Tuesday, May 29, 2018

The Kiss Quotient (The Kiss Quotient, #1) by Helen Hoang

Expected Publication: June 5, 2018
Synopsis (via Goodreads): A heartwarming and refreshing debut novel that proves one thing: there's not enough data in the world to predict what will make your heart tick.

Stella Lane thinks math is the only thing that unites the universe. She comes up with algorithms to predict customer purchases--a job that has given her more money than she knows what to do with, and way less experience in the dating department than the average thirty-year-old.

It doesn't help that Stella has Asperger's and French kissing reminds her of a shark getting its teeth cleaned by pilot fish. Her conclusion: she needs lots of practice--with a professional. Which is why she hires escort Michael Phan. The Vietnamese and Swedish stunner can't afford to turn down Stella's offer, and agrees to help her check off all the boxes on her lesson plan--from foreplay to more-than-missionary position...



Before long, Stella not only learns to appreciate his kisses, but to crave all the other things he's making her feel. Soon, their no-nonsense partnership starts making a strange kind of sense. And the pattern that emerges will convince Stella that love is the best kind of logic...
"I like you better than calculus, and math is the only thing that unites the universe."
I received an ARC from Penguin's First to Read in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Also, the quotes I used may have changed or been altered in some way, but I am quoting from what I received.

This is easily one of my favorite reads this year! The Kiss Quotient was everything I wanted and more! Helen Hoang did a remarkable job conveying Stella's personality and how having Asperger's shaped her life. Her routines and methods for getting through a single day seemed exhausting, but she was more frazzled when something was done out of order. This made having a relationship difficult and overwhelming.

Stella's perspective was incredibly interesting to read from. She doesn't want her autism to define her, or be the only thing someone sees when they look at her. She chooses to hide that aspect of herself away from the world, so very few people actually know the real Stella. 

Thank Thor for Michael! I was a little concerned about his motivations for escorting in the beginning, but we quickly learn the reasons behind his actions. He may be an Adonis, but he lacks confidence in himself. His self-deprecating thoughts would crush my heart, because it was obvious how genuinely good he was. He would do anything for his family, even if that meant putting his own dreams on hold and keeping secrets. 

These two were absolutely adorable together! I wish they could have seen what we did, but then the book wouldn't have lasted as long. Stella doesn't think she's good enough because of her Asperger's, and Michael doesn't think he deserves Stella because of his past and the demons that lurk there. Their connection is immediate and consuming, but they both choose to keep their innermost thoughts to themselves instead of sharing them with each other. 

I had to fan my face during some of their more intimate scenes...wow. "Only in his line of work was blindness by nipple assault a true hazard."

The Kiss Quotient is about a beautiful and brilliant econometrician, and a dashing designer that can cook while wrestling with one of his sisters. Their relationship was unconventional and quirky, but immensely enjoyable to watch. I was on the verge of violence a few times (because assholes), but most of the time there was a smile plastered to my face. I really cannot say enough good things about this story or how I felt about it. I'm definitely looking forward to reading it again!

22 comments:

  1. Awww! i want to read it, and hit those assholes in the face

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    1. If a women isn't interested in you or sex, DON'T TRY TO FORCE YOURSELF ON HER. GAH! Stella's Asperger's caused her to lock up in stressful/uncomfortable situations, and these guys didn't care. One actually told her to "loosen up"!

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  2. Gosh this sounds absolutely lovely Linds. I love couples that get together through unconventional means. They sound like a wonderful support to one another. I can't recall any other romance novels where a character has been diagnosed with aspergers, so I'm really interested to see how that plays out. What a feel great storyline! Beautiful review Linds, so glad you enjoyed it ♥♥♥

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    1. It's like they were made for each other! Michael has an autistic cousin, so he's familiar with the way they process information. His cousin would become overstimulated in crowds or with loud music, and Stella was the same way. He even mentions maybe understanding her without realizing it, because he was just used to having someone around that was similar.

      This is my first book with a main character that has Asperger's! It was actually really fascinating and made me think about it a little differently. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

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  3. I think I need to pick this one up, it sounds perfect for summer which is right around the corner here!

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    1. Right around the corner? Haha! I feel like it's been summer in Texas since February. ;)

      Definitely pick this on up! Instant favorite!

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  4. This is the second really positive review I've read of this. It sounds really cute but also with depth, which I like. Great review!
    Jen Ryland Reviews

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    1. It was adorable and deep! I thought it might be on the lighter side because of his profession, like the author was going to have fun with it, but it's actually quite serious. He chose to that for some pretty intense reasons that go beyond money.

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  5. it's funny because it's a book I didn't know about and these days everyone is reviewing it

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    1. Probably because it's going to be released soon! It's also a phenomenal book with a wonderful story, so it's hard not to express your love for it.

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  6. I like the sound of this one. Seems like an enjoyable story. Nice review. Thanks for sharing :)

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    1. I hope you're able to pick it up soon! I don't like to push books on people, but I do love to talk about the ones I love. THIS IS ONE I LOVE, lol.

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  7. Everyone is proclaiming this the book of the year. I'm interested but will probably let the hype die down a bit so my expectations aren't so high.

    Karen @ For What It's Worth

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    1. I understand! You don't want to go into something with expectations and then be disappointed even if the book was enjoyable. I like reading books that I know nothing about!

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  8. This sounds really cute. I like that even though Michael is really good looking, he still has insecurities - makes him feel more real as a character.

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    1. He even hates that he looks the way he does, because it reminds him of his dad, so even that is tainted in some way. He's insecure and damaged, and Stella thinks she is because of her autism, so the two of them really help each other throughout the book. SO GOOD!

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  9. This sounds so cute! I've heard lot of good things so i'm thinking i need to pick it up!

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    1. YES. I don't think I can say enough good things about this one! If you decide to read it, let me know what you think!

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  10. I keep reading outstanding reviews for this one. Everyone is loving it. I just got my copy yesterday, finally! I can’t wait to dig in and experience this for myself.

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    1. Yay! I cannot wait to see what you think! I'll be looking for your review. <3

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  11. Sounds adorable. The perfect summer read!

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    1. I completely agree! I cannot wait to add this one to my shelves!

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“Stuff and nonsense. Nonsense and stuff and much of a muchness and nonsense all over again. We are all mad here, don't you know?”
― Marissa Meyer, Heartless