Red String Theory by Lauren Kung Jessen

 

Summary (from the publisher): 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?

Review: Rooney Gao is an artist that practices anonymous so as not to ride on her famous artist mother's coattails. She believes in the Chinese legend that everyone is tied to their one true love by the red string of fate. This belief has shaped her career and the giant art installations she makes out of red string. Fate eventually leads her to the perfect guy, Jack Liu. But despite seeming like the perfect match that fate has led her to, Jack does not believe in fate or the red string theory. And after one magical night together, they seem to be lost to one another. Until fate brings them back together in a very unexpected way yet again. But can Rooney convince Jack to believe in fate?

This was such a cute, deliberate play on the movie Serendipity and even references the movie multiple times! I loved that the characters are Chinese American, and both represent different STEAM areas (science and art). And despite the vast differences in their beliefs and professions, they are still drawn together for a collaboration and partnership. I liked the complexity of both characters, especially Rooney's complicated background as the daughter of an artist whose very birth was a piece of her mother's art and her absent father. 

I did feel like the dialogue felt more expository than realistic conversation. It just never felt like two real people talking. This really distracted me and reduced my connection to the text and the characters. I also thought the tension between the characters felt forced. They seem very into each other from the beginning and the will they/won't they dilemma just didn't feel genuine, other than the long-distance aspect. A really cute contemporary, clean romance with an unusual, fun premise but the stilted dialogue held me back from rating this higher. 

Stars: 3