Amazing romance with a variety of different characters. Seemed like a flip in stereotype of the typical female and male couple, but had kind of a predictable ending.

I loved this one as much as I loved The Kiss Quotient - and that was a lot! The plot doesn’t unfold quite how you might imagine at the beginning of the book, and that is wonderful. Helen’s writing makes ‘thinking differently’ understandable and relatable, while still taking the reader on a gorgeous journey. I particularly loved the healthy male relationships in this story - so refreshing and gratifying.

Honestly one of my favorite rom-coms that I've read so far! Full of endearing moments, learning how to fall in love, and how to improve oneself through education.

After reading, “The Kiss Quotient”, I knew I wanted to read the rest of the series. “The Bride Test”, was a great follow up from the first book, and I was intrigued to read Khai’s story. Khai was the kind of man who, was set with his life. Focusing on his work, maintaining his exercise regimen, and going about his daily life, scheduled out to detail, but… his mother had different plans. Right away, Esme was introduced in the beginning and you could see that she was kind of “down on her luck”, trying to get by and support for her family. With Esme going to America, it was an opportunity she couldn’t pass up, not only could she possibly marry Khai, but there were other possibilities that Esme wanted to pursue. I loved reading about Esme and Khai’s relationship especially in the moments where Esme paid attention to specific details about Khai such as, learning that he didn’t like “light/ unexpected touches”, noticing things he does when he was he frustrated, etc. Esme started to pick up on subtle things about Khai that most people wouldn’t have considered. Esme was an attentive, sweet, kind, and happy person whereas Khai was more composed, calm, kept to himself, and was adamant on his lifestyle. Obviously once Esme came into Khai’s life, everything changed for the better and Khai’s originally plan to remain a bachelor slowly dissolved. One of my favorite thing (among numerous things) about this book/ series is reading about the main characters falling in love with one another, but more importantly the journey of how they get there. From beginning, middle, and end, Esme and Khai were constantly learning new things about one another and like any relationship they learned to communicate their wants, their needs, and their fears to one another. Once again, just like the first book, this book looked cute, but it still provided the spicy romance we all know and love that Helen creates so beautifully. Reading how passionate Khai and Esme got with each other was fantastic because, you could just feel the fierce passion that Esme and Khai had for one another. Plus, I was genuinely surprised how Khai reacted whenever he was around Esme, like I knew he was physically into her, but when things finally came down to them engaged in adult playtime….. all I gotta say is Khai definitely listened to his instincts and knew EXACTLY what to do. Overall, this was an endearing, sweet, heartfelt story and I absolutely fell in love with Esme and Khai. This story was more than just about the romance, it was about overcoming obstacles, learning about one’s self, and happiness. I’m sure there are some things I forgot to mention, but overall this book had my attention all the way through, and by the end I was filled with joy. Of course, the epilogue made my heart swoon and it gave a beautiful ending or more like continuation to Esme and Khai’s story.

Helen Hoang quickly became an auto-buy author with The Kiss Quotient and The Bride Test solidifies that decision 100%. Bride Test is book 2 in The Kiss Quotient Series #1 The Kiss Quotient 2. The Bride Test - You are here! 3. The Heart Principle - currently reading haha So far there are only 3 books in this series but I’m game for more and I’m sure others are as well. I love the way Helen Hoang writes and how she develops her love stories. These aren’t insta-love, these aren’t stories you can read half heartedly. You are invested in their growth, their culture, their families, ther struggles, and it is EVERYTHING. I read a lot of romance and if you know me, usually it’s paranormal. I like to have ‘more’ with my reading and like the ~extra~ plot points. Haha I say this because these books…. THESE books are so much MORE than just romance. I’m not sure how to quantify it. However, it’s the reason I always pause, click, and buy Helen Hoang’s books. Always. Her books are ‘more’ and contain that special something that keeps you engaged. TO THE REVIEW “He was ignoring everyone, including her, at this expensive wedding. So he could read a novel about alien demon things.” This book is an amazing #ownvoices novel involving Vietnamese culture and Autism. While that is similar to The Kiss Quotient, these characters are completely different and the story is (in my opinion) more intense. It goes straight for the heart. Esme made my heart ache. As far as character development, she wins all the things in this novel. Her strength, her bravery, and sheer tenacity stood out above everyone else. I hurt when she got frustrated and I cried when she cried. Esme’s relationship with her immediate family and her struggles are stark and gut wrenching. The mothers were major characters in The Bride Test and they took no prisoners. They are the definition of steel balls and I was ‘side eyeing’ their interactions with everyone else. I loved it. Specifically, I love how each character’s impact was reflected on our main characters. Defining a family and upbringing dynamic that is highlighted throughout. It took me a bit to realize how they’re all connected. Michael Phan from The Kiss Quotient is the cousin of Khai Diep in The Bride Test. There is only a slight mention of Michael in one of the most hysterical scenes in this book. #nospoilers #youneedtoreadthis What to say on Khai. I think he’s a work of art. How Helen articulates his interactions. How he strives to be a good son and a good brother to his family. He is alive on the page and yes, like any hero in a book you want to yell at him when he messes up. I think my favorite parts in the book are his family interactions. Especially with his brother and sister. I’m HOPING his sister gets a book. #crossingfingers Overall, I recommend this to anyone that enjoys contemporary or romance. Even if it’s not your usual cup of tea. GIVE IT A GO! These books are some of the best and won’t disappoint. Overall rating: 4.5 Plot: 4 Character Development: 5 Dialogue: 4.5 Writing: 4.5 Happy Reading, Ash~

This was a fun read - the story of a strong young woman who is making her way in a new country for love, not just for a man, but for her family, as well. This was an easy book to read, and I enjoyed the author's voice. Bonus - I also learned how to read Vietnamese names, which I enjoyed!

The Bride Test was a cute follow-up to The Kiss Quotient. Definitely reading The Heart Principle the minute it comes out!

I decided to pick this up through Libby based on all the good things I was seeing on Instagram. All I can say is, Wow! I am so glad I did! Asian characters and an Autism rep? Yes, please! As a parent with children with Autism, I am so happy to see Autism representation in novels. I could see Autistic characteristics in Khai that are truly spot on for some people with the diagnosis. The sensitivities were accurate, as well as Khai’s lack of communication with Esme. I read the book rooting for both Khai and Esme’s relationship, hoping they could work out things that it’d simply take a conversation to overcome. I thought there was just the right amount of sexiness within the story, the scenes were thoughtful, relatable, and fun without being raunchy. I’d recommend this book if you’re into a slow burn hate to lovers vibe, with a disability representation, and a bit of sexiness that’s nowhere near hard core. The audiobook was perfect!