Stella Lane is a 30-year old single econometrician (you’ll need to read the book for that) who is highly successful in her business life but not doing so well in her personal. In her limited experience, she knows she’s lacking in the intimacy aspects so she hires Michael Phan, a Vietnamese/Swedish escort, to teach her the fundamentals. This would be intriguing enough but Stella is on the autism spectrum and presents more than the normal challenges for Michael.
I have to admit I thought this was more about kissing and would be a tame little story. Be forewarned that it’s anything but tame as Michael takes Stella on quite the sensual and erotic journey in her “education.” It helps that the author compares him to Daniel Henney so having that visual image for Michael made the scenes a little too real💜 He’s extremely sensitive to Stella’s unusual reactions and behaviors, even before he learns of her disorder. Stella is extremely interesting and seeing life through her eyes gave me much needed insights about those who are on the autism spectrum. It changed many of my perceptions, most notably that they lack emotional connection…far from it.
Michael’s family has a major role in the story and I loved how the author presented an Asian family without isolating that element. They were just an American family dealing with typical issues most face. They were often hilarious, bringing some comic relief at the best of times while also giving me an unfiltered look at their culture. I want more of these type stories told without stereotype.
I thought Carly Robins delivered a fabulous performance in her narration. She handled accents, female/male characters, humor and sensual scenes with perfection and great timing. I’ve enjoyed her in the past and she’s now elevated to my favorites list.
I really liked this story, even when I felt overwhelmed by the number of sensual scenes. It eventually dawned on me that there was a point to that as Stella evolved through those encounters. She emerges triumphant and though her relationship with Michael followed a more predictable path, Stella doesn’t. I liked seeing her come to terms with herself, which I feel is the central point of the story.
Book Info
- Release Date: June 5, 2018
- Series: The Kiss Quotient #1
- Narrator: Carly Robins
- Audio Length: 9 hours, 37 minutes
- Publisher: Dreamscape Media
Nice review Jonetta! I still need to try this author.
Thank you. Holly! This is my first and I believe this is her debut novel.
Great review, Jonetta! I haven’t read this one, but I liked The Bride Test, which is her second book🙂 It focuses on Khai.
Thanks, Toni💜 I have that lined up for next week.
Great review! Bedsport scenes are definitely not for me!
Thank you, Meggy! I know they’re not for everyone so it was important I include that info.
Thank you for this 🙂
Great review! <3
Thanks, Deanna!
Great review, Jonetta! I read this book last year and it is definitely steamy. I will have to pick up The Bride Test soon!
Thanks, Kris! I’m going to try and start it next week.
Terrific review, Jonetta! It does sound like this one is pretty steamy! I’ve read The Bride Test but not this one yet. I own it though. ♥️
Thanks, Jennifer! If you’re reading it, you can easily skim the steamy parts😏
Oh my, you read the audio version of the book!! Was that even more sensual to listen to? 😊 ok that picture of Micheal does help, I don’t know why I didn’t think of googling him either. But I like you’re review too, I felt the book belonged more to Stella than to them both or to Micheal. 😊
Oh, it’s tough listening to those steamy scenes😏 I agree…this was Stella’s story.
😂 @ tough listening to the steamy scenes
Excellent review, Jonetta! I loved this book too. I liked the chemistry between Stella and Michael and the sensitive way Helen has portrayed Stella won my heart.
Thanks, Debjani! Wonderful observations💜
Fab review!
Thanks, Nicki!
I need to give this author another try. He was a bit too “sensual” at times for me. Wonderful review, Jonetta!
Thanks, Marialyce! I imagine the next book in the series will be tamer.
I’m glad to hear you enjoyed this even if it was racier than you were expecting.
Thanks, Suzanne! I’m glad I did, too😍
Ok oddly enough I read the second one to this but not this one, I really need to get to it! Great review!
Thank you, Kris! Khai appears here (not much) and is important in connecting Stella’s behavior to his. I think you’d enjoy this one.
Ahh ok that’s very good to know!!
Great review; I love this too!
Thanks, Chelsea💜
Wonderful review, Jonetta!
Thanks, Brenda!
Great review! Because of my Aspergers, The Kiss Quotient is definitely on my TBR list. I never thought I’d come across a romance that centred around an Aspie woman. I also didn’t realise it was such a steamy read! Definitely one to read sooner rather than later 😂
Sorry for the late response, Nicola!!! Somehow I missed the notification.
Thank you💜 I love your feedback as you’ve validated the story.
Great review Jonetta. I would think we had discussed this book before you wrote this review as I completely agree with everything you said. I also thought this was going to be a light story and was surprised, but really enjoyed it.
Thanks, Carla! I’m not surprised😍 We tend to have similar opinions on most books that we share.
Yes, we do.