The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
A heartwarming and refreshing debut novel that proves one thing: there's not enough data in the world to predict what will make your heart tick.
Stella Lane thinks math is the only thing that unites the universe. She comes up with algorithms to predict customer purchases--a job that has given her more money than she knows what to do with, and way less experience in the dating department than the average thirty-year-old.
It doesn't help that Stella has Asperger's and French kissing reminds her of a shark getting its teeth cleaned by pilot fish. Her conclusion: she needs lots of practice--with a professional. Which is why she hires escort Michael Phan. The Vietnamese and Swedish stunner can't afford to turn down Stella's offer, and agrees to help her check off all the boxes on her lesson plan--from foreplay to more-than-missionary position...
Before long, Stella not only learns to appreciate his kisses, but to crave all the other things he's making her feel. Soon, their no-nonsense partnership starts making a strange kind of sense. And the pattern that emerges will convince Stella that love is the best kind of logic...
Caroline's Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Top Read 2018
I'm absolutely CRAZY over this book!
"This girl was different. It was that spark in her eyes. He wanted to take his time and see if he could make her shine with a different kind of excitement."
Stella Lane is 30YO, has Asperger's, and thrives on routine. In her world, things are pretty black and white, especially maths. Her job as an econometrician helps her make sense of the world through algorithms. Unfortunately, her love life is pretty lacklustre, awkward and just wholly unsatisfying. Therefore, she decides to approach it scientifically and clinically by hiring an escort to help her find her way through the quagmire of relationships and intimacy. It doesn't hurt that he looks like a famous K-drama hottie.
"He forgot he was seducing her. He even forgot why. All he knew was her taste and the hot sighs of her breath. He wanted to devour her."
Michael Phan has huge financial burdens. He uses his God-given looks and sexual talent to bridge the gap, and has basically given up on his dreams. When he meets the beautiful, quirky Stella, he does something uncharacteristic - he breaks his one-date rule. There's just something about this woman that gets to him. The fact that he's not just a body for hire, but that she actually sees the real him.
"It was like Stella was made for him, specially designed to respond to him. Only him. The thought filled him with fierce possessiveness."
I just ADORED this book! The characters were well drawn with sensitivity and empathy, and the scenes between the MCs were humorous but heart-meltingly sexy. Stella is a unique and amazing heroine. She's super brainy but so adorable in all her socially-awkward glory. I loved her unfiltered directness and her tenacity in her approach to everything in her life. I loved the connection and trust that built between Michael and her.
"He'd developed a new kink, and it involved a shy girl who daydreamed about economics."
Michael is a pretty noble character, in spite of his night-time profession. He has huge burdens on his shoulders, and he does the best he can with what he's got. Even though he's supposed to be the teacher, I loved his vulnerability when he's with Stella. I adored how valued he felt just by virtue of her enjoyment in being with him.
The relationship that built up between Stella and Michael was just so damn THRILLING! I adored every bit of their journey. Stella's sexual awakening was gorgeous and sensuous. Michael was so patient and caring, and I loved how quickly he felt invested in 'his Stella'.
This story is such a FANTASTIC and RIVETING debut novel and I cannot wait for this author's next book.
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