Helen Hoang

A woman struggling with burnout learns to embrace the unexpected—and the man she enlists to help her—in this new New York Times bestselling romance by Helen Hoang.

When violinist Anna Sun accidentally achieves career success with a viral YouTube video, she finds herself incapacitated and burned out from her attempts to replicate that moment. And when her longtime boyfriend announces he wants an open relationship before making a final commitment, a hurt and angry Anna decides that if he wants an open relationship, then she does, too. Translation: She’s going to embark on a string of one-night stands. The more unacceptable the men, the better.

That’s where tattooed, motorcycle-riding Quan Diep comes in. Their first attempt at a one-night stand fails, as does their second, and their third, because being with Quan is more than sex—he accepts Anna on an unconditional level that she herself has just started to understand. However, when tragedy strikes Anna’s family she takes on a role that she is ill-suited for, until the burden of expectations threatens to destroy her. Anna and Quan have to fight for their chance at love, but to do that, they also have to fight for themselves.

Kiss quotient #3 

The Heart Principle

USA Today bestselling author Helen Hoang returns with a witty and sizzling new romance that shows how wrong you can be about someone...and how right they can be for you.

No one should need a diagnosis in order to be compassionate to themself.

Chaellei Orpilla

“Part of me wants to yell at her to stop spouting nonsense, to get angry. Another part of me wants to cry because how pitiful do I sound? I’m afraid she’s seen right through me. In the end, I neither yell nor cry. I sit there like a deer in headlights, which is my default reaction to most things—inaction. I don’t have a fight-or-flight instinct. I have a freeze instinct. When things get really bad, I can’t even talk. I fall mute.

 “What if I don’t know how to stop?” I ask finally.”

Celine

The bittersweet irony of the situation strikes me. I lost my dad and my sister, but somehow that gave me my mom.

Those epiphanies that I had were fake. That sense of identification was misguided. It is human to struggle. If there was a diagnosis for every diffculty, they wouldn't mean anything.

Sufia imran

Just because something isn't perfect doesn't mean we need to throw it away. 

ruhaani ♡₊⊹

“I don't want you to be like Julian. I want you to be just as you are. i love you. I don't know how i would've gotten through these past months without you. Everyday in that house is hell for me, watching dad suffer, watching him hate his life, and keeping him alive anyway. It destroyed me bit by bit until there was almost nothing I wanted to live for. I've been swallowed up in sadness, and pain and hopelessness and every different kind of self hatred that exists. But you've been my bright spot. You've pulled me through. The only good thing this broken heart of mine can feel is love for you. ”

Lizeth Esmeralda

The mental problems that I'm facing aren't worthy of their respect or even a cursory attempt at understanding. In their minds, I need to identify the problem, find a solution, and get on with it. It should be that easy. 

I’m not ready for a future where I never see him again. Yes, I still have my family. But what do I have to look forward to now? Where is my safe place now? He's just a man. I shouldn't feel so empty with him gone. But I know I've lost something important, something essential. Because I haven't just lost him. I've also lost the person that I am when I’m with him - the person behind the mask. I've lost me.

If only they knew… What they see is not who I am. It’s the mask that they love, the mask that’s suffocating me. 

"But what do I do when my family doesn't believe me?" I ask. His mouth twists like there's a bad taste on his tongue. "Ignore what they say, and live your life the way you need to." I release a heavy sigh. "That's not easy to do."

“You can't please everyone. The second you change it so one person likes it, you'll lose someone who liked it the way it was before. Isn't that what you've been doing as you go in circles? You have to learn how to listen to yourself again, to be yourself"

“You will disappoint people,” Jennifer says in a firm but not unkind voice. “But you’ll also blow others away. That’s just how this works.” “I know,” I say. And I really do understand logically. But emotionally, it’s another matter. I’m terrified that if I slip, if I fail, everyone will stop loving me, and where will I be then?

Kacey Plunkett

“You have to learn how to listen to yourself again, to be yourself."

This is soo relatable. Being one who did do soo in therapy myself

"A lot of the time, I believe you tell me things just because you think thať's what I want to hear. I hope you can see how counterproductive that would be in therapy."

Edna

Keira 💫

Spice : 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ I have four stars because this book has the right amount of spice and the ending scene is just …🤌🏼🫶🏼😌🥵🫠

Tropes : strangers to lovers, sweet romance, the trust - and the communicative - couple. 

What I loved : Anna was one character I related at the time. i’m using past tense because when I read this book, and writing this review is past the time I read it. Anna was someone I related to, at some many points in the book, I was taken aback and thought that I was reading something written by an author on an emotional level. Anna’s level of tolerating shit just to keep peace in the family and also because nobody would understand her in her family. Quan’s character was a nice addition, I really enjoyed reading about his relationship with Anna, and how they develop confidence and comfort as each chapter passes. We get to see how they first do it in the dark, because of their insecurities, and that scene about him allowing Anna to touch herself in the safety of his arms made me yearn for him for a second. Quan also did not crowd her space or the type of man like her ex Julian was, he gave her time and showed up : in his actions, not just in his words. Anna’s sister Priscilla is such a red flag, because she made me angry, and I was struggling not to stab the page with my highlighters, and markers. (i’m a neat reader but she really tested my patience) though Priscilla’s character did not stop me from reading further. Michael & Stella make an appearance in the book, and I loved that part. When Anna’s therapist tells her about her autism and hands her a book, which she goes through, and then she starts to understand herself better. that was something I envied, I wish someone also handed me a mirror that showed me who I was clearly without any reflections that are not me. 

What I struggled with : I still struggle to understand the parts into which this book was divided, I can’t seem to figure out what the author was trying to say all this time by dividing the book with the “during”, “before” and “after”. 

Later in the book, when she understands that her father does not wish for them to keep caring for him, but Priscilla thinks she knows better was a bit infuriating. Priscilla was insufferable and the kind of sister i’d avoid contact with. Quan’s anger at the sight of Anna being engaged to Julian was heartbreaking, but when Anna stands up to Julian and breaks it off is so satisfying, heh. poor him, really thought he could do what he wants. and not to forget the first line of the third chapter? that says, “confession  : I don’t like giving blowjobs. ” that was relatable at that time. 

Loveable characters or not : loveable definitely. 

Strong character development : yes, strong it is. 

Plot driven / character driven : plot driven, but it was both for me, I truly enjoyed reading the whole book. Not skipping even a single word.

Favorite quotes/ highlights : “you’re an artist, and art is subjective. you have to learn to stop listening to what people say.”

“why do you do that?” “that thing with your eyes.” “what thing?” “the eye wrinkling.” smiles are real when they reach your eyes. books say so.”

‘kissing is enough? she doesn’t expect to get anything out of sex with me? she’s okay if nut on her Iike she’s a blow-up doll or some shit?’

- ‘with the right person, I think she’ll open up, and it’ll be fucking glorious. but that person isn’t me.’

- ‘when I have her in my arms, it feels like the right thing. she fits against me like belongs here. I don’t mean to kiss her. it just happens. and she kisses me back. there’s a moment when we hesitate, both unsure of what we’re doing, but our lips come together again. I don’t know who initiates it, maybe it’s both or us, but I kiss her like it’s our last kiss. because that’s what this is.’

- ‘i’d bet my Ducati she doesn’t fall asleep with just anybody. but she did with me. that means something.’

- ‘i choose to be angry at the situation, at cancer, and not her.’

- ‘i’m so used to seeing you. now i get to focus on feeling you.’

- “if I show you how i like to be touched, will you do the same?” “can’t I just touch you?” he makes a frustrating sound and presses a kiss to my mouth.“I want us both to enjoy this.”

- “i wish I knew how to get that sound when I touch you here.”

- ‘why am I like this? why can’t i change? why can’t I speak up?’

- “you might get really… sexually  frustrated, if you keep waiting for me.” “then, I’ll get sexually frustrated.”

- “i’m going to be good enough for her daughter.”

- “i don’t want him to be here for me.” someone else is much better at it than he is.”

- ‘but when it comes to my family, that word is not mine. I’m female. I’m youngest, I’m unremarkable. My opinion, my voice, had little to no value, and because of that, my place is to listen. my place is to respect.  I say yes. and i look happy when I do it. service with a smile. ’

- ‘no one notices. that’s how it’s supposed to be.’

- ‘with Quan, I want the words to matter, like his words matter to me. I’ve tucked his i love you into my heart, where i can carry it forever, safe and treasured.’

- ‘the darkness took this from me. my fear took this from me.’

- “i’m so sorry. i’m so sorry for what I did. it’s because I have trouble  speaking up, especially in public, and especially when my family is involved. I know that’s a horrible excuse, but it’s true. i’m determined to change, though. i promise you that i’ll never do something like that again where you’re concerned — if I have the chance. i’ll draw a line around you, and i’ll protect you and stand up for you and speak up for you when it’s right. i’ll keep you safe. and i’ll do the same for me. because i matter, too.” 

“i know you mean what you’re saying that. at least you do right now. but, anna when the time comes, i don’t trust that you can actually do it. I just don’t. you’re ashamed of me. because i’m not like fucking Julian.”

she sucks in a deep breath. “i’m not ashamed of you,” she says forcefully as tears spill down her face. “i don’t want you to be like Julian. I want you to be just a you are. I love you. I don’t know how i would have gotten through these past months without you. every day in that house is hell for me, watching my dad suffer, watching him hate his life, and keeping him alive anyway. it destroyed me bit by bit until there was almost nothing I wanted to live for. i’ve veen swallowed up in sadness and pain and hopelessness and every different kind of self - hatred that exists. but you’ve been my bright spot. you’ve pulled me through. the only good thing this broken heart of mine can feel is love for you.”

— there were many quotes and highlights i’d love to add, but maybe that’ll have to wait some other day, since my fingers hurt. 

Any other details : Throughout the book, I felt like Helen was writing and talking about me, and I cherish this book, will do, I even brought a paperback, and a hardcover because I loved reading it so much. and…if you’re still reading …I do have a kdrama recommendation, if you haven’t watched it already, then I recommend watching “extraordinary attorney woo”please, it’s so good, baby woo can’t stop yapping about whales and junho can’t stop listening to her yapping, and I can’t stop watching those two, too, too sweet!

Plot : ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Story : ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Spice : 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ I have four stars because this book has the right amount of spice and the ending scene is just …🤌🏼🫶🏼😌🥵🫠

Rating : ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Tropes : strangers to lovers, sweet romance, the trust - and the communicative - couple. 

Pacing : medium. 

Characters : ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

What I loved : Anna was one character I related at the time. i’m using past tense because when I read this book, and writing this review is past the time I read it. Anna was someone I related to, at some many points in the book, I was taken aback and thought that I was reading something written by an author on an emotional level. Anna’s level of tolerating shit just to keep peace in the family and also because nobody would understand her in her family. Quan’s character was a nice addition, I really enjoyed reading about his relationship with Anna, and how they develop confidence and comfort as each chapter passes. We get to see how they first do it in the dark, because of their insecurities, and that scene about him allowing Anna to touch herself in the safety of his arms made me yearn for him for a second. Quan also did not crowd her space or the type of man like her ex Julian was, he gave her time and showed up : in his actions, not just in his words. Anna’s sister Priscilla is such a red flag, because she made me angry, and I was struggling not to stab the page with my highlighters, and markers. (i’m a neat reader but she really tested my patience) though Priscilla’s character did not stop me from reading further. Michael & Stella make an appearance in the book, and I loved that part. When Anna’s therapist tells her about her autism and hands her a book, which she goes through, and then she starts to understand herself better. that was something I envied, I wish someone also handed me a mirror that showed me who I was clearly without any reflections that are not me. 

What I struggled with : I still struggle to understand the parts into which this book was divided, I can’t seem to figure out what the author was trying to say all this time by dividing the book with the “during”, “before” and “after”. 

Later in the book, when she understands that her father does not wish for them to keep caring for him, but Priscilla thinks she knows better was a bit infuriating. Priscilla was insufferable and the kind of sister i’d avoid contact with. Quan’s anger at the sight of Anna being engaged to Julian was heartbreaking, but when Anna stands up to Julian and breaks it off is so satisfying, heh. poor him, really thought he could do what he wants. and not to forget the first line of the third chapter? that says, “confession  : I don’t like giving blowjobs. ” that was relatable at that time. 

Loveable characters or not : loveable definitely. 

Strong character development : yes, strong it is. 

Plot driven / character driven : plot driven, but it was both for me, I truly enjoyed reading the whole book. Not skipping even a single word.

Favorite quotes/ highlights : “you’re an artist, and art is subjective. you have to learn to stop listening to what people say.”

“why do you do that?” “that thing with your eyes.” “what thing?” “the eye wrinkling.” smiles are real when they reach your eyes. books say so.”

‘kissing is enough? she doesn’t expect to get anything out of sex with me? she’s okay if nut on her Iike she’s a blow-up doll or some shit?’

- ‘with the right person, I think she’ll open up, and it’ll be fucking glorious. but that person isn’t me.’

- ‘when I have her in my arms, it feels like the right thing. she fits against me like belongs here. I don’t mean to kiss her. it just happens. and she kisses me back. there’s a moment when we hesitate, both unsure of what we’re doing, but our lips come together again. I don’t know who initiates it, maybe it’s both or us, but I kiss her like it’s our last kiss. because that’s what this is.’

- ‘i’d bet my Ducati she doesn’t fall asleep with just anybody. but she did with me. that means something.’

- ‘i choose to be angry at the situation, at cancer, and not her.’

- ‘i’m so used to seeing you. now i get to focus on feeling you.’

- “if I show you how i like to be touched, will you do the same?” “can’t I just touch you?” he makes a frustrating sound and presses a kiss to my mouth.“I want us both to enjoy this.”

- “i wish I knew how to get that sound when I touch you here.”

- ‘why am I like this? why can’t i change? why can’t I speak up?’

- “you might get really… sexually  frustrated, if you keep waiting for me.” “then, I’ll get sexually frustrated.”

- “i’m going to be good enough for her daughter.”

- “i don’t want him to be here for me.” someone else is much better at it than he is.”

- ‘but when it comes to my family, that word is not mine. I’m female. I’m youngest, I’m unremarkable. My opinion, my voice, had little to no value, and because of that, my place is to listen. my place is to respect.  I say yes. and i look happy when I do it. service with a smile. ’

- ‘no one notices. that’s how it’s supposed to be.’

- ‘with Quan, I want the words to matter, like his words matter to me. I’ve tucked his i love you into my heart, where i can carry it forever, safe and treasured.’

- ‘the darkness took this from me. my fear took this from me.’

- “i’m so sorry. i’m so sorry for what I did. it’s because I have trouble  speaking up, especially in public, and especially when my family is involved. I know that’s a horrible excuse, but it’s true. i’m determined to change, though. i promise you that i’ll never do something like that again where you’re concerned — if I have the chance. i’ll draw a line around you, and i’ll protect you and stand up for you and speak up for you when it’s right. i’ll keep you safe. and i’ll do the same for me. because i matter, too.” 

“i know you mean what you’re saying that. at least you do right now. but, anna when the time comes, i don’t trust that you can actually do it. I just don’t. you’re ashamed of me. because i’m not like fucking Julian.”

she sucks in a deep breath. “i’m not ashamed of you,” she says forcefully as tears spill down her face. “i don’t want you to be like Julian. I want you to be just a you are. I love you. I don’t know how i would have gotten through these past months without you. every day in that house is hell for me, watching my dad suffer, watching him hate his life, and keeping him alive anyway. it destroyed me bit by bit until there was almost nothing I wanted to live for. i’ve veen swallowed up in sadness and pain and hopelessness and every different kind of self - hatred that exists. but you’ve been my bright spot. you’ve pulled me through. the only good thing this broken heart of mine can feel is love for you.”

— there were many quotes and highlights i’d love to add, but maybe that’ll have to wait some other day, since my fingers hurt. 

Similar authors : none.

Similar book recommendations : none. 

Any other details : Throughout the book, I felt like Helen was writing and talking about me, and I cherish this book, will do, I even brought a paperback, and a hardcover because I loved reading it so much. and…if you’re still reading …I do have a kdrama recommendation, if you haven’t watched it already, then I recommend watching “extraordinary attorney woo”please, it’s so good, baby woo can’t stop yapping about whales and junho can’t stop listening to her yapping, and I can’t stop watching those two, too, too sweet!

read it in one day (I mean I guess until 1am the next day)

did cry pretty much the entire last third

so good

read it in one day (I mean I guess until 1am the next day)

autism rep - fantastic 

did cry pretty much the entire last third

virgoooo

Definitely my favorite of Helen Hoang’s. Hit a lot closer to home. 

Sumeetha

Not bad, I like how it didn't end with all the characters living their perfect lives, but on the road to improvement.

As a neurotic person who has gone through artistic burnout with music, yeah I see some similarities. As an Asian, yeah I see some similarities. I couldn't help cringing at the rest though. I also hate make up sex.

Also Michael what are you doing here giving advice that you didn't follow. I was there for your story bro

Not bad, I like how it didn't end with all the characters living their perfect lives, but on the road to improvement.

As a neurotic person who has gone through artistic burnout with music, yeah I see some similarities. As an Asian, yeah I see some similarities. I couldn't help cringing at the rest though. I also hate make up sex.

Also Michael what are you doing here giving advice that you didn't follow. I was there for your story bro

USA Today bestselling author Helen Hoang returns with a witty and sizzling new romance that shows how wrong you can be about someone...and how right they can be for you. To most people, Quan Diep is nothing but a surly-looking, underachieving playboy. The problem is he's not any of those things. And now that he's the CEO of an up-and-coming retail business, he's suddenly a "catch," and the rich girls who never used to pay any attention to him are looking at him in a new way--especially Camilla, the girl who brushed him off many years ago. Anna Sun dislikes Quan Diep almost as much as germy bathroom door handles. Or so she tells herself. She will never admit that she has a secret crush on him, especially because he only has eyes for her charismatic and newly engaged younger sister Camilla. Over the years, Anna has worked hard to overcome her OCD, but she'll still need to find a way to bury her anxieties and seduce Quan so he doesn't ruin her sister's engagement, and with it, a crucial real estate development deal. Slowly, Anna breaks down Quan's dangerous and careless exterior while peeling off her own tough, protective shell. But when Quan discovers Anna's true intentions, he's forced to confront his own hurtful past and learn to forgive, while Anna must face her greatest challenge: truly opening herself up to love.

Rebecca Hurd

I LOVED THIS!! Two people battling with their own separate insecurities to grow as people and to grow together…finding love, connection, and acceptance for being who you are!!

This one was up there as on of my favorites in the series. This one is definitely sadder than the first two books but that added in emotional aspect made me love them more. Helen Hoang gives amazing representation in her books and Anna’s story was so emotionally impactful on the discovery of her life and how difficult it is for those she loves around her to understand it too. I brought it down slightly because the end felt rushed to me. As I was listening and the when the book finished the end just didn’t feel like the end for me. I also think we could of had more Quan and his recovery from his surgery and cancer journey. That gel like it took a backseat to Anna’s story but I think them coming together bonding through their experiences would have been even more impactful with more of Quan’s story. But I’m glad to have read this series and highly recommend it to everyone!

Priscilla Stanfield

4.5/5⭐️ • 2/5🌶️

This one was up there as on of my favorites in the series. This one is definitely sadder than the first two books but that added in emotional aspect made me love them more. Helen Hoang gives amazing representation in her books and Anna’s story was so emotionally impactful on the discovery of her life and how difficult it is for those she loves around her to understand it too. I brought it down slightly because the end felt rushed to me. As I was listening and the when the book finished the end just didn’t feel like the end for me. I also think we could of had more Quan and his recovery from his surgery and cancer journey. That gel like it took a backseat to Anna’s story but I think them coming together bonding through their experiences would have been even more impactful with more of Quan’s story. But I’m glad to have read this series and highly recommend it to everyone!

Sarah Sammis

** spoiler alert **
           The novel takes a more autobiographical turn as the author explains in an afterword. In the book Anna is diagnosed as autistic. The final act of this romance then is Anna finally recognizing that she's in full burnout. Throughout all of this trials in her life — her father's hospice and the burnout — Quan is there.

I know this is the final book but I feel like there was so much for Anna and Quan to survive that they didn't get a proper romance. I'd like a chance to revisit them in happier times just to see how they're doing.

http://pussreboots.com/blog/2022/comm...

Selin Igten

olivia campbell

By far my favorite of the series. It was tough to get through at some points because you want Anna to make the right choices, to go down the correct path but life is never that easy is it? One of the realist characters I’ve ever had the pleasure to read about.

Isabella 

3.5

This book is much heavier than the previous two. It is definitely not the most romantic book out of it. It was o different from what I expected, but I still liked it. I loved reading about Anna's growth and development throughout the book; seeing her struggle and overcome it. However, the ending felt rushed, and I wanted to see more about Quan. Nevertheless, the writing felt real, and after reading the author's note, it made sense. Helen Hoang should definitely be proud of this book.

I have never felt so related and similar to a character as much as I do with Anna. We are so close to being the same person, literally! 

I feel so many emotions, I just got this confidence and courage that I can also be Anna. If she can respect herself and learn to say no, then I can, too. 😀

I loved this book so much!! ❤️

This book has to be one of my favorites out of the series.

Murphy-Ann Craig

lexie

Helena Hoang did this series so goood!!! i love Quan out of most all of them. loved it so much

Julie Burszan 

This book is phenomenal and everyone should read it.

taryn

Maybe I should have spaced this series out a bit more to give each book room to settle in my mind, but too late now. Again, this one fell a bit flat for me after in comparison to the first in the series. I think I just wanted more, something about this one felt very surface level and rushed with the characters. The family drama was more interesting than the romance for me. The love Anna had for her father was heartbreaking, the reconciliation with her mother was full of emotion, and I wanted to see how things developed with her obnoxious sister. The romance plot was cute and had it’s moments but overall wasn’t my favourite part of the story.

Kelsey Munson

I’ll write an actual review when I’m not in the middle of the literal Grand Canyon, but I loved this. 
ALSO THE GRAND CANYON WAS MENTIONED IN THIS BOOK WHILE I WAS READING IT IN THE GRAND CANYON. NOT SUPER RELEVANT, BUT I THOUGHT IT WAS NEAT.

Lotte Herremans

I actually got this from the library and put off reading this, assuming it would be boring. And it was so good. I was really drawn in. I loved both main characters, and was unaware that caregiving was a huge aspect of this; which I experienced myself in my life. So this was a great read for me. 

Sarah Campbell

Petaco

Ask about Anna's struggles. Not a fun book. Romance world be last on the ingredient list. I read to escape, if I wanted to add depression I'd read the news. Nothing like the first two books. I'm too grouchy for this. Moving on.

haley bertsch

too loud. entirely too loud.
will we be ignoring the fact that i heavily related to all the main characters in this series with autism?
yes. yes will. 

beautiful book. amazing perspective. this series is fantastic

Lily Balderston

Everyone told me that they liked this one better than the second but I wish this one had been a little longer. I was waiting for Quans moment for 2 whole books and I wish there’d been a bit more of him.

Sarah Pino

Couldnt putt this book down. I cried and cried and cried i think because i felt so so so much for our MC.

The Heart Principle Kiss quotient #3

Reviews

Highlights