The Kiss Quotient is a 2018 novel written by Helen Hoang. It follows Stella, an autistic woman who hires an escort in order to explore intimacy with other people.[1]
 First edition | |
| Author | Helen Hoang |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Genre | Fiction, Romance |
| Publisher | Berkley Books |
Publication date | June 2018 |
| ISBN | 9780451490803 |
| Followed by | The Bride Test |
Development
editHoang wrote the first draft of what would become The Kiss Quotient within ten weeks.[2][3] The manuscript went through several drafts before she entered the online pitch contest Pitch Wars, where she revised it again with the help of her mentor Brighton Walsh, working for eight months.[2]
Hoang states that she initially wanted to write a gender-swapped Pretty Woman, but was stuck when examining why a "successful, beautiful woman would hire an escort."[4] During a meeting with her daughter's preschool teacher, Hoang found out that her daughter is on the autism spectrum. She researched autism and realized that she, too, is autistic, and used that as the basis for the book's concept.[4]
Reception
editThe Kiss Quotient received a positive review from Publishers Weekly.[5] It had an initial print run of 100,000 copies.[6] As of July 2018,[update] the book was in its fourth printing.[6]
In August 2018, it was announced that Pilgrim Media Group acquired the film, TV, and other media rights for The Kiss Quotient[7] and partnered with Lionsgate for an expected domestic release.[8]
A sequel titled The Bride Test was published by Berkley in May 2019.[4] The novel is about Esme, a hotel maid who gets offered to accompany Khai to a wedding: Khai is the autistic cousin of Michael mentioned in The Kiss Quotient.[1] The third book in the series, titled The Heart Principle, was published in 2021.[9]
References
edit- ^ a b "Helen Hoang on how her mother's immigrant story inspired 'The Bride Test'". EW.com. Retrieved 2019-05-30.
- ^ a b Gentry, Baihley (2018-06-19). "Debut Author Interview: Helen Hoang, Author of The Kiss Quotient". Writer's Digest. Retrieved 2019-05-30.
- ^ "Helen Hoang: The Importance of Writing Personal and Realistic Fiction". Writer's Digest. 2018-06-19. Retrieved 2019-05-30.
- ^ a b c Hoang, Helen. "In Helen Hoang's Novels, Autism Is No Bar To Love And Happiness". NPR.org. Retrieved 2019-05-30.
- ^ "Fiction Book Review: The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang". www.publishersweekly.com. 5 June 2018. Retrieved 2019-05-30.
- ^ a b Alter, Alexandra (2018-07-07). "The Changing Face of Romance Novels". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2019-01-03.
- ^ Petski, Denise (2018-08-01). "'The Kiss Quotient': Pilgrim Media Group Acquires Book Rights For Film & TV". Deadline. Retrieved 2018-12-24.
- ^ Wiseman, Andreas (2018-10-30). "Lionsgate Boards Helen Hoang Romance 'The Kiss Quotient' From Pilgrim Media Group — AFM". Deadline. Retrieved 2018-12-24.
- ^ "The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang: 9780451490841 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books". PenguinRandomhouse.com. Retrieved 2024-03-19.