by Helen Hoang
Series: The Kiss Quotient #2
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Heat Level:
Khai Diep has no feelings. Well, he feels irritation when people move his things or contentment when ledgers balance down to the penny, but not big, important emotions—like grief. And love. He thinks he’s defective. His family knows better—that his autism means he just processes emotions differently. When he steadfastly avoids relationships, his mother takes matters into her own hands and returns to Vietnam to find him the perfect bride.
As a mixed-race girl living in the slums of Ho Chi Minh City, Esme Tran has always felt out of place. When the opportunity arises to come to America and meet a potential husband, she can’t turn it down, thinking this could be the break her family needs. Seducing Khai, however, doesn’t go as planned. Esme’s lessons in love seem to be working…but only on herself. She’s hopelessly smitten with a man who’s convinced he can never return her affection.
With Esme’s time in the United States dwindling, Khai is forced to understand he’s been wrong all along. And there’s more than one way to love.
OMG..all the feels! I. Loved. This. Seriously, The Bride Test by Helen Hoang was sexy, sweet, funny and so swoon-worthy! You need to lock yourself in a room and devour it!
I haven’t been in the mood for contemporary romances at all. Instead, I have had my head in urban fantasy, thrillers and suspense. If there happens to be a side of romance I was ok, but straight up romances weren’t catching my eye…but I loved The Kiss Quotient and picked up The Bride Test. I am so incredibly grateful that I did. I devoured this and loved all the feels these incredible characters and story gave me.
I have a son who falls on the spectrum and Hoang captures these beautiful, unique souls wonderfully. From mannerisms to the unique way they view the world. It takes a special kind of soul to see how loving they truly are.
The set up for the romance was delightful. Khai’s mother travels to Vietnam and brings home a bride for him. He must spend the summer with Esme Tran, a mixed-race girl from the slums of Ho Chi Minh City. Esme will have the summer to convince Khai he wants a wife. This could have been awful, instead Hoang gave us strong, lovable characters who shared a chemistry and found something more.
Hoang balanced the obstacles of autism with firsts. New places, living with a stranger, and first times. Even the secret(s) and obstacles to the relationship were done well. I adored The Kiss Quotient, but I loved The Bride Test.
I laughed, cried, screamed in frustration, and stood proud as Esme accomplished thing. I understood and felt for Khai as I would my own son. Siblings, weddings, family and outsiders all helped pull the story along and allowing me to come to care for them all.
Don’t skip the author’s note. *wipes tears* Then buy it for yourself and your friends!
If you are looking for the perfect summer romance, The Bride Test should be in you tote! A cute, hilarious and heartwarming romance!
#NewRelease The perfect summer #romance, The Bride Test by Helen Hoang should be in you tote bag. Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Lindsi
My copy arrived in the mail today!! I’ve been wanting to read this since I heard it was a thing being made, haha. The Kiss Quotient was one of my favorite reads last year (I even got my mom to read it), and I’ve been looking forward to something else by Hoang. I’m happy to see you enjoyed it so much! I’m going to start it tonight once I get all the kids to sleep.
Lindsi @ Do You Dog-ear? ?
Olivia Roach
I am glad this one could be such a perfect contemporary for you and a good break from all the urban fantasy you have been reading lately. I am really looking forward to reading both of this author’s books, especially as I now know book 2 is just as wonderful as book 1.
Mary @StackingMyBookShelves!
YES!! I have this one too. I just finished TKQ and LOVED IT! You know I will have to read this one. I might just get the audio tho and read it right after Caine’s new one. Idk yet. I’m on the fence! SO, glad you liked it!
Mary
JoLee @ Wickedly Delicious Book Blog
I have seen another fabulous review for this. So happy it was a hit for you.
MarthaE
I didn’t realize this was 2nd in the series. I like the sound of it and am glad you liked it. Thanks for sharing.
Kimberly
Companion story. New couple.
Shari
I have two kids with ADHD, one with Oppositional Defiance Disorder, one with depression (have been to the ER because they have started cutting), and one with anxiety so bad they passout. While I don’t have anyone on the spectrum, each of my kids has had something that has required me to seek therapy, doctors and much research. So seeing a story about needs that aren’t normal is refreshing. One of my kids will probably always have issue and the verdict is out on another as they are still young. So nothing is normal and this would be interesting to read as I am always trying to understand how they tick.
Oh, and I understand getting burned out on a subgenre. I think I am about there on contemporary right now, but I always come back.
Suzanne @ The Bookish Libra
This was a five-star read for me as well. Loved everything about it and can’t wait to read more from Hoang. Oh and yes, definitely agree about not skipping the author’s note!
Barbara Strickland
Love the the kiss quotient and really want to read this, on tbr AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Dani @ Perspective of a Writer
This caught my eye too! I love the rep in it and need to read it. ❤️
Rachel
Yes, I loved this one too! I loved HH insights into autism and yes, the author’s note was so touching! Wonderful review, Kimberly! 🙂
Sam@wlabb
I loved the set up of this book so much! I liked Khai and loved that Quan got to show more of himself to us, but I adored Esme. Helen Hoang does it again!
Jen
YES to the author’s note – I totally teared up. It was such an inspiring thing to learn after reading the story. And I just adored the story. Ms. Hoang has a gift for character development and storytelling. Great review.
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction
I haven’t read many adult books lately, but I did end up giving The Kiss Quotient a try and I loved it. Now I’m eager to read this one. 🙂
Debbie Haupt
Wow what a fantastic review Kim. I’ve seen this reviewed around but yours makes me want to get this book asap.
Sorry I’ve not been around lately but we’re flooded by being displaced and health issues
Cynthia
I am running to audible to download this book ASAP! What a great book and your review does it justice. Beautifully written review Kimberly! Thanks so much for sharing.
Maggie @ ReadingDiva's Blog
*cover eyes, I am waiting for this book to be delivered already * I saw you rated 5, I am even more desperate to get my copy!!
Nadene @totallyaddictedtoreading
This is on my list of must read books. I am glad you enjoyed it, so my expectations have increased tenfold.:)
Stefanie
Now I’m intrigued by this series. I did have book one on my TBR. I”ll try to move it up for this year.
Rita @ View From the Books
(I’m on a long “finding my blogging voice” hiatus, but I do read other blogs still).
I had to chime in, since I’m in a very similar situation to your family. My son was diagnosed back when the label Asperger Syndrome was new to most in the U.S–. around 1995. We set out to become familiar with it through books written by other parents, online listservs, in-person support groups, and fistfuls of specialty medical providers.
We ran the gamut from doctors’ offices to educators’ offices, to playground groups. We were tireless… because we had to… and now to see a mainstream book that “really gets it” with an accurate portrayal of love that everyone enjoys…. this!!! This makes the journey worthwhile.
So thanks for a wonderful review, and for letting me ramble on.. And just to let you know… you’ve made me cry and ruined my make-up, lol!
p.s. I hope to read this book asap!
Kimberly
Yes Rita, our son was diagnosed with Asperger as well before they added them to the spectrum. Hugs. I cried during moments that resonated with me.
Katherine @ I Wish I Lived in a Library
I don’t think I really would have looked twice at this one without your review but you’ve completely sold me on this one. It sounds absolutely wonderful and just what I’m wanting at the moment!
sjhigbee
What a wonderfully passionate review:)). Thank you for sharing, Kimberly.
Lizzy
I’m so glad to see you loved this! I just chose it as my Book of the Month pick.
Anne - Books of My Heart
YES! This was awesome. Excellent review! I loved it although like you I am not reading as many contemporary romances unless I already love the author.
Mary Kirkland
This sounds great. I haven’t seen too many books with people who have Autism to this is interesting.
Tyler H. Jolley
When you can connect your own loved ones to stories, you know it’s been well-written. Excellent review, Kimba!
Jonetta (Ejaygirl) | Blue Mood Café
Oh, how I love your review, Kim? Thanks for sharing your personal perspective.
I recommended the audiobook for library purchase so fingers crossed!
Sophia Rose
Different set up on the mom bringing her over, but glad it worked. And, glad she got his spectrum traits just so. I will get to this series eventually.
Lorna
I knew you would love it as much as I did. And I think this one was my favorite of the two although both were five star reads for me. Did you ever read Jumping Puddles? One of my favorites although young adult.
Kimberly
I have not read Jumping Puddles, but will look it up now 🙂 thanks!
Lorna
Oops! It’s Puddle Jumping. Sorry for any confusion.
Kimberly
LOL, thank you. I was having a helluva time finding it on Amazon.
Stephanie @ Once Upon a Chapter
I really need to get caught up with this author! I own the first book so there is no excuse. I’m so glad to hear that this one struck home with you. It’s always nice to see important aspects of your life represented so well in books. 🙂
Nick
YES! I loved this book with all my heart too! Khai and Esme were so lovely and the romance gave me all the feels! So glad you tried and loved it!
kindlemom1
*fistbumpsyou* Yay! This was amazing! I’m so glad you thought so too. I truly still think about this and it’s been weeks since I’ve read it.
Angie Elle
This was a really good read. Khai was the higihlight for me!
Great review.
Ailyn Koay
that’s interesting, usually parents just buy the bride and go: Here you go, now make babies
Cynthia
I am so wanting to read this book/series , I have heard such great things about the book. What a beautifully written review Kimberly and I enjoyed reading it. Thanks so much for sharing.
Tanya @ Girl Plus Books
Lovely review, Kim! I was nervous about this one because I loved The Kiss Quotient so much and din’t want to be disappointed. I didn’t have to worry because I adored Khai and Esme! And I like what you said about the balance of autism with first. So right!
RO
I’ve seen this book on blogs and magazines because everyone who has read it has fallen in love. Your lovely review is amazing and reminds me that I need to grab it soon! Hugs…RO
Lindy@ A Bookish Escape
I loved this story so much, and agree with everything that you’ve said! My daughter is on the spectrum and I feel bonded with you since we both can understand each other’s journey to a certain extent. Beautiful Review Kim! Your words really bring the story to life!
Melliane
It’s an author I really need to try!