so I could support this book! I really enjoyed the audiobook. The reader did a great job with the characters and none of them felt forced. The male voices were especially good in my opinion. I enjoyed the flow of the authors writing. I was engrossed and continued listening. Without spoiling, the ending was well done. The author brought the story to a conclusion that I appreciated as a reader who craves a complete, well-planned, and intriguing ending. Thank you for your work!

This was such a dreamy, lovely opposites-attract romance about art, science, fate, missed connections and actively choosing to pursue what feels like destiny.

I loved the way our protagonists balanced each other out, and I was swooped right along with them on the whimsy of one perfect evening, and the quiet devastation of a missed opportunity, as well as the awe of being brought together once more by serendipity.

Extra points for the fantastic audio narration!

This was a cute little opposites attract rom com, perfect for the Valentine season.

One magical evening in New York, Rooney and Jack meet under the stars and share a perfect evening. Is it fate, coincidence or simply choice?

Artist and believer in all things fate, Rooney is convinced Jack is the man at the end of her red string, her soul mate, the true love of scientific legend, and that they were fated to meet. Jack, on the other hand is a scientist. Logical. Practical. At first, life seems to separate them but then, by a stroke of luck (or destiny, perhaps) they are reunited and all signs seem to be pointing to the fate that Rooney believes in. The question remains, as they undertake a series of scientific tests on the subject of fate and can she convince Jack?

There were a lot of cute parallels and juxtapositions in belief, some good banter, and, while pushing the boundaries of coincidence, it didn't feel disingenuous or far fetched. It was just cute.

I've seen lots of reviews call it "charming" and I'd have to agree. Additionally, if you prefer a closed door romance, this one definitely fits the bill. it is big on cute and low on spice.

The audio was great. Narrated by Andrew Grace and You-Li Alice Chen. The duo did a great job telling the story and representing the dual point of view Jessen wrote the story in.

I think my one complaint, and it might have been more obvious because I did this one on audio, was the incessant use of the word "fate" and the phrase "red string." While I fully understand that that was a central tenant of the story, I was pretty sure if I heard either one more time, I was just going to write off the theory all together and forget the entire idea of true love. Okay, maybe that's overly dramatic but truly, there would have been some benefit from a thesaurus.

Charming. Bingeable. Cute. That's what this one is.

I read the ebook first, before receiving the audiobook. Listening to the audiobook REALLY brought the book to life! I absolutely LOVED both narrators as they embodied all of the characters so well, with distinctive attitudes and voices for each. I added a STAR to this rating especially for this!
I really enjoyed this author's previous book, Lunar Love, so I was looking forward to reading this current book, Red String Theory, just in time for Valentines's Day! It is a sweet tale of fate, decisions, and what is meant to be. Do we actually have choices? Or are we predetermined to react to circumstances that are fated to happen? I loved the mix of mythology and science discussions that Rooney and Jack explore as they ponder their fates and futures. The settings are detailed and vivid, as are the descriptions of cultures, food and art (wish I could see some of the art installations of Rooney!). I appreciate the recipes at the end of the book, as the food sounded delicious! I do wish that there had been more details at the last portion of the book of all of the art installations that Rooney had worked on. I felt so invested that I wanted to know more! I also wished for a bit more about Jack's parents and Jack's relationship with them. I did love the dual points of view and how they each viewed happenings very differently--it makes you aware that others don't always perceive events as you do. An inspiring story about overcoming self-doubt and realizing what is important in the world--creating the life/work you want and being with those who you love and love you. .

Yu-Li Alice Shen and Andrew Grace bring Red String Theory to life in a way that sucks a listener in. The dual narration aspect gives an extra layer of life to the already compelling story. Lauren Kung Jessen introduces us to a tale of two people who seemingly could never work, and how life keeps throwing them together. Absolutely loved the representation and humorous antics. Another winner for sure.

I absolutely loved Red String Theory! Author Jessen has done it again, but in a much more profound way. To me, Red String Theory was so much better than the first novel, Lunar Love. And perhaps it was due in part to the narrators of the audiobook. Narrators Shen and Grace did a superb job in capturing the essence of the characters by projecting the personalities, inflections, and emotion in their narration. But the narration just enhanced the already fully developed characters that Jessen cast in her novel.

Red String Theory was much more than a romance. It contained elements of humor, love, as well as unfeigned sincerity. I loved that the romance aspect was wholesome and clean. A welcome change from steamy lit romance novels. I also enjoyed the showcasing of cultural traditions that were passed on through generations.

Overall, Red String Theory is a novel and audiobook not be be missed. Author Jessen should be on every romance fan’s radar. Five exceptional stars.

I received a physical ARC from Forever (GCP) and was also invited to listen to the audiobook from Forever (GCP) through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.

Red string theory is that an invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place, or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle but will never break.

The FMC Rooney creates red string art and believes in fate, she meets Jack, a Nasa scientist who believes in the choices people make and the science of things. They bump into each and spend a magical evening together, they don’t see each other again for 6 months.

Jack is working on a project in which Nasa works with an artist to create art and promote science and discovery in a fun way, the artist chosen is none other than Rooney. Is it fate or series of choices that led to Jack and Rooney meeting….again

They fall in love or further in love but fate and choices get in the way of them being together. This was really cute and I love how Jessen brings two different people together, I think it’s destiny!

I absolutely loved this audiobook! The narrators did an incredible job and I loved how they edited the narration to hear each narrator whenever their characters were speaking. It was really well done!

And this was the cutest story! I loved the themes of fate and choice, as well as the relationship between the two characters. I also loved all of the art themed woven (pun intended) throughout the book. I absolutely loved it!

Thank you to NetGalley, Forever Publishing, and Hachette for the opportunity to review this title.

I was seeing this book all over Goodreads and Instagram getting rave reviews so of course I needed to request it. This was my first NetGalley audiobook and my only complaint is that the parts didn't match up with the chapters. It restarted a chapter and after accidentally clicking onto the wrong part, it took me a little bit to find my spot in the book.

The Red String Theory is a book about fate - both believing and disputing it. I had never heard about the Chinese legend of the theory that you are tied to your mate with a red string. I enjoyed learning about that as well as the audiobook having multiple narrators.

Rooney is a firm believer in the Chinese Legend of the Red String “An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place, or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle but will never break." She has never met her match but has always believed she will. In comes Jack and the two instantly connect. That is, until one wrong number sends the two in completely different directions. However, Rooney’s art installation (under a fake name) catches Jack’s eye and somehow the two find each other again and sparks fly.

I was sooo hoping to love this one after Lunar Love but I think I was comparing it too much or something because I did not care for this one nearly as much. I did appreciate the end and I loved the NASA part of the plot but overall, a miss for me.

This was a sweet story that explored the ideas of fate and choices.

There are two narrators for the two POVs. I'm used to one narrator per chapter, but in this one, each narrator read their own dialog throughout the book. This took me a little bit to get used to.

I recommend this book to people who love romance with Hallmark level spice, opposites attract, and exploring life's big questions through art.

I love when a book has two different narrators as it adds a new dimension to the book as you get to hear the emotions. Having this book in audio form made it the chef's kiss. My overall review of the book is below.

You rarely find a story that you can relate to. Red String Theory was one of those books for me. The integration of romance and science is my ideal combination.

Another joy of this book was the growth of both of the characters. Jack became less logical (which I need to do regarding all types of relationships), and Rooney was able to see things more rationally.

I can only hope that one day I can find my stringmate.

Excellent audio narration. This book is set in the same work as the author's Lunar Love (2023). I enjoyed the contemporary romance and multicultural interest. Does anything happen by chance or is fate at the heart of it all? I loved the strong use of artistic imagery and color. I wish Rooney's art installations were real!

A sweet romcom tied together by fate.
Rooney Gao is an artist and her biggest installation to date is made with red string, tied to her belief in a Chinese legend that you're connected to your soulmate through a red string of fate. Though her art hasn't brought her to that special soulmate, she does wind up on a perfect date with Jack Liu, but they lose touch and time continues on with their own paths. When their paths cross again, Rooney is left wondering if this truly is fate or not meant to be.
This is a charming romance novel with some ties to Lauren Kung Jessen's previous novel, Lunar Love, but great for anyone who keeps hoping for that day they find their match. The production and narration of the novel also brought the story to life, with a unique perspective for every character.
Thank you to Hachette Audio for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion. This is out now.

Rooney is an artist who has always believed wholeheartedly in the Red String Theory, an ancient Chinese legend that states that everyone is connected to their true love by the red string of fate. However, she’s discouraged and questioning the theory.. which then leads to difficulties in creating her art. But then she meets Jack and everything changes..

A cute, slow burn romance. I really enjoyed this book. I found myself really rooting for Rooney. The narrator did an incredible job with this and really brought it to life. I feel like this story will stick with me for a long time.

I truly love LKJs writing and character development. I feel that her true talent is whipping up characters that you can't help but fall in love with.

This had all of the elements of a great love story and I simply cannot recommend it more!

Is life guided by fate, choice, or some combination?

Artist Rooney believes in the Eastern legend that destined lovers are connected by a red string regardless of time, place, or circumstances. NASA engineer Jack believes personal choice determines what happens in your life. The two meet by chance, then they have an amazing, whirlwind night together. At the end of the night, they plan to stay in touch even though they live in different cities. However, Rooney enters Jack's phone number into her phone wrong. Will these two ever reconnect?

I loved how art met science in this opposites attract love story! Rooney and Jack are such loveable characters. In addition to their philosophical discussions, I also liked how respectful they were of differing opinions, and how they helped each other.

A few more highlights:
-- the side characters (all are interesting in their own right)
-- learning more about the Asian American experience
-- a night spent walking around NYC

Audiobook narrators Yu-Li Alice Shen and Andrew Grace are both new to me. I thoroughly enjoyed how they brought these characters to life. Shen voiced all of Rooney's dialogue throughout, and Grace voiced all of Jack's parts. The duet narration was a perfect choice that gave this listen a conversational feel that fit so well with the story.

Fans of the movie Serenpedity and/or cozy romances with depth will love Red String Theory.

Thank you to Forever and Hachette Audio for a copy of this audiobook.