I decided to download this book from my library's app on a whim, since seeing good reviews for it, and needing a break from the heavier reads I was juggling in print. I certainly got a break! Listening to this audiobook on public transit was very... blush-inducing. I'm not one to shy away from frank depictions of sex, but y'know, with a cover like this, I wasn't expecting a romance with a sex worker. I was a little turned off by the premise at first, but it really came around for me as Hoang develops Stella and Michael into three dimensional characters.

Analytical Stella, our econometrician protagonist, is great with numbers, has Asperger's, and has trouble relating to most people. She believes it's time to understand how to be in a relationship and therefore (she thinks) to know how to have good sex, something she feels she's faltered at in the past. So she employs Michael, a half-Vietnamese escort, who has reasons for taking on such work that are revealed as the story unfolds. They enjoy instant chemistry, and for a romance, I liked being surprised by some of the turns of events—it doesn't happen a lot in the genre for me. I really, really enjoyed getting to understand Stella's perspective, and the fact that the author is also on the autism spectrum. It allows the reader to perceive what it's like navigating relationships and interactions as Stella.

The novel felt genuine in so many respects; she touches on family and Vietnamese culture, but also money, expectations, gender roles, and what constitutes 'good sex.' There were still parts that felt a bit corny, but that was probably because I was listening to the book, and would've been easier to read in print. Hearing the word "c*ck" repeatedly just, uh, well, y'know, depends on the reader I guess...........!

I like when a sexy romance is fun and offers a little more to think about as well.