Reviewed by Taylin
TITLE: Déjà vu: A Holiday Romance Short
AUTHOR: Lawrence I Hill
PUBLISHER: Moody Boxfan books
LENGTH: 86 pages
RELEASE DATE: December 18, 2020
BLURB:
It’s another Christmas alone in Atlanta, and Alvin is starting to reevaluate his life choices. Moving back to Atlanta, his current job, they were meant to be part of a temporary stopping point to deal with some family issues. But now, five years later, he’s still here. In the midst of this inner turmoil, Alvin’s world is shaken when an unexpected visitor comes to stay at the hotel in which he works. His childhood friend Tim, now known as world famous R&B singer Tee Mills, is visiting for the holiday. Is this a fated chance to rekindle the first love of his life? Or have their paths diverged so much that they can never reconnect? Alvin wants to know, but isn’t sure he’s brave enough to find out. Before the night ends, however, he’ll have his answer – if Tee Mills has anything to say about it.
REVIEW:
Alvin works as Events Director at a hotel when his childhood, once friend turned nemesis, now R&B star, Tee Mills, checks into the hotel and requests his presence. The consummate professional, Alvin, is coldly efficient with Tee. But Tee has a purpose and isn’t put off.
The story is told in the third person from Alvin’s viewpoint, and nothing technically screamed at being wrong. My only niggle belonged to personal preference over the use of the infamous ‘bitten lip’ – gahhhh, which for me, firmly belongs in my room 101.
Words from a song, written by Tee, open the tale, which immediately got my attention because it was different. Imagery, dialogue, intimacy, and overall length are also proportionately superb. The anecdote takes one moment in time – two people who have a history and has their story play out. This method of writing allows the tale to be entertaining while giving it depth – and I’m happy to say that I was thoroughly entertained.
Any way one cares to look at it, this is a good story that a hefty proportion of the population will enjoy. But anyone who has worked in a hotel will identify with it even more. The service talk and banter between servers provided amusing bitchiness alongside comradery. I’ll be taking the ‘QE2’ meaning back to the hotel where I work. I hadn’t heard the phrase before and thought it brilliant.
The main’s, Alvin and Tee are lovely people. Their long, heartfelt conversations that clear the air are everything I hoped they’d be, with Alvin not immediately rolling over with stars in his eyes. However, what made the story for me was the extended cast – Mainly Davon, Deniece, and to a lesser degree Angie. Actions and dialogue involving these three with their respective colleagues made me laugh out loud. I’d love to work with Davon.
I sat reading this story in a comfy seat, with the rain pelting down outside and the Christmas tree lights blinking. I truly got the Christmas vibe, was utterly entertained, and can easily say that this is the best Christmas story that I’ve read this year.
RATING: 
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