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ekolach's review against another edition
4.0
this made me happy like romances should. there were fs some cringey moments but the banter was pretty good and i liked the side characters for the most part
apm1998's review against another edition
2.0
It was an okay book and the chemistry between Jess and River just didn't hit. I don't know but I hardly felt any emotion throughout this book. I think the overall plot was just so far fetched. Sad to say would not recommend.
callins23's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
3.0
Pretty boring and predictable. It was too long as well.
ptstewart's review against another edition
4.0
Recently, while searching for some books a little lighter than my usual Woman Brutally Murdered tales, I read another romance novel and had to do some self reflection: Had I become cynical? Was romance simply no longer for me? When had I stopped enjoying stories whose centers were about romantic connection, the development of love? Why did every romance I started seem dull and trivial and frivolous?
The Soulmate Equation solidified one thing for me regarding these concerns: I have not become cynical. I wholly enjoy a romance and connection and love. Having read two very different romance styles in succession, with The Soulmate Equation being the latter, I found that I am simply pickier than I used to be.
Lauren opens the novel with Jess anxiously talking to herself out loud and in public, which, luckily for my tastes, was the first and nearly the last time Jess behaves like a character written by a twelve year old striving for relatability. And in truth, in my opinion, the success of The Soulmate Equation comes from Jess’s character. Bright, funny, responsible, and thoughtful, we are introduced to a woman who would like a partner but is whole without one, who is cautious(ly optimistic) about relationships, committed to her roles as a mother, friend, and granddaughter, and—most importantly—exists in a world outside of her own brain. For me, so many romantic female heroines fail because they exist exclusively in their own minds, fixating on their love interest, overthinking in quirky-wannabe-relatable ways, disconnected from the mundanities of real life, like their jobs, making dinner, routine, the needs of others in their lives. Perhaps this is why a trend in my favorite romantic women is their motherhood; Jess has no opportunity to shut down if things don’t work out, disengage from her parental figures due to their interconnection, or generally fixate on or wallow about her dating life because she is responsible for another person. She—like those of us in the real world—must keep functioning and going. And these are the qualities that breathe life into her as a character.
The connection between Jess and River works. They are both tentative due to their situation but willing to be open; there is a difference between dubiousness based on presumption and hatred based on nothing, which is a staple of overwriting. Further, Jess’s skepticism naturally diminishes over time, and we see a woman ease into love with a man who shows up healthily for her in a world where she needs stability: he is dependable, straight forward, respectful, and willing to help. Actual, concrete qualities beyond our connection is so strong I’ve never felt like this before.
Finally, praise for the tension build during the pivotal reveal scene. You know when a character is about to find some tea in a movie and you’re on the edge of your seat, knowing some shit is about to go down, the other shoe is about to drop, things are about to change? The earnestness with which Jess enters the situation was met beautifully with the rise in tension and the increased sense of foreboding created for the reader. The balance there, the writing—I said YES out loud at the reveal because I’d spent the whole scene shaking my head knowingly thinking don’t do it girl, don’t snoop, it’s gonna be some shit. *chef’s kiss*
The Soulmate Equation is honest, grounded, and seems to written with reality and strong women in mind. A wonderful success and a fantastic read.
The Soulmate Equation solidified one thing for me regarding these concerns: I have not become cynical. I wholly enjoy a romance and connection and love. Having read two very different romance styles in succession, with The Soulmate Equation being the latter, I found that I am simply pickier than I used to be.
Lauren opens the novel with Jess anxiously talking to herself out loud and in public, which, luckily for my tastes, was the first and nearly the last time Jess behaves like a character written by a twelve year old striving for relatability. And in truth, in my opinion, the success of The Soulmate Equation comes from Jess’s character. Bright, funny, responsible, and thoughtful, we are introduced to a woman who would like a partner but is whole without one, who is cautious(ly optimistic) about relationships, committed to her roles as a mother, friend, and granddaughter, and—most importantly—exists in a world outside of her own brain. For me, so many romantic female heroines fail because they exist exclusively in their own minds, fixating on their love interest, overthinking in quirky-wannabe-relatable ways, disconnected from the mundanities of real life, like their jobs, making dinner, routine, the needs of others in their lives. Perhaps this is why a trend in my favorite romantic women is their motherhood; Jess has no opportunity to shut down if things don’t work out, disengage from her parental figures due to their interconnection, or generally fixate on or wallow about her dating life because she is responsible for another person. She—like those of us in the real world—must keep functioning and going. And these are the qualities that breathe life into her as a character.
The connection between Jess and River works. They are both tentative due to their situation but willing to be open; there is a difference between dubiousness based on presumption and hatred based on nothing, which is a staple of overwriting. Further, Jess’s skepticism naturally diminishes over time, and we see a woman ease into love with a man who shows up healthily for her in a world where she needs stability: he is dependable, straight forward, respectful, and willing to help. Actual, concrete qualities beyond our connection is so strong I’ve never felt like this before.
Finally, praise for the tension build during the pivotal reveal scene. You know when a character is about to find some tea in a movie and you’re on the edge of your seat, knowing some shit is about to go down, the other shoe is about to drop, things are about to change? The earnestness with which Jess enters the situation was met beautifully with the rise in tension and the increased sense of foreboding created for the reader. The balance there, the writing—I said YES out loud at the reveal because I’d spent the whole scene shaking my head knowingly thinking don’t do it girl, don’t snoop, it’s gonna be some shit. *chef’s kiss*
The Soulmate Equation is honest, grounded, and seems to written with reality and strong women in mind. A wonderful success and a fantastic read.
maritzah's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
3.5
All was doing well, heading off to a 4 stars, but Mr. americano let me down.
I felt the tension, the chemistry, hasta la historia de Jess y su situacion era interesante. La amistad que tenía era muy cute, la relacion con su hija y sus abuelos también.
Todos estaba yendo por buen camino, peeeero Dr Peña ruined it.
Entiendo que era un problema más grande para el porque era el dueño de la empresa y fue shockeante descubrir que empezaron un relación con engaños pero Jess estaba pasando por lo mismo y ella le aseguró desde el principio que eso no cambiaba nada en lo que ella sentía, ella le aseguro que aún lo amaba pero él, el fue una basura.
Dejarle de hablar por diass solo para después aparecer y decirle sorry, I was working. Eso es no tener responsabilidad afectiva, y que ella lo perdone tan pronto?! Just no. Sorry but no
I felt the tension, the chemistry, hasta la historia de Jess y su situacion era interesante. La amistad que tenía era muy cute, la relacion con su hija y sus abuelos también.
Todos estaba yendo por buen camino, peeeero Dr Peña ruined it.
Entiendo que era un problema más grande para el porque era el dueño de la empresa y fue shockeante descubrir que empezaron un relación con engaños pero Jess estaba pasando por lo mismo y ella le aseguró desde el principio que eso no cambiaba nada en lo que ella sentía, ella le aseguro que aún lo amaba pero él, el fue una basura.
Dejarle de hablar por diass solo para después aparecer y decirle sorry, I was working. Eso es no tener responsabilidad afectiva, y que ella lo perdone tan pronto?! Just no. Sorry but no
3am_reader's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Fun. Cute. Great for a lazy day. Nothing special.
hannah16_'s review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
woodzaire1126's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This book.
I wanted to burst into tears.
I was laughing. Clutching my pearls, and wishing for Jesus to take the wheel multiple times.
Love love love this book.
Glad I get to add it to my 2024 read 🤍
I wanted to burst into tears.
I was laughing. Clutching my pearls, and wishing for Jesus to take the wheel multiple times.
Love love love this book.
Glad I get to add it to my 2024 read 🤍