The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang Series: The Kiss Quotient #3
Published by Berkley on August 31, 2021
Pages: 343
Genres: Romance, Women's Fiction
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A woman struggling with burnout learns to embrace the unexpected—and the man she enlists to help her—in this new New York Times bestselling romance by Helen Hoang.
When violinist Anna Sun accidentally achieves career success with a viral YouTube video, she finds herself incapacitated and burned out from her attempts to replicate that moment. And when her longtime boyfriend announces he wants an open relationship before making a final commitment, a hurt and angry Anna decides that if he wants an open relationship, then she does, too. Translation: She’s going to embark on a string of one-night stands. The more unacceptable the men, the better.
That’s where tattooed, motorcycle-riding Quan Diep comes in. Their first attempt at a one-night stand fails, as does their second, and their third, because being with Quan is more than sex—he accepts Anna on an unconditional level that she herself has just started to understand. However, when 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 also have to fight for themselves.
The Heart Principle is an exceptional story that is far deeper than I anticipated. It’s about the importance of loving yourself and using your voice.
Anna is a people-pleaser with an all-consuming need to be liked by everyone. She is particularly concerned with disappointing her family. That, coupled with her obsessive compulsion to achieve unattainable perfection as a violinist, leads to severe burnout. As a result, she finds herself reaching out for help and grappling with some life-altering truths about herself.
I was fascinated by the way Anna’s mind works, and I found her eager, gentle heart to be incredibly endearing. Her sister is truly despicable and impossible to satisfy, but that doesn’t prevent Anna from trying. I felt my heart clench with pain and frustration every time Anna wanted to stand up for herself but didn’t.
The story touches on some very serious topics, and there’s more emphasis on Anna’s journey of self-discovery and acceptance, as well as the conflict with her family, than there is on the romantic aspects. Anna and Quan’s romance is surprisingly sweet, though, especially given that their relationship starts with the expectation of a one night stand. Quan is so intuitive, and he won me over with how accepting he is of Anna’s quirks. I also admired his resilience.
The Heart Principle is an emotional and inspiring story that is sure to satisfy while pulling on your heartstrings.
Recommended for fans of:
Women’s fiction
Musicians
Quirky heroines
Mental health
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 thought this was a good book, but I needed more Quan. I feel like he got a bit short changed with this book. Almost like he was an afterthought to help build up Anna. I thought he deserved more time.