This book hurt my heart, but it was beautiful. I think it's the best of the series. The difficulties that Anna has with her family are truly heart-wrenching and made me want to wrap her in a big hug. The romance was a delight, of course, since it is a Helen Hoang book. And as ever, her Author's Note shined new light on the story.

I received a free ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Not sure if I can find the right words to describe this book. It's raw, it's painful, it's hopeful. On the surface, it's a sexy romance about two people who meet on a dating app, trying to move forward after life has given them some lemons. But, it's so much deeper. Both Anna and Quan are struggling to move past some dark times. Everything doesn't wrap up in a neat little bundle at the end. There's one major thread that is left unraveled (and deservedly so - what a toxic relationship). The author's note at the end really got to me. I really hope to "see" Anna and Quan in a future book by Helen Hoang, to see where their lives take them.

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for the opportunity to read this digital ARC in return for an honest review.

Following up The Kiss Quotient and The Bride Test, The Heart Principle is the latest work by romance writer Helen Hoang. While the former two works were page turners, I found myself itching for more depth. The Heart Principle delivers on that front while still delivering on the steamy romance Hoang devotees have come to expect.

Anna Sun is a violinist who is burned out -- on her career, her relationship, her family. When her boyfriend suddenly announces he wants an open relationship before they take their relationship to the next level, she initially responds with shock. Yet, when she decides to explore her own options she finds herself falling for her would-be fling turned something more, Quan Diep. From here, the two must navigate what and who they want to be under weight of personal realizations, traumas, and familial obligations.

I read this book in a single day as I am wont to do with the TKQ series. However, this book, above all else, stands above as Hoang's best. There's an earnestness that bleeds through on every page which makes even more sense upon reading the author's note which describes this as the author's most personal book yet. I found the protagonists fully realized and their narrative voices (the novel switches between Anna and Quan perspectives) believable. One thing I really enjoyed about this is that they truly did have lives outside of each other and we actually saw this! While the romance is at the heart of this book (and boy is there a lot of heart!) there is a recognition that sometimes love does not conquer all. Yet, it's the realism with which this book handles these situations that makes seeing things work out for Anna and Quan feel even more earned.

This book sincerely had me wishing that more people understood and recognized that some of the most beautifully written and conceived stories are coming from the contemporary romance genre - specifically from the women of color writing in this genre. It was a brilliantly woven story that included family drama and internal struggle along with romance - something I haven't seen anyone else do like Helen Hoang does.

I, along with all other Helen Hoang fans, have been (not so) patiently waiting for The Heart Principle. After getting to know Quan over the past two books, I couldn't wait for him to find love. The Heart Principle wasn't exactly what I expected, but I loved it none the less.

The Heart Principle was the first book Hoang has written in first person. I loved the "I" instead of "she". I felt it brought me closer to both Quan and especially to his new lady love, Anna. Their relationship started out as a casual thing, but I could feel their budding emotional connection from the minute they met. I loved them together and how their relationship built. This book wasn't quite as romantic or sexy as the past books, but it worked for the characters.

Anna was a complex character going through A. LOT. A lot. Seriously. So much. Anna was overwhelmed and I was overwhelmed for her. Her family stuff was suffocating. Her mental health suffered due to all the pressure and I felt for her. I really did. I loved how Quan was able to be a support and comfort to her in that time. I loved the growth of Anna's character throughout their relationship and this book.

There was only one way I felt let down by The Heart Principle. I was expecting Quan's story and I got Anna's. That's not to say I didn't enjoy Anna's story. I did. I just wanted more Quan. His chapters were special and included a lot of Michael (The Kiss Quotient), but it felt like the most important chapters were from Anna's POV. I get that, especially after reading the author's note, but I wanted more Quan.

Overall, I truly enjoyed reading The Heart Principle. I loved how new and fresh it felt, while also maintaining the brand Helen Hoang has created. The move from from third to first person made me happy. Her writing is a addictive and a joy to read. I can't wait to read what's next from this talented author.

I have LOVED every one of Helen HOang's books and this is no exception!!

So good!!

Anna is a violinist whose performance goes viral on YouTube which completely overwhelms her and her boyfriend suggests they take a break and she's just burned out. Until she meets the tattooed motorcycle riding bad boy, Quan.

I was waiting for Quan to get his own book and I was not disappointed.

If you like steam, read this!!

I’ll start off by saying that I loved The Kiss Quotient, but absolutely hated The Bride Test. Quan was my favorite side character in those books; he’s a little too perfect here and I’m not sure that 1st person dual POVs was the best choice for him, when Anna is so clearly the main protagonist. Though sweet and endearing, I did lose my temper with her, but I also felt overwhelming support for her and the things she goes through. I wanted a bit more from her arc, which didn’t feel entirely resolved.

Overall, there is a careful mindfulness here about insecurity and self-love that speaks from truthful experience. Anna and Quan play beautifully off one another, their perspectives infused with tender honesty and understanding. And the steam factor? I’m saying it again: mutual consent, consideration, and communication in the bedroom are hella sexy.

WARNING
This book deals with heavy subject matter. I would not label it strictly as a romance. The phone call about Anna’s dad...I wish I didn’t know what that was like, but I do. While that half of the novel sets it apart, the intensity of Anna’s spiraling emotional and mental state as a result took me by surprise. It was a lot. So, please take care, especially if you’ve lost a parent unexpectedly or had/have a parent battling a life-threatening illness, and had to consider or face whatever comes next.

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Content warning for this book for the following: illness, death, suicidal ideation.

I will admit that I have been late to the game with Helen Hoang's books, only picking up The Kiss Quotient recently. But I devoured it, The Bride Test, and The Heart Principle very quickly because they are absorbing, heartbreaking and heartwarming romances. I Think that The Heart Principle stands out as a more intense, personal read than the first two. I have come to prefer romance plots in contemporary romance that address the bad hands life can deal us -- family trouble, illness, stress, tragedy -- and Hoang has really mastered that with this third book in the series.

We've got Quan, a character in both of the other books, and Anna, our new heroine. Quan is getting back into life after a cancer diagnosis and treatment, looking to expand the company he and Michael started as well as get into the dating scene. Professional musician-suffering-from-burnout Anna's long-term boyfriend proposes an open relationship before they settle down and she looks for a one-night stand. What do they each find? Each other, of course.

What I love about Hoang's books is while the men in the series all know each other, both narrations get attention and care and I feel like I know both characters really well. I love that this book used first person, which made it much more intense to read, especially in the hard moments. This is a 4-star book for me, as the ending felt a bit rushed, but I still really enjoyed it.

*** ARC provided by Netgalley and Berkley Books (thank you thank you thank you)
(3.75 stars) Before I start my review, just some content warnings because this should not be promoted as a rom-com, but still an important narrative:
CW: forced s*x? burdens of caregiving, mental abuse.

Ms. Helen had me on a chokehold since I read Kiss Quotient last month, and the Heart Principle does not disappoint.

Anna's story touched me so deeply, as my younger brother was diagnosed with autism later in life in a culture that's hesitant to accept or acknowledge "Western diagnoses", so hearing her POV touched me in ways I cannot put into words. More importantly, this is one of the few romances that had growth on both ends, Quan's journey with his masculinity, and his own diagnosis was also beautiful to read.

However, although I loved that the book was short, I felt that it had to sacrifice a well-written resolution, especially regarding Anna's family problems. Also, the reasons why Anna and Quan break up and get back together are too similar to the Kiss Quotient, but that's to be expected with most contemporary books.

The spice of course is amazing, and if you liked the Kiss Quotient, you might enjoy this one too

I will read any book that Helen Hoang comes out with! I love her writing style and characterization and this novel is no different. However I will say that this was probably my least favorite installment and that makes me so sad because I love Quan as a character from previous novels.

Helen Hoang broke my heart and yet put it back together in a whole new way. This book is dramatically different than her other two and yet has the same heart and soul that drew me to the books to begin with.

Helen Hoang is just the best. This book was a bit of a turn from what I'm used to reading from her -- the romance was a big part of the story, but not THE biggest part of the story, which is mainly about the main character's journey as she discovers she's on the autism spectrum. It's also a deeply personal look at what it's like to be a full-time character to an ill family member. The characters were deeply likeable, and it was easy to get invested in their story.

I read this book early thanks to #NetGalley

I have been waiting for this book since the last one came out. Helen Hoang did not disappoint with such a heartfelt and moving book. I read this book every spare moment I had and loved every minute of it. The characters were so well developed and relatable. Highly recommend.

I loved this book, it has become one of my favorites. I've had problems with Helen Hoang's books in the past, I didn't enjoy The Kiss Quotient and I had some issues with Khai from The Bride Test. However, I couldn't refuse to read The Heart Principle and I'm so happy that I gave the author another opportunity because this book was amazing.

There's a lot going on in this book, a lot more than romance. Anna during the book is diagnosed with ASD and everything begins to make sense for her because she starts to realize why she struggled so much with certain aspects of her life.

The author also talks about caregiving, she shows us the feelings that a caregiver has when they take charge of a sick person. It could be exhausting if you don't have help and there's nothing wrong with asking for help. This was very personal because my family has experienced it twice and it isn't easy.

I wasn't expecting to like this book so much. You need to know that the story is a little different from the previous books, it still has the romance factor that characterizes the trilogy, but it isn't the main focus and that's what I loved the most.

Btw, I love Quan. Where do I find someone like him? He's super understanding and loving. I need someone like him in my life.

TW: depression, anxiety, suicide attempt

Loved this book. Thank you to NetGalley for the advance e-copy. Will be happy to recommend widely to readers at the public library.

Just like Helen Hoang's other books this one was fantastic! She really knows how to build an engaging character, you really feel connected to her people! This book was equal parts heart breaking, romantic and uplifting. If you haven't ready Helen Hoang's other books, please read them all!

This pains my heart to do but I just can’t do it anymore, I just don’t care. I thought about skim/speed reading the last 20% and it is so sad for me to come to the realization I couldn’t care less how this already unbelievable plot resolves. The book starts off pretty fun and I was even coming around to suspending all disbelief that this level of Insta love is even remotely possible but I kept on reading. The 79% mark where she says yes that her open relationship boyfriend and she decided to get married when said “boyfriend” literally didn’t even ask her—I’m out. I feel for Anna and wanted to love her coming into her own but her family is so awful and her complete inability to say no to anyone made me want to rip my hair out. I’m sure this book will be loved by so many and I’m happy for them but this book just wasn’t for me.

I loved it! In fact I read this one in one sitting which ended at 4 in the morning. I was immediately hooked on Anna and Quan. Quan , of course, was so sweet, sensitive and thoughtful that he was too good to be true but that is ok. I enjoyed their relationship and the level of mutual respect they showed. Again, that also seemed too good to be true, I am in a 30 year relationship and it took years to develop the kind of emotional and physical honesty that they achieve on this book. Again, I was ok with that. Anna’s struggles tugged at my heart and I was cheering her on as she grew stronger. I have enjoyed all three books in the series. I knew immediately that I was in trouble with this one when I had butterflies just a few chapters in!

#3 in the series is possibly my favourite. Hoang's novels are always intimate and personal but this felt like a hole other level. Usually the romance is at the forefront but this was more more than that.

Anna is a woman who is diagnosed with ASD as an adult, and her journey navigating through that, while being a caretaker for someone who is terminally ill. At first I didn't know if I liked the pacing, her and Quan fall into a serious relationship almost instantly. Time does pass, but it feels like in no time at all he is her protector and savior while she falls apart and she's just met him. The only other gripe is that she was in a huge downward spiral which is when we need therapy the most, and this is when she quit. I think there could have been more there to show the process of wjhat a later diagnosis looks like and how to cope in a healthy way. I do understand though that this was quite personal for the author, and that when we are facing burnout in life, the things that will help us are often the first to go.

one of my fav books of the summer and I highly recommend if you want something emotional, romantic and raw

I’m a big fan of Helen Hoang’s novels but at first I thought that the Heart Principle was going to miss the mark for me. For about the first half of the book, I felt that the storyline was little too similar to some of the same tropes in books by this author and others like her. Things picked up big time after that, though, and I ended up really liking the plot and rooting for Anna to stick up for herself! Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC!