The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

SYNOPSIS

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 to crave all the other things he's making her feel. Soon, 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... 

Synopsis from Goodreads

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PERSONAL REVIEW

I was about to read The Bride Test when I realized that it was actually the second novel by Helen Hoang...so I immediately looked up The Kiss Quotient and started reading. I can't believe this book has been out since last year and I hadn't read it yet! Stella and Michael's love story was so sweet and lovely and I had such a great time reading it. 

A Very Cute Love Story 
This is basically a reverse Pretty Woman and I loved it! Michael has a hard time balancing his family obligations with his secrets and I really enjoyed reading about him straddling this line. He sleeps with women for money to support his family, but even if it was for selfish reasons, I definitely wouldn't judge because it's fully his choice. That said, I loved watching his relationship with Stella evolve and read about how Michael bring her into his private world. 

Loved Stella and Michael Together 
This relationship had a fairly slow build, but it's totally worth it. I thought it was great how Michael agrees to Stella's plan because he truly wants to help her, but also because he finds her amazing. There are so many small moments in this book when I just want to hug Stella because it's clear how much she is struggling while just wanting to be like everyone else. They also have tons of great moments together (I love their shopping date!) that really brings their relationship to life.

Empathy, Not Pity 
The best part of this book for me was that Michael does everything for Stella because he empathizes with how it feels to be an outsider, and not because he pities her in any way for having Asperger's. He loves all of Stella's "quirks" and takes her as she is; in the same way, Stella falls for Michael without any issues or qualms about what he does to make extra money. This is such a wonderful love story because they both come to this relationships as equals and it made me smile for them. 

Overall, I loved this book and thought it was such a cute read. I know it came out last year and I'm annoyed with myself that I'm only reading it now! It was a really fun story and Stella and Michael are seriously the cutest. I'd recommend The Kiss Quotient to anyone who enjoys Romance or romantic comedies and especially for those looking for a fun summer read!

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FINAL RATING: 3.5/5