Reviews with content warning for Addiction - The Soulmate Equation

Reviews tagging 'Addiction'

The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren

114 reviews

bookish_leslie's review against another edition

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medium-paced

4.0

My rating scale, for reference:

1 Star: Hated it
2 Stars: Didn't like it
3 Stars: Meh
4 Stars: Liked it
5 Stars: Loved it

While this book wasn’t groundbreaking, it was a feel-good read that I thoroughly enjoyed, even if it was predictable.

Overall, Jess and River were cute together and had great chemistry. The physical attraction was obviously there for them both, but I’m glad a bit of depth came through in their relationship, too - for example,

in River’s developing relationship with Jess’ daughter, Juno, as well as in scenes where Jess and River shared vulnerably about their fears, childhoods, and so on.

I only wish we could have had River’s POV too so we knew what he was thinking.

Speaking of River, his characterization felt a little all over the place for me, and I could have done without the focus on how perfect he was. I can't say for certain whether he was straight-up objectively perfect or if that was just the way Jess viewed him, since she was the narrator, but I hate it when characters are shown that way.

Anyway, aside from the romance, I really enjoyed the relationships Jess had with her daughter, as well as with the other supporting characters. Her mom was totally shitty, and I was relieved when

Jess finally cut her out of her life

, but Fizzy, Nana Jo and Pop were all great. I loved the evident care and love that existed between Jess and her grandparents, as well as the banter and support Jess had with Fizzy. I liked, too, how they all pushed Jess to let them help her, especially with Juno.

Jess grew flustered. “She’s my kid. I want to see her.”

“Of course you do,” Fizzy said, “but she’s Jo’s and Pop’s and mine, too. She and I had a blast tonight, and I wish I could see her more. But you act like asking for help is selfish…” (pg. 238)

For a rom-com, I appreciated that the authors touched on more complex issues, like the exploration of family dynamics (especially with Jess as a single mom, as well as the relationship she had with her mom) and destiny versus choice: how much of our compatibility with others could be genetically encoded into our DNA vs how much intention, choice, hard work and commitment factor into the success of our relationships.

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mwritt's review against another edition

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funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

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desana75's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

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natalie_the_reader's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

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bwblue's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

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kelseyfontaine's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I absolutely loved this book! I read the spin-off featuring Fizzy as the main character first, so it was interesting to go back in time and see how Jess and River’s love story unfolded. Their chemistry was undeniable, and I couldn’t set this book down while reading! I loved the concept of finding your soulmate through DNA, but

I’m still wondering what Jess and River’s actual compatibility score was.

Either way, the enemies to lovers trope drew me in like it always does, and I loved the contemporary tie-ins to a realistic life, like making ends meet and having kids involved. I would highly recommend this book!

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annabananadel's review against another edition

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emotional fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

“I haven’t been home in years, but I feel that way with you.”

This was such a fast paced book that I devoured this in just two days. I honestly love the book and I wasn’t even expecting much from it. From an IE standpoint, it was so fun to find a FMC that is a statistician because after taking multiple Statistics class, I wanted to be one (although IE still uses Statistics a lot). The MMC was such a nerdy boy as well once you’ve gotten to know him eventhough he is somewhat of an asshole the first quarter of the book but can easily be forgiven after all the sweet things he’d done afterwards. I just love them both together so much. Soulmate really is the best term to use on them as a couple. Yes, it was a enemy to lovers but you can’t deny those attractions ever since the first date????

The only reason it’s not an outstanding 5 stars is because the ending seems anti-climactic in a way. But if you want some swoon-worthy scenes and willing to just go with the flow, I definitely recommend this book!

Let’s all swoon together every time he does something with Juno because who doesn’t love a man who is good with kids? I didn’t even want kids but I’m willing to have one with River.

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