In 2018, Ursula Byrne is a successful, single 35 year-old, VP of Strategic Audacity at a branding agency in Manhattan, New York. Not unlike many successful women, Ursula was focused on building a successful career and tired of the usual dating app disasters. After a first date with James who was a very large man who drank too much and eventually vomited in the taxi. She goes to an upscale new feminist club which caters to soothe and support women who can afford to join. While there she comes across information regarding The ARC, a website which is touted as a highly secretive, super-sophisticated matchmaking service. Of course, using new technology it uses a complex series of emotional, psychological, and physiological assessments to architect partnerships that are deemed to last. The exorbitant price tag obviously narrows the candidates down to ambitious, affluent singles who are relying on finding their life mate.

Ursula throws caution to the wind to finally find a worthy companion so she contacts The ARC with anxious anticipation. When you need to complete so many assessments how could you not be matched with your perfect mate? She is paired with Rafael Banks, a 42 year-old attorney from Argentina. What ensues is a typical rom-com story but elevated to an elite couple who have just as much baggage as those of those they encountered without the expense.

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for the complimentary arc of this novel. This voluntary review is my honest and unbiased opinion. ( )

Ahhh this was fantastic. Lots of tongue-in-cheek moments, lots of over-the-top experiences, but at the heart a really fun love story. Whenever I complain about instalove, the writing in this book is what I desire instead. Ursula and Rafael's petnames for each other were tremendously brilliant, and the descriptions of their dates felt totally realistic while also showing us the evolution of their relationship! I thought the ultimate ending to the plot was really well crafted, and though I saw it coming, it didn't feel predictable. Seeing them fight and work through their issues was so strong. Ursula's relationship with her work was really important and so very relatable, and I loved seeing that portrayed in literature! Maybe not the most eventful or exciting book, but a solid contemporary. ( )

I have no clue how to best categorize this book, but it is highly interesting and entertaining and will actually appeal to fans of a variety of genres, even thought it does not really fall into them. ( )

As someone whose dating experiences happened in a pre-digital world, I’m sure I fall outside the target-readership for this exploration of a modern-day search for lasting love and must admit that, as I initially found myself feeling irritated by most of the characters, I did begin to wonder whether I’d be able to tolerate spending 338 pages in their company! However, I’m pleased that I did persevere because once I’d ‘tuned-into’ the satirical nature of her reflections, I found Tory Henwood Hoen’s debut novel much more insightful and thought-provoking than the rather lightweight ‘chick-lit’ story I’d feared it was going to be. Her convincing portrayal of Ursula and Rafael’s developing relationship, and how they both reacted when they faced their first disagreement, demonstrated a perceptive awareness of how unresolved emotional conflicts from past relationships can trigger irrational responses in the present. These are issues which arise and need to be resolved in any new relationship, but how can you do that if you’ve bought into the promise that technology can guarantee a perfect match? Her at times very humorous, but always compassionate, explorations of how each of them reacted were convincing and well-judged.
Although I did become more interested in the rom-com aspects of the story than I’d expected to be, what I enjoyed most (in a rolling-of-eyes, lifting-of-eyebrows sort of way!) was the author’s satirical portrayal of Ursula’s New York/Manhattan lifestyle. The corporate world, male-dominated venture capitalism, conspicuous consumption, the ‘health and wellness’ industry, the ever-increasing use of technology in our day-to-day lives, turning to ‘experts’ to provide solutions, modern feminism … none of these aspects of modern-day life escapes Hoen’s laser-like insights and reflections! Alongside my eye-rolling and eyebrow-lifting, there were moments when I found myself laughing out loud at some of the pretentious absurdities, particularly the names given to the various treatments, drinks and food available at the health club! However, at its heart this is a story about the universal human need for love, emotional connection and the search for a soulmate and the lengths we’re prepared to go to satisfy these needs. Whether technology and a hefty $90,500 fee helped or hindered Ursula and Rafael in their search for love is something you’ll need to decide for yourself when you read their story!
With thanks to Readers First and the publisher for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review. ( )

An out of the ordinary romance with flawed characters and great ideas (The Stake!) The plot was a fulfilling example of adult life in NYC and the quirky characters carried it along well. Hoen has great energy and a flowing vibe which is felt throughout the entire story. This was an enjoyable read!
*I received an arc from the publisher through NetGalley for an honest review ( )