I love this author and her complex characters, whose personalities and quirks remind me of someone I love on the spectrum. Heart Principle is the third novel in the Kiss Quotient companion contemporary romance series. I laughed, got angry, talked to the characters and lost myself in their story.
by Helen Hoang
Series: The Kiss Quotient #3
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Heat Level:
A woman struggling with burnout learns to embrace the unexpected—and the man she enlists to help her—in this heartfelt new romance by USA Today bestselling author Helen Hoang.
When violinist Anna Sun accidentally achieves career success with a viral YouTube video, she finds herself incapacitated and burned out from her attempts to replicate that moment. And when her longtime boyfriend announces he wants an open relationship before making a final commitment, a hurt and angry Anna decides that if he wants an open relationship, then she does, too. Translation: She's going to embark on a string of one-night stands. The more unacceptable the men, the better.
That’s where tattooed, motorcycle-riding Quan Diep comes in. Their first attempt at a one-night stand fails, as does their second, and their third, because being with Quan is more than sex—he accepts Anna on an unconditional level that she has just started to understand herself. However, when tragedy strikes Anna’s family she takes on a role that she is ill-suited for, until the burden of expectations threatens to destroy her. Anna and Quan have to fight for their chance at love, but to do that, they also have to fight for themselves.
Coffee Dates With Heart Principle
- First Date: I was so excited to read Heart Principe. I loved the first two novels in this series, from the characters to the situations. I was pulled in the moment we met violinist Anna Sun. I felt for her and saw many characteristics of my son in Anna. I also wanted to throttle her boyfriend. Don’t worry, there isn’t cheating if that disqualifies a romance for you. This is more than a romance, although there are plenty of swoons. It is the story of Anna finding herself, identifying and accepting who she is and letting go of trying to please everyone.
- Second Date: Dating Apps weren’t around when I was dating. In fact, I met my husband through my sister. When Anna and her boyfriend take a break, she is mad but her friends encourage her to get back out there. I laughed at her profile and loved the entire met cute between Anna and tattooed, motorcycle-riding Quan Diep. It was honest, sweet and made me fall for Quan. I love how Hoang touches on autism and other issues from family to disfigurement. Her characters are relatable, allowing you to connect and feel for them.
- Third Date: The romance was a slow-burn with adorkable moments, fish talk and growth, as the heat built. Events forced our couple apart and had me flipped the pages as the train wreck unfolded. I desperately wanted Anna to shout out and stop those trying to control her life. Her family tried to force their version of normal on her. The drama wasn’t overdone, but got me emotionally involved and forced Anna to find herself. I cried, laughed, swooned, and cheered my way to the last page.
Fans of well-developed diverse characters who are flawed and realistic will love Hoang’s books and the Heart Principle. I loved the topics she addressed while keeping it real and allowing me to become connected.
The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang will pull readers in and have them emotionally invested in the outcome. #KissQuotient #Romance #NewRelease #MustRead Share on XAbout Helen Hoang
Helen Hoang is that shy person who never talks. Until she does. And the worst things fly out of her mouth. She read her first romance novel in eighth grade and has been addicted ever since. In 2016, she was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in line with what was previously known as Asperger’s Syndrome. Her journey inspired THE KISS QUOTIENT. She currently lives in San Diego, California with her husband, two kids, and pet fish.
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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
Katherine
Online dating was kind of a thing when I got married but I never used it and dating apps were far in the future. This sounds so cute and just like the kind of romance I enjoy! I love slow burn and adorkable.
Carla
Wonderful review Kimberly. I am hoping to listen to this one and am on the long list at the library for it. I may get impatient and buy it. I also love her complicated characters, they really draw me in.
Hena Tayeb
This sounds like a cute read.
Wendy Williams
Oh! Such a lovely review Kimberly. I just listened to The Heart Principle on audiobook and loved it so much too.
Nadene
I can’t wait to get my hands on this one.
Lover of Romance
I have the ARC of this one and have been on the fence since I have seen so many mixed reviews, but your review totally convinced me I needed to read it. It sounds like its one gem of a rollercoaster of emotion.
Anne - Books of My Heart
I’ve really enjoyed every book in this series including this one. Quan Diep is a keeper. He is not only kind in words but also in action. I felt so bad for Anna with struggling to get to be herself.
Debbie Haupt
I love talking to characters too kim, usually I’m yelling at them though LOL
Ailyn Koay
You know the boyfriend is mott point when his name is not on the summary
Lorna
I loved this one as well. I actually have given all three 5 stars when I reviewed them. I’m curious to see what her next book will be about. Have you read The Girl He Used to Know by Tracey Garvis Graves? So so good and a similar subject matter. I think you’d love it.
Kimberly
Thanks for the rec Lorna. I love Graves and will check it out.