The Kiss Quotient

A Novel

By: Helen Hoang

Narrated by: Carly Robins

A cosmopolitan title to get excited about in 2018!

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 as well as way less experience in the dating department than the average 30-year-old. It doesn't help that she has Asperger's and that French kissing reminds her of a shark getting its teeth cleaned by pilot fish. She decides that she needs lots of practice - with a professional - which is why she hires escort Michael Phan.

The Vietnamese-Swedish stunner can't afford to turn down Stella's offer, and he 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 also to crave all of the other things he's making her feel. Their no-nonsense partnership starts making a strange kind of sense. And the pattern that emerges convinces Stella that love is the best kind of logic...

©2018 Helen Hoang (P)2018 Dreamscape Media, LLC

Quirky sweet socially challenged nerd + tormented, hot Korean hunk= HEA

New author to me, Helen Hoang, offered me some fresh elements- at least unusual in that I can’t remember reading a romance where these characteristics were central to the h or H. Stella, the h is a really endearing character- an econometrics professional who is extremely successful in her field, probably partially due to her hyper focus on her job because her Aspergers makes a social life problematic- and a love life and dating has been confusing and unsatisfying too. Missed signals are just one problem. But now, to complicate matters, as she neared 30 her Mom has expressed her hope for grandchildren and has been pressing for her to date more. Stella’s parents are not a problem- they seem supportive in their way and she loves them and sees them often. So, she just would like to make them happy- if only she could figure out how. A chance conversation in her office inspires her and she bravely comes up with a Plan. On the face of it, a goofy plan...but intellectually... probably pretty sound! She will hire a tutor who will teach her and help her figure out what has been going wrong in her relationships with men in the past. Then she can fix it, and because he will be objective and a professional there won’t be emotions involved. Enter Michael. Yummmm...Michael. Google Daniel Denny (if you don’t already know who this hunky part, I think, Korean actor- “Criminal Minds” among many others). His reasons for becoming an “ escort” are very complex but she still got lucky when she selected him to teach her. Their story...learning about them, their families, their backstories, quirks- all of it- is very satisfying. Interesting characters, interesting issues, interesting resolutions. In typical plot device fashion, I didn’t agree with every choice...but how that initial simple agreement went through a metamorphosis as the journey progressed and actually taught both of them lessons - about themselves and their lives and about Choices- was satisfying. I also liked that the author presented the characters main issues unapologetically- never wimping out. I kept going to the end and you probably will to. Try it!

What an experience...

Listening to The Kiss Quotient was an intense experience for me. I don't think I have ever listened to a book and felt so drawn in. There was one particular scene where the main character has a panic attack, and to be honest, I was right there alongside her with my heart pumping. It happened on the way to work and by the time I got there, I was a jittery mess. I was completely sucked in.

The first half of the story, I was completely riveted and loved getting to know Stella and Michael. Stella was quirky and I loved seeing her process her surroundings and deal with her ticks. Michael was interesting to get to know. His burdens, the guilt attached to his choices and his embarrassment with a job he does because he has to not because he wants to, are at times hard to witness. Both Stella and Michael are originals.

The second half of the book lost a little of the momentum for me. When we are faced with drama, misunderstandings and a lack of communication, I felt it was a little misplaced. Her previous openness deserted her and Michael's patience and concern for her happiness seemed to have disappeared. I was just a little disappointed.

The narrator does an exceptional job but I think her work was made easier for her considering what she got to work with. Her slight accent with certain characters, her ability to give us an experience and not just read it to us made it even more amazing.

I enjoyed The Kiss Quotient and I will definitely be reading more from this author in the future.

Good premise got lost on the way...

Got to chapter 17... and just couldn't go any further. Had enough of characters' self doubt and constant rethinking in my ear.
wish it had gone in a different direction and not wasted its potential.

Its good

I loved this book until the last 3 hours or so. Got so repetitive and I found myself wishing for it the end already. I liked the story and the characters just think it could have been shorter.

Sexy, boring and very predictable

Story moves along slowly. I couldn’t wait for it to be done. Very predictable ending and storyline not exciting at all. Narration was good except for Michael’s voice. Bit irritating. I need a little more story for such a long listen. Every chapter seemed the same.

Steamy!!

I couldn’t get enough... I found myself fanning myself! Loved the story it was cute, the sexy scenes were steamy!

fell in love

loved this story and the representation of a main character with autism. I looked forward to my drive to work everyday so that I could hear what happens next.

A book that moved me!

I loved this book! I could relate to Stella and her little quirks. At times, I could really feel the emotions that the author was describing. My husband and son both have Aspergers. Even though it was Stella who was autistic it this story, I think it gave me a better insight on what one with this condition goes through, when it comes to matters of the heart. Thank you for writing such a story.

Super cute & very sexy!

I grabbed this title thinking it was something that had been recommended. I’m so glad I made a mistake! I was in love with this story from the start. The characters have quirks and backgrounds that make them so charming and unpredictable. Their story and connection is somehow equal parts adorable and super sexy. The more they connected, the more charmed I was. A sweet, happy story without being predictable. Highly recommended!

Absolutely Loved This!

So cute and goodness gracious Michael was so sensual! I swoon. Take me now! Ha! 😉 I need a Michael in my life!

Having a best friend with Aspergers, Helen really zoned in on the reality about the difficulties people have with communication that comes with everyday social interaction. I loved how patient Michael was with her, how respectful. I loved the insight the author gave into Vietnamese culture.

This book was really good. A start to finish read in 1 day flat. Definitely going to check out more from this author and narrator as I've never had the pleasure of listening to Carly before.

Thank you for sharing your story, Helen!

5 stars!