Title: The Arc by Tory Henwood Hoen
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction, Romance
Length: 344 pages
Book Rating: B
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley
Summary:
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.
Review:
The Arc by Tory Henwood Hoen is a unique romance that is quite enjoyable.
Thirty-five-year-old Ursula Byrne is an independent career woman who is burned out by dating apps. She is ready to give up on love when she is provided with an introduction to The Arc, a company that approaches matchmaking in a decidedly different manner. Ursula is intrigued but the price tag for the opportunity is steep. Luckily for her, she gets a side job that takes the money concern off the table. After spending seven days undergoing somewhat unusual testing, she is matched up with forty-two-year-old lawyer, Gabriel Banks.
Ursula and Gabriel immediately hit it off and their romance unfolds quickly. They truly enjoy each other’s company and their time together is fairly free from stress. Ursula wants a relationship where she does not feel like she gives up important parts of herself. Gabriel has insecurities from previous failed romances but he has not quite given up on love. While their first few months together are blissfully happy, Ursula and Gabriel’s first disagreement is the beginning of trouble in paradise. Will they give up at the first sign of trouble?
The Arc is an interesting novel that blends romance with satire. Ursula is a likable character with a few idiosyncrasies. Gabriel’s family life is colorful and he is completely charmed by Ursula. Their romance is funny and a little silly at first. It is not until their relationship is tested that Ursula really begins to find her way. Gabriel is always a little more grounded but he also has room for to grow. Tory Henwood Hoen brings this clever romance to a heartwarming conclusion.
