I’ve read this 2 months ago and still have no idea how to voice my disappointment.
This book was such a let down I can’t quite believe I’m about to hit the one star rating after writing this review.

I’m fully aware that one’s expectations are subjective and self-inflicted but there was no avoiding them after reading the light, funny and emotional romance that was The Kiss Quotient. I wanted more from these characters Helen Hoang penned in her debut novel with such a refreshing take that I pushed all my expectations and need for more toward Kai’s story.

I think my failure to connect with The Bride Test stemmed from the the heroine’s characterization—or lack thereof, the messy execution of the premise, the absence of communication or attempt at communication between the main characters and the rushed ending. There is no mentioning chemistry in this romance, there wasn’t any.

I felt incapable of suspend disbelief for even a moment. I didn’t feel any romance, I couldn’t feel any sympathy for neither the hero or heroine. More than just unrealistic, the main plot development was just silly, poor (and the sub-plot regarding Esme trying to find her dad was so far-fetched and unnecessary).
Offensive even when you stop one second and think this grown-ass woman (Esme) didn’t think for one second she should research and talk with the hero (Kai) about his autism and in what ways it dictates his perspective. Literally she just tried to manipulate him with sex, lies and never tried to engage in conversations—never.

I also wasn’t a fan of how the author portrayed Esme. Was she just naive or simple-minded? My perception inclined toward the later.
I understand she comes from a different country, with a different culture, but the way she acted toward the hero felt reharsed and forced, of course her intentions were to please him enough he would marry her, but her behavior reminded me more of a cat pushing boundaries by pissing all over a territory than a grown-up woman set on seducing a man and make herself wanted, needed, desired.
I’ve rarely felt so removed and dispassionate about a sex scene in a romance book to be honest.

Another thing about Esme I couldn’t quite understand is her role as a mother. Don’t get me wrong I think being able to leave your kid behind in the grand picture of having a chance at securing a better future for them both is admirable, I just didn’t like the poor job Hoang’s made about illustrating Esme’s role as a mother. Her feelings for her daughter. The offhanded way her motherhood status was addressed in this book like her daughter was an afterthought—up until the very end of this book— didn’t help with my dislike of the heroine.

This book was supposed to be Kai’s story and I felt he was relinquished to footnotes in his own book. Kai didn’t do much in this book except for eating Esme’s breakfasts and enduring her presence. His outburst/wakeup call at the end of the book made it all the more unrealistic. It’s like the author finally reminded herself this was Kai’s book and he should have a role to play in this afterall.

The nonsensical take on the mail-order bride trope failed to please this romance reader, especially the many ways several characters had a hand into tricking the hero in marrying Esme.
I missed dialogues, I missed electricity, I missed feelings, I missed chemistry, I missed romance.
In the end, I feel like any woman could have been Kai’s bride, it was just a matter of being resilient and cunning enough to stay on his radar but nothing to do with love and feelings. Rather sad and anticlimactic for a romance don’t you think?

The only thing positive I can think of is the representation of diverse characters and asian/vietnamese culture. I found the author’s note about her mom and the part she played in building Esme character very touching. I’m just really sad it didn’t translate on paper for me.

Just like everyone else, I wasn't sure how this one would go. It would either be just as good as the first, or it would fall victim to the sophomore slump. Lucky for me, it was just as good as the first one for me. The characters, the romance, everything made it a story that I loved!

Khai thinks he's defective because he has no emotions, but in reality its his autism that makes him feel the way he does. And because of that, he has strayed from relationships as long as he could. But then his mom takes it into her own hands and takes it upon herself to choose a bride for him. In comes Esme. She takes the opportunity to come to America to see what other opportunities there are. But trying to make him fall in love with her is harder than she thinks. But falling for him is surprisingly easy....

The main thing I liked about this was the characters. I loved the growing that all of them did and it was so great to see all the things they learned along the way. But the best thing was they did it all by themselves. They both had very different lessons to learn and it made them even stronger, individual characters. And when they finally did get together, it was a wonderful romance and they were both able to bring something to the relationship.

Another thing I liked about this was the representation. Although everyone's experience with autism isn't the same, this one is #ownvoices. I liked the way it was shown that Khai had to work to feel comfortable with Esme and he wasn't automatically ready to be with her. And I liked that Hoang chose to focus on a different part of the autism spectrum for Khai's character. I thought that was important to show that not everyone's the same.

I found the audio of this was just ok for me. All the characters (except for Quan and Mike randomly) sounded the same and that bothered me. (Esme had a bit of a sharper accent, but that was all the difference.) I wish there was more than one person on the production. Just to make them a bit different. Other than that, Emily Woo Zeller did a really spectacular performance.

Even though this one was not about Quan like I wanted it to be, it was still an amazing read. (Also because I get Quan's book next lmao) I have grown to really love Hoang's writing style and now I'm excited for what else she will do next.

This second novel from Helen is quite endearing. I enjoyed it very much although not as much as her debut novel TKQ. I enjoyed going back to this world and seeing some of my old characters while getting immersed with a new couple that had my complete attention. I cannot wait for more from the author.

I was so enthralled with both Esme and Khai's characters that I could hardly put this book down.  The push and pull between these two was thrilling, emotional, exhilarating.  Esme really challenged Khai's boundaries, but she also learned to read him.  She found ways to work around his triggers, growing closer to him both physically and emotionally.  Khai opened himself up and was willing to break some of his long-standing routines to make Esme happy.

Esme is one of the strongest characters I've read.  She's not afraid of hard work, does what she needs to, to make sure her family is taken care of. Case in point her trip to America to woo Khai, and is kind to everyone even when it's not deserved.  Watching her character evolve throughout this book was phenomenal.  She started out doubting not only herself but her self worth.  As her confidence grew it was like watching a flower bloom into something magnificent.

Khai was complicated, set in his ways, and emotionally damaged.  A loss early in life altered how he felt about everything, but especially love.  His journey throughout this book as he learned not only about Esme, but also the power of love was empowering.  I found myself cheering for him as he broke through his preconceived notions, and the limitations he had put on himself.

I was extremely impressed with the way these two different, but equally broken characters came together and healed not only themselves but each other.  I was even more impressed with this story after reading the acknowledgments.  Do yourself a favor and read them too, it'll give this book so much more meaning.

If anyone had any doubts that Helen Hoang is here to stay, this book will put all that to rest. I really enjoyed THE KISS QUOTIENT when it debuted last year. The story and characters were a breath of fresh air. So I was extremely excited to read THE BRIDE TEST and let me be completely honest. I had high expectations. I knew that was wrong of me because I can’t imagine the pressure the author must’ve felt writing this book after the massive success of her debut. But there I was.

Khai captured my heart from the very first page. As a teenager going through the loss of his cousin and best friend, struggling with his emotions, I couldn’t help but want to understand him. As this book progressed, I think it did that beautifully. I was on this emotional rollercoaster with him, trying to navigate his feelings and understand his reasons. Getting to know him was especially beautiful and I think the great thing about Ms. Hoang’s writing is that it draws you in along with the characters. I was as captivated by him as Esme was.

But I also found Esme incredibly interesting and complex. I couldn’t see this book with a different heroine. She’s strong and determined in so many ways. It was that strength that kept me rooting for her. From the moment we met her scrubbing toilets in Vietnam all the way through seeing her stand up for herself in America. And the next time I think of something bad, I’ll definitely strive to be like her and remember that in my next life I’ll come back as a catfish.

THE BRIDE TEST is simply magical. It was funny and endearing, thought-provoking in dealing with serious issues but also sweet and romantic in a very different way than the first book. Plain and simple, this book was so addictive I didn’t want to put it down. Yes, I will go as far as saying I loved this one more than the first. Ms. Hoang did this story justice. The right pacing, the perfect chemistry, multi-dimensional characters. I was hooked, line and sinker. I can’t wait for more.

DNF-with so many books to read and so little time I've made a new rule. If I walk away from the book, read other books in between the next time I pick it back up, and don't come back to it for weeks then I'm calling it quits and moving on. Unfortunately, The Bride Test is one of those books for me.

This is my first book by Hoang and she's not for me. I'm bored.

Thank you for the opportunity, sorry I couldn't give you better feedback.

Star rating does not reflect my opinion.

I thought it was a cute story. The father subplot seemed a little forced and his name caused me serious pause. I did enjoy Esme's character greatly. I loved her self reliance and independence.

I liked The Bride Test even more than The Kiss Quotient, which I didn't even think was possible. Such a big-hearted, empathetic, emotional book.

This is a follow up yet a standalone to The Kiss Quotient, and it was fantastic. I LOVED Khai and Esme. They were perfect for one another.

If you've read The Kiss Quotient than you've already briefly met Khai before. However, if this is your first time in this world than you're in for a treat, because Khai is so beautiful. Khai is autistic and has learned to survive and live a certain way and for him he's happy, or he thinks he is. He loves routine and structure.

His mom wants more for Khai so, she searches for the perfect bride for her Khai. When she goes to Vietenam, she was expecting a certain person but that wasn't panning out, until she meets the cleaner at the hotel, and knows she's found Khai's match.

Everyone deserved to love and be loved back. Everyone. Even her.

As Khai's mom convinces Esme to come to America to convince Khai to marry her. It starts a journey for Esme whom has been fighting for everything since she was born. With this potential opportunity she leaps at the chance even though she left her heart at home.

"You're not heavy. You're a tiny human."

With language and culture being an issue she doesn't realize that Khai is different like everyone else. She just likes Khai, which is what they both need. Khai is stunted to matters of the heart, but this is such a beautiful journey to find his way to happiness.

"It's not your fault when I hurt people," Khai said. "It's not yours, either."

I Loved The Kiss Quotient but I think I like the Bride Test even more. There was something so beautiful about Khai and Esme and the evolution of both of them.

" . . . My heart works in a different way, but it's yours. You're my one."

I hope we get Quan's story. I don't know if its a possibility but he's such a huge part of both books and so compassionate and kind, that I would love to see his HEA.


I highly recommend this author and this book.

4.5 Stars!

Khai is handsome, sexy, and a genius. The owner of a hugely successful business, he has more money than he could possibly know what to do with. (And he most definitely will not be landscaping his yard, especially after his annoying neighbor has complained about it multiple times.) But Khai has a secret, and it has to do with his cousin, his best friend who died when they were teenagers. His secret keeps him from getting close to people, but his mom thinks it's because he's autistic. She wants Khai to have a date to all their family weddings this summer, so she flies to the motherland, Vietnam, to bring him home a wife. 

Esme lives with her daughter, mother, and grandmother in poverty in Vietnam. She learned from a young age to be scrappy, hard working, and to care for her family with lots of love. When Khai's mom sees her in the hotel's bathroom cleaning toilets, she sees Esme's beauty and chooses her as the bride-to-be. Esme is not so sure about marriage, but she and her family decide it is best for her to go to the United States. Think of the opportunities, they tell her. She secretly also wants to find her father, who went to Berkley, but who she has never met. 

What happens next is funny, sexy, romantic and enthralling. Hoang has written a hilarious romance novel with deep substance and successfully creates a connection between the reader and the characters that I will remember long after the book has shut. I hope there will be a third book in her Kiss Quotient series, because I cannot wait to see what happens next! The Bride Test is a great summer read!

Just finishing this book up, and I'm not exactly sure what I think about it. The writing style was such that it never felt slow, but towards the end it started feeling dark and melancholy. I thought it was well written, and I kind of felt like I could relate to June, the main character, in regards to the big struggle of trying to make it in a career. How all the steps you take to move up still somehow make you feel like you're going nowhere. How an entire weekend in the big scheme of life is just summed up into a 3 minute story to tell your friends and then gone.

I received this Advanced Reader's Copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

My (in America she goes by Esme) and Khai. Oh my goodness, I loved them! Helen Hoang once again delights readers with authentic and diverse characters. My is in Vietnam supporting her family by cleaning hotel bathrooms when a woman offers her the chance of a lifetime: come to America and marry her son, and she and her family will be taken care of. She will also have the chance to look for the father she has never met. Little does she know that the woman's son, Khai, would turn out to be such an unwilling participant in this plan.

This feel good romance is told through My and Khai's perspectives, which gives depth to each point of view. Both characters are complex and well developed, as can be expected by Hoang. I loved this book and will be recommending it to readers who want joy in their reading habits.

I received this arc from NetGalley for an honest review. Within the first couple of pages, I was hooked on this book. I enjoyed it so much that I wasn't sure if I wanted to hurry up and read all night long or if I wanted to savor it and make it last. I loved the characters and as much as I loved the first book, I liked this one even more. I could see this one being turned into a movie for sure.

I was really excited for this book after reading the Kiss Quotient, and Hoang did not let me down. First off I loved the Esme, she really held her own and had a complete growth arc separate from her story with Khai, and she was determined to make something out of the summer no matter what. She also had a strong moral compass that never did not compromise even when her self esteem wavered. I also really liked Khai and especially how his heart worked differently but he still showed he cared! Khai also wasn't a male carbon copy of Stella, he was definitely a character. This book was a roller coaster, I laughed out loud (the manual scene was too much for me!!!) , and cried a little too, I cannot wait to read more of her stuff! This book put Helen Hoang on my automatic purchase list for work and my own personal library. Already dying to read Quan book, I loved him in the KQ but Khai's book sealed the deal and I really need to see this guy finally fall in love!

Every once in a rare while a book comes along that sweeps your emotions away and you are never the same after it. Glimpses of emotions and snippets of dialogue arise in your mind at odd times of the day to remind you how much you loved your experience of the book.

I have never laughed so much reading a book as I did the first two-thirds of this book. Khἀi’s continual feeling of WTF where his mother and Esme are considered is as endearing as it is hilarious. His Vietnamese-American outlook to life and their socio-cultural background from Việt Nam make for many “ships crossing in the night” interactions between them. Both Esme and Khἀi feel that the other is stranger than they are, but to the reader, they are both wonderful and resilient and accepting of their situation and each other.

The essence of the story is the last third of the book. It is utterly heartbreaking. Khἀi’s struggles to understand and internalize what his feelings should be and what his feelings are are excruciating. A traumatic incident in his childhood had convinced him that because he is autistic, it means he cannot feel love or grief and that he has a heart of stone, he is defective.

Even as Esme’s heart is breaking because Khἀi unequivocally states that he does not and cannot love her, she is determined to forge ahead and carve out a life for herself and her daughter by educating herself. Learning and knowledge have the power to make her see that she has value and that she deserves more in life.

Khἀi and Esme’s HEA is hard-fought-for and heartrending for all the emotional difficulties they face getting there.

https://frolic.media/the-heart-of-a-story-the-bride-test-by-helen-hoang/

This book had good representation for folks on the ASD spectrum and the struggle immigrants go through to find a better life. Hoang writes about some difficult topics. This book would really make for good discussion in book clubs.

I really appreciate the author's note at the end. I always find it special when authors take the time to share what inspired their books/stories and pieces of their background. It helps the reader understand the author more.

I love how Helen incorporates Romance with topics which aren't found in mainstream fiction writing. Furthermore, she not only tells her stories from one point of view, which is perfect for the reader to understand both the characters. I loved Khai's story but more than that I loved Esme. She never backed down from what she wanted.
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I always love reading acknowledgments but this one was my favorite. Helen was inspired by her mother's story, nothing can make this book more special than this. Just for that I will add another star to my review.
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I just hope the next book is about Quan! Loveeeeee him!!

I went into this book with exceptionally high expectations because I enjoyed The Kiss Quotient so much. As the wife of and parent to individuals on the autism spectrum, I really appreciate fiction that represents them. Hoang does a wonderful job expressing the difficulty not only being on the spectrum and adjusting to social situations but also the struggle of the people who love them.
The Bride Test is a sweet rom com where the mother of a man with autism is so desperate to find him a wife, she goes to Vietnam to bring a potential bride home. It is super cute read overall but I had some issues with the lack of chemistry between the main characters, as well as a mildly unsettling power dynamic between them that I felt could have been resolved if Hoang did not make this a green card relationship from the outset.

As a follow-up to last year’s The Kiss Quotient, I had high hopes that The Bride Test would capture the same tenderness, sexiness, and fun of Huang’s debut. Though this was a worthwhile installment, The Bride Test did not achieve quite the same magic.

I’ll start with the things I liked: I have to admit that I was hooked. Because I ultimately rooted for both of these characters, both individually and has a couple, I was engrossed by the story. Huang’s writing is vulnerable while still being sweet and fun. I’m curious to see if Huang will continue to write stories in this universe because, though there were few, I did enjoy references to TKQ.

However, my biggest complaint is that this novel has a lot going on at once. I will not give spoilers, but there were several subplots that were ignored as of halfway into the book - just to be wrapped up within the last few pages. The pacing in this book really wasn’t great. Esme also kept a VERY large secret from Khai until the very end, which made me slightly uncomfortable.

One of my biggest grievances in romance (or any) books is miscommunication. If this is a large pet peeve for you, I recommend you enter this book with caution. HOWEVER, our main love interest Khai is autistic, and one of his internal conflicts as a narrator is that he processes emotions differently. Therefore, he has to navigate the world through what he can understand. I will not penalize this book for the frequent miscommunication like I normally would because in doing so, I think it would discredit how important this rep is. Though Khai’s character arc has to be digested with patience, I think Khai’s story is one of an autistic person learning how to better communicate, better express himself, and better navigate relationships with his loved ones.

The romance in this book was fine. I liked it, but it didn’t blow me away. Nonetheless, I hope it makes autistic, Vietnamese, and Vietnamese American readers feel seen in a way that any honest and sweet love story should.

I loved this book so much! Omg, it was so fun and endearing and heart-warming and thoughtful. As I ironically alluded to in my review of THE KISS QUOTIENT last year, I very, very rarely fall victim to hype. I am completely aware that this book and series is hyped beyond measure but as an anti-hype enthusiast I can tell you, this book is the real deal. With a very minor hiccup for me in the opening chapters, I was pretty much obsessed from the first page. I loved getting to know Esme. Her character leapt off the page for me and I adored her determination and strength. Khai was definitely a harder character to get to know; he is very quiet and closed off but I loved watching him slowly but surely let down his walls and allow Esme into his life. The family dynamic was on par with the first book aka so freaking fun. I love the brother and sister relationships, I loved his mom and how adamant she was about him giving Esme a chance and her assurance that she was doing what was right. I also really appreciated and enjoyed the emotional struggle they both dealt with trying to be vulnerable and open up to one another; and how one of them fought so hard for the other even when the odds were stacked against them. I could not put this book down, I thought the pacing was fantastic, the progression very real, and the conflict understandable. There was one aspect of the plot that seemed irrelevant in the long haul but that’s my only real criticism of this otherwise fantastic book! 📈
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READ THIS BOOK IF...you love extraordinary characters, arranged marriages in modern day, and fun family dynamics.