He knows what he’s good at (book learning) and when he applies that to feelings, it doesn’t always go smoothly. Khai is also a sweetheart, concerned for everyone else but managing to screw it up at really awkward moments. She is also a very caring person to Khai, his friends and family. She wants to show Khai that she has knowledge outside of education, cooking and gardening. She’s determined, independent and fiercely caring. She’s not in the US solely to get a man, but to educate herself – learn English, finish high school and work (while managing to keep most of this a secret). The problem is that Esme is falling for him, but can she convince Khai that he can love her?Įsme is a true delight (as all Helen Hoang’s characters are). Khai is unique but resistant to Esme’s charms. So she accepts the offer and giving herself an American name (Esmeralda), she flies to San Francisco for a big summer. As a poor single mother, this could turn My’s fortunes around and give her an opportunity to meet her long-lost father. In a hotel bathroom, she finds My and is impressed by her independence, offering her a summer in America to try to win Khai’s heart. Khai’s mum disagrees with his assessment of his ability to feel and decides to go to Vietnam to find him a bride. Khai has autism and his life is carefully organised, right down to haircuts. In true Khai fashion, he thinks that is unfair on any woman because he can’t love her back how she would expect. Except that Khai is not interested in getting married because he is of the firm belief that he is incapable of love or any kind of giant overwhelming feelings. This story focuses on Khai and his quest for a bride. If you have read the first book, you can delight in a wedding that occurs during the book. If you haven’t read The Kiss Quotient, where have you been? Seriously though, The Bride Test can be read as a standalone very easily because Khai, the main character, only got just enough page time in the previous book for readers to notice his star potential. This is the kind of read that pastes big goofy smiles on your face and reminds you of why reading is such a delight. Helen Hoang writes romantic fiction with such freshness and detail that you can’t help but fall for her characters and their world. This year, I think The Bride Test will be right up there. Last year, The Kiss Quotient was one of my favourite books.

Why I chose it: Fallen head over heels for Helen Hoang’s writing and characters – thanks Allen & Unwin for the copy. The not-so-good: I have to wait another year for the next book in the series?! The good: Esme + Khai = brilliant characters His mother begs to differ and invites a girl from Vietnam, Esme, to spend the summer with him and change his mind. He can’t feel big emotions, which means love it not for him.

The bride test review