Reviews with content warning for Gaslighting - The Soulmate Equation

So far this is my favorite of the three Christina Lauren books I've read; the concept was so interesting! I will say, at first it was hard to get past the slightly dystopian idea of DNA being able to tell you who you'd match with romantically/sexually, but as the book went on it felt less odd. While I loved the whole thing, the epilogue that's in the paperback version nearly brought me to tears, it was so lovely and sweet and adorable.

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thatswhatshanread's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-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

4.75

I always say this, but I LOVE THE CHRISTINA LAUREN DUO. Their minds just get me.

As January is often a month of wallowing and burdened reflection for me, I found that I read “The Soulmate Equation” at the perfect time. It brought out a little more of the optimist in me and lightened my mood considerably because it was just so sweet and fun to read!

The premise of this story was so innovative and intriguing, even from someone who doesn’t have a scientific background whatsoever. It was so interesting—two unlikely candidates genetically matched through a dating app!! It reminded me of my favorite episode of Black Mirror, “Hang the DJ”, and the probability of supposed perfect matches, natural attraction, and true love. It was really cool how the plot balanced all this statistical genetic data with the romance. It all worked really well together and kept me wanting to know more.

I loved the family relationships in this one, especially between the MC, Jess, and her daughter, Juno. Really, all of the main characters had my heart. Obviously Jess and the delectable MMC, River Peña (HOT NAME LIVES UP TO THE HYPE) were SO CUTE together. I identified with both of them and appreciated that the tension between them in the third act felt justified and true to their natures.

I JUST REALLY ADORED THIS ONE. (I only took off .25 of a point because I felt the ending was a tad abrupt but anyway) It was like “Be Sweet” by Japanese Breakfast in book form. You gotta love it.

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brittany_jean's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
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!

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louisa_pennyfeather2021's review against another edition

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emotional funny inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

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

4.5

*spoilers*

I loved this book. I don't know what I was expecting, but it definitely wasn't two socially awkwar STEM nerds trying to figure out how to navigate a relationship.

I will say that the sexual tension was more sexuak than the actual set scenes, which I found absolutely hilarious.

Overall a great read, especially for gushing romantics.

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