JLee Meyer’s latest novel opens with a burst of anger and a loud crash as she introduces her readers to what could easily have been a pedestrian tale of lesbian romance set against the backdrop of renovation of an out-of-date hotel. Hotel Liaison may be ambitious but pedestrian it is not.
Plot Summary Hotel Liaison
Laurel Hoffman is an assistant professor on a mission to secure tenure. When she hears a student telling classmates about documents discovered in a walled-up room in an old hotel undergoing renovation, her curiosity is piqued. After researching the background of the hotel, she believes the documents might provide rich fodder for original research and the answer to her tenure dilemma.Stefanie Beresford, a co-owner of the hotel with her best friend, Denny, is on a mission to bring the turn-of-the century hotel into the twenty-first century and offer accommodations catering to women travelers. Stefanie pours herself into the project, determined to make it a success, while unseen forces seem equally bent on having her fail.
Senstive Subjects Handled with Raw Honesty
The romantic attraction that evolves between Stefanie and Laurel is complicated by Laurel’s abusive and alcoholic partner, Rochelle. Lesbian-on-lesbian abuse is seldom acknowledged or written about, and Meyer handles this sensitive topic with a raw honesty that makes no excuses while at the same time remaining non-judgmental.Great Writing
There are other interesting characters in the mix, including cameo appearances by protagonists from Meyer’s previous books. In her earlier novels, Meyer told good tales with likeable characters. With Hotel Liaison, she proves that she can handle complex characters and a complex plot that leave the reader wanting more. If you haven't read this one yet, you should.
