Once Upon an Algorithm was a delightful read that captured my interest and held it all of the way through. The characters were real and relatable and I cared for their outcome. Definitely a great way to spend a day! Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.

This one of those books that they had a sliding scale for ratings. I kept waffling between three and four stars. I enjoyed the premise of the story. Unfortunately, at times I felt overwhelmed, lost within the words. It would take some time to fall back into the story. The enjoyment would continue until the next time. In the end I am glad that I kept going. Jack and Leonie's journey to happily ever after had a lot of obstacles.

I enjoy, what I call, geek stories. I always find myself learning and I read a nice romance. Once Upon an Algorithm actually gave me some insight into my own son. His computer language has always left me with a headache.

From the beginning, there interactions between Leonie and Jack kept the story flowing. Who knew a blind date set up on an app could be so interesting. Jack and Leonie's interesting conversations about programming were riddled with so much more. They are keeping secrets. Secrets that could destroy them.

Leonie's real life was her girlfriends. If you like reading text, you will be quite happy. They do a lot of group texts that got this old lady lost and reading them twice. There were some giggle worthy responses from some of the gals as she discusses all things Jack.

Jack and Leonie's attempts at love need a reboot frequently. Every time I thought they had got their stuff together, one of them would say or do something stupid. It was like real life. Like real there are a lot of ups and downs for Jack and Leonie.

Its a cute book but I can’t get over the fact it involves cheating. Honestly it would be much better with that part of the storyline. I feel like this had so much potential with the office set romance but it had to involve an affair and ruin everything. If you can look past the infidelity I guess you would enjoy this book. 2/5 stars

GIRLBOSS alert. This is for all the girlies who want to be ( or wish they could be) women in stem. It reminds me of all the best parts of an Ali Hazelwood book. Clara is a star.

I was really excited to read this book but unfortunately had to DNF around the 40% mark. I kept trying and trying to read it but just couldn't connect to the book nor the characters. The overall idea was great but sadly it just wasn't for me! I will try and reread this is the future.

I read an eARC of this book so thank you to the author, the publisher and Net Galley.

I’m not normally a romance reader but I really enjoy STEMinist romance. I like that the characters have passions and careers outside of the romance and it’s interesting to read about different careers.

This book certainly has a strong female protagonist with a rich life of close female friendships and a career they are passionate about. I also really liked that she was closer to forty and she felt really believable.

A lot of the book is about work. The main character and the love interest both end up working at the same place on the same project. I liked that there was a story and a driver beyond the romance. I work in a similar role to the main character so I understood what was positioned but I did feel there was a lot of jargon. I wondered if this might be confusing or offputting for people who aren’t familiar with these tools/ processes I.e talking about Slack and Jira.

I enjoyed this, I thought it was a good balance of the romance and the characters’ other passions and goals. I did feel the main character was manipulated by her step-brother too much to the point it was frustrating that she let it go on as long as she did, particularly where she could see it was harming others. The lack of communication felt self-destructive. Overall though an enjoyable read and I was really rooting for the main character!

Mein Leseerlebnis

Da das Buchcover ansprechend aussah und sich auch der Klappentext interressant und frisch anhörte, wollte ich dem romance Buch eine Chance geben. Doch leider hat sich der Liebesroman als für mich nicht passend herausgestellt.

Von Beginn an wirkte der Schreibstil auf mich nicht so einnehmend wie erhofft und vor allem die Dialoge hörten sich etwas hölzern. Zunächst dachte ich noch, dass ich mich daran gewöhnen könnte, das passierte aber leider nicht.

Zudem fiel es mir schwer die Freundinnen der Heldin auseinander zu halten und der Held war mir nicht in jeder Szene sympathisch. Darüber hinaus konnte ich die Chemie zwischen den beiden Hauptcharakteren so gut wie nicht spüren.

Da ich das Lesen der Liebesgeschichte daher nicht genossen habe, habe ich den Roman schlussendlich nach gut acht Kapiteln aufgegeben.

Mit romance Büchern, die im United Kingdom spielen, habe ich überraschenderweise selten Glück, keine Ahnung woran das liegt.

Abgebrochen.

Für wen?

Wen das Buchcover und der Klappentext ansprechen, für den könnte sich das Lesen der Liebesgeschichte lohnen. Schaut vor dem Kauf unbedingt in eine Leseprobe rein und achtet darauf, ob euch der Schreibstil und vor allem die Dialoge ansprechen.

I love this book. I love anything that Hass to do with reading and reading. A book about reading really is just a fantastic way to spend the day.

A group of girls is at a bar, and we follow Leonie, the only single one in the group, as they attend their monthly meeting. One of Leonie's friends recently got engaged, leaving her as the only single person in the group.
Leonie’s friends set her up on a dating app that matches her with Jack, who is the complete opposite of her ideal man. They have a one-night stand and she thinks she'll never see him again. However, fate has other plans. Leonie's brother-in-law offers her a job that leads to another meeting with Jack. As they navigate through embarrassment, denial, and shock, a twist in the story takes place that completely catches the reader off guard. Jack is an Irishman who is traveling for business and feeling down in the dumps. When Leonie's friends decide to take a trip to Paris to celebrate an engagement, they jokingly set her up with a person who is the opposite of what she's looking for in a partner using an "opposites attract" dating app. That person turns out to be Jack.

If you're someone who enjoys a combination of geeky tech speak and steamy romance, then Once Upon an Algorithm is the perfect book for you. However, if you're not into tech, you may find that it gets a bit heavy on the details at times. The author seems to have put a lot of effort into researching or has worked in the world of product development, which is great for those who want to learn more about it.

I thoroughly enjoyed the story, even though both characters constantly jumped to the wrong conclusions and had huge chips on their shoulders about their upbringing. Although the stepbrother was as irritating as he should be, I found myself wanting Leonie to put him in his place.

*An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review*


TW: MMC is a married man that cheats.

This book started out as a romance but at the end fell flat. The characters didn't havem much cheimistry and the side charaacters such as the FMC family was abusive and terrible. Additioanlly, I didn't find the MMC likable (see TW). To be honest, it was really hard to finish this book.

Sorry in advance, but this review is FULL of spoilers. You deserve a warning before jumping into what is marketed as a STEM romance.

Once Upon An Algorithm starts out feeling like a romance with a one night stand between our FMC and a man from an opposites attract type of dating app. Turns out she has to work with him! Classic romcom.

Well. DO NOT BE FOOLED. There is cheating. There are horribly toxic friends and manipulative family members. There is workplace sexual harassment. And we are expected to laugh it all off? No. This is a stort of the absolute TRASH that woman are handed in life, it is not a romance.

This seriously could have been a fantastic time if the characters weren't so terrible to our FMC. If it was just her family being terrible, this would have been great. But a married love interest is a hard pass.

I finished it in hopes that there would be some little redemption to bring it back to a romcom, but that did not happen. So, here goes my review.

Let me start with the lesser offenses. If you are not well educated in programming or UX, you will get lost. There is too much writing about coding, usability, and user design for a romance. Even as someone with some programming and UX experience from college, I was getting lost.

Next up, the family and friends. Eric, FMC's stepbrother, is literally terrible. He is abusive and manipulative. Over 80% into the book, FMC's MOTHER excuses his behavior as FMC "let him" make her feel like she didn't belong in the family. WHAT??? Then her "Greek chorus". They force her into going on the date that ends up being a one night stand. Then continue to give FMC the literal worst advice ever. At 90%, everyone has fully convinced FMC that everything is her fault.

And honestly, I could have forgiven a lot of those smaller offenses. BUT: the love interest is married. We do not get confirmation of this until >75% of the way in. They have had sex. They have had SO MANY intimate interactions. Hell, on their first date FMC asks if he is married and that's why he doesn't want to have sex!!!! AND HE SAYS NO. So over half of this book we are under the impression that this is at least kind of okay. And then this man decides to pull some MAJOR BS, saying how maybe he won't get divorced, which obviously doesn't make FMC feel good that he just wants her to what, be a side piece? He also villainizes his WIFE repeatedly for their "loveless" marriage. He went multiple years working 12+ hour days, 6 days a week not spending any time with his wife, but it's her fault?

We end with some totally romantic dialogue, such as "I told you, my new requirements aren't that hard to meet." Yeah honey, please raise your standards from a man that was cheating on his wife with you and sexually harassed you in the workplace.

"Once Upon An Algorithm" by Clara O'Connor is a delightful and engaging romantic novel that adds a fresh and modern twist to the world of love and algorithms. Leonie, armed with her personal dating algorithm, stumbles into an unexpected encounter with Jack, a brooding stranger in Paris who doesn't fit any of her criteria. As their paths cross again in a tech start-up, the novel explores the sparks of chemistry that go beyond the boundaries of a well-designed algorithm.

O'Connor skilfully blends humour, romance, and elements of the STEM field, creating a narrative that is both entertaining and contemporary. The juxtaposition of Leonie's carefully curated dating algorithm with the unpredictability and passion she experiences with Jack adds depth to the story. The exploration of the role technology plays in modern romance and the balance between logic and emotion makes for a compelling and relevant theme.

The characters are well-drawn, and the chemistry between Leonie and Jack is palpable. The author captures the essence of their connection, making it easy for readers to root for their relationship. Leonie's journey of self-discovery and questioning the limitations of her algorithm adds a layer of personal growth to the narrative.

The pacing of the novel is well-balanced, with a mix of witty banter, romantic tension, and moments of introspection. The incorporation of a tech start-up setting adds a unique backdrop to the story, giving readers a glimpse into the fast-paced and innovative world of the characters.

"Once Upon An Algorithm" is a charming and light-hearted romance that will resonate with fans of Ali Hazelwood and Sally Thorne. Clara O'Connor's storytelling is engaging, and her exploration of love in the digital age provides a fresh perspective on modern relationships. This novel is a delightful addition to the genre, offering readers an enjoyable and heart-warming escape into the world of algorithms and unexpected romance.

Thank you net galley but I couldn’t finish this one. I didn’t like the writing, was mildly confused and I couldn’t engage with the characters

Thank you to Clara O'Connor, Harper Collins and NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I was so excited to read this book after the comparison to Ali Hazelwood's work, but unfortunately "Once Upon an Algorithm" fails to deliver on the promise of a compelling STEM romance. The narrative is marred by inconsistent characterisations and an irritating portrayal of interpersonal dynamics. Leonie, purportedly a mature woman in her late thirties, comes across as remarkably clueless and passive, leading to a lack of relatability and a degree of frustration for the reader.

The supporting characters, particularly Leonie's friends, are portrayed in a grating manner, hindering the overall narrative. Rather than providing meaningful assistance, these characters adopt a pushy and invasive approach, reminiscent of clichéd matchmakers. Furthermore, the dual personality attributed to the male lead, Jack, vacillating between a sympathetic golden retriever type and an inappropriate tech figure, introduces an unwarranted inconsistency to his character. The lack of a coherent tone and the overwhelming presence of technical jargon diminish the overall appeal of what could have been an engaging tech-infused romantic plot. The revelation of Jack's marital status without prior clarity or foreshadowing serves as a disruptive element rather than an effective plot twist. In essence, "Once Upon an Algorithm" falls short of expectations, delivering a narrative that struggles to balance its technological backdrop with a compelling romantic storyline.

Unfortunately this one wasn't for me. I didn't like the style of writing and DNF'd after chapter 1. I felt there were too many characters introduced in chapter 1 for me to connect with the MC.

2.5 stars for the tech scenes

In Clara O’Connor's 'Once Upon An Algorithm', 39-year-old single Leonie has a steamy encounter with much younger Jamie in Paris which ends badly, only to later discover she's stuck working with him.

This book had a really interesting premise and I wanted to like it, but I found it a slog. I also didn't see any real connection or chemistry between Leonie and Jamie, only lust, and I found those scenes just cringy. Their communication was also terrible and didn't get any better towards the end.

I think the plot and character development really needed a re-draft as I found them allover the place.

Plotwise, I hated the ridiculous drama over the secrets Leonie's stepbrother Eric made her keep and how she allowed him to manipulate her. Why the hell did Leonie assume so much when she never trusted her stepbrother Eric from the get go?

While I understood Jamie had a chip on his shoulder because he of his poor background, he demonstrated no redeeming features. He even lied to Leonie about something she'd asked him from day one. Leonie also also constantly cutting him off, refusing to explain and at times really immature for someone worried about their age gap. I normally don't mind those things if they've grown by the end of the book but I didn't really believe she did.

The best bits for me were how well the author demonstrated Leonie being good at her job. While I have no idea if her project management style was as authentic as it could be for fiction, but I appreciated it nonetheless. Also her mentorship of Max and about taking space was just perfect. I think this book would've worked SO much better if it was about Leonie working in a tech firm being kick arse at her job and mentoring other women, and focusing on why she has such rigid lists for potential suitors.

I also enjoyed her 'Greek chorus' of supportive friends and the scenes of California. I would read a future Clara O'Connor book though, but this just wasn't my cup of tea.

Thanks to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for the ARC.

I wanted to like this read, the description sounded cute and exactly like something I'd pick up.

Unfortunately, the story just didn't flow for me and I ended up DNFing for a week before picking it up because of lingering questions. The couple was super hard to root for with all their drama, and the in the ended I hated the mmc. As other reviews have stated he was MARRIED THE WHOLE TIME!!!!!!!!!! and if you can some how bring yourself to ignore that he ran so hot and cold, and basically punished the FMC because her family grew up wealthy.

Overall, it wasn't my cup of tea.

A fairly decent one night almost stand to enemies to lovers tale. I wasn't too crazy about the heroine, and the age gap got to me a little. But the plot stood up.

title: Once Upon an Algorithm

author: Clara O'Connor

publisher: One More Chapter

publication date: January 19, 2024

pages: 329

peppers: 3 (on this scale)

warnings: none

summary: While at her friend's bachelorette trip, Lenora has one weird night with Jack in Paris. Then, it turns out that she has to work with him on developing and launching an app her step-brother has borrowed money from her step-father to create. If she fails to help with the app, her step-father and mother will be financially ruined.

tropes: 

I'll never see you again
evil step-sibling
raised by a single mom
doesn't fit in with step family
keeping big secrets

what I liked: there were some funny lines in this book

what I didn’t like:

The main character changed her mind a lot, was self-centered, and wouldn't listen to people.
There was too much technical talk/jargon about the app and people developing it. It seemed like she was trying to get the same readers who likely Ali Hazelwood's books without having AH's talent for creating likable characters in STEM.
This book would have been more enjoyable with a more ruthless editor; 25% shorter would vastly improve it.

overall rating: 2 (of 5 stars)

I absolutely love these characters! Leonie is smart, but complicated with a huge chip onn her shoulder and prone to assuming things. Jack is… the same. Misunderstandings ensue, as they always do, and I get whiplash from all the emotional about-faces… but that’s what makes them interesting. We have a great cast of friends (the chat Greek Chorus), and some real personal growth- which is basically my catnip. I love watching characters grow- learn to think differently, begin to heal from their past, just grow up… all of it. I found this book fairly satisfying in that reguard.

Leonie’s family life is complicated- her feelings about the step father that swept her single mother off her feet. I love that she can see how good he is for her mother at all times, but at the same time can at least acknowledge the fact that his money money and excessive generosity made her uncomfortable. Growing up never feeling like you belong…this would put walls up. Mike was unexpected. Hardly the evil step-father but one that simply tried to hard and didn’t know how to connect. I loved that he and Leonie could talk, that he cared about her so much. Eric, though, is almost cliche in his evil stepbrother/ spoiled rich boy persona. I nearly found his sections difficult to get through- I understand the need, for the plot he was absolutely necessary, but it didn’t make his addition to the story any less cliche. Still, it was a charming, funny fast read that checked all my rom-com needs. I would give it a four.

⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
As far as adult content, there’s a lot. Drinking, language, and sexual content (Level three spice, and still way more time spent on building the relationship than writing sex scenes). Trigger warnings: gaslighting and possible cheating. There was nothing too over the top, I would say new adult and up.


I was lucky enough to receive an eARC of this book from Netgalley and One More Chapter in exchange for an honest review. My thanks.