Meet Your Next #OwnVoices: The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang 

This book was one of my top favorite books in 2018. It was Helen Hoang's debut novel and she blew me away with her writing and her main character, Stella Lane. Stella is smart, successful, and also autistic. This is one of the first times I've read a book about an autistic heroine, and it felt so realistic and refreshing. When I found out that Helen Hoang was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder herself, I was in awe of her taking her own journey and inspiring such a wonderful book!  Check out my review for The Kiss Quotient below, as well as more info on Helen Hoang! 

Christy's Review

There isn't much better as a reader than finding a debut novel that you have zero expectations for, and it blowing you away. The Kiss Quotient did just that. Helen Hoang wrote a book that is smart, sexy, made me laugh, and gave me just the right amount of feels. There wasn't one thing I would change about this story or the characters. I loved everything about it!

Stella Lane is a thirty year old econometrician who is smart and successful, but lacking in one area of her life. Relationships. After her mother pressuring her to settle down and meet someone, Stella decides it's time she gives it a try. Stella has Aspergers, a high-functioning form of Autism that makes her a little awkward when it comes to relationships, sex, and certain social situations. Due to this, she decides to hire an escort to 'teach' her how to navigate this.

This is where Michael enters. Michael is an escort, but he's so much more than that. He is a stand-up guy who only escorts on Friday nights as a way to help his family financially. Honestly, he feels that he has no choice. When he meets Stella, he is stunned someone like her would hire an escort. She fascinates him. Michael is kind to Stella, he's patient and understanding to her situation. So much so, that being with him one night won't do.

 

These were supposed to be simple sex lessons. Why was it getting so complicated?

Michael and Stella develop a friendship and relationship of sorts. One of my favorite things about this book was seeing how Michael grew to care for Stella, embraced her quirks and handled everything that made her different. Both of these characters made my heart so happy. I adored them both and wanted nothing more than their relationship/friendship to go to the next level.

One thing I found so refreshing about this book is Stella's character. I could tell Hoang knew what she was talking about when she wrote Stella. Even though Stella is much different than me, she was very relateable.  Michael and Stella brought out the best in one another and their connection and chemistry were off the charts.

The Kiss Quotient is quite honestly one of the best books I've read this year. It was perfection. The story is refreshing and unique, and the writing is intelligent and fresh. I can't wait to see what else Helen Hoang has in store. I'll definitely be reading every and anything else she puts out!

About Helen Hoang

Helen Hoang is that shy person who never talks. Until she does. And the worst things fly out of her mouth. She read her first romance novel in eighth grade and has been addicted ever since. In 2016, she was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in line with what was previously known as Asperger’s Syndrome. Her journey inspired THE KISS QUOTIENT. She currently lives in San Diego, California with her husband, two kids, and pet fish.

https://www.helenhoang.com/about-helen-hoang/

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Be sure to check out ALL the #OwnVoices Tour stops! 

October 14th: 

Collector of Book Boyfriends 

(Guest post by author Tiffany Reisz)

October 15th: 

Beware of the Reader 

(Birthday by Meredith Russo) 

October 16th: 

Foxy Blogs 

(Guest post by author Susan Fanetti) 

October 17th: 

Book Babes Unite

(The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang) 

October 18th:

Collector of Book Boyfriends

(The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory)

October 21st:

Red Hot Ink 

(An Exhalation of Larks by Suanne Laqueur)

October 23rd:

Foxy Blogs 

(The Bride Test by Helen Hoang)

October 24th:

Collector of Book Boyfriends

(To All the Boys I Loved Before by Jenny Han)