Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren
Narrator: Patti Murin
Published by Simon & Schuster Audio on May 18, 2021
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Length: 9 hours, 45 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm, Barnes & Noble, Apple
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.
I always want to read this author’s work. The Soulmate Equation had some very interesting aspects with statistics and science. I couldn’t not read this; it sounded so compelling to me. I love the vulnerability and heart in this author’s books and the humor.
Jess is awesome. She is there for everyone (except herself) and gives them love and care, from her daughter to her grandparents, to her selfish, absent mother. I love her job; it’s all about the numbers. Her friend, Fizzy, is a friend, who is over the top, but we all need a laugh and a view outside the box. Best of all, Fizzy is very loyal and there when needed.
River is another kind of scientist. He is focused on his work, the company, the data and numbers. He seems quite unemotional. But he’s definitely handsome.
“I realize your default energy level is cardboard cutout but I can’t get to know you if you don’t speak.” ~ Jess
Seeing Jess and River get to know each other is a joy. He can be very kind and supportive when he wants to be. He’s adorable with her daughter. Of course, the numbers have to come into it and River’s narrow focus on his job plays a part. He’s kind of like the absentminded professor when he gets into a problem to solve. I loved the truths they found.
Narration:
I have enjoyed Patti Murin on another audiobook by this author. The primary point of view is Jess and I felt her in the performance. I listened a bit slower at a 1.3x speed.
Listen to a clip:
Rating Breakdown | |
---|---|
Plot | |
Writing | |
Characters | |
Narration (Audio) | |
Overall: |
- Love You A Latke by Amanda Elliot @AmandaPanitch @BerkleyPub @BerkleyRomance #HoHoHoRAT2024 - December 5, 2024
- 🎧 Echo by Tracy Clark @tracypc6161 @ChanteMcCormick #BrillianceAudio #LoveAudiobooks #KindleUnlimited🎧 - December 3, 2024
- Read-along & #Giveaway: Edge – Innkeeper by Ilona Andrews @ilonaandrews @reneeraudman @natalienaudus @AceBooksPub @nyliterary @TantorAudio @AudibleStudios #Read-along #GIVEAWAY #LoveAudiobooks - December 1, 2024
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- C21-Spring
I love CL books and am thrilled this was a big win for you, Anne? I plan to listen to it this month. Great review!
Thank you! I’m really a fan of the authors’ emotional tones in their books. Jess had feelings but she was an adult.
I thought this book was a lot of fun. Jess was a female character I could really get behind.
yes I LOVED Jess. Math and science for the win too.
I know lots of bloggers who loved this. I need to read more Christina Lauren books!
I do really enjoy nearly everything I have read by this author.
It does sound like one I’d enjoy and I still need to try their books for the first time. 🙂
By the way, love the #JIAM banner!
This author is definitely one I would try. I think it borders on life fiction so it is more realistic than some contemporary romance.
Thanks. I knew what I wanted and Michelle is genius at putting together my vague descriptions.
I always love her books so I need to try this one as well! It looks good!
They have many very good reads.
I loved this one as well and did review it but reviews at present aren’t being posted. I usually love most of there authors work too. 2-3 weren’t hits for me but generally all pretty great.
Yes I really enjoy almost all their work.
I love the sound of this book. And I’m glad it worked well for you 😉
It was wonderful and I loved the science and math aspects.
Interesting… The authors have penned some of my favorite books, but the last couple I read just didn’t do it for me, and so I didn’t even look at this one. I’ll have to keep it in mind, I love the science aspect of it! Thanks!
Sometimes it is hard to know if you would like a particular book or not, but sometimes you have to trust. I really enjoyed this one
This is an interesting twist on a familiar and much-loved romantic trope – and one that sounds like it works really successfully, Anne:).
Fake relationship is my favorite trope and this is that to start.
I love this duo and need to add this one.
It’s a hit with me for the nerdy aspects, the realistic emotions and the fake relationship.
I have only read one Christina Lauren book but I do want to read more very soon. This book sounds fabulous!
I loved it for many reasons. I have enjoyed their recent work
I’m glad this book was a hit for you too. I loved River, Jess, and Juno so much and I’d also love to see Fizzy get a book of her own. She was so much fun.
That’s a yes for Fizzy! It was all just a great read. I wasn’t sure if they actually tested as a diamond? River knew and gave hints at Jess but we never got the answer straight up. Also I’d like to know how the grandparents tested.
This is one I’d actually re-read I loved it so much. I listened to In a Holidaze and she was the narrator, as well and I loved her performance. I’m thrilled you loved it, too, Anne! Wonderful review! 🙂
Thank you Rachel! I also listened to In a Holidaze and try to get most of their work for audio review because I usually love it. I couldn’t figure out if they actually tested as a diamond? River knew and hinted but we never got the answer straight up. Also I’d like to know how the grandparents tested.
I took it that they did because when Jess keeps questioning if they need to disclose the findings, he keeps saying they don’t. I wish they did make it a little more concrete, though.