Review: The Bride Test by Helen Hoang
Book Synopsis: 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.
Finished up The Bride Test this morning and I really enjoyed it. I love how Helen Hoang shines light on disabilities with her main characters. It’s brought a lot of awareness and a new perspective in which I’m thankful for. You get to see how Khai struggles to love and get close to people because of his Autism. I love that Esme is so receptive to him and even more so after learning about his disability. She takes the time to figure Khai out and make him more comfortable in their love. I think what I loved most is that this story shined light on a single mom. It’s not too often you see single moms in a happily ever after.
Overall a 4 star rating for me, although I think I liked The Kiss Quotient better. It was a little steamier in my opinion but this one was still great nonetheless.
