Published by Simon and Schuster on May 18, 2021
Genres: Fiction, Women, Humorous, Romance, Romantic Comedy
Pages: 368
Format: eBook
Source: ARC
The New York Times bestselling author of The Unhoneymooners returns with a witty and effervescent novel about what happens when two people with everything on the line are thrown together by science—or is it fate?
Perfect for fans of The Rosie Project and One Plus One.
Single mom Jessica 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 was never 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 percent compatibility with another subject in the database: one of GeneticAlly’s founders, Dr. River Peña. This is one number she can’t wrap her head around, because she already knows Dr. Peña. 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 Match” that could launch GeneticAlly’s valuation sky-high, 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
I am a big fan of CL and I’m always so thrilled to get a chance to read and review their books! Most recently I devoured In a Holidaze and I was looking forward to more fluffy, cozy goodness and they absolutely delivered.
Jess is a freelance data scientist, single mom, and fits the “caregiver” label to a T. Everyone’s needs and wants are placed before her own, including her daughter (Juno), parents (Nana and Pops), and a bit of her best friend (Fizzy). Hustling to make ends meet and to make sure everyone is cared for, Jess has become an expert and putting her own needs to the side. Witty, smart, and loyal, Jess is the sort of friend and family member that you want for your own.
Throwing our beloved Jess into an enemies-to-lovers pairing was perfect for shaking up her routine. Dr. River Pena is kind of a dick. He’s the sort of character that you might consider for a hate shag. All the early interactions between Jess and River had my hackles up and I wasn’t sure if CL would be able to redeem him for me. I ended up swooning hard, especially seeing his sweet moments of caring for Jess and interacting with her friend and family.
The concept of genetic based dating was intriguing! It also ended up being a bit more thought-provoking than I expected and made for some interesting conversations with Mr. B. Jess and River’s shared excitement over spreadsheets and data made me giggle and smile. I love moments like that, especially when they start out as enemies. I admit I skimmed over the mathematical chatter, my eyes glaze over anything beyond typical budgeting math, but it was a fun inclusion nonetheless.
I adored the supporting characters as much, if not more, than our leads. Fizzy, Juno, and especially Nana and Pops. Jess’s support network brought so much to the story and I really hope we get to see Fizzy in the future. Fizzy is a romance novelist and it really is the best! Even River’s sisters made a huge impact with their short time on page. I would have loved to see them pick on River more.
I do wish the ending had a bit more oomph. The resolution for the conflict didn’t feel complete but that also might be because I am slow to forgive. Between that and the conflict with “Jess’s Mom” feeling underdeveloped, I had to knock my rating down a star.
Overall, The Soulmate Equation was a sweet, utterly delightful romance with plenty of chuckles, toothachingly sweet romance, and a whole lot of heart. Throw in some low key drama to balance out the scorching chemistry between this begrudging couple, and you have an amazing feel-good, romantic comedy that will make your alternate between bursting and aching. It all sounds painful, I know, but really its a good thing.
Recommended for fans looking for a heroine in STEM, single-mom, and the trope-ish goodness that is enemies-to-lovers and fake dating.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
About 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.)
