Title: The Soulmate Equation
Author: Christina Lauren
Genre: Romance
Published On: May 18, 2021
Publisher: Gallery Books
Source: digital
Pages: 368
Synopsis:
Single mom Jess Davis is a data and statistics wizard, but no amount of number crunching can convince her to step back into the dating world. Raised by her grandparents–who now help raise her seven-year-old daughter, Juno–Jess has been left behind too often to feel comfortable letting anyone in. After all, her father’s never been around, her hard-partying mother disappeared when she was six, and her ex decided he wasn’t “father material” before Juno was even born. Jess holds her loved ones close, but working constantly to stay afloat is hard…and lonely.
But then Jess hears about GeneticAlly, a buzzy new DNA-based matchmaking company that’s predicted to change dating forever. Finding a soulmate through DNA? The reliability of numbers: This Jess understands. At least she thought she did, until her test shows an unheard-of 98% compatibility with another subject in the database: GeneticAlly’s founder, Dr. River Pena. This is one number she can’t wrap her head around, because she already knows Dr. Pena. The stuck-up, stubborn man is without a doubt not her soulmate. But GeneticAlly has a proposition: Get to know him and we’ll pay you. Jess–who is barely making ends meet–is in no position to turn it down, despite her skepticism about the project and her dislike for River. As the pair are dragged from one event to the next as the “Diamond” pairing that could make GeneticAlly a mint in stock prices, Jess begins to realize that there might be more to the scientist–and the science behind a soulmate–than she thought.
Funny, warm, and full of heart, The Soulmate Equation proves that the delicate balance between fate and choice can never be calculated.
My thoughts
(Spoiler free)
CLo have done it again! I have yet to read a book by Christina Lauren that I have not enjoyed, but The Soulmate Equation lands nicely in my top three favorites.
“Jessica Davis used to think it was an honest-to-God tragedy that only twenty-six percent of women believed in true love.”
Christina Lauren, The Soulmate Equation
I’m afraid this review is going to be short and messy. I devoured The Soulmate Equation, forgetting to take notes or highlight favorite parts, reading just for enjoyment. And it was so much fun.
The authors have taken the current DNA craze and put a fun spin on it by using science to find soulmates. My math and science-adverse brain can’t even start to comprehend how this would ever be possible. In fact, I’m assuming it’s pure fantasy. But even all those scientific terms and mathematical equations couldn’t keep me from loving this one!
The chemistry between our two main characters is palpable. While River may come across as rude or dismissive in the beginning, I trusted that there would be a story behind his behavior, and it only helped to build the anticipation for when these two would finally admit their attraction. I fell so hard for this pairing, dreading the event that would potentially separate them. Let’s be honest, there’s always an event—and it’s what keeps us reading.
“I want to be here to bring you coffee. I want to take you out to dinner and order the same food and hear you recite the odds that we would have met. I want to hate-attend fancy social events together.”
Christina Lauren, The Soulmate Equation
As with most CLo books, the supporting cast helps to make the story what it is. And The Soulmate Equation has a wonderful one. From Jess’ grandparents to her adorable daughter, Juno, to River’s two sisters, I enjoyed all the heart poured into these characters.
I found myself laughing out loud, especially at the dialogue between Jess and her best friend, Fizzy. We so need a book about Fizzy now. It just HAS to happen. She’s snarky, fun, genuine, and loyal. And I wanted more of her story.
When I realized The Soulmate Equation was wrapping up, I was distraught, wishing I could stay in their world a little longer, but also happy that maybe the lack of an epilogue meant we’d get more of their story someday… maybe?? Please!
Thank you to Gallery Books and Netgalley for an advanced reader’s copy.
Rating:
Barnes and Noble | Kobo | Indiebound | Bookshop | Amazon
About the Author
Christina Lauren
Christina Lauren is the combined pen name of long-time writing partners/besties/soulmates/brain-twins Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings. The coauthor duo writes both Young Adult and Adult Fiction, and together has produced sixteen New York Times bestselling novels. Their books have been translated into 30+ languages. (Some of these books have kissing. Some of these books have A LOT of kissing.)
A Song For A Book
I couldn’t find an author playlist for The Soulmate Equation. One may pop up closer to publication, and if I come across it, I’ll add it below. But I did make my own. 😉 The book did mention one song (by The National) and one artist (Bon Iver, but no specific song), so I’ve included both of those, as well. I’ll be highlighting “I’m Yours” by Alessia Cara. It captures what I imagine Jess is feeling when she first starts to admit her feelings for River. <3
Some nerve you have
To break up my lonely
And tell me you want me
How dare you march into my heart
Oh how rude of you
To ruin my miserable
And tell me I’m beautiful
‘Cause I wasn’t looking for love no
Nobody asked you to get me attached to you
In fact you tricked me
And I wasn’t trying to fall in love
But boy you pushed me
So all that I’m asking
Is that you handle me with caution
‘Cause I don’t give myself often
But I guess I’ll try today
‘Cause I’ve had my heart
Broken before
And I promised I would never
Let me hurt anymore
But I tore down my walls
And opened my doors
And made room for one
So baby I’m yours
Oh baby I’m yours…
Have you read The Soulmate Equation? Did you add it to your tbr? Let me know in the comments!
Happy Wandering!
I want this book NOW! 😂 I’m already so invested in this book and all I’ve read are the synopsis and reviews! 😂
Thanks for the lovely review! 😁
Haha!! I hear ya! If you enjoyed their other books, you should love it! I’ll be excited to hear your thoughts. ❤️
This sounds really cute!
❤️❤️
A 5-star rating and confirmation that there is indeed some science in this book has me very excited. YEA!
Oh, I’m happy someone is excited about the science aspect. All of it went over my head. Ha! I can’t wait to hear your thoughts. <3
I have enjoyed all their books I have read. I want to read this one, but am still pending. I will get my name on the list at the library as soon as it is available. Wonderful review Dedra.
Oh I hope you like it as much as I did! If you’ve enjoyed all of their other ones, you should enjoy this one, too. <3