The Bride Test by Helen Hoang Series: The Kiss Quotient #2
Published by Dreamscape Media on May 7, 2019
Format: Audiobook
Narrator: Emily Woo Zeller
Length: 10 hrs
Genres: Contemporary, Romance
Amazon Audible
From the critically acclaimed author of The Kiss Quotient comes a romantic novel about love that crosses international borders and all boundaries of the heart...
Khai Diep has no feelings. Well, he feels irritation when people move his things or contentment when ledgers balance down to the penny, but not big, important emotions — like grief. And love. He thinks he's defective. His family knows better— that his autism means he just processes emotions differently. When he steadfastly avoids relationships, his mother takes matters into her own hands and returns to Vietnam to find him the perfect bride.
As a mixed-race girl living in the slums of Ho Chi Minh City, Esme Tran has always felt out of place. When the opportunity arises to come to America and meet a potential husband, she can't turn it down, thinking this could be the break her family needs. Seducing Khai, however, doesn't go as planned. Esme's lessons in love seem to be working... but only on herself. She's hopelessly smitten with a man who's convinced he can never return her affection.
With Esme's time in the United States dwindling, Khai is forced to understand he's been wrong all along. And there's more than one way to love.
The Bride Test is a solid follow-up to Helen Hoang’s debut smash hit, The Kiss Quotient.
Khai is Autistic, and it was fascinating to view the world through his eyes. I sensed his confusion over socially acceptable behavior and the frustration with his inability to process emotions that come naturally to others. His big heart is frequently overshadowed by his grumpy and stubborn nature, but he truly is lovable.
Esme is extremely eager to please Khai, and my heart ached with every rejection. She is very much aware of the ways in which she falls short of perceived expectations, and I liked watching her gain confidence as she adjusts to life in America.
The chemistry between Khai and Esme seemed a bit lukewarm to me, and I wonder if that is a result of Khai’s determined detachment and Esme’s self-consciousness. Their growth as individuals was more interesting to me than their love affair. While I may not have been as charmed by this book as I was by The Kiss Quotient, it is quite thoughtful and entertaining. Add this romance to your list of summer reads.
About the Audiobook
Emily Woo Zeller expertly conveys Esme’s vulnerability and insecurities. Her lyrical narration also gives warmth to Khai’s character. The audiobook enhanced my enjoyment of the story, so I highly recommend it.
Recommended for fans of:
Arranged marriages
Culture shock
Fruit
Weddings
Buy The Bride Test
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About Helen Hoang
Helen Hoang is that shy person who never talks. Until she does. And the worst things fly out of her mouth. She read her first romance novel in eighth grade and has been addicted ever since.
In 2016, she was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in line with what was previously known as Asperger’s Syndrome. Her journey inspired THE KISS QUOTIENT, which comes out in June 2018 with Berkley.
She currently lives in San Diego, California with her husband, two kids, and pet fish.
Helen is represented by Kim Lionetti of BookEnds Literary Agency.
I loved listening to the audiobook of The Kiss Quotient. I read this one, but I’m thinking maybe I should listen to it now. Great review!