Today I have a review of the highly-anticipated second novel from Helen Hoang, The Bride Test! It will be available from Berkley Books on Tuesday, May 7, 2019!
About the Book:
Khai Diep has no feelings. Well, he feels irritation when people move his things or contentment when ledgers balance down to the penny, but not big, important emotions—like grief. And love. He thinks he’s defective. His family knows better—that his autism means he just processes emotions differently. When he steadfastly avoids relationships, his mother takes matters into her own hands and returns to Vietnam to find him the perfect bride.
As a mixed-race girl living in the slums of Ho Chi Minh City, Esme Tran has always felt out of place. When the opportunity arises to come to America and meet a potential husband, she can’t turn it down, thinking this could be the break her family needs. Seducing Khai, however, doesn’t go as planned. Esme’s lessons in love seem to be working…but only on herself. She’s hopelessly smitten with a man who’s convinced he can never return her affection.
With Esme’s time in the United States dwindling, Khai is forced to understand he’s been wrong all along. And there’s more than one way to love.
My Thoughts:
Khai Diep has autism. He is worried he doesn’t “feel” enough. He thinks something is wrong with him, especially because he thinks he can’t feel love.
His parents know this isn’t true. They know he simply processes emotions differently than others. Khai doesn’t believe them and continues to avoid relationships. Eventually, his mother travels to Vietnam to find Khai a wife.
Esme Tran lives in a run-down area of Ho Chi Minh City. She is multi-racial, and that has made her feel out-of-place.
When she learns she can travel to America and get married, she jumps at the chance. Esme falls for Khai, but winning him over isn’t easy. Her time-clock for staying in the US is running out, and she and Khai will face some big decisions about love.
Ahh! I loved this story! One of my favorite aspects was the diverse characters, both culturally and neurotypically. We need more books like this.
I loved the authenticity of the story. Everything felt vividly real. All of the characters were lovable and fun to watch. I especially loved Quan!
The author’s note? It made the whole read! A beautiful, can’t-miss book! LOVED IT.
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
About the Author:
Helen Hoang is that shy person who never talks. Until she does. And the worst things fly out of her mouth. She read her first romance novel in eighth grade and has been addicted ever since. In 2016, she was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in line with what was previously known as Asperger’s Syndrome. Her journey inspired THE KISS QUOTIENT. She currently lives in San Diego, California with her husband, two kids, and pet fish.
Aww Jennifer what can I say? This was simply a beautiful review. Diverse in culture and neurology was so apt.
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Thanks, Shalini! We definitely need more diverse reads. ♥️
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Sorry can’t share post. I am in a weird Twitter jail, a few get notification most don’t
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No worries at all, Shalini! I’ve been in Twitter jail for a few days. I’m finally out today.
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How did you come to know? I have no idea if I still am in it
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I noticed no one was interacting with me after I shared their stuff- no likes or thanks. I waited a couple days and I shared a post and Eva actually told me right away that she could see my comment! ♥️
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I was debating on whether to get this book, but your review has me wanting to give it a go! Love the diversity of books you share and review on your blog. Keep up the amazing work!
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Thank you, Amanda! I read all over the place with my genres, but it keeps things fresh and interesting! ♥️
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This is definitely on my TBR! I can’t wait to read it. Fantastic review!
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Thanks, Chrissi! I’ll be curious if you like this one or The Kiss Quotient better!
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Happy Blogiversary!!! Your pics are amazing, content is always engaging. Your love of fur baby’s is so endearing. But Twitter jail? There should be a bail you out option for us lol. My favorite book so far is probably Lady In The Lake Laura Lippman. Cheers to another year ahead!!
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Aww, thank you for this kind and thoughtful message, Melissa! ♥️ I think this might be my friend Missy from instagram, maybe? I would love a bail out option for twitter! I need to read The Lady in the Lake. Thank you for the rec and cheers to you, too! 🥂
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On my TBR mountain and waiting for it from BOTM…….it’s my May book! Awesome review Jen and I’m so excited to read this one!!😀Have an awesome weekend and stay dry!☔🙋💜
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Thanks, Sus! I almost chose it from my BOTM so I could have a finished copy…but there were so many I wanted this month! I think you’ll love it! It’s so stormy here now. Hope you stay dry and have a great weekend too! 💕
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Next time I’m in the mood for a contemporary, this is the book I’ll reach for. Thanks for a lovely review😁
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Thanks so much, Tammy! It’s such a standout as far as contemporary romances go.
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Great review, Jennifer! I haven’t read anything by this author yet, but I want to. This one sounds like a good contemporary romance.
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Thanks, Darinda! I think you’d enjoy giving her a try when you are in the mood for a contemporary. ♥️
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Woo hoo! I have this on my library wishlist but wasn’t sure enough about it to place a hold. Fabulous review, Jennifer💜 I’m changing its status today.
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Thanks, Jonetta! I think you’ll enjoy this for a little something different! I can’t wait to see what you think! ♥️
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Jenni, I just finished reading this book and agree with you, the author’s note made this book so much more special! I loved it!
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Thanks so much, Milena! I’m so happy you enjoyed it! I need to come over and see if you’ve reviewed it yet! Wasn’t that author’s note special?! ♥️
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This sounds like a really special book, it’s one I’ll keep an eye out for. Great review! 🙂
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Thanks, Hayley! It was such an endearing read! I loved the characters!
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I LOVED this one too! Wonderful review! Did you also read the Kiss Quotient? You would probably enjoy it also.
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Thanks, Anne! So happy you loved this, too! I have not read The Kiss Quotient, but I will soon, I hope! ♥️
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as I said on IG I totally need to read this series. I want to start with Kiss Quotient and I am glad that I’ve been in a romance mood so hopefully soon ❤
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I think that’s a great plan to start with TKQ, Lily! I think there are character cameos I didn’t get completely, though I still enjoyed every ounce of this book! I hope you love it too! ♥️
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I have been eyeing this one, as I really enjoyed The Kiss Quotient. Wonderful review Jennifer. I am definitely going to read this one.
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Thanks, Carla! I think you are in for a treat since you already know you loved TKQ. I have to go back and read that one and can’t wait.
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This sounds sooo good! I’ve had my eye on it!
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It’s sooooo good! I hope you get a chance to read it! ♥️
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Fantastic review! I’m really curious about the title especially regarding autism and diversity. I did struggle with the amount of sexy scenes in The Kiss Quotient though; would you say The Bride Test has a lot of those as well?
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Thanks so much, Yvo! This one definitely has those scenes. I think it’s the genre since it’s a romance? I’m not a big romance reader myself, but I am glad I read this one. ♥️
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I’m not a romance reader in general and I’m normally allergic to adult content haha. Although there have been a few exceptions and even 5 star ratings, so I guess I’m going to give it a go and see what happens. 😉
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Beautiful review, Jennifer. I love the sound of this one especially the diversity. Sounds like my kind of read too.
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Thank you, Diana! Yes, the diversity is the best, and the author has Autism, so she writes from a knowing place. ♥️
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This sounds like such a wonderful read – I’ve very excited by the diversity of this story. Of course I’ve added this to my mile-long list. 🙂
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It is such a great read, LP! Now I want to give you a warning- this book is a romance so there are some steamy parts! It’s a little different from my typical reads! ♥️
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Great review and picture, Jennifer! I have not read this contemporary fiction and added it to my tbr list. Happy Reading. Thanks for recommending this one. 🐱🐾🐾💕📚🌷🌹🌸😊😘
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Thank you, Virginia! This was a terrifically fun read! Happy reading to you too! 💗
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I loved this book 💕
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I’m happy you did, too, Priyasha! ♥️
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I’m really excited to read this one!
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I hope you enjoy it, too, Lisa! ♥️
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Thanks!
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Cute story and a great beachy read. Wonderful review, Jennifer!
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Thanks, Marialyce! It would be great for the beach, Marialyce! ♥️ I hope you are enjoying your time with the twins!
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Lovely review! I so enjoyed both of these books.
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Thanks so much! It was such a good read, and I’m so happy you enjoyed both books. I still need to read The Kiss Quotient and can’t wait!
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