WHAT HAPPENS IN AMSTERDAM is sure to appeal to travelers, late bloomers, and new adults of any demographic. I thoroughly enjoyed the exes-to-lover relationship as well as the marriage of convenience. Wouter is very dreamy and such a fun character to interact with. I really enjoyed Dani's struggles with finding what she wants to do and distinguishing between hobbies and what she loves to do.

Wow did I feel like I was back in Amsterdam when reading this!

Dani leaves her hometown in California for an opportunity to live and work in Amsterdam. When there she runs into her first love. The boy who stayed with her family during an exchange program back in high school and broke her heart. However, when a situation arises, they agree to fake marry so she can stay in the city and he can inherit his grandma's apartment. But with all the time they are spending together, buried feelings begin to resurface.

I always love a second chance romance and make this set in my favorite city, and I just couldn't resist! Full of history and exploring and a great couple who is clearly meant to be together, this one to pick up this summer!

Thank you Berkley for the early copy!

So hear me out, I buy a place ticket to Amsterdam and eat my weight in stroopwafels...honestly not a bad idea to me! I absolutely love the way Rachel writes and found myself so lost in her words that I didn't realize how much I had been reading in one sitting. The characters all have their unique qualities that you don't always see in other romance books and I love it so much.

I don't usually gravitate towards second chance romances, but this had a marriage of convenience as well and I think that really helped the story flow so naturally. The history and chemistry between Dani and Wouter was literally everything to me and I loved seeing them grow not only in their "marriage" but also in rekindling their friendship. They both want the best for each other and each showed their love and care in so many little ways that felt much bigger. Like the sticky notes around the apartment to help her learn the language?? My heart swelled!! The found family trope will always be close and dear to my heart and the friendships created throughout the story made my chest all warm and fuzzy.

"You fucking ruin me. You ruined me when we were seventeen, and then somehow I got lucky enough to get ruined by you again."

If Rachel writes it, I will read it!! Thank you Berkley and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review!

I've been a long time fan of Rachel Lynn Solomon's and I have always loved the way she writes approachable Jewish representation, however, I didn't quite connect with Wouter and Dani as much as I had with some of her previous characters. As always, I appreciate Solomon's mental health representation that is also always included, but this read was overall a bit flat for me.

3.5 stars

There is a reason Rachel Lynn Solomon is an auto buy author for me. Her books are just that good. I loved that this one took place away from Seattle and into a whole new country! I know RLS lives in Amsterdam now and you can just see how much she loves it. The romance in this book was so good and I loved the tropes. I liked how it was a little serious with mental health issues.

Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for this eARC!

This was maybe my favorite of Rachel Lynn Solomon's adult romances. Fans of Gale Forman's <Just One Day</i> and <i>Just One Year</i> might get into this one. It is a slightly more lighthearted (and adult) exploration of some similar themes and an escape to Europe. Amsterdam shines here (I've never been, but would love to go), and both the MCs are sweet. Full of tropes, mostly handled deftly, but there was one point where I was like is the plot going to cave in here (it didn't). Also, at the beginning, I felt there was a little hand waviness about how long Dani had been in Amsterdam, maybe that'll be fixed before final pub. Quibbles aside, I had a good time! Rachel Lynn Solomon is a great addition to a must read contemporary romance list!

Kicking my feet, screaming, needing breaks because this book was perfection!! Wouter saying my wife! 😍🥰🥹🫶😇 Everything about this book gave me wanderlust. I want to book a flight, ride a bike, and have a picnic.

This book was everything and more! So romantic and spicy!

I loved this book so, so much. It was exactly what I needed in a dreary December. Fake marriage and second chance romance? Yes, please.

This book is a delightful blend of fiery chemistry, emotional growth, and swoony romance. Set against the picturesque canals of Amsterdam, their story brims with unresolved tension, heartfelt moments, and the irresistible pull of rekindled love. With humor, heat, and plenty of swoon-worthy scenes, this is a perfect read for anyone who believes love can bloom again, even in the most unexpected circumstances.

Well obviously, in the ten minutes since I finished devouring this, I’ve been searching flights to Amsterdam!

A delightful mix of second-chance romance with a sexy fake marriage, including so many lovely descriptions of Amsterdam… 🤩

I LOVED THIS! Perfect amount of zest, witty banter and thought-provoking discussion. I'm new(ER) to the RLS band wagon, and she is one of those authors that seems to only get better with time.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for providing this book, with my honest review below.

What Happens in Amsterdam starts out relatively cozy and relatable (or maybe a touch realistically aspirational as Dani could be any of us in personality if not circumstance) but quickly turns up the heat!
Dani is living my nightmare and dream, having a really rough time at a job gone wrong in an apartment gone terrible but in the beautiful Amsterdam where she gets to both run away from a crap relationship and clingy family and enjoy that unique city. She ends up quite literally running into her first ex who absolutely crushed her as a cherry on top of her bad time, but that actually ends up being a silver lining and helping her through some of her more pressing problems (including potential eviction from the Netherlands). One green card marriage and several steamy scenes later… well this book definitely held my attention! In fact the spice was pretty hot given Dani is an otherwise mild character, as is her ex, Wouter. I will also add that Dani is a little unique for a rom com FMC in that Rachel Lynn Solomon has written her as having a port wine stain and pretty bad asthma, the former of which Dani discusses in a realistic way that endeared. Not big deals but unique touches that give her more of that woman like us touch.

If you’re in the mood for a sweet and spicy rom com story, this one won’t lead you amiss!

Oh this was so fun! My new favorite by Rachel. It’s so heartwarming, steamy and romantic. If you love Amsterdam or if you don’t know anything about it you’ll love this. I want to book a trip there right now. So many beloved tropes that were executed perfectly!

This book delivers a delightful blend of humor, heart, and undeniable chemistry. The tension between Dani and Wouter, fueled by years of unresolved feelings, adds an emotional depth that makes their second chance even more engaging. The romance feels organic, deeper and more meaningful. Their witty banter and explosive chemistry keep the pages turning, and while Dani’s personal growth is at the heart of the story, it’s the rich emotional dynamics that elevate this romance. It’s messy, passionate, and full of the kind of risk that makes second chances so worth it. A perfect pick for anyone craving a funny, steamy love story with real heart.