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kyetaku_'s review against another edition
funny
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.75
Such a good story but I did not like My at ALL!! Towards the end of the book I almost hated her. While book 1 and book 2 were almost exactly the same, My was the absolute worst. I'm happy for Khai and enjoyed the story overall but definitely did not like her.
Book 1 and 2 are literally the same just with book 1 having more personality and chemistry. So many missed opportunities here along with My just being an utterly unlikeable character to me. The lying didn't bother me it's just how these types of romances work. But his mother literally said he doesn't see/understand things you have to tell him. He told you he has autism. You look up accounting stuff cause you want to perpetuate your lying but you don't look that up after he tells you to better understand him? Just the worst. At no point did she EVER redeem herself. It makes me not want to read book 3, but it's Quan so I'm willing to hopefully see something new from this author. The writing is well done just wanted a different, better story. But I guess if the formula of book 1 worked why fix it?
Book 1 and 2 are literally the same just with book 1 having more personality and chemistry. So many missed opportunities here along with My just being an utterly unlikeable character to me. The lying didn't bother me it's just how these types of romances work. But his mother literally said he doesn't see/understand things you have to tell him. He told you he has autism. You look up accounting stuff cause you want to perpetuate your lying but you don't look that up after he tells you to better understand him? Just the worst. At no point did she EVER redeem herself. It makes me not want to read book 3, but it's Quan so I'm willing to hopefully see something new from this author. The writing is well done just wanted a different, better story. But I guess if the formula of book 1 worked why fix it?
claudalano's review against another edition
3.0
while my stance on romance novels not needing to exceed the 400 page mark still stands (miss hoang passes w flying colors), i felt like the ending of this one was a wee bit rushed. all the resolutions seem to have been crammed in the last few pages and instead of kicking my feet out of giddiness, i found my eyes rolling— unsatisfied. i’m really happy that khai got a happy ending, though i wish we spent more time witnessing his and esme’s relationship unfold. exploring the storyline of esme’s long-lost father more thoroughly and maybe getting a backstory of esme’s parents might have added further depth too. nonetheless, this was a fine story with neurodivergent representation. quan deserves his moment next!
profoundpondering's review against another edition
5.0
4.5⭐️ This was so perfect i have no idea why it brought so much tears out of me but it did. Khaiesma forever my sweet pies
samibami00's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-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
4.75
turtleswift01's review against another edition
4.5
This was an extremely fun, quick read! I fell in love with all the characters, and I loved seeing Khai and Esme learn to love each other through their cultural and overall differences. The autism representation was spectacular!!!!!! And I loved that we got to see Stella and Michael’s wedding even if only from afar <3
jurassicreads's review against another edition
4.0
CW/TW: sexual manipulation, explicit sexual content, death of a friend (off page), motorcycle accident (off page), grief, trauma, ableism
1st read: Okay, I didn't think Helen Hoang's books could get steamier after The Kiss Quotient, but OH MY GOD will this book give you the vapers.
Where The Kiss Quotient involved a woman who was fearful and oblivious to her sexuality, The Bride Test's main character Khai dives into it. Khai sees masturbation as an outlet to a bodily function (same), but when it comes to sex, he is EAGER to learn and to impress.
This book is steamy and yet very adorable. I can't wait to see what Helen Hoang has in store for us next!
1st read: Okay, I didn't think Helen Hoang's books could get steamier after The Kiss Quotient, but OH MY GOD will this book give you the vapers.
Where The Kiss Quotient involved a woman who was fearful and oblivious to her sexuality, The Bride Test's main character Khai dives into it. Khai sees masturbation as an outlet to a bodily function (same), but when it comes to sex, he is EAGER to learn and to impress.
This book is steamy and yet very adorable. I can't wait to see what Helen Hoang has in store for us next!
cruthe's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? It's complicated
5.0
renaeann's review against another edition
4.0
I never really got attached to the characters, but the resolving of the conflict between them was so satisfying, that it ended up being a really enjoyable read!
Book Hangover: Yes
Quality of Smut (1-10): 7
Book Hangover: Yes
Quality of Smut (1-10): 7
mbos's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
4.25
emiliereads2000's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- 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
The Bride Test was an interesting read for me, especially since I’m not usually into romance novels. The sexy descriptions felt a bit heavy-handed, particularly when characters are portrayed as overly beautiful or sexy from the start. While I understand this was done to show how Khai could still love and be attracted to others despite his autism, it just didn’t sit well with me.
On the other hand, I really liked Esme/My as a character. She’s strong, resilient, loving, and funny, showing that education isn’t the only thing that makes someone worthy of opportunities. I have mixed feelings about non-Western characters adopting Western names in books; I get it’s about assimilation, but keeping their original names could add so much to their heritage pride, especially in a fictional context.
The setup of the story is classic romance genre—comical and a bit outlandish, like a mother choosing a bathroom cleaner from Vietnam for her son to marry, and the almost-wedding to Quan at the end, which prompts Khai to realize he is jealous and loves Esme. Add in the grief aspect with Andy’s death, and it’s an emotional rollercoaster.
As for the dual perspective in romance, it’s not something I usually read. While it’s nice to see both sides and watch a man yearn, it also removes some of the mystery and tension for me. That said, I think it’s great that the author aimed to write a romance featuring an autistic character. It’s important to see such representation in popular fiction, especially to counter negative stereotypes.
Overall, I liked the book enough (it was a gift), but it didn’t change my mind about reading more romance in the future.