Fizzy Chen first appeared in Christina Lauren’s The Soulmate Equation a few years ago as the loyal best friend to Jess, the heroine. She apparently stole the show as fans started clamoring for Fizzy to have her own book and Christina Lauren finally delivered in The True Love Experiment.

In The Soulmate Equation, Lauren introduces readers to GeneticAlly, a DNA-based dating app that has taken the world by storm. Fizzy is a romance novelist but doesn’t have much luck in love herself—or in writing anything new lately. She’s in a bit of a slump when she’s scouted by Connor Prince, an executive producer, to be the star of a reality dating show. The premise is that there will be eight heroes of various archetypes, who will be vying for Fizzy’s heart. The audience will vote every week on who should stay and who should go, while the end will reveal who Fizzy’s GeneticAlly true match is. Who will be right, the audience or science?

Fizzy isn’t thrilled to be part of the show, and she makes it clear to Connor, a documentary filmmaker who is also a divorced dad, but before she knows it, sparks are flying between them. But Fizzy is under contract not to date or meet any other men during the show and so she has no way of finding out if Connor is just a fling or forever.

If you read romance, chances are you’ve read a Christina Lauren book. Best friends Christina and Lauren are reigning queens of the genre, and The Love Experiment is their thirtieth book. The book, which makes fun of romance tropes and classic hero archetypes (I.e the bad boy, the one who got away, the vampire, the softie, etc.) is an ode to the romance novel.  

Fizzy is a romance novelist but isn’t surprised by men like Connor’s attitudes towards romance books, as she knows that her work is considered lowbrow and easy. But she convinces Connor otherwise by showing him the joy that can be found in happily-ever-afters.

The chemistry between them sizzles and pops, and there are definitely sparks that are felt off the page. Fizzy is barely there in The Soulmate Equation, but that tiny sliver only gave us a glimpse into the lively, vivacious, energetic, unapologetic character that is Fizzy Chen. Connor is a much quieter love interest, but he’s a man who commits and is unwavering in his convictions. He’s a devoted father who made mistakes when he was younger, but who has worked hard to turn his life around.

This being Christina Lauren’s thirtieth book, it is evident that their writing has definitely improved over the years. There is surprising depth to Fizzy’s relationship with her family and how she’s perceived in her community. Both Connor and Fizzy are well-rounded, three-dimensional, flawed characters who leap off the page.

The book tends to drag a bit towards the end and the resolution is a bit predictable, but it’s such a fun and enjoyable read. It’s a love letter to romance book lovers.