A review by dinipandareads
A Night at the Tropicana by Chanel Cleeton

hopeful lighthearted reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Chanel Cleeton is a new-to-me author that I've been meaning to read for a while now so I jumped at the chance to read a novella from her. I'm happy to say that I thoroughly enjoyed it. In 40 pages, Cleeton manages to evoke a deep sense of longing, pain and hope through Natalie's perspective. I'm not always a fan of flashbacks it was well done in this story and I enjoyed both the present-day Natalie who is a successful doctor, and the teenage Natalie in Havana. It was easy to picture the glitz and glamour of the Tropicana's opening night all those years ago, as well as the magic—the thrilling excitement and rush of feelings—of meeting someone who gets you on a level no one has before. I have to admit that the picture was made more vivid as it reminded me a bit of Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights, which was one of my favourite movies as a high schooler, but it also made me love this story more. While not unpredictable, and perhaps a bit cheesy for some, I loved the ending and I think other hopeless romantics who love a story about star-crossed lovers and intertwined fate will love it too!

Special thanks to the publisher for providing a digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 4 stars!