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the_vegan_bookworm's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
This was a cute romance, but it has a lot of problematic elements.
I loved the autistic representation of Stella's character, and many elements of her experience resonated with me as an autistic adult. This being said, I was disappointed that her relationship with Michael seemed to be entirely fixated on removing these autistic traits. There was nothing to change about her, but the happier she was, the less she displayed these autistic traits and the more she worked to remove them. This isn't the reality for most (or more likely, any) autistic people, and I don't think it's a good or healthy standard to show.
Stella's ludicrous wealth also bothered me a lot. She just had this never-ending stream of money to throw at any problem (for example, deciding to pay escort boyfriend $50,000 a month and having a $15 million trust fund). That's more money than I can conceptualize for a person. These elements of infinite wealth were both boring and not at all relatable for me. I can't imagine anybody being so rich that money is literally not an object at all, and it felt like it removed a lot of challenge or intrigue for the plot.
I also don't really understand the dynamic between Stella and Phillip. He seems like such an obvious and flat villain (of course he's obsessed with her and then dates someone else in the same breath). I also don't understand why Stella tolerates him as he is nothing but unkind and predatory towards her. Though autistic people do experience higher rates of abuse than allistic people, and maybe this was the point the author was trying to make, I don't understand Stella acknowledging that this guy is awful and still acquiescing to him.
I loved the autistic representation of Stella's character, and many elements of her experience resonated with me as an autistic adult. This being said, I was disappointed that her relationship with Michael seemed to be entirely fixated on removing these autistic traits. There was nothing to change about her, but the happier she was, the less she displayed these autistic traits and the more she worked to remove them. This isn't the reality for most (or more likely, any) autistic people, and I don't think it's a good or healthy standard to show.
Stella's ludicrous wealth also bothered me a lot. She just had this never-ending stream of money to throw at any problem (for example, deciding to pay escort boyfriend $50,000 a month and having a $15 million trust fund). That's more money than I can conceptualize for a person. These elements of infinite wealth were both boring and not at all relatable for me. I can't imagine anybody being so rich that money is literally not an object at all, and it felt like it removed a lot of challenge or intrigue for the plot.
I also don't really understand the dynamic between Stella and Phillip. He seems like such an obvious and flat villain (of course he's obsessed with her and then dates someone else in the same breath). I also don't understand why Stella tolerates him as he is nothing but unkind and predatory towards her. Though autistic people do experience higher rates of abuse than allistic people, and maybe this was the point the author was trying to make, I don't understand Stella acknowledging that this guy is awful and still acquiescing to him.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexual content
Moderate: Cancer, Abandonment, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Sexism and Stalking
bunnybunny_mp3's review against another edition
DNF at 73%
This book starts on a VERY serious note talking about sexual assault. Actually, the way that SA is described here is shocking, I really didn't see any warning whatsoever and how it happened is written in a more explicit way.
There are major themes such as consent, life as an autistic person, and sex work. HOWEVER, the way that such serious themes were sometimes poorly exploited made me give up on this story.
The story was cute at first, and I was really cheering for the main couple. But as the story progresses, you start wondering if Michael is really as great as Stella makes him seem to be.
The most basic thing you need to have in a sexual relationship is the safe, sane and consensual rule. The main couple had some issues with some of these aspects, in my opinion. There's no shame in exploring intimacy as a couple, but that has to be made in a safe space, with all people involved being sane and actually consenting. There's no such a thing as "I'm gonna try something even though you said you didn't feel comfortable because I think you're going to like it". Assuming that someone will be ok with something sexual is really dangerous.
There's also that trope of the love interest - that is described as nearly perfect in every single thing - and the main antagonist who wants to have a romantic relationship with the main character - who is described as perverted and basically an asshole, to be honest. Not a super fan of this trope, but that was more of a personal preference.
I think that the main couple should have had more conversations about what they wanted to try, what they didn't want to try at all and establish more communication between them.
Overall I enjoyed the autistic rep and seeing a male sex worker being honest about how his job makes people dehumanize him to the point where he's seen more as an object than a person. Besides that, the story became repetitive and some major themes didn't get as much attention as I think that they should have.
This book starts on a VERY serious note talking about sexual assault. Actually, the way that SA is described here is shocking, I really didn't see any warning whatsoever and how it happened is written in a more explicit way.
There are major themes such as consent, life as an autistic person, and sex work. HOWEVER, the way that such serious themes were sometimes poorly exploited made me give up on this story.
The story was cute at first, and I was really cheering for the main couple. But as the story progresses, you start wondering if Michael is really as great as Stella makes him seem to be.
The most basic thing you need to have in a sexual relationship is the safe, sane and consensual rule. The main couple had some issues with some of these aspects, in my opinion. There's no shame in exploring intimacy as a couple, but that has to be made in a safe space, with all people involved being sane and actually consenting. There's no such a thing as "I'm gonna try something even though you said you didn't feel comfortable because I think you're going to like it". Assuming that someone will be ok with something sexual is really dangerous.
There's also that trope of the love interest - that is described as nearly perfect in every single thing - and the main antagonist who wants to have a romantic relationship with the main character - who is described as perverted and basically an asshole, to be honest. Not a super fan of this trope, but that was more of a personal preference.
I think that the main couple should have had more conversations about what they wanted to try, what they didn't want to try at all and establish more communication between them.
Overall I enjoyed the autistic rep and seeing a male sex worker being honest about how his job makes people dehumanize him to the point where he's seen more as an object than a person. Besides that, the story became repetitive and some major themes didn't get as much attention as I think that they should have.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Cancer, Misogyny, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Terminal illness, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Stalking and Abandonment
ednam0dewannabe's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Sexual content, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, and Abandonment
Minor: Cursing, Infidelity, Sexism, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, and Stalking
eddine's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
hooooot
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Cursing, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Gaslighting, and Sexual harassment
soundlysmitten's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
I all but cackled when I read this book’s description, and surely did as I read the book.
In summary...
Stella is a brilliant econometrician. She’s on the spectrum and struggles with anxiety, but she’s willing to move out of her comfort zone to get what she wants. Top of her list is more experience in bed, so she hires Michael, an escort, to give her some lessons.
...Michael *does not* f the anxiety out of Stella. She puts herself out there and he responds the way one should: with care. Stella, too, offers Michael consideration and respect—things he’s grown accustomed to being withheld. Sounds heavy, but the story is treated with equal parts sensitivity and levity, and is actually quite a laugh at times. What got me was the pairs’ winsome personalities. What kept me was the curious way they attempt to navigate their vulnerabilities, and the genuinely affirming tenderness they show one another.
This is a highly smutty read, but not all of it is light. It should be noted that Stella experiences inexplicable panic when she first gets with Michael. Her desire to overcome this is an essential part of the story, though, and it’s written out carefully.
I appreciated that the author showcases verbal consent (which I think should just be called consent). While we have made progress in some societies, rape culture is far from eradicated. But authors get to play god in the worlds they create, so I’d like to see better standards set in books.
That said, initially, it worried me that my girl even felt like she needed to be more skilled at sex to get a man, as worth is definitely not correlated to sexual prowess. But thankfully, this perspective is reconciled by the end.
Ultimately, I found Stella inspiring for all the sheer growth she determinedly seeks in every part of her life. Not to change her kind, bright self, but to find greater happiness and ease. Stella is the first autistic heroine of a romance novel that I've ever heard of, and she lends a much needed voice to the genre.
Michael, on the other hand... well, he’s pretty lovable for the most part, too. He truly devotes himself to the ones he loves, but he oversteps in some matters. And there were a few times I wanted to shake him. I realize that characters can’t all be enlightened, shiny angels all the time. Insecurity, miscommunication, contradiction—those things are realistic, if vexing. But I wish it were made more clear when Michael was out of line, even in “smaller” matters. I wish he learned so for himself.
Also, what of the consequences for Philip James??NONE?
My only other criticism (the one thing that brought me a bit out of the story) is Michael’s family’s reaction to Stella.For whatever reason, “the escort you hire ends up being your soulmate” seems plausible. But “his mom and sisters also like you” pushes things into too good to be true territory for me. 🤷🏻♀️
In summary...
Stella is a brilliant econometrician. She’s on the spectrum and struggles with anxiety, but she’s willing to move out of her comfort zone to get what she wants. Top of her list is more experience in bed, so she hires Michael, an escort, to give her some lessons.
...Michael *does not* f the anxiety out of Stella. She puts herself out there and he responds the way one should: with care. Stella, too, offers Michael consideration and respect—things he’s grown accustomed to being withheld. Sounds heavy, but the story is treated with equal parts sensitivity and levity, and is actually quite a laugh at times. What got me was the pairs’ winsome personalities. What kept me was the curious way they attempt to navigate their vulnerabilities, and the genuinely affirming tenderness they show one another.
This is a highly smutty read, but not all of it is light. It should be noted that Stella experiences inexplicable panic when she first gets with Michael. Her desire to overcome this is an essential part of the story, though, and it’s written out carefully.
I appreciated that the author showcases verbal consent (which I think should just be called consent). While we have made progress in some societies, rape culture is far from eradicated. But authors get to play god in the worlds they create, so I’d like to see better standards set in books.
That said, initially, it worried me that my girl even felt like she needed to be more skilled at sex to get a man, as worth is definitely not correlated to sexual prowess. But thankfully, this perspective is reconciled by the end.
Ultimately, I found Stella inspiring for all the sheer growth she determinedly seeks in every part of her life. Not to change her kind, bright self, but to find greater happiness and ease. Stella is the first autistic heroine of a romance novel that I've ever heard of, and she lends a much needed voice to the genre.
Michael, on the other hand... well, he’s pretty lovable for the most part, too. He truly devotes himself to the ones he loves, but he oversteps in some matters. And there were a few times I wanted to shake him. I realize that characters can’t all be enlightened, shiny angels all the time. Insecurity, miscommunication, contradiction—those things are realistic, if vexing. But I wish it were made more clear when Michael was out of line, even in “smaller” matters. I wish he learned so for himself.
Also, what of the consequences for Philip James??
My only other criticism (the one thing that brought me a bit out of the story) is Michael’s family’s reaction to Stella.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Sexual content
Moderate: Cancer, Infidelity, Sexism, Sexual assault, Terminal illness, and Abandonment
Minor: Ableism, Violence, Stalking, and Sexual harassment
seawarrior's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is the first romance novel I've read featuring an autistic protagonist, but won't be the last, thanks to Helen Hoang. I definitely found Stella to be a relatable portrayal of an anxious autistic person. It was highly rewarding to witness her self esteem blossom, especially since many of her behaviors and insecurities reflected my own.
Truth be told, I've avoided romantic attachments like the plague my entire adult life, worrying that any attempt at one would end as Stella's first three had, where she was essentially sexually assaulted after becoming too overwhelmed to participate in the act or even to say no to it . This justifiable anxiety has weighed on me since I was a young teenager, but these things are embarrassing and scary to discuss, so I've never known how to work past it. I've desperately needed a story like this to remind me that there are people out there who will be empathic to my struggling social skills and tendency to lock up and lose some or all ability to speak when nervous. Anyone else is not worth spending time and heartbreak on, but it would never be my fault if someone exploits my trouble saying no. Like Stella, many autistic people are interested in romantic relationships and sex and need to be educated on how to enjoy them safely, which includes understanding our undeniable right to protect ourselves from predators and feel no obligation to please them. Stella's story starts when she hasn't fully grasped this truth, but Michael's genuine respect and love for her eventually emboldens her to feel those emotions towards herself, and to seek out what primarily pleases her.
This book is sweet, sensual, and sparkling with energy, but I think its most shining merit is how it reminds autistic readers that we deserved to be loved wholeheartedly, and should never view our worth through the lens of those who have previously exploited us or leveled unfair expectations against us. Stella's journey with Michael teaches her, and by extension, the reader, that she is perfectly lovely as she is. Autistic romantics, and the world in general, were achingly in need of this story.
Truth be told, I've avoided romantic attachments like the plague my entire adult life, worrying that any attempt at one would end as Stella's first three had,
This book is sweet, sensual, and sparkling with energy, but I think its most shining merit is how it reminds autistic readers that we deserved to be loved wholeheartedly, and should never view our worth through the lens of those who have previously exploited us or leveled unfair expectations against us. Stella's journey with Michael teaches her, and by extension, the reader, that she is perfectly lovely as she is. Autistic romantics, and the world in general, were achingly in need of this story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Infidelity, Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Abandonment
Moderate: Sexism, Medical content, and Stalking
cheesepuppy's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
A beautiful story with lots of representation. Can’t wait to read the next 2 books.
I’m super unhappy with a couple this said on the first 3 pages, but I guess that was just setting the scene.
Representation
I’m super unhappy with a couple this said on the first 3 pages, but I guess that was just setting the scene.
Representation
- Autism
- East Asian
- Sex worker
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Cancer and Rape
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders and Sexism
ehmannky's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
An absolute delight. Michael and Stella are so sweet together and it's just so wonderful to see a book where a disabled character (specifically an autistic woman) is shown as being sexually desirable and desiring as any other character. Pretty Woman as a film is kind of meh to me, but I think this role-reversal is an elevation of the premise. I also loved that the book has Stella not only navigate a world not made for her or any disabled person, but also has her tackling her own internalized ableism. This is also a romance novel where the third act break up actually makes sense and doesn't feel forced at all. I think the only thing I would have liked more is a little more like emphasis on the issue with Michael doing sex work is that he doesn't want to do it/doesn't like it/feels forced into it and not that sex work is bad. I don't think Hoang like ever implies the former (there's a line specifically where Stella recognizes there's nothing wrong with the job, it's just not for him), but a little more emphasis would have been good.
Also, because some of the reviews seem shocked by the fact a book with the premise of "woman hires man to teach her about sex by having sex" has a lot of sex in it and are downgrading it...there's a lot of sex in this book. More sex scenes than usual. They're great sex scenes, well-written and full of ~emotion~ but this book leans into the sexiness of the romance genre. Also, yes, they are insta-love. It's a romance novel. That's how these work.
Also, because some of the reviews seem shocked by the fact a book with the premise of "woman hires man to teach her about sex by having sex" has a lot of sex in it and are downgrading it...there's a lot of sex in this book. More sex scenes than usual. They're great sex scenes, well-written and full of ~emotion~ but this book leans into the sexiness of the romance genre. Also, yes, they are insta-love. It's a romance novel. That's how these work.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, and Sexual assault
womanwill's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism and Sexual content
Moderate: Cancer, Sexism, and Sexual assault
Minor: Infidelity, Medical content, and Stalking
spearly's review against another edition
informative
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
Ehhhhhhhh
I feel bad for not really liking this book. It has a lot of great reviews, and I think it's so, <i> so</i> important to be telling more diverse stories. I'll get into my personal grievances with the book, but first, I think it's important to highlight what I felt Hoang did well.
I loved that the book follows Michael, a Vietnamese man, and Stella, who is neuro-divergent. I loved the way Michael followed Stella's cues, never crossed her boundaries, and loved her because of, not in spite of, her peculiar idiosyncrasies. I love that we explored vietnamese culture through Michael's family and home life. I love that, in the end, Stella's parents could take a step back when she asked them to (as so many fictional parents do not).
But.
I think there might have been a total of, like, 5 chapters that our MCs spent apart. I've never read a romance that was so wholly about the romance before. Hardly any plot at all, let alone a b or c-plot. Hardly any build-up. Hardly any conflict.
My reading experience was probably coloured a bit by the inclusion of not 1, but 2 of my least favourite romance tropes.
1) Insta-love (I will concede that obviously it wasn't love right away - though it may as well have been. But within 2 chapters of the book, within 10 minutes of meeting, Michael is already thinking to himself how differently he feels about Stella vs. his other clients, how he wants to spend more time with her, how she's so endearing and cute and her naivety is such a turn on.)
and 2) FAKE DATING. Or pretend dating, whatever you want to call it. I hate this trope. I hate hate hate it.
The big drama was literally a series of misunderstandings. And again, I feel bad even critiquing that, because I think that may have been the point - Stella doesn't pick up on nuance that well, and Michael had such self-esteem issues, and the two never talk about how their feeling because neither feels good enough for the other.
I think I just don't believe that a character like Michael was missing all the signals that Stella actually had feelings for him, especially when his family picked up on it; Stella's an incredibly honest character who always speaks what's on her mind. There was really no reason for any sort of miscommunication, at least on his end. Stella's concerns about their relationship at least felt valid... but Michael's felt fabricated for drama. Why would he think Stella wouldn't want to be with him because of his dad??
Also, the prose was all very literal. I can understand, to a point, the dialogue being very succinct, since Stella speaks her mind and doesn't read social situations well, and Michael, when talking to her, would often match that (and rightly so. His language toward her was all for her benefit, so there were no surprises, no needing to read-between-the-lines). But even the descriptions, the action, and the rest of the story were literal. No metaphors. All tell, barely any show.
I digress. Lesson learned: go into hype books with low expectations, so you're either pleasantly surprised but never disappointed.
I feel bad for not really liking this book. It has a lot of great reviews, and I think it's so, <i> so</i> important to be telling more diverse stories. I'll get into my personal grievances with the book, but first, I think it's important to highlight what I felt Hoang did well.
I loved that the book follows Michael, a Vietnamese man, and Stella, who is neuro-divergent. I loved the way Michael followed Stella's cues, never crossed her boundaries, and loved her because of, not in spite of, her peculiar idiosyncrasies. I love that we explored vietnamese culture through Michael's family and home life. I love that, in the end, Stella's parents could take a step back when she asked them to (as so many fictional parents do not).
But.
I think there might have been a total of, like, 5 chapters that our MCs spent apart. I've never read a romance that was so wholly about the romance before. Hardly any plot at all, let alone a b or c-plot. Hardly any build-up. Hardly any conflict.
My reading experience was probably coloured a bit by the inclusion of not 1, but 2 of my least favourite romance tropes.
1) Insta-love (I will concede that obviously it wasn't love right away - though it may as well have been. But within 2 chapters of the book, within 10 minutes of meeting, Michael is already thinking to himself how differently he feels about Stella vs. his other clients, how he wants to spend more time with her, how she's so endearing and cute and her naivety is such a turn on.)
and 2) FAKE DATING. Or pretend dating, whatever you want to call it. I hate this trope. I hate hate hate it.
The big drama was literally a series of misunderstandings. And again, I feel bad even critiquing that, because I think that may have been the point - Stella doesn't pick up on nuance that well, and Michael had such self-esteem issues, and the two never talk about how their feeling because neither feels good enough for the other.
I think I just don't believe that a character like Michael was missing all the signals that Stella actually had feelings for him, especially when his family picked up on it; Stella's an incredibly honest character who always speaks what's on her mind. There was really no reason for any sort of miscommunication, at least on his end. Stella's concerns about their relationship at least felt valid... but Michael's felt fabricated for drama. Why would he think Stella wouldn't want to be with him because of his dad??
Also, the prose was all very literal. I can understand, to a point, the dialogue being very succinct, since Stella speaks her mind and doesn't read social situations well, and Michael, when talking to her, would often match that (and rightly so. His language toward her was all for her benefit, so there were no surprises, no needing to read-between-the-lines). But even the descriptions, the action, and the rest of the story were literal. No metaphors. All tell, barely any show.
I digress. Lesson learned: go into hype books with low expectations, so you're either pleasantly surprised but never disappointed.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Cancer, Rape, and Sexual assault
Minor: Sexism and Stalking