The Soulmate Equation - Review

Sorry to everyone I accidentally ignored while reading The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren as I simply could not put it down.

By Carrie O’Leary

I was first introduced to Christina Lauren’s writing earlier this year (2021) when I saw a recommendation and short synopsis of their novel The Unhoneymooners (2019) on social media platform TikTok. Immediately after finishing Unhoneymooners, I raced to the internet to see if Christina Lauren had any other novels, which I then read, and I was delighted to see that the self proclaimed ‘brain twins’ had a new novel set to be released mid 2021. I pre-ordered The Soulmate Equation and waited patiently for it’s release and I must say, it was well worth the wait.

The Soulmate Equation follows single mother and statistics analyst Jess Davis whose life is turned upside down when she sends a sample of her DNA into a new matchmaking company that measures potential compatibility based off of DNA. Unbeknown to Jess, a familiar face is the leader behind the company GeneticAlly, Dr River Pena, the handsome, yet standoffish man who arrives at their favourite coffee shop at exactly 8:24 every morning and orders the same drink, an ‘Americano’ before leaving without making any unnecessary eye-contact let alone conversation. His drink order inspired the nickname Jess and her best friend and romance writer Fizzy bestowed upon him, ‘Americano’. Imagine the surprise when ‘Americano’ and Jess’s genetic compatibility score comes back at 98%, one of the highest scores GeneticAlly has seen yet, a ‘Diamond Match’ as it is referred.

Jess and River come to an agreement, after a lot of convincing from the team at GeneticAlly, that they will get to know each other and go on dates to test their compatibility which could either give the DNA compatibility test credibility, or could be the reason for GeneticAlly’s demise. River is a quieter, more lonesome character, Jess relies on others for support especially help with looking after her 7-year-old daughter Juno. The pairs dynamic throughout the story is adorable and hilarious as their relationship slowly evolves and as they gradually begin to open up to each other.

While The Soulmate Equation has a relatively predictable plot of finding your soul mate where you least expect it, reminiscent of classics such as Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, this makes for a charming, easy read which doesn’t have much room for disappointment. The story however is a charming and unique way of exploring this plot, filled with twists and turns that you may or may not see coming as Jess and River navigate this unexpected and challenging chapter of their lives. We see them getting to know each other and the important people in each others lives while facing many challenges such as the reality of being a single parent in the dating scene, reporters and journalists following the progress of their match, not to mention River’s stature in the company that started the whole thing.

Something that sets The Soulmate Equation apart from other romantic comedy novels is the intellectual side. The main characters are intellectual, have life experience and on top of all this and most importantly, they are interesting. This is definitely no text book, and you don’t really learn anything substantial from it, but it almost felt like I was learning while reading this novel as I immersed myself into the ‘science’ behind GeneticAlly and this even inspired me to learn more about DNA and genetics. Reading The Soulmate Equation doesn’t feel like mindless reading of romance just for the sake of reading a romance like other books of the same genre. The authors did their research and it shows.

As an increasing number of people all over the world are turning to dating apps and websites such as life goes more and more digital and with DNA testing for things like ancestry and lineage becoming popular and easier than ever before with take home kits and fast results, this story maintains it’s relevance to the readers of its time while providing a little taste of what could be the next step in dating innovation after the dating apps that we use today. I mean, what could be more accurate than proper scientific genetic testing in order to find your perfect match?

This novel is light hearted, fun and interesting read. It took me two evenings to read (although I did stay up late as I didn’t want to put it down!) I have since listened to the audiobook as well which goes for 9 hours and 39 minutes. I would recommend this novel to any romance novel fiend, particularly those who are looking for an easy to follow story with both predictability and twists with light hearted comedy and a storyline unlike no other that I have seen to date.