This story was more women's fiction in my opinion. I so loved The Kiss Quotient, and this one didn't have that same magic. It wasn't a bad story at all-it just was not what I expected. I think if this had been marketed as women's fiction and made more clearly not part of The Kiss Quotient series, I would have entered it with a more open mind. But, because I expected another book in this series, I felt the story fell short of my expectations.

Despite that, The Heart Principle is a good story that will bring a few tears to your eyes and you will really connect with Anna.

Oh I loved this book. The trauma felt deeply personal and the characters felt real. Very different from Hoang's previous books in the best way possible.

The Heart Principle is an achingly wonderful, read-all-night kind of romance. Helen Hoang absolutely knocked it out of the park, yet again.

I swear, with each book that Helen Hoang writes I think, Now THIS is my favorite, and then she outdoes herself. The Heart Principle was my favorite Helen Hoang book to date. Painfully emotional, deeply romantic, this book is a romance book for romance lovers.

Helen Hoang needs to feed me a constant stream of neurodiverse, Asian MCs for the rest of my life. I'll die a happy woman.

The Heart Principle is again loosely related to the other books in the Kiss Quotient series, but it can be completely read as a stand-alone. I highly recommend you read the others in this magical series, but don't feel that you need to read them in order. They work in any way that you read them.

Once again, Helen Hoang delivers a romance with unique, compelling characters and a slow-burn love story that will make you root for this couple. However, I'd venture to say that this book is the angstiest one to date from this author. Be prepared to really feel some deep emotions, and parts of this book may be highly triggering for some readers (content warnings: death, depression, suicidal thoughts). I made it through okay, but just barely. If it had caught me at the wrong time, I might have been a sobbing mess.

Helen Hoang also delivered with the really complicated family dynamics. Some of the interactions infuriated me and some broke my heart. It was tough to read at times, but the author perfectly balanced family content and side characters with relationship development.

This book is just as sexy as the previous in the series, but I absolutely loved how the author showcased sexual difficulties and challenges between the two MCs. Sex isn't usually as straightforward as it seems in many romance books, and I loved how these two had to spend time figuring each other out. It really struck a chord, and it was surprisingly emotional to read. I think it really heightened the characters and their changing and deepening dynamics.

There is too much to say about this book and not enough time. I could wax poetic about this story for ages. Just know that I literally stayed up all night to read this, on a work day, because it was impossible to put down. Bravo, Helen Hoang.

*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*

First things first, I love Anna and Quan. I genuinely love both of them and I love them together and I just always want them to be happy.

Now, I think this book is best enjoyed knowing that while there is a "central" relationship, and a great one at that, that is definitely not the whole book. The book is divided into three parts so I'm going to break it down that way.

Part 1: Before - this is the set up for the relationship, the meet cute, the ooo I think I'm falling for you. This section gives you all the warm and fuzzies while still introducing some problems each of the characters will have to face.
Part 2: During - this part will make you angry and will break your heart. If you have any kind of triggers for being a caregiver, for being the disrespected/ignored child, for being dismissed by your family, all of that is here and it is rough. It was hard for me to get through as an outsider. I was enraged on Anna's behalf so much of the time. And while I understood why Anna did the things she did, I was also sometimes angry at her. It was just incredibly difficult all around. I have a lot of conflicting feelings about this section, but, the only thing I am 100% not conflicted on is how much I hate Anna's sister. I HATE HER. THAT'S IT.
Part 3: After - Now, in this part we are moving on, we are finding ways to find happiness. This part definitely sees Anna and Quan find their joy together. And, while that certainly made me happy as the reader, a lot of it felt very tell and not enough show. I wanted to be shown more, I wanted to go through this with them.

So, while I did have some conflicting thoughts about it, I did love this book. It was definitely painful at times, and it was cute at times, but overall, it was something I loved. It wasn't always a, "yay this made me happy, I loved it". But, I did love it. This book certainly straddles that women's fiction line. It's definitely a lot more about Anna than it is about Quan. But, go into it knowing all these things and knowing what to expect. I love going into books blind, but, I think this is definitely not the book to do that with.

My heart feels so full after reading this book! It's been a while since I've read the previous books in this series, but I do believe that this one is my favorite.

When told by her boyfriend Julian that he wants a break from their relationship, Anna really isn't sure what to think. She's so used to masking her feelings in order to make others happy, so of course, she agrees to this. Between her relationship status, her inability to play the violin she once treasured, and her father's stroke, Anna feels completely lost. Hoping to find some semblance of order, she opens a dating app and finds dorky Quan.

Quan just recovered from an illness and is hesitantly dipping his toe back in the dating waters. When he matches with Anna and bonds with her over octopus documentaries, he knows he has found something special. Neither of them realize just what they're getting into, but they do know that they both want more than a one-night stand.

When her therapist suggests Anna is on the autism spectrum, everything starts clicking for her. That's why she's so exhausted at the end of the day, why she can never say "no" to anyone, why she's unable to communicate her desires plainly. As she learns how to treat herself with the respect she deserves, Quan remains by her side.

With Julian eventually reentering the picture, Anna is conflicted about how to handle telling her ex that she is in love with someone else. Of course... drama ensues! But it's the delicious, heart-breaking then heart-healing kind of drama that makes you fall in love with the characters even more.

I greatly appreciate this Own-Voice book and how Helen Hoang bravely bared her own soul when writing Anna's character. Her vulnerability and authenticity shines in this novel, and her handling of the sensitive topic is bound to leave a lasting impact on readers.

Special thanks to NetGalley for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.

Book: The Heart Principle
Author: Helen Hoang
Genre: Romance
Rating: 4.5 stars rounded up

Thank you so much Berkley publishing and Penguin Random House for the gifted copy of this wonderful book! Published August 31, 2021.

MY THOUGHTS

This was my first of Helen Hoang's books and it did not disappoint! I was so excited start this one especially after hearing that it could be read as a standalone book. It picked up right from the start which is something that i LOVE about books. It was an irresistible story with very likable characters, which is something that can make or break an entire book for me. I also loved the deep, underlying personal messages woven throughout this story, of compassion, self-acceptance and self-advocacy. Hoang's author note at the end also really helps connect with her readers and I applaud her for it. Well done!

Another great read from Helen Hoang! This one had all the elements of a great contemporary romance - both parties are sympathetic characters, they overcome major obstacles separately and together, and their chemistry is great. I loved the portrayal of neurodiverse characters, and will definitely be handing this one to anyone that loves contemporary romances.

LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH! I mean, her other two books are excellent, but even before I read the Author's Note, I knew this book was special. The writing just seemed different and on a more personal level. I could feel every emotion the author was putting in words. This has to be her best work yet, it is honest, heart wrenching and powerful. This has to be a must read for everyone.

Helen Hoang was already an auto-buy author for me, but this book absolutely captured my heart. Anna and Quan are both so complex and their chemistry was off the charts. This one will break your heart and fill you with hope. A must read.

I love Hoang's books, because they carefully examine people's self-discovery journeys. In this one especially, I appreciated the mental health and burnout discussed as our main character navigates grief and trauma, for herself and her family. Hoang writes relationships so well, and supporting characters are exactly that - the dream partnerships in our lives that are perfectly configured in this melancholy, but hopeful, book.

This was an incredibly heartfelt romance that has Hoang's signature writing style and characters you can just connect so well with. I loved the autism representation and the steamy scenes!

This is a special book. Not only is it a beautiful, sexy love story, but it's a book that also deals with some topics not typically in the traditional romance novel.
And that is what makes it so so so good. The heart, emotion, and thought in this one is so special.
Anna is working through a new diagnosis, which she gets just as her life is turned upside down. Quan, who was supposed to be a one night stand, is working through his own insecurities, but finds he can't leave.
They come together in the most natural, tender way and I was so invested in their relationship as a reader.
Be sure to read the author's note in this one, too.

There aren't many books that I've read where I thought, "This is good, but man, I really want to know what that one side character is doing that was only in a few paragraphs in a scene in the middle of this book." Alas, Hoang's The Kiss Quotient series came along and I happened upon Quan, the leading man's best friend in the first book. Don't get me wrong, I loved The Kiss Quotient, I liked The Bride Test, but I was stoked when I heard that this would be Quan's story. Nothing against Michael or Khai, but for some reason Quan really slipped into my heart in the few interactions we had with him in the previous installments.

I won't bore you with a book blurb that you can read on Goodreads, etc., but I will say that this was a wonderful mash-up of everything I hoped for and also a lot I wasn't expecting but was nevertheless what I needed in this story. I obviously expected Quan to have the same core qualities that he had in the previous installments, but we see him having encountered some life-altering events since the last time we saw him that have him reconsidering his life goals, self-confidence, and personal relationships. I really enjoyed the journey Quan took in this book on a personal level in conjunction with the romantic relationship that anchored this story. I liked that we got to see Quan as an independent person and a focus on his life with chapters from his perspective. In the other perspective, we have Anna, his romantic interest, who I warmed up to immediately. Maybe because I personally related to some of the struggles she dealt with in her life and it hit close to home, I don't know. Regardless, I loved seeing her personal journey in her mental health and family relationships aside from her romantic relationship with Quan. Ultimately, it is a romance and that relationship really shined on the page and was everything I wanted it to be as a Quan fan and now, an Anna fan.

I don't give a ton of these, but an awesome five out of five stars for this one. I set an imaginary bar in my mind for how I saw Quan's story going and Hoang flew over it with the gracefulness of a ballerina. I also really appreciated the Author's Note at the end of the book. It made the impact of the story that much greater and gave me more of an understanding and appreciation for the wonderful and hard work that the author takes in writing her books. An absolutely lovely book, I love Quan even more if that's possible.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an eARC of this title.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC. Another solid book by this author, with realistic characters dealing with anxiety and autism along with the complications of family, career and relationships. While dealing with heavy issues the book also manages to be a romance. The author packs a lot into this personal story, and I could relate to things I’ve experienced: losing a parent, fractured family and failing my own expectations. I’ve worked with autistic children and I think it’s to important for readers to gain insight into functioning within the spectrum. Thank you brave author for sharing your experiences in this format, I recommend this book.

Helen Hoang has done it again by capturing my heart with another fantastic couple. This polar opposite match was simply perfection when it came to the anticipation of them getting together and some near misses. Quan is definitely my new book boyfriend. Thank you for an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

“The thing with feelings is they pass. Hearts aren’t designed to feel anything too intensely for too long, be it joy, sorrow, or anger. Everything passes in time. All colors fade.” -Helen Hoang, The Heart Principle

The Heart Principle made me feel so overjoyed. I loved this story and the characters Helen Hoang created very much.

Anna Sun accidentally becomes internet famous and finds herself burned out trying to replicate that moment. And when her long-time boyfriend says that he wants an open relationship, a hurt and angry Anna decides if he wants an open relationship, then she does too.
That’s when Quan Diep comes in. What started as an attempted one-night stand turns into many first dates. Anna and Quan begin to understand themselves and each other together. However, when a tragedy strikes Anna’s family, she takes on a role that she is ill-suited for until the burden of expectations threatens to destroy her. Anna and Quan have to fight for their chance at love, but to do that, they must also fight for themselves.

This book is amazing! I related to Anna’s emotions and felt seen. I was so excited for this book because I felt like it was finally Quan’s turn. However, I felt like it was more of Anna’s story than his. If I hadn’t been waiting for Quan’s story, I probably wouldn’t have thought anything of it, but I was hoping he’d have a little more attention. Other than that Hoang had amazing writing and discussed a variety of topics. This book had so much heart in it. You could feel the love, not just from the characters but from the author as well, pouring from the pages. I wish I could read this book for the first time again.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my ARC!

As a fan of Helen Hoang’s writing, I was eager to read this, her third book in the Kiss Quotient series (all of which can be read as stand alone). Once again, Hoang delivered a nuanced depiction of a character who is on the autism spectrum, providing the reader with insight and increased understanding of those who are neurodiverse. The story feels powerfully real and though it is a romance there are also heavier topics that are dealt with. Anna is a professional violinist who is experiencing a creative block. Her serious boyfriend suggests they see other people to make sure they’re right for each other. Anna decides to try a dating app and that’s how she meets Quan who is looking to get back into dating after recovering from a battle with cancer. Sensitive issues are realistically addressed and the characters are genuine and their real struggles make it easy to connect with them. The characters have a lot to overcome and their journey is at times heart wrenching but ultimately we are left with a hard won happy ending.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an Arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang is a heartfelt contemporary romance between two characters who on the surface seem like an unlikely match, but ultimately have the potential to lift each other up in ways neither could have anticipated. Deftly addresses concepts of love, loyalty, family, and mental health.
#TheHeartPrinciple #NetGalley

Helen Hoang’s latest novel is everything your heart could want. The novel follows musician Anna and The Kiss Quotient’s Quan (Michael’s cousin and bff) in a series of misadventure one-night stands that instead of being fleeting build a gentle romance. Anna’s life is complicated by the pressures of her career as a violinist, her struggles to communicate with her family, and her own abilities to share her life with others. Quan’s life has changed since The Kiss Quotient and he’s better at communicating and career pressure, but he struggles with the life-sharing just as much as Anna does. The challenges Anna and Quan face are heavy, but Hoang is honest with her characters and her readers. You’ll fall in love with Anna and Quan well before the book ends. A must read.
ARC provided by NetGalley.

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra

The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang is the story of Anna Sun, a violinist who rose to career success as a result of a YouTube video and is now having performance issues. This is also the story of Quan Diep, a survivor who is learning to accept life after cancer.

Anna embarks on finding a suitable “one-night stand” when her long term boyfriend declares that she is “the one” for him but he wants to date other woman to make sure she is “the one”. As the reader gets to know Anna, one realizes just how out of character this truly is for Anna. Her journey quickly progresses as she sets up an on-line profile and then gets pinged by Quan. They quickly develop an on-line rapport.

Quan has decided that it is time to get back into the dating world after his illness. So he creates an on-line profile and is quickly matched with Anna. Quan’s business partner, Michael, encourages him to set up a date quickly. As fate would have it – during the date Anna freaks out and ends up hiding in the bathroom for a wee bit. Just as Quan is going to leave, Anna comes out and they bump into each other. Realizing she is not ready for such an encounter, they actually continue getting to know each other by online communications, text and phone calls. And the relationship grows… and grows…

The romance that developed between Anna and Quan was wonderful, including all the ups and downs of navigating a new relationship!

The story has very sad moments, truly heart and gut-wrenching. Many issues must be worked through – Anna’s relationship with each of the members of her direct family, Anna’s own health diagnosis, and last but not least – her struggles to play the violin to her own exacting standards after becoming an almost instantaneous success due to a YouTube video. Other issues also included Quan’s business woes as well as his acceptance of life after cancer. I found Quan the quintessential boyfriend – he was such a great guy, so patient, understanding and kind! I loved how they communicated and obtained consent at each point in their relationship – making sure each was comfortable with the continued growth of the physical aspect of their relationship.

I really enjoyed the best friends of both Anna and Quan. They were hero’s for standing by their besties through their bad times and helping them to the lighter side of life.

So, you will get moments of a light-hearted romance – even some chuckle worthy moments, but that is not the heart and soul of this book. It is more of a self discovery book for the protagonists. I was very happy that Anna finally found her voice – it truly made for a happy ending in my opinion. You may even shed some tears along this journey called reading The Heart Principle. To me this shows that the writer was able to tap into the reader’s emotions fully. And that she did ☺

If you like rom-coms with lots of depth, quirky (and I mean quirky) but lovable characters, then I suggest picking up The Heart Principle and set some time aside for a delightful, engaging, emotional journey.