Cat's Books: Romance

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 important emotions, like love. 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. Seducing Khai, however, doesn't go as planned. She's hopelessly smitten with a man who's convinced he can never return her affection.

Review

I was charmed by Khai and Esme. I love all the families here. 

Esme is lovely and brave. Watching her fall in love with Khai is great. 

I love a marriage of connivence kind of plot and tie that in with a celebration of immigrants and I am in. 

Esme has her own journey of finding her value and Khai's in finding his value as well around the depth of his emotions though they are processed differently than others. 

Hoang does a good job in avoiding pitfalls in this story and the writing is crisp and engaging.