Robert Gibson is a man on a mission. His long-term relationship and business are no longer tangible items in his life. Robert decides to make the most of his newfound freedom and travels to Seaside, a gay resort, in the hopes of finding rest and relaxation, but instead he encounters the Meanies.

Blakely Crawford is new at gay relationships, but no man’s gullible stooge. The southerner has street smarts and refuses to settle when it comes to love. Blakely arrives in Seaside to get a new lease on life, but instead gains a romance that rivals Romeo and Juliet’s turbulent relationship and an unwanted invitation to mingle with the Queenies.

The rival gangs pull in the two men and it will take determination to regain their freedom.

Scott & Scott write about love, secrets, and friendship in Romentics: Surf ‘N’ Turf. The story starts with a mixture of a mostly male production of School Daze meets Westside Story. The very first paragraph had me humming a song called “Good and Bad Hair”. The weave and curling irons replaced, the background no longer a beauty shop, but what those boys did to a local eatery had me shaking my head and holding my stomach from laughter. I had to read it twice just to get the full impact. From there the story continues to go up hill. Robert is a man past his prime, but surely not walking into midlife crisis. He is determined to enjoy his summer and encountering Blakely is a bonus. Blakely hasn’t begun to live, but he’s not scared to try. Even after their recent breakups, Blakely and Robert didn’t run from their new found feelings. I tell you queens come in all forms, and both gangs created their share of drama to keep the lovers on the outs. I found the story to be a refreshing treat from the norm. The characters are wonderfully written, there is a healthy dose of humor, and the plot was just complicated enough to keep my attention.

Reviewed by: NeNe