Title: The Kiss Quotient
Author: Helen Hoang
Published: 2018
Publisher: Corvus
Rating: ****
Genre: Romance
Setting: Palo Alto, USA
Difficulty: Easy Pages: 338 (print)
Series: Standalone
Always spoiler free. Contains references to sex and small references to violence/sexual violence.
I chose this book as part of an Instagram readathon (#ReadingAsiaPacific) created @candid_copywriter & @theurban_reader for April. I had sort of been aware of the book, but the Readathon challenged me to read new books, so I picked it up.
I don’t really read romance books, and if I do, they tend to be fantasy romance novels. I also didn’t know much about this book before starting to read it, which was probably a good thing as I didn’t have any preconceptions going into it. I just knew it was in the romance genre.
Stella Lane needs help. She’s bad at sex and wants to practice so that she can start a ‘proper’ relationship and appease her mother. Michael is desperate for money to support his family and is working as an escort on the side. When Stella hires Michael to help her, he’s not sure he wants anything to do with her proposal. But something draws them together…
Well. Let me tell you I was NOT prepared for the steaminess! I’m not sure why it didn’t occur to me that this book might feature (whispers) sex scenes, but they were definitely front and centre in the book (which, retrospectively, makes complete sense given the set up!).
This book is what some people class as ‘own voices’ in that Hoang is both autistic (she was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in 2016) and her mother is a Vietnamese immigrant to the US.
This book is both good, light fun but also introduces important topics and deeper moments. Hoang gives these space to breath in the plot and ensures they aren't included as a throw away topic, but given proper consideration. She manages to balance this in what is usually seen as a more light hearted genre, and the book really shines because of it.
The book includes characters who usually wouldn’t feature as the main love interests in a romance book. This is why own voices books are so important!
I really liked both main characters, who were likable but multifaceted. As in most romance novels there is that element of misunderstanding and growth to progress the plotline.
I thought it was well written and interesting. I read it when I was ill and finished it in one sitting. As I’m not primarily drawn to romance books like this, I’m not sure I loved it, but I think that’s because it’s not really my main genre. I would pick up more of her books, as I find them refreshing good fun!
Well Red Reviews
Would I recommend this book? Yes, especially to people who like romance novels.