The Kiss Quotient is an exquisite treat. Stella and Michael melted my romance-loving heart. I was heartbroken that the story had to end. I didn’t want to let them go.

Usually storylines of that “one true mate made just for you” are saved for paranormal romance, and while there was no mystical cataclysm which took place when they met, there is no question that Michael and Stella were made for one another.

I receive many emails from publishers telling me that this latest story rocked their world and it is impossible to try each and every one of them. Yet something drew me to this story and I am so glad I gave it a try. There is no question that The Kiss Quotient melted my heart. The most surprising part was that the book description led me to think that this would be in the category of erotica — geeky girl hires escort to teach her how to be good in bed — but I am so very happy that I was wrong. And while I wouldn’t catagorize it as erotica, it was very sexy and oh so delicious. I love an author who can make a kiss euphoric all by itself.

Occasionally, I have a hard time walking away from a book. Everything about this story is so wonderful that I just don’t want to let it go. Not only have I had a hard time walking away from Michael and Stella, but I have to admit that I really haven’t done it yet. I have read it three or four times…okay, maybe five, since I first downloaded it. It is still sitting in my carousel on my Kindle and then I received a paperback copy the other day and just wanted to see if there were any changes from my digital ARC copy and sat and read it over again (okay, make it six times).

This is also a book that I want to tell everyone about. I want to stop strangers on the street. If I had extra copies, I would be passing them out wherever I went. But yet, this is also a story I don’t want to tell anyone about. There is a big part of me that wants to keep Michael and Stella all to myself. They are mine, mine, mine and I don’t want to share them.

Stella Lane is a nerdy math geek, but there is so much more to her social awkwardness than just not understanding social etiquette. Stella has Asperger syndrome. She has issues with sights and sound and touch. Stella freezes on casual contact, let alone the intimate contact of lovers. Stella wants love just like every other woman but how to get it when every sexual encounter becomes a disaster. So she decides to hire an escort and selects Michael Larson.

Michael is amazed to see Stella sitting in the restaurant waiting for him. His usual customers are older women looking for a night of entertainment, not exquisite young women. He believes that Stella just lacks confidence but when she truly freezes up when he tries to initiate sex, he, at first, fears she has suffered sexual trauma. He knows that there are deeper issues and he wants to help her.

Michael has learned from experience not to see a client more than once. Some have become too clingy in the past. But from their first kiss, both are addicted and Michael agrees to meet Stella again for more lessons. When those lessons aren’t getting them any further along, Stella asks Michael to give her 30 days of a practice relationship to teach her how to be a couple. She hopes that if she can get someone to love her they would be willing to work past her sexual stumbling blocks.

Michael knows this is a very bad idea because his attraction to Stella is already too great, and what he doesn’t know is that Stella is hoping the man Michael can teach her how to seduce is him. The problem is that neither Michael nor Stella believe themselves worthy of the love they want so desperately.

The only sad part of this story was that we couldn’t keep Michael and Stella out of their heads. They made magic together and both desperately wanted their relationship to be real but Stella believed Michael wouldn’t want her if he knew she was autistic (he knew) and Michael couldn’t believe that Stella could overlook that the fact that he was a whore who sold his body to strangers (she didn’t care). These two were madly in love and only their own inferiority issues kept them from the HEA they both wanted.

I’m sitting here trying to write a review and all I want to do is go read it all over again. I know that this isn’t the last time I will be spending my night with Michael and Stella and I am looking forward to seeing what the author will bring us in her next story.

I can't remember the last time a book made me cry because of how good it is. This book is very, very memorable one!

Holy. Wow. What a book!

That was my first thought after I finished The Kiss Quotient.

I had seen a lot of people talking about The Kiss Quotient and I admit that it made me a little scared to read it. Hyped up books can sometimes go horribly wrong. You get your hopes up and expect something earth shattering only to be let down. I have been burned before and super sad about it. But The Kiss Quotient was not one of those burns. It was fun, and real, and filled with smoking hot chemistry.

At first glance, Stella and Michael are complete opposites. Stella is a serious and quirky character that has Asperger’s, while Michael is this cool, suave guy that happens to be an escort. On paper there is nothing about these two that should fit. They live in different worlds and lead very different lives. But in the end that is exactly what made them work. When Stella hires Michael all their boundaries are pushed and they end up finding a comfort with one another they never expected. Their differences end up bringing out the best in each of them and making them start to question the rules they have been living by. Watching them step out of their respective comfort zones and form a physical and emotional bound is a pure thing of beauty. Meeting one another changes them to the core and that is what I found so special and unique about The Kiss Quotient.

Miranda Kenneally said it was a reverse Pretty Woman and she was so spot on with that description and I’m mad at myself for not even seeing it because the obvious aside (Stella hiring an escort), it had the same feels as that classic movie and made you just root for this two to be together. Honestly it was my favorite romance read of the year and I think it will be yours too. Go and check it out!

Charming, romantic, and fun -- perfect for fans of Sally Thorne's The Hating Game and Jasmine Guillory's The Wedding Date.

Stella Lane is a whiz with numbers, but romantic relationships are a confusing mystery to her. Especially when it comes to sex. Stella’s autism can make any relationship tricky to navigate when she doesn’t always pick up on social subtleties. Feeling pressure from her mother to date and marry, Stella figures a professional should be able to help her enjoy intimacy and sex, and this is where Michael Phan comes in.

Being an escort was never in Michael Phan’s life plan, but life has handed him some rotten luck and a pile of bills. He dreads his Friday nights, the only nights he takes on “clients”, but that all changes when he meets Stella. She’s beautiful, awkward, and honest; a breath of fresh air, and Michael’s in serious trouble if he lets himself fall for her.

I loved The Kiss Quotient from page one! The story was refreshingly different and almost impossible to put down! I adored Stella! She was so brilliant, focused and completely unaware of her appeal. She really thought love and sex would never be fulfilling for her or any man she paired with, because of her condition, but when she gets together with Michael her world shifts. Suddenly numbers aren’t Stella’s only obsession, and I couldn’t blame her! Michael was dizzyingly hot, and we’re not talking about looks here, he made Stella come alive sensually with his touch and words! But more than that, Michael was so patient, understanding, and sweet!

I savored Stella and Michael’s journey, bumps, struggles and all! The Kiss Quotient is one of my favorite romance reads this year!

A copy was kindly provided by Berkley in exchange for an honest review.

I have so much love for this story, I don’t even know where to begin! This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year and it surpassed any expectations I may have had. Not only is this ‘smart romance’ done right, it is also the stellar debut by author Helen Hoang. Her depiction of a heroine with Aspergers is one of the best I’ve ever read and just makes me want to read every. single. thing she writes from here on out.

Stella has several absolutes in her life: numbers don’t lie, everything is a puzzle to be solved, and she loves structure and routine. She also hates labels and doesn’t advertise the fact that she has Aspergers. When her mother pressures her to date and settle down, she analyzes her life and realizes that she is indeed lonely—and may also be bad at love. This conclusion leads her to hire an escort to help her ‘learn the ropes’ of relating to the opposite sex.

Michael has dreams that don’t include working as an escort, but after his father left his family in dire straights, he’s stuck between a rock and a hard place. When he meets Stella, he’s intrigued by her and the situation she hopes to resolve. What starts off as a simple business transaction quickly turns into something neither of them expected.

Stella is an exceptional heroine. She is unfiltered and socially awkward, but it’s impossible for her to bend the truth. There is so much raw emotion wrapped up in her inner thoughts and she displays so much courage and strength in her interactions with people who don’t understand her character.

Michael is perfect for Stella in every way. He’s kind and patient, he isn’t put off by her idiosyncrasies, and he doesn’t treat her any differently than anyone else. Michael and Stella both have vulnerabilities, but they compliment one another so well and the progression of their relationship is amazing to watch unfold.

I am truly amazed that this is a debut novel, but The Kiss Quotient deserves all of the stars and accolades. It’s definitely at the top of my favorite reads of the year and I can’t wait to read her next book, The Bride Test.

Stella Lane has Aspergers and struggles with social interactions, among other things. Needless to say her dating life is non-existent and even the thought of dating makes her want to hide underneath her desk. But Stella is determined. She wants to get better at sex so she can, hopefully, find a life partner and start the family her parents so very much want her to have. To get better at sex she hires Michael, an escort with a lot of debt and a few secrets but who is exactly the man she needs. This was one of those books that I was highly anticipating and it didn't disappoint! This is such a fun read and it's also quite original and sexy and sensitive. Stella is a really compelling protagonist and Hoang does a wonderful job of showing us who Stella is and how she negotiates a world that isn't very welcoming to her. I, myself, have a sister with Aspergers, and it's something that my family deals with on a daily basis, so it was a really interesting book for me to read from an older perspective.

“I like you better than calculus, and math is the only thing that unites the universe.”

Oh my gosh, this book!

I’ve seen my friends gush about Helen Hoang’s debut for a month or so, and being a contrarian that I am, I tried to temper my expectations. I’ve been here before. Everyone I know loved a book and I’m like, ‘meh’. But that’s not the case here.

The Kiss Quotient not only met my expectations, IT EXCEEDED IT!

I finished this book with a huge grin on my face (always a good sign) and full heart. These characters that Hoang brought to life in the pages of her book made me laugh, cry, and fall in love with them.

“You’re very good at the talking part.”
“I’ve had sex. There isn’t a talking part.”
A spark danced in his eyes. “There’s definitely a talking part.”

Stella Lane is magnificent as Hoang’s heroine. She’s beautiful, smart, and kind. Her motivations were so wonderfully written and explored by the author that there’s really nothing I can say except, WOW. I just fell in love with her character just like Michael did.

And speaking Michael? Oh man, easily one of the best romance heroes ever. And I don’t say this lightly. Michael Larsen is a cinnamon roll. Sweet and gooey and perfect for Stella! He might be the sweetest and softest hero but he also owns one of the dirtiest mouth out there. In other words, he’s perfect.

“Love, he found, was a jail. It trapped, and it clipped wings. It dragged you down, forced you to places you didn’t want to go.”

In all seriousness though, this book is definitely one of the best I’ve read this year. Everything about it worked for me. The romance was excellent. The characters were multi-dimensional, even the secondary ones (please give us Quan’s book, please?), were interesting and had motivations you can relate to. And lastly, don’t let the pretty pastel cover fool you ’cause this book is super steamy in the best way possible.

So yeah, I dig everything about this book and I hope you would read it and dig it too.

“All the things that make you different make you perfect.”

5 ‘Love and economics’ Stars!
ARC kindly provided by the the publisher.

I know I just had to read this book. I had this feeling it would blew my mind and it absolutely did! After seeing so many good reviews about it, I had to see what all that raving was about and I am so happy to say this reached my expectations 100%. Guys, even more amazing, this is Helen Hoang’s debut novel and it’s the perfect romance novel. Get ready to fall in love with Helen’s writing and the unique characters she has created because Stella and Michael wll steal your heart completely!

The Kiss Quotient, as I said, is Helen’s debut novel and it belongs to the series with the same name. This is the exceptional love story between Stella Lane, a very sharp woman focused on her work as an econometrician and a woman who is very bad at relationships. Enter Michael Larsen, an escort with lots of secrets, very protective of the people he loves and the man that will change Stella’s perspective on relationships forever.

Going forward with Michael, she had to tread carefully. Everything about him pleased her. Not just his looks, but his patience and his kindness. He was good.
He was an obsession waiting to happen.

I love a smart romance. I love a story that grips me from the very start to the very end. I love complex and unique characters that present aspects I haven’t seen before in romance. I love a couple that cannot contain a beautiful connection. The Kiss Quotient has all of that and so much more. It’s one of the best books I have read this year and its originality will stay in my heart for a long time, along with all the wonderful characters Helen Hoang has introduced us to in this novel.

Lines were blurring, and he couldn’t distinguish his professional life from his personal life.

So, why is this a 5 star read for me? Besides the way the story flows, it is all because of the main characters. They are so deep, full of layers you’ll want to know all about and with a chemistry that will melt you from the inside out. Michael and Stella are the sweetest together, the special (and unconventional) relationship they have made my heart sing with happiness. Most of the time I had a huge of smile on my face because of the way these two interact with each other.

“You are my favorite puzzle.”

And what is even better is when you add all those emotions in the mix. Imagine how difficult it is for Michael to accept the feelings he has for his client. And also how difficult it is for Stella, the want she has to hide her Asperger’s from the man she loves because she is scared of his reaction. But when all that fear is left aside, when these two decide to fight for what they want, it was delightful to read. I am so happy this couple found each other and they get their happy ending. Gah, I loooooooved this book so much!

“Women buy underwear for the men they love. It’s economics. Data supports this claim.”
“Are you telling me you love me, Stella?”

Therefore, my rating for The Kiss Quotient is 5 STARS because it definitely is one of my top favorite reads of 2018. This brilliant debut novel just blew my mind. I loved everything about it and I can’t wait to read whatever Helen is writing next. I am so glad I decided to give this book a go! I am surely excited this is becoming a series because I am so curious about all the other characters. I do hope they get a story as amazing as this one because I can’t get over my love for Stella and Michael! Highly recommend this book to any romance lover!

3 stars

I want to reiterate, 3 stars for me still means I liked it, this is not a negative review

This is the story of Stella, a woman with Asperger’s who has trouble connecting with men romantically. When her mother begins to pressure her for grandbabies, she decides she needs to face her fears. To do this, she hires an expert. Or well, an escort. Stella hires Michael, a dreamy escort who seems very understanding of her needs. But he has some secrets behind his reasons for being a male escort, and he doesn’t want to get too close to anyone so they can find out.

The Kiss Quotient is a book I was very excited to read, mostly because it has an autistic main character and an Asian male lead. I think this is a great debut novel and I love that we got a male Asian lead, you rarely see those in the romance genre. I also liked Stella because while many people may not have Asperger’s like her, I feel she’s a relatable character that many women will identify with.

This book was steamy and sweet at the same time. My main issue with it was I felt the plot structure was all over the place and it made the story very choppy for me. This also made the characters seem very indecisive on some things which is a pet peeve of mine in books. But overall I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to seeing what else Hoang has to deliver in the future.

ARC was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Disclaimer: ARC provided by publisher on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I'd read a lot of good reviews before going into this book so, my expectations were high.

The Kiss Quotient is a gender-reversed retelling of Pretty Woman with a heroine who has Asperger's and a hero who is half-Vietnamese (loved the Daniel Henney vibes). That's a lot of diversity going on right there. The supporting characters, especially Michael's sisters and cousins were hilarious.

The Kiss Quotient started off really well with the awkward Stella hiring an escort in order to improve her sex 'skills'. I personally liked the first half of the book much better than the second. We get right into the action. The chemistry between Stella and Michael is instant, and though it takes a while to melt her resistances, he gets there pretty quickly.

My greatest complaint was that the book came at love from a purely physical angle. These characters had quirks that could've made for interesting relationship development but the initial attraction and even the whole process of falling in love centers heavily on physical chemistry rather than any emotional common ground. We don't know anything about Michael in the first half, which makes their attraction seem shallow. He's too perfect and too right for her right from the start (insta love). I don't know if I buy that.

While I like heat in books, this one had sex scenes on literally every page beyond a point. The second half, especially the ending veered towards melodramatic, including all the cheesy and cliche romance tropes, which could have been avoided. However, considering it's Pretty Woman-inspired, I guess the cheesiness can be forgiven.

Overall, however, The Kiss Quotient was a good read- something you could devour whole on a lazy summer night.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


Pros:

- Unique theme
- Overall good romantic development
- Good writing
- Likable characters

Cons:

- Insta love
- Focuses too much on physical chemistry

This fabulous debut novel by new author Helen Hoang needs to be on your must read TBR for this summer! The Kiss Quotient is quirky, fun, ultra sexy, and just simply said… delightful! A unique story about a genius girl dealing with Asperger’s and a one of a kind man who just happens to be an escort. A modern day Pretty Woman with reverse roles that make it almost impossible not to fall in love with Stella Lane and Michael Phan.

“All the things that make you different make you perfect.”

I knew from the first few pages that I was absolutely going to love this story. Rarely does a book come along that just feels completely right. Once I opened it up, I could not put it down. Believe the hype, believe the 5 stars on Goodreads, and believe in the power of love, because The Kiss Quotient will capture your heart and warm your soul. The writing is impeccable, the story line is unique, and with both light-hearted humor as well as a bit of angst, this novel is contemporary romance at its best. I truly enjoyed Stella’s inner thoughts, her big brain, her OCD, and her adorable quirks. I fell hard and fast for sexy Michael, not only because he brought the heat, boy was he HOT, but because he had the patience of a saint and a heart of gold. Seeing their journey unfold and their love blossom through the words that Ms. Hoang wrote was a phenomenal reading experience.

I am already looking forward to future work from this author. Read it this one, I know you’ll love it!

The Kiss Quotient crossed my radar around about the same time I got wind of The Wedding Date. Both debut books looked like exactly the sort of charming romcoms I wanted in my life at this specific point in time (always, really), and both sported perfectly adorable covers. I was intrigued not only by the obvious mathematical aspect of this novel, but with the fact that the protagonist is on the spectrum and that the story itself was inspired by Helen Hoang's own diagnosis with Autistic Spectrum Disorder. I found myself very eager to dive in and find out just what this gender-swapped Pretty Woman revision had to offer.

Stella Lane's mother will not leave her alone. She would like a suitable suitor for her daughter and the requisite grandchildren, and she would like them now. And Stella just can't with the pressure anymore. Relationships―interactions with people in general―have never been her strong suit. She far prefers math and her job as an econometrician to attempting to unravel the muddy subtleties that make up dating, to say nothing of the absolute minefield that is physical intimacy. Which is where the idea of hiring an expert comes into it. Stella figures if she can study and train, as it were, under the tutelage of a male escort, maybe, just maybe she'll be able to learn the skills to find someone she can and would want to be with. Enter Michael Phan, who Stella selects from the agency because he looks like Daniel Henney―one of her favorite K-drama stars. Michael has his own reasons for working as an escort, when it was never what he wanted to do with his life. But the demands of family and finances led him here, and he does take pride in being excellent at what he does. If only he didn't have to do it anymore. But when Stella outlines her unorthodox plan for him, even unflappable Michael is taken aback. He should leave. He really should leave. It's just that something about this efficient, self-conscious, highly intelligent, if unusual, woman will not leave him alone. And before he knows it, he is all in. Even knowing that there's no chance it can end in anything but disaster.

The Kiss Quotient is wildly entertaining, the kind of book that lures a smile to your face the moment you open it, the kind of smile that lingers undimmed until the moment you close the book and sigh in pure happiness. I closed it and wanted nothing more in this world than to read it straight through again the next day. Helen Hoang exceeded any and all my expectations, as did Stella and Michael, who were so likable and right that I hardly felt the passage of time as my eyes tracked across the page. How is it even possible to resist this setup? It is not. I am convinced it is not possible. As impossible as it is for Michael to walk way from Stella's stacks of ordered lists, her pristine, but empty house, and her unwilling but real need for someone she can learn (at her own pace and in her own time), who wants to learn her in return. And that is what they proceed to do, though thankfully nothing is glossed over in this story.

The progression of their relationship is halting and filled with missteps and moments of incomprehension and pushing back desires to run or just be done with this insane plan so that one or the other (or both) of them don't have to face the realities of how much they want to be together and how difficult that would necessarily be. To say nothing of the attendant (sometimes ugly) baggage of his occupation, the needs of the family he doesn't talk about, Stella's intense dislike of being touched, and the huge differences in their cultures and temperaments. But it is also filled with all of the undeniable reasons they should be together, with all of the minute ways they care for each other and unconsciously reshape their lives around that person that is somehow their person. I loved the slow-building realization that while this crazy notion of Stella's was undoubtedly flawed, it also managed to start two solitary souls on the path to something not only valuable, but vital. As Stella says,

"I don't want just a night or a week or a month with you. I want you all the time. I like you better than calculus, and math is the only thing that unites the universe."

This line is my very favorite line of all the lines because it is so very Stella. Because Ms. Hoang so deftly captures the day-to-day realities of Stella's life, this line came along and flooded me with its import, packed as it is with all of her need for order and space and reason together with her longing for this beautiful, unexpected man who somehow seems to have eased his way seamlessly into her life, taking care to take up just enough but not too much of her order and space and reason. Who makes everything brighter and who needs her, too.

"Michael was mint chocolate chip for her. She could try other flavors, but he'd always be her favorite."

They're so kind to each other, Michael and Stella. They are so kind and dear. Swoony, funny, heart-stopping, and massively fun, The Kiss Quotient is an absolute keeper.

Stella Lane excels at all that she does. Already a wildly successful econometrician at thirty, her life is comfortable and in perfect order. Everything – except for her love life.

The most efficient solution would be to hire a professional to teach her all about the art of passion. But when she comes face to face with Michael Pham – her best intentions fly right out the window.

“Can I tell you where to kiss me?” she whispered.
A smile slowly stretched his lips. “Yes.”
“M-my temple.”
His breath fanned over her ear, sending goose bumps down her neck, before he pressed a kiss to her left temple. “Now where?” The words were spoken softly against her skin, each one a caress.
“My cheek.”
The tip of his nose grazed her skin as he moved lower. He kissed the hollow beneath her cheekbone. “Now?” he asked without lifting his lips.
So close. She could hardly breathe. “The corner of my m-mouth.”
“Are you sure? That’s very close to being a real kiss.”
Impulsive impatience seared through her, and she sank her fingers into his hair, held him in place, and pressed a closed-mouth kiss to his lips. Bolts of sensation zigzagged straight to her chest. After a surprised hesitation, she did it again, and he took the lead, showing her how it was done, drawing the kisses out.
This was kissing. Kissing was glorious.

Michael Pham is far more than just a pretty face. Beneath a gorgeous hard bodied exterior is a man that would do anything for his family. Even sell himself.

When Stella hires him for his services as an escort, he knows immediately that there is something extraordinary about her. She turns out to be the exception to his every rule and even though the odds are against him, he’s going to prove that all of his kisses belong only to her.

“She wished she had his cell phone number, but she figured he never gave that to his clients. It was too personal. Especially if his clients had the tendency to get obsessed.
Which was actually one of her main weaknesses, and a defining characteristic of her disorder. She didn’t know how to be semi-interested in something. She was either indifferent . . . or obsessed. And her obsessions weren’t passing things. They consumed her and became a part of her. She kept them close, wove them into her very life.
Just like her work.
Going forward with Michael, she had to tread carefully. Everything about him pleased her. Not just his looks, but his patience and his kindness. He was good.
He was an obsession waiting to happen.”

The Kiss Quotient is one of those rare literary finds that exceeds all the hype! Helen Hoang’s debut novel brings to life characters that are as beautifully awkward as they are heroic. They make you laugh, make you think and give you the strength to embrace your truest self without regret.

With its poignant prose and irresistible story line, it’s a book that makes an indelible mark on your heart. And we think that the world be an amazing place if everyone tried to be just a little like Stella...

This review comes to you live from my warm and snuggly position on cloud nine. I loved every moment of reading The Kiss Quotient, and my head is well and truly in the clouds with the lasting effect it’s had on me.

But before I get carried away with the gushing, let’s go back to the beginning. The Kiss Quotient tells the story of thirty-year-old, Stella Lane. She’s incredibly successful in her career as an econometrician, but it’s the romantic aspect of her life that brings unfulfillment. By nature she’s a problem solver so it makes perfect sense to her to seek the expertise and instruction of a professional.

The professional would be drop-dead-handsome escort, Michael Phan. His movie star looks and ratings are just Stella needs to provide her with the skills to forge ahead in the world of dating. It’s simple really, under Michael’s tutelage Stella hopes to at the very least overcome some of the difficulties she experiences with her Asperger’s and physical contact.

Michael was once on the cusp of a promising career himself, but events out of his control have led him to “dating” women for money. His family need his help so his pride takes a back seat to that. Stella is unlike any of his other dates and like us he’s immediately endeared to her. He’s probably not what she needs but if she’s willing to pay for his help, he isn’t in a position to refuse it.

As unconventional as their meeting is there’s no denying the authenticity of their connection. It possessed all the trappings and heart fluttering feels that I adore in romance. Paired with humour and a wonderful supporting cast, it’s almost hard to believe it Ms. Hoang’s debut novel.

Taking pride of place on my list of favourite reads this year, it’s no surprise I’ll be keeping my eyes peeled for Ms. Hoang’s next offering.

The Kiss Quotient is a lovely romance that is by turns sexy and sweet. Helen Hoang’s imaginative spin on Pretty Woman charmed me thanks to its wonderfully unique characters. Stella captured my interest from the first. She’s a brilliant econometrician and her honest love and joy for her work was endearing. But Stella is also deeply vulnerable in ways that broke my heart. She feels her Asperger’s impedes her love life and she worries that she will never be good at relationships. Thus Stella embarks on a quest to become better at sex and relationships by hiring an escort to teach her what she wants to know. Michael is the perfect mix of sweetness and sensuality; definitely a swoon-worthy hero. He’s kind, loving, patient, and he sees Stella for the wonderful woman that she is. I really liked that Michael had his own vulnerabilities as well, though I feel like it’d spoil the story a bit to give away his background and his reasons for becoming an escort.

The attraction between Michael and Stella is instantaneous and the sexual tension was fun to watch build. But the best part of the story (for me) was watching Stella and Michael learn more about one another. Ms. Hoang isn’t afraid to let her characters be flawed and their lives messy and that’s what truly makes The Kiss Quotient special. There’s a level of emotional honesty and realism mixed into the fantasy that really captured my attention and had me rooting for Stella and Michael.

Stella and Michael are the heart of The Kiss Quotient, but it’d be shameful if I didn’t mention Michael’s wonderful family. His sisters and cousins are all vibrant characters and the only downside of meeting them is I desperately want their stories (especially Quan’s). I finished The Kiss Quotient a well-satisfied reader, but I cannot wait to see what Ms. Hoang has in store for Michael’s cousin Khai in The Bride Test.

Stars

The Kiss Quotient, debut book by new author - and I am now a big fan! And I can’t wait to read more from this author. I absolutely adored this story.

This book is unique and refreshing, with quirky characters that will have you reading non stop. Michael and Stella couldn’t be more of a perfect match. Stella Lane has a brilliant mind and is set with her everyday rituals. She has Aspergers. Getting into Stella's mind is amazing. She's quirky and honest. Her mother starts pushing her to date (and give her some grandbabies!) and the thought of dating, sex and men -- just pains her to think about it. It's the last thing Stella wants to do. So what a better way to improve her dating skills is to hire an escort.

Michael Phan, is trying to survive one day at a time. He's been escorting on the side to help pay for medical bills. He's a hard worker, helping out his mom and sisters, but working in their dry cleaning doesn't cut the bill. That's where he ends up meeting Stella.

There's something about Stella that has Michael wanting to get to know this client. Unlike his other clients, he knows there's something unique and special about Stella.

I'm a big fan of romance, and there really isn't a lot of stories that involve a main character as Asian-American. Michael Phan and his family reminded me of my family, who have similar culture traditions.

The cover of The Kiss Quotient is a bit deceiving. When you first see it, you think this story is going to be sweet, cute, maybe even a little quirky with light amount of angst. And in some some ways you do get the sweet and cute, but you also get so much more than that. This book is unexpectedly heartfelt and tender, so romantic and pulse pounding and angsty. It makes you ache and cry, swoon and melt, and feel all the feels for these characters. The emotions are deep and tangible, so intoxicating, and the storyline is wholly moving. I’m honestly shocked that this is Helen Hoang debut. It’s beautifully written and well thought out. I can’t get over it. And I can’t even express how much you NEED this novel in your life.

Stella Lane has a problem. She thinks she’s bad at sex and even worse with people. With her mother hounding her to get out and date, to find her match, she knows her issues are something she needs to tackle. So she hires an escort, and that man is Micheal. Micheal Larsen has his own set of issues. Carrying the heavy burden of helping his family through a difficult financial and emotional time, his life’s been nothing short of chaotic the last couple of years. But Stella’s appearance as his client changes everything, for not only him but her as well.

Stella’s character is truly a breath of fresh air—pure, this girl is one you can’t help but absolutely love. She has high functioning autism—Asperger’s—and seems to carry that around like a badge of shame, which broke my heart. If anything, it only adds to her brilliance, made her entirely lovable. Her honesty, her thought process, her quirks are all things I adored about her. And for me, this heroine single-handedly made this book brilliant.

Stella and Micheal have an intrinsic connection together. One that was beautiful to read. I could not get enough of these two. I absolutely love the way Micheal understood Stella. He just got her. His gentleness, his patience, his tender heart were more than endearing. Honestly, I’m smitten with these characters, and I wasn’t expecting to love this story so much.

Overall, everything about The Kiss Quotient was refreshing and heartwarming. It’s a romance about two people who feel unworthy, but when they come together they find not only their self-worth, but a soulmate in the process. It’s lush and romantic, moving and unputdownable, and I can’t recommend it enough. I'm in love.

THE KISS QUOTIENT by Helen Hoang has been on the radar of every romance reader for the last six months. You’d have to be in a hole the size of Mars not to have heard or have seen the cover to a book I’d like to say is the romantic comedy of the year. A book immersed in the realm of own voices offers more than just the Asian American experience but also a heroine that is smart, unpredictably funny and showcases great relatable experiences. Sunny and I both agree that we laughed and enjoyed this tale of discovering love from a unique heroines perspective. What makes this story worthy of all its praise stems from a few different angles Sunny and I hope to explore in this book chat.

CHARACTERIZATION
Sunny: To say Stella is non-traditional would be an understatement. Sure, she is shy and quirky. She has characteristics that those of us nerds could relate to highly. Most of us understand what it means to have an awkward moment of social ineptitude. Who has not been dumbstruck when meeting a guy who could grace the cover of GQ? But for Stella, her challenge is more than just discomfort. She lives with Asperger’s Syndrome and struggles with reading social cues. Instead of feeling sorry for her, Ms. Hoang writes Stella in such a manner that shows her strength. The author gives us insight into her insecurities and her struggles. Yet, she is determined and charmingly innocent. As a reader, you just want good things for her.

Lola: I agree with you, wholeheartedly, Sunny! My penchant for nerdy heroines is no secret in these parts and there is realness to her persona that just rings so true. Ms. Hoang brings Stella’s character to life in a way that exudes so much purity, you can’t help but root for her throughout this story. No one should mistake her awkwardness for pity as Stella is strong in her own right and makes for a very endearing character.

DISCOVERING LOVE THROUGH THE EYES OF STELLA
Sunny: Stella, like a lot of us, feels a tremendous amount of pressure to live up to social conventions of marriage and family. She is expected to find a successful partner, get married and have kids. However, she finds it difficult to date, to connect with men. She would rather stay home and be by herself. She is happiest when she is alone. When she meets Michael, at first, her encounters are literally transactional, but I love how she evolves to learn that relationships are more than just checking off items on a list.

Lola: From the first page of the book, I could sense that Stella’s journey was going to be an entertaining ride. As you mentioned, she like many females in their late twenties encounter some kind of pressure from family and friends to conform to societal norms of checking off the marriage and child boxes. We learn from past experiences that the courting process isn’t something Stella enjoys but when the decision to take matters into her own hands comes about you can’t help but get ready for what’s to come. Every experience she encounters with Michael is met with an analytical brain and fresh eyes.

STELLA’S FAMILY
Sunny: It would be easy for me to say that Stella’s Asian family is the stereotypical high achieving model minority. If I did, it would be very easy to miss the nuances of what Ms. Hoang is sharing with us. There are definite class issues present. Stella’s parents are both professionals. They are well established in their affluent community of Atherton, which is one of the most expensive zip codes in the country. They belong to a country club and civic life. Mrs. Lane helps organize charity benefit balls. The Lane’s are not new immigrants. The disdain Stella’s father initially has for Michael shows his class bias. Furthermore, the ease with which Stella’s parent accept and promote Phillip (a non-Asian) as a possible future son-in-law speaks to a level of acculturation we might not find in newer immigrant communities. This is not accidental. Northern California has had a longer experience with Asian communities dating back to the nineteenth century when San Francisco was the gateway for Chinese labor into the United States. Asians have been a part of Northern California life for multi-generations. In my, non-scientific, observations, there seems to be more acceptance of interracial relationships, especially with Asian males and non-Asian partners. There is a fluidity in that region that is beyond other geographical areas in my opinion.

Yet, with all these differences, what is absolute is Stella’s family still expects her to find the perfect life-partner and live the storybook life. This pressure goes beyond culture or race. It is so interesting to me that no matter how well established Stella is, she is considered incomplete without a man.

Lola: This is what makes THE KISS QUOTIENT so relatable to a reader like myself. A little personal story to tie-in to the point you made above… It’s no secret that I’m the single fortysomething nerd on the blog that has a successful creative career in upper management for a leading energy technology-based company, I’m a homeowner and my job affords me the luxury of travel and I’m blessed to be able to attain these things all on my own. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t pat myself on the back for a job well done. Except for the days, I would get a call from my mom…God rest her soul! I loved that woman to death but to her, I was incomplete, despite all my achievements and abilities, she felt my independence was what deterred men from me and often encouraged me to become more subdued in order to possibly attract a male suitor. Like I said earlier, Stella’s journey is relatable.

MICHAEL’S PERSPECTIVE
Sunny: Michael is such a sympathetic character. His love for his family and his sacrifice for his family are honorable. I know so many 1.5 or 2nd generation children who feel obligated to help their families businesses. LIke Michael, they sacrifice their own dreams in order to help their families. Some have resented the obligation, not being able to forge their own identities. Perhaps, this is the quintessential immigrant story.

What I love most about Michael is how he readily embraces Stella. He is infinitely patient with her and views her awkwardness as quirky and cute. In some ways, it is his kindness that causes a rift between them. She views his attention as charity because she cannot fathom a relationship that is not transactional. Michael teaches her about unconditional love and sacrifice.

Lola: If I were to ever have to hire an escort I would like him to display the character traits of Michael. His patience and intrigue were super sexy. His motivation and commitment to help his family comes from an honorable place. And his looks are compared to Asian American actor Daniel Henney. What more can a girl ask for? Although, my selfish perception kept leaning towards a sexy, Carey Fukunaga… google him, you won’t be sorry!

Sunny: Um, sorry for jumping in here, but speaking of Asian American actors, this book gave me the perfect excuse to populate my Pinterest board with images of men who could be Michael. This was as much fun as I have ever had. Since we are also sharing stories, I will be the first to admit that while growing up, I had absolutely no attraction to men from Asian backgrounds. I remember reading a magazine article about the emasculation of the Asian male image. I agreed with the article. There were very few images of attractive Asian males. There was Bruce Lee and then there was Bruce Lee. Now we have Daniel Henney, Carey Fukunaga, Daniel Dae Kim, and my personal favorite, Godrey Gao, to name a few. I’m so thrilled to be able to say, “We’ve come a long way, baby!”

Lola: Godfrey Gao…hubba hubba!

WRAP UP
Lola: One of the takeaways from the last RT BookLovers Convention held last month was a keenness from publishers, authors, and even readers to see more romance stories from strong voices. It was the mantra of the whole convention and I confidently declare THE KISS QUOTIENT by Helen Hoang worthy of the title. Not only has Ms. Hoang knocked out an unforgettable debut novel, she surprised me with the humor, cultural subtleties and erotic nature between the two leads and how balanced these elements could make for a fantastic summer read. If kissing, is as hot as Ms. Hoang writes it, she could write only kissing books and I would read them all day, every day! If you love this book as much as we did then you’ll be happy to know that there will be more from this talented debut author. We are expected to wait, a little over six months for the second book in the series titled THE BRIDE TEST and it seems that we have a hero nerd who has a penchant for numbers.

Sunny: I have to admit, sometimes I get a little turned off by “highly anticipated” books. No one, especially me, wants to be disappointed. Have no fear, folks, this one is a WINNER! This one was a joy to read because of its winning combination of wit, humor, compassion, and erotica.

Lola: To conclude, I’ll be giving away a print copy of THE KISS QUOTIENT to one lucky reader, so enter the giveaway below.

Delightful, evocative and refreshing story of two people finding love where they least expect it. Stella is a mathematical genius and quite wealthy young woman determined not to be defined by her autism. Relationships and sex are difficult for her because her tendency to speak the truth under any circumstances and her challenge in reading social cues means men don't linger. Hiring Michael, an escort, to teach her how to be comfortable in sexual situations and eventually in relationship prowess turns out to be the right decision. But transitioning from client/vendor to something real is the tricky part.

Michael's Vietnamese family and cultural background are authentic (and familiar, as I have some Vietnamese friends and the grapefruit peeling scene is spot on!). He's a very talented clothing designer but had to shelve his business plans due to abandonment by his conman father, and hefty medical bills for his mother. Being an escort has some perks (money, and sometimes good sex which he enjoys) but is definitely something he keeps hidden from his family. When Stella becomes his client and wants to book him for more than one night, it's the start of a friendship and a steamy sexual relationship. While Stella doesn't tell Michael she's autistic for fear that he will look at her differently, he does figure it out (he has a cousin who is autistic and has some of the same mannerisms) but it doesn't make him care for her any less. If anything, he's amazed by her brilliant mind, body and heart.

Finding their way to a happy ending takes a bit of work on both their sides but they get there in a thoroughly believable and satisfying manner. The author has introduced some intriguing secondary characters with Michael's family and I genuinely hope we'll see them show up in future stories. This is a fabulous debut romance, and destined to be on my best reads list of 2018.