The True Love Experiment

January 9, 2023
Bestsellers Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings (The Soulmate Equation) return with a smart and hilarious rom-com, writing as Lauren. Romance novelist Fizzy Chen has lost her mojo: she hasn’t felt either a creative or a sexual spark for over a year. So when she’s approached about starring in a Bachelorette-style dating show, she agrees—but puts a twist on things. The men cast to win her heart must embody different romance novel archetypes from a list Fizzy sends producers, among them “hot nerd,” “rock star,” “Navy SEAL,” and “Scottish rogue.” Connor Prince is an amicably divorced father of one and a documentary filmmaker with a television network, a job he loves. So when his boss shunts him over to produce Fizzy’s show, he’s far from happy. Then he meets his vivacious and outspoken star. The pair have explosive chemistry, but Connor isn’t among the eight “heroes” vying for Fizzy’s hand, putting some bumps in their road to a happily ever after. The authors gleefully play with romance tropes, blending the delight of the meet-cute with smart critiques of more toxic dating habits and wrapping the whole in clever dialogue and refreshing sex-positivity. Readers will have no trouble rooting for Fizzy. Agent: Holly Root, Root Literary.

June 10, 2024

Listeners return to the setting of The Soulmate Equation as that story's protagonist's BFF embarks on a journey to find her One True Love. Best-selling romance author Felicity "Fizzy" Chen has been stuck in a romance rut since her last relationship ended over a year ago. Battling writer's block, she sorely needs a dose of love--or at least lust. Connor Prince has no clue where to start when his boss tells him to produce a reality TV show instead of his regular documentary. Enter Fizzy and an idea for a show in which she looks for her soulmate. As the two work together, they realize how close their happily ever after is. Cindy Kay and Jonathan Cole narrate alternating chapters from both Fizzy's and Connor's points of view. Kay completely captures Fizzy's personality--flirty, witty, with a tinge of anxiety. Her seamless switches between Fizzy's and Cole's accents will keep listeners engaged. Cole's slightly raspy voice is a pleasure to hear; however, there is little distinction between characters, regardless of gender and age, and his American accents frequently drift into a more British sound. VERDICT A sexy, fun listen that will be welcomed by the author's many fans.--Amanda L. S. Murphy

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