Book Summary
“The Bride Test,” a charming sequel to “The Kiss Quotient,” continues Hoang’s exploration of love and neurodiversity. This novel introduces readers to Khai Diep, a man who, due to his autism, processes emotions differently and believes he is incapable of feeling grief or love. This firm belief has kept him away from any romantic relationships. In Vietnam, My (who later renames herself as Esme), a mixed-race woman from a disadvantaged background, is chosen by Khai’s mother to be a potential bride for her son. Seeing this as a chance to provide a better future for her family, Esme accepts this proposal and moves to California. Their relationship starts with a cultural and personal clash, as Esme and Khai navigate their differences — Esme trying to make Khai fall in love with her while Khai battles his conviction of his incapability to love. How these two unlikely individuals understand each other and create a bond of love forms the crux of this heartwarming story.
Author Intro
Helen Hoang
Helen Hoang is an American author who has been celebrated for her refreshing, perceptive, and deeply emotional romance novels. She made her debut with “The Kiss Quotient,” a novel that resonated with readers globally and earned her a spot on the New York Times Bestseller list. Hoang has been praised for creating neurodiverse characters and exploring the spectrum of autism in her work, which is inspired by her personal experiences as she herself was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder later in life. Hoang’s stories are characteristically tender, insightful, and effortlessly weave elements of humor and poignant self-discovery.
Book Reviews
Helen Hoang’s “The Bride Test” is a warm and enchanting romance novel that stands out for its well-developed, authentic characters, and a love story that is as tender as it is passionate. Hoang’s portrayal of Khai’s autism is handled with delicacy and respect, and Esme’s journey from a struggling woman in Vietnam to finding her footing in America is inspiring. This book invites readers into a world of unconventional romance, offering a beautiful exploration of how love can surprise and transform us in the most unexpected ways.
“The Bride Test” is a testament to Hoang’s ability to write characters who are as endearing as they are diverse. The story of Esme and Khai is heartfelt, exploring themes of self-worth, cultural differences, and the unique complexities of loving someone on the autism spectrum. The authenticity of the characters makes the narrative compelling, and the slow-burn romance is gratifying. Hoang has once again proven her prowess in writing romance that is as thoughtful as it is engaging.
In “The Bride Test,” Hoang creates a tender and soulful romance between two beautifully crafted characters. The story is more than a love story; it is an exploration of cultural contrasts, personal growth, and the different ways people experience love. The narrative is engaging, the romance is palpable, and the handling of the autism spectrum is both respectful and enlightening. This book is an absolute must-read for those who appreciate love stories with depth and authenticity.
Helen Hoang’s “The Bride Test” is a profoundly moving tale of unconventional love that will tug at your heartstrings. Hoang skillfully brings to life the character of Khai, a man whose experience of love is distinct due to his autism, and Esme, a woman who learns to find her worth and dreams in a foreign land. The emotional arcs of the characters are beautifully explored, and the blossoming of their relationship is both sweet and meaningful. Hoang’s writing is emotive and evocative, making “The Bride Test” an unforgettable reading experience.
