Member Reviews
Beautiful story but entirely too short! Chanel Cleeton does an excellent job setting the scene and helping me picture the Tropicana, and Cuba, in the 30s. I was immediately drawn into the story of Natalie and Antonio and felt their attraction but then the story just kind of stops. This would have made a wonderful, longer story, where you can really feel the angst of having only that one night together. It was still good but I wanted more.
One night in Havana...
In "A Night at the Tropicana", Cleeton takes us through two nights, thirty years apart: 1939 in Havana, when Natalie dances the night away, experiences her first real swell of romance, but returns to Florida knowing that she has to prioritize her desires; and 1969 in Miami, when she and her coworkers are trying to recapture a bit of that Cuban nightclub magic.
I haven't read any of Cleeton's full-length works, but I see that she's written a fair amount about Cuban and Cuban American characters, enough so that I skimmed through her backlist to see whether "A Night at the Tropicana" might serve as a sort of backstory or bonus material for one of her full-length works. (Doesn't seem to be the case, but you never know!) In any case, on its own it's a sweet and quiet story: turmoil in Cuba is in the background, but never at the forefront of Natalie's life; instead the focus is on love found, love lost, and what comes later.
There's limited action here, and the length feels right—any longer and it would drag. As it is, it feels a bit simple, but it's a sweet couple of moments in time.
Thanks to the author and publisher for providing a review copy through NetGalley.
This was short but so good !! I loved it. I could relate to the main character a lot because she had that pressure of having to be successful to show that the struggle her ancestors went through was worth it.
I wish there was more to the story !!
I do not usually care for short stories, but this one looked really fun. I was not disappointed and enjoyed it very much. I have always heard of the famous Tropicana and this story makes you feel part of the magical opening night. I will definately read a full length novel by this author.Thanks to #Netgalley for the ARC.
A Night at the Tropicana is quick, sweet and interesting one sitting read. I loved that it dealt with Cuban history, revolution, refugees and politics and that all of that was the backdrop for the romance. I enjoyed it. It kept my attention and left me wanting more. It also gave a good sense of the author's style and voice. I will definitely be reading more of her work. Definitely recommended.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC of A Night at The Tropicana! I was blown away by how romantic this short story could be in so few chapters. It is a very quick read, I was able to experience this entire beautiful love story while eating lunch. Such a worthwhile read! I recommend this for anyone who just wants something sweet and emotional to enjoy, with magical scenery and characters you're rooting for to find their happiness.
It's the opening of the dazzling Tropicana nightclub in Havana in 1939. Wary college student Natalie takes a chance by accepting a dance invitation from charming stranger Antonio. In this brief act of daring, Natalie feels as if she's discovered paradise. Will this bold step into the unknown remain just a thrilling one-night encounter? Or will it open the door to a new life direction?
This emotional short story successfully recreates the magical feeling of first love. Despite some bittersweet moments, it has a happy ending.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Not gonna lie, I kind of wanted a bit more. It's just a quick short story of two people that meet and feel this connection between them. Someone intervienes and they don't meet up again until years later. The end.
Thank you NetGalley for the e-arc version of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was a lovely little novella by Chanel Cleeton looking back at the opening night of the Tropicana nightclub in 1939. It focuses on Natalie in 1969, as she looks back on that night 30 years before. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and am looking forward to checking out Chanel Cleeton’s other novels.
Cleeton penned a quick story about a lost love found again. A magical night at the Hotel Tropicana in 1939 afforded Natalie a glimpse into the future. But a lost opportunity was the outcome. I was shattered but then soared when the missed opportunity reappeared at at party in 1969.
A sweet, tender story.
I love that it was a fast read but I also wanted to know what happened next with the cjsrscters!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of A Night at The Tropicana by one of my favorite authors, Chanel Cleeton. In this too-short-because-I-wanted-more short story, we are transported back to Havana in the late 1930s. Set with a beautiful backdrop, Natalie experiences a magical night of dancing with a handsome man who she is instantly drawn to but knows that she may never see again. Flash forward several decades, to a fundraiser with a gorgeous atmosphere and an unexpected twist of fate....