I received a free ebook copy of The Kiss Quotient from NetGalley in exchange for feedback and an honest review.

The Kiss Quotient is a truly sweet romance. Stella, an autistic woman and econometrician, hires an escort to teach her how to be a better sexual partner (i.e. her past sexual partners were just bad). He just happens to be the man of her dreams, and vice versa, because this is a romance novel. That's not a complaint: I really did enjoy this book, and rooted for Stella and Michael the whole time. I may be a flagrant lesbian, but even I can see the appeal of a tattooed Swedish/Vietnamese clothing designer and martial artist with an eight pack. And Stella? She's a dreamboat, and utterly relatable to me. They're perfect for each other: the end.

All else aside, I was really happy with how much verbal consent there was in this romance. Stella's journey to sexual (and otherwise) fulfillment is a bumpy road, and Michael makes it clear that he is not interested in sex without enthusiastic consent. Thank you, please! Additionally, he loves Stella for who she is: amazing. There really is a low bar for people, but Michael is a really great character. His family is lovely, as well, and bring a lot of color to this novel. This was a refreshing, cheering read; do recommend.

Words cannot express how amazing this debut novel is. I had seen a lot of people loving all over this book and I was so nervous to read it because I usually end up being the odd man out. So, I had some reservations with this one because of that. However, this book deserves to be screamed about from the rooftops. It was so real and honest, that it was so hard to not immediately fall in love with everyone in the story.

I love all sorts of romances, and I'm no stranger to the relationship for-hire story. However, the author brought something new to the table, Stella. Stella has Asperger's which causes her to react differently to touch, sight, and smell than most people would. Not only are her senses more sensitive, but she also has a routine that she has to stick with, has no filter, and when she latches onto something she becomes obsessed with it. Those attributes took Stella's character from your typical cookie-cutter heroine and made her real and honest. I immediately felt at home with Stella, as if she were a friend and not some fictional character.

Michael was also a great character. Even though he doesn't know about Stella's autism, he somehow knows how to be around her that won't freak her out. It's like he had this sixth sense for her emotions and knew when to approach her and when to back off. Not only was he great with Stella, but he was down right amazing with his family. The fact that he went into escorting to pay for his mother's medical bills was just heartbreaking. Then, to see him busting his butt working multiple jobs, while still being home to cook meals for his family just about made me a puddle at his feet.

Another thing that I really liked about this story was that Michael is half Vietnamese. So, there was a lot of his culture mixed into the story. From the titles the siblings have for each other based on their birth ranking, to the alter his family has in their home, to the cuisine they ate. Given that I live in a Vietnamese neighborhood, I really liked getting to see a lot of the culture mixed into the story, instead of being glossed over by the romance portion. Getting those little snippets into Michael's home life really made the story more authentic.

I honestly could go on and on about this book. I just really loved this story and all the characters within it. I was already clamoring to get my hands on the next book before I was even halfway finished with this one. I'm so grateful that I had the opportunity to read this amazing debut novel. I'd hate to think that I would have missed out on such an amazing story otherwise. Now I have a new series to fangirl over and a new auto-buy author. Seriously, stop reading this review and grab a copy of this book.

It is so rare to come across a romance novel these days with an authentic refreshing story line that is also sweet without being cheesy and sexy without getting overdone. The Kiss Quotient is that unique find, that perfect romance which is both sweet and sizzling and leaves you with a warm happy feeling.

Stella Lane is a thirty year old successful econometrician. She loves her job and is pretty satisfied with her life. The only one thing lacking in Stella's life is a relationship. However, she is not very keen about being in one either, because her last handful of experiences weren't good and also because Stella has Aspergers Syndrome - a high functioning form of Autism, which makes her slightly socially awkward.

Since her mother keeps insisting that she needs to find a partner and start a family, Stella is determined to make her happy. But finding a partner and starting a family would require sex, and Stella thinks she's not good at it, or rather really bad when it comes to any form of touching. So, she thinks the problem analytically and figures the only solution is to practice, get good at sex and being in a relationship before actually being in one. So, she hires an escort, Michael Pham and proposes that he teach her everything required in a happy successful relationship. She even has a proper lesson plan made.

Michael Pham is a totally gorgeous, half Swedish half Vietnamese (think Daniel Henney, only hotter) part time escort, who is forced to be in this line of work in order to deal with severe financial and family issues. When Michael meets Stella, he is stunned that she would think about needing an escort to learn the nuances of a relationship. To him, she appears perfect, but after Stella manages to convince him that she really needs help, he agrees to guide her step-by-step.

Michael and Stella are both amazingly crafted characters. Their interaction was a perfect blend of funny and sweet and their chemistry just oh so steamy. It was delight reading about how they both developed as characters, defeating their fears, overcoming their limitations and facing all of life's challenges and falling for each other.

The Kiss Quotient is easily one of my favorite reads of this year. It is sweet, sexy, diverse, and also smartly voices an essential subject aka autism that people need to be aware about. It is difficult to believe this is a debut. I'll happily read whatever Helen Hoang writes in the future. In fact, I cannot wait for her next book to come out! All of you romance readers, be ready to swoon!

I DEVOURED this book. Once I was approved I immediately started reading and didn't stop until I was finished. It was cute, sexy, and funny at the same time and I rooted for Stella and Michael from page one. Their relationship is just so healthy and respectful and fun. I would love more relationships like theirs in romance. I highly recommend this one and I'll absolutely be eagerly awaiting Helen Hoang's next book. I can't wait to see what she does next!

I loved this story. It's fun, sweet, hot, and sexy in equal measure. Stella is a smart, successful econometrician with a high functioning form of autism. She's socially awkward and has difficulty with relationships but she also has a mother eager for grandchildren. What's a sensible, pragmatic woman to do? Hire an escort to help her practice being in a relationship.

Enter Michael, sexy, sensitive, and responsible, struggling with debt and a secret, which is why he takes the job. Did I mention he was sexy?

Their attraction is undeniable and their professional relationship slowly becomes very personal. Each brings out the best in the other. The chemistry is great. The honesty is both humorous and refreshing. A captivating read. I'm ready for the next book--and the movie!

I cannot think of a romance that I love more than I do The Kiss Quotient right now! It has everything! Diverse romance at its best! We need more books like The Kiss Quotient!

Stella Lane is brilliant, wealthy and has her dream job as an econometrician who writes algorithms to determine customer purchases. She also lacks dating experiences and is somewhat socially awkward. Since she has Asperger’s syndrome, she gets along much better with numbers than people. Realizing her deficits and wanting to stave off her matchmaking mother, she hires escort Michael Phan to help her learn how to get the hang of intimate relationships. Michael has his own issues and can’t really turn Stella down.
This novel was a charmer. Stella is quirky and likeable. Michael is sweet, talented and a family guy. Amid the backdrop of San Francisco and Silicon Valley, Stella and Michael’s romance plays out with hysterical, tender and often painful moments. Stella begins to find a pattern to Michael’s lessons and Michael finds himself drawn more and more to Stella. There was drama, some predictable and some surprising. This was a very, very enjoyable read. The insight into Asperger’s, while unique to every individual, was interesting. And, the view into Michael’s Vietnamese family and their culture was appealing.
My one critique is that this is a quite a sexy little read, and for me, that was a bit distracting. The super-hot sexy scenes didn’t seem in keeping with feel of the novel and I felt less sexy would have kept the novel on a more even keel. Even with that, the novel is a quick-paced, fast read. I finished with a smile on my face. I would recommend this to those looking for a fun, quirky contemporary romance and I have purchased it for my collection. 4.5 stars.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book. I used up all my free time reading it; I had to see what happened next. Both main characters were lovely, and I really cared about them. I'm really excited about this author.

This book was amazing. Made me so happy the whole time I was reading it, and absolutely cannot wait to read the next book by Helen Hoang. I now have major book hangover - I tried to start a couple of different books after finishing this one and I just couldn't get into them due to still riding the high of The Kiss Quotient. I highly recommend it, especially for those who enjoy Penny Reid, Laura Florand and Susannah Nix.

This was just as adorable as everyone has been saying! I loved these characters to pieces. They are complex and flawed and compliment each other perfectly. They are both very confident and very insecure in different ways. But I love the way they see each other, and the way they're always encouraging and supporting each other. This is a contemporary romance that's not to be missed.

Love Triangle Factor: None
Cliffhanger Scale: Standalone

*I will also publish a review on my blog http://www.loveisnotatriangle.com and on retail sites (once the book is published)

I have to admit that I didn't read the blurb before I began reading The Kiss Quotient. I rarely do read blurbs, preferring to go in blind and feel everything without assumption or indication about what's to come. I didn't know what to expect with this storyline but it certainly wasn't THIS. THIS was sexy. THIS was steamy. THIS broke my heart. THIS was inspiring and beautiful and romantic. THIS was refreshing and different and a little awkward and unbelievably sweet and so unlike anything I've ever read. THIS was thoughtful and devastating and fantastic and I never wanted it to end.

The Kiss Quotient is an eye opening, thought provoking storyline about a fierce attraction growing between two unlikely people who don't believe they're worthy of love. I so appreciate a storyline that pushes boundaries, that breaks stereotypes, that changes the way I see the world. The Kiss Quotient did all of these things within just a few chapters while simultaneously delivering a breathtaking romance rife with heartache and sensuality. This is a story I never saw coming, one that made my heart twinge and my stomach knot with angst. It's a story that made my heart soar with joy and hope and possibility and romanticism. Helen Hoang, with her superb writing and stellar storytelling, took my breath away with The Kiss Quotient and my only regret is that I waited so long to read it.

I love a SMART ROMANCE. I love a good story that paints a luminous picture of adoration and attraction and chemistry and hope against the backdrop of something BIGGER. The Kiss Quotient is important. It's a joyful, painful, hopeful story that will restore your faith in unconditional love while giving you fresh perspective on humanity and the way we connect. It's a wholly unique, completely unforgettable love story between the most magnetic characters. It's a heartfelt story of finding oneself, embracing our differences, allowing labels to free us rather than restrict us. It's a FASCINATING story that's as passionate as it is poignant, a story peppered with humor and sensuality but one that sends such a profound message about the importance of embracing one's truth. The Kiss Quotient is a story that I will never forget, a moving story that has touched me beyond words. This is a MUST READ.

Perfect. This book was honest to goodness PERFECT.

It was genuine, sincere, and had so much heart. I really cannot believe that this is Helen Hoang's debut novel. I was sucked into this book right from the start and couldn't get enough.

I absolutely loved Stella and Michael, both individually and together. Their journey was so unique and refreshing. It made me re-examine myself and my own views through a different lens. Though their relationship starts off unconventionally, their chemistry is immediate and only grows as their feelings begin to blur from professional to more. I was so invested in these characters as well as their families. My heart ached for Stella and Michael when they struggled and it rejoiced in their quiet moments and their connection. I loved that they understood each other and truly saw the other for who they really were. Beyond the masks. Beyond the walls. Beyond the labels.

The Kiss Quotient was the perfect blend of swoon and sexy, but it also had just the right amount of heartache. There are obstacles to overcome for both of them, but it made the destination so much more gratifying and fulfilling. The self discovery of both Stella and Michael was a beautiful thing to watch unfold. I also especially loved Michael's family and Stella's introduction to the Vietnamese culture. Some of those scenes had me laughing out loud, while others warmed my heart in their familiarity.

Hoang's writing is so incredibly heartfelt. You can just feel how much she poured her soul into this novel and into Stella on every page. The Author's Note at the end only confirmed this feeling and gave me deeper insight into the book. I honestly cannot recommend The Kiss Quotient enough and I will be eagerly awaiting Hoang's next book!

*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book*

I seem to be the only detractor here but I sort of felt like meh. I liked Stella a lot, an incredibly intelligent and strong woman with autism who is awkward and has had pretty bad experiences with men who were not at all sensitive to her needs (and probably, my guess would be, not sensitive to any woman's needs). She hires a professional escort to give her practice and, surprise, it turns into more as he happens to be a strong, sensitive type who can read her like a book. I liked Michael's Vietnamese family - it was fun to see some diversity in romance and the food descriptions were enticing. However, the story itself seemed extremely predictable, somewhat repetitive, and gave me some eye-rolling moments when the tough guy has to protect the vulnerable woman trope. The sex was hot and pretty detailed and well-written, the characters were mostly decently written (mainly Stella), but the storyline fell short for me. Not bad by any means, but I am having a hard time understanding the huge hype.

I LOVED this book and couldn't read fast enough. Stella is such a fully realized character, and I adored her right away. I wanted everything for her. Michael is patient and kind and absolutely perfect with Stella. This is such a fun, sexy read, but it's also sensitive and thoughtful and kept me thinking about it long after I read the last page. This book delighted me, and I cannot wait to read it again!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Yes it's a romance, and there's some pretty hot stuff here. But it was refreshingly different from the usual romance. The setting and the characters were interesting and real. I also could not help but love the "Pretty Woman" homage, a movie that is one of my favorite guilty pleasures. I will be buying this for the romance fans at my library and I look forward to seeing what Ms. Hoang comes up with next.

I hate sentiment and loathe romcoms. I NEVER thought it possible that I'd find a romance I could read all the way through without compulsive eye-rolling. But here we are, with my romance book unicorn, the rare love story that wasn't too mushy, gushy, or cheesy!

I stumbled across this title on goodreads and reviewers were saying it was smart and sexy. People were saying that even if they didn't usually like romances, they were enjoying this book.

Okay, fine, I thought. I'll give it a try. I hate romance, and I'll probably hate this. But I don't want to close myself off to a genre forever. I don't want to end up sitting in my attic with all my paranormal fantasies, yelling at romance readers to get off my lawn.

Maybe this would be my One. The one I didn't hate. The one who opened my mind a little more to the genre, and made me a little less annoying and pretentious.

Which makes me realize that in a way, The Kiss Quotient was my very own hired escort. Stella hired Michael to teach her how to enjoy sex. I requested The Kiss Quotient in an attempt to open me up to loving Love Stories.

So author Helen Hoang, I guess you can add sexy author escort to your resume if you'd like. You've successfully seduced me here, and you've kind of ruined my rep as a romance-hater. I don't even know who I am anymore!

Stella's mother has decided that it is time for grandchildren but Stella has never been good at relationships. Stella likes to be good at things so she decides the only way to get better at relationships is to practice and finds Michael to help. Michael puts his life on hold for his family and in order to pay the bills is an escort. When Stella and Michael start to work together both of their life's change. An unexpected love story that will touch her heart.

This book gets all the stars! I've never read a book from the perspective of a woman with autism, and Stella's characterization opened me up to how someone like her may view the world. I love reading about people who are different from me and it was nice to see diversity go beyond race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. But besides that, this was really just a great love story! I mean, gender-swapped "Pretty Woman"! Who would have thought that was the story I needed re-told in 2018??? Michael was great love interest and I enjoyed the wealth of supporting characters around them, particularly his family. I can't wait to read more from this author.

Berkeley continues to be publishing perfect romance books that find their way into my cold bitter black heart. Hoang's The Kiss Quotient is no different.

This book was unlike anything I've ever read before! Quirky, at times funny, and packed with diverse characters, this contemporary romance is well written and addictive. I hope it turns into a series!