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Awkward Abroad

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Socialite, Amber Holland has it all. Boasting a penthouse apartment, platinum credit card, and designer clothing, all paid for by her property tycoon father, Amber sees no reason things should change. Her father, on the other hand, is starting to see the error of his ways. His daughter is in serious danger of becoming a spoilt brat.

When her constant partying, copious spending, and insatiable appetite for members of the opposite sex becomes too much for the old man to bear, Amber finds herself marooned in Beijing with no credit line and strict instruction that she make her own way for the next year.

Armed with only her wits, Amber soon finds a solution to her problems. It’s risky, but the reward is worth it. Unfortunately, her father has just sent her former best friend and current mortal enemy, the incorrigible Kent James, to keep a watchful eye on her.

Will Amber survive the year in China? Or will Kent drag her back to the States, to face the consequences of her own actions?

140 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 13, 2019

7 people are currently reading
40 people want to read

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Rachel Rhodes

15 books20 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Sophie Koufes.
2,011 reviews27 followers
August 31, 2019
Audiobook Review:
Awkward Abroad (Awkward Series Book 2) caught my eye with its swanky cover. The writing style is sensuous, with a sassy appeal.A concoction of angst, drama, comical flair,subtle twists and sweet romance entwined together to create a lighthearted listen. A epilogue that come to the end of Amber's adventure. A fun traveling listen or walking along the beach with earbuds

Narator Katlynn Millions has a peppy intonation, her sweet tone creates a smooth listen. Her talent is luminous and amplified in her performance. Would listen to other books narated by her.
Profile Image for Lloyd Mackenzie.
212 reviews72 followers
December 20, 2019
This is my absolute favourite book in the Awkward series so far! The humour is so in line with my own and the protagonist’s antics are absolutely HILARIBALLS! Such good writing and I adored the characters and progression! PS: the narrator’s voice is on point! 🤩
Profile Image for K.  Ramjohn.
2,584 reviews
October 2, 2019
Award Abroad, the second book in the Awkward series was a sweet, charming story that had me hooked from beginning to end. I absolutely loved it and enjoyed going on this journey with Amber. Its a story about growth and self realization and you will love the main character and be rooting for her throughout the story. It was a quick read but the story well written and I was fully engrossed. I would highly recommend this novel to everyone looking for a fun read.
The audible version was narrated by Katlynn Millions. She did a fantastic job with the narration, giving the various characters differing voices. Her pace and timing was excellent and I enjoyed listening to her narrate this story.
Profile Image for Charlie.
524 reviews15 followers
May 26, 2020
These books are so delicious. Like candy, you know know what you're getting and you know how it'll end but you love it anyway.

Best book when you're in a slump.
Profile Image for Mya.
1,058 reviews16 followers
April 29, 2022
Really enjoyed this fun bit of predictable fluff. This is proper Romcom. I liked the cosmopolitan cast too.
Profile Image for Jessica Capps.
155 reviews
April 19, 2020
Audiobook review
I really enjoyed Awkward Abroad. It’s a quick book - second in the series but is complete ok to read stand alone.

Amber is a rich girl who parties with friends all night and blacks out, making a fool of herself frequently. Her dad is tired of it, and sends Kent - a long time friend from childhood who now works for her dad, sort of isolating him from their friendship - to give her some bad news. Amber, threatened with disinheritance must either move to Asia and clean up her act on a very limited budget, or start living without any help, a terrifying thought for the spoiled heiress.

While abroad, Kent is forced to keep tabs and track of Amber while she risks her fortune, but also starts to see the world as a real person does. She also had her eyes opened to what a real friend looks like, versus a money tag-a-long.

The narration by Katlynn Millions is great and easy to listen to.

I look forward to listening to more of this series.
109 reviews2 followers
March 23, 2021
I enjoyed listening to the audio version of this story. It tells of the adventures of a girl called Amber. It tells of her highs and lows and some funny moments thrown in. The main character was relatable and you really wanted things to work out for her. The narrator was good and brought the story to life. This is the second book in the series that I have read so far and I look forward to listening to the others.
Profile Image for Gigi.
2,212 reviews37 followers
August 10, 2020
Absolutely enjoyed listening to this audiobook. It’s really good from start to finish. I was hooked until the end. Beautiful story. Wish there was more of Kent and Amber. Overall a must listen!!!
Profile Image for Desiré Oosthuizen.
282 reviews3 followers
November 25, 2020
🎧Audiobook Review🎧

Loved this book, the story was written well and the character development brilliant! I went from hating the FMC to loving her in the end.

The narration was great!
Profile Image for Bette.
3,410 reviews23 followers
August 26, 2019
Fabulous Story & Audible Listen🎧 Sweet & Delightful!

Awkward Abroad
Awkward Series, Book 2
By: Rachel Rhodes
Narrated by: Katlynn Millions

This book is a sweet delight and I enjoyed everything about it, from Rachel Rhodes writing style to the characters and storylines she created. Amber Holland has lived a life of luxury, doing nothing but partying and men, her father funded all of this and has finally had enough. He cuts off her funds an give her an ultimatum, she needs to go makes something of herself. He sends her off to China to live on her own and find her own career. Lost at first, but she soon finds her footing, also realizes how shallow her life and party pals were. Kent James, who works for her Dad and a former close friend of hers is in charge of watching over her. Amber crushed on him but he never returned those feeling and pushed her away by chasing after other women. She only saw him during family events. There is a lot of angst between Amber and Kent, you can tell there is underlying chemistry between them, bottled up ready to explode. But will it ever happen and what will become of it. I loved what Amber did for herself, finding herself a job, making new friends and even landing herself a second job. I love how well potted this story is, there is never a dull moment and there is plenty of drama, angst, laughs, some twists and a sweet romance at the end. Rachel Rhodes, thank you for another great story.

I listened to the Audible edition, Katlynn Millions is a wonderful narrator and voice performer. She brings these characters to life, gives each their own voice and personality. She does an amazing job projecting the emotions of the characters and the drama of the story into her performance. She is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for another great listen🎧
Profile Image for Patty.
5,252 reviews55 followers
September 7, 2019
The Awkward series is so good, so easy to relate to, that it's like reading about people we know. This one gives us Amber, the rich, spoiled socialite who finally breaks her father's trust for the last time. He gives her the ultimatum to go to China, cut off from all she knows and has to make her own way otherwise she will be cut off for good. Unwilling to give up the lifestyle she has grown accustomed, Amber goes, figuring she can stick it out for a year and come back to resume her life. But what she finds is something totally different. Kent, her best friend is along for the ride, not always with her, but there for her. It's a wonderful story of growth, realizing potential and just all around good feelings. I loved Amber as she grew, both as a person and a teacher. Seeing priorities change and life come into focus along with a fun, loving back story is the perfect escape. I loved it!

Katlynn Millions continues her narration, and I really enjoy her voice. She is the perfect person for this age bracket, giving new adult voices for both male and female with seamless transitions. I look forward to more from her!
Profile Image for Juliana Veale.
308 reviews9 followers
May 11, 2020
I believe the book has potential. When Amber, a spoilt brat that lives on her father's credit card spends her days to go dancing and pick up men, she is forced to go to China by her father as a last ditch effort to reform her ways she is furious. Her mandate is to live as a responsible human being for an entire year, a prospect that makes her scared. She's also supposed to that with no credit card from Daddy and thus having to gasp!..economize. Amber is thus forced to take stock of herself and cope.

There was still potential for the book to go somewhat beyond the usual trope, but the author sadly decided to follow the well-trodden path to happy ending. Amber's issues were not addressed beyond deciding not to drink too much. The 'escort' business her friend set-up only last as long as her other half wants to. The brief period where her teaching was important wasn't even mentioned in the epilogue since it was consumed by her dreams of the West Coast wedding.

If you want a quick easy listen of a contemporary romance this is the book for you. If you were looking for something deeper, rather get the likes of "The life made of lava" by Lissa Del.
Profile Image for Kim.
605 reviews19 followers
August 27, 2019
I experienced this book as an audiobook and both as a story and an audiobook it was very enjoyable.
It is light and not taxing, but it is also not stupid or empty.
Amber is believable as a character and behaves not unlike so many young adults.
She is a bit silly and makes poor life decisions - but didn't we all at that age?

Beneath the easy to read (listen to) narrative of Amber being sent to China and actually having to work and be responsible, is a bit of a coming of age story. Amber is old to be doing this, and her coming of age is not about puberty and first love, but about maturity and self responsibility.
I think that when we really grow up is when we learn who we are and who we want to be, and bridge that gap. And that is exactly what Amber does.
All while remaining likeable and someone I would certainly have befriended in my 20s.

A fun, sassy story with a backbone - I liked it a lot
Profile Image for DubaiReader.
782 reviews26 followers
October 14, 2019
Wake-up call.
This was the third of Rachel Rhodes' 'Awkward' novellas that I've listened to, and I have to say, I think this is my favourite so far. Again the narration was done by Kate Millions, who perfectly embodies Rachel's crazy fast-living girls.

Amber Holland has everything going for her. Her wealthy father pays out for her luxury apartment, her designer clothes and her wild life-style...but then the bubble bursts and he realises she needs a serious wake-up call. Almost overnight she finds herself in Beijing, in a scrappy apartment with barely enough money for bus fare. She needs to find a job and sort herself out, and fast.

I loved how Amber found a niche and really made a go of it. She makes some great friends and of course there are a couple of love interests to complicate her life.
I don't want to say much more in case I spoil it for you, but this would be my first choice if I were recommending one of the 'Awkward' series to read (or listen to).
Profile Image for A.L. Miller.
Author 5 books15 followers
September 24, 2019
This was a bit of a slow burn and the romance didnt really take place until he very end and when it did it was pretty clean so If that's your thing than this is the book for you. It was a cute and fun read about a girl who would constantly find herself is bad situations and never failing to disappointment her father and her childhood crush. Amber sets off to better herself and life to prove she can be that person who has her life together and takes on a job where she goes on dates for money but it never goes past just going to dinner or parties. Amber's new improved behavior and life have once again captured her childhood crush's attention and this time finally in a good way but it may just too late when he runs into her on one of her dates. This was a pretty short and quick read for me and I look forward to reading more from this author!
463 reviews
December 21, 2019
Amber Holland has the perfect life. Lavish, luxurious and all funded by her father. When a night out goes too far, her father decides to cut her off and ship her off to Beijing.
Amber has to stick it out for a year and make it on her own with the assistance of her former best friend and her father's current employee and watchdog, Kent James.
As Amber adjusts to her new life abroad she makes friends and a life on her own. But Amber soon discovers an easier although riskier way to make a living.
If she's successful she can get through the year without a hitch. If not, Kent might drag her back home to face her father.
I bought this immediately after finishing "Awkward in Print" and I loved it immensely. This book is well-written, hilarious and entertaining. It is a quick read that can be read in one sitting and I strongly recommend this book if you want something light and fun.
Profile Image for Amy Friedentag.
256 reviews52 followers
February 1, 2020
Awkward Abroad is a sweet and sassy story about Amber, who is forced to make it on her own after her partying ways have resulted in being cut off from her life of luxury. As she begins her new life in China, she is determined to make it on her own and along the way discovers real purpose, real friends and her ability to make a difference. Although this is a romance, the story focuses more on Amber’s journey and the growth of her character, which in the end leads to the discovery of her true love. I really enjoyed the adventure with all the ups and downs, and how Amber finally realized what matters most in life.

Listened on audio: Katlynn Millions did a wonderful job on narration… adding a lot of charisma to the characters and an overall smooth and enjoyable listening experience.
Profile Image for Shell Price.
110 reviews1 follower
October 1, 2019
Amber Holland got the wake up call to beat all wake up calls. Tired of her partying her life away on his dime, Amber's dad cuts her off. He not only does that, but he sends her half way around the world away from her friends and partying lifestyle to make it on her own for one year in Beijing. No fancy apartment, no AmEx Platinum card to get by on, nothing but a crappy apartment and a few job prospects. Oh, and her ex best friend turned mortal enemy, Kent, to keep tabs on her. What could go wrong?

Awkward Abroad is a fun filled story about one woman's journey to independence and the lessons she learned along the way. You will laugh till you cry. Amber's adventure is great fun and a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.
1,251 reviews4 followers
October 5, 2019
Amber is a spoiled, rich and young. . Her drinking , partying, spending money, finally got her parents to stop enabling her.
She either goes to Beijing, use her college degree, and get a job or get cut off completely. Rachel Rhodes slowly develops Amber's maturity as she finds herself away from her so called friends. Did they really like her for who she was or just because she paid? She learns what true friendship is, and what matters most in life. This story is a fun to listen to with wonderful characters. Katlynn Millions narration is wonderful and fun to listen to, bringing each character their own voice snd personality!. I was gifted this audio and voluntarily give my honest review!
Profile Image for Ashley Hedden.
5,259 reviews43 followers
October 24, 2019
Awkward Abroad was a great read by Rachel Rhodes. Amber is a socialite who has always taken advantage of what her dad has given her; penthouse apartment, platinum credit cards and designer clothes. She is content to live off her father until he decides that he needs to change what she is doing. He tells her that she needs to go to Beijing, with no credit line and instructions that she must make her own way until next year. Her former best friend Kent is tasked with keeping a watchful eye on her over the next year. I enjoyed reading Amber and Kent's story and can't wait to read more by Rachel Rhodes.
Profile Image for Joni Janice Mielke.
471 reviews9 followers
July 10, 2019
Although Awkward Abroad could easily be read as a standalone book after Awkward in Print - in fact, it doesn't matter what order you read Rachel Rhodes' books in - it shares the same sexy, sassy appeal as the first book. The protagonist is as real, as human, as they come, living in circumstances which set her apart at first, but as with Awkward in Print's leading lady, her character is relatable on many levels.
A great beach read, and an even better "travel read" if you can either listen to it or stomach reading without airsickness. Loved it!
Profile Image for Mom Seeks Smut.
429 reviews31 followers
September 20, 2019
{I received this book in exchange for an honest review}

I was attracted to this book because of the fun, bright cover. The book itself, was descent. Go into it knowing the heroine is a brat. A real spoiled brat and you won’t like her. Her choices will piss you off and she doesn’t learn lessons quickly.
There was some unbelievability to the story in parts. I had to let go to get through but for a cute, quick read it’s definitely worth it.

The audio for this was excellent! Katlynn Millions does such a great Valley High girl voice and easily transitions to other characters.
983 reviews2 followers
October 6, 2019
I received this audiobook free for an honest review. It was a really cute story. I have seen many Amber's around in real life. It is so good to see it is possible for her to change her way of life, to have her romantic interest appear. I loved the way the author introduced Kent in to the picture. I wasn't sure what was going to happen with the triangle romance. The author kept my interest throughout with the suspense of Amber's love life. The narrator did a good job with the characters of this story.
Profile Image for Lisa.
3,876 reviews22 followers
January 7, 2020
This is such an enjoyable story. I really had no idea where this was going to go. The story easily kept me interested. The characters were fun and flirty. I liked the whole idea of her being sent to Beijing as punishment. How she still is able to get Into Trouble amazes even me. I knew Kent was the one from the beginning but when he left her saying he now has a girlfriend?? I was like What the Heck???

I did listen to this on audio. This is my first story read to me by Katlynn Millions. She did a nice job keeping me listening and portraying all the characters.
Profile Image for Sharon Britz.
31 reviews15 followers
September 3, 2019
Audiobook review:
Narrated by Katlynn Millions

Awkward Abroad is a fun & cheeky coming of age story where frivolous Amber comes to the realisation that being happy is to find things in life that has some meaning beyond the next party. The narrator does a great job to bring the characters to life and makes them relatable. A fun beach or weekend listen.
Profile Image for Brooke.
1,411 reviews6 followers
December 13, 2019
Awkward Abroad

Amber has to learn a hard lesson in life when her father gives her an ultimatum and sends her halfway across the world. With this, she learns so much about herself, friendships and who to really count on. I loved watching this book make its way through with Amber and hope to see more from this author soon.
Profile Image for Karson Lee.
Author 1 book4 followers
July 6, 2019
Awkward Abroad is a fun, quick story that is full of sass and heart, just like the first in the series: Awkward In Print. I love this series and am thrilled I have found it!

Time to push more obligations back to continue my new favorite series. Awkward In Trouble here I come!
Profile Image for JOAN Stout.
208 reviews15 followers
January 9, 2020
I listened to this book at 1.40 X

This book was a true rom com. Lotsa fun twist and turns.

The author Rachel Rhodes wrote a good story.

The vocal artist katlynnt Millions was very good at portraying the story. Only pet pev was spoke American and kept saying ars instead of ass.
Profile Image for Brenda.
795 reviews3 followers
August 28, 2019
I really enjoyed this because the story line was really good and it had hit home. It was short and cute and a bit of romantic.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews