Red String Theory

In this charming rom-com about two star-crossed lovers, a woman whose life is guided by her belief in the red-string of fate finds her perfect match—but his skepticism about true love puts a knot in their chances.

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?

• “I devoured this! Beautifully written, DEEPLY romantic, real, funny, heartfelt.”
   
  Christina Lauren, New York Times bestselling author
• “Jessen impresses with this surprising and sophisticated contemporary romance. It’s unusually cerebral for a romance, marrying a believable love connection with a thoughtful meditation on how humans make meaning in life. The result is smart, sensitive, and striking.”
   
  Publishers Weekly
• "A lighthearted slow burn that's full of hope and heart. Delightful, inducing squeals and sighs in equal measure."
   
  
   
  Kirkus
• "There’s nothing I love in romance more than fated mates, and Lauren executes it beautifully in RED STRING THEORY! Her writing is as sparkling and smart as ever! Lauren delivers laughs, heart, and swoon all in one ridiculously fun story!” 
  Sarah Adams, New York Times bestselling author of Practice Makes Perfect
• "A love story to Manhattan... Lauren Kung Jessen keeps getting better, and I can't wait to see what she delivers next!"
  
   
  Meredith Schorr, author of Someone Just Like You
• ”A sweet, joyful romance that celebrates the interconnectedness of fate and choice as two characters with opposing views on the subject learn to find a middle ground. Full of memorable characters and thoughtful dialogue, this one definitely left a smile on my face.”
  Jacqueline Firkins, author of Marlowe Banks, Redesigned
• "A stunning romance that perfectly balances questions of fate with the art of true love. Lauren Kung Jessen’s prose is immersive, engrossing, and dripping with romantic tension, bringing every page to life as readers root for her characters to get out of their own way and give in to their out-of-this-world chemistry. A delicious opposites attract romance with the most rewarding of slow-burns, this is an absolute must read!" 
  Mazey Eddings, author of The Plus One
• “Jessen impresses with this surprising and sophisticated contemporary romance. It’s unusually cerebral for a romance, marrying a believable love connection with a thoughtful meditation on how humans make meaning in life. The result is smart, sensitive, and striking.”
   
  Publishers Weekly