Chrstina Lauren is one of my favorite author duos when I’m looking for a book to make me laugh. I’m still working on their backlog of books, but have read quite a few. So I have to say I was excited when they announced The Soulmate Equation. This released in May and I finally got around to reading it. Keep on reading to find out more about the book and what I thought!
A big thanks to the publisher for providing me with an e-arc on Netgalley.
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.
Review
“I generally want to commit a felony when I see him. I’m not sure that’s a sign of romantic compatibility.”
The Soulmate Equation definitely takes a different look at romance. There’s definitely quite some science in a dating app that matches you based on genetics and DNA. Besides that this is still a romantic comedy that we’re used to getting by this author duo.
When I picked up this book it had me laughing the first few pages in. We follow our main character Jess. She’s a single mother of an amazing little girl (she truly added an extra element to this book and make me laugh quite a few times). Jess is focused on her daughter and their life and has no interest in dating. She’s a smart woman who works hard for the ones she loves.
“Destiny could also be a choice, she realized. To believe or not, to be vulnerable or not, to go all in or not.”
River starts off as a character I wasn’t sure what to think of. He’s a bit arrogant in the beginning (or so it seems). I really think that River is a character you come to love as you learn more about him. He’s also very smart and is trying his best to get his company off the ground and doesn’t seem to have much time for anything else. In the end, he becomes a character that left a smile on my face during most scenes. River ends up being a very caring and protective individual and the interactions between him and Jess’ daughter were very sweet. He knew she belonged in Jess’ life and didn’t want to do anything to hurt her.
Then there’s the romance. For me it was definitely a slow burn romance. It took River and Jess quite some time before they truly gave their high matching score a chance. I feel it fit this story though and until then I loved their banter. It fit these characters and made it even more fun when they finally gave in. Neither of these characters expected to fall in love, but they can’t deny their attraction. I have to say I think I would’ve gotten just a bit more invested in their romance if we got a few chapters from River’s POV. In romance books I need to get the thoughts and perspective from the other character as well.
“I haven’t been home in years, but I feel that way with you.”
Also, once again there was an amazing side character. Jess’ best friend Fizz was so much fun and I’d love to see her get her own romance. If you’re looking for a fast and fun summer romance I definitely suggest picking up The Soulmate Equation!
The Soulmate Equation really was a perfect summer read and I definitely plan to catch up on more of their books. I’ll also be looking out for what they release next. Have you read The Soulmate Equation or any other books by Christina Lauren? Let me know in the comments!
