The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren – Book Review

Reading books has been my main hobby lately but I think it’s safe to say that buying books comes second, and no they are not the same thing. Almost every day, I go on Facebook Marketplace just to browse listings and see if there are any books that I want to add to my collection. I was thrilled to find an ad for The Soulmate Equation and to learn that the pick-up location was just a few blocks away from where I live. I knew I had to get it especially since it was only listed for $7! When I met up with the seller, she assured me that this book was a really good one and she enjoyed it a lot. Suffice to say, I was excited to read it right away that night.

This was the first Christina Lauren book that I read and it did not disappoint! The Soulmate Equation hit all the right notes and is everything that I want in a romance novel.

SUMMARY

Jess is a freelance statistician and a single mom to seven year old Juno. She typically hangs out at a local coffee shop with her best friend Fizzy, who is a romance author. One day, they met Dr. River Peña, who is a founder of a genetic-based matchmaking company, GeneticAlly. With both Jess & Fizzy’s curiosities piqued, they both signed up and sent in their DNA samples. When Jess received her results, she was astounded to find out that she matched 98% to none other than the founder, River. Jess is dubious at first and is convinced that it’s not possible for her to be compatible with the grumpy and uptight Dr. River. The company thinks that this is a great opportunity for marketing, so GeneticAlly then offers to pay Jess to spend time with River to get to know him and ultimately prove that their algorithm works. As their emotions toward each other grow, they now wonder if science can truly predict love.

MY THOUGHTS

This book was such a lovely, heartfelt and charming read. I love the chemistry between Jess and River. I thought that their relationship was very mature and realistic as they both try to balance their relationship, career and other personal obligations. It depicted a lot of true-to-life scenarios that single parents go through. I like how Jess and River started out being skeptical but eventually warmed up to each other. I love how River thawed from being a grumpy and uptight scientist who is all about his work, to such a sweet man to both Jess and Juno. I love the relationship that he was forming with Juno and how it was well balanced with the romance with Jess.

Apart from the science behind GeneticAlly, I really thought that the story was very realistic and relatable in this day and age. 

The plot twist was something that I had predicted, but it honestly didn’t take away from my experience of reading the book. And I like how this entire premise explores that classic question of do you believe in destiny or choice?

“Statistics can’t tell us what will happen, they can only tell us what might happen.”

what I liked

All the characters including supporting characters were very likable, which is rare! Jess is such a great and kind woman and I adored all her relationships with all the other characters. I especially adored Jess’ relationship with her grandparents. She has such an amazing support system with both her grandparents and Fizzy being there for her through everything. I know it is fictional, but I can’t help but be jealous of Jess for having such an amazing relationship with them.

READ IT OR SKIP IT?

If you’re looking for a quick romance read, then this is the perfect book. It’s sweet and a little steamy. It has the familiar tropes – hate-to-love, fake-dating, and slow burn romance. 

Honestly, there’s absolutely nothing to dislike about this book. I think it’s just missing a wow factor, which is why I’m giving it a solid 4 stars instead of five. 

rating

CONTENT WARNING

Familial estrangement