I'd been hearing about Helen Hoang and her romance novels for the past few months so I finally picked one up and let me tell you...this did not disappoint. I need the next book immediately. Amazing, incredible, perfect.
Synopsis: Stella, a math and statistics-oriented gal is convinced she needs help when it comes to relationships and sex. To get in some practice, she hires a male escort, Michael. Michael, cannot afford to turn down Stella's generous offer and the two start checking off the boxes on her lesson plans when Stella realizes she might want a practice (or maybe a real) boyfriend instead.
Plot: STEAMY STEAMY STEAMY! Reading the summary I knew what I was getting into but sheesh it was hot while also not being overdone. So much about this book was a fresh look at romance stories, which is appreciated from someone who reads a lot. The overall plot was unique, different than the typical boy-meets-girl situation, and the typical third-act fight was also an original take too. The side stories were some that I actually cared about too. We see Stella working with her perceived social ineptitude and Michael with his past family drama. All of that with a touch of statistics, communication and understanding.
Characters: Truly the best part of this was the characters. As the cover says: "I dare you to not fall in love with these two." It's true, they're great. Stella gives great representation as a REAL person who has autism, someone who is not just their diagnosis. She works through what that is like in life, in relationships and in opening up to people. There were also gendered job reversals as Stella works a typically masculine job and Michael a feminine one. Intellectual conversation and topics were a huge part of their relationship and both of them just really understood and accepted everything about the other.
I want more. Helen Hoang is now up there with Talia Hibbert.
5/5 stars.
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