THE BRIDE TEST

 

Khai Diep has no feelings. Well, he feels irritation when people move his things or contentment when ledgers balance down to the penny, but not big, important emotions—like grief. And love. He thinks he’s defective. His family knows better—that his autism means he just processes emotions differently. When he steadfastly avoids relationships, his mother takes matters into her own hands and returns to Vietnam to find him the perfect bride.

As a mixed-race girl living in the slums of Ho Chi Minh City, Esme Tran has always felt out of place. When the opportunity arises to come to America and meet a potential husband, she can’t turn it down, thinking this could be the break her family needs. Seducing Khai, however, doesn’t go as planned. Esme’s lessons in love seem to be working…but only on herself. She’s hopelessly smitten with a man who’s convinced he can never return her affection.

With Esme’s time in the United States dwindling, Khai is forced to understand he’s been wrong all along. And accept that there’s more than one way to love.

Praise for The Bride Test

“With serious moments offset by spot-on humor, this romance has broad appeal, and it will find a special place in the hearts of autistic people and those who love them.”

Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

“The Bride Test is positively delightful….It’s smart, honest, and achingly romantic, just as sexy as it is sweet.”

Taylor Jenkins Reid, author of Daisy Jones and the Six

Prepare to fall in love all over again…The Bride Test is a charming love story that is equal parts sexy and sweet.

PopSugar

“Helen Hoang is a master of building characters that feel relatable.”

New York Times bestselling author Christina Lauren

“A stunning, superior romance.”

Kirkus, Starred Review

“Refreshingly real.” 

Marie Claire