Reviews

The Bride Test by Helen Hoang

paulinejade's review against another edition

emotional funny inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

emptzuu's review against another edition

I found "The Bride Test" to be a disappointment after enjoying "The Kiss Quotient." While the writing is commendable, the overall quality of the book falls short. My main issue lies with Khai, whose self-loathing became tiresome and frustrating, unnecessarily overshadowing the story. The lack of justification for his prolonged suffering, coupled with the unrealistic portrayal of his condition going unnoticed for years, was particularly bothersome. I had hoped for a more nuanced portrayal of an autistic character, akin to what was achieved with Stella in the previous book, but Khai's constant objectification of Esme as a sexual conquest was gross.

"The Bride Test" raises numerous concerns, ranging from questionable portrayals of Asian women and autistic individuals to the reinforcement of the American dream mythos. These elements contribute to a romance that feels shallow and ultimately unsatisfying, relying on problematic stereotypes rather than genuine character development. 

alejandrabrazil's review against another edition

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

lyssa131330's review against another edition

emotional lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

joanna1905's review against another edition

3.0

Another really cute romantic read, overall I really liked Esme and Khai and watching their relationship grow was fun. However, I do think book one is just slightly better and I preferred Michael and Stella's relationship as a whole.

The one thing that really confused me is why no one bothered to tell Esme that Khai had autism - while I'm glad Khai was the one who had agency over telling her there didn't really ever seem a reason to withhold it and even when Khai told her it was never really properly explained. I would have assumed this information as withheld for so long as to make it the main point of conflict that would eventually be resolved but I don't really feel that was the case.

Khai's mother was so desperate for this marriage to work but never bothered to fill in Esme on what Khai was like as a person. Even without telling her his diagnosis she could have explained his nature and how best to communicate with him i.e. when she was eventually told to just be direct with him. It just didn't make sense that this was kind of the main conflict but at the same time it was never really explored or resolved in the way it deserved.

I think having this happen would have made the whole romance stronger because we would have been able to see them navigate the conflicts they have with each other in a very different way. I mean god Esme had her heart broken so many times by Khai and no one bothered to explain to her why, even khai just saying 'I don't and can't love you' but no effort by anyone to comfort this poor girl who's all alone in a new country and no real explanation.

I also wish the plotline of her father was explored a bit more, It was an interesting story but kind to just popped up every now and then only to be shoved aside.

All in all, this is a solid romantic read, loved the rep and I definitely look forward to book 3.

slushysands's review against another edition

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? Yes

2.5

jessikh's review against another edition

4.0

hurray for ASD representation! the book would have benefited from more character development to justify a deeper romantic connection but it felt like an elevated wattpad book and i loved that

marissawest921's review against another edition

emotional inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

5.0

fairytales_from_the_crypt's review against another edition

3.0

I’m rounding up to 4⭐️, but this book is really a 3.5. The odd “Mail order bride” thing was handled poorly in my opinion. Maybe I’m being sensitive, but between the bad English, the hidden child, the fake marrying the brother and weird subservience… I’m conflicted.

neztoad's review against another edition

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

A little sad I didn't enjoy this as much as the first one, but still lovely all the same.