Review: The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

I DID IT! I finally reread “The Kiss Quotient”. This review and discussion is part of my series that I’m doing this month in anticipation of the release of “The Heart Principle” by Helen Hoang. If you want to read more about this month long readathon I’m doing as well as about the books that are already out, check out the post here.

This book has been on my “reread soon” list for such a long time because I wasn’t really excited about revisiting it anytime soon. I remember reading this with a friend a couple of years ago and not having the fondest memories about the whole reading experience lol.

After the First Read

When I first picked up this book, I had not read many contemporary romance books so I was kind of affronted by how much this book just dove into the romance. I most definitely am a character driven reader and not really much of a plot reader. That being said, I’ve quickly come to realize that when it comes to romance, I’m more picky with the plot than I usually am with other genres.

“The Kiss Quotient” focuses on our main character, Stella, and her journey in trying to become a better partner in a romantic relationship. She’s been lead on to believe that she’s inadequate and isn’t a good girlfriend, especially in bed. So when her mom starts to stress that she wants Stella to give her grandchildren, Stella decides to face her fears and hire a professional to teach her how to become a more appealing partner in bed.

When I was reading this book for the first time, it felt so romance centered because well…the entire book was centered around romance and learning how to romance. The one main intriguing plot point was Michael’s character. I don’t remember much about Michael as a character from the first time I read the book because I have the memory of a goldfish but the one thing I remember about his character is how he constantly brought up his father. We’re quickly introduced to the fact that Michael very much does not like his father and that his father’s not really around anymore. There’s a ton of build up centered around his father and how so much of Michael’s beliefs and actions are still affected by his father but all we know about Michael’s father is that he’s not in the picture. I felt like the book didn’t give enough resolution on Michael’s father.

I think it’s because we’re constantly told how tough Michael’s life is with all his personal and family issues from the beginning and are constantly alluded to some of these actions being a consequence or driven by his father’s past actions. So it’s not much of a surprise when it’s revealed what exactly Michael’s father ended up doing and the whole build up felt a bit anticlimactic.

After the Second Read

I’ve reread “The Bride Test” a couple of times by now but this is my first time rereading “The Kiss Quotient” and I’ve got to say, I’m so surprised at my reading experience… surprised in a good way. I really enjoyed this book. It made me so happy to read this book and I couldn’t sleep the day I finished this book because I was riding on a happy high lol.

Which proves the point that I’m such a mood reader and that the timeI read books and the mood I’m in while reading a book really determines how much I enjoy it.

I think I really enjoyed this book during my reread because I knew more of what to expect when going into it. I also have read so much more romance that I’m much more open to reading romance books that aren’t so plot heavy and just about two people discovering each other and simultaneously discovering who they are themselves.

I think that’s what I love about romance books the most. I just love the simplicity of two people discovering each other and simultaneously discovering who they are themselves both individually and from the person they’re with/seeing. This self-introspection and growth gives way for so much relatability that you can’t help but see yourself in these characters or feel deeply for them.

You definitely see that with Michael and Stella. They both grew in this book and learned a lot more about who they are, what they deserve, and what they want in life.

The way Michael treated Stella with respect and the way Stella always treated Michael with respect no matter how socially taboo his job was so endearing. Stella’s character was just so refreshing because her honesty was exactly what Michael needed in his life to make him feel like someone respectable and worthy of things. I think that being on the spectrum, Stella often capped herself in many different situations such as how she responds in romantic relationships, how she interacts with people, and how she handles emotional and physical intimacy. As an audience member, we can tell right away that it isn’t her and it’s not her fault and she doesn’t need the lessons she’s hoping to get from Michael but needs a partner who accepts her for who she is and treats her the way she deserves but the journey she went on to discovering this herself was heart warming.

Michael’s character by far is on of my favorite parts of this book. This stayed the same from the first time I read the book to this reread. As a character, Michael carries so much weight on his shoulders from both his personal life as well as his professional life. Both areas of his life are tainted with secrets, shame, and guilt that really weigh him down and leave him telling himself that he’s not a good person and that he’s not worthy of things. Which is so saddening to read but the way Stella gives him respect and his immediate connection and interest in her really opened him up to situations that showed him that just maybe, that way of thinking isn’t entirely true and that he does deserve to be happy. Every time this man called Stella, “my Stella”, I swear my heart twinged a little in excitement.

Their relationship is just so fun and precious to read. I loved how much we got to dive into both these characters and watch them struggle with the fact that they both like and respect and care for each other when they’re not supposed to.

I’ve said it so many times already in this post but respect people, respect is sexy and this book had a ton of it, as well as some very steamy scenes.

I also loved the role Michael’s family played in this book. I love myself a big family trope and I think with I think…five or more sisters, and many cousins, it’s safe to say that Michael comes from a big family. Two family members particularly stood out for me, and that’s Michael’s youngest sister and his cousin Quan.

The relationship between Michael’s sister and Stella was so refreshing to see. Stella’s passion for her work and how she refuses to let that part of her life go for a relationship makes me so happy. Also, as a nerd, I really love when she talks data analytics and seeing her and Michael’s sister talk about why they chose the financial field as their career path and how it excites them was something so pure and great to see between two women.

Quan.. QUAN QUAN QUAN. This man is so giving and I love how he’s there for Michael but also not in an overbearing way. Rereading how he treated Stella and how he was there for Michael when he needed him gives me even more hope for the third book becoming my new series favorite. It’s pretty easy for family to get over involved in the drama and lives of the family they’re trying to help so I really loved how Quan respects people’s spaces and privacy. He’s truly the best supportive supporting character.

Overall, this was such a cozy reread. It’s such a fast and easy read and if you can’t tell, I love it. If you want a serotonin kick, then go in for it.

I’m pretty excited to now pick up the second book but somehow, equally nervous because my opinions on this book did a complete 180 and I’m curious to see if I’ll still love “The Bride Test” as much as I did before.

Have you read “The Kiss Quotient” before?