What do you think?
Rate this book
Chemical Souls
Can two broken people save each other—or will they destroy each other?
What if your soulmate knew your darkest secret before your first date? -Some people fear being alone. Others fear being known. Just when Patrick thinks he has exhausted all avenues to find his soul mate, he meets Margaret Warner of Chemical Souls, a company using the latest in advanced technology to match people to their perfect soul mates.
After answering many questions, Patrick makes a confession: he doesn’t want the interview to end.
Margaret doesn’t want it to end either.
But will they still feel the same after they discover the dark truth lurking under their pleasant conversation?
Only he can decide whether it truly ends… or lives.
What if your soulmate knew your darkest secret before your first date? -Some people fear being alone. Others fear being known. Just when Patrick thinks he has exhausted all avenues to find his soul mate, he meets Margaret Warner of Chemical Souls, a company using the latest in advanced technology to match people to their perfect soul mates.
After answering many questions, Patrick makes a confession: he doesn’t want the interview to end.
Margaret doesn’t want it to end either.
But will they still feel the same after they discover the dark truth lurking under their pleasant conversation?
Only he can decide whether it truly ends… or lives.
ebook
First published November 1, 2025
6 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
August 9, 2025
⭐️ 3 stars ⭐️
For fans of YOU, toxic obsessive love, character-driven plots, and ambiguous endings.
What if your soulmate knew your darkest secret before your first date?
Chemical Souls is a story about love versus obsession, fantasy versus reality. How far will you go for love? For your soulmate? Will it ever be enough?
I don’t really even know what genre I’d classify this as, because while there was a contorted type of romance, it wasn’t a romance. It was dark, but not a horror.
I liked the psychological approach to Patrick and Margaret’s love story, but I found the writing style a bit chaotic. It was very dialogue-heavy, full of philosophical discussions and the characters jumping from question to question, from one moment to the next.
Thinking back, nothing really happens during the story. For how deep the conversations get and how twisted the story becomes, I expected to feel more involved, but the writing left me feeling detached.
I really wanted to enjoy this, and I appreciated the idea behind it, but in the end, this just isn’t my style.
Still, a well-written piece and an ending that leaves you discombobulated. And a very beautiful cover.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
God, she’s like an open flame, and I’m the moth that can’t stay away.
For fans of YOU, toxic obsessive love, character-driven plots, and ambiguous endings.
What if your soulmate knew your darkest secret before your first date?
Chemical Souls is a story about love versus obsession, fantasy versus reality. How far will you go for love? For your soulmate? Will it ever be enough?
Love—real love—had always seemed too ordinary, too mundane, too lacking in the raw hunger she craved in connection. But this? This was different.
I don’t really even know what genre I’d classify this as, because while there was a contorted type of romance, it wasn’t a romance. It was dark, but not a horror.
I liked the psychological approach to Patrick and Margaret’s love story, but I found the writing style a bit chaotic. It was very dialogue-heavy, full of philosophical discussions and the characters jumping from question to question, from one moment to the next.
Thinking back, nothing really happens during the story. For how deep the conversations get and how twisted the story becomes, I expected to feel more involved, but the writing left me feeling detached.
I really wanted to enjoy this, and I appreciated the idea behind it, but in the end, this just isn’t my style.
Still, a well-written piece and an ending that leaves you discombobulated. And a very beautiful cover.
“Whatever is done for love always occurs beyond good and evil.”
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
August 25, 2025
It's creepy, intimate, and strangely addictive. If you’re a fan of the TV show You and love stories that walk the line between romantic and terrifying, Chemical Souls is absolutely your next obsession.
I went into this expecting a dark romance, but this is not a love story — it's a psychological descent into obsession and vulnerability.
Overall ⭐️ 3.75
Mode: Kindle - ARC from BookSirens.
Trope
✅ Morally grey characters
✅ Unreliable narrator
✅ Soulmate match gone wrong
✅ Obsession disguised as love
✅ Cat-and-mouse dynamic
✅ Soul-deep connection with dark undertones
✅ Psychology-driven tension
📖 Storyline
Patrick is searching for a soulmate—desperate enough to try Chemical Souls, a company that uses cutting-edge tech and deep psychological profiling to make perfect matches. Margaret is his interviewer, cool and curious, with her own reasons for engaging. As their conversation unfolds, a quiet connection begins to form… but so does something much darker. Secrets linger beneath every word, and as their masks slip, obsession and confession intertwine. What begins as compatibility turns into a dangerously blurred line between love and manipulation.
🎭 Characters
Patrick is vulnerable and unsettling in equal measure—a man yearning for connection but wrapped in layers of denial and control. Margaret’s presence is calm but calculated, and watching their dynamic shift in real time is as fascinating as it is unnerving.
This is not a love story in the traditional sense. It’s a psychological character study masquerading as one.
✒️ Writing/Pacing
Roxana Rotaru’s writing is sharp and unsettling, with a slow-burn intensity that simmers beneath every line. It’s heavy on dialogue and internal reflection, but rarely dull. The beginning felt a bit disjointed for me, though that may be more about adjusting to the format than a flaw in the writing itself. The style isn’t my usual preference, but I can see it resonating with readers who enjoy introspective, psychologically driven storytelling.
What I Loved:
The unsettling intimacy between Patrick and Margaret had me hooked from the start. The tension builds with every word, and the way the story blurs the line between vulnerability and manipulation is brilliantly done.
What I Didn’t Love:
The story spends a lot of time inside Patrick’s head. I would have liked more backstory or emotional depth from Margaret and the other characters to help balance the intensity. It felt intentional, with the stripped-back setting designed to let the characters carry the full weight of the story and they did. It’s just not my favourite style of plot-driven writing, but that’s a personal preference and not a reflection on the author or the book
💭 Final Thoughts
This is not a light or romantic read, but it’s a compelling one. If you enjoy morally murky characters, psychological intimacy, and narratives that make you question whose side you're on, Chemical Souls will stick with you long after you turn the last page.
🖤 Who Would Love This:
💀 Fans of You, Verity, or anything with unsettling intimacy
💀 Readers who love psychologically layered, character-driven stories
💀 Anyone drawn to morally grey dynamics and unreliable narrators
💀 Those who enjoy tension built through dialogue and silence
💀 People who don’t mind a slow burn that gets under your skin
⚠️ Note to Readers:
This is not a romance, even though it explores emotional connection and intimacy. If you’re expecting a love story or HEA, this leans far more psychological and unsettling than romantic.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I went into this expecting a dark romance, but this is not a love story — it's a psychological descent into obsession and vulnerability.
Overall ⭐️ 3.75
Mode: Kindle - ARC from BookSirens.
Trope
✅ Morally grey characters
✅ Unreliable narrator
✅ Soulmate match gone wrong
✅ Obsession disguised as love
✅ Cat-and-mouse dynamic
✅ Soul-deep connection with dark undertones
✅ Psychology-driven tension
📖 Storyline
Patrick is searching for a soulmate—desperate enough to try Chemical Souls, a company that uses cutting-edge tech and deep psychological profiling to make perfect matches. Margaret is his interviewer, cool and curious, with her own reasons for engaging. As their conversation unfolds, a quiet connection begins to form… but so does something much darker. Secrets linger beneath every word, and as their masks slip, obsession and confession intertwine. What begins as compatibility turns into a dangerously blurred line between love and manipulation.
🎭 Characters
Patrick is vulnerable and unsettling in equal measure—a man yearning for connection but wrapped in layers of denial and control. Margaret’s presence is calm but calculated, and watching their dynamic shift in real time is as fascinating as it is unnerving.
This is not a love story in the traditional sense. It’s a psychological character study masquerading as one.
✒️ Writing/Pacing
Roxana Rotaru’s writing is sharp and unsettling, with a slow-burn intensity that simmers beneath every line. It’s heavy on dialogue and internal reflection, but rarely dull. The beginning felt a bit disjointed for me, though that may be more about adjusting to the format than a flaw in the writing itself. The style isn’t my usual preference, but I can see it resonating with readers who enjoy introspective, psychologically driven storytelling.
What I Loved:
The unsettling intimacy between Patrick and Margaret had me hooked from the start. The tension builds with every word, and the way the story blurs the line between vulnerability and manipulation is brilliantly done.
What I Didn’t Love:
The story spends a lot of time inside Patrick’s head. I would have liked more backstory or emotional depth from Margaret and the other characters to help balance the intensity. It felt intentional, with the stripped-back setting designed to let the characters carry the full weight of the story and they did. It’s just not my favourite style of plot-driven writing, but that’s a personal preference and not a reflection on the author or the book
💭 Final Thoughts
This is not a light or romantic read, but it’s a compelling one. If you enjoy morally murky characters, psychological intimacy, and narratives that make you question whose side you're on, Chemical Souls will stick with you long after you turn the last page.
🖤 Who Would Love This:
💀 Fans of You, Verity, or anything with unsettling intimacy
💀 Readers who love psychologically layered, character-driven stories
💀 Anyone drawn to morally grey dynamics and unreliable narrators
💀 Those who enjoy tension built through dialogue and silence
💀 People who don’t mind a slow burn that gets under your skin
⚠️ Note to Readers:
This is not a romance, even though it explores emotional connection and intimacy. If you’re expecting a love story or HEA, this leans far more psychological and unsettling than romantic.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
August 11, 2025
First of all: this cover?? Made me immediately request a copy and drop everything I was doing to read this. The characters wearing gas masks as a metaphor for the two of them being some of the most toxic people?? Especially in romantic relationships?? Iconic.
The first couple chapters had me HOOKED. What a way to set up the story. And it had me binging this book to see how things played out.
One of my biggest challenges though with this book was the frequent switching of POVs with no indication that the POV switched, so I had to go back and reread sections multiple times to figure out whose perspective it was.
But! With that said! There were so many times that I was like “oh this is how it ends - I know exactly what’s going to happen” and this book HUMBLED me with all the twists and for that I say thank you. Cause that’s the core of a great book - I don’t want to predict the ending. Loved it.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced e-arc copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.❤️
The first couple chapters had me HOOKED. What a way to set up the story. And it had me binging this book to see how things played out.
One of my biggest challenges though with this book was the frequent switching of POVs with no indication that the POV switched, so I had to go back and reread sections multiple times to figure out whose perspective it was.
But! With that said! There were so many times that I was like “oh this is how it ends - I know exactly what’s going to happen” and this book HUMBLED me with all the twists and for that I say thank you. Cause that’s the core of a great book - I don’t want to predict the ending. Loved it.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced e-arc copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.❤️
August 5, 2025
I was excited to read Roxana M. Rotaru's upcoming novel Chemical Souls after reading and enjoying her last book, The Man Who Feels Like Home. Chemical Souls, though, is a real departure from the cheery, chatty stories of The Man Who Feels Like Home. This time, Rotaru has turned her sharp, insightful observations about people and her complex characters to write a dark and twisted romance.
Patrick has signed up for Chemical Souls, a dating agency that promises to introduce him to his soulmate. He begins with his intake interview, trying his best to be honest while also keeping his actual dark past hidden. As he answers her questions, Margaret, the interviewer from Chemical Souls, seems to understand him, as well as he understands himself or maybe even better. She seems to know more about him that what he's not saying, but his real past is much darker than he can say.
Yes, Patrick does find his match, but it doesn't unfold as you might expect or you might guess. Actually, that's kind of the vibe for this entire dark romance. Yes, but not like you think. The narrative asks a question, and then unravels it in an surprising way. What flaws can we all overlook when we're in love? What would be a dealbreaker? What if the perfect person for you had done something dark and awful in their past, could you ignore it? What if that flawed, broken person understands your secrets? Or maybe that's a perfect match for someone with another dark past? And then... what might happen if these two people get together?
As the story unfolded, I just loved Margaret's single-minded focus, and how even when she did awful things, they made perfect sense to her, and therefore to the reader. It felt a bit like Caroline Kepnes' You series. Atmosphere and obsession, I mean, since the plots are wildly different, and there's much less blood in Rotaru's Chemical Souls. But there's a similar vibe of twisted love and dark, ruthless obsession.
We readers are also pulled into Patrick's romantic obsession(s). Again, his actions make perfect sense to him, and he thinks he's making the only possible choice. This is a dark story of double obsession, told with the same attention to character detail that made The Man Who Feels Like Home so readable.
It's hard to give a trigger warning without a spoiler, so I'll warn readers that there's stalking, obsession, and death in Chemical Souls, but it's not gory at all.
Patrick has signed up for Chemical Souls, a dating agency that promises to introduce him to his soulmate. He begins with his intake interview, trying his best to be honest while also keeping his actual dark past hidden. As he answers her questions, Margaret, the interviewer from Chemical Souls, seems to understand him, as well as he understands himself or maybe even better. She seems to know more about him that what he's not saying, but his real past is much darker than he can say.
Yes, Patrick does find his match, but it doesn't unfold as you might expect or you might guess. Actually, that's kind of the vibe for this entire dark romance. Yes, but not like you think. The narrative asks a question, and then unravels it in an surprising way. What flaws can we all overlook when we're in love? What would be a dealbreaker? What if the perfect person for you had done something dark and awful in their past, could you ignore it? What if that flawed, broken person understands your secrets? Or maybe that's a perfect match for someone with another dark past? And then... what might happen if these two people get together?
As the story unfolded, I just loved Margaret's single-minded focus, and how even when she did awful things, they made perfect sense to her, and therefore to the reader. It felt a bit like Caroline Kepnes' You series. Atmosphere and obsession, I mean, since the plots are wildly different, and there's much less blood in Rotaru's Chemical Souls. But there's a similar vibe of twisted love and dark, ruthless obsession.
We readers are also pulled into Patrick's romantic obsession(s). Again, his actions make perfect sense to him, and he thinks he's making the only possible choice. This is a dark story of double obsession, told with the same attention to character detail that made The Man Who Feels Like Home so readable.
It's hard to give a trigger warning without a spoiler, so I'll warn readers that there's stalking, obsession, and death in Chemical Souls, but it's not gory at all.
January 4, 2026
thank you to NetGalley for the advanced digital copy!
--
this book absolutely drew me in with the cover. that gas mask design? deranged, iconic, immediately gave "toxic dystopia" in the best way and i was sold before i even opened the first page.
the story itself is a fast, compulsive read. it's one of those character-driven, dialogue-heavy books where the tension simmers beneath every word. it's got before sunrise energy if you replaced the romance with psychological manipulation and the quiet of vienna with the eerie hum of an experimental tech company. patrick and margaret's dynamic is laced with obsession and vulnerability, and the whole premise - soulmate matching via deep psychological profiling - is as creepy as it is compelling.
i think the format works really well at first: the tight focus, the philosophical conversations, the slow unraveling of secrets. but the second half of the book didn't hit quite as hard for me. the emotional intensity loses a bit of steam, and the ending didn't feel as sharp as the setup promised. honestly, i think this story may have benefited from being longer. there were moments especially toward the end where i wanted more room for the characters to breathe, more backstory, more escalation, more teeth.
still, it's an intriguing debut, and rotaru's willingness to sit in the murky spaces of love, obsession, and identity is impressive. not a romance in the traditional sense, but if you like psychologically messy stories that play with intimacy and control, this one is worth a read.
--
this book absolutely drew me in with the cover. that gas mask design? deranged, iconic, immediately gave "toxic dystopia" in the best way and i was sold before i even opened the first page.
the story itself is a fast, compulsive read. it's one of those character-driven, dialogue-heavy books where the tension simmers beneath every word. it's got before sunrise energy if you replaced the romance with psychological manipulation and the quiet of vienna with the eerie hum of an experimental tech company. patrick and margaret's dynamic is laced with obsession and vulnerability, and the whole premise - soulmate matching via deep psychological profiling - is as creepy as it is compelling.
i think the format works really well at first: the tight focus, the philosophical conversations, the slow unraveling of secrets. but the second half of the book didn't hit quite as hard for me. the emotional intensity loses a bit of steam, and the ending didn't feel as sharp as the setup promised. honestly, i think this story may have benefited from being longer. there were moments especially toward the end where i wanted more room for the characters to breathe, more backstory, more escalation, more teeth.
still, it's an intriguing debut, and rotaru's willingness to sit in the murky spaces of love, obsession, and identity is impressive. not a romance in the traditional sense, but if you like psychologically messy stories that play with intimacy and control, this one is worth a read.
October 29, 2025
ARC review
Publication date 1 November 2025.
"Chemical Souls" by Roxana M. Rotaru is a dark, psychological story.
I received an e-ARC from the author (via Netgalley).
Opinions from this review are completely my own.
What you can expect:
- morally gray characters
- obsession
- unreliable narrator
- multiple perspectives and timelines (nonlinear storytelling)
- tension
The cover and description got my attention and convinced me to read this book.
Even if it is a short read, the characters and story are well developed.
I liked the writing from the start. There is a dark atmosphere and a psychological tension that kept me intrigued.
If Patrick's obsession was hinted from the description, the twist about Margaret was unexpected.
They have an unhealthy connection and the story turns darker as you keep reading.
This is a story different to what I usually read and it is not a romance.
Still, I read it in one sitting and I would read more books from the author.
Publication date 1 November 2025.
"Chemical Souls" by Roxana M. Rotaru is a dark, psychological story.
I received an e-ARC from the author (via Netgalley).
Opinions from this review are completely my own.
What you can expect:
- morally gray characters
- obsession
- unreliable narrator
- multiple perspectives and timelines (nonlinear storytelling)
- tension
The cover and description got my attention and convinced me to read this book.
Even if it is a short read, the characters and story are well developed.
I liked the writing from the start. There is a dark atmosphere and a psychological tension that kept me intrigued.
If Patrick's obsession was hinted from the description, the twist about Margaret was unexpected.
They have an unhealthy connection and the story turns darker as you keep reading.
This is a story different to what I usually read and it is not a romance.
Still, I read it in one sitting and I would read more books from the author.
August 6, 2025
ARC Review – ★★★★☆
Chemical Souls felt like a twisted Black Mirror episode collided with a haunting fairytale—in the best way possible. The atmosphere is dark, obsessive, and undeniably addictive.
The two main characters are absolutely vile (and that’s part of the charm); I couldn’t look away from their toxic dynamic. There’s a major twist that completely caught me off guard, and I loved it for that. I devoured this book in just three days, and it still hasn’t left my mind.
If you’re a fan of shows like You (on Netflix), this book will be right up your alley. It’s not overly gory, but it deals heavily with themes of death and intense stalking. Definitely one for readers who enjoy darker characters and psychological tension.
Thanks to the author and NetGalley for the ARC!
#ChemicalSouls #ARCReview #Thriller #PsychologicalThriller #DarkFiction #MorallyGray #IntenseReads #QuickReads #NetGalley #2025Books
Chemical Souls felt like a twisted Black Mirror episode collided with a haunting fairytale—in the best way possible. The atmosphere is dark, obsessive, and undeniably addictive.
The two main characters are absolutely vile (and that’s part of the charm); I couldn’t look away from their toxic dynamic. There’s a major twist that completely caught me off guard, and I loved it for that. I devoured this book in just three days, and it still hasn’t left my mind.
If you’re a fan of shows like You (on Netflix), this book will be right up your alley. It’s not overly gory, but it deals heavily with themes of death and intense stalking. Definitely one for readers who enjoy darker characters and psychological tension.
Thanks to the author and NetGalley for the ARC!
#ChemicalSouls #ARCReview #Thriller #PsychologicalThriller #DarkFiction #MorallyGray #IntenseReads #QuickReads #NetGalley #2025Books
November 14, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Roxana Rotaru for this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
I went in blind and holy shit. I don’t know what I just read, but I loved it. I did not expect a poetic, philosophical deep dive into love told through the lens of a psychotic couple. It explored what “good” and “bad” even mean in the context of love, what actually constitutes love or hope, what it means to settle, and what a soulmate is and the lengths you’ll go to find them. And then add some obsession into all of that. I don’t know what the hell that ending was, but I wish this had been like 200 pages longer.
At times it felt like a monologue straight from your own head. Like the stream of thoughts you’d have in the middle of a breakup spiral. The author described things so succinctly and sharply that it hit almost too close to home. It also made me laugh. The themes were serious, but often told in such an unhinged way or POV that you can’t help but cackle while simultaneously question your own life choices/thoughts and think wait… am I just as bad because I agree?
“You’re just happy living your life knowing you ruined mine?”
“You are not my soulmate, so why the fuck are you taking up so much space in my brain?”
“…I think what I fear most isn't loss itself, but the emptiness that follows. The space where something once lived, but now only echoes. I fear meaning slipping through my fingers. I fear becoming a spectator to my own life. Watching the things I love turn to shadows."
I went in blind and holy shit. I don’t know what I just read, but I loved it. I did not expect a poetic, philosophical deep dive into love told through the lens of a psychotic couple. It explored what “good” and “bad” even mean in the context of love, what actually constitutes love or hope, what it means to settle, and what a soulmate is and the lengths you’ll go to find them. And then add some obsession into all of that. I don’t know what the hell that ending was, but I wish this had been like 200 pages longer.
At times it felt like a monologue straight from your own head. Like the stream of thoughts you’d have in the middle of a breakup spiral. The author described things so succinctly and sharply that it hit almost too close to home. It also made me laugh. The themes were serious, but often told in such an unhinged way or POV that you can’t help but cackle while simultaneously question your own life choices/thoughts and think wait… am I just as bad because I agree?
“You’re just happy living your life knowing you ruined mine?”
“You are not my soulmate, so why the fuck are you taking up so much space in my brain?”
“…I think what I fear most isn't loss itself, but the emptiness that follows. The space where something once lived, but now only echoes. I fear meaning slipping through my fingers. I fear becoming a spectator to my own life. Watching the things I love turn to shadows."
August 2, 2025
Based on the blurb I knew it would be entirely my sort of thing but I wasn’t fully sure what to expect.
The use of description was excellent and at times extremely vivid and immersive. There are periods that Margaret and Patrick are talking that I felt like I was in the room.
I didn’t care all that much about Patrick solely because the author made Margaret so perfect. She was magnetic and I wish I could have seen more of the story through her eyes.
My only issue with this book is I will have to read it again as I completely misunderstood the first couple of chapters.
The use of description was excellent and at times extremely vivid and immersive. There are periods that Margaret and Patrick are talking that I felt like I was in the room.
I didn’t care all that much about Patrick solely because the author made Margaret so perfect. She was magnetic and I wish I could have seen more of the story through her eyes.
My only issue with this book is I will have to read it again as I completely misunderstood the first couple of chapters.
November 11, 2025
3.75/5 maybe 4/5 - I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, and thoughts/opinions are given voluntarily.
•morally grey/black characters
•unsettling intimacy
•stalker-ish tendencies
•soulmate gone wrong
•controlling/obsessive love
•cat and mouse dynamic
Patrick wants to find HIS love, and he’ll resort to anything to do it, it seems. We spend a lot of time in his head and it was incredible unsettling. Extreme amounts of dialogue between the characters that wasn’t boring, but also didn’t push the story forward like I wanted it to every time. NOT a HEA, or a romance. More psychological suspense/dark-ish romance.
•morally grey/black characters
•unsettling intimacy
•stalker-ish tendencies
•soulmate gone wrong
•controlling/obsessive love
•cat and mouse dynamic
Patrick wants to find HIS love, and he’ll resort to anything to do it, it seems. We spend a lot of time in his head and it was incredible unsettling. Extreme amounts of dialogue between the characters that wasn’t boring, but also didn’t push the story forward like I wanted it to every time. NOT a HEA, or a romance. More psychological suspense/dark-ish romance.
November 21, 2025
Chemical Souls is a short but gripping read that takes the stalker trope in a fresh and unexpected direction. I have been wanting a story that explored the question, “What happens if the stalker gets bored?” and this book absolutely delivered.
The story follows Patrick Carline, a man who signs up for a soulmate matching service that claims to find perfect partners through a chemical DNA process. During his intake interview, he meets Margaret Warren, the woman evaluating him, and there is an immediate spark between them. What begins as a seemingly ordinary matchmaking process quickly becomes something much darker and far more tangled.
The connection between Patrick and Margaret is intense, magnetic and unsettling. As the layers of their personalities and pasts start to peel back, the line between passion and danger becomes almost impossible to separate. The book thrives on its psychological tension, keeping you on edge while also exploring the thrill of connection and the fragility of excitement in a relationship built on extremes.
Roxana M. Rotaru delivers a fast paced, darkly fascinating romance that is both twisted and thought provoking. It is the kind of story that keeps you reading just to see how far the characters will go for love and what happens when the thrill begins to fade.
The story follows Patrick Carline, a man who signs up for a soulmate matching service that claims to find perfect partners through a chemical DNA process. During his intake interview, he meets Margaret Warren, the woman evaluating him, and there is an immediate spark between them. What begins as a seemingly ordinary matchmaking process quickly becomes something much darker and far more tangled.
The connection between Patrick and Margaret is intense, magnetic and unsettling. As the layers of their personalities and pasts start to peel back, the line between passion and danger becomes almost impossible to separate. The book thrives on its psychological tension, keeping you on edge while also exploring the thrill of connection and the fragility of excitement in a relationship built on extremes.
Roxana M. Rotaru delivers a fast paced, darkly fascinating romance that is both twisted and thought provoking. It is the kind of story that keeps you reading just to see how far the characters will go for love and what happens when the thrill begins to fade.
September 4, 2025
Arc review!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars)
Chilling, Romantic, and Impossible to Put Down
This book had me hooked from the very first question—literally. The premise of using technology to find your soulmate feels so modern and believable, but what really gripped me was the emotional depth underneath. Patrick and Margaret’s connection begins as something hopeful and sweet, but quickly turns into a haunting exploration of secrets, vulnerability, and what it truly means to be “known.”
The writing is sharp and thought-provoking, blending romance with psychological tension. I loved the way the story played with the fear of being alone versus the fear of being seen for who you really are. The “interview” scenes kept me on edge, and the subtle unraveling of the dark truth beneath the surface was executed beautifully.
Patrick and Margaret felt so real in their brokenness, and their chemistry made me root for them even as I feared what would happen next. This isn’t your typical love story—it’s raw, unsettling at times, and brilliantly layered.
If you enjoy dark romance with a psychological twist, or stories that make you question love, trust, and technology, this one is a must-read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars)
Chilling, Romantic, and Impossible to Put Down
This book had me hooked from the very first question—literally. The premise of using technology to find your soulmate feels so modern and believable, but what really gripped me was the emotional depth underneath. Patrick and Margaret’s connection begins as something hopeful and sweet, but quickly turns into a haunting exploration of secrets, vulnerability, and what it truly means to be “known.”
The writing is sharp and thought-provoking, blending romance with psychological tension. I loved the way the story played with the fear of being alone versus the fear of being seen for who you really are. The “interview” scenes kept me on edge, and the subtle unraveling of the dark truth beneath the surface was executed beautifully.
Patrick and Margaret felt so real in their brokenness, and their chemistry made me root for them even as I feared what would happen next. This isn’t your typical love story—it’s raw, unsettling at times, and brilliantly layered.
If you enjoy dark romance with a psychological twist, or stories that make you question love, trust, and technology, this one is a must-read.
August 21, 2025
✨Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. ✨
Chemical Souls is a dark, twisty story that blends mystery, psychology, and suspense in a way that kept me turning the pages. Roxana M. Rotaru creates an atmosphere that’s both unsettling and captivating, with complex characters and a plot that slowly tightens like a vice.
I loved the tension and the layered writing style—it made the story feel immersive and thought-provoking. A few moments felt slightly drawn out, but overall, this was an engaging and impactful read that I would definitely recommend to fans of dark psychological thrillers.
If you love:
⭐️Cat and Mouse dynamic
⭐️Toxic Love
⭐️Love obsession
⭐️Touch him/touch her and die
⭐️Soulmate match but with a twist
This is the book for you.
Patrick and Margaret are both crazy… and I loved it!!
Chemical Souls is a dark, twisty story that blends mystery, psychology, and suspense in a way that kept me turning the pages. Roxana M. Rotaru creates an atmosphere that’s both unsettling and captivating, with complex characters and a plot that slowly tightens like a vice.
I loved the tension and the layered writing style—it made the story feel immersive and thought-provoking. A few moments felt slightly drawn out, but overall, this was an engaging and impactful read that I would definitely recommend to fans of dark psychological thrillers.
If you love:
⭐️Cat and Mouse dynamic
⭐️Toxic Love
⭐️Love obsession
⭐️Touch him/touch her and die
⭐️Soulmate match but with a twist
This is the book for you.
Patrick and Margaret are both crazy… and I loved it!!
October 29, 2025
Whew! What a dark and twisted short story about two people who met in an unconventional way. One searching for the one, and one who played all the cards well since the beginning. To say that I was surprised is an understatement. The story was intriguing on so many levels and the way it was written was edgy. It had that eerie undertone that kept me flipping pages, wondering what would happen next and who was truly in control. The psychological tension between the characters was palpable, and the alternating perspectives added layers to the mystery. It’s the kind of story that makes you question motives, trust, and the very idea of love.
Liked:
❥ Dark and mysterious characters; both leads had secrets and shadows that made them compelling to follow.
❥ Fast paced; the plot moved quickly, keeping me engaged from start to finish without unnecessary filler.
❥ Alternating first person narratives; I loved getting into both characters’ heads, seeing how their thoughts clashed and aligned in unexpected ways.
What fell short:
❥ The story could have been explored deeper so I could have gotten to know the characters more. I wanted more backstory, more emotional depth, especially with how intense their connection was.
❥ Insta love is a trope I get a hard time liking as it felt rushed, and I struggled to believe the intensity without more build-up.
❥ Chemical Soul idea did not work for me; while unique, it didn’t quite land emotionally or conceptually. I wanted more clarity or grounding to make it feel real.
Ratings Breakdown:
❥ Setting - 3⭐️
❥ Character Building - 4⭐️
❥ Writing Style - 3⭐️
❥ Message - 3⭐️
❥ Overall - 3⭐️
In summary, if you are after a dark and twisted story with morally grey characters who perfectly fit each other, then this one is for you. It has the element of surprise and a plot twist that’s promising and engaging. Just be ready for a whirlwind romance and a concept that might challenge your expectations.
Thank you Netgalley and author Roxana M. Rotaru for the advance copy. My views are my own, as always.
~JaNnA~
Liked:
❥ Dark and mysterious characters; both leads had secrets and shadows that made them compelling to follow.
❥ Fast paced; the plot moved quickly, keeping me engaged from start to finish without unnecessary filler.
❥ Alternating first person narratives; I loved getting into both characters’ heads, seeing how their thoughts clashed and aligned in unexpected ways.
What fell short:
❥ The story could have been explored deeper so I could have gotten to know the characters more. I wanted more backstory, more emotional depth, especially with how intense their connection was.
❥ Insta love is a trope I get a hard time liking as it felt rushed, and I struggled to believe the intensity without more build-up.
❥ Chemical Soul idea did not work for me; while unique, it didn’t quite land emotionally or conceptually. I wanted more clarity or grounding to make it feel real.
Ratings Breakdown:
❥ Setting - 3⭐️
❥ Character Building - 4⭐️
❥ Writing Style - 3⭐️
❥ Message - 3⭐️
❥ Overall - 3⭐️
In summary, if you are after a dark and twisted story with morally grey characters who perfectly fit each other, then this one is for you. It has the element of surprise and a plot twist that’s promising and engaging. Just be ready for a whirlwind romance and a concept that might challenge your expectations.
Thank you Netgalley and author Roxana M. Rotaru for the advance copy. My views are my own, as always.
~JaNnA~
September 24, 2025
It was easy to follow the timeline even though the story wasn’t told in chronological order. I loved how the beginning of the story was told through an interview between the 2 main characters.
I was drawn to it due to it being labeled as a psychological romance but it didn’t feel like romance or at least not like the type of romance I’m personally into. Instead of love it was obsession. It was way too morbid for my liking. Some parts were predictable.
I didn’t enjoy the writing style especially with dialogue being on nearly every page. It made the story more tell than show.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was drawn to it due to it being labeled as a psychological romance but it didn’t feel like romance or at least not like the type of romance I’m personally into. Instead of love it was obsession. It was way too morbid for my liking. Some parts were predictable.
I didn’t enjoy the writing style especially with dialogue being on nearly every page. It made the story more tell than show.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 27, 2025
Can two broken people save each other—or will they destroy each other? 👀
I first spotted this book while browsing Book Sirens, and the premise immediately hooked me. Then I stumbled across it again on Bookstagram—and wow, am I glad I picked it up. This story was beyond impressive.
Patrick and Margaret’s connection is equal parts raw, unsettling, and magnetic. The way technology, secrets, and soulmates intertwine felt chillingly believable, and I couldn’t look away. The tension of not knowing if love could survive their darkest truths kept me turning the pages late into the night.
The writing was sharp, emotional, and thought-provoking—exactly the kind of read that lingers. This is more than just a love story; it’s about vulnerability, fear, and the haunting risk of being truly known.
I first spotted this book while browsing Book Sirens, and the premise immediately hooked me. Then I stumbled across it again on Bookstagram—and wow, am I glad I picked it up. This story was beyond impressive.
Patrick and Margaret’s connection is equal parts raw, unsettling, and magnetic. The way technology, secrets, and soulmates intertwine felt chillingly believable, and I couldn’t look away. The tension of not knowing if love could survive their darkest truths kept me turning the pages late into the night.
The writing was sharp, emotional, and thought-provoking—exactly the kind of read that lingers. This is more than just a love story; it’s about vulnerability, fear, and the haunting risk of being truly known.
August 12, 2025
This book is a little chaotic and hard to keep up with at times. But I think youre supposed to feel that way. Such an interesting idea and unique read. Really enjoyed the journey!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 22, 2025
Recommend if you're a fan of YOU because this is given Joe and Love in another universe. This is a fast-paced, moderately quick read that's character-driven.
Morally grey characters
Unreliable narrator
Soulmate match
Obsession disguised as love
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily
Morally grey characters
Unreliable narrator
Soulmate match
Obsession disguised as love
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily
August 6, 2025
The cover caught my eye on NetGalley and the blurb reeled me in further.
Unfortunately, I had a hard time staying within the book. I couldn’t find a graceful flow with the characters, their dialogue or the storyline.
I really wish I could’ve enjoyed this more as it had sounded promising.
Unfortunately, I had a hard time staying within the book. I couldn’t find a graceful flow with the characters, their dialogue or the storyline.
I really wish I could’ve enjoyed this more as it had sounded promising.
July 28, 2025
This story is so very messed up. An ornate writting style which makes what happens seem not as bad but it absolutely is. It was a good story and read for those who enjoy characters with psychosis.
January 4, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley and the author for the ARC copy of Chemical Souls. This has not affected my review at all, which are my own thoughts.
Some people fear darkness, or being alone, while others fear being known at all no matter how much they yearn for it. Like Patrick, who, after exhausting every other possible way, he tries to find his romantic soulmate through Chemical Souls, a company using the latest in advanced technology to match people to their perfect soul mates. There, he meets Margaret Warren, behind a desk and with too many personal questions at the tip of her tongue. After such questions, neither wants the interview to end, for it would mean the end of their meetings. They long for each other, yet obscure secrets are yet to be revealed, and they could only separate them. Or unite them more, as scary as that might be.
I have mixed feelings about this one. On one hand, for once, I'm not going to complaint about the romance. Patrick and Margaret's relationship was well developed, occupying the pages and with an electric chemistry that made me believed these two were deeply in love. We see them interact for most of the novel, expending time together and getting to know each other profoundly, something that I consider is lacking in other books that just try to convince us that two (or more) characters are in love with each other, so, that's a point in favor of "Chemical Souls". Unfortunately, the rest of the novel was what I didn't like so much😅
How the novel never went beyond the characters bubble, so we don't know much about the world they inhabit except the details that served a purpose to their story. Or the confusing start that took a bit too much to tie with the main plot and, by then, it seem a bit forced for me; if we had known the name of the character involved much sooner, I might not be so salty about it. But, mainly, my issue with the book is the narration and how the obscure secrets about Patrick and Margaret got revealed to the audience ('cause they later talked with one another, so this was for us).
Like, it was in the middle of a chapter, like nothing, as if they were describing the weather. In fact, on was introduced as the character remembering after seeing something, and the other as an email the character had written to themselves. Like, it was so unexpected and devoid of emotion, that it didn't impact as much as the author intended. For me, at least, but I'm sure that for others, too. Because, while it made sense for the characters and how they have been presenting themselves so far, it was quite jarring to have those facts be laid out like that for us. I'm sure there was a more organic way of integrating them in the narrative.
All in all, this was entertaining, but quite forgettable. In the end, while featuring realistic characters with a twisted romance and a promising story, it didn't strike me as remarkable, for it didn't do anything that kept me glue to the pages or impactful. For those that are looking for a short read with a twisted romance and unreliable narrators, this is it.
Some people fear darkness, or being alone, while others fear being known at all no matter how much they yearn for it. Like Patrick, who, after exhausting every other possible way, he tries to find his romantic soulmate through Chemical Souls, a company using the latest in advanced technology to match people to their perfect soul mates. There, he meets Margaret Warren, behind a desk and with too many personal questions at the tip of her tongue. After such questions, neither wants the interview to end, for it would mean the end of their meetings. They long for each other, yet obscure secrets are yet to be revealed, and they could only separate them. Or unite them more, as scary as that might be.
I have mixed feelings about this one. On one hand, for once, I'm not going to complaint about the romance. Patrick and Margaret's relationship was well developed, occupying the pages and with an electric chemistry that made me believed these two were deeply in love. We see them interact for most of the novel, expending time together and getting to know each other profoundly, something that I consider is lacking in other books that just try to convince us that two (or more) characters are in love with each other, so, that's a point in favor of "Chemical Souls". Unfortunately, the rest of the novel was what I didn't like so much😅
How the novel never went beyond the characters bubble, so we don't know much about the world they inhabit except the details that served a purpose to their story. Or the confusing start that took a bit too much to tie with the main plot and, by then, it seem a bit forced for me; if we had known the name of the character involved much sooner, I might not be so salty about it. But, mainly, my issue with the book is the narration and how the obscure secrets about Patrick and Margaret got revealed to the audience ('cause they later talked with one another, so this was for us).
Like, it was in the middle of a chapter, like nothing, as if they were describing the weather. In fact, on was introduced as the character remembering after seeing something, and the other as an email the character had written to themselves. Like, it was so unexpected and devoid of emotion, that it didn't impact as much as the author intended. For me, at least, but I'm sure that for others, too. Because, while it made sense for the characters and how they have been presenting themselves so far, it was quite jarring to have those facts be laid out like that for us. I'm sure there was a more organic way of integrating them in the narrative.
All in all, this was entertaining, but quite forgettable. In the end, while featuring realistic characters with a twisted romance and a promising story, it didn't strike me as remarkable, for it didn't do anything that kept me glue to the pages or impactful. For those that are looking for a short read with a twisted romance and unreliable narrators, this is it.
February 8, 2026
Everyone has their soulmate, right?
Chemical Souls explores this concept to an extreme. It is presented in a way that is strange, dark, and twisted (and not necessarily in a good way). There were moments that I was left scratching my head, wondering what the hell I was reading, but I also could actually put the book down. I wanted to see what made these strange and unusual characters tick, and I wanted to see what secrets they were keeping as the story progressed.
The story itself follows two characters, Patrick and Margaret, as they explore the true meaning of love, passion, and what it means to be perfect for your mate. How many times has the question "What wouldn't you do for love?" been posed? It's a classic trope that is explored in these pages. Their love for each other has a darkness to it that kind of comes out of left field. At first, they seem perfectly normal, but it quickly becomes apparent that they are far from it. The more the story goes on, the stranger it becomes, stranger to the point that it's hard to believe.
The hardest part of this story for me wasn't the plotline (which at times was so darn weird and random) though; it was the alternating perceptions that seemed to come mid-page at times. It's one thing to have it be separate chapters, but to have these perspectives switching in the middle of the page with no indication of the change made it hard to follow at times. While this was an intriguing take to write a story, it took a while to get used to and made me rereading parts of the pages to make sure I was following the thread of thoughts correctly.
Roxana has an interesting story here, but I was left feeling disappointed and a little underwhelmed by the story overall.
Thank you NetGalley and Roxana Rotaru for giving me an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Chemical Souls explores this concept to an extreme. It is presented in a way that is strange, dark, and twisted (and not necessarily in a good way). There were moments that I was left scratching my head, wondering what the hell I was reading, but I also could actually put the book down. I wanted to see what made these strange and unusual characters tick, and I wanted to see what secrets they were keeping as the story progressed.
The story itself follows two characters, Patrick and Margaret, as they explore the true meaning of love, passion, and what it means to be perfect for your mate. How many times has the question "What wouldn't you do for love?" been posed? It's a classic trope that is explored in these pages. Their love for each other has a darkness to it that kind of comes out of left field. At first, they seem perfectly normal, but it quickly becomes apparent that they are far from it. The more the story goes on, the stranger it becomes, stranger to the point that it's hard to believe.
The hardest part of this story for me wasn't the plotline (which at times was so darn weird and random) though; it was the alternating perceptions that seemed to come mid-page at times. It's one thing to have it be separate chapters, but to have these perspectives switching in the middle of the page with no indication of the change made it hard to follow at times. While this was an intriguing take to write a story, it took a while to get used to and made me rereading parts of the pages to make sure I was following the thread of thoughts correctly.
Roxana has an interesting story here, but I was left feeling disappointed and a little underwhelmed by the story overall.
Thank you NetGalley and Roxana Rotaru for giving me an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 9, 2025
ARC review, thanks to everyone who created this book and made it possible for me to read it.
Expected 1 Nov. 2025
The cover is spectacular.
It wasn't easy for me to get into the story and I found it hard to stick with it at first. But the premise is interesting and my curiosity was certainly sparked after the first few chapters.
The writing style itself is very beautiful and made reading much easier. The sentences seem well thought out, the concepts and different points of focus are interesting and often very aptly embedded. Sentence by sentence or paragraph by paragraph, there is a lot to think about. Nevertheless, it is difficult to recognise a continuous narrative flow, as the plot often seems bumpy and somewhat scattered.
Character development is definitely part of the story and also takes up a lot of space. However, the characters weren't really tangible or comprehensible for me. A lot of things seemed to be hinted at rather than clearly worked out, so I found it difficult to sympathise with the characters.
I found it easier to read after the first few chapters, mainly because of the small stories within the story and the writing style. The themes revolve around human experiences, the discrepancy between expectations and reality, and how one shapes and deals with one's own perceptions.
Some twists I saw coming, others surprised me, which gave the story some good moments. The ending picks up on a lot of interesting thoughts and discussion points, but ultimately doesn't offer a satisfying conclusion for me personally, but again has a few loose threads that are thought-provoking.
Overall, a book with lots of exciting ideas and some good moments, but I was more captivated by the sentences than the overall story.
Expected 1 Nov. 2025
The cover is spectacular.
It wasn't easy for me to get into the story and I found it hard to stick with it at first. But the premise is interesting and my curiosity was certainly sparked after the first few chapters.
The writing style itself is very beautiful and made reading much easier. The sentences seem well thought out, the concepts and different points of focus are interesting and often very aptly embedded. Sentence by sentence or paragraph by paragraph, there is a lot to think about. Nevertheless, it is difficult to recognise a continuous narrative flow, as the plot often seems bumpy and somewhat scattered.
Character development is definitely part of the story and also takes up a lot of space. However, the characters weren't really tangible or comprehensible for me. A lot of things seemed to be hinted at rather than clearly worked out, so I found it difficult to sympathise with the characters.
I found it easier to read after the first few chapters, mainly because of the small stories within the story and the writing style. The themes revolve around human experiences, the discrepancy between expectations and reality, and how one shapes and deals with one's own perceptions.
Some twists I saw coming, others surprised me, which gave the story some good moments. The ending picks up on a lot of interesting thoughts and discussion points, but ultimately doesn't offer a satisfying conclusion for me personally, but again has a few loose threads that are thought-provoking.
Overall, a book with lots of exciting ideas and some good moments, but I was more captivated by the sentences than the overall story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2025
Thank you, NetGalley, and Roxanne Rotaru for an advance readers copy in exchange for an honest review!
How far would you go to find the love of your life? Chemical Souls will have you in your feels, wondering if you’ve ever been in love before.
Patrick has spent years searching for his soulmate, doing everything he can to find “the one”, but love always seems just out of reach. Desperate to find a real connection, Patrick turns to Chemical Souls, a cutting-edge dating company that promises to match people using their advanced technology. There, he meets Margaret, his interviewer. As her questions dig deeper into who Patrick truly is, an undeniable spark forms between them, one that neither of them can ignore. But, as their connection intensifies beyond the bounds of a professional relationship, passion begins to twist into obsession… and their pursuit of love threatens to destroy both of them.
I really enjoyed the dynamic between both Patrick and Margaret. They’re the definition of ride or die for each other. The MMC actually reminded me a lot of Joe from You, which made me like him even more. Patrick throws himself completely into his relationships just like Joe does, and once you’re inside his head, you can really see the similarities in the way they think. Margaret, on the other hand, has that same intense energy as Love from You, which makes their connection even more compelling.
The questions that Maraget asks during the interview really make you stop and think about how you’d respond in her place. I also appreciated the pacing of the story; the author keeps things moving without dragging scenes out or adding unnecessary filler. The story does jump around a bit, so you need to pay attention to whose perspective you’re reading. The story is unpredictable, vivid, and immersive, which makes you feel like you’re right there alongside the characters. The tension between Patrick and Margaret is palpable, and you can feel it in the interactions!
Overall, I really liked this book. It’s an easy, short read and one that I’d recommend! 4/5 stars!
How far would you go to find the love of your life? Chemical Souls will have you in your feels, wondering if you’ve ever been in love before.
Patrick has spent years searching for his soulmate, doing everything he can to find “the one”, but love always seems just out of reach. Desperate to find a real connection, Patrick turns to Chemical Souls, a cutting-edge dating company that promises to match people using their advanced technology. There, he meets Margaret, his interviewer. As her questions dig deeper into who Patrick truly is, an undeniable spark forms between them, one that neither of them can ignore. But, as their connection intensifies beyond the bounds of a professional relationship, passion begins to twist into obsession… and their pursuit of love threatens to destroy both of them.
I really enjoyed the dynamic between both Patrick and Margaret. They’re the definition of ride or die for each other. The MMC actually reminded me a lot of Joe from You, which made me like him even more. Patrick throws himself completely into his relationships just like Joe does, and once you’re inside his head, you can really see the similarities in the way they think. Margaret, on the other hand, has that same intense energy as Love from You, which makes their connection even more compelling.
The questions that Maraget asks during the interview really make you stop and think about how you’d respond in her place. I also appreciated the pacing of the story; the author keeps things moving without dragging scenes out or adding unnecessary filler. The story does jump around a bit, so you need to pay attention to whose perspective you’re reading. The story is unpredictable, vivid, and immersive, which makes you feel like you’re right there alongside the characters. The tension between Patrick and Margaret is palpable, and you can feel it in the interactions!
Overall, I really liked this book. It’s an easy, short read and one that I’d recommend! 4/5 stars!
August 14, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
“Is love a choice or a force beyond our control?”
Starting this book, I was not expecting a less than 200 page poem about the philosophies of soulmates and is there a line to what you would do for your soulmate, good or evil.
Patrick is looking for a soulmate and finds himself at Chemical Souls, a company that helps you find your soulmate. There he meets, Margaret, and instead of feeling hopeful of finding a soulmate, he already feels like he has in Margaret.
The way that these two test the theories of different philosophers and what they thought of soulmate and just the way they talk to each other, its a deeper level of understanding the person you want to spend your life with. There is also obsession mixed into this. Patrick and Margaret are so obsessed with one another in this book. When I say it felt like I was reading a poem the whole, it’s bc of the way these two talked to each other, like they were trying to find the meaning of being with one another.
Patrick is intense and very matter of fact on what he wants: love, real true love. His feeling, you can feel them bc of the way they are described in this book. It felt like the whole book was hopeful was melancholic in the undertones. It made me feel both. I wanted Patrick to find his soulmate bc it felt unbearable to him to not have someone understand him on that level, to truly want him in all his facets. And Margaret was the same but it more acceptance instead of understanding. She wanted someone to accept her the way that she was.
Tropes:
🧪Dark romance
🔪Psychological suspense
🧪Obsession
🔪Trauma
🧪Dangerous love
🔪Twisted characters with secrets
“Is love a choice or a force beyond our control?”
Starting this book, I was not expecting a less than 200 page poem about the philosophies of soulmates and is there a line to what you would do for your soulmate, good or evil.
Patrick is looking for a soulmate and finds himself at Chemical Souls, a company that helps you find your soulmate. There he meets, Margaret, and instead of feeling hopeful of finding a soulmate, he already feels like he has in Margaret.
The way that these two test the theories of different philosophers and what they thought of soulmate and just the way they talk to each other, its a deeper level of understanding the person you want to spend your life with. There is also obsession mixed into this. Patrick and Margaret are so obsessed with one another in this book. When I say it felt like I was reading a poem the whole, it’s bc of the way these two talked to each other, like they were trying to find the meaning of being with one another.
Patrick is intense and very matter of fact on what he wants: love, real true love. His feeling, you can feel them bc of the way they are described in this book. It felt like the whole book was hopeful was melancholic in the undertones. It made me feel both. I wanted Patrick to find his soulmate bc it felt unbearable to him to not have someone understand him on that level, to truly want him in all his facets. And Margaret was the same but it more acceptance instead of understanding. She wanted someone to accept her the way that she was.
Tropes:
🧪Dark romance
🔪Psychological suspense
🧪Obsession
🔪Trauma
🧪Dangerous love
🔪Twisted characters with secrets
October 7, 2025
Can two broken people save each other, or will they destroy one another?
What if your soulmate knew your darkest secret before your first date?
Some people fear being alone. Others fear being known. Patrick thinks he’s tried everything to find love, until he discovers Chemical Souls, a company promising perfect matches through cutting-edge technology. When he meets Margaret Warner for his intake interview, he’s instantly drawn in. She seems to see straight through him… maybe even into the parts he keeps buried. By the time the questions end, Patrick doesn’t want to leave and neither does Margaret. But when their connection exposes the darkness beneath the surface, both will have to decide: is this love, or something far more dangerous?
Roxana M. Rotaru’s Chemical Souls is a striking departure from the warmth of The Man Who Feels Like Home. Here, Rotaru trades comfort for unease, crafting a dark, hypnotic exploration of love, guilt, and obsession. Patrick’s and Margaret’s connection is equal parts magnetic and unsettling, a psychological dance that asks: how much darkness can love forgive? What if the person who understands your worst secrets is just as broken as you are?
Rotaru’s writing hums with tension. Margaret’s chilling logic and Patrick’s spiraling fixation call to mind the obsessive energy of Caroline Kepnes’ You, though Chemical Souls favors quiet menace over gore. Every choice feels inevitable, every boundary dangerously thin. Trigger warnings for stalking, obsession, and death, but nothing gratuitous. Chemical Souls is dark romantic fiction at its most intimate and haunting, a love story that stares straight into the abyss and dares you to keep looking.
What if your soulmate knew your darkest secret before your first date?
Some people fear being alone. Others fear being known. Patrick thinks he’s tried everything to find love, until he discovers Chemical Souls, a company promising perfect matches through cutting-edge technology. When he meets Margaret Warner for his intake interview, he’s instantly drawn in. She seems to see straight through him… maybe even into the parts he keeps buried. By the time the questions end, Patrick doesn’t want to leave and neither does Margaret. But when their connection exposes the darkness beneath the surface, both will have to decide: is this love, or something far more dangerous?
Roxana M. Rotaru’s Chemical Souls is a striking departure from the warmth of The Man Who Feels Like Home. Here, Rotaru trades comfort for unease, crafting a dark, hypnotic exploration of love, guilt, and obsession. Patrick’s and Margaret’s connection is equal parts magnetic and unsettling, a psychological dance that asks: how much darkness can love forgive? What if the person who understands your worst secrets is just as broken as you are?
Rotaru’s writing hums with tension. Margaret’s chilling logic and Patrick’s spiraling fixation call to mind the obsessive energy of Caroline Kepnes’ You, though Chemical Souls favors quiet menace over gore. Every choice feels inevitable, every boundary dangerously thin. Trigger warnings for stalking, obsession, and death, but nothing gratuitous. Chemical Souls is dark romantic fiction at its most intimate and haunting, a love story that stares straight into the abyss and dares you to keep looking.
January 5, 2026
3.5/5⭐️ and 0/5🌶��
Okay, so I went into this book 100% blind and I’m not completely mad about it.
What drew me in was this gorgeous cover. And the symbolism of it resonates with me very deeply after reading the book.
With that, if you are a lover of the “You” show on Netflix, this book is for YOU. Immediately add it to your TBR.
I enjoyed Chemical Souls. Since I went in blind I wasn’t really knowing what to expect and was hoping to scratch an itch of something different for my reading palette; I’m happy to say it did just that…
Yes there is a but.
BUT… This book was a little harder to power through than I anticipated, especially with it only being a little over 200 pages. I thoroughly enjoyed the plot of this book. The toxic relationship between, let’s face it, two psychopaths, was very well thought out and kept me as a reader guessing what happens next but getting it hopelessly wrong each time. What really threw me off, and made it harder for me to digest, was the constant POV changes. The writing style was also a combination between first and third person. I found this unique but also slightly confusing especially use of first person… when the MCs were written in third.
I’m sure this was meant to be impactful and provide an edge to the story but, for me, it fell flat and was just confusing.
Overall, I did enjoy the book. It was psychologically thrilling and refreshing. I’ve never read anything quite like it before. If you’ve read Pretty Monster by Sheridan Anne, I feel like you’d enjoy this. It is not as complex and has NO spice, but gives similar twisted themes.
Okay, so I went into this book 100% blind and I’m not completely mad about it.
What drew me in was this gorgeous cover. And the symbolism of it resonates with me very deeply after reading the book.
With that, if you are a lover of the “You” show on Netflix, this book is for YOU. Immediately add it to your TBR.
I enjoyed Chemical Souls. Since I went in blind I wasn’t really knowing what to expect and was hoping to scratch an itch of something different for my reading palette; I’m happy to say it did just that…
Yes there is a but.
BUT… This book was a little harder to power through than I anticipated, especially with it only being a little over 200 pages. I thoroughly enjoyed the plot of this book. The toxic relationship between, let’s face it, two psychopaths, was very well thought out and kept me as a reader guessing what happens next but getting it hopelessly wrong each time. What really threw me off, and made it harder for me to digest, was the constant POV changes. The writing style was also a combination between first and third person. I found this unique but also slightly confusing especially use of first person… when the MCs were written in third.
I’m sure this was meant to be impactful and provide an edge to the story but, for me, it fell flat and was just confusing.
Overall, I did enjoy the book. It was psychologically thrilling and refreshing. I’ve never read anything quite like it before. If you’ve read Pretty Monster by Sheridan Anne, I feel like you’d enjoy this. It is not as complex and has NO spice, but gives similar twisted themes.
January 31, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Roxana M. Rotaru for the DRC of Chemical Souls.
It's difficult to find a lot to say about Chemical Souls. It's rather short, which is a blessing, and incredibly muddled and confusing. The book meanders its way through less than a dozen scenes, and says very little while being verbose to the point of comedy. It is definitely inspired by Netflix's You, for better and for worse. Both of the romantic leads are Joe Goldberg at his most grating; they are pretentious, holier-than-thou, and think their style of love is so unique. This reads as bad fan fiction of You's second season with the serial numbers filed off, but with the "twist" that the woman is the one to get bored and end it – and this is coming from someone who generally enjoyed You. It lacked any tension, as both leads apparently evaded the police with ease, despite leaving enough evidence to convict an army. Despite the title, the couple had no palpable chemistry, despite being whacked over the head by the author many times about how much they supposedly wanted one another – it's either that or I am completely mystified by what passes as flirting for straight people.
In the end I still finished it, and Rotaru's bizarre metaphors were, if nothing else, boggling enough to amuse, but I still find myself quite disappointed.
It's difficult to find a lot to say about Chemical Souls. It's rather short, which is a blessing, and incredibly muddled and confusing. The book meanders its way through less than a dozen scenes, and says very little while being verbose to the point of comedy. It is definitely inspired by Netflix's You, for better and for worse. Both of the romantic leads are Joe Goldberg at his most grating; they are pretentious, holier-than-thou, and think their style of love is so unique. This reads as bad fan fiction of You's second season with the serial numbers filed off, but with the "twist" that the woman is the one to get bored and end it – and this is coming from someone who generally enjoyed You. It lacked any tension, as both leads apparently evaded the police with ease, despite leaving enough evidence to convict an army. Despite the title, the couple had no palpable chemistry, despite being whacked over the head by the author many times about how much they supposedly wanted one another – it's either that or I am completely mystified by what passes as flirting for straight people.
In the end I still finished it, and Rotaru's bizarre metaphors were, if nothing else, boggling enough to amuse, but I still find myself quite disappointed.
February 5, 2026
I unfortunately had to DNF my first ARC ever. It killed me to do so because after about 20ish ARCs I’ve never had to do that even for the ones I didn’t care for so much.
The cover was beautiful and what originally caught my eye. The blurb was interesting and I was very excited to pick it up. I really thought it would lean more into being like The One by John Marrs which is another matchmaking service novel that shows the problematic things that can happen with it. I spent about two weeks picking up this book over and over and having to put it back down after only a few pages. The writing was just, I don’t know off. Very verbose and really hard to get into and connect with the writing and characters. The dialogue between the two main characters just felt - not real. While reading the way Patrick would talk I would keep thinking “people don’t speak like this”
It was just difficult to sit through, the characters just didn’t feel like real people and the cover definitely makes it feel like it’s about to be a black mirror dystopian novel and it just didn’t land for me. As much as I didn’t want to dnf an ARC because I try to never request arcs I would have to do that with, out of respect for the author I just couldn’t keep going.
Thank you NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to try Chemical Souls out.
The cover was beautiful and what originally caught my eye. The blurb was interesting and I was very excited to pick it up. I really thought it would lean more into being like The One by John Marrs which is another matchmaking service novel that shows the problematic things that can happen with it. I spent about two weeks picking up this book over and over and having to put it back down after only a few pages. The writing was just, I don’t know off. Very verbose and really hard to get into and connect with the writing and characters. The dialogue between the two main characters just felt - not real. While reading the way Patrick would talk I would keep thinking “people don’t speak like this”
It was just difficult to sit through, the characters just didn’t feel like real people and the cover definitely makes it feel like it’s about to be a black mirror dystopian novel and it just didn’t land for me. As much as I didn’t want to dnf an ARC because I try to never request arcs I would have to do that with, out of respect for the author I just couldn’t keep going.
Thank you NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to try Chemical Souls out.
October 9, 2025
Firstly, thank you NetGalley for the arc.
The cover is what immediately intrigued me. I just had to see what this was about.
it did surprise me where it went. These two toxic people being with each other.
The concept of “cutting the thread” was interesting and I believe a great ending to the book.
It took me a few chapters to get into it and the writing style. But after crazy stuff for revealed, I got more into the book, wanting to know what was going to happen.
I do think sometimes the writing was hard to read in the way that these huge pieces of dialogue got dumped onto you.
The dialogue would be a big paragraph or just a sentence and I think the concept would’ve been done better if the dialogue length in particular was similar the whole way through.
Or I am not seeing the literacy technique the author was trying to use for the dialogue and it just wasn’t for me. 🤷♀️
The writing was a bit chaotic and seemed unorganized at times. The whole part in the beginning of them asking questions wasn’t done in a way to keep me interested…
I still think it’s a very well written book but the style just wasn’t for me.
I would recommend this to people who like the shows “Black Mirror” and “You”
The cover is what immediately intrigued me. I just had to see what this was about.
it did surprise me where it went. These two toxic people being with each other.
The concept of “cutting the thread” was interesting and I believe a great ending to the book.
It took me a few chapters to get into it and the writing style. But after crazy stuff for revealed, I got more into the book, wanting to know what was going to happen.
I do think sometimes the writing was hard to read in the way that these huge pieces of dialogue got dumped onto you.
The dialogue would be a big paragraph or just a sentence and I think the concept would’ve been done better if the dialogue length in particular was similar the whole way through.
Or I am not seeing the literacy technique the author was trying to use for the dialogue and it just wasn’t for me. 🤷♀️
The writing was a bit chaotic and seemed unorganized at times. The whole part in the beginning of them asking questions wasn’t done in a way to keep me interested…
I still think it’s a very well written book but the style just wasn’t for me.
I would recommend this to people who like the shows “Black Mirror” and “You”
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews