Love in Translation: A Spicy Opposites Attract Forced Proximity Romance
Joss Wood
This could be their greatest adventure yet… A stressed-out translator on the brink of a meltdown and a thrill seeker with a serious case of wanderlust find love outside their comfort zones. Up until a few months ago, Rheo Whitlock had it all. Stability, self-confidence and a safe job as an interpreter for the United Nations… It was the predictable sort of existence she, as a dedicated homebody, had always dreamed of—the security she’d needed thanks to her nomadic #vanlife upbringing. But ever since an unfortunate “hot mic” moment threw her career into a tailspin, she’s been struggling—really struggling—with fear, anxiety and uncertainty. A calculated escape is in order, and Rheo knows just the place: her grandmother’s secluded hideaway in the breathtaking town of Gilmartin. Except she won’t be alone, thanks to a random twist of fate… Fletcher Wright lives for adrenaline, always chasing the next high. So when he learns he’ll have to share his rental accommodations with Rheo—a stranger, basically—he simply chalks it up to another challenge. It doesn’t hurt that there’s an immediate attraction between them, which neither can explain. Before long, they’re not just sharing a house and new experiences—they’re sharing a bed. But when it’s time for Fletcher to move on to the next adventure, he and Rheo will both have to decide—are they ready to take the biggest risk of all? From showing up to glowing up, the characters in Afterglow Books are on the path to leading their best lives and finding sizzling romance along the way. Don’t miss any of these other fun titles… The Bookbinder’s Guide to Love by Katherine Garbera Swap and Smell the Roses by Karen Booth Never Date a Roommate by Paula Ottoni Meet Me in a Mile by Elizabeth Hrib
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Love in Translation by Joss Wood might be one of the most opposites-attract romance that I have laid my eyeballs on in a very long time. Like…constantly wondering, “How on earth could these two have an HEA, they’re so dang opposite?” But phew, does it work. This was a quick & enjoyable romance read, featuring Rheo - a burned-out UN Translator who escapes to her grandmother’s empty cabin in the Pacific Northwest, seeking plenty of alone time to process & heal - & Fletcher - a Scot who makes a living adventuring around the world, who is renting out this cabin (unbeknownst to Rheo), while his doctor demands that he take time to let his body rest & recover before attempting anymore dangerous adventures. They’ve never met, they’re not expecting the other to also be staying in the cabin, & they couldn’t be more different.
What follows is a surprising instant-attraction for both Rheo & Fletch that leads to some quick heat & a ‘strangers to friends with benefits’ situation. For them, it’s a great distraction from all of the issues that they’re each dealing with & they become a safe place to land for each other, a safe space to just talk & figure things out. Haha uh oh, they catch feelings while they’re not looking. But seriously, how could this even work when Rheo usually lives a quiet, simple life in NYC & Fletch usually lives a life off the grid for months, in increasingly dangerous situations - & they’re both incredibly happy with their lives as-is…if not just a little lonely.
While this book is short, it has decent layers of depth through struggles with: family, careers, chronic illness, self-confidence, loneliness, feelings, & mental health. For tropes, it serves up forced proximity, opposites attract (obvi), & a happily ever after. How? You’ll just have to read to find out!
Thank you to Harlequin (Afterglow) & NetGalley for providing a digital advanced copy of this book for review. All thoughts & opinions expressed are my own.
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