Review: The Hideaway Inn

The Hideaway Inn by Philip William Stover

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


For kids who were unpopular in high school, returning to your hometown should only be under a flag of success with your head held high. Returning with your tail tucked between your legs and still flying the rainbow coloured flag is not how Vince Amato wanted to return. He's made a success of himself in the "big city" NY. A couple of questionable career limiting moves later and a risky business deal, he seems to have lost it all. His only hope to rise from the ashes and return to NYC is to flip a hotel/restaurant.

This story has all the marks of a Hallmark Christmas Movie special... if Hallmark actually acknowledged LGBT lifestyles. A story filled with painful childhood memories, it sets up for a re-look at history from an adult point of view. Vince blows into New Hope with a large chip on his shoulder and his plans going awry from the start of the trip. As the story progresses, with his growth and reconnecting with his true self, he start becoming a more likeable character. His interactions are all predictable with his high school crush, Tack.

The plot of this story is rather idealistic and a dream people have that are usually infeasible. Still, it came together nicely with it's rosy coloured glasses look at leaving behind the fast pace lifestyle to live in an organic, locally sourced slower pace farm-life existence.

What made this story good for me was Tack and his patience. Tack has grown up. He's made peace with his father, ex-lover and is working towards a life that he wants. His hard work including a child and co-parenting is realistic. It showcases the hardships of the common man in America. His interactions with Vince are patient, loving and understanding. As a character, he brings out the best in everyone and this is what makes him so likeable. He shows his vulnerability to Vince in hopes of rekindling their feelings and develop into something more.

The romance blooming between Tack and Vince are expected with no surprises. Even the "tiff" is expected and resolves sweetly into a happily after. This feel good romance is recommended to mm readers who love second chance themes.

*provided by Carina Press via NetGalley