The Kiss Quotient is the first novel by American author, Helen Hoang. Thirty-year-old Stella Lane is under a bit of pressure. Her career is going brilliantly, she loves her job and makes plenty of money, but her mom has expressed a desire for grandchildren. She’d like to make her happy, but that’s going to mean men and dates and sex. She’s tried it a few times and doesn’t really like it.

In typical Asperger’s fashion, Stella applies logic and hires an escort to teach her how to do it properly. Michael Phan can’t believe this sweet young woman with her librarian glasses needs an escort: why doesn’t she have a boyfriend, or a dozen guys beating a path to her door? He usually only sees his clients once, but Stella wants a series of lessons, and his finances could do with the boost. They set clear conditions and proceed. But, as the saying goes, the best laid plans of mice, and men or, in this case, women…

Perhaps the plot is predictable: we know who is meant to end up with whom; but there are some cute twists and turns before this pair finally overcomes their individual insecurities, stop making assumptions about each other and accept the reassurance that they are loved for themselves, are not being pitied and are, in fact, truly in love.

Michael is probably too good to be true, but wonderful to drool over with all of Hoang’s lovely descriptions. Stella is quirky and funny and easily has the reader cheering her on as she tries to fit into the difficult world of dating and sex and relationships. Stella’s career in econometrics is very topical, and her conclusions on buying men underwear are sweet and probably quite valid.

The rest of Hoang’s characters feel genuine, especially Michael’s family and although some of the others are a tiny bit stereotypical, it does not detract from the story. Readers are warned that expletives are used, especially in Michael’s narrative, and the sexual descriptions are fairly explicit. So this is a very sexy read and it is probably advisable not to indulge in it where others may read over your shoulder, unless perhaps sharing it with a love interest. This is a brilliantly funny debut novel and readers will be eager for more from this talented author.
This unbiased review from a copy provided by Allen&Unwin