Ratings4
Average rating4.3
"A thoroughly modern love story with an old-fashioned heart." ––Vogue “Sure to satisfy fans of Taylor Jenkins Reid and Sally Rooney.” ––E! Online "Funny and modern, The Arc is like a rom-com’s cooler big sister." ––Real Simple Can you curate your soulmate? Thirty-five-year-old Ursula Byrne, VP of Strategic Audacity at a branding agency in Manhattan, is successful, witty, whip-smart, and single. She’s tried all the dating apps, and let’s just say: she’s underwhelmed by her options. You’d think that by now someone would have come up with something more bespoke; a way for users to be more tailored about who and what they want in a life partner––how hard could that be? Enter The Arc: a highly secretive, super-sophisticated matchmaking service that uses a complex series of emotional, psychological and physiological assessments to architect partnerships that will go the distance. The price tag is high, the promise ambitious––a level of lifelong compatibility that would otherwise be unattainable. In other words, The Arc will find your ideal mate. Ursula is paired with forty-two-year-old lawyer Rafael Banks. From moment one, this feels like the electric, lasting love they’ve each been seeking their whole adult lives. But as their relationship unfolds in unanticipated ways, the two begin to realize that true love is never a sure thing. And the arc of a relationship is never predictable...even when it's fully optimized.
Reviews with the most likes.
Interesting And Controversial Story. This is one of those stories that is off-beat enough that it really defies normal conventions in most every way except the obvious: ultimately, it checks every single box to be a romance novel even according to the strictest definitions I am aware of. Now, it turns out to be a very angsty romance novel filled with some unique characters and twists and turns that few romance novels are prepared to attempt, but ultimately it is a romance novel. And while I debated internally of 4 vs 5 stars due to pretty heavy handed feminist preaching, one scene in the back of the book redeemed it just enough that I feel comfortable not deducting a star over it - though I won't detail which scene here. It will be obvious to most readers once they get there. :) Still, a lot of the quirks that other reviewers commonly panned this book over - The Stake women's club, the cocktus cactus-styled vibrator, even the quick banter ala Gilmore Girls (my own connection, I didn't see others panning that one) - were things that stood out as interesting and funny enough to keep me interested. Then there is the billionaire our female lead gets tangled up with, who always struck me more as Mike from Madam Secretary but who one character portrays as Gordon Gecko. Absolutely read the other reviews, as this book truly won't be for everyone. But if you like late late night offbeat comedy... maybe give this one a chance. If that type of story isn't your thing... yeah, you may not like this one. Very much recommended.