The Kiss Quotient

Helen Hoang

5/5 Equations

Stella works on equations and code all day. She loves her job and her life the way it is. Stella has Aspergers Syndrome, so she hates the thought of touching, kissing, and sex. Relationships are out of the question, but her mom really wants a grandchild. Stella decides the best way to make her mother happy is to get practice by hiring an escort. Once he shows her all the ins and outs of sex, she can find a real relationship that maybe she'll enjoy.

Michael is an escort to help pay the bills. He has so many bills. Most of his life is secret at first. The reader is given the information about Michael as Stella receives it. Michael can't remember the last time he was in a relationship: his Friday nights are booked by clients. To him, Stella is just another face to add to the pile, or so he thinks.

The two navigate confusing feelings and complicated situations. Will they be together, or will reality be too hard to handle?

I'll admit - I HATE romance novels and "steamy" reads. Usually, they make me uncomfortable and they're just so mushy. The Kiss Quotient was entirely different! I devoured this book. I literally could not put it down. I tried to, but I kept wondering about Stella and Michael. Their romance was such a cute read. I love how Hoang integrated Stella's Asperger's without making it the defining feature of the book. If everyone was as understanding as Michael, the world would be a better place.

There were times in the book where I thought the writing was a little juvenile and the sex scenes made me squirm slightly, but overall, I thought it was a great book. I'd definitely classify it as a beach read, and I can't wait to delve into The Bride Test next.