Goodread's Big Books of Spring 2019 - Romance
'Such a fun read... Original and sexy and sensitive.' Roxane Gay, author of Bad Feminist, on The Kiss Quotient
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From the bestselling author of The Kiss Quotient
Khai Diep has no feelings. Well, 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 refuses to consider a relationship, 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. So when the opportunity arises to go to America and meet a potential husband, she can't turn it down. This could be the break her family needs. Seducing Khai, however, doesn't go quite 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.
As Esme's time in the United States dwindles, will Khai let his head catch up with his heart? Will he find the strength to let go, and let love in?
'Refreshingly real.' Marie Claire on The Bride Test
Ale
26/3/2024
Khai Diep is neurodivergent, his way of expressing himself is not only different but mostly misunderstood, even by close members of his family. He has convinced himself he can't love another person because he failed to express his sorrow after his favorite cousin, Andy, passed away in a fatal accident. Enter My, or Esme, as she re-named herself when she came to the US after Khai's Mother went in search of a bride for her child. Thus, Khai enters into a deal with his mother: he will treat Esme as his official fiancée for the duration of the sunmer, after which they will decide if they should get married or not. Khai thinks it's a great deal, he will pretend during his family's upcoming weddings, but mainly keep his distance from her when they're in his house. Esme on the other hand, will try to seduce Khai and get a better opportunity in life for her child, her Mother, and her grandmother. The problem is not them catching feelings, but Khai understanding his world is a better place with Esme in it. Is this better than its predecessor? No, but it is still good. This time I had a difficult time liking the heroine. She constantly lies to Khai in the beginning, thinking it is best to hide her child from him, and pretend she has a respectable job. I can understand where she's coming from but lying is a huge setback towards a healthy relationship IMO. She keeps selling herself short when she has nothing to be ashamed of; again, I can understand her motives but it is a pet peeve of mine, and I had a hard time getting past it when reading. I can understand Khau having communication problems, and Esme as well, but the fact that their relationship had to be coached by other people was not my cup of tea. However, I really liked this. Reading Esme fall in love with Khai through his actions was really the best part of it all. I didn't need him to say the words, it was pretty clear to me what he felt for Esme. Quan and Khai's relationship was bery sweet and Quan really is the best brother, can't wait to read his story. I really liked that our hero was a virgin, and that their first time wasn't all magic as in other books. I liked that there was a conversación among men around this topic, and that Khai took it seriously and bettered himself for Esme.
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