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jessicasilfenroy's review against another edition
4.0
3.5/5. This book was very intriguing an reminded me of books like The One and Soulmate Equation where science/ modern technology is being used to find someone's lifelong partner.
Premise: Ursula and Rafael are both tired of being single and the modern dating apps. Their friends are all in serious relationships and whenever they are set up on date, they wonder why this late 30 year old is still single like them. Thus, they both join a secretive match-making service called the Arc. While the Arc is expensive, the company promises to find someones 100% ideal partner. Both Ursula and Rafael are a bit skeptical about the program at first. However, after their initial meeting, the chemistry between the two is undeniable and they jump right into a relationship. It seems as though everything between the two is going perfectly, until the Arc calls them in to share that they made a mistake...
Thoughts: I was most interested in the chapters that detailed how the Arc matchmaking process works and the questions that both Ursula and Rafael had to answer as part of the legroom; they are so different than those found on any dating app. There was a point in the middle where I got a little bit bored of the story but do think the end was wrapped up very nicely. I enjoyed Ursula's internal monologue and her thoughts and fears about modern dating/ work/ life. Definitely super different than other contemporary romances you will pick up!!
Premise: Ursula and Rafael are both tired of being single and the modern dating apps. Their friends are all in serious relationships and whenever they are set up on date, they wonder why this late 30 year old is still single like them. Thus, they both join a secretive match-making service called the Arc. While the Arc is expensive, the company promises to find someones 100% ideal partner. Both Ursula and Rafael are a bit skeptical about the program at first. However, after their initial meeting, the chemistry between the two is undeniable and they jump right into a relationship. It seems as though everything between the two is going perfectly, until the Arc calls them in to share that they made a mistake...
Thoughts: I was most interested in the chapters that detailed how the Arc matchmaking process works and the questions that both Ursula and Rafael had to answer as part of the legroom; they are so different than those found on any dating app. There was a point in the middle where I got a little bit bored of the story but do think the end was wrapped up very nicely. I enjoyed Ursula's internal monologue and her thoughts and fears about modern dating/ work/ life. Definitely super different than other contemporary romances you will pick up!!
yapxinyi's review against another edition
3.0
I haven't read chick-lits in some time, but when my notification came that the ebook was on hold for borrowing, I borrowed it not really knowing what to expect (I even forgot that I requested to borrow it lol). Anyway, this has slightly elevated language (atavistic? polyphonic?) from your usual chick-lits, plus very long sentences – which I'm usually okay with, but this had the effect of fact-laden sentences that gave us backstory after backstory and to be honest, my eyes glazed over and I started skimming some parts.
I was slightly interested in the backstory, since Ursula works in the advertising sector as a branding strategist and copywriter etc (which aligns with my interests, haha) so it was fun reading about it, but I don't think this would apply to many others who read this! Some campaigns were cheeky but – hmm, not sure if it would work irl. I also can relate to Ursula on some level about questioning the purpose of selling brands, because at some level you start to question whether you really care about selling toilet papers, ha. Liked her meltdown at the Brandys.
The premise of The Arc (sorry, Architecting Relationships and Chemistry) about a third-party brand that helps you engineer your relationship with a suitable match was somewhat interesting, and requires a suspension of disbelief because the fees are a whopping $40,500 for women and $50,000 for men (to account for the gender wage gap), plus she and Rafael hit off immediately. Lots of feminist ideas and woke-ness, I suppose. It makes me wanna believe in chemistry in love but I'm not sure how believable it is.
I liked the somewhat open ending, hmm. A bit of a plot twist towards the end, I guess, that they.
I was slightly interested in the backstory, since Ursula works in the advertising sector as a branding strategist and copywriter etc (which aligns with my interests, haha) so it was fun reading about it, but I don't think this would apply to many others who read this! Some campaigns were cheeky but – hmm, not sure if it would work irl. I also can relate to Ursula on some level about questioning the purpose of selling brands, because at some level you start to question whether you really care about selling toilet papers, ha. Liked her meltdown at the Brandys.
The premise of The Arc (sorry, Architecting Relationships and Chemistry) about a third-party brand that helps you engineer your relationship with a suitable match was somewhat interesting, and requires a suspension of disbelief because the fees are a whopping $40,500 for women and $50,000 for men (to account for the gender wage gap), plus she and Rafael hit off immediately. Lots of feminist ideas and woke-ness, I suppose. It makes me wanna believe in chemistry in love but I'm not sure how believable it is.
I liked the somewhat open ending, hmm. A bit of a plot twist towards the end, I guess, that they
Spoiler
engineer relationship obstacles toowrenl's review against another edition
5.0
There are so many things I can say about this book, but the first thing I need you to know is that its a commentary on modern dating and work culture. It’s serious but not so serious. In a way, it’s the book form of The Good Place or Upload. But that being said, I adored this book. It’s funny and witty in all the best ways. It snarkily reflects the awkwardness of falling in love coupled with the stresses of working in corporate America. As someone in a relationship and a full time job, I felt everything Ursula said. I was engrossed, and I stayed up late to finish the book. I’d love to see this adapted into a tv show. It has the perfect sense of humor and the perfect perspective on life. 5/5!!
atsundarsingh's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
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? No
5.0
The re-read really sold it. Loved this more the second time.
julielb's review against another edition
4.0
This was a reread for me and I liked it just as much the second time around as the first.
Told in third person but from two different p.o.v.'s, Ursula (primary p.o.v.) and Rafael, it's about an organization that promises to match you with your soul mate, your best love, the best match for you if you go through their rigorous assessment/matching process.
Ultimately Ursula and Rafael are matched and when they meet, sparks fly and electricity ignites between them. They share common sense of humor, desire to have fun, both in careers that utilize their unique talents and these all come together in a strong pairing as a couple. But they also bring with them their fears and concerns from previous relationships that they each wrestle with inside their own thoughts.
I won't describe more for fear of spoiling. Just know that this is well written and the two characters have such depth that you feel you know them, could bump into them on a NYC street and want to ask them out for a drink to be their friend. I sort of guessed at the ending the first time and was right but it didn't diminish the fun I had reading this book. Definitely good author and great book!
Told in third person but from two different p.o.v.'s, Ursula (primary p.o.v.) and Rafael, it's about an organization that promises to match you with your soul mate, your best love, the best match for you if you go through their rigorous assessment/matching process.
Ultimately Ursula and Rafael are matched and when they meet, sparks fly and electricity ignites between them. They share common sense of humor, desire to have fun, both in careers that utilize their unique talents and these all come together in a strong pairing as a couple. But they also bring with them their fears and concerns from previous relationships that they each wrestle with inside their own thoughts.
I won't describe more for fear of spoiling. Just know that this is well written and the two characters have such depth that you feel you know them, could bump into them on a NYC street and want to ask them out for a drink to be their friend. I sort of guessed at the ending the first time and was right but it didn't diminish the fun I had reading this book. Definitely good author and great book!
livgives's review against another edition
4.0
Honestly really liked! Such an interesting concept. The whole time I was waiting for someone to do die but that’s a me problem for reading so many thrillers. I would recommend. One of my favorite romance books I’ve read this year.
emomaggie's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
3.0
I liked it! Not my favorite, but it was emotional and sweet.
maika's review against another edition
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.5
emilywilliams97's review
challenging
emotional
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Really interesting book and the ending... gooped and gagged