Jess is a single mother, who does her job as a statistician at local coffee shop Twiggs, alongside her author friend Fizzy. Every day at the same time, a handsome but rude man comes into the coffee shop, who the friends have nicknamed Americano due to his order. When they hear that he is setting up a dating site based on compatibility of DNA, the pair stop him one day to quiz him about it, which results in him inviting them along to his workplace. Fizzy, being a romance author, is excited about this but Jess is more skeptical. After having a particularly bad day and feeling lonely, Jess decides to do the at home testing kit and send it off. She's shocked when she gets a result (after setting her compatibility really high) and is called into the company to discuss this result. Turns out she's matched with one of the founders of the company, Mr Americano (real name River) himself! The company is thrilled, wanting the pair to get to know each other, but Jess is unsure. How is this man, who she finds rude and stand offish, her genetic soulmate? Regardless, she and River decide to give it a shot and tentatively get to know each other.

The book is a fascinating concept, the idea what your genes are part of the reason why you get on so well with people. This books has elements of enemies to lovers as well as fake dating trope. I loved all of Jess's friends and family: her 7 year old daughter Juno, her friend Fizzy, her grandparents who helped raise her due to her absent mother. I didn't know Jess was a single mother when I started the book, so I was a bit apprehensive about whether I would enjoy that part of the storyline but I did like it, it added another dimension to the story.As with most romance stories, towards the end there is an element that threatens the stability of the relationship and I was so pleased that it wasn't too forced or drawn out. I find too often that romance books depend on miscommunication as part of the tension and it can be really frustrating. Whereas in this book it wasn't too laboured. I thought the book was charming and cute, I liked Jess and River together and once I got into the book I flew through it in less than 24 hours!

I can already guarantee that The Soulmate Equation will become one of my favourite books of the year, and we are only in August. It is the first Christina Lauren book I have ever read, but I am already off purchasing some of their backlist.

I love all of the characters within the book, and they all brought something new and different to the plot. I absolutely adore Jess and River as our main romantic pairing, and their relationship was just perfect. I also loved River and Jess's daughter Juno's relationship; their relationship was just so wholesome, and I wanted more. But my favourite character has to be Fizzy, Jess's best friend. Jess's relationship with Fizzy is much like mine with my best friend (apart from the writing of romance novels), and it was just so brilliant to see it on the page. I would love a separate book all about Fizzy's dating life as I feel there are a few stories to tell there.

When it comes to the plot, it moved along steadily, and it didn't feel as if there were any points where I wanted more. Although I could guess where the story was going, I did really enjoy the journey, which is always a massive help in not getting bored.

As it was my first Christina Lauren book, I was sure how it would work with regarding the writing style as Christina and Lauren co-author it, but I couldn't even notice a difference. The writing flowed perfectly, and it allowed you to really be sucked into the book and the romance.

I can't wait to pick up another Christina Lauren book as they seem to have the formula for romance books perfectly. I highly suggest picking up The Soulmate Equation whether you have read all of Christina Lauren's books before or are just starting out.

I really enjoyed this book! I'm a huge fan of Christina Lauren books and this one is up there with the best of them!

This is the story of Jess who has enough of dating but then hears about GeneticAlly, a new matchmaking company that uses genetics to find your perfect match. jess matches 98% with River who just so happens to be the founder of GeneticAlly. She in no way believes that they can be soulmates but she goes along to functions anyway and soon finds that there is a lot more to geeky River than she thought.

This is a fun story that will keep you hooked from start to finish!

This is my first Christina Lauren book and it won’t be my last! I really enjoyed it, a lovely rom com. Main character Jess is a single mum who gets genetically matched to River who she’d been drooling over since they’re both regulars at Twiggys the coffee shop. Love all the side characters in this book especially Fizzy and little Juno. Highly recommend.

Many thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book! From the start I didn't want to put it down. It starts with Jess and her daughter Juno, Jess's best friend Fizzy and their daily catch up / work meetings at the local coffee house. A fellow customer Americano as Jess names him is there on the dot every day. Little does she know what an impact he's going to have on her life. He is a scientist who has found an equation for a soulmate. Could this be the new way to meet people - Genetically?
First book by the author and I'll definitely be looking out for more! Definitely recommend!

What if a test and an algorithm helped you identify your genetically compatible soulmate? Do you jump right in? Run and hide? This was the concept which the author explores in this book.

Jess and River were both really good leads. Jess was smart, funny and independent with an adorable daughter. Her different relationships, with Juno(🥰) Fizzy (❤️🔥), her grandparents and mother (🙁) really shaped her and made for a nicely developed female lead with realistic fears. River was initially not very nice but once we started spending more time with the character, getting to know what drove him and how and why he started the company you could not help but warm to him. I liked the chemistry between River and Jess, lots of nerdy cuteness. I did think the conflict at the end was resolved a little too quickly (much more grovel needed imho).

Side characters were good as well, especially Fizzy who is friendship goals and so funny. Overall very enjoyable reading. (3.75 - 4 ⭐️)

The Soulmate Equation is based on a vaguely sci-fi premise: what if genetics could predict your perfect romantic match? When single mother and statistician Jess is given the opportunity to try out the beta-stage GeneticAlly, she is at first cynical. But after submitting her DNA, Jess and GeneticAlly’s founder are in for a shock when they’re found to be an almost-perfect match.

This is a fun read from the reliably great writing team of Christina Lauren, with everything I now expect from them: good diversity, third act complications that don’t make me totally roll my eyes with how contrived they are (a huge bugbear of mine with romance novels), and genuinely funny and sweet interactions between characters. Highly recommended for the perfect romantic summer read.

Christina Lauren (who I totally didn’t realise is actually two people) first came on my radar at Christmas with lots of positive reviews of ‘In A Holidaze’ I really wanted the book at the time but had so many Christmas books I thought I’d wait until 2021; that’s still the plan. However, when I saw The Soulmate Equation available on NetGalley I requested it with my fingers crossed. Oh my, I’m so glad I got it!

Jess Davis is a single Mom, she definitely feels lonely at times; being the only single Mom and school events definitely stings, but she cannot be bothered with dating. Her friend Fizz is constantly trying to encourage her to get out there but she isn’t interested in casual dating. She has a good freelance job but like a lot of people feels the pressure of being able to provide for those she loves.

The girls work out of a cafe everyday whilst also people watching. ‘Americano’ a brooding quiet man who comes in each morning always catches their attention even more so when they learn that he is working on a new dating app based on genetic profiling, scientifically identifying comparability between individuals.

Following a tough day, Jess submits a DNA sample and downloads the app thinking she has nothing to lose and no obligation to go on any dates. What she doesn’t expect is for the company who owns the app to contact her to inform her she has an unusually high; the highest the company has ever seen, match with somebody. Not only is it revealed she has the highest match, but it’s with one of the founding members of the company, ‘Americano’; also known as Dr River Pêna. Despite the science Jess isn’t really interested, however, when the company offers to pay her $10,000 per month to explore the relationship how can she decline?

It’s a really long time since I’ve been hooked on a book to the extent I literally can’t put it down. But I really couldn’t. To the point I went to sleep at 2am after finishing the book with a 7am alarm set. The writing style was so easy and I was so invested in Jess! I was waiting for that moment of heartbreak and drama which inevitably comes in a romance novel and then desperate seeking a resolution.

Honestly, read this book! I am now desperate to read more of their books! An easy 5/5 read for me.

I have become such a huge fan of Christina Lauren, since only discovering them last summer, and this latest story did not disappoint me.

I was instantly intrigued by River and he rapidly took a top "book boyfriend" spot for me. There's something about a "nerdy", dark horse- attractive without arrogance and a genuinely decent human being.

I also loved Jess- a well represented, single mum. I instantly connected with her character and adored the side characters in her life (daughter, grandparents and Fizzy). Those close bonds added so much to her character which had the potential to be scarred from her past and potentially a self sabotager. I liked that she had hope and was a strong female who was sure of herself and her community.

All in all, as with any other CLo book, this had the perfect amount of steam, humour and chemistry...plus it is such a unique concept! It definitely made me wish it were a real thing you could check.

Headlines:
Lets have more geeky scientist/mathematician combos
Fakey breaky goodness
Sold down the river for River

The Soulmate Equation seemed to find that sweet spot of the right push and pull alongside sweetness and angst; everything was in good measure to formulate the ideal equation for a story. Sorry, I'll stop using title puns now. But seriously, the characters and plot brought a cross of Darcy with The One and equaled a lose-yourself read.

River Pena was all of Darcy's best angles: arrogance, dismissal but alluringly handsome. I felt on a string from his first 'Americano' sighting. Jess, a single mom with her own brand of geek was a great protagonist with the best family to read about.

"...the only thing she could focus on was the way he spoke like he was reading aloud from a textbook. God, Siri carried on a more familiar conversation."

This couple's journey carried elements of awkwardness but staying for the journey to reach the delicious chemistry was worth the wait. This story really grew for me, especially from a third into the book. The way River stepped up in certain situations was complete swoon territory. There wasn't a lot of on-page steam but you felt every inch of chemistry between these two.

I thoroughly enjoyed this standalone from Christina Lauren and I can't see a day when I will not be reading their offerings.

Thank you to Piatkus Books for the review copy.

Jess, a single mother, is genetically matched with River (brusque and brooding), through a dating service which puts them together with 98% compatibility. Of course, they don’t actually like each other that much… But because River is the creator of the project, Jess is persuaded to give the relationship a chance.
This novel had a bit of a slow start, and took me a while to get into, but I liked the premise, and it was an easy, cosy read.

Thank you to NetGalley, the Publishers and the Author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

I haven't read a Christina Lauren book before, but have seen their books hyped up on various social media platforms. I was nervous about reading this book, when the authors have such a high reputation, but I can safely say I'm firmly in the Christina Lauren fan-club now!

I loved everything about this book: the characters were likeable, the premise was well-crafted and it included two of my favourite tropes in a romance novel. The romance was fairly clean, and this made reading the book and about the couple such a great read. In all honesty, I didn't want the book to end!

In summary, this book was amazing. It had excellent storytelling, great chemistry between the main characters and it was a wonderful read. I cannot recommend it enough!

Disclaimer – I received this copy from netgalley in return for an honest review.

This book follows Jess, a single mother who works as in freelance statistics. She is tempted to join a new way of dating on a whim with her best friend. The way this works is through genetics, she submits a saliva sample and they tell her if she has a match. And to her surprise she gets a 98% match with nobody other than the creator of the project, River Pena.
This book starts off as a romance between people who dislike each other then move on to fake dating but ultimately they see they are a true match for each other! This book was lovely and was such a heartwarming read I loved the characters and would read more of christina laurens writing!
Overall the concept has been seen before on other tv shows but it was very enjoyable I would rate is 3.5 stars!

This easy to read, quirky rom com took me a short time to devour.
It followers Jess a single mum to Juno who joins a dating app - GeneticAlly which pairs people up based on genetics. She finds herself 98% compatible with River, the apps creator.
They fake date to drum up publicity for the app as Jess, struggling for money get paid to do this.
An enemies to lovers romance, I enjoyed the relationships Jess had with her daughter and her best friend Fizz and I think these bits were my favourite part of the book. Her grandparents brought her up and their love for Jess and vice versa showed strong family bonds. Her mother, an addict who was no support to Jess and although I didn’t like the character I thought it showed the struggle within their relationship very well.
I thought the book started slow but picked up pace as the attraction grew and I enjoyed this storyline.
A good romance which many will enjoy.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an e-copy of this book in return for an honest review.

The Soulmate Equation is told from the point of view of Jess, a single mum who is not really looking for a relationship. This proves quite difficult when her best friend is a romance writer and convinces her to try out a new way of finding love through GeneticAlly - a new DNA based matchmaking service. Things take quite a turn when her get paired up with one of the founders of the company, a man who she has seen at her local coffee shop who does not make a great first impression on Jess.

There was a lot I liked about this book. I really liked the romance between Jess and River. This was not quite fake dating but starts with those vibes. I really enjoyed the way their relationship developed.

I also liked seeing Jess' life away from the romance plot. She has problems (her mum, money), she has an interesting job that allows her to support herself and her daughter, a great support network in her best friend and grandparents. Her friend provides some great comedic moments.

The book takes some twists and turns that make the plot interesting. Overall a really easy, enjoyable read.

BOOK REVIEW: The Soulmate Equation by @christinalauren

5 Stars

Smut level: 2.5/5

Christina Lauren have done it again! It would be an understatement to say I am a big fan of CLo's books and yet I always get a little nervous before a new CLo book in case it doesn't live up to my expectations. I (as always) had nothing to worry about as I loved every single second of this book!

The storyline is incredibly unique and unlike anything I have ever read. It is the story of 30 year old single mum and statistician Jess who along with her best friend Fizzy (a romance author), sign up for a new dating app which uses DNA to match people. Jess is matched with River, a top geneticist and co-owner of the dating site. I won't go into it much more but I loved this story! I loved that the science went deep enough that it felt like it could be true.
The characters were one of my favourite things about the book. I loved Jess from the start as she is smart and humorous with a side of vulnerability. Her best friend Fizzy was utterly brilliant. So full of wit, confidence and joy - I really hope she gets her own book! Jess's daughter Juno is also a wonderful addition to the line up. However I think my favourite character had to be River. His character development through the book was so interesting to see and I loved how he treated Jess and Juno.
I could have done with a little bit more smut but that definitely doesn't take away from my rating, the book or the romance. I loved the romance and how Jess and River slowly grew together.
The writing was fantastic and along with the story and characters, had me completely hooked.
I fell in love with these characters so I REALLY hope Fizzy gets her own book as I want to see more of her but also how Jess and River continue.

I adored this book and could not recommend it more. If you love contemporary romance then go preorder this book now!

The Soulmate Equation is out in ebook format now but the paperback book is out on the 5th August

Please note that I was #gifted this book in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 Stars

A cute, fun romance about fate vs choice

Hmm so the premise of this felt very familiar, as it was similar to The One by John Marrs minus the murder and thrills 😂 It was charming and a quick read, but I kept expecting some kind of sci-fi twist lol! Instead, I got a sweet, but predictable romance, which took me quite a while to get into.

I did like the questions about fate, science and choice, that was interesting. As was the talk about the forced feeling of trying to make it work if you are matched, how much is down to attraction and suitability, and how much pressure is there from a high percentage match?

I liked Jess, she felt realistic, bringing Juno up, working and trying to pay the bills. She was smart, kind and family orientated. The stress of her morning routine, trying to get Juno ready and to school felt very familiar! It took me a while to warm up to River, he was quite an unlikeable, workaholic, aloof character to begin with. I did end up liking him more as the story progressed, but maybe a dual POV would've helped here?

Jess and River did have some chemistry and banter, but it didn't make me swoon.. There wasn't enough sparks. There were a couple of steamy scenes though, and Jess frequently had dirty thoughts about River 😂I liked their STEM backgrounds, and nerdiness, but the science and statistics talk could get a bit boring.

The real joy of this book came from Fizzy! I loved her, and she should definitely get her own book! She was such a fun and interesting character, and her friendship with Jess was BFF goals! Also, Juno was so cute, and I adored Jess's nana and pops, they were the sweetest!

This author duo of Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings are often hit or miss for me. I have absolutely loved some of their books, and really not enjoyed others. The Soulmate Equation fell somewhere in between. I enjoyed parts of it, loved the family, friendships and humour, but I found other parts lacking.

If you're looking for a pretty PG, quick read romance - this is an okay option.

I was enjoying this book for a bit. The set-up and plot feel a little more original than others, particularly the use of finding your soulmate via science. The side characters really do make this book - because they're way more interesting than the central story. But from about halfway - I was getting more and more frustrated.

My main issue with the book - there are smaller ones, but we'll focus on one - are the two main characters. Jess has a decent background to her; she's got abandonment and trust issues and she's a single mother trying to keep a lot of plates spinning. However. She's also a horrible person. She's quick to judge River without even talking to him and has a real chip in her shoulder when it comes to anyone she doesn't like the look of. She's also incredibly rude to River when they first meet - he's just a guy who goes into the same coffee shop that she and her friend does.

The 'climax' of the book had me rolling my eyes insanely hard because NONE of it felt motivated or even interesting. She was picking a fight for no reason, she was making problems for no reason. It was like the authors had to wrap up and needed that big 'oh no it's all going to go wrong' moment and figured 'yeah, this'll do'. She has no particular sympathy to her - especially when her partner's entire career is about to implode and she's demanding to see him and pay attention to her. Like...maybe don't.

As many other reviewers pointed out, Jess and River don't have much chemistry. There's plenty of mentions of the 'electricity' between them but, like...show us, don't just tell us? They start off with this not quite enemies thing going and then suddenly they love each other and all they do is talk about having sex and maybe kiss a bit and then Jess starts being an asshole to him. The whole thing feels underdeveloped and underbaked. It needs more time in the oven.

Many thanks to Little, Brown Book Group UK for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Overall I really really enjoyed this book.
Jess was an amazing main character and I loved her humour and sarcasm, and the way she knew what she deserved and needed.
River was a mysterious, complex love interest, who I loved diving into to figure out who he really was deep down.
Even the side characters are fleshed out and well developed (Fizzy I love you).

The writing was incredibly well done, a perfect mix of humour and romance, which blossomed at a realistic pace. I really loved the way the relationship developed, and the hurdles they had to get through and past.

The only reason this isn’t getting 5 stars is because I feel like the romance just needed a bit more development, and at times the love interest did irritate me (which I guess just made him more human, everyone has flaws).

But otherwise it was a very enjoyable read that I’d highly recommend and I’ll definitely be picking up even more books by Christina Lauren :))

I haven't read any Christina Lauren in an age. I've been in a reading slump for a couple of weeks and the Soulmate Equation shook me right out of it.

The concept was in no way original. I've recently watched two TV series (Soulmates, The One) with the same basic premise - genetic test will match with your perfect match. However, it was cute and fun and utterly predictable. Jessica and River were nice. June was adorable. Fizzy was hilarious. The Soulmate Equation is the type of easy read perfect for when you need a little pick me up. It didn't have the wow factor but it made me smile.