Fluent

by Ashlee Mack

Fluent is a steamy, slow-burn literary romance set in modern-day Shanghai. When American teacher Thomas Wright begins his first semester at a Chinese university, he expects language barriers and lesson plans, not the emotional minefield that unfolds when he catches the attention of two very different students.

Lin Chen is brilliant, disciplined, and impossibly elegant. Meili Zhang is bold, impulsive, and impossible to ignore. As both women orbit closer to Thomas and each other he finds himself drawn into a web of competition, seduction, and cultural missteps.

Blending sharp dialogue, simmering tension, and the electric atmosphere of life abroad, Fluent explores the complexities of power, attraction, and the blurry lines between teacher and student, East and West, professionalism and passion.

Perfect for fans of Normal People, Call Me By Your Name, and My Year Abroad.

411 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 14, 2025

About the author

I’m an indie author who writes because I love it. I work on my own and learn as I go, and each book is something I put a lot of heart into. Well, maybe not my first book!

Most of my ideas come from traveling, being outside, cultural misunderstandings, or just paying attention to everyday life. When I am not writing, I am usually on a trail somewhere, enjoying a good cup of coffee, or with my dog.

I appreciate everyone who takes the time to read my work. Your support helps me keep going, and I’m truly thankful for it.

Reviews

[Guy in China]

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I picked this up, but I ended up really enjoying it. The story follows an English teacher who goes to China and finds himself drawn into an unexpected relationship with two women. What I liked is that it wasn’t just about the erotic side (though it definitely delivers there!) there’s also a sense of intimacy, discovery, and the thrill of being somewhere completely new.

The writing is smooth and pulls you in quickly, and the chemistry between the characters feels genuine. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to keep turning the pages late into the night. If you like erotic stories that mix passion with an actual storyline, this one’s worth reading.

[Christine Bautista · Rating 4 out of 5]

I probably should have read this before Crossed Lines and Forbidden Reunion, because those books set my expectations quite high. Overall, Fluent was fine, though it wasn’t as exciting or as thought-provoking as the other two. Still, it was an enjoyable read, especially considering that the story ended without the characters getting caught, which fit the tone of the book well.

While Fluent may not be as intense or boundary-pushing as Ashlee Mack’s other works, it stands well on its own as a lighter and more restrained story. I would still recommend this book to readers who want something milder and less emotionally heavy than Crossed Lines and Forbidden Reunion, while still enjoying the author’s writing style and character dynamics.

[Ashlee Mack · Rating 5 out of 5]

A college professor finds himself dangerously entangled with two female students in this explicit, taboo dark romance. As forbidden desires blur professional boundaries, a sexy ménage à trois emerges and it is intense, sexually charged, and emotionally complex. The story delves deep into obsession, power dynamics, and the messy consequences of crossing irreversible lines, all while testing loyalties and morality. I highly recommend this book to everyone who is a fan of risk, dark romance and well............. very good stuff!!

[James Adair Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is erotica at its best. The build-up to scenes of romantic intimacy is careful, thoughtful, and prolonged just enough to create a rising fire of intensity, curiosity, and desire. The author masterfully creates an underlying tension that makes the story much more than a series of gratuitous indulgences. The characters interact and merge in surprising, unexpected ways that culminate in a raging blaze that appears to be inextinguishable. This book is well-written and is truly a literary work of art.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Fluent felt like having a heart-to-heart conversation with a friend who's not afraid to tell it like it is. Ashlee’s writing is sincere, relatable, and full of passion. I appreciated how she shared her story without filters—it made me reflect on my own voice and confidence. This book is perfect for young women looking for strength and honesty in storytelling. I gave it five stars because it inspired me deeply and reminded me how powerful our words can be when we use them with purpose.

[Jagdish Arora · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is an evocative tale of love, temptation, and cultural collision. Set in Shanghai, it draws readers into a charged triangle where passion and restraint constantly battle. A beautifully written, intoxicating story of desire and consequence.

[C.M. Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a solid 4 star read for me. I enjoyed the slow burn, the complicated pull between the characters, and the rich Shanghai setting. If you like romance with heat and a little emotional depth, this one is worth picking up.

[Vu Do · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fluent is beautifully written, with vivid descriptions that bring each scene to life. The slow, detail-rich beginning can feel sluggish, but as the book gains momentum, the tension builds, and it becomes truly engaging.