The Love Variable:

by Lisa Renee

Newton couldn't predict this love equation—but one student's probability data did.

EDWARD

Teaching physics at Clear Creek High suits my perfectly ordered life - or at least it did until I volunteered to lead the robotics team. Now I find myself looking forward to every workshop, and not just because our robot housemaid prototype is finally learning to spray tables instead of students. It might have something to do with Angus's mother, Sophie, who signed up as a volunteer to help her son on the spectrum.

I've never met anyone quite like Sophie. She gets my science jokes, understands my passion for teaching, and somehow doesn't mind when I geek out about physics principles. But just as I'm gathering the courage to ask her out (and finally give Angus the data points he keeps requesting for his romance probability spreadsheets), her ex-husband announces he's moving in next door to "be more involved." Now he's threatening custody changes if Sophie dates me.

The logical solution would be to maintain professional distance. Except Angus has already calculated our compatibility rating (apparently we're a 94. 3% match), and the entire town seems invested in our hypothetical relationship - especially Mrs. Baxter, who's probably already booked a wedding venue. With the state robotics finals approaching and Angus documenting everyone's "emotional variables" in yet another color-coded chart, I'm discovering that some equations can't be solved by science alone. Though according to Angus's latest statistical analysis, there's a 97. 2% chance I'm overthinking this.



For fans of sweet romcoms and witty banter, "The Love Variable" is a must-read. If you enjoyed "The Rosie Project" or are a fan of Sarah Adams and Emma St. Clair, you'll love this sweet and clean novel. Buy now before the price changes!

180 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 18, 2025

About the author

Lisa Renee’s first full-time job was as a marketing manager at 19 years of age. From there, she learned the ins and outs of small business and went on to create three business start-ups, including developing her own brand of organic smoothies and lattes.

When Lisa got the writing bug, she switched gears and now loves coming up with swoon-worthy stories filled with awkward moments, adding love and laughter to every page of her romantic comedies.

When she's not writing, you can find her enjoying nature, hiking, snorkeling or with her running buddies, jogging the great outdoors of her home country, Australia.

Reviews

[Shebb · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable, clean small town single parent romance!

Edward and Sophie (and Angus's!) story was a great read filled with the awkwardness of growing teens, meddling matchmakers and fun science-y dialogue my nerdy hubby would love. 😂

As a parent who's navigated the challenges of nurturing a child on the Spectrum, I enjoyed Angus's inclusion in this story. He's a driving force for everything Sophie does, so knowing he had a great rapport with Edward would've been a big tick in any mum's book! 😁 There were many sweet moments between the three, and some hilariously awkward ones too. 😂

I loved Sophie and the tough situations she had to deal with. Although I wished Edward had dealt with one particular issue better than he did (🫣), I'm glad there's a happy ending.

I also liked being introduced to Dr Carter... looking forward to how Mrs Baxter finds him a wife... 😂

[Tiffany Townsend · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author outdid herself with research.
In order to create this fast paced rom com, extensive research had to be done on both the spectrum disorder of Autism and the complicated knowledge of robotics.
Excellent read. One of the reasons reviewer loves book is because of all the details, the author had to inquire to write book.
When Edward announces that the class is entering a statewide competition for robotics, Angus in his robotic voice states his excitement..
Angus is on the spectrum and is used to routines and pragmatic thinking.
To say he’s a hoot, is putting it mildly.
When the entire class is involved with this project that requires many afterschool hours and outside help and funding, Angus’ mom, Sophie also gets involved. Mostly to field and assist with Angus and his moods. But when his father, Mitchell raises his ugly head both Angus and Edward are inconvenienced.
While Edward may be interested in Sophie, he’s unsure how to approach the idea.
Read what happens when the project gets underway and the entire town it seems, is invested in Sophie and Edward’s relationship as well as the robotic competition.
You won’t regret it!

[Michelle Dodge · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a clean romance. It is part of a series, but can read as a stand-alone.

Sophie is a divorced, single mom with an autistic son. Her son, Angus, likes his robotics instructor and loves robotics. Edward, the instructor is a single male and feels an attraction towards Sophie, but doesn’t want to act on it. Sophie knows how hard it is to raise an autistic son, though she loves him with all her heart. Can she have romance as a single mom?

This was a good story and hard it can be to be a single parent. It also shows the love a mother has for her son. The characters are interesting and shows how we can all mess up sometimes, but also how we can make it work.

I received an ARC from the author and am leaving an honest review.

[Barbara Hackel · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fabulous book! So many things to appreciate that it's difficult to even start! However, the most amazing thing for me was the way Angus was portrayed in detail from the beginning. It was obvious that Angus was on the spectrum and there were no attempts to hide his quirks or change him. Instead, readers were treated to informative methods of coping and redirection used by his mother, teachers, and others trained in understanding this exceptional behavior. Humor, confusion, or panic often was an important part of making storyline so successful. It was interesting to pick up some of Angus' traits in other characters. I especially liked the acceptance and supportive attitudes of his classmates as well as his acceptance of his mother's romance! I am thrilled that I happened upon this book, and hope you will give it a try! One of the best books I have read all year!

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of an interconnected series but can be read as a standalone. What happens when you have a14 year old boy who is a high functioning autistic that has no filter and can't lie.Throw in his passion for math and science with a single mom?. He decides to play matchmaker using probability and spreadsheets based off the Rom-com books his mom reads. Will he be more successful than the town matchmaker? I can't wait for the next book.

[Ann Leatherman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story about a nerdy physics teacher, a student on the spectrum and the student's mother. The story revolves around a contest that the students are entering to win equipment for their small school. This has some sweet and some sour moments that add to the story and keep it flowing. I received this as an ARC and this is my honest opinion.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edward and Sophie tried to convince the community that the big project was the robot, but just maybe, God had another bigger project going on. I absolutely loved Angus!!! I think he figured it out before anyone else.

[Michelle Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great use of formulas

Swoon worthy story telling with clever use of mechanical formulas and literary formulas. Very clever. I appreciate the inclusion of a character on the spectrum. I can also appreciate a realistic hero.

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute, sweet, small town romance that you can just breeze through🫶🏼

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

matchmaking on course

An interesting tales of matchmakers and their victims,by scientific and normal ways,read to find out what happens in a teacher and school mom lives

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute, sweet, small town romance that you can just breeze through

[Chia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sweet romantic comedy pairs a physics teacher with the mother of a student who challenges his structured world. With charming characters and a lighthearted tone, The Love Variable offers a heartwarming exploration of love and life's unpredictability.