Item: The Bride Test
Rating: 5.00
Author: kimbacaffeinate

by Helen Hoang

Goodread's Big Books of Spring 2019 - Romance

'Such a fun read... Original and sexy and sensitive.' Roxane Gay, author of Bad Feminist, on The Kiss Quotient
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From the bestselling author of The Kiss Quotient

Khai Diep has no feelings. Well, not big, important emotions - like grief. And love. He thinks he's defective. His family knows better - that his autism means he just processes emotions differently. When he steadfastly refuses to consider a relationship, his mother takes matters into her own hands and returns to Vietnam to find him the perfect bride.

As a mixed-race girl living in the slums of Ho Chi Minh City, Esme Tran has always felt out of place. So when the opportunity arises to go to America and meet a potential husband, she can't turn it down. This could be the break her family needs. Seducing Khai, however, doesn't go quite as planned. Esme's lessons in love seem to be working... but only on herself. She's hopelessly smitten with a man who's convinced he can never return her affection.

As Esme's time in the United States dwindles, will Khai let his head catch up with his heart? Will he find the strength to let go, and let love in?

'Refreshingly real.' Marie Claire on The Bride Test

I have a son who falls on the spectrum and Hoang captures these beautiful, unique souls wonderfully. From mannerisms to the unique way they view the world. It takes a special kind of soul to see how loving they truly are.

The set up for the romance was delightful. Khai’s mother travels to Vietnam and brings home a bride for him. He must spend the summer with Esme Tran, a mixed-race girl from the slums of Ho Chi Minh City. Esme will have the summer to convince Khai he wants a wife. This could have been awful, instead Hoang gave us strong, lovable characters who shared a chemistry and found something more.

Hoang balanced the obstacles of autism with firsts. New places, living with a stranger, and first times. Even the secret(s) and obstacles to the relationship were done well. I adored The Kiss Quotient, but I loved The Bride Test.

I laughed, cried, screamed in frustration, and stood proud as Esme accomplished thing. I understood and felt for Khai as I would my own son. Siblings, weddings, family and outsiders all helped pull the story along and allowing me to come to care for them all.

Don’t skip the author’s note. *wipes tears* Then buy it for yourself and your friends!

If you are looking for the perfect summer romance, The Bride Test should be in you tote! A cute, hilarious and heartwarming romance! This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer

The Bride Test (The Kiss Quotient, #2)

by Helen Hoang

Reviewed by kimbacaffeinate on Mar 22, 2019

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