The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

Synopsis

Stella, an autistic data analyst, hires an escort to help her get comfortable with physical intimacy, so she hires an escort to teach her.

Why We Loved It

As far ast The FAKING IT Framework goes, this one has one of the strongest Agreements we’ve seen: Stella hires Michael to help her understand physical intimacy, and Michael needs the money to pay his mother’s medical debt. Both sides have skin the game.

Also, the book treats Stella’s autism with specificity rather than using it as a plot device, letting her navigate intimacy on her own terms rather than being “fixed” by the romance.

Where We've Discussed This

• Podcast episode: The Fake Dating Trope: Where Absurd Meets Heartfelt
• On the list: Fake Dating Romance Books