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Tides of Change #3
Havana Bay
Cuba, 1952.
Twenty-year-old Ernesto Ruiz is determined to save his family's cigar business by exporting directly to the American market, but he'll need to learn about American customs and lifestyles first. That's why he takes a part-time job at an American guest house.
Hank Mannix, a beefcake magazine model, enjoys his carefree life in Havana, where new men come and go every week. But his immediate attraction to the new gardener is different. He’s drawn to the young man in a way he’s never experienced before.
A fateful encounter in the garden results in a misunderstanding that upends both their lives. As they begin to acknowledge the true depth of their feelings for each other, they must navigate through a city and country on the brink of revolution. Ernesto and Hank strive to secure their own happiness in a world where the future is uncertain, and their love is forbidden.
With vivid historical detail and memorable characters, Havana Bay is a captivating story of love and revolution in a time of change.
Twenty-year-old Ernesto Ruiz is determined to save his family's cigar business by exporting directly to the American market, but he'll need to learn about American customs and lifestyles first. That's why he takes a part-time job at an American guest house.
Hank Mannix, a beefcake magazine model, enjoys his carefree life in Havana, where new men come and go every week. But his immediate attraction to the new gardener is different. He’s drawn to the young man in a way he’s never experienced before.
A fateful encounter in the garden results in a misunderstanding that upends both their lives. As they begin to acknowledge the true depth of their feelings for each other, they must navigate through a city and country on the brink of revolution. Ernesto and Hank strive to secure their own happiness in a world where the future is uncertain, and their love is forbidden.
With vivid historical detail and memorable characters, Havana Bay is a captivating story of love and revolution in a time of change.
- GenresHistorical
ebook
Published June 27, 2023
1 person is currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
John Patrick
7 books37 followersJohn Patrick spends much of his time in the Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts, where he is supported in his writing by his husband and their terriers, who are convinced they could do battle with the bears that come through the woods on occasion (the terriers, that is, not the husband).
John is an introvert and can often be found doing introverted things like reading or writing, cooking, and thinking deep, contemplative thoughts (his husband might call this napping). He loves to spend time in nature—“forest bathing” is the Japanese term for it—feeling connected with the universe. But he also loathes heat and humidity, bugs of any sort, and unsteady footing in the form of rocks, mud, tree roots, snow, or ice. So, his love of nature is tempered; he’s complicated that way.
John and his husband enjoy traveling and have visited over a dozen countries, meeting new people, exploring new cultures, and—most importantly—discovering new foods.
John is an introvert and can often be found doing introverted things like reading or writing, cooking, and thinking deep, contemplative thoughts (his husband might call this napping). He loves to spend time in nature—“forest bathing” is the Japanese term for it—feeling connected with the universe. But he also loathes heat and humidity, bugs of any sort, and unsteady footing in the form of rocks, mud, tree roots, snow, or ice. So, his love of nature is tempered; he’s complicated that way.
John and his husband enjoy traveling and have visited over a dozen countries, meeting new people, exploring new cultures, and—most importantly—discovering new foods.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 21, 2023
5- Stars
Havana Bay, Tides of Change Book 3, by John Patrick is an absolute MUST READ.
In fact, it's now the third consecutive absolute MUST READ volume in Patrick’s captivating historical gay romance series, ‘Tides of Change’.
In addition to this being a great read, Jaycee DeLorenzo's eye-catching cover art creates the perfect first impression for the novel.
While Havana Bay can easily be read as a stand alone, it will be best appreciated if the full three book series is read sequentially.
Mr. Patrick is that rare author who can create a story combining elements of (1) the insidious nature of homophobia and racial discrimination, and (2) the destructive nature of anarchy, revolution, and government corruption with (3) all to real descriptions of love, betrayal, and the harm that secrets and judgments can have on individuals and civilizations.
Sadly, many of events he describes are all too similar to actual events being experienced in the United States today.
Covering a tumultuous time in Cuba, from March 1952 through December 1958, Patrick brings back many of the notable characters from Dublin Bay and Turtle Bay, the first two volumes of his series.
DO NOT be intimidated by the sheer number of characters in this novel. Each character is fully identified as is his or her relation to others.
Much of the action in Havana Bay takes place in a gay guest house, Casa de Ada, run by Hans Schmidt - aka Miss Ada Werner. Based on Mr. Patrick’s description of Casa de Ada, I imagine the guest house and it’s impressive gardens looking very much like this:
Casa de Ada is not far from the Miramar Bridge that spans Rio Almendares as it heads into Havana Bay and finally, the Gulf of Mexico. 
The Havana Bay protagonists are a new character, Ernesto Ruiz, an English-speaking Cuban native who works part-time as a gardener and houseboy at Casa de Ada, and a returning character from Turtle Bay, Hank Mannix, the de facto operations manager at Casa de Ada and one of the los gamelos blancos (the ’white twins’) who are featured in Pumped magazine’s photo shoots. The fictional Pumped magazine is an example of one of several early “men’s fitness” magazines collected by gay men.
Over the course of six turbulent years, Patrick’s characters are swept up in the dizzying changes of government - and American interventionism - involving three leaders of the Cuban people - President Carlos Prío Socarrás, and the revolutionists Fulgencio Batista and Fidel Castro.
Ernesto’s one goal in life is to attend the University of Havana to learn the skills he needs to take his family’s cigar business to a new level - exporting directly to the American market. His goal seems nearly unobtainable with the constant rejection of his university applications, a cousin who creates one problem for him after another - including joining Castro’s revolutionary forces as they attempt to oust Batista by attacking the Moncada Barracks
and the sudden realization that he loves a man - something his Catholic family could never accept. To make matters worse, the man he loves, Hank Mannix, is feeling old, unappreciated, pushed aside, and all too often ‘lies’ to him.
As is often is the case, Hans becomes the peacemaker when [SERIOUS SPOILER ALERT]
To understand how a 1937 Packard Super Eight - brilliant blue in color; the ‘white twins’ posing for beef-cake pictures and even more explicit pictures in Pumped; and the Malecón, a stone embankment along the Havana Bay waterfront known for gay cruising all figure importantly in the plot of this novel…
…well, you’ll simply have to read the book for yourself to find out.
While Patrick doesn’t explicitly say so, the Hudson Bay epilogue hints at the possibility of a fourth book, Biscayne Bay, in his series. I, for one, certainly hope that a first draft of that book is well underway.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
Havana Bay, Tides of Change Book 3, by John Patrick is an absolute MUST READ.
In fact, it's now the third consecutive absolute MUST READ volume in Patrick’s captivating historical gay romance series, ‘Tides of Change’.
In addition to this being a great read, Jaycee DeLorenzo's eye-catching cover art creates the perfect first impression for the novel.
While Havana Bay can easily be read as a stand alone, it will be best appreciated if the full three book series is read sequentially.
Mr. Patrick is that rare author who can create a story combining elements of (1) the insidious nature of homophobia and racial discrimination, and (2) the destructive nature of anarchy, revolution, and government corruption with (3) all to real descriptions of love, betrayal, and the harm that secrets and judgments can have on individuals and civilizations.
Sadly, many of events he describes are all too similar to actual events being experienced in the United States today.
Covering a tumultuous time in Cuba, from March 1952 through December 1958, Patrick brings back many of the notable characters from Dublin Bay and Turtle Bay, the first two volumes of his series.
DO NOT be intimidated by the sheer number of characters in this novel. Each character is fully identified as is his or her relation to others.
Much of the action in Havana Bay takes place in a gay guest house, Casa de Ada, run by Hans Schmidt - aka Miss Ada Werner. Based on Mr. Patrick’s description of Casa de Ada, I imagine the guest house and it’s impressive gardens looking very much like this:
Casa de Ada is not far from the Miramar Bridge that spans Rio Almendares as it heads into Havana Bay and finally, the Gulf of Mexico. The Havana Bay protagonists are a new character, Ernesto Ruiz, an English-speaking Cuban native who works part-time as a gardener and houseboy at Casa de Ada, and a returning character from Turtle Bay, Hank Mannix, the de facto operations manager at Casa de Ada and one of the los gamelos blancos (the ’white twins’) who are featured in Pumped magazine’s photo shoots. The fictional Pumped magazine is an example of one of several early “men’s fitness” magazines collected by gay men.Over the course of six turbulent years, Patrick’s characters are swept up in the dizzying changes of government - and American interventionism - involving three leaders of the Cuban people - President Carlos Prío Socarrás, and the revolutionists Fulgencio Batista and Fidel Castro.
Ernesto’s one goal in life is to attend the University of Havana to learn the skills he needs to take his family’s cigar business to a new level - exporting directly to the American market. His goal seems nearly unobtainable with the constant rejection of his university applications, a cousin who creates one problem for him after another - including joining Castro’s revolutionary forces as they attempt to oust Batista by attacking the Moncada Barracksand the sudden realization that he loves a man - something his Catholic family could never accept. To make matters worse, the man he loves, Hank Mannix, is feeling old, unappreciated, pushed aside, and all too often ‘lies’ to him.As is often is the case, Hans becomes the peacemaker when [SERIOUS SPOILER ALERT]
To understand how a 1937 Packard Super Eight - brilliant blue in color; the ‘white twins’ posing for beef-cake pictures and even more explicit pictures in Pumped; and the Malecón, a stone embankment along the Havana Bay waterfront known for gay cruising all figure importantly in the plot of this novel…
…well, you’ll simply have to read the book for yourself to find out.While Patrick doesn’t explicitly say so, the Hudson Bay epilogue hints at the possibility of a fourth book, Biscayne Bay, in his series. I, for one, certainly hope that a first draft of that book is well underway.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
July 1, 2023
I've greatly enjoyed The Tides of Change series and this is another excellent book in the series. In this story, the focus in on Hank Mannix, who we've met in the previous book. Hank is a 29 year old beefcake model for homoerotic publications who is beginning to age out of the business. He is living with his friends group in Havana, Cuba, where his friend Hans is running a vacation house catering to gay men. Hank has had a difficult life, kicked out of his house as a teenager, and forced to make his way however he could.
Hank begins to take note of Ernesto, a young Cuban man who works in the garden. He finds himself looking frequently at Ernesto and then he realizes the attraction is returned. Ernesto, an innocent 20 year-old, is working at the house to gain experience working with Americans, at his father's request. Ernesto's family operates a cigar factory and Ernesto also hopes to get accepted to the university. As the two men start talking, true feeling come out, but also they are both concealing some parts of their lives from the other.
This book takes place during the Cuba's pre-revolution, with the Batista military coup overthrowing the government and the later rise of Castro sympathizers. The well-researched story highlights the weight of corruption, the effect of wealthy Americans on the local economy and its effects on poor Cuban people, and the casual racism that impacts the ability of people like Ernesto to gain fair opportunities in life. This fascinating story is woven around Ernesto and Hank's impossible, but yearned for love and togetherness.
This book is the best of historical romance, with the history well-integrated to the storyline, and emotions well-accessed to create in-depth characters. This is a HFN, with a hint that the story will continue. The entire series is sweeping, absorbing, and highly recommended.
Hank begins to take note of Ernesto, a young Cuban man who works in the garden. He finds himself looking frequently at Ernesto and then he realizes the attraction is returned. Ernesto, an innocent 20 year-old, is working at the house to gain experience working with Americans, at his father's request. Ernesto's family operates a cigar factory and Ernesto also hopes to get accepted to the university. As the two men start talking, true feeling come out, but also they are both concealing some parts of their lives from the other.
This book takes place during the Cuba's pre-revolution, with the Batista military coup overthrowing the government and the later rise of Castro sympathizers. The well-researched story highlights the weight of corruption, the effect of wealthy Americans on the local economy and its effects on poor Cuban people, and the casual racism that impacts the ability of people like Ernesto to gain fair opportunities in life. This fascinating story is woven around Ernesto and Hank's impossible, but yearned for love and togetherness.
This book is the best of historical romance, with the history well-integrated to the storyline, and emotions well-accessed to create in-depth characters. This is a HFN, with a hint that the story will continue. The entire series is sweeping, absorbing, and highly recommended.
June 21, 2023
As in the previous two books in this series (which should be read in order), Patrick has done a great job rendering the historical setting and adding small details that reflect his research. It’s a book that asks, “what did queer relationships look like during this time period?” and explores the characters’ understanding of queerness (both their own and in the larger queer community) through a historical lens. It’s a nice contrast to historical romances that imbue their characters with modern beliefs—though I also enjoy those books and think there’s room for both types of story within the genre. It does lead to some uncomfortable moments when characters’ beliefs diverge from modern ones, but I think Patrick does a good job showing how beliefs have changed over time without including bigotry, because the characters are ultimately accepting of others, and learning to be more accepting is a key theme (as it was in the previous books, too).
I liked the relationship between Hank and Ernesto and how the relationship encouraged both to engage in self-reflection. In another book, Hank would probably be classified as a himbo; here, I’m not sure the term entirely fits, but it’s close. He’s often clueless, sometimes hurts people without meaning to, but ultimately has a good heart. Ernesto is his opposite in almost every way, and his journey is about learning he can make decisions for himself. I enjoyed the subtle shifts in the power dynamics between the two as their relationship progressed. I was a bit skeptical of Hank as a main character after his appearance in Turtle Bay, but it made complete sense that Ernesto would be so drawn to Hank’s self-assuredness and confidence (and sex appeal) that it would outweigh Hank’s self-absorption long enough for Hank to grow as a person.
I thought Patrick did a pretty good job with the cultural and political backdrop—the book begins a few months before the 1953 Cuban Revolution begins (though unless I totally misunderstood the timeline of the book, I think the “March 1952” title card is off by a year). Ernesto’s POV doesn’t let the reader forget that the American characters are colonialists, and although it’s disappointing to see how blind the MCs of Turtle Bay are to this fact, it’s more historically accurate than the alternative. The portrayal of Castro and the revolution could have been more nuanced and having all the “good” Cuban characters opposed to revolution smacked of historical revisionism based on knowledge of what Castro’s regime became, but Patrick left enough room for the reader to draw their own conclusions that it didn’t bother me too much.
My biggest issue with the book is how rushed the ending is. Multiple different plot threads are left unresolved until after the 90% mark, and all of them have to be resolved very quickly, with almost no time to see how they affect the characters. Having the characters present for a major historical event also felt forced and unnecessary. I really don’t enjoy it when authors find ways to have their characters present at events they have no business being at and would never have witnessed if they were real people—characters don’t need to see things with their own two eyes to react to them.
But otherwise, I really enjoyed this book and recommend it.
I received an ARC in exchange for my review.
I liked the relationship between Hank and Ernesto and how the relationship encouraged both to engage in self-reflection. In another book, Hank would probably be classified as a himbo; here, I’m not sure the term entirely fits, but it’s close. He’s often clueless, sometimes hurts people without meaning to, but ultimately has a good heart. Ernesto is his opposite in almost every way, and his journey is about learning he can make decisions for himself. I enjoyed the subtle shifts in the power dynamics between the two as their relationship progressed. I was a bit skeptical of Hank as a main character after his appearance in Turtle Bay, but it made complete sense that Ernesto would be so drawn to Hank’s self-assuredness and confidence (and sex appeal) that it would outweigh Hank’s self-absorption long enough for Hank to grow as a person.
I thought Patrick did a pretty good job with the cultural and political backdrop—the book begins a few months before the 1953 Cuban Revolution begins (though unless I totally misunderstood the timeline of the book, I think the “March 1952” title card is off by a year). Ernesto’s POV doesn’t let the reader forget that the American characters are colonialists, and although it’s disappointing to see how blind the MCs of Turtle Bay are to this fact, it’s more historically accurate than the alternative. The portrayal of Castro and the revolution could have been more nuanced and having all the “good” Cuban characters opposed to revolution smacked of historical revisionism based on knowledge of what Castro’s regime became, but Patrick left enough room for the reader to draw their own conclusions that it didn’t bother me too much.
My biggest issue with the book is how rushed the ending is. Multiple different plot threads are left unresolved until after the 90% mark, and all of them have to be resolved very quickly, with almost no time to see how they affect the characters. Having the characters present for a major historical event also felt forced and unnecessary. I really don’t enjoy it when authors find ways to have their characters present at events they have no business being at and would never have witnessed if they were real people—characters don’t need to see things with their own two eyes to react to them.
But otherwise, I really enjoyed this book and recommend it.
I received an ARC in exchange for my review.
July 4, 2023
John Patrick does a compelling job of ensuring queer people are not forgotten about in history. It doesn't matter what laws are passed today or which books politicians try and ban, you can't erase queer people.
Havana, the third book in the Tide of Change series, is based in Cuba in the 50s. With its tense political backdrop, we follow Mannix and Ernesto. We again get some familiar characters pop up a lot such as Hans and Mason and it's sweet to see them flourish as a couple!
In this novel, we see Mannix come to terms with the fact he is aging and younger more attractive men could potentially take his place. He begins questioning his life and what space he takes up in it. We then meet Ernesto, a young Cuban wanting to better himself by going to university to better help in his father's cigar factory. The two cross wires when they meet by a secluded koi pond, but the two have an instant attraction to each other.
I did struggle to find the chemistry between these two. I did find myself rooting for them and wanting them to win, but I couldn't see what attracted them to each other, especially Mannix for Ernesto. They were too different, and couldn't see what brought them together, and it's the reason why this is a 3-star and not a 4-star. I felt the chemistry in the last two books between the characters.
I did enjoy Ernesto having been taught a lesson in judgment and shaming near the end (the revelation scene!). I felt Mannix was having a hard time of it throughout, and was glad it was noticed that wasn't always fair on him. I won't go into too much detail as I don't want to spoil it.
An overall enjoyable read.
Havana, the third book in the Tide of Change series, is based in Cuba in the 50s. With its tense political backdrop, we follow Mannix and Ernesto. We again get some familiar characters pop up a lot such as Hans and Mason and it's sweet to see them flourish as a couple!
In this novel, we see Mannix come to terms with the fact he is aging and younger more attractive men could potentially take his place. He begins questioning his life and what space he takes up in it. We then meet Ernesto, a young Cuban wanting to better himself by going to university to better help in his father's cigar factory. The two cross wires when they meet by a secluded koi pond, but the two have an instant attraction to each other.
I did struggle to find the chemistry between these two. I did find myself rooting for them and wanting them to win, but I couldn't see what attracted them to each other, especially Mannix for Ernesto. They were too different, and couldn't see what brought them together, and it's the reason why this is a 3-star and not a 4-star. I felt the chemistry in the last two books between the characters.
I did enjoy Ernesto having been taught a lesson in judgment and shaming near the end (the revelation scene!). I felt Mannix was having a hard time of it throughout, and was glad it was noticed that wasn't always fair on him. I won't go into too much detail as I don't want to spoil it.
An overall enjoyable read.
July 3, 2023
Wow, this was beautiful. The writing really brings the setting of 1950s Cuba to life in a way that feels very organic, you really get a sense of the political and social challenges Ernesto and Hank face. I love how Ernesto and Hank make sense together while being so very different, both in personality and life experiences. Hank has plenty of experience with men, but not with relationships. Ernesto has no experience at all, so this was a really beautiful journey as they both figure out how to be together in very challenging times. I don’t read historical romance often, because the relationship can be overshadowed by the drama of the historical events. That is not the case here, Ernesto and Hank’s romance is definitely the heart of this book. It’s an exceptional read, I very highly recommend this book and I’ll definitely be reading other books in this series ASAP!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
July 3, 2023
This author shines at crafting narratives that weave vivid historical detail, compelling character studies, and an almost tangible sense of time and place as the story unfolds, and this book is no exception. It’s part of a series, and while Hank and Ernesto’s story *could* possibly stand alone, it’s a good idea (and a rewarding experience) to start at the beginning, if you haven’t already, for context and some familiar faces. I love the depth of immersion in the events that come through here, and how painstakingly real, with flaws and strengths and foibles, the characters are, and how they grow and evolve over the course of the story. Hank and Ernesto are so different in so many ways, and yet there’s a fundamental connection between them that ultimately is good for them both. 4.5 stars.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
August 9, 2023
This was my first book by John Patrick. I do enjoy a good historical book on occasion and all I can say is WOW!
The characters are real, and gripping, and in the setting of pre-Castro Cuba. The world-building is lush, making you feel like you're right alongside the characters as their story unfolds.
The political strife creates tension, as does the constant backdrop of being gay in a Latin country, and in the 1950s.
I need to go back to book one and read this entire series.
It's excellent and if you enjoy historical gay literature, I highly encourage folks to pick this up.
The characters are real, and gripping, and in the setting of pre-Castro Cuba. The world-building is lush, making you feel like you're right alongside the characters as their story unfolds.
The political strife creates tension, as does the constant backdrop of being gay in a Latin country, and in the 1950s.
I need to go back to book one and read this entire series.
It's excellent and if you enjoy historical gay literature, I highly encourage folks to pick this up.
July 2, 2023
Hank and Ernesto's story is fantastic. I like the author's style of writing, and his ability to get me totally stuck into the story. I really enjoy seeing the continuation of the characters we met in the previous books of this series. I would recommend reading the previous books in the series just so the characters are familiar. I would definitely read more books in this series if there are more written.
July 6, 2023
The care with the historical detail in these books is amazing and I'm always eager for a new one to learn more historical details. These details are never allowed to get in the way of the story, however. The characters of Ernesto and Hank are fully developed and the supporting characters are interesting in their own right and help to drive the story. Long may this author continue to write historicals.
August 6, 2023
What a fun read this proved to be. Having our little band of 'found-family' members transplanted to Cuba during the early Che Guevara years allowed for much cross-cultural confusion, misunderstanding and prejudice between the locals and alien guests; with much merriment ensuing. Several new characters were introduced who I hope will make it to the next book (which looks like it will be set in Florida in the 1960s). I found MC Ernesto a little too 'uptight' but Hank, Matt (aka Golden Boy) and Chad! were delightful characters all. Bring on the next book quickly Mr Patrick!
January 17, 2025
I have enjoyed this series, all set in times of extreme political turmoil.
I didn’t know much about Cuban history, so had to google to get more detail.
Hank and Ernesto - well, Hank was finally tamed. Both had to adjust and learn to trust the other.
Hans and Arthur were still about but luckily escaped the revolution, as did Marta and Tony.
What we dont know is what happens to the group of friends left in Cuba - hope they got to Miami
I didn’t know much about Cuban history, so had to google to get more detail.
Hank and Ernesto - well, Hank was finally tamed. Both had to adjust and learn to trust the other.
Hans and Arthur were still about but luckily escaped the revolution, as did Marta and Tony.
What we dont know is what happens to the group of friends left in Cuba - hope they got to Miami
June 22, 2023
What a fantastic storyteller! This is a stellar read that shows the unrest in Havana before Castro takes power. The story follows Hank Mannix who appeared in the other books. The author weaves a rich tale of love, romance, and intrigue. I am of the belief that there will be a fourth book and I look forward to reading any other books.
July 4, 2023
He is trying to save his family cigar shop and he hopes to sell straight to the US but first he needs to learn more about the US. He will get a job and he will find himself being drawn to them and things may get steamy between them. How will it all go? Can it become more than a fling? Follow them to find out
February 24, 2024
I briefly considered 3 stars, because I found the main character (Ernesto) so dumb it was ruining the book for me. But that wouldn't be fair, because the book itself is really well written, the historical accuracy and insight into both - time period and place - is so well done it makes you feel like you are there yourself. John Patrick does this so astoundingly well, I will always be here for his next book. I can't imagine how much of intense research this must take, and the skill it needs for the atmosphere to come out as natural as it does, but I have come to expect it with him.
The previous books seized me also with their characters; complicated, misdirected but still lovable and the chemistry between them was never to be doubted. Here I had trouble seeing any connection between the MCs, there was absolutely nothing that connected them besides "good looks". I simply failed to see what was to be loved about a self-righteous, judgemental and idiotically naive goody-two-shoes whom I wanted to slap off his high horse so hard he'd break his neck. This was well addressed at the end of the book, but I still could not see any connection between the 2 MCs. A casual summer fling? Ok. A deep, serious relationship? Not even by a long shot.
I wished they went their separate ways - for one, they felt artificial, but also, as the series grows, this aspect of human life (relationships) starts feeling articifial too - every time one person gets into a relationship with someone, it's forever. With 1 or 2 couples (books) it's not an issue, but as this is now a standard, even with a couple with no chemistry at all, it's getting farfetched. As the 4th book is coming, I hope for the sake of reality that a breakup is introduced as a part of human life.
The previous books seized me also with their characters; complicated, misdirected but still lovable and the chemistry between them was never to be doubted. Here I had trouble seeing any connection between the MCs, there was absolutely nothing that connected them besides "good looks". I simply failed to see what was to be loved about a self-righteous, judgemental and idiotically naive goody-two-shoes whom I wanted to slap off his high horse so hard he'd break his neck. This was well addressed at the end of the book, but I still could not see any connection between the 2 MCs. A casual summer fling? Ok. A deep, serious relationship? Not even by a long shot.
I wished they went their separate ways - for one, they felt artificial, but also, as the series grows, this aspect of human life (relationships) starts feeling articifial too - every time one person gets into a relationship with someone, it's forever. With 1 or 2 couples (books) it's not an issue, but as this is now a standard, even with a couple with no chemistry at all, it's getting farfetched. As the 4th book is coming, I hope for the sake of reality that a breakup is introduced as a part of human life.
October 6, 2025
This is the third book in the series but it can be read as a stand-alone (like I did). You will meet some characters from the earlier books.
Ernesto and Hank meet while Ernesto - a Cuban - works as a gardener for Hans Schmidt (from book 2) in his place where homosexual men are allowed to be themselves. They come from different worlds. Ernesto hasn't really acknowledged his attraction to men while Hank is a model for a men's fitness magazine, mostly read by gay men.
Over the course of this book, they slowly come together while also having to do quite some growing up. Ernesto has to learn not to think everything through to the very smallest detail and Hank has to learn that his actions actually have consequences.
I really liked the historical aspect of this book. I'm not that familiar with this part of the history but it felt like it was very accurate.
What I didn't like very much was that Hank didn't seem to get the most of his "growth spurt" until the very end, if he ever did.
Overall it was still a very enjoyable read.
Ernesto and Hank meet while Ernesto - a Cuban - works as a gardener for Hans Schmidt (from book 2) in his place where homosexual men are allowed to be themselves. They come from different worlds. Ernesto hasn't really acknowledged his attraction to men while Hank is a model for a men's fitness magazine, mostly read by gay men.
Over the course of this book, they slowly come together while also having to do quite some growing up. Ernesto has to learn not to think everything through to the very smallest detail and Hank has to learn that his actions actually have consequences.
I really liked the historical aspect of this book. I'm not that familiar with this part of the history but it felt like it was very accurate.
What I didn't like very much was that Hank didn't seem to get the most of his "growth spurt" until the very end, if he ever did.
Overall it was still a very enjoyable read.
August 4, 2023
What a fun read this proved to be. Having our little band of 'found-family' members transplanted to Cuba during the early Che Guevara years allowed for much cross-cultural confusion, misunderstanding and prejudice between the local and alien guests; with much merriment ensuing. Several new characters were introduced who I hope will make across into the next book (which looks like it will be set in Florida in the 1960s. I found MC Ernesto a little too 'uptight' but Hank, Matt (aka Golden Boy), Chad! were delightful characters all. Bring on the next book quickly Mr Patrick!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews