The Bride Test (The Kiss Quotient, #2)
by Helen Hoang
296 pages, Paperback
Publisher: Berkley
Release Date: May 7, 2019
My Rating: ★★★★☆
Book Summary
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.
— from Goodreads
Book Review
In “The Bride Test,” Helen Hoang masterfully continues the heartwarming and refreshing journey of unconventional love that she introduced in her debut novel, “The Kiss Quotient.” With its endearing characters, diverse representation, and emotional depth, this book solidifies Hoang as a talented voice in the romance genre.
One of the highlights of this novel is the authenticity and complexity of the characters. Hoang crafts Khai and Esme with depth and care, delving into their individual struggles and fears while highlighting their unique strengths. Khai’s portrayal as an autistic protagonist is sensitively and realistically depicted, allowing readers to gain insight into his thought processes and experiences. Esme’s character, on the other hand, showcases the resilience and determination of an immigrant chasing the American dream.
Hoang’s writing is captivating, infused with humor and tenderness. She expertly balances the story’s emotional beats, seamlessly transitioning between heartfelt moments and lighthearted banter. Additionally, the author’s attention to cultural detail and representation adds richness and depth to the narrative, offering a glimpse into Vietnamese customs and traditions.
While “The Bride Test” is a delightful read overall, there are a few minor shortcomings. Some plot elements feel slightly predictable, and the pacing occasionally slows down, particularly in the book’s middle sections. However, these minor flaws do not significantly detract from the story’s overall enjoyment.
In conclusion, “The Bride Test” is a compelling and heartwarming novel that showcases Helen Hoang’s talent for crafting complex characters and tender romances. While it may have a few predictable moments and pacing issues, it ultimately delivers an emotionally satisfying and uplifting reading experience. Fans of contemporary romance will undoubtedly find themselves invested in Khai and Esme’s love story and eagerly anticipate what Helen Hoang has in store for her readers next.
