The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

 This is fast-paced, addictive,easy read.

 The premise is a little out there, but it makes sense especially after reading Hoang’s Author’s note. I just wish it hadn’t been so predictable. I saw how everything could play out very early on the book but I was hoping that Stella and Michael’s romance would take a different path; one that is as unique as their characters. Outside of Stella having autism, I feel like I have read books like this before. I was hoping for something a little more outside of the box, but it was overly predictable. Overall, I found this to be a fun, fluffy, and unfortunately, formulaic read.

Ok , so i'll start it straight,
 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. 

 The Kiss Quotient is quite the unexpected romance novel. Stella Lane is on the spectrum and wants to get better at sex so she can, hopefully, find a life partner and start the family her parents so very much want her to have. To get better at sex she hires Michael, an escort with a lot of debt and a few secrets but who, somehow, is exactly the man she needs. Of course he is! That's how romance novels work. But this is such a fun read and it's also quite original and sexy and sensitive. Stella is a really compelling protagonist and Hoang does a fine job of showing us who this woman is and how she negotiates a world that isn't as welcoming to her as she deserves. Lots to admire her! 

 Well worth a read.

 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 month. 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! 

 I’m liking that more and more romance novels are coming out now that have substance and depth to them. In the past, they were pure enjoyment for me and they still are, but I was learning so much about high-functioning autism whilst reading this book.

It just reinforces how much I love fiction. Storytelling is the most perfect of ways to understand the plight of others, because there are emotions that get triggered when we read which allows us to form a bond to the story and its characters.
This then leads us to remember specific aspects of the story that have touched us the most, creating empathy. Storytelling deals with subject matters that make us fundamentally human. 

 And they say fiction isn’t educational.

 Between the cuteness, the math, the fake dating trope done flawlessly, the steamy sweet moments, and the fantastic focus on consent… I honestly have nothing but good things to say about The Kiss Quotient. Instead of rambling on, I’ll just echo the tons of other people saying if you haven’t read this book, you need to! It’s wonderful, charming, sad, heavy, and sweet, all wrapped up into one emotional little bundle of romance, sex, and family.

 Give this one a try everyone! You won't be sorry!! And I can't wait to read your thoughts. And have others to swoon with 💗 Because I feel so alone right now.

 As it always happens with romance novels, I did lose a little interest once the hottest part was over and the inevitable dramatic breakup started unfolding before the final sprint to HEA (Though
I am really keen on wedding, engagements, babies, etc.) To the author’s credit, the novel mostly stayed away from tedious misunderstandings I loathe.

What does set it apart is the diversity, and the boldness of placing a character with Asperger’s as a lead in a romantic comedy. The delicate balance of approaching the syndrome with respect and the gravity it deserves, while adding in humor and poignancy, is very well done. From that perspective the story is very original, unique, and refreshing!

Everything you love about romance is here: 

It's hot and steamy,

 funny, 

charming,

emotional,

and inspiring,

with a lovely feel good ending.

I think it's the little things that made it so real, so accurate, and so so up-lifting. And also at the end when Stella says a big loud NO to changing herself and just says:

 I am autistic and this is who I am and I'm not broken.

 And I'm just scREAM cheering in the background. As an autistic myself, late diagnosed too, I just totally fell in love with Stella. She's not a stereotype! She's kind and loving and sweet, and also super sensitive and fixated on routines and obsessions.  

If you want to read a book to really see what it's like being an autistic woman = CHOOSE THIS ONE.

This book has given me all mushy feels. Aww. It was two people genuinely falling in love while convinced the other didn't love them that was so good to read. And good autism rep!? And sweet characters who I both loved incredibly. THIS WAS SOFT. (But like...a lot of sex lmao. I mainly read YA so this was a bit 🤩 for me, but still.)

However, this one gives voice to those rarely featured in these types of stories. I love that about this book!! I for one, applaud this new angle and approach to contemporary romance, and hope to see more books step away from the standard 'Plain Jane' tropes and branch out into new, mostly unexplored territory, in the romance genre. Books like this one could help the genre shake off a few of its hardwired stigmas and reach a much broader audience.

After reading this, i can completely understand the massive attention this book has gotten over the past few years. Its the perfect story for those looking for a lovely feel-good book to end their summer!

 What I really enjoyed about this book, specifically, was getting the opportunity to read from the perspective of character who has autism. having such a unique character made it very interesting to read about how differently emotions can be processed and interrupted. this story made me think about what romance means to not only me, but other people. i will admit, at times the plot was a little unrealistic. but i thought the characters were the most real thing about this story. they felt very authentic and genuine and helped the story feel more natural.

But all in all this was a fantastic experience. A romance equally hot and sweet.
 Surely recommending!
🌟🌟🌟🌟 out of 5 stars.

until next time,

your romantic reviewer💋