What Happens in Amsterdam
by Rachel Lynn Solomon
Falling in love with your husband is anything but convenient in this steamy romance from the New York Times bestselling author of Business or Pleasure.
Dani Dorfman has somehow made it to her thirties without knowing what she wants to do with her life. So when an office romance ends poorly and gets her fired, she applies for a job in Amsterdam, idly dreaming of escaping the mess she’s created, but never imagining she’ll actually get it.
Except she does. By the end of her first week in Amsterdam, she’s never felt more adrift or alone. Then she crashes her bike into her high school ex-boyfriend—and suddenly life is blooming with new opportunities.
Wouter van Leeuwen was a Dutch exchange student Dani’s family hosted, a forbidden love that ended in a painful breakup. Years later, there’s still sizzling chemistry between them, and okay, maybe a little animosity. More importantly, Wouter needs to be married to inherit a gorgeous family home on a canal—and when Dani’s job falls apart, she needs a visa. As the marriage of convenience pushes them together in unexpected ways, Dani must decide whether her new life is yet another mistake—or if it’s worth taking a risk on a second chance.
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Martial Peak Reviews
Rachel Lynn Solomon’s What Happens in Amsterdam is a delightful exploration of love, self-discovery, and second chances. Known for her ability to weave romance with emotional depth, Solomon once again delivers a narrative that is both heartwarming and thought-provoking. This novel, set against the picturesque backdrop of Amsterdam, offers readers a journey through the complexities of relationships and personal growth.
The story centers around Dani Dorfman, a woman in her thirties who finds herself at a crossroads. Having been fired from her job due to a failed office romance, Dani is unsure of her next steps. The opportunity to work in Amsterdam appears as a chance to escape her current predicament, but it quickly becomes clear that her new life is not as idyllic as she imagined. Solomon skillfully portrays Dani’s feelings of isolation and uncertainty, making her a relatable protagonist for anyone who has ever felt lost or unsure of their path.
Enter Wouter van Leeuwen, Dani’s high school ex-boyfriend and a Dutch exchange student her family once hosted. Their unexpected reunion in Amsterdam is both serendipitous and fraught with unresolved emotions. Solomon excels in capturing the chemistry between Dani and Wouter, a blend of lingering affection and underlying tension. Their relationship is further complicated by Wouter’s need to marry in order to inherit a family home, and Dani’s need for a visa. This marriage of convenience sets the stage for a compelling exploration of whether love can be rekindled under such circumstances.
Character development is one of the novel’s strongest elements. Dani’s journey is one of self-discovery and empowerment. As she navigates her new life in Amsterdam, she is forced to confront her past decisions and consider what she truly wants for her future. Solomon portrays Dani’s growth with nuance, allowing her to evolve from a woman defined by her mistakes to one who takes control of her destiny. Wouter, too, is a well-rounded character, grappling with his own familial obligations and personal desires. Their interactions are filled with witty banter and genuine emotion, making their relationship both believable and engaging.
The themes of What Happens in Amsterdam are universal and resonate deeply. The novel explores the idea of second chances—not just in love, but in life. It poses the question of whether it’s ever too late to start over and pursue happiness. Solomon also delves into the complexities of identity and belonging, as Dani navigates her new environment and reflects on her past. The setting of Amsterdam, with its canals and vibrant culture, serves as a beautiful metaphor for Dani’s journey—a city known for its openness and acceptance, mirroring her own path to self-acceptance.
Solomon’s writing is both evocative and accessible, drawing readers into the world she has created. Her descriptions of Amsterdam are vivid, capturing the city’s charm and allure. The pacing of the novel is well-balanced, with moments of introspection interspersed with romantic tension and humor. The dialogue is sharp and realistic, adding depth to the characters and their relationships.
In comparison to other romance novels, What Happens in Amsterdam stands out for its emotional depth and character-driven narrative. Fans of Emily Henry’s People We Meet on Vacation or Christina Lauren’s The Unhoneymooners will find much to enjoy in Solomon’s latest work. Like these authors, Solomon has a knack for blending romance with themes of personal growth and self-discovery, creating stories that are both entertaining and meaningful.
Overall, What Happens in Amsterdam is a captivating read that will appeal to fans of contemporary romance and women’s fiction. Rachel Lynn Solomon has crafted a story that is both a love letter to Amsterdam and a testament to the power of second chances. With its relatable characters, engaging plot, and heartfelt themes, this novel is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers.
For those interested in exploring this charming and insightful romance, check it out on Amazon or GoodReads.
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