Another enjoyable re-read!

**Warning: this text may contain spoilers** The Bride Test was a very enjoyable follow-on from The Kiss Quotient. I have to admit that I didn't enjoy it quite as much as the first one. I did fall in love with this story and the narrative that Helen Hoang wrote and I did not want the book to end.

The part of the novel I actually enjoyed most was the author's notes where Helen Hoang spoke about her original intentions for the book. She spoke about how she originally intended there to be an American love-interest not a Vietnamese love-interest. Her discussion about how she was inspired by her mother's story and felt strongly that her character did not have to be America was the most important message for me of the story. It really cemented the whole narrative and the focus on how no matter your background, with drive and determination you can achieve your dreams.

This is particularly why I found it so problematic that Hoang Americanised My's name to Esme and her daughter's name was Americanised. It felt like there was no need for this, especially when Khai did not have an Americanised name anyway. It was a very unusual choice and I couldn't really understand it. For me, this definitely meant I docked a star from my rating, as I think My/Esme should have been proud to come over as who she was with her Vietnamese heritage.

I very much liked how My/Esme developed across the story however. I think she was a stronger character by the end and was not dependent on Khai it pleased me that she didn't have to depend on Khai for her visa, right to stay and that she was able to get this through her family. Although admittedly I still would have preferred if she had gotten it through her scholarship programme.

Overall I really enjoy the new angles and life Helen Hoang brings to contemporary romance as she introduces autistic characters, immigrant stories and strong female characters. I will be looking forward to more from Helen Hoang in the near future.