Falling in love on the other side of the world.

Synopsis

Grab your passport and escape to a land of dazzling skycrapers, steaming bowls of comforting noodles, and a page-turning love story that will make you swoon!

For travel blogger Fiona, Japan has always been top of her bucket list so when she wins an all-expenses paid trip, it looks like her dreams are coming true.

Until she arrives in vibrant, bustling Tokyo and comes face-to-face with the man who broke her heart ten years ago, gorgeous photographer Gabe.

Fiona can’t help but remember the heartache of their last meeting but amidst the temples and clouds of soft pink cherry blossoms, can Fiona and Gabe start to see life – and each other – differently?

My review

Fiona is a travel blogger, who wins a paid trip to Japan. Part of the win is the opportunity to spend time with a famous photographer.
When she arrives in Japan, she is surprised that the photographer has been changed, and she must spend time with Gabe.

Gabe is not a total stranger, as ten years ago he broke her heart. But now he is totally different than so many years ago. He has lost his passion for photography next to the fact his heart got broken and isn’t able to resist the woman who left him whenever it pleases her.

Almost forced to spend time together, they explore Tokyo and Gabe learns to see the place through new eyes and starts to feel like him old self again.
As their perspectives changes, will also their opinion concerning each other change?

I did not expect to fall in love with this story!
It seemed a story like so many, but suddenly I found myself submerged into it.

To be honest, it’s not that Tokyo is a place that really intrigues me. Yes, I know it’s a metropolis. But imaging myself walking in that busy city, it’s not my thing, even if there are things there that have my interest.

So walking there, together with Fiona and Gabe, feeling the same excitement as Fiona, it made me feel like I was with them.
So yes, now I’m a bit more into Tokyo than before 😃

Fiona and Gabe start immediately on the wrong foot. Gabe is nearly forced to show Fiona around and it’s very clear he does not want to do it at all.
And Fiona is still not over what happened ten years ago.
So a LOT of frustrations!!!

Slowly the frustrations are replaced by enthusiasm. After being put on his place by the host family Fiona is staying, Gabe opens his eyes to the world he is staying in, and slowly starts to feel happy again.
Fiona and Gabe together have this energy which was very sweet to read about. And when the past is put behind them, we get to know them for their true selves, not being ‘haunted’ by ex-girlfriends or mother with hypochondria.

And without putting any spoiler here, the thing Gabe does nearly the end… OH MY GOD!!!!! It made me swoon!!!!

A special mention also about the host family…
Ooh I had so much fun reading about the host family! Their attitude towards Fiona was kind, open, and caring, while Gabe was often being chastised by his behaviour.
I loved reading about this family who just opened their home and hearts to a total stranger. They are modern, but also very respectful concerning their ancient traditions.

A book that took me by surprise, showing me a side of Tokyo I didn’t know, with lovely, kind, amazing people. A story of putting the past behind you and daring to take a chance and stepping outside your comfort zone.
I loved every bit of it!