A review by smillas_tales
The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang

emotional 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

4.5

Let’s start off by saying that this book was absolutely ✨DELIGHTFUL✨! I’ve loved both of the previous books in this romance series, but this is my favorite og them all!

This novel follows Quan and Anna. They meet when Anna’s boyfriend tells her they should start seeing other people. When their casual hook-up doesn’t exactly go to plan, they decide to try again, and a swee romance grows from there!

Compared to the two previous books, the romance itself isn’t as big of a focus in this one, but it works so well! The novel is just as much about Anna gaining confidence in her autism spectrum diagnosis and learning to set boundaries, as well as dealing with difficult family relationships … and I loved it!!!

Anna’s story is heavily inspired by Hoang’s own life, and it is clearly felt how personal this story is to her, and it made me love it even more! The romance itself is already adorable, but the extra elements added so much weight to the story and the characters, and there are few things I love more than good character work!

I’ve loved Quan as a side character in the first novels, so I’ve been super excited for this sequel, and it DELIVERED! He’s the perfect tough-on-the-outside/soft-on-the-inside himbo, and I’m probably (definitely) a little in love with him! Anna is also lovely, and while I was frustrated by her at times, I loved reading from her perspective and getting to understand her struggles and motivations! 

They really make the perfect couple, and this is the perfect example of bad communication not being the only way to drive forth a romance novel! Anna and Quan actually talk about their feelings, and AAAH MY HEART, IT’S SO SWEET! It also (no surprises there) made the steamy scenes even better, cause we love good communication in this household!!

If you’re at all into romance books, I have nothing left to say, except RUN … run to the nearest bookstore or library and read this immediately!! 
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