What Happens In Amsterdam by Rachel Lynn Solomon | Book Review

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Dani Dorfman needs an escape, so when she is offered a job in Amsterdam after getting dumped and fired, she's determined to make it work.

Unfortunately, her first week is disaster - especially when she crashes her bike into Wouter van Leeuwen, her family's Dutch exchange student from ten years ago. Her first love, until he ghosted her . . .

Wouter is also at a crossroads - to inherit his canal family home, he needs to get married. And when Dani's job falls apart, she needs a visa.

Dani is certain Amsterdam is temporary. But could its quirks and a second chance romance become her reasons to stay?

What Happens In Amsterdam by Rachel Lynn Solomon is a contemporary romance set in Amsterdam that takes on a second chance romance and fake marriage trope. This was my first time reading one of Solomon’s adult romances – as I’ve previously read and enjoyed her YA books. I found this story to be enjoyable and I just loved the setting. This was a lovely book to wind down with at night – with interesting themes and dynamics. 

Dani Dorfman has just had a devastating break up. Unfortunately, her ex was one of her coworkers so now she has to leave her job. Dani throws caution to the wind and lands a job in Amsterdam. She’s never done anything like this before – having always been someone who is so cautious. Her parents had always been quite the hovering types – as she was a preemie, so they’re protective and have not relinquished that protectiveness as she is an adult now. Unfortunately, Dani’s dreams of Amsterdam do not quite match the reality. Her apartment is weird and leaky. The job she has is full of red flags. She’s determined to make it work though.

By chance she crashes her bike into a blast from her past – the foreign exchange student that her family hosted back in high school – Wouter van Leeuwen. Wouter ghosted Dani when he went back to Amsterdam and so, Dani is taken aback to see him again. What are the odds? The two are about to interact a whole lot more though. You see, Dani’s job crashes and burns. Wouter has an issue where in order to keep his home, he needs to get married. And so, for Dani to stay, she marries Wouter in a green card marriage situation. As time goes by, the two grow a trust again and start to fall for each other. I should also mention that Dani has a port wine stain which plays a role in the story as well.

What Happens In Amsterdam is interesting in that there’s this stranger in a strange land element – Dani is a fish out of water. I liked that much of this book was her finding herself and figuring out what she wants to do with her life. Her personal journey is compelling. I also liked the friendship she forges with her former neighbor. How Dani and Wouter slot into each other’s lives is quite interesting too. They do have great chemistry and really seem to work as a couple. This story held my attention more so for the characterization and the setting than the romance. I am glad I read this book and look forward to reading more of Solomon’s backlist.

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April (Books&Wine)

April is in her 30s and created Good Books And Good Wine. She works for a non-profit. April always has a book on hand. In her free time she can be found binge watching The Office with her husband and toddler, spending way too much time on Pinterest or exploring her neighborhood.

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