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jujudepamplemousse's review against another edition
2.0
This novel makes me wonder why I'm still persisting in trying to read romance. I'm wondering if it is me that don't understand what romance is or if this book is overrated. Maybe a bit of both.
The good thing:
- For once, the male character is not the rich one. I like their occupations. Finally some non stereotypical occupations. She is powerful and rich and work in the scientific field. He is a middle-class working in a artistic field. Also she is the oldest one in the relationship.
The not so good thing:
- Stella has Asperger syndrome. Sounded fresh and interesting on the back cover. However it ended up a big disappointment. The author doesn't go in any depth about this syndrome and this get even more aside as the novel goes on.
The bad things:
- The sex part. Lot of it. Too much. I'm not against some explicit sex scenes but there was just so much mention of sex at some parts. It just highlighted the lack of depth. And what about the language, it was such a turn off. Could at least have been funny, but no. A non-exhaustive list of the best sentences :
- The public display of affectation (or more precisely, the public display of lust !). Not okay with the whole French kissing and touching session in the gelato shop. And what should I say about the scenes at Michael's family house except that I was profoundly shocked and disgusted by it. So disrespectful. Once again a total turn off for me.
- The plot. Same usual one. No originality. First encounter - Get to know each other - Develop feelings for each other in no time - Some separation (to get some suspense even if we all already know how it's gonna end) - happy ending.
- The ending was cringe. To be honest, I speeded up the last part because I wasn't sure I would be able to finish the novel otherwise.
In short, neither romantic nor erotic for me. I don't get the interest toward this novel. I would almost have put a 1 star but I keep the 1 star for happy ending 'romance' between abuser/victim and at least this novel doesn't fall in this category.
The good thing:
- For once, the male character is not the rich one. I like their occupations. Finally some non stereotypical occupations. She is powerful and rich and work in the scientific field. He is a middle-class working in a artistic field. Also she is the oldest one in the relationship.
The not so good thing:
- Stella has Asperger syndrome. Sounded fresh and interesting on the back cover. However it ended up a big disappointment. The author doesn't go in any depth about this syndrome and this get even more aside as the novel goes on.
The bad things:
- The sex part. Lot of it. Too much. I'm not against some explicit sex scenes but there was just so much mention of sex at some parts. It just highlighted the lack of depth. And what about the language, it was such a turn off. Could at least have been funny, but no. A non-exhaustive list of the best sentences :
"She had porn star nipples" (there is something as porn-star nipples ? No wonder women got hang-ups)
"You're like a Lamborghini. Zero to sixty in two point seven seconds" (Is this suppose to be sexy ? If being compared to a car is sexy, I think I've been mistaken about the concept of sexy for some time)
"You have a pussy, Stella" (The dictionary insists that it's vulgar and I agree with that. Also If you insist on using the right terminology, Michael, you should know that it's actually called a Vagina)
"You came on me like a porn star" (Since porn seems to be sexy, let's get a porn session to learn about it and get some more hang-ups)
- The public display of affectation (or more precisely, the public display of lust !). Not okay with the whole French kissing and touching session in the gelato shop. And what should I say about the scenes at Michael's family house except that I was profoundly shocked and disgusted by it. So disrespectful. Once again a total turn off for me.
- The plot. Same usual one. No originality. First encounter - Get to know each other - Develop feelings for each other in no time - Some separation (to get some suspense even if we all already know how it's gonna end) - happy ending.
Spoiler
'I need to announce how taken you are'. Simply put, the ring is not really for you but for everyone else so they know that you are my property. The whole possessiveness thing is just so anti-romantic for me : people are not objects.- The ending was cringe. To be honest, I speeded up the last part because I wasn't sure I would be able to finish the novel otherwise.
In short, neither romantic nor erotic for me. I don't get the interest toward this novel. I would almost have put a 1 star but I keep the 1 star for happy ending 'romance' between abuser/victim and at least this novel doesn't fall in this category.
sambrooke's review against another edition
4.0
My expectations for The Kiss Quotient were outrageous. I was so nervous going into this because high expectations tend to lead to disappointment. Especially since I’ve been eyeing this book since February.
I’m happy to say that I could not put this book down for the life of me. It’s 1:32 a.m. and I have to be up in 4 hours for my impending surgery, yet I’m writing this review because I can’t control myself.
Sounds about right.
But who the hell cares when the characters and their story drag you in. And let me tell ya, Stella and Michael’s does just that.
Stella Lane is one of the most down-to-earth characters ever with her blatant honesty and unique perceptions on life. She’s an econometrician with some difficulty in the dating department. The Asperger’s doesn’t exactly help either or the fact that “French kissing reminds her of a shark getting its teeth cleaned by pilot fish” which is what leads her to the conclusion that she needs help. Help from someone who is a professional in that department.
That leads her to Michael Larsen (alias: Michael Phan), an escort who is seriously amazing. I personally loved Michael. He was such a sweet guy and ahhh. You can’t help, but fall for him. He’s that likable. Add on the fact that he declined some great offers for work to care for his mom and wham! You’re a goner.
But let’s focus on Stella and Michael together. Those two together are what I call a match made in a martial arts movie. It’s inevitable. There were dozens of these small moments that yanked giddy smiles right out of me.
From their first meeting when Stella gave him a heads up to steer clear of the lamb since it had a “wooly taste” to when Michael wore the boxers that Stella bought him (I’ll get more into that later).
I do have to admit one thing that irritated me: Phillip. I don’t know what his deal was, but I wanted to give him another black eye. He reminds me of a wet frog; slippery and slimy. One second he appears uninterested and is telling you to go find a guy and the next he’s trying to force his lips on you whilst saying that the guy you like is below you.
You know what Phillip? I have a strong dislike towards you and I hope you get fired or at least get a kick to the groin. I really don’t like you.
But truthfully, I found the change within him strange. Especially paired with how he said he had been crushing on Stella for awhile and was just intimidated by her. I just don’t buy it coming from the likes of him. Anyway, he’s not Michael, so he’s not even worth the effort of tapping letters.
Moving along, I enjoyed the the slow buildup between Stella and Michael. It made them more real and you can’t help but root for them by the end.
Combined, they both had their fair share of insecurities. Ooh, might as well list them:
Stella and Michael:
- Believed the other would be embarrassed by him/her
Stella:
- thought she would constantly say or do the wrong thing
- Was nervous about not measuring up to everyone who Michael had been with in the past
- Insecure about her ability to date/sex/French kiss
- That Michael didn’t trust her and wouldn’t want her after learning she has Asperger’s
Michael:
- Money
- Being good enough for Stella
- His dad
- Level of success
- The fact that he thought she was only practicing with him and would eventually find someone else who would “fit” her better
- His dad
Some of these could have been avoided earlier on with more open communication, but it was fine.
Of course, they had a slight step backwards after the gala/charity dinner thing, but we knew it would work out.
Not only did I like the love story, but I definitely came out of this with a better understanding of how someone with Autism may feel and some of the habits such as following a specific regimen, avoiding loud areas because of overstimulation, having certain obsessions, refraining from touch unless initiated first, avoiding eye contact and having some trouble with human interaction.
I liked reading about this because I feel not many books touch upon this. And Stella was such a fun character. She seems like she’d be a great friend and I thought she was one hell of a character. Especially with some of her comparisons and thoughts that would randomly pop up.
And I also felt the topic of consent was handled beautifully between Michael and Stella. There was never a point when he pushed her into something she wasn’t truly comfortable with. He was always respectful and patient with her which really makes my heart want to burst (not really burst though, more like swell a bit).
But then we had Mr. Slime who did not seem to understand consent. I will be forever grateful towards Michael for sucker-punching him.
Oh and about that pair of underwear she bought him, I was ready to jump out of bed and cheer when it all came around full circle. Her analysis hit the bullseye with frightening accuracy.
“Are you wearing the underwear I got you?”
Laughter cracked out of him. “Sometimes, the way your mind works is a complete mystery to me.”
“Are you?” She transferred the bear underneath her arm and tucked her fingers into the waistband of his pants above his leather belt.
Lips curving, he unfastened his belt, unbuttoned his pants, and drew the zipper down. “If we get arrested for lewd acts in public, they better let us share a cell.”
This is the type of interaction that makes them so incredibly adorable. And it just gets better honestly. I’d love to add in the rest of this excerpt, but that would basically ruin the experiment. So I’ll practice some self-control. (p 307)
But really, it’s all economics. When you’re looking for an answer, turn to econometricians. They have all the answers.
If you’re looking for a sweet love story that has the ability to make you laugh all the while wanting to karate chop a few people in half, then read this! Even if you just want to take your mind off the daily hassles of life, this is a great way to do just that.
Helen Hoang did a wonderful job with Stella and Michael and I’m sure they’ll leave an impression on whoever picks up their story.
I’m happy to say that I could not put this book down for the life of me. It’s 1:32 a.m. and I have to be up in 4 hours for my impending surgery, yet I’m writing this review because I can’t control myself.
Sounds about right.
But who the hell cares when the characters and their story drag you in. And let me tell ya, Stella and Michael’s does just that.
Stella Lane is one of the most down-to-earth characters ever with her blatant honesty and unique perceptions on life. She’s an econometrician with some difficulty in the dating department. The Asperger’s doesn’t exactly help either or the fact that “French kissing reminds her of a shark getting its teeth cleaned by pilot fish” which is what leads her to the conclusion that she needs help. Help from someone who is a professional in that department.
That leads her to Michael Larsen (alias: Michael Phan), an escort who is seriously amazing. I personally loved Michael. He was such a sweet guy and ahhh. You can’t help, but fall for him. He’s that likable. Add on the fact that he declined some great offers for work to care for his mom and wham! You’re a goner.
But let’s focus on Stella and Michael together. Those two together are what I call a match made in a martial arts movie. It’s inevitable. There were dozens of these small moments that yanked giddy smiles right out of me.
From their first meeting when Stella gave him a heads up to steer clear of the lamb since it had a “wooly taste” to when Michael wore the boxers that Stella bought him (I’ll get more into that later).
I do have to admit one thing that irritated me: Phillip. I don’t know what his deal was, but I wanted to give him another black eye. He reminds me of a wet frog; slippery and slimy. One second he appears uninterested and is telling you to go find a guy and the next he’s trying to force his lips on you whilst saying that the guy you like is below you.
You know what Phillip? I have a strong dislike towards you and I hope you get fired or at least get a kick to the groin. I really don’t like you.
But truthfully, I found the change within him strange. Especially paired with how he said he had been crushing on Stella for awhile and was just intimidated by her. I just don’t buy it coming from the likes of him. Anyway, he’s not Michael, so he’s not even worth the effort of tapping letters.
Moving along, I enjoyed the the slow buildup between Stella and Michael. It made them more real and you can’t help but root for them by the end.
Combined, they both had their fair share of insecurities. Ooh, might as well list them:
Stella and Michael:
- Believed the other would be embarrassed by him/her
Stella:
- thought she would constantly say or do the wrong thing
- Was nervous about not measuring up to everyone who Michael had been with in the past
- Insecure about her ability to date/sex/French kiss
- That Michael didn’t trust her and wouldn’t want her after learning she has Asperger’s
Michael:
- Money
- Being good enough for Stella
- His dad
- Level of success
- The fact that he thought she was only practicing with him and would eventually find someone else who would “fit” her better
- His dad
Some of these could have been avoided earlier on with more open communication, but it was fine.
Of course, they had a slight step backwards after the gala/charity dinner thing, but we knew it would work out.
Not only did I like the love story, but I definitely came out of this with a better understanding of how someone with Autism may feel and some of the habits such as following a specific regimen, avoiding loud areas because of overstimulation, having certain obsessions, refraining from touch unless initiated first, avoiding eye contact and having some trouble with human interaction.
I liked reading about this because I feel not many books touch upon this. And Stella was such a fun character. She seems like she’d be a great friend and I thought she was one hell of a character. Especially with some of her comparisons and thoughts that would randomly pop up.
And I also felt the topic of consent was handled beautifully between Michael and Stella. There was never a point when he pushed her into something she wasn’t truly comfortable with. He was always respectful and patient with her which really makes my heart want to burst (not really burst though, more like swell a bit).
But then we had Mr. Slime who did not seem to understand consent. I will be forever grateful towards Michael for sucker-punching him.
Oh and about that pair of underwear she bought him, I was ready to jump out of bed and cheer when it all came around full circle. Her analysis hit the bullseye with frightening accuracy.
“Are you wearing the underwear I got you?”
Laughter cracked out of him. “Sometimes, the way your mind works is a complete mystery to me.”
“Are you?” She transferred the bear underneath her arm and tucked her fingers into the waistband of his pants above his leather belt.
Lips curving, he unfastened his belt, unbuttoned his pants, and drew the zipper down. “If we get arrested for lewd acts in public, they better let us share a cell.”
This is the type of interaction that makes them so incredibly adorable. And it just gets better honestly. I’d love to add in the rest of this excerpt, but that would basically ruin the experiment. So I’ll practice some self-control. (p 307)
But really, it’s all economics. When you’re looking for an answer, turn to econometricians. They have all the answers.
If you’re looking for a sweet love story that has the ability to make you laugh all the while wanting to karate chop a few people in half, then read this! Even if you just want to take your mind off the daily hassles of life, this is a great way to do just that.
Helen Hoang did a wonderful job with Stella and Michael and I’m sure they’ll leave an impression on whoever picks up their story.
vkutasz's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
readwith_mj's review against another edition
4.0
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
I read a lot of mixed reviews about this book before reading it, but decided to read it anyway and I’m so glad I did. I actually enjoyed this book a lot more than I thought I would. It was a little bit of a slow start for me, but it got interesting quite quickly.
Stella Lane is an econometrician who is on the autistic spectrum. She feels pressured by her parents to find a partner and start a family, but the problem is that she’s not so skilled in the dating/sex life. Which is why she finds herself on an escorting website and hires Michael Phan, an escort who helps her tick boxes off her sex checklist and teaches her all the basics of sexual pleasure. While Stella deals with her own issues regarding being on the spectrum, Michael has his own personal issues to deal with as well, yet somehow he is exactly the man she needs in her life.
This book was amazing! I really enjoyed reading it. I was hooked from the very beginning up until the very end. The ending/last few chapters wasn’t exactly my favourite…. Which is why I gave this 4 stars instead of 5 lol. But overall the book was a good read in my opinion!
I really enjoyed this book– a lot more than I initially thought I would. The one thing that really stood out to me that I loved the most was the autism rep, my nephew is on the spectrum and there were some similarities with how Stella acted/felt to how my nephew is as well. Helen Hoang did an amazing job portraying this into her writing and gave insight to others who may not know much about being on the spectrum.
I read a lot of mixed reviews about this book before reading it, but decided to read it anyway and I’m so glad I did. I actually enjoyed this book a lot more than I thought I would. It was a little bit of a slow start for me, but it got interesting quite quickly.
Stella Lane is an econometrician who is on the autistic spectrum. She feels pressured by her parents to find a partner and start a family, but the problem is that she’s not so skilled in the dating/sex life. Which is why she finds herself on an escorting website and hires Michael Phan, an escort who helps her tick boxes off her sex checklist and teaches her all the basics of sexual pleasure. While Stella deals with her own issues regarding being on the spectrum, Michael has his own personal issues to deal with as well, yet somehow he is exactly the man she needs in her life.
This book was amazing! I really enjoyed reading it. I was hooked from the very beginning up until the very end. The ending/last few chapters wasn’t exactly my favourite…. Which is why I gave this 4 stars instead of 5 lol. But overall the book was a good read in my opinion!
I really enjoyed this book– a lot more than I initially thought I would. The one thing that really stood out to me that I loved the most was the autism rep, my nephew is on the spectrum and there were some similarities with how Stella acted/felt to how my nephew is as well. Helen Hoang did an amazing job portraying this into her writing and gave insight to others who may not know much about being on the spectrum.
adrienne_adrimano's review against another edition
4.0
Neurodivergent girl needs intimacy tutor.
I think the premise of this book was unique enough to make this book unforgettable.
My favourite of the series.
I think the premise of this book was unique enough to make this book unforgettable.
My favourite of the series.
kippins's review against another edition
4.0
Thoroughly enjoyed
This was a fantastic read. I’m so glad I tried this author out and am looking forward to reading more by her.
My heart ached for Stella at times but I loved her spirit and found her to be so likeable.
Michael was a great book boyfriend. He was a bit dense at times but aren’t all men, bless the them!
This was a fantastic read. I’m so glad I tried this author out and am looking forward to reading more by her.
My heart ached for Stella at times but I loved her spirit and found her to be so likeable.
Michael was a great book boyfriend. He was a bit dense at times but aren’t all men, bless the them!
carlotamoreira7's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
monicadery's review against another edition
4.0
This one was so close to being a 5 star for me, I enjoyed it that much. I loved that I didn’t have to wait until 60% of the way in for the spice to happen and that the woman protagonist is autistic. I think the book does a pretty good job of having it be an important part of her character but not the only important thing. She’s definitely a not a flat character. I still highly recommend this book. It hooked me in quickly and I absolutely devoured it.
The things that kept it from being 5 is the painfully cliche and, honestly, damaging body descriptions of the two protagonists. The author easily could’ve made this a much more dynamic story by refusing to fall into the stereotypes. She was so close.. she had the main man think about how his usual type is more full, voluptuous hips, thick thighs BUT then it turns out the woman who he is surprised to be so into is this tiny, thin woman. It was really disheartening. And he fell into the same cliche of being a big, muscular man. I also wasn’t that happy with the actual ending. I wish the resolution had been more interesting. It felt rushed and half-hazard.
The things that kept it from being 5 is the painfully cliche and, honestly, damaging body descriptions of the two protagonists. The author easily could’ve made this a much more dynamic story by refusing to fall into the stereotypes. She was so close.. she had the main man think about how his usual type is more full, voluptuous hips, thick thighs BUT then it turns out the woman who he is surprised to be so into is this tiny, thin woman. It was really disheartening. And he fell into the same cliche of being a big, muscular man. I also wasn’t that happy with the actual ending. I wish the resolution had been more interesting. It felt rushed and half-hazard.
cloudyafternoons's review against another edition
4.0
Stella is incredibly smart and skilled at her job as an econometrician. She’s also painfully awkward and lacking in the most basic social skills in a very real way. Not the “I’m so quirky and different, woe is me” way, but in a painful, embarrassing, isolating way. She’s autistic and not proud of it. She hates the way people treat her differently because of it, so she rarely speaks of it.
Her mother pressures her, as most parents of single children do, to date. The problem is she’s just not good at any part of it, including the physical side. So she decides to hire a professional.
Michael is an escort. But he’s so much more than that. He’s a devoted son and brother who puts his family above all else - that’s why he dropped out of school to return to work in his mother’s dry cleaning shop. He’s struggling to pay for his mother’s cancer treatments - not that he tells anyone. So he starts working as an escort. It’s a way to make money and his own quiet way of revenge on his cheating, criminal father.
Stella hires Michael, and they soon develop an agreement: he will coach her in all the physical aspects of a relationship, and she will pay him a generous sum of money. Stella quickly becomes obsessed with Michael, as her nature tends to do, and she finds herself in love with Michael, who already has fallen for Stella and all her innocence and goodness. But one night, all the insecurity and shame Michael carries with him comes crashing down, and he ends his relationship with Stella.
Both characters have a good amount of growth - they both learn to accept their own flaws and make the changes in their lives they had once deemed impossible. I really enjoyed this book and its characters. Definitely worth reading!
Her mother pressures her, as most parents of single children do, to date. The problem is she’s just not good at any part of it, including the physical side. So she decides to hire a professional.
Michael is an escort. But he’s so much more than that. He’s a devoted son and brother who puts his family above all else - that’s why he dropped out of school to return to work in his mother’s dry cleaning shop. He’s struggling to pay for his mother’s cancer treatments - not that he tells anyone. So he starts working as an escort. It’s a way to make money and his own quiet way of revenge on his cheating, criminal father.
Stella hires Michael, and they soon develop an agreement: he will coach her in all the physical aspects of a relationship, and she will pay him a generous sum of money. Stella quickly becomes obsessed with Michael, as her nature tends to do, and she finds herself in love with Michael, who already has fallen for Stella and all her innocence and goodness. But one night, all the insecurity and shame Michael carries with him comes crashing down, and he ends his relationship with Stella.
Both characters have a good amount of growth - they both learn to accept their own flaws and make the changes in their lives they had once deemed impossible. I really enjoyed this book and its characters. Definitely worth reading!
odaniels's review against another edition
5.0
Honestly so cute. A liiiiittle cringey but also I feel like it makes sense. I loved the characters and I loved how Stella just wanted to be accepted omg ily girl