The Soulmate Equation

Everybody loves a sexy, grumpy nerd - right? I certainly do! That made it easy to fall for this slow-burning, science-filled romance. I'd like to make a joke that this book has as much chemistry as a science textbook, but that seems like a step too far, lol. Our couple does have a definite connection though, and the chemistry builds along the way. It took about a quarter of the book before I was truly loving it (I partially blame the narrator), but by that point I was all in. It's different and interesting and gets progressively better. Our mysterious, moody hero is a secret cinnamon roll nerd who steals the show later on. The initial enemies to lovers vibes switch over to something much sweeter, and I loved the build in intimacy. The focus is on the emotional connection, but there are also some sexy moments to heat things up.The story follows Jess, a single mom who has reached the point where dating doesn't hold any appeal, and getting ready for the day involves throwing on whatever clothes are on top of the pile. She loves her daughter and gets the affection she needs from her, so why add someone else into the equation? When Jess discovers that the hot jerk who frequents her favorite coffee shop is one of the main scientists behind an up-and-coming genetics-based matchmaking service, she finds herself taking one of the tests. And soon gets paired up with the hot jerk himself. According to the data, Jess and River are a near-perfect match, and his company stands to benefit from the positive PR their pairing would garner. Though the two can barely tolerate each other, they agree to give a relationship a chance, and it's not long before these strangers are having a change of heart.I'm still pretty new to CL's work, but this blurb was too enticing to ignore. It's a little different than the typical romance, and I loved the focus on the emotional connection. The evolution of this relationship from start to finish is incredible, and the subtlety in the story is outstanding. There's an awkwardness to their interactions that is just so completely compelling, and the shifting dynamics were fascinating. River makes a mysterious hero (we don't get his perspective), and he feels like a completely different person by the end - though, looking back, it'd be easy to interpret scenes differently. I love it when I want to flip back to the meet cute to experience it with fresh eyes, and I did exactly that once I finished this book. It's stellar the whole way through, and I had no trouble devouring it in one sitting.Audio note: The audio is pretty average, honestly. Single narrator (female) with a sharp, nasal voice. It took awhile for me to settle into her style, and she's definitely not one of my favorites. That being said, it's well done. There were no obvious issues, and I had no trouble telling the characters apart. Once I got used to the narrator's voice, it was easy to tune out. The length of the book is perfect for the workday - just a bit longer than a day at the office, and no need to continue on to a second day. It's a slow burn romance with mild steam later in the story, nothing too scandalous. I do recommend the audio overall.

The nerdy side in me love the concept of the novel. A dating app that helps you find your soulmate based on the compatibility of your DNA. I mean what would you do if you were informed you were 98% compatible with a complete stranger? Do you let fate take its course or is this by choice? Add that with lovable, relatable main/side characters and witty humorous writing and you have a heartwarming, entertaining romance.The only reason I didn't give it a full 5 stars is because there is a part in the end that made me question our male leads motivation. Even though I know why it had to be done, I just felt it would have been better if left uncertain for both parties.Overall one of my favorite reads!

It was indeed one of the best books I read in the recent times. The whole idea about finding your match through your DNA was mind blowing and it’s been fantastically written. The way the relationship between Jess and River were built, how they steadily moved from almost disliking each other to falling head over heels for each other is amazingly well written. All the other characters like Fizzy, Juno, and the grandparents were also beautifully woven into the main story. I just couldn’t understand why the “average” comment was added in the beginning. Though the character did try to explain it later, somehow I couldn’t understand it nor accept it. But overall it’s a beautiful love story with a perfect happily ever after ending which is not too cliched but is kept sweet and romantic till the end. Giving a well-deserved 5-star for this book.

A fun and entertaining read! Clever and fun banter between characters. Typical romcom read! Perfect for the beach or vacay!

I loved this book so much! Fizzy is so funny and the things she says are so wild and inappropriate!!! I love her. Juno is the sweetest, funniest, coolest kid ever!! And Jess and River are a Diamond match!!! I love Pops and Nana so much. They are so awesome! And Jamie is just plain awful. I was so sad for Jess when she was let go by the grocery store and she lost part of her already small income.I loved the Mr. Darcy reference hehehehehe. I totally got it when Jess overhead River calling her average and I couldn't help but laugh a happy, maniacal witchy laugh. I love how their relationship slowly progressed from dislike to love. Their first date was so sweet. I loved how easily they communicated and how warm and nice River was to Juno. And I loved how they said goodbye using their first and middle names. And the tattoo story was so silly and funny!And OMG!!! The interview scene was so hot and amazing. I loved their flirty banter so much. The science puns were so silly 😂😂. And their first kiss!!!! I was so scared when the hospital called Jess to tell her about Nana. I was so relieved that she's OK. And River is so perfect and understanding. He took such good care of Juno. And then he waited for Jess to finish her visit with Nana and Pops. And their kiss in the parking lot was so hot!!! I loved Natalia and Pilar! They are so awesome!!!I was so sad, and angry, when Jess discovered that the data had been altered! Omg! I felt so bad for her and River. I'm happy River never doubted her and that it was clear he had no idea. And I felt so bad for Fizzy when she found out that Rob was married. But since I've already read her book, I wasn't sad for long since I know she gets her amazing HEA with Connor. I was so mad at Jamie for being such a horrible person! Ugh! I totally understand Jess's position and why she decided to give her the money. I totally understand how River got in his head about the whole thing and did not reach out to Jess. But I also understand how she felt like he'd dumped her. I'm happy they talked and made up. And I loved Fizzy helping him with the proposal!!! And the final scene with Juno and Jess proposing to him was so sweet and perfect!!!♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

bom livro

I loved this book. Dr. River Peña was the perfect man, apologizing when he made a mistake. And Jess was so funny and strong and independent and smart, I loved her. The side characters were wonderful too.This book is so heart touching, funny and with real topics. Totally recommend it.

Ich konnte das Buch nicht mehr weglegen. So eine wunderschöne Geschichte. Toll geschrieben vom Anfang bis zum Ende. So viele atemberaubende Szenen zwischen den Protagonisten. Ich werde ea bestimmt nochmal lesen. Also eine absolute Empfehlung fuer jeden Romantiker.

Well written and fun to read

Well written, cute and heartwarming. There's a good arch, not too much drama, but it's better than when there's pointless conflict. I want this kind of love in my life.