This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Published by Penguin Group
Released on May 7, 2019
Pages: 320
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
The Delight
The Kiss Quotient by this author was one of my favorite reads of last year so of course, I was going to read this one. An Asian American man needs a wife so his mother goes to Vietnam to recruit one. A Vietnamese American (mixed heritage) woman in Vietnam cleans bathrooms for a living and tries to support several members of her family in a one room shack. She pretty much jumps at the chance to escape to America to better her and her family’s life. No one tells her that the man is on the autism spectrum and that it’s going to be an uphill battle. And what a delightful battle it was.
Review
Khai was introduced in The Kiss Quotient as the hero of that book’s cousin. He was different and it’s acknowledged that he has Aspergers, a high functioning autistic condition. He’s very good with numbers and is very successful and owns his own accounting business. Even though wealthy, he still lives in a rundown house in an only just okay neighborhood much to his family’s dismay. He doesn’t understand their concern-as long as the house functions for him, then it’s all he needs. Of course, he doesn’t understand social norms at all. He has very little feeling about things, at least he thinks he doesn’t. Things just have to make sense to him like numbers do. He balks at his mother bringing a woman to him, but knows he will have no peace until he lets her. Trial basis only-one summer. Esme is excited about going to America. She pretty much immediately becomes embarrassed about her background though and lies a bit about some major things actually. She takes one look at Khai and pretty much thinks he’s the best thing since sliced bread. That is, until she really gets to know him and can’t understand what’s up with him. On Khai’s part, he think Esme is beautiful, but has no intention of marrying her or anyone.
On my part, I fell in love with these characters and their story. We get involved in all the problems of Esme trying to navigate America and navigate Khai as well. And we also get inside Khai’s head as he tries and fails to stay away from Esme. Interestingly, the author is also on the autistic spectrum so a lot of this rang true for me, due to the author’s own experiences. I also continued my love for this huge Asian family that I first met in The Kiss Quotient. I liked their interactions and love for one another. Khai’s mother is pretty bossy though. I particularly enjoyed Khai’s brother, Quan. I am hoping for a book for Quan-as he is a sort of womanizer, I would love for him to get his own happily ever after. Michael and Stella from The Kiss Quotient do show up, and I was happy for the updates about them.
The Kiss Quotient won Readers Choice favorite romance last year on Good Reads and I adored it. I think The Bride Test is every bit as good as that one and that’s saying a lot for a second, so anticipated book. It’s definitely a slow burn romance, but I still highly recommend it to only adult romance readers. Such a good read!
Preview
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I reall had a nice time with this one as well!
Wasn’t it great?! Glad you enjoyed it too.
Great review and I just signed up for the Audible Romance package and added both to my library. Thanks so much for sharing!
Thank you! I love the romance package-I actually have a hard time with using my credits now because there’s so many on there.
I can’t wait to pick this one up! Khai sounds wonderful!
I know you will enjoy it!
I’ve seen this reviewed quite a bit lately Lorna, nice review!
Yes, I think everyone that loved The Kiss Quotient wanted to read this one as well. And Thanks!
I loved this one too. Wonderful review! I think this one is a runaway hit!
Yes, definitely a bestseller! Thanks 🙂
Great review!
Thank you!
Love the cover and the characters sound like I could really invest in them.
The characters are the best!
Ah man! I need to get busy and read this series. Glad it met your expectations and gave you a fab story, Lorna!
Oh, you have to read these. They are both so very good!
YES..I am so happy to see that you fell in love with these characters and their story.
I did fall in love with both books-all of it. Thanks
I loved this story so much! 5 Stars for me also! Great Review Lorna 🙂
Thank you! It was certainly an easy story to love!
This sounds great and like an opportunity to help understand what life is like for people on the spectrum. That is always a helpful thing.
It was pretty great!
Helen Hoang knows how to write a romance I can love. I enjoyed every second of this one. From the bride interviews to the epilogue, I had a smile on my face.
Yes, it made me smile a lot too!
Awwww I think I would love the characters too!
The characters were extra lovable for sure!
Love your review! I thought this was pretty wonderful too!
Thank you! I hope she writes another in this world.
I’ve seen so many bloggers appreciating the first book so it’s great to know that the second is just as rewarding. Another series I need to make time for ‘soon’!
I hope you do. They are both so worth the read!
Lovely review you have here darling and I am so happy to see that you loved it as much as I did!! I think its just as good as book one, but a whole different set up. And seeing this family on a deeper level is fun too.
Yes, definitely as good as book one, I agree. Pretty rare for such a big bestseller! Thanks!
This one sounds good with how he is autistic and doens’t want to marry anyone and her trying to find her way in America and getting to know him. The characters sound great to read about.
It was so enjoyable. Now I want to listen to it as it’s part of the Romance Package on Audible.
Argh! I love a good slow burn read! I think I need to try this one Lorna!
If you have the romance package on Audible this is on there. At least it was the last time I looked. I didn’t listen so I don’t know how good it was though.