Book Review: The Kiss Quotient

The Kiss Quotient

by Helen Hoang

I was able to read The Kiss Quotient thanks to a friend who passed along her review copy to me. 

The Kiss Quotient tells the story of Stella, an econometrician with Asperger's Syndrome, and Michael, a male escort with loads of debt and a heart of gold.  In a gender reversal of Pretty Woman, Stella hires Michael to teach her how to date and how to enjoy sex. 

I absolutely adored both Stella and Michael - they are both strong, independent characters who aren't necessarily looking for love and romance.  I highly recommend this for fans of the romance genre - though do keep in mind that it does feature some pretty explicit sex scenes.  If you've read some adult fantasy (SJ Maas) or other romances (think The Wedding Date or 50 Shades minus the S&M), then this shouldn't be outside your comfort zone.  It's just something to keep in mind when you decide WHERE and when to read this one!  For me, it was so refreshing to have a sexy read that didn't make me feel dirty.  This is a consensual relationship with lots of slow build-ups and both partners are definitely into it!

I especially loved the author's note at the end where she describes her own experience and diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome.  On that note, it was great to read from the point of view of two very diverse characters - as I mentioned previously, Stella has a diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome, and Michael is mixed race - Vietnamese and Swedish. 

In this novel, the woman definitely doesn't need a man to save her...but maybe they can figure out how to save each other in the end!  This is easily 4.5 stars for me (rounded up).  What could make it better?  I would have loved to have some development of the other non-primary characters (Stella's parents, Michael's family and maybe even Stella's a-hole co-worker), but maybe this can happen in book 2!  And hoorah - book 2 is already listed on Goodreads, so I'm anxiously awaiting its release!

Now, I'm looking for recommendations of similar reads - I've read The Wedding Date (Jasmine Guillory), but am looking for any similar recommendations!  Let me know!