A Night at the Tropicana

by Chanel Cleeton

Cuba in the 1930s is the backdrop for a vibrant short story about the rhythms of the heart and the twists of fate that echo through time by the New York Times bestselling author of Next Year in Havana.

Havana, 1939: It’s opening night at the famed Tropicana nightclub. Cuban American college student Natalie Trainer, on vacation from Miami, is watching from the sidelines—as usual. Then comes an invitation to dance from a handsome stranger named Antonio. Normally cautious and reserved, Natalie somehow finds herself saying yes. A tiny thrill of rebellion, of taking a chance, and Natalie’s in heaven. Will her first step into this unfamiliar realm set a new course for her life, or only tonight?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Short Stories, Fiction, Novella, Audiobook, Historical

40 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2023

About the author

Chanel Cleeton is the Cuban-American New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of many novels including Reese's Book Club pick Next Year in Havana. Originally from Florida, Chanel studied in London where she earned degrees in International Relations and Global Politics. In law school, Chanel discovered her passion writing novels and embarked on a new adventure following her lifelong love of books.

Reviews

[chantalsbookstuff · Rating 4 out of 5]

A magical evening with dancing and romance. I wanted a short burst of romance and that's exactly what I got, loved it!

[Suzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars!

I found this one while looking for something quick and light on Kindle. I have never read anything by Chanel Cleeton, but how could I resist that gorgeous cover?

Very short, cute romance set in 1939 Havana and 1969 Miami.

I think I’ll check out more books by this author!

[Constantine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Historical Fiction + Romance + Short Story

This is a short story that explores the theme of second chances. Natalie, a young Cuban American college student, meets a stranger in 1939 at the Tropicana nightclub. The two will have great chemistry and make a connection, but they will lose touch. And then it is 1969, when fate makes them meet once again.

It is a sweet and romantic story with a pleasant atmosphere about second chances and how things would have turned out differently if we had taken a different step when we had the opportunity to participate in something. The story is entertaining, but due to its short length, there is not much room for character development. In spite of this, I enjoyed it, and additionally, I must mention that the cover is absolutely stunning!

[PattyMacDotComma · Rating 3 out of 5]

3★
“…in the end he fell in love with a coworker as though it was nothing, our years together erased by a flirtation.”

She is a doctor, did everything right, divorced. Natalie’s not happy, but she’s thrown herself into the big Miami fundraiser in 1969, where they’re recreating a night at the Cuban nightclub, the Tropicana.

Her mother was Cuban, so back in 1939, her father took the family to Cuba to learn something about their heritage.

“My parents’ marriage has always struck me as a love match, and I can’t help but think that my father’s enthusiasm for this trip is tied to his desire to know this part of my mother, to understand where she comes from and how her Cuban heritage has made her the person she is.

I think my mother wanted to understand where she came from too. How her family’s past could twist and turn inside her to define her present. My mother came from people who left their home with the hope that their children would have a better life, and I think she carries that responsibility with her, that need to make their sacrifice worth it.”

Natalie was then at university, but her sister is only sixteen, so when dad suggests taking them to the big opening night of the Tropicana, mother is a bit reluctant. But dad wins the day, the girls dress up, and off they go to spot celebrities.

As they all wander off to enjoy themselves, Natalie thinks about how out-of-place she feels. She is naturally studious, curious, and determined to be a doctor, not such an easy thing for a woman in 1939. There is a fair bit in this short story, in both the 1939 1nd 1969 timelines, about that difficulty, about Cuban history, about the migrant situation, and about the Cuban community in Florida banding together to help new arrivals.

A handsome stranger invites her to dance, and from there you might as well go with the flow and enjoy the predictable relationship. More Cuban history is squeezed into the conversation. There’s nothing particularly new here, but it’s enjoyable enough.

I do wish an editor had picked up a couple of clumsy errors: “palatable excitement” instead of palpable, and “strands from the orchestra” instead of strains. I have a friend who frequently talks like this, so I tend to be sensitive to it, I guess. I felt I was reading something from an inexperienced author, not someone who is apparently already successful.

Having said that, I know many readers will love it for the romance. Thanks to #NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for a copy of #ANightattheTropicana for review.

[Phrynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in Cuba in 1939 and University Student, Natalie, is visiting from Miami. With her family she attends the opening night of the Tropicana Nightclub where she meets Antonio and there is an instant mutual attraction. However fate intervenes and there seems no chance that they will meet again.

This is a romantic short story with a very interesting setting and some intriguing historical facts. Well worth reading.

Thanks to Netgalley and Amazon Original for the chance to read and review this book.

[Wendy Jonson · Rating 4 out of 5]

High 3 stars rounded up! A Night at the Tropicana is a romantic short story where a memorable night from the past is recreated in the future. The main character is a likable, career driven, 18 year old woman who has a magical night at the opening of the Tropicana nightclub during a family vacation to Havana in 1939. It is a night she will never forget. I’m not going to reveal any more since it’s a short story. The ending is a bit contrived, but it’s all good. And I must say that I love the cover! It has beautiful colors, an attractive woman, tropical foliage and the night sky. Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for the eARC.

[Krystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short, sweet, historical fiction story about the struggle between the pursuit of educational/occupational dreams and the pursuit of happiness for children of immigrants. Especially, female immigrants with big professional goals. I have been devouring Cleeton’s books all year long and I just had to read this one too. The descriptive language is wonderful as always. The Tropicana came to life, I could envision it clearly and loved every moment. Highly recommend for a quick read.

[Bren fall in love with the sea. · Rating 4 out of 5]

“sometimes life is filled with unexplainable magic, and there’s nothing wrong with a little romance.”
― Chanel Cleeton, A Night at the Tropicana


Some enchanted evening.

We’ve all had evenings like that haven’t we?

Nights that we remember years later that were magical in nature? The kind of nights that we wish we could go back and relive all over again.

Natalie had a night like that when she was a young girl in Havana.

Natalie Is Cuban and years ago when she was a teenager her parents took her and her sister to the opening of the lush brightly colored new club and Natalie experienced a magical night.

This story goes back-and-forth in time. It is now 30 years later and Natalie has been divorced and she has kids who are quickly growing up. Natalie has become a doctor and she along with other doctors have organized a fundraiser with a Cuban theme.

Guess where it’s being held?

I really don’t wanna say too much else without spoilers. Let’s just say that this story even though it’s fairly short, goes back in time as we find out just what made the evening so special all those years ago .

Will she have another of those special evenings tonight ?

I love love love love stories that are both contemporary and historical. It seems I read far too few of them.

This was a dazzling and bright orange blossom of a story that I really enjoyed and that I would give a strong, four-stars to. It’s not, of course only Natalie that I quite liked but Antonio as well.

Who is Antonio you may ask?

I won’t tell without spoilers.

SPOILERS

I was amazed that I enjoyed this so much given that I’m really not into romance but of course this one had the feel of one of those star crossed lover to it, and I got hooked in immediately.

Well that, and the fact that I couldn’t stop picturing a young Antonio Banderas as the Antonio in this story. Gosh he’s sexy! Still.

Of course, this story is predictable as pie so since I included spoilers above, I will say that yes Natalie is reunited with her true love. You see she met Antonio that eventful fantastical evening. They made plans to keep in touch but well you’ll have to read for yourself to figure out why that fell apart

I very much enjoyed this. I also love reading books that are infused with Cuba .

I am a big fan of Florida and Miami is a city with a personality that is very unique just like the story.

I know I keep referring to it as an orange blossom of a story but that’s what I
felt.

I was Charmed by the descriptions of the gala event and the club and the decor and the dancing. Definitely read it if you get a chance.

[Linden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short story tells the impossibly romantic tale of Natalie, a pre-med student vacationing in Cuba with her parents in 1939. At a nightclub, she meets Antonio, and they have a magical evening together. There are also chapters that take place 30 years later. I recommend Cleeton's novel The Last Train to Key West to readers who enjoyed this historical fiction story.

[bookworm Rosie 🤓📚 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short story .. very romantic and cute 🥰

[Cherie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romantic & beautiful

[Cristina Neves · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved my first story by Chanel Cleeton but I need a full novel!

This short one is so beautifully written!
You can almost hear the music the band is playing, see the dancers, feel the excitement of those present in the opening of the Tropicana in December 1939 and the magical one night love story between Natalie and Antonio! ❤️❤️❤️

In Miami, 30 years later, there's a charity party themed "A Night at the Tropicana" to raise funds for a new children's wing at the hospital where Natalie and many other cuban immigrants work.

Natalie is a MD, got married, got divorced, had two kids, but has never fogotten that night and the man she never stopped loving all these years! 💖💖

Will there be a second chance or will it just stay a cherished memory forever?

[CatsBnB · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautiful, passionate and heartwarming historical romance novella that is brimming with the Cuban history and culture of the 1930's!! A Night at the Tropicana is about one enchanting night in Havana between Natalie and Antonio. Will this be a forever thing between them or is it just for one exceptional night to remember?? The author has created such a magical story of first love, fate and second chances. My only complaint is I wanted MORE!! The cover of this book caught my eye right away because it is gorgeous!. I absolutely adored this story and highly recommend!!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[H (trying to keep up with GR friends) Balikov · Rating 3 out of 5]

1939
"It’s daring to build an outdoor cabaret, considering how much you’re at the mercy of the weather, but with a setting as stunning as this one, you can’t blame them for trying….Located on the outskirts of Havana, the outdoor cabaret is like nothing I’ve ever seen before in my life. The smell of fruit—mango, I think—fills my nostrils. Set in the middle of acres of verdant tropical gardens with towering royal palms and manicured greenery nearly too perfect to be real, it feels as though we’ve left the city behind and entered a magical place where anything and everything is possible."

"Located on the outskirts of Havana, the outdoor cabaret is like nothing I’ve ever seen before in my life. The smell of fruit—mango, I think—fills my nostrils. Set in the middle of acres of verdant tropical gardens with towering royal palms and manicured greenery nearly too perfect to be real, it feels as though we’ve left the city behind and entered a magical place where anything and everything is possible."

"He grins, the dimple reappearing. “Have you seen the rest of the cabaret?” “No, we just got here a short time ago.” “Do you want to explore together? I’ll admit, I’ve been curious about it. There’s been a great deal of talk about what they’re trying to build here and the impact it will have on tourism in Cuba.” “I’d like that,” I reply. He takes my hand, and we wind our way through"
"“Yes,” I reply, turning in his arms to face him, tipping my chin so that our lips are inches away before his mouth fuses with mine and his breath becomes my breath, our bodies pressed together, and everything changes. We kiss under the stars, Havana’s finest orchestra playing somewhere in the background, and if I were a romantic soul, then I would dare to say that a more perfect evening could not have been planned."

"“I should go.” I wish I could be impulsive, reckless. That instead of going back to the hotel with my parents, I could see more of Havana with Antonio. “My family appears ready to leave.” He nods, and then we’re kissing again, and it’s strange how you can learn someone’s body so quickly, how the sum of our parts can become something new and different when fused with another. “I’ll write to you,” I promise when he releases me again. I walk away on unsteady legs. I can’t resist the urge to turn back."

This is a “then and now” tale that could have given us more of:
The feel for Cuba and Havana
The health care sub-theme
A better explanation of “the Tropicana’s” significance to Antonio

What we get is a pleasant romantic interlude.

[Andria Potter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful yet very short historical romance story! 4.5 ⭐ rounded up! I wished there was more!

[Rachel Aranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars

This was a cute and romantic short story. I fell in love with the couple even though it was it was one of those “insta-love” plots. Honestly, I do believe that people can have those gossamer threads linking them together. Definitely glad I got this romance short story for free from Amazon’s Prime Reading free picks. It wasn’t groundbreaking but it delivered exactly what I wanted.

[Natasha Niezgoda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, that was lovely! This was a novella done right.
I was invested. It was so sentimental and so fulfilling.

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short story by Chanel Cleeton, who is known for her romantic historical fiction books set in Cuba. This one is not part of her Perez family series, but it could easily stand next to it. This story is about Natalie Trainer, a divorced doctor living in Florida who is helping to coordinate a fundraiser at the hospital. While helping out, she reflects on an evening she spent in Cuba as a young girl, where she met a dashing young man. It is a sweet story that comes full circle.

I enjoy Cleeton's stories and learning a bit of Cuban history with rich characters and interesting storylines.

[Tahera · Rating 4 out of 5]

With only five chapters this short story was too short! I think Natalie and Antonio deserved one more chapter covering their meeting and time spent at the Tropicana. This bit played out like a movie in my head and I would have liked it to be longer.

The cover picture is absolutely stunning 😍!

My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Amazon Original Stories and the author for the e-Arc.

[Maddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short romantic story of a woman reminiscing about an encounter from her youth in beautiful Havana. Sweet, nostalgic, beautifully written, I really enjoyed it.

[simi · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Strange how one night can make you look at things so differently.”

as a person who believes in the universe and fate i enjoyed this one.

[Rachaelbookhunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely story! Told in alternating timelines, A Night At The Tropicana tells a story taking place in Cuba thirty years ago and in 1969 in Miami. In 1939 its opening night at the famed Tropicana nightclub in Cuba. Natalie is a Cuban American college student on vacation with her family. One night of fun will change everything.

Usually Natalie is satisfied with staying on the sidelines, but an invitation to dance has her changing her mind, at least this one time. Then one dance with Antonio turns into a night to remember. It's the last day of vacation though and Natalie has her dream of becoming a doctor to get back to. Thirty years later we learn what the outcome of that night was. There is a different party happening tonight in Miami, a party that has Natalie thinking of her time in Cuba.

A Night At The Tropicana made me smile. The setting and descriptions are wonderful. What we are given in these pages is a delight to read. Some lines of dialogue at the end are just perfect. The cover is absolutely beautiful. Something told me to read it, and I'm glad I listened. A Night At The Tropicana is a must read for fans of romance.

Thank you to Netgalley for the chance to read.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was able to read this as part of the Amazon Prime First Reads. I chose this one based on all the great reviews, but it just didn't do it for me. It felt rushed and repetitive and I just wasn't able to connect to the characters. I really enjoyed Cleeton's Next Year in Havana, but A Night at the Tropicana fell short.

[Magdalena aka A Bookaholic Swede · Rating 3 out of 5]

Natalie Trainer is a young woman on vacation in Cuba in 1939 when she meets Antonio, with whom she shares a magical evening. But what happens after this evening? Is there a chance for them? You have to read this sweet little short story to find out.

A Night at the Tropicana is a sweet story about love. I quite liked the story; it's not long, but Chanel Cleeton managed to convey so much that it feels like it doesn't need to be any longer.

I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!

[Amanda Sudo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romantic, beautiful and left me wanting more. I will read anything historical Chanel Cleeton writes.

[Tomes And Textiles]

This was a tender, romantic and hopeful novella about a chance meeting at the opening of the historic and iconic Tropicana night club in Havana.

[Kira FlowerChild · Rating 4 out of 5]

The romance of the Tropicana...literally. In 1939, a young woman, Natalie, visits Havana with her family. Her mother had grown up in Cuba and wanted to show her daughters her homeland. They go to a nightclub that will soon be called the Tropicana. While there, Natalie meets Antonio, and a romance begins. But they only have the one night, any possible further communication thwarted by Natalie's mother, for good, logical reasons. But what about the heart? It has its reasons, too.

Fast forward to 1969. Natalie has become a doctor, as she had planned, as her mother wished. Natalie is working on a fundraiser with the theme "A Night at the Tropicana." Is it possible that this night at the Tropicana will be as magical as that first night, thirty years ago?

[Olesya Gilmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romantic, lush, and entirely lovely.

[Helene Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice (but ultimately forgettable) read. I still enjoyed the experience, though. 🥰

[Christi (christireadsalot) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Night at the Tropicana is a historical fiction novella from Chanel Cleeton, an author I’ve been recently binging! When I saw this was available on KU with read and listen (you get the audiobook while you have the ebook in your KU library), I jumped right in!

This is a novella, so it’s a very short story (less than 50 pages), but I feel like it packed in all the feelings and emotions and! This is told in dual timeline, Miami in 1969 and Havana in 1939. In 1969, Natalie is a successful doctor who is divorced and helping run a big, hospital fundraiser to raise money for the children’s wing. The Havana night club theme of the fundraiser event reminds her of Havana in 1939…

We slip back in time to Cuba in 1939, when Natalie was just 18 years old and a Cuban American college student on vacation with her family from Miami. And the time she got to attend opening night at the famed Havana night club, Tropicana. There she shares the night, a dance, and a kiss from a handsome stranger named Antonio.

This story was short, bittersweet, and ends a little hopeful! I totally could have read more following the characters in this story.