Books Like the Kiss Quotient
There are so many things that I love about The Kiss Quotient. Of all the Helen Hoang books, it is definitely the steamiest, but it is a romance book with so much heart. The rest of the books in The Kiss Quotient follow suit, so I could not resist making a list of books like The Kiss Quotient.
Some books have neurodiverse characters, some are steamy romances, and some are STEMinist romances. Whichever part of The Kiss Quotient was your favorite, we are sure to have your next great read on this list. We hope you love it as much as we do.
The Best Books Like The Kiss Quotient
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
The Best Romance with a Neurodiverse Character
Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert- Jump to Section
The Best STEM Romance
The Boyfriend Project by Farrah Rachon- Jump to Section
Best Steamy Romance Novel
Fix Her Up by Tessa Bailey- Jump to Section
The Best Book Like Pretty Woman
Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan- Jump to Section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Neurodiverse Main Characters Like the Kiss Quotient
Act your Age, Eve Brown
Author: Talia Hibbert
Year: 2021
Genre: Romance
More info: The Brown Sisters #3
Instant New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This is the third book in the Brown Sisters trilogy and I adored this forced proximity romance. Eve Brown is a mess. She switches jobs and careers on a whim and can’t seem to do anything right. When her parents cut her off and tell her to find a job, she finds herself at a bed and breakfast interviewing for a chef position.
After Eve accidentally hits the owner of the B&B with her car, she begins the job helping Jacob, the reluctant owner. This hilarious and steamy romance was a perfect one-sitting read. These two have a lot standing in their way before they can reach their happily ever after.
Why Jackie loves it
While this book is a romance at its finest, it is also so much more. As Eve comes to learn more about herself, the reader gets to take the emotional journey with her.
Find this book in: Enemies-to-Lovers Romance / Books Like the Kiss Quotient / Books With Neurodivergent Characters / Forced Proximity Romance Books / Complete List of Romance Tropes / Office Romances
The Love Hypothesis
Author: Ali Hazelwood
Year: 2021
Genre: Romance
More info: New York Times Bestseller and TikTok Sensation
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Olive Smith is a Ph.D. student who does not believe in her ability to be in love. When her best friend develops a crush on someone she dated briefly, she decides to kiss the first man she sees to prove she is over him.
That one kiss happens to be with THE Adam Carlsen, an academic genius, who is also very standoffish. The two decide to fake-date and what starts as pretend, becomes something more- for Olive.
Trigger Warnings
Strong sexual content
Why Jackie loves it
I loved this fake dating book/office romance novel that is also a perfect example of the grumpy sunshine trope. I love reading about a strong and smart female protagonist rather than a damsel in distress.
Adaptation
A movie is being made of the book for Amazon starring Lili Reinhart (Olive Smith) and Tom Bateman (Adam Carlsen). Filming is currently underway but the release timeline is not yet known.
Find this book in: The Complete List of Romance Tropes / Fake Dating Books / Grumpy Sunshine Books / Books Like the Kiss Quotient / Hot Office Romance Books / Ali Hazelwood Books Ranked / Books Becoming Movies/ Books About Women in STEM / Beach Reads 2022 / Books like the Off Campus Series
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
Author: Graeme Simsion
Year: 2013
Genre: Fiction
More info: International Sensation
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
You know how this book is going to end even before you start reading it. However, that does not make the journey any less enjoyable. I found it to be cute and endearing.
Don Tillman is the autistic narrator. We listen to every unfiltered thought in his quest to find a wife. His scientific approach to this endeavor was simultaneously endearing and unromantic, but right on par with the way Don thinks.
At the beginning of the book, I wasn’t sure if Don actually cared but soon discovered that he cared deeply, he just expresses that in a different way
Why Jackie loves it
This is one of the first books I read with an autistic character and I think it opened up the possibility of writing about neurodivergent people as main characters in the story as opposed to supporting characters.
Why Kirsten loves it
I loved watching Don as he continued along his journey to find love and find a wife.
Find this book in: Books Like The Love Hypothesis / Books Like Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine / Books With Neurodivergent Characters / Best Novels About Teachers
The Bride Test
Author: Helen Hoang
Year: 2019
Genre: Romance
More info: The Kiss Quotient #2
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Khai has autism, and he struggles to feel big feelings like grief and love. He thinks he’s defective, but his family disagrees. So his mother sets him up with Esme – for a potential arranged marriage. As Esme begins to fall for Khai, he’s reluctant to return the sentiment, until her time in the US is threatened.
Why Jackie loves it
I thought that this was such a fun read- perfect for the beach or the start of summer. It reminds me a little of Crazy, Rich Asians in that a girl falls for a guy and has no idea that he is crazy rich. It is a sweet love story that was the perfect palate cleanser for some of the heavier, longer books that I read this month. It was very different from her first book, but equally enjoyable!
Find this book in: Books about Weddings / Books Like the Kiss Quotient
Hello Stranger
Author: Katherine Center
Year: 2023
Genre: Romance
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Sadie is a finalist in a national portrait competition when she suddenly finds herself suffering from facial blindness. She cannot recognize anybody, and it is an issue for someone who makes a living off of painting people’s faces. And as if she doesn’t have enough on her plate, add in some family drama and Sadie having not one, but two love interests!
Trigger Warnings
Death of parent, Bullying
Why Jackie loves it
This book is a literary comedy of errors and mistaken identity. As rom-com novels go, it is delightful.
Find this book in: Best Rom-Com Books / Books Like the Kiss Quotient
STEM Romances Like The Kiss Quotient
What is a stem romance? It is a romance where the main characters are in science, Technology, or Math.
The Boyfriend Project
Author: Farrah Rochon
Year: 2020
Genre: Romance
More info: The Boyfriend Project #1
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Samiah Brooks becomes an unwilling internet sensation when she discovers her boyfriend is dating two other women. Instead of drama or fighting, Samiah, Taylor, and London form an instant tight bond of strong, smart, independent women and I absolutely loved their relationship with each other. The three women make a pact to spend the next six months bettering themselves and perusing their dreams and supporting each other.
Samiah has been thinking about developing a new app for years. Cue: a gorgeous, smart, and thoughtful new co-worker whose chemistry with Samiah is undeniable.
Trigger Warnings
Racism
Why Jackie loves it
I loved so many things about this book especially the candid discussions about the struggles of a black woman in the workplace and the strong, supportive women in the book.
Find this book in: Books Like the Kiss Quotient / Office Romance Books
When Dimple Met Richi
Author: Sandhya Menon
Year: 2017
Genre: YA Romance
More info: A Time Best YA Book of All Time (2021)
New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 12+
Plot
This is a cute YA romance about a traditional Indian boy and a not-so-traditional Indian girl. The characters meet at a computer programming seminar where Richi is supposed to woo his unsuspecting future bride, Dimple.
What is the worst that can happen right? Dimple and Richi clash and connect throughout the story as they try to determine if they really are destined for each other. Their turbulent relationship is perfect for enemies-to-lovers books.
Why Jackie loves it
This book is sweet, fun, and romantic. It is easy to love the characters and cheer them on This YA book is perfect for books like The Kiss Quotient. Dimple and Stella are both women in STEM who know what they want.
Find this book in: Best YA Romance Books / Books by Female BIPOC Authors / Books Like the Kiss Quotient /
Plot
Is there a formula that can prove love exists? Madeleine Henry does such a great job of mixing love with a drop of science to create this love story that spans decades. Sophie Jones is a physics prodigy exploring time.
During her first week at Yale, she meets Jake Kristopher, and the two immediately begin a romantic relationship. But when the romance starts pulling Sophie from school, their relationship is tested. Sophie throws herself into her work to prove what she has always known.
Trigger Warnings
Addiction, Domestic Abuse
Why Jackie loves it
I won’t spoil this adorable read, but it’s perfect for a list of books similar to The Love Hypothesis. I wish the book was a little bit longer because I want to know more.
Steamy Romance Books Like the Kiss Quotient
Fix Her Up
Author: Tessa Bailey
Year: 2019
Genre: Romance
More info: Hot & Hammered #1
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
When Travis Ford, an injured and retired baseball superstar, returns back home, he is in a state of depression.
Georgette Castle, his best friend’s little sister, knows just how to smack some sense into him. While Georgette is able to get Travis to stop wallowing in self-pity, he decides to help her family take her more seriously. Having a job as a clown can make that difficult.
Why Jackie loves it
So, I didn’t know exactly what I was getting myself into when I started reading this romance. It was definitely a lot steamier than I had anticipated. Opposites attract in this great grumpy sunshine romance that has many a 17+ scene but, it’s a fun summer read.
Find this book in: Grumpy Sunshine Trope Books / Renovation Romances
Fifty Shades of Grey
Author: E. L. James
Year: 2012
Genre: Romance
More info: Fifty Shades of Grey #1 of 6
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Originally written as Twilight fan fiction, Fifty Shades of Grey tells the story of Anastasia Steele, an innocent young woman who quite literally falls at the feet of young billionaire Christian Grey.
Their up-and-down relationship had the world atwitter. He wanted a submissive, but Ana challenged him at every turn. And their red room of pain is the stuff of legend. This is the series that ignited the popularity of billionaire romance books.
Trigger Warnings
Graphic Sexual Content
Why Kirsten loves it
This is the book that made explicit content more mainstream rather than a dark secret. I love when a book can do that for the reading community.
Why Jackie loves it
I loved the billionaire romance even if I thought Christian was a little much sometimes. By the end of the three-book series, I was invested in the characters and the story.
Find this book in: Books with Colors in the Title / Books with Stalkers / Fifty Shades of Grey Books in Order / Billionaire Romance Books / Books With Numbers in the Title
Pretty Woman Books Like The Kiss Quotient
Dolly All the Time
Author: Annabel Monaghan
Release Date: May 26, 2026
Genre: Romance
More info: June 2026 GMA Book Club Pick
New York Times Bestselling Author
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Dolly is a single mom who moves back to Whitfield, Rhode Island, for the summer to help her dad and her brother, who had a TBI when he was much younger. When she comes across Stuart Whitfield, with a flat tire and a dead phone battery, she decides to help him.
He needs someone to help him overcome his recent humiliating public breakup, and proposes that they fake date. Soon, Dolly and Stuart learn to lean on each other for friendship and support. Can Dolly finally depend on someone else?
Why Jackie loves it
This is my favorite book Monaghan has written. I loved the relationship between Dolly and Stuart. They learn to understand what the other needs in the relationship. This is not a knight in shining armor situation- even if there are parts that give “Pretty Woman” vibes. #gifted
Find this book in: Annabel Monaghan Books / Best Beach Reads 2026 / Best Romance Books of 2026
The Paradise Problem
Author: Christina Lauren
Year: 2024
Genre: Romance
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
It’s a fake dating romance from the queens of romance themselves, Christina Lauren! Anna thought that she had divorced West after they graduated from UCLA. Now, three years later, West needs to contact his not-so-ex-wife and convince her to pretend they are still happily married. Why? To receive a huge inheritance of course!
Anna, desperate for the money to pay for her dad’s medical bills, agrees to jet off to a tropical paradise to spend a week with West’s toxic family at his sister’s week-long wedding celebration. The over-the-top shenanigans reminded me of Crazy Rich Asians in the best way!
Trigger Warnings
Emotional Abuse
Why Kirsten loves it
I was cheering Anna on as she took on West’s snooty family with her pink hair and bohemian spirit. The chemistry between them was crackling, but it was how they looked after each other that made my heart swoon.
Find this book in: Wedding Novels / Beach Reads 2024 / Romance Seaside Books / Billionaire Romance Books / Family Inheritance Novels
Always Be My Duchess
Author: Amalie Howard
Year: 2022
Genre: Historical Romance
More info: Taming the Dukes #1
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
I have a thing for historical romance books like Bridgerton, so I knew I had to read the first in the Taming the Dukes series that Amalie Howard wrote. Lord Blackstone needs a faux-fiance to secure a land deal, and he stumbles upon the perfect partner in out-of-work ballerina, Geneviève.
Why Kirsten loves it
We all know what happens in faux-dating romances, and yet, it’s still satisfying when the couple falls in love EVERY TIME.
Find this book in: Beach Reads 2023 / Historical Romance Novels / Books Like Bridgerton
Expert Tip
If you want to pick a book that you will love as much as you loved The Kiss Quotient, here are some tips:
- Look at the subgenres of books. What did you love about The Kiss Quotient? If it were the STEM component, pick a book from that section.
- Jackie and I read every book on this list. Check out the description and the reasons why we loved the books. This should give you a great idea of which book to choose next.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the tropes in The Kiss Quotient?
The Kiss Quotient is the first book in the Kiss Quotient series. It is about a woman who wants to learn about relationships, so she hires an escort to help her. In the process, they fall in love. This book is a slow-burning romance. Stella is a neurodivergent woman who works in STEM. It is also a reverse pretty woman trope!
Related Content
Epilogue
What is your favorite in this list of Books Like the Kiss Quotient?
