Reviewed by JustJen
Title: The Last Nights of the Frangipani Hotel
Author: Bey Deckard
Heroes: James/Rudie
Genre: MM Contemporary
Length: 78 Pages
Publisher: Bey Deckard
Release Date: September 12, 2015
Available at: Amazon and Barnes & Noble
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads
Blurb: All James wanted was a little solitude at his favourite resort: bright sunshine overhead, soft, white sand underfoot, and a hammock to read in while the warm breeze rustles through the coconut palms and almond trees. However, when an old acquaintance shows up, and James is obliged to share “his” beach, a profound exchange over a bottle of rum leads to a lust-fuelled encounter in the dark.
Reeling from the intensity of the drunken tryst, James decides to cut his vacation short rather than face what he’s kept hidden under mountains of denial.
However, his escape is thwarted when Rudie, handsome and plainspoken, calls him out on his behaviour and makes him see that life needn’t be spent running away from his desires.
Set at a rundown old resort on a small Caribbean island, The Last Nights of The Frangipani Hotel is a story about letting go of fear and learning that passion and love can be found in the most unexpected of places.
Review: This was yet another extremely enjoyable story by Mr. Deckard. I wasn’t entirely sure what I was getting into with this, as I don’t think I even read the blurb. It doesn’t much matter what his books are about, I have yet to be disappointed with a single one in any category they may fall.
Here, we have James, a guy away for a month at his favorite vacation spot, a resort that has seen better days, but one with which James has fallen in love. He uses his time there to recoup and try to put his life in order and recharge his batteries. This time, however, he has to share it with a previous acquaintance in the neighboring bungalo.
Rudie is an actor on vacation at the resort for similar reasons. He, too, was looking for quiet solitude away from his busy Hollywood life. When he sees his crush is also staying there, he books the bungalo next door.
These guys spend time around each other, share stories over drinks and generally just enjoy each others company. Things take an interesting turn, however, after a bit of drinking when James ends up in Rudie’s room. I admit that I was a little put off at first at their seemingly one-sided encounter, but it doesn’t take long for the story to be told and things to make more sense.
James is struggling with his sexuality; Rudie is gay. James is still reeling from a breakup with his wife and kids a few years prior; Rudie is single but has a few issues of his own. In the middle of this turmoil, we get some really hot, down and dirty, sweet and saucy sex. Their feelings grow, as well as their desire, and eventually, James sees his life a bit more clearly.
This was a fast read, but very well done for a short story. It had just the right amount of everything and a nice solid HFN when the vacation comes to an end and they must return to the real world. I would really like to see another story some day showing how they made out once back to the grind and if their feelings held true. Another fabulous novella by Mr. Deckard.
Overall Impression: I loved it
*I received a copy of this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review.*
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