Another great book from Helen Hoang. The Bride Test is definitely a feel good, happy romance. I couldn't get enough and had to sneak in reading time whenever I could. Is it great literature? No but it isn't supposed to be. This book gives exactly what you'd expect from a good romance and even more. Esme is a strong female character who won't settle for less than she feels she deserves. She also figures out a way to get her dream even if it means having to do it on her own (getting her GED, going to college).
Going into it knowing that Khai (the cousin of Michael from The Kiss Quotient) was autistic, I worried that we were going to get the male version of autistic Stella. I'm so happy to say that this was not the case. Khai has his own social challenges and behaviors and is quite a different character than Stella. He is sweet and endearing. Khai and Esme make for a great romance couple.
Those expecting the "sexiness" of The Kiss Quotient may be relieved or disappointed depending how they felt about all the hot sex scenes in TKQ. The Bride Test does not go to that extreme. The sex is toned down considerably from TKQ but the romance is oh so strong.
My only disappointment with it is how Jade was handled in the story. I felt that this relationship was pretty much neglected by the author. I felt the separation needed to be touched upon more and the revelation of her is more of a sidenote. I wanted to know more about how Khai felt about her.
But overall a great romance that I will be recommending. All I need to know now is if Quan will be getting his own story.... please, please, please!
Many thanks to the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
