The Kiss Quotient is contemporary romance with a twist, a gender swapped Pretty Woman (although I actually didn't pick up on this until I read the author's notes). The plot therefore is nothing new, but what makes this book different is its characters. Stella is a very successful career woman, who also happens to have autism. She is purposely a character that is difficult to get to know, and I related to her - whilst I'm not autistic as far as I know I have always suffered from extreme social anxiety and know what it is to feel different and excluded from your peers. Feeling the pressure from her parents to settle down and start a family, she hires Michael to teach her how to be 'normal' in a relationship. Michael can cut a sharp suit and dreams of running his own tailoring business, but circumstances beyond his control have left him relying on his body to make a living. Stella is like no client he has ever had, and despite her misgivings about herself he doesn't want her to change a thing. Michael is kind and patient, but never patronising. He doesn't treat Stella like she's made of glass, but at the same time he's deeply respectful and understanding of her needs and boundaries. He's perfect. Sigh.
Both Stella and Michael were portrayed as young for their ages (30 and 28 respectively), and I had to keep reminding myself that this isn't YA fiction. There is nothing wrong with being immature or naive - as a 26 year old who looks and acts years younger I can attest to this - but given the mature content of the novel it felt a bit odd. I found the contrast between sweet romance and the more graphic scenes a little jarring, and feel that it was a bit unnecessarily explicit in places (especially when you're reading it on the bus to work!) Sex scenes don't need to be Fifty Shades level of descriptive to be effective, and whilst I understand the author's intention with them they did make me a bit uncomfortable.
That said, this is a sweet, sexy read, and in terms of representation in fiction it is massively important. So many girls will see themselves in Stella, and realise that its okay to be true to yourself, that you don't have to change for anyone. I'm looking forward to reading more from Helen Hoang!
Both Stella and Michael were portrayed as young for their ages (30 and 28 respectively), and I had to keep reminding myself that this isn't YA fiction. There is nothing wrong with being immature or naive - as a 26 year old who looks and acts years younger I can attest to this - but given the mature content of the novel it felt a bit odd. I found the contrast between sweet romance and the more graphic scenes a little jarring, and feel that it was a bit unnecessarily explicit in places (especially when you're reading it on the bus to work!) Sex scenes don't need to be Fifty Shades level of descriptive to be effective, and whilst I understand the author's intention with them they did make me a bit uncomfortable.
That said, this is a sweet, sexy read, and in terms of representation in fiction it is massively important. So many girls will see themselves in Stella, and realise that its okay to be true to yourself, that you don't have to change for anyone. I'm looking forward to reading more from Helen Hoang!