jeannamichel
Written on Apr 14, 2019
From the author of The Bride Test comes a romance novel hailed as one of The Washington Post’s 50 Notable Works of Fiction in 2018 and one of Amazon’s Top 100 Books of 2018!
“This is such a fun read and it's also quite original and sexy and sensitive.”—Roxane Gay, New York Times bestselling author
“Hoang's writing bursts from the page.”—Buzzfeed
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 crave all of the other things he's making her feel. 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...
- ISBN13 9780451490810
- Publish Date 5 June 2018
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country US
- Imprint Berkley
- Format eBook
- Pages 352
- Language English
- URL https://penguinrandomhouse.com/books/isbn/9780451490810
Reviews
Martha G
Written on Feb 4, 2019
lisacee
Written on Jan 31, 2019
ccbookwitch
Written on Jan 18, 2019
THE KISS QUOTIENT is not my first foray into adult romance, but it is the one I’ve liked the most, other than a couple manuscripts I read as an editorial intern with Entangled. I’m slightly torn because there were some writing craft things that bothered me but also I just enjoyed it so much and was so entertained?? So this book is still four stars for me if I was the type of person who did book ratings, which I am not. Okay, onward with the review…
One of the main selling points on this book is the diversity elements, and I think both characters were handled really well. I can’t speak to the actual rep for Autism because I am not autistic, but I can say that Stella was written really differently than any other autistic character I’ve read. In most other books I’ve read with an autistic character, the story was all about them being autistic, and it became the only part of their personality, but in this book, Stella was definitely a full person who just struggled (sometimes) with autism. I thought the book did a really great job of explaining how Stella’s autism effected her without making her entire personality about autism. It also showed her having a full range of living experiences outside of her autism, even though it was still a part of her and something she dealt with, in a full way. I personally learned a lot about Stella’s form of autism through this book, and I think people would read this and be reminded that autism is different based on the individual person and doesn’t mean just one thing for everyone.
I also really loved Michael and his family. I thought Hoang crafted a really compelling backstory for Michael and that she made his escorting not necessarily “make sense” but seem more sympathetic to readers who might otherwise write him off for doing sex work, which I appreciated. One of the writing things that bugged me a bit was that what happened with his father and finding out who his father was happened so late in the book. Realistically, that would be in someone’s mind all the time, so revealing it later on like that just didn’t make emotional or logical sense to me, and I personally don’t really like it when you’re with a particular character in a story for a while and then find out something in a “twist” way later on even though they logically would’ve been thinking about it the whole time. I think this is probably just a nitpicky, “me” thing, and it definitely didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the story.
On the Michael note, I adored his whole family. Their dynamics were so entertaining, especially the girls who were not twins, and his relationship with his mom was so sweet. Every single scene with Michael’s family just warmed my heart. I always like it when book characters have close relationships with their families (probably since I’ve read so many abusive and absent parent YA books), and Michael’s family was just delightful.
I also really appreciated how important consent was in the book. Michael really cared about making sure Stella was comfortable any time they did ANYTHING, even kissing, and took great care with her emotions. He also got so incensed when finding out that other men had sex with her when she was visibly in a bad place, which made my heart soar and melt. All the sexual stuff was actually handled really well, and I wasn’t actually as uncomfortable with it as I usually am while reading anything sexy, probably because it was handled with such sensitivity and consent was a huge part of every sex scene.
Plus I shipped them?? So?? Much??? I loved that Michael knew right away that Stella was basically his dream woman, and took the time to get to know her and be sensitive to her needs, even when he didn’t know she was autistic. One thing I will comment on is I found the changes in their relationship often abrupt, like they suddenly decided sex wouldn’t be a part of it, then kissing wouldn’t but he immediately kisses her again, then they suddenly decide it’s a practice relationship and not practice sex. I would’ve just liked some more consistency or flow in terms of the changes in their relationship status.
Obviously I have a lot of Thoughts about THE KISS QUOTIENT, but I guess I will end this review here before it gets too long and is basically a five page essay about how much I loved it. I am very happy that my first venture into adult romance in 2019 was a success, and I am also very excited that Helen Hoang is coming out with another book this year, THE BRIDE TEST, which I will definitely read immediately and may even possibly preorder, because that is how much I liked THE KISS QUOTIENT.
wyvernfriend
Written on Dec 3, 2018
I can see the logic of deciding that if you're not good at something, like dating, to experiment with it and test how it should work, and how numbers are so interesting.
Stella wants to settle down and marry, it's the next step for her life, not least according to her mother. She decides to hire someone to help. Into her life comes Michael who uses his good looks and charm to make sure his mother is getting the medical help she needs. Michael has rules about not getting involved with clients but he finds Stella compelling. He understands her and wants her to have a fulfilling life, but he's not sure he's enough for her. Meanwhile Stella is getting used to wanting to have someone else in her life, she cares for Michael and it's somewhat confusing her.
I liked it, liked the characters and the fact that they all had their own agency, I did want to punch her co-worker.
celinenyx
Written on Nov 17, 2018
Nadz@Totally Addicted to Reading
Written on Nov 12, 2018
If I had to use one adjective to describe this book, the term used would be stunning. This is by far my favourite book for the year. There is a plethora of reviews in the blogosphere for this title making it difficult not to say what has already been said about this book. I will say this though, The Kiss Quotient is one of those books you need top pick up when you have nothing else doing, as the story will consume you. Once you start, you will be hard pressed to put it down. The characters will weave themselves into your hearts to the point you will not forget them soon.
I loved Stella and Michael together. An unconventional couple, but perfect for each other. I loved Michael’s patience towards Stella even before he knew about her Asperger’s Syndrome. Even after he found out it never changed how he felt about her.
I loved Michael despite him being an escort. His decision to be an escort was not an easy, but he saw it as the only way out. I may not have agreed with his choice, but who am I to judge.
This story pushed the boundaries of my emotional capacity. I cried (which is a rare occurrence when reading) and I laughed as I rooted for these two. They both deserved happiness as they both had their share of pain and disappointment. The story fulfilled all my expectations. I cannot find anything about the book I did not love apart from the fact I wanted more from Stella and Michael.
Conclusion/Recommendation
If you have not read this book as yet I suggest you make the effort, you won’t regret it. I believe this book is a must read for fans of diverse romance.
jamiereadthis
Written on Jul 17, 2018
I should not have attempted this directly after re-reading Faking It. It does not scratch that itch. I was hoping, with the premise, it would be more unconventional, but it’s another swing and a miss with the brainy-sexy books lately. Also, the whole jealous-possessive thing, really really a turn-off even when it’s meant to be “sweet.”
Amber
Written on Jul 11, 2018
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stacey_is_sassy
Written on Jun 23, 2018
Listening to The Kiss Quotient was an intense experience for me. I don't think I have ever listened to a book and felt so drawn in. There was one particular scene where the main character has a panic attack, and to be honest, I was right there alongside her with my heart pumping and my breathing laboured. It happened on the way to work and by the time I got there, I was a teary, jittery mess. I was completely sucked in.
The first half of the story, I was completely riveted and loved getting to know Stella and Michael. Stella was quirky and I loved seeing her process her surroundings and deal with her issues. Michael was interesting to get to know. His burdens, the guilt attached to his choices and his embarrassment with a job he does because he has to not because he wants to, are at times hard to witness. Both Stella and Michael are originals and I loved seeing them get to know each other better.
The second half of the book lost a little of the momentum for me. When we are faced with drama, misunderstandings and a lack of communication, I felt it was a little misplaced. Her previous openness deserted her and Michael's patience and concern for her happiness seemed to have disappeared. I was just a little disappointed. If I'm to believe a couple have the perseverance and strength to make it to the end, I need to see them together working through their problems. Sure, I get that they must be strong as an individual, but working as a team is also a great way to show strength, faith and commitment.
The narrator does an exceptional job but I think her work was made easier considering what she got to work with. Her character voices, ability to give us an experience and not just read it to us made it even more amazing.
I enjoyed The Kiss Quotient and I will definitely be reading more from this author in the future.