The publisher kindly sent me a physical copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Khai Diep has no feelings. Well, he feels irritation when people move his things or contentment when ledgers balance down to the penny, but 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 avoids relationships, 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. When the opportunity arises to come to America and meet a potential husband, she can’t turn it down, thinking this could be the break her family needs. Seducing Khai, however, doesn’t go 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.
With Esme’s time in the United States dwindling, Khai is forced to understand he’s been wrong all along. And there’s more than one way to love.
The Bride Test Review
After reading The Kiss Quotient last year, I’ve been eagerly waiting for The Bride Test. I’m so happy that I loved this sequel as much as the first book!
The Bride Test follows Khai, a young adult on the autism spectrum. His mother decides to travel to Vietnam to try and find him a wife. She ends up finding Esme, a cleaning lady from Vietnam and sends her to live with Khai for the summer.
I just adore these characters so much. Khai is absolutely adorable. He’s extremely intelligent and a little bit quirky but also sweet. I really enjoyed the glimpse we had of him in The Kiss Quotient so I’m happy to get a book about him!
Esme is also a wonderful character. She’s sweet, shy and sensitive. I think her relationship with Khai is so adorable. It makes for a great reading experience.
This also wouldn’t be a Helen Hoang book without a super steamy romance. While I think the romance is more natural in The Kiss Quotient, I still love it. It’s the perfect amount of will they, won’t they moments. It’s just written so well and constantly left me turning the page for more!
Helen Hoang carefully crafts beautiful stories that leave the reader wanting more. I especially love the own voices representation and the focus on autism. I’ve worked with several students on the autism spectrum and it’s such a range. I think it’s great that Helen Hoang is showing that range through both Khai and Stella.
Overall, The Bride Test is a wonderful read and I loved it just as much as the first. Don’t mind me as I patiently wait for the next book to come out! I highly recommend reading this book, especially if you love The Kiss Quotient and steamy romances!
Rating: ★★★★★
Favourite Quote
She’s not a ‘mail order bride’. I met her in person.
About the Author
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.
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[…] to read the sequel. This one is just as good of a read and is super sweet. Be sure to check out my review for more […]