The Kiss Quotient (The Kiss Quotient, #1) by Helen Hoang

Expected Publication: June 5, 2018

Synopsis (via Goodreads): A heartwarming and refreshing debut novel that proves one thing: there's not enough data in the world to predict what will make your heart tick.

Stella Lane thinks math is the only thing that unites the universe. She comes up with algorithms to predict customer purchases--a job that has given her more money than she knows what to do with, and way less experience in the dating department than the average thirty-year-old.

It doesn't help that Stella has Asperger's and French kissing reminds her of a shark getting its teeth cleaned by pilot fish. Her conclusion: she needs lots of practice--with a professional. Which is why she hires escort Michael Phan. The Vietnamese and Swedish stunner can't afford to turn down Stella's offer, and agrees to help her check off all the boxes on her lesson plan--from foreplay to more-than-missionary position...

Before long, Stella not only learns to appreciate his kisses, but to crave all the other things he's making her feel. Soon, their no-nonsense partnership starts making a strange kind of sense. And the pattern that emerges will convince Stella that love is the best kind of logic...

"I like you better than calculus, and math is the only thing that unites the universe."

I received an ARC from Penguin's First to Read in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Also, the quotes I used may have changed or been altered in some way, but I am quoting from what I received.

This is easily one of my favorite reads this year! The Kiss Quotient was everything I wanted and more! Helen Hoang did a remarkable job conveying Stella's personality and how having Asperger's shaped her life. Her routines and methods for getting through a single day seemed exhausting, but she was more frazzled when something was done out of order. This made having a relationship difficult and overwhelming.

Stella's perspective was incredibly interesting to read from. She doesn't want her autism to define her, or be the only thing someone sees when they look at her. She chooses to hide that aspect of herself away from the world, so very few people actually know the real Stella. 

Thank Thor for Michael! I was a little concerned about his motivations for escorting in the beginning, but we quickly learn the reasons behind his actions. He may be an Adonis, but he lacks confidence in himself. His self-deprecating thoughts would crush my heart, because it was obvious how genuinely good he was. He would do anything for his family, even if that meant putting his own dreams on hold and keeping secrets. 

These two were absolutely adorable together! I wish they could have seen what we did, but then the book wouldn't have lasted as long. Stella doesn't think she's good enough because of her Asperger's, and Michael doesn't think he deserves Stella because of his past and the demons that lurk there. Their connection is immediate and consuming, but they both choose to keep their innermost thoughts to themselves instead of sharing them with each other. 

I had to fan my face during some of their more intimate scenes...wow. "Only in his line of work was blindness by nipple assault a true hazard."

The Kiss Quotient is about a beautiful and brilliant econometrician, and a dashing designer that can cook while wrestling with one of his sisters. Their relationship was unconventional and quirky, but immensely enjoyable to watch. I was on the verge of violence a few times (because assholes), but most of the time there was a smile plastered to my face. I really cannot say enough good things about this story or how I felt about it. I'm definitely looking forward to reading it again!