5 - "You're a ten for me." Stars!

You can tell from the number of reviews that The Kiss Quotient is a book beloved by many, that is the main reason for my interest in reading it, and also for my scepticism in regards to how good it actually is. So when offered the opportunity to read it for myself I grabbed it with both hands with the high hopes that a book would finally live up to it’s hype.

She couldn’t keep a man for the life of her…

And it absolutely did, with two quirky and extremely likeable characters, it had a bit of a Pretty Woman in reverse vibe about it, in that Stella was the well-to-do business person, socially awkward, with intimacy issues, issues that are mainly attributed to her Asperger's. Michael the freer spirited, and on the surface, more confident, comfortable with his body, and extremely relaxed about intimacy, so much so he has made a career out of offering it to women… for a fee.

"I only do Friday nights…"

And so begins a fake relationship/romance between two completely different people, put the variables down on paper, and you would say not a chance, in fiction, it was a whole different story (pun intended).

"This goes two ways… You like the feel of me. I like the feel of you."

I have pages of notes, and highlights, and quotes from this one, and the ratings on this occasion absolutely speak for themselves in regards to how good this book is. I can’t say that it’s a 100% accurate portrayal of a woman with Asperger’s, unless you live with something like that yourself how can you ever be sure, but it was frank in its reality and respectful in the way the author shone a light on the way life is lived when your normal is different to a large number if not all of those around you.

People called it a disorder, but it didn’t feel like one. To her it was simply the way she was…

If you are looking for a romance that is a little different, a lot of sweet, and a whole heap of enjoyable, then I recommend that you give The Kiss Quotient a go. I will definitely be looking to read more from Helen Hoang in the future, and with this being the first book in the series, and Michael's Autistic cousin being the H in The Bride Test due for release in 2019, there is more too look forward to reading from this author.

I loved this book from page one to the last. Stella`s and Michael`s story is beautifully written.

Helen Hoang found an interesting way to explain the difficulties someone has to overcome when suffering under the Asperger`s Syndrome. Stella`s need to be seen as a unique person, not as a person with a disorder, was tangible between the pages. And Michael... He melted my heart.

A must read in 2018!

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely adore this book!

It’s everything I want in a romance book and more.
The fact that the main character was on the Autism spectrum made it even better, it’s about time there were more autistic characters in books, and it was represented here brilliantly. (I believe the author is on the autism spectrum)
I’m no expert or anything like that, but the character in this book aligned with a lot of stuff I’ve heard / read / watched about how women with autism tend to try and hide their traits that may identify them as autistic in order to try and ‘fit in’
It was such a wonderful heartwarming, cute, and sexy book haha

If you like romance novels/ chick-lit / rom-coms then I would 100% recommend this

Helen Hoang's "The Kiss Quotient" was a book that had been blowing up my news feed, not only on Facebook but also on Goodreads for the last few weeks. It was a book that people were raving about and recommending to their fellow readers left right and centre. "A must read." "Best book ever." "This story was everything." These were just some of the comments I was hearing and so of course my interest was piqued and I found myself needing to get my mitts on this story. So having read this book (or inhaled it more to the point), I can see what all the hype was about. Peeps, "The Kiss Quotient" is up there with my all time favourites and it really does deserve all the praise it's receiving. For a new author to come out with such an amazing and unique story that has the book world giving it a standing ovation, well Helen Hoang, you really do deserve all of the stars and then some.

He exhaled sharply, and his brow creased in puzzlement.
“You don’t like French kissing?”
“It makes me feel like a shark getting its teeth cleaned by pilot fish.”
It was weird and far too personal.

"The Kiss Quotient" was a beautiful, awe inspiring, thought provoking story that was full of heart and soul. It was sexy, swoony and so darn sweet (and I don't normally do sweet so the fact that I loved this one says a lot about the story and this author). But it was also deeply emotional and heart wrenching at times too but that's what I loved. This author gave her readers a very open and honest account of relationships from the point of view of two refreshingly different characters who were so quirky yet so perfect. In fact there were moments I felt myself being transported back to my younger years and reliving all those emotional wonders and complexities that go hand in hand with lust and love and I couldn't help but smile, my heart feeling happy at the memories.

“She didn’t know how to be semi-interested in something.
She was either indifferent . . . or obsessed.”

Stella and Michael was just such lovable leading characters. The mystery surrounding Michael and his private life kept me on my toes and Stella's strength, her frankness and her constant ability to challenge herself left my heart feeling so full. Equally there were so many secondary characters that have left a lasting impression on me and I'm really hoping we see more of them in the next book.

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.

Helen Hoang really does deserve so much success from her first book as an author. She bit the bullet and stepped outside of the box, giving her readers the most spectacular, well thought out, perfectly executed love story that has stolen a piece of my heart. I cannot wait until next year when we get Khai's story in "The Bride Test."

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

"The Kiss Quotient" gets one of the easiest ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ I've given.

The enthusiasm and feelings are just rolling off me on finishing this book. It has given me such ‘smushy’ feelings at various junctures through the book and I am all toothy smiles and vacant stares now. THE KISS QUOTIENT is one of those truly memorable romances that are both real and perfect.

You’d have to be under a rock to not already have heard of this book and whilst I’ve heard lots of buzz from friends and my feed, I haven’t read one review. Therefore, knowing very little about the content, these characters were an immediate sneak attack of grabby hands to my brain. I felt complete absorption over Stella’s situation and plan to improve her social skills and sexual abilities with the aim to become girlfriend material. Stella knew herself through and through and the Stella I got to know was just total, lovable quirkiness.

Michael conjured all sorts of visuals in my head, each one rather delectable because that’s exactly what Michael is. I enjoyed the slow unpeeling of his character, meeting his family and getting to see the stand-up guy that he was. Michael with Stella was perfection, he saw, he understood, he valued...and I swooned, again and again.

The chemistry was mighty fine and each scene so wonderfully written. I lived in their moments and enjoyed being a fly on the wall.

Helen Hoang has invaded my world and I’m not letting her go. She wrote beautifully, from the heart with a tangibility that is unusual. I cannot wait to devour more from her and I’ve already planned a re-read for this book on my summer vacation.

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.

Loved this book!

Stella has aspergers. She struggles to connect with people, so what hope does she have of finding herself a boyfriend like her mum wants her to?

After a chance comment from a colleague, she sets up a date with a male escort, Michael. The plan is that he will teach her about relationships so she is ready to meet someone for real. Only problem is that she starts to fall for him and he has his own issues to deal with. A great range of characters, and I liked that the central character of Stella was a well educated woman who was looking for love, not a rich husband to support her.

Well written and keeps you hooked - I read the book all in one go as I couldn't put it down. Really looking forward to reading more from this author.