A review by bookish_leslie
The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren

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

This book was an enjoyable feel-good read, even if it was a bit 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 depicted as having no flaws or as having/being it all.

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 (spoiler)
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 romance novel, I appreciated that the authors touched on more complex issues, like family dynamics (especially with the challenges Jess faced as a single mom, as well as the dysfunctional relationship she had with her own mom) or  the exploration of 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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