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Red String Theory
This charming fated-love rom-com about two star-crossed lovers will appeal to readers of Helen Hoang, Jasmine Guillory, and Sarah Adams.
Just a date . . . or a twist of fate?
When it comes to love and art, Rooney Gao believes in signs. Most of all, she believes in the Chinese legend that everyone is tied to their one true love by the red string of fate. And that belief has inspired her career as an artist, as well as the large art installations she makes with ( obviously ) red string. That is until artist’s block strikes and Rooney begins to question everything. But then fate leads her to the perfect guy . . . Jack Liu is perfect. He’s absurdly smart, successful, handsome, and after one enchanting New York night—under icy February skies and fueled by fried dumplings—all signs point to destiny. Only Jack doesn’t believe. And after their magical date, it looks like they might be lost to each other forever . . . until they’re given one more chance to reconnect. But can Rooney convince a reluctant skeptic to take a leap of fate?
Just a date . . . or a twist of fate?
When it comes to love and art, Rooney Gao believes in signs. Most of all, she believes in the Chinese legend that everyone is tied to their one true love by the red string of fate. And that belief has inspired her career as an artist, as well as the large art installations she makes with ( obviously ) red string. That is until artist’s block strikes and Rooney begins to question everything. But then fate leads her to the perfect guy . . . Jack Liu is perfect. He’s absurdly smart, successful, handsome, and after one enchanting New York night—under icy February skies and fueled by fried dumplings—all signs point to destiny. Only Jack doesn’t believe. And after their magical date, it looks like they might be lost to each other forever . . . until they’re given one more chance to reconnect. But can Rooney convince a reluctant skeptic to take a leap of fate?
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 9, 2024
242 people are currently reading
19878 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Kung Jessen
4 books636 followersLauren Kung Jessen is a mixed-race Chinese-American writer with a fondness for witty, flirtatious dialogue and making meals with too many steps but lots of flavor. She is fascinated by myths and superstitions and how ideas, beliefs, traditions, and stories evolve over time.
From attending culinary school to working in the world of Big Tech to writing love stories, Lauren cares about creating experiences that make people feel something.
She also has a food and film blog, A Dash of Cinema, where she makes food inspired by movies and TV shows. She lives in Nashville with her husband (who she met thanks to fate—read: the algorithms of online dating), two cats, and dog.
From attending culinary school to working in the world of Big Tech to writing love stories, Lauren cares about creating experiences that make people feel something.
She also has a food and film blog, A Dash of Cinema, where she makes food inspired by movies and TV shows. She lives in Nashville with her husband (who she met thanks to fate—read: the algorithms of online dating), two cats, and dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,060 reviews
February 6, 2025
While I had problems connecting with the characters in both this and LUNAR LOVE, what I love about these books is the multiracial Asian Americans featured. Rooney is a biracial Chinese American, like the author. Jack is Chinese, Japanese, and white. I won't speak for multiracial people, but I presume when you "pass" for one ethnicity, oftentimes your other one gets ignored. Much like the "one drop" rule.
My problem with these novels is I don't wholly believe in Chinese superstitions or astrology, and they play in heavily in these stories. That's not to say I didn't enjoy myself. I did. I'm not sure why three star ratings are so anathema to people. Three stars means I liked it. You should worry if I go lower.
Rooney is an artist living in New York, who makes art anonymously, in part because her mother is a famous artist. This, I liked, because it's quite hard to find Asian Americans in the arts. How many of us are doctors, lawyers, or accountants? I'm an accountant, so I should be the last to judge...
Jack is a scientist at NASA. I should totally have the hots for him, but he just fell a little short for me. While I won't say I was in love with Rooney, at least her personality was rooted in something. I didn't quite feel the chemistry, but neither did I with Olivia and Bennett, who make a small cameo.
As a Los Angeles transplant, I did enjoy the sites of the city. Lauren was right on the money with traffic. Who in their right minds would invite someone to the beach at sunset? With this traffic? From the eastside? No way.
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Forever
My problem with these novels is I don't wholly believe in Chinese superstitions or astrology, and they play in heavily in these stories. That's not to say I didn't enjoy myself. I did. I'm not sure why three star ratings are so anathema to people. Three stars means I liked it. You should worry if I go lower.
Rooney is an artist living in New York, who makes art anonymously, in part because her mother is a famous artist. This, I liked, because it's quite hard to find Asian Americans in the arts. How many of us are doctors, lawyers, or accountants? I'm an accountant, so I should be the last to judge...
Jack is a scientist at NASA. I should totally have the hots for him, but he just fell a little short for me. While I won't say I was in love with Rooney, at least her personality was rooted in something. I didn't quite feel the chemistry, but neither did I with Olivia and Bennett, who make a small cameo.
As a Los Angeles transplant, I did enjoy the sites of the city. Lauren was right on the money with traffic. Who in their right minds would invite someone to the beach at sunset? With this traffic? From the eastside? No way.
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Forever
January 5, 2024
5 ⭐️ but let’s be real ♾️
Full review to come on my IG feed, but for now I’ll just tell you that this is easily one of the best romance books I’ve yet read. Easily in my top 5 of contemporary romance. The way that LKJ writes about fate is something that will stick with you for a long, long time. It is absolutely dazzling with charm, wit and late night dumplings. Red String Theory will open your eyes to the wonder around you, and nudge you to appreciate all the ordinary things we may take for granted. UGH. I loved this so much 😭
And YES it is closed door 🚪 how beautiful is that?
Full review to come on my IG feed, but for now I’ll just tell you that this is easily one of the best romance books I’ve yet read. Easily in my top 5 of contemporary romance. The way that LKJ writes about fate is something that will stick with you for a long, long time. It is absolutely dazzling with charm, wit and late night dumplings. Red String Theory will open your eyes to the wonder around you, and nudge you to appreciate all the ordinary things we may take for granted. UGH. I loved this so much 😭
And YES it is closed door 🚪 how beautiful is that?
February 3, 2025
“
To some, like you, life is the sequence of choices you make when you decide how to live it. Small decisions add up. For others, it's the individual moments that have meaning. Both are right.
”
This is how I finally find a balance between my cynic self and my magic-believer one: Love is the result of choices we make every single day, big and small, but without a little bit of Fate, nothing could be possible.
It’d be incorrect for me to say this is the story of how Rooney and Jack met, locked eyes and fell for each other - and not just because I don't believe in love at first sight.
Essentially tho, this is exactly what happens: they met, they lost each other, and for what can be described as a weird coincidence (or Fate), they meet again. There's no complicated trope nor a plausible reason for which they can't be together: they're just two people, careful about love because of their past and beliefs.
So why do I sound like I'm thinking about love for the first time in my life, you may ask? Well, because I'm a hopeless romantic.
And because I am, in fact, thinking about love as what it really is with new eyes: choices and Fate. Think about it: every trope you've ever watched or read, even in most Hallmark movies, starts because they meet out of the blue and then fall in love.
Rooney tells us her journey back to Jack as if it was all meant to be from the start - and from her pov it can also be right -, while Jack tells us every time he chose Rooney over something else because it was his choice. Would Rooney still think is Fate if she’d never seen Jack again after the first year working together? Would Fate intervene if Jack stopped saying yes to Rooney?
Love is everywhere around us, and not only as two people falling for each other: that best friend you met in school, and then you kept texting for your lifetime? That was Fate and choices combined.
So open up your eyes for any cute guy at the coffee shop or for the hot girl you've met online but remember: it's up to you to decide if it can be Love or just a meteor.
↠ 3 stars
Thanks to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
This is how I finally find a balance between my cynic self and my magic-believer one: Love is the result of choices we make every single day, big and small, but without a little bit of Fate, nothing could be possible.
It’d be incorrect for me to say this is the story of how Rooney and Jack met, locked eyes and fell for each other - and not just because I don't believe in love at first sight.
Essentially tho, this is exactly what happens: they met, they lost each other, and for what can be described as a weird coincidence (or Fate), they meet again. There's no complicated trope nor a plausible reason for which they can't be together: they're just two people, careful about love because of their past and beliefs.
So why do I sound like I'm thinking about love for the first time in my life, you may ask? Well, because I'm a hopeless romantic.
And because I am, in fact, thinking about love as what it really is with new eyes: choices and Fate. Think about it: every trope you've ever watched or read, even in most Hallmark movies, starts because they meet out of the blue and then fall in love.
Rooney tells us her journey back to Jack as if it was all meant to be from the start - and from her pov it can also be right -, while Jack tells us every time he chose Rooney over something else because it was his choice. Would Rooney still think is Fate if she’d never seen Jack again after the first year working together? Would Fate intervene if Jack stopped saying yes to Rooney?
Love is everywhere around us, and not only as two people falling for each other: that best friend you met in school, and then you kept texting for your lifetime? That was Fate and choices combined.
So open up your eyes for any cute guy at the coffee shop or for the hot girl you've met online but remember: it's up to you to decide if it can be Love or just a meteor.
↠ 3 stars
Thanks to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
January 9, 2024
Red String Theory by Lauren Kong Jessen
Contemporary romance. Alternating 1st person POV. Own voices.
Rooney Gao believes in Fate, specifically the Red String of Fate, and signs of destiny. She creates art based on that belief. She meets Jack Liu at a print shop and gives him her red scarf that she’s been making. They meet again later that evening and launch a Chinese lantern and then chase it around New York City. They’ve decided not to talk about work and instead have an adventure that lasts the night. They fall a little in love but end up losing each other to technology. Six months later Rooney gets a job with NASA and once again finds Jack. Maybe this time they can change their ending.
Rooney believes in Fate. Jack believes in choice. How do they reconcile their beliefs?
Charming and romantic with underlying messages of self confidence and openness.
It was a fun journey following Rooney and Jack as they fell for each other both the first night and later as they are working together. It’s sweet and just a bit adorable. I love New York and it’s never ending spin of life and clearly Rooney loves it as well.
Wèishéme shì wǒ? = Why me? This is a mandarin saying but both characters are of Chinese descent. Rooney uses this phrase several times in the story and I found it fitting in a profound way.
A Readers Guide and questions at the end along with a couple of recipes including Red Bean Ice Cream.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.
Contemporary romance. Alternating 1st person POV. Own voices.
Rooney Gao believes in Fate, specifically the Red String of Fate, and signs of destiny. She creates art based on that belief. She meets Jack Liu at a print shop and gives him her red scarf that she’s been making. They meet again later that evening and launch a Chinese lantern and then chase it around New York City. They’ve decided not to talk about work and instead have an adventure that lasts the night. They fall a little in love but end up losing each other to technology. Six months later Rooney gets a job with NASA and once again finds Jack. Maybe this time they can change their ending.
Rooney believes in Fate. Jack believes in choice. How do they reconcile their beliefs?
Charming and romantic with underlying messages of self confidence and openness.
It was a fun journey following Rooney and Jack as they fell for each other both the first night and later as they are working together. It’s sweet and just a bit adorable. I love New York and it’s never ending spin of life and clearly Rooney loves it as well.
Wèishéme shì wǒ? = Why me? This is a mandarin saying but both characters are of Chinese descent. Rooney uses this phrase several times in the story and I found it fitting in a profound way.
A Readers Guide and questions at the end along with a couple of recipes including Red Bean Ice Cream.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.
February 19, 2024
As much as I’ve come to love romance novels, it has always bothered me how often the conflict between the romantic interests boils down to A) one making the assumption that not being together is somehow better for the other person without asking them if that’s true; B) one making the assumption that the other person has been (or will be) put off by something and so it’s best to break up or not even admit one’s feelings lest it lead to heartbreak; or C) some other ham-fisted miscommunication or basic lack of communication skills.
Given the nature of the genre and what I want out of my books at this point in my life, I am willing to engage in some suspension of disbelief or some level of “just roll with it” and I am usually able to enjoy the story despite how illogical these communication issues often are.
But that really only makes me more appreciative when I come across a romance novel where the characters are kept apart for very down-to-earth, practical reasons that they have to work out together.
That’s the case with Red String Theory and I absolutely loved it.
Rooney Gao is a Chinese-American artist whose work is rooted in her belief in the Chinese legend that soulmates are connected to each other by an invisible red cord. Rooney’s mother is a famous artist and Rooney wants to “make it on her own” so her work is largely anonymous, with installations of art made of string attributed to Red String Girl. She’s at a copy store to print materials for one such installation in New York when she has a meet cute with Jack Liu, a California-based scientist who is in New York for work. The two have a magical night together, which comes to an end when he has to fly home to Pasadena and his job at JPL the next morning. He gives her his number, but she typed it in wrong and so they lose touch.
While in New York, Jack had also come across Rooney’s work in the park without knowing that she was the artist. When he gets back to California, he is looking for ways to get more involved and impress his bosses, when he gets a chance to with NASA’s Artist in Residence program (I was a little skeptical of this, but turns out there really is such a program started in the 1960s!) He immediately thinks of Red String Girl and suggests that NASA work with her in spite of her penchant for anonymity. The proposal is accepted and when artist and liaison meet face-to-face for the first time, they are shocked to discover it’s the person they had a meet cute with months earlier. Despite admitting that they like one another, Jack points out that romantic involvement could jeopardize his career. Besides, her residency is only a year long and after that, she’ll be going back to New York and who wants that kind of long-distance relationship? Rooney is convinced that fate wants her to be with Jack, that he’s her red string soulmate, but she reluctantly agrees to be just friends and colleagues.
But of course, just being friends isn’t so easy when you know you both have feelings for each other. So no matter how much they try to keep things professional, those feelings keep popping up. And it's so cute! While Rooney adamantly believes in things like fate, destiny, and red string soulmates, Jack is firmly rooted in science and logical choices. They acknowledge (or at least Jack does) that these different outlooks on life and love are not necessarily compatible. And yet...
I dunno, it just really worked for me. I love when the characters in romance novels have rational discussions about practical roadblocks instead of just making assumptions and not talking about it. Plus Jack's relationship with his grandfather, whom he turns to for advice and to stay connected to his Chinese heritage, is incredibly sweet. Everything about this just gave me all the warm fuzzies.
Given the nature of the genre and what I want out of my books at this point in my life, I am willing to engage in some suspension of disbelief or some level of “just roll with it” and I am usually able to enjoy the story despite how illogical these communication issues often are.
But that really only makes me more appreciative when I come across a romance novel where the characters are kept apart for very down-to-earth, practical reasons that they have to work out together.
That’s the case with Red String Theory and I absolutely loved it.
Rooney Gao is a Chinese-American artist whose work is rooted in her belief in the Chinese legend that soulmates are connected to each other by an invisible red cord. Rooney’s mother is a famous artist and Rooney wants to “make it on her own” so her work is largely anonymous, with installations of art made of string attributed to Red String Girl. She’s at a copy store to print materials for one such installation in New York when she has a meet cute with Jack Liu, a California-based scientist who is in New York for work. The two have a magical night together, which comes to an end when he has to fly home to Pasadena and his job at JPL the next morning. He gives her his number, but she typed it in wrong and so they lose touch.
While in New York, Jack had also come across Rooney’s work in the park without knowing that she was the artist. When he gets back to California, he is looking for ways to get more involved and impress his bosses, when he gets a chance to with NASA’s Artist in Residence program (I was a little skeptical of this, but turns out there really is such a program started in the 1960s!) He immediately thinks of Red String Girl and suggests that NASA work with her in spite of her penchant for anonymity. The proposal is accepted and when artist and liaison meet face-to-face for the first time, they are shocked to discover it’s the person they had a meet cute with months earlier. Despite admitting that they like one another, Jack points out that romantic involvement could jeopardize his career. Besides, her residency is only a year long and after that, she’ll be going back to New York and who wants that kind of long-distance relationship? Rooney is convinced that fate wants her to be with Jack, that he’s her red string soulmate, but she reluctantly agrees to be just friends and colleagues.
But of course, just being friends isn’t so easy when you know you both have feelings for each other. So no matter how much they try to keep things professional, those feelings keep popping up. And it's so cute! While Rooney adamantly believes in things like fate, destiny, and red string soulmates, Jack is firmly rooted in science and logical choices. They acknowledge (or at least Jack does) that these different outlooks on life and love are not necessarily compatible. And yet...
I dunno, it just really worked for me. I love when the characters in romance novels have rational discussions about practical roadblocks instead of just making assumptions and not talking about it. Plus Jack's relationship with his grandfather, whom he turns to for advice and to stay connected to his Chinese heritage, is incredibly sweet. Everything about this just gave me all the warm fuzzies.
April 9, 2024
Red String Theory is a delightful rom-com, featuring two Asian-American main characters. Chinese traditions and holidays are highlighted throughout the book and that added to the story immensely. Most of the action takes place in Los Angeles and some in New York City, two of my favorite places and it was fun to picture Rooney and Jack in those familiar environs. (The scene of them stuck in a massive traffic jam, trying to get to Santa Monica, certainly rang true.)
Rooney is a string artist, hiding her identity behind the name Red String Girl, partly because her mother is a famous performance artist and Rooney doesn’t want people to assume anything about her because of her mom. Jack is a NASA engineer and believes in science and choice, while Rooney believes in signs and in fate, especially the Chinese legend of the red string that ties two soulmates together. This was a great opposites attract story.
I listened to the audiobook and it was beautifully done in what is referred to as “duet narration.” In duet narration, the male narrator speaks all the male dialog and the female narrator speaks all the female dialog, no matter whose POV the chapter is reflecting. I loved it. The narration was a main reason I rated this 4 stars instead of 3. Yu-Li Alice Shen and Andrew Grace did terrific jobs.
Jack’s grandfather was a favorite side character. Rooney’s mom was a bit harder to warm up to, but by the end of the book, her humanity shines through.
This is a standalone novel but two characters from Lunar Love make a brief appearance.
Thank you to Forever for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook. All opinions are my own.
Rooney is a string artist, hiding her identity behind the name Red String Girl, partly because her mother is a famous performance artist and Rooney doesn’t want people to assume anything about her because of her mom. Jack is a NASA engineer and believes in science and choice, while Rooney believes in signs and in fate, especially the Chinese legend of the red string that ties two soulmates together. This was a great opposites attract story.
I listened to the audiobook and it was beautifully done in what is referred to as “duet narration.” In duet narration, the male narrator speaks all the male dialog and the female narrator speaks all the female dialog, no matter whose POV the chapter is reflecting. I loved it. The narration was a main reason I rated this 4 stars instead of 3. Yu-Li Alice Shen and Andrew Grace did terrific jobs.
Jack’s grandfather was a favorite side character. Rooney’s mom was a bit harder to warm up to, but by the end of the book, her humanity shines through.
This is a standalone novel but two characters from Lunar Love make a brief appearance.
Thank you to Forever for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook. All opinions are my own.
January 17, 2024
For all of my Asian lit/romance lovers….
Rooney believes in fate and signs. In particular she believes in the ancient Red String of Fate. Where someone somewhere is destined to be your partner and you are each tied to each other with an invisible red string. This STEM based romance with Asian representation, and its characters were so easy to love! Super cute romance that revolves around Chinese traditions and folklore. Both Rooney and Jack are extremely likable and you’re rooting for them to find each other.
I received the audiobook, and the two audiobook narrators, Yu-Li Alice Shen & Andrew Grace, have the perfect voices. Smooth like honey.
Side notes- there is a mention of characters from Lunar Love, while it’s not required or part of a series if you want to read in order I would suggest reading Lunar Love first.
Red String Theory -Low steam factor, and with references to Serendipity, it’s hard not to see this as a Chinese based version. 😍
Thank you to NetGalley, Lauren Kung Jesse, and Hachette Audio for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Rooney believes in fate and signs. In particular she believes in the ancient Red String of Fate. Where someone somewhere is destined to be your partner and you are each tied to each other with an invisible red string. This STEM based romance with Asian representation, and its characters were so easy to love! Super cute romance that revolves around Chinese traditions and folklore. Both Rooney and Jack are extremely likable and you’re rooting for them to find each other.
I received the audiobook, and the two audiobook narrators, Yu-Li Alice Shen & Andrew Grace, have the perfect voices. Smooth like honey.
Side notes- there is a mention of characters from Lunar Love, while it’s not required or part of a series if you want to read in order I would suggest reading Lunar Love first.
Red String Theory -Low steam factor, and with references to Serendipity, it’s hard not to see this as a Chinese based version. 😍
Thank you to NetGalley, Lauren Kung Jesse, and Hachette Audio for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 1, 2024
RED STRING THEORY was a book that I felt could have been a great book. It had a lot of the elements that make the romance genre so fun, while also incorporating characters of color and Chinese mythology into modern situations. However, I had so many problems with almost all aspects of this book that I truly did not like it and found it to be very difficult to get through.
What I liked about this book is that I really do love that the author incorporates part Chinese mythology and applies it. I had never heard of the Red String of Fate, and found that idea to be really cool to be input into a modern setting and situation. The idea of that blend, taking the traditional and repurposing it to create something uniquely different, was really special and fun. I appreciated the blend of cultural myths and identity into a new genre.
And, unfortunately, that is all the positives I really had for this book. I understand what the author was trying to do here in this novel. She was trying to take Rooney, our FMC, and utilize the sunshine trope and Jack, our MMC, and utilize the grumpy trope while also introducing Asian American influence and Chinese cultural information and identity. But what ended up happening was unsuccessful and quite honestly, dull. Rooney ends up being a manic pixie dream girl in my opinion (her middle name is Something...literally, that's the middle name) and she is almost toxically upbeat and positive. The Red String of Fate idea is her whole personality at the beginning of the novel. She wears red constantly and even her artwork is defined as such. Jack is a bland male lead. Just as Rooney is obsessed with the Red String of Fate, he is all about cold, hard science. Combined, they had little to no chemistry and boring interactions all bogged down by the ideas of fate vs. free will. I found myself just reading to get through this novel, rather than actually enjoying it.
To me, this book was a big miss. However, that doesn't mean that another individual will not enjoy it. I think if you really appreciate Chinese culture integrated into a new genre, the sunshine/grumpy trope, some more serious moments in your romance, and low angst, this could be the book for you. I am in the minority of reviews, so what I didn't like could be something that you really enjoy!
Thank you to Forever Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for an honest review!
What I liked about this book is that I really do love that the author incorporates part Chinese mythology and applies it. I had never heard of the Red String of Fate, and found that idea to be really cool to be input into a modern setting and situation. The idea of that blend, taking the traditional and repurposing it to create something uniquely different, was really special and fun. I appreciated the blend of cultural myths and identity into a new genre.
And, unfortunately, that is all the positives I really had for this book. I understand what the author was trying to do here in this novel. She was trying to take Rooney, our FMC, and utilize the sunshine trope and Jack, our MMC, and utilize the grumpy trope while also introducing Asian American influence and Chinese cultural information and identity. But what ended up happening was unsuccessful and quite honestly, dull. Rooney ends up being a manic pixie dream girl in my opinion (her middle name is Something...literally, that's the middle name) and she is almost toxically upbeat and positive. The Red String of Fate idea is her whole personality at the beginning of the novel. She wears red constantly and even her artwork is defined as such. Jack is a bland male lead. Just as Rooney is obsessed with the Red String of Fate, he is all about cold, hard science. Combined, they had little to no chemistry and boring interactions all bogged down by the ideas of fate vs. free will. I found myself just reading to get through this novel, rather than actually enjoying it.
To me, this book was a big miss. However, that doesn't mean that another individual will not enjoy it. I think if you really appreciate Chinese culture integrated into a new genre, the sunshine/grumpy trope, some more serious moments in your romance, and low angst, this could be the book for you. I am in the minority of reviews, so what I didn't like could be something that you really enjoy!
Thank you to Forever Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for an honest review!
January 11, 2024
This is the cutest Chinese-American version of Serendipity we've ever read. That might sound a little specific, but it's also true.
Rooney is an artist, Jack is a scientist. Since this is a Serendipity-inspired romance, you wouldn't be wrong in assuming that Rooney believes in fate, while Jack is a more pragmatic guy. (If you also assume that she's the sunshine and he's the grump, you're on the right track.) After they spend an unexpected - Rooney would say fated - evening together, fate takes a turn and they are separated for months. When they're thrown back together as coworkers, they're not sure how to pursue their connection, or even if they can.
We both really appreciated the Chinese-American culture woven throughout the book. It felt like an integral part of Jack and Rooney's characters, and wasn't there to check any boxes. Plus, you know if a first-person present tense book doesn't end up bugging us, there's definitely something there!
35-Word Summaries:
Laine: A fantastic first non-date is doomed by a missed digit in a phone number. Luckily, Jack and Rooney keep getting brought together by fate in situations that definitely mean they totally shouldn’t date, I guess?
Meg: When fate throws you together with someone twice in one day, it has to mean something. But then … fate separates you. For months. So when you meet one final time, it’s totally coincidence. Right?
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
Rooney is an artist, Jack is a scientist. Since this is a Serendipity-inspired romance, you wouldn't be wrong in assuming that Rooney believes in fate, while Jack is a more pragmatic guy. (If you also assume that she's the sunshine and he's the grump, you're on the right track.) After they spend an unexpected - Rooney would say fated - evening together, fate takes a turn and they are separated for months. When they're thrown back together as coworkers, they're not sure how to pursue their connection, or even if they can.
We both really appreciated the Chinese-American culture woven throughout the book. It felt like an integral part of Jack and Rooney's characters, and wasn't there to check any boxes. Plus, you know if a first-person present tense book doesn't end up bugging us, there's definitely something there!
35-Word Summaries:
Laine: A fantastic first non-date is doomed by a missed digit in a phone number. Luckily, Jack and Rooney keep getting brought together by fate in situations that definitely mean they totally shouldn’t date, I guess?
Meg: When fate throws you together with someone twice in one day, it has to mean something. But then … fate separates you. For months. So when you meet one final time, it’s totally coincidence. Right?
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
January 28, 2024
3.5 ~ 4?
This was precious
I need someone to do fate tests with me 🥹
I need something cute before House of Flame and Shadow book comes out
This was precious
I need someone to do fate tests with me 🥹
I need something cute before House of Flame and Shadow book comes out
September 26, 2023
Guys, gals, & non-binary pals, let me tell you I LOVED this book. We have star-crossed lovers, second chance romance, and main characters grappling with science versus fate, all through the lens of Chinese Americans trying to stay connected to parts of their Chinese culture. This is a wholesome, no smut romance.
Rooney, the FMC, is an artist obsessed with the Red String Theory, a Chinese legend that everyone is tied to their one true love by a red string of fate. Jack, the MMC, is an engineer at NASA and a firm believer in science and free choice. The reason I love this book so much is the author doesn’t pit fate and free choice against each other, but brings it together in a really beautiful way:
“May fate bring us close enough to choose.” ❤️
If you liked Christina Lauren’s Soulmate Equation, you should definitely pick up this book: it’s more interesting, written better, and an easy way to support a female Asian American indie author.
I really don't have any critiques of this book. However, while most aspects of the book were wrapped up nicely, there were some parts I wanted just a bit more from. I wasn't fully satisfied with how things ended with Jack's family; I felt like the way his parents were written foreshadowed some kind of reunion/confrontation and then we didn't get anything. I also felt like the mention of Gong Gong's familiarity with criminal activity was a fun foreshadow that wasn't ever picked back up either. The book goes into great detail about how all of the fate hypothesis tasks are resolved, except for returning the lost object of the ID badge? I know the point was the interaction in the butterfly exhibit, but it felt a little disjointed continuity wise to completely skip over the physical return of the ID badge in comparison with how the other tasks were written about. I love that Jessen writes this book in a way that's clearly interested in identifying privilege (especially contemplated in the context of Rooney's upbringing), and I wanted a little bit more of that recognition when Rooney is talking about engaging in criminal activity with the luxury of not having to worry about police brutality, ending up in jail, etc.
Thank you for NetGalley and Forever for sending this review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Rooney, the FMC, is an artist obsessed with the Red String Theory, a Chinese legend that everyone is tied to their one true love by a red string of fate. Jack, the MMC, is an engineer at NASA and a firm believer in science and free choice. The reason I love this book so much is the author doesn’t pit fate and free choice against each other, but brings it together in a really beautiful way:
“May fate bring us close enough to choose.” ❤️
If you liked Christina Lauren’s Soulmate Equation, you should definitely pick up this book: it’s more interesting, written better, and an easy way to support a female Asian American indie author.
I really don't have any critiques of this book. However, while most aspects of the book were wrapped up nicely, there were some parts I wanted just a bit more from. I wasn't fully satisfied with how things ended with Jack's family; I felt like the way his parents were written foreshadowed some kind of reunion/confrontation and then we didn't get anything. I also felt like the mention of Gong Gong's familiarity with criminal activity was a fun foreshadow that wasn't ever picked back up either. The book goes into great detail about how all of the fate hypothesis tasks are resolved, except for returning the lost object of the ID badge? I know the point was the interaction in the butterfly exhibit, but it felt a little disjointed continuity wise to completely skip over the physical return of the ID badge in comparison with how the other tasks were written about. I love that Jessen writes this book in a way that's clearly interested in identifying privilege (especially contemplated in the context of Rooney's upbringing), and I wanted a little bit more of that recognition when Rooney is talking about engaging in criminal activity with the luxury of not having to worry about police brutality, ending up in jail, etc.
Thank you for NetGalley and Forever for sending this review consideration. All opinions are my own.
February 3, 2024
Honestly, this didn’t work for me. There was a *lot* of talking, which somehow didn’t go anywhere. There was no sense of connection or chemistry between the characters. Jackson in particular had no personality and was sort of a cardboard cutout. I liked the premise and was looking forward to this, so I am quite disappointed.
January 17, 2024
Serendipity meets Invisible String. YALL THIS WAS CUTE AS HECK. Such a sweet little romcom. I adored the fact that it had dual pov and I really think it helped give the characters some depth. Definitely add this one to your tbr asap cause you will fall in love.
March 25, 2024
This book is like a combination of Before Sunset and Serendipity and literally any romcom movies that take place in New York City and as a person who adores New York, I ate this up and left no crumb.
Red String Theory is a romance book that tackles the age-old debate: is everything that happens to us written in the stars or do we consciously make choices to be who we are? The FMC is a strong believer in fate she based her art entirely on the topic of the red thread of fate. For those of you who don't know, it's a Chinese belief that when someone's born, there is a red thread that is tied to them, an invisible red thread that connects them to the people they are destined to meet and be connected to in their lives. And then there's our MC, who's a scientist and only believes in tangible things.
I especially love the scene where the two of them go on a stroll in New York, debating the topic of fate and choices. It reminds me of Before Sunset and I love quiet moments like these because they allow us to get into the psyche of the main characters, what made them the way they are and how their perspective in life drives them. And honestly, nothing is more romantic than taking a stroll in the city and just talking and getting to know each other. That's like the ultimate date.
There's this line in the book that I find interesting and it changes my perspective on fate as well. In the book, Rooney's mom asks her if the person at the end of her string is not Jack, would she choose that person over Jack? I like that the author doesn't just present one side of the argument, but tells us that fate and choice can go hand-in-hand. Fate can lead you to a certain destination, but it is your choice to take it or leave it.
Books like these warms my heart because I thought this is just another typical love story, but it ended up being deeper than I thought and I'm all here for it.
Red String Theory is a romance book that tackles the age-old debate: is everything that happens to us written in the stars or do we consciously make choices to be who we are? The FMC is a strong believer in fate she based her art entirely on the topic of the red thread of fate. For those of you who don't know, it's a Chinese belief that when someone's born, there is a red thread that is tied to them, an invisible red thread that connects them to the people they are destined to meet and be connected to in their lives. And then there's our MC, who's a scientist and only believes in tangible things.
I especially love the scene where the two of them go on a stroll in New York, debating the topic of fate and choices. It reminds me of Before Sunset and I love quiet moments like these because they allow us to get into the psyche of the main characters, what made them the way they are and how their perspective in life drives them. And honestly, nothing is more romantic than taking a stroll in the city and just talking and getting to know each other. That's like the ultimate date.
There's this line in the book that I find interesting and it changes my perspective on fate as well. In the book, Rooney's mom asks her if the person at the end of her string is not Jack, would she choose that person over Jack? I like that the author doesn't just present one side of the argument, but tells us that fate and choice can go hand-in-hand. Fate can lead you to a certain destination, but it is your choice to take it or leave it.
Books like these warms my heart because I thought this is just another typical love story, but it ended up being deeper than I thought and I'm all here for it.
April 29, 2025
The audiobook was good. Lots and lots of art talk because the main character and her mom are artists. Resisting love isn't my favorite kind of read. The two characters dragged it out as long as possible to focus on their careers but it makes me lose patience with them.
A cute one with humor. Rooney believe in Fate while Jack believe in choices. Rooney go with the flow and let fate take her wherever and ended up wherever so she will be surprise. Jack prefer to plan and know his destination ahead of time.
Who knows if through fate they met at the print shop. And later at the mutual friend's party. And later through work. But they ran into each other and ended up hanging out.
Thank you ReadForeverPub for the opportunity to read and review. I listened to an audiobook via Libby App and Hachette Audio.
A cute one with humor. Rooney believe in Fate while Jack believe in choices. Rooney go with the flow and let fate take her wherever and ended up wherever so she will be surprise. Jack prefer to plan and know his destination ahead of time.
Who knows if through fate they met at the print shop. And later at the mutual friend's party. And later through work. But they ran into each other and ended up hanging out.
Thank you ReadForeverPub for the opportunity to read and review. I listened to an audiobook via Libby App and Hachette Audio.
February 13, 2024
Rooney is an artist who trusts in the power of fate. Jack is a NASA engineer who is guided by facts and science. After sharing an enchanted night around New York City, they come to realize that they might have had just that one night-accepting that their paths may never cross again. When they are reunited and given another chance to reconnect, Rooney is sure that their reunion is due to fate and that Jack might just be her stringmate.
This book is a sweet, feel good, slow burn romance. I loved both Rooney and Jack as main characters and I loved the family relationships represented in this story too. This is my second read from Lauren Kung Jessen and her other book, Lunar Love is also a favorite of mine, thus securing her as an auto-buy author of mine from now on.
Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is a sweet, feel good, slow burn romance. I loved both Rooney and Jack as main characters and I loved the family relationships represented in this story too. This is my second read from Lauren Kung Jessen and her other book, Lunar Love is also a favorite of mine, thus securing her as an auto-buy author of mine from now on.
Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 11, 2024
well anyway
January 27, 2024
3.25 stars
A sweet, heartfelt story about artist Rooney and NASA employed Jack. A chance encounter in NY leads to more coincidental meetings that brings the thread of their lives closer and closer together. Rooney believes in fate and the red string that connects her to her soulmate. The chance meeting of Jack and the connection they share seems too strong to not be fate. Jack is a man of science and believes their connection to be created by the choices they have made that led them to this point.
There were so many beautiful moments in their story and their banter and chemistry were perfection. A little slow, but perhaps what we needed to really build the tension.
I would recommend if you are looking for a sweet, heartfelt read.
Aesthetic post to be added to my insta (@booksarebetterjess) tonight!
A sweet, heartfelt story about artist Rooney and NASA employed Jack. A chance encounter in NY leads to more coincidental meetings that brings the thread of their lives closer and closer together. Rooney believes in fate and the red string that connects her to her soulmate. The chance meeting of Jack and the connection they share seems too strong to not be fate. Jack is a man of science and believes their connection to be created by the choices they have made that led them to this point.
There were so many beautiful moments in their story and their banter and chemistry were perfection. A little slow, but perhaps what we needed to really build the tension.
I would recommend if you are looking for a sweet, heartfelt read.
Aesthetic post to be added to my insta (@booksarebetterjess) tonight!
February 8, 2024
3.5 stars
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was very sweet and I liked the concept, with finding the balance of whether love is a choice, or whether it's fated in the stars. Rooney and Jack were characters that played off each other well, although I have to say I didn't feel an overwhelming sense of chemistry between them; I would've been just as satisfied if they had ended up as friends as if they ended up together.
I really liked the first third of the book, where Rooney and Jack spend a night wandering around New York, discovering food and secret artwork and following a lantern to take them wherever they're meant to go. The rest of the book just didn't feel as special as that, with slower pacing and a lot of plotlines that felt underdeveloped, like Jack's parents.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was very sweet and I liked the concept, with finding the balance of whether love is a choice, or whether it's fated in the stars. Rooney and Jack were characters that played off each other well, although I have to say I didn't feel an overwhelming sense of chemistry between them; I would've been just as satisfied if they had ended up as friends as if they ended up together.
I really liked the first third of the book, where Rooney and Jack spend a night wandering around New York, discovering food and secret artwork and following a lantern to take them wherever they're meant to go. The rest of the book just didn't feel as special as that, with slower pacing and a lot of plotlines that felt underdeveloped, like Jack's parents.
December 13, 2023
This was a sweet and thoughtful book. I'm a huge fan of Lauren Kung Jessen and this one did not disappoint! I loved Rooney and Jack's characters. It was nice to see Rooney bring out Jack's personality and be more bold and brave. I think my favorite character was Rooney's mom Wren. She was funny, wise, and full of life!
I think my only complaints were the pacing was slow in the middle. I wanted a little more spark and romance. I also didn't fully understand how Rooney wanted to buy back the video of her birth. I understand the want but not enough to pay tens of thousands. I felt like maybe there needed to be more in it, including more about her father. My other issue was I wish Jack had more on the line. It was really nice to seem him grow as a character but it just didn't feel like there was enough risk with his working and potential relationship with Rooney.
Otherwise the book was very light, inspiring, and warm. I highly recommend it and this author! Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the chance to read it!
I think my only complaints were the pacing was slow in the middle. I wanted a little more spark and romance. I also didn't fully understand how Rooney wanted to buy back the video of her birth. I understand the want but not enough to pay tens of thousands. I felt like maybe there needed to be more in it, including more about her father. My other issue was I wish Jack had more on the line. It was really nice to seem him grow as a character but it just didn't feel like there was enough risk with his working and potential relationship with Rooney.
Otherwise the book was very light, inspiring, and warm. I highly recommend it and this author! Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the chance to read it!
April 11, 2024
fluffy and forced. i kept almost sinking into the story before i got jolted out of it by the stilted conversation and bad chemistry. the meet cute didn't make sense, the plot skipped around, and they kept hammering the same cute, quirky things over and over until they were not only no longer charming but very dead
January 6, 2024
Red String Theory is a contemporary romance that focuses on both science and fate.
The book alternates between the female (Rooney) and male (Jack) POVs.
Rooney is a Chinese-American string artist who does elaborate art installations. While Jack has both Chinese and Japanese parents and is an engineer at NASA. He prefers experiments and science. They meet one day/night in New York City.
I really enjoyed the Asian culture rep in this book. I loved seeing the Chinese-American customs. Rooney's mom is a famous artist and I really enjoyed how that played into the story. I also really liked Jack's job at NASA. It was so interesting and fun.
The concept of her believing in fate and him believing in choice and science really made for a complex and beautiful story. I did like the romance, although I would have liked a bit more romance. But overall it was a unique enjoyable story.
*The main characters from Lunar Love make a cameo in this book.
Thanks to netgalley and Forever Publishing.
January 11, 2024
Sweet and wholesome and cheesy and nerdy and lovable in the best possible way. I didn’t love it on audio so I would definitely recommend a paper copy. 3.5 stars.
January 14, 2024
i did not expect this book to make me cry, but it did. it was just so sweet! i loved reading this
January 2, 2024
This book is the perfect kind of warm hug. It’s a delightful love letter to fate and choice, art and food, and New York City at midnight. I loved every bit of it!
February 14, 2024
2.5/5
I didn't like this book nearly as much as Lunar Love (in which the characters do make an appearance in this book).
Fans of the movie Serendipity will likely enjoy this romance novel about fate set in both New York and LA. The story, told in dual POV, follows Rooney Something Gao (yes, her middle name is Something...) an artist who believes in fate, and Jack Liu, an engineer with NASA who believes in science. They meet one day in New York and go on a date together before Jack heads back to LA. A year later, they encounter each other again - is it fate? Coincidence? Was it meant to be?
While I loved that this book included elements of the Red String of Fate (which is a story I've heard of as a kid, as it is quite well-known in Chinese culture) and liked the banter between Rooney and Jack, I didn't enjoy the slow pacing or the long and repetitive philosophical discussions about fate.
**I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley for review consideration, but all opinions are my own.**
I didn't like this book nearly as much as Lunar Love (in which the characters do make an appearance in this book).
Fans of the movie Serendipity will likely enjoy this romance novel about fate set in both New York and LA. The story, told in dual POV, follows Rooney Something Gao (yes, her middle name is Something...) an artist who believes in fate, and Jack Liu, an engineer with NASA who believes in science. They meet one day in New York and go on a date together before Jack heads back to LA. A year later, they encounter each other again - is it fate? Coincidence? Was it meant to be?
While I loved that this book included elements of the Red String of Fate (which is a story I've heard of as a kid, as it is quite well-known in Chinese culture) and liked the banter between Rooney and Jack, I didn't enjoy the slow pacing or the long and repetitive philosophical discussions about fate.
**I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley for review consideration, but all opinions are my own.**
December 1, 2023
Fate and science collide in Red String theory— a lively romance that centers around Rooney, an NYC based Chinese-American string artist, who believes that one day she’ll meet her string-mate, aka one true love. Cue Jack, NASA engineer who explains everything via scientific experimentation, but has a soft spot for certain experiments it would seem.
These two are adorable, and their night in NYC is swoon-worthy. The NYC to LA scene swap is wonderful, and I love Jessen’s plays on fate vs. scientific explanation. Fantastic surrounding characters too (Sprinkles the cat, Wren, the NASA team, etc.)
(*Steam level: kissing*).
Thank you to the publisher for an arc to review!
These two are adorable, and their night in NYC is swoon-worthy. The NYC to LA scene swap is wonderful, and I love Jessen’s plays on fate vs. scientific explanation. Fantastic surrounding characters too (Sprinkles the cat, Wren, the NASA team, etc.)
(*Steam level: kissing*).
Thank you to the publisher for an arc to review!
January 24, 2024
This was almost my first DNF of the year but forced myself to keep going.
This just was not for me. The dialogue and never-ending bad jokes between the characters were so cringe that it was hard to take the rest of the story seriously.
This just was not for me. The dialogue and never-ending bad jokes between the characters were so cringe that it was hard to take the rest of the story seriously.
January 31, 2024
2.5
This story draggggged.
This story draggggged.
October 24, 2024
i love a cheesy romance. but i’m still trying to decide if this was TOO cheesy for me?!?!
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