💃 Book Review: A Night at the Tropicana by Chanel Cleeton (Kindle Edition)
A romantic, nostalgic short set against the glittering backdrop of pre-revolutionary Cuba—Chanel Cleeton delivers a brief but evocative tale of first love, risk, and the kind of night that lingers for a lifetime.
🧠 Overview
Published in December 2023 as part of Amazon Original Stories, A Night at the Tropicana is a short, standalone read (about an hour) that transports readers to Havana, 1939—opening night at the legendary Tropicana nightclub.
The story follows Natalie Trainer, an 18-year-old Cuban American college student visiting from Miami with her parents. Usually cautious and reserved, Natalie finds herself swept into the music, color, and energy of the night when a handsome stranger, Antonio, invites her to dance.
What begins as a small act of rebellion—a single dance—becomes a moment that could change the course of her life, blurring the line between a fleeting encounter and a lasting memory.
🌟 Key Themes & Highlights
- 🇨🇺 Cuban setting: Rich with the sights, sounds, and rhythms of Havana’s golden era.
- 💃 Coming-of-age romance: A young woman’s first taste of independence and risk.
- 🎭 Fate & choice: How a single decision can echo through time.
- ✍️ Cleeton’s signature style: Blends historical detail with emotional intimacy.
- 🕰️ Nostalgia: Captures the magic of a night that feels suspended in time.
“A tiny thrill of rebellion, of taking a chance, and Natalie’s in heaven.”
💬 Reader Reception
- ⭐ Uncaged Book Reviews calls it “short and sweet… a perfect interlude to your day and a great introduction to this author”.
- 📖 Readers praise its atmosphere and romantic charm, noting that Cleeton makes you care about the characters in just a few pages.
- 🧾 Some note that it’s more a snapshot than a full arc, but that’s part of its charm as a quick, immersive read.
⚠️ Considerations
- 📄 Short format: Designed to be read in one sitting; don’t expect deep subplots.
- 📚 Standalone: No prior reading required, though fans of Cleeton’s Cuban-set novels will appreciate the familiar tone.
- 🧠 Mood piece: Focuses on atmosphere and emotion rather than complex conflict.
🏁 Final Verdict
A Night at the Tropicana is a vivid, romantic vignette that captures the intoxicating mix of music, youth, and possibility. Perfect for when you want to be whisked away to a glamorous night in old Havana and left with the lingering glow of “what if.”
