Tuesday, May 7, 2019

Helen Hoang passes our test...plus a book giveaway

We're pleased to welcome Helen Hoang to CLC and to celebrate the publication of her sophomore novel, The Bride Test. Melissa A enjoyed her debut, The Kiss Quotient, last year (see her review) and we're excited to see what her latest has in store. Helen has one signed copy for a lucky reader!

Helen Hoang is that shy person who never talks. Until she does. And the worst things fly out of her mouth. She read her first romance novel in eighth grade and has been addicted ever since.

In 2016, she was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in line with what was previously known as Asperger’s Syndrome. Her journey inspired The Kiss Quotient.

She currently lives in San Diego, California with her husband, two kids, and pet fish. (Bio courtesy of Helen's website.)

Visit Helen online:
Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Pinterest


Synopsis:
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 there's more than one way to love.
(Courtesy of Amazon.)


What did you learn from writing The Kiss Quotient that you applied to The Bride Test
While writing The Kiss Quotient, I learned a lot about character arcs--the journey, internally and externally, that characters go on over the course of a story--and I really worked to give both Khai and Esme strong, unique arcs of their own.

What is a favorite compliment you have received about your writing? 
I love it when I make readers cry.

If you could cast a movie version of The Bride Test, who would star in the lead roles? 
Oh Ji-Ho for Khai and Mylène Jampanoï for Esme.

What is the last movie you saw that you would recommend? 
I loved Crazy Rich Asians, but I guess that's too predictable. The Post was excellent. I could watch that again.

What is your astrological sign and how much does it fit your personality? 
I'm a Cancer. I'm not much into astrological fortunes, so I couldn't say how well it fits me.

What is the strangest thing currently residing in your purse or handbag? 
I keep calligraphy brush pens with me at all times, so if I pass by a bookstore, I can sign books.

How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Giveaway ends May 13th at midnight EST.

25 comments:

Janine said...

I met my husband through his brother. He introduced us and we hit it off good.

Suburban prep said...

Just before I met the person who is now my husband a friend set me up with someone. It did not work out.

Linda May said...

I met my late husband thru a dating service called Great Expectations, we got engaged after 6 months & then were married 4 months later. We were marred 21 years and then I lost him sto Stage 4 Kidney Cancer. Thanks for your generosity.

Pippa said...

I had a dear friend who set me up behind my back. After the second time I asked her not to anymore.

Pippa said...

I had a dear friend who set me up behind my back. After the second time I asked her not to anymore.

Michelle L said...

Don't think I ever had anyone play matchmaker for me, or I for anyone else.

traveler said...

I didn't set up anyone and I was able to meet on my own.

Anh N. said...

My brother played matchmaker for me and my husband, who was also his roommate.

GrandmaD said...

I once had a blind date that was set up and didn't work out.

Peggy Russo said...

I introduced one of my friends to my husband's co-worker. They hit it off right away and married a few years later.

Elena Y. said...

My husband and I ended up together after our mutual friend played matchmaker for us. It was sweet and fun!
Thanks for the chance.

Maria Malaveci said...

Yes! My sister introduced me to my husband

Kelley B said...

I have not been fixed up nor have I fixed anyone up.

diannekc said...

I've never played matchmaker or had anyone play matchmaker for me.

Mary Preston said...

No matches made either way.

dstoutholcomb said...

I met my husband through a friend at college.

Grr8biggleek@gmail.com said...

I tried to get my best friend to meet other guys before she married her now ex-husband. I may have to use that strategy again someday.

StoreyBookLover said...

The closest I have come to being setup with someone was when my boss said that one of the transfer employees would be perfect for me. I didn't give it much thought at the time, but after working together a few times, I was a goner. She was right! We have been married for 15 years and that boy is still perfect for me! <3

Renee said...

My very first date was a fix-up, which led to my very first boyfriend! That was my one and only fix-up and have never fixed up anyone myself.

Kate Vocke said...

Yes! My husband and I were matched up by a mutual friend - and of course he takes all the credit! :)

Bonnie K. said...

The guy I worked with in the college dorm had suggested to my husband to be to ask me out. We've been married for 34 years.

bn100 said...

no

Danielle said...

I am in no hurry to get married but I am forever meeting people who are trying to set me up...lol

Betul E. said...

Nobody tried to set me up yet, and I haven't played matchmaker either.

Mary C said...

No to both.