“The Tropical Storm” is a contemporary gay romance novella of 32,700 words. It thrillingly explores the sister’s boyfriend/girlfriend’s brother trope within a complex web of betrayal and desire. Set against the vibrant backdrops of France and Madagascar, this story blends a modern European setting with a lush, tropical twist, delving into themes of loyalty, sexuality, and finding love in the most forbidden of places.

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Leo, a shy indie game artist, expects to endure two weeks of awkwardness when his sister Carlene asks him to host her long-distance boyfriend, Timothée. He anticipates a judgmental hipster, but the reality is a warm, cheerful yoga teacher from Madagascar who shatters all his expectations. Despite their differences, a powerful, unexpected friendship blossoms—one that quickly ignites into an electric and undeniable attraction. Leo is thrown into a whirlwind of guilt and desire, falling madly for the one person who is completely off-limits: his sister’s boyfriend.

The tension becomes unbearable as Leo and Timothée dance around their forbidden chemistry, both convinced nothing can happen. But the foundation of their dilemma is already cracked. Unbeknownst to them, Carlene is entangled in her own secret affair with Timothée’s best friend, Shankar. When the truth of her infidelity shatters the already fragile situation, Timothée is left heartbroken and reeling. In the emotional aftermath, a devastating revelation comes to light: Timothée’s own past with Shankar is far more complicated and intimate than anyone knew.

Now free from Carlene, the path for Leo and Timothée seems clear, but the shadows of the past loom large. Leo is left wondering if he is a rebound, a true love, or merely an experiment for a man discovering new facets of his sexuality. As their passion intensifies into a connection that feels like destiny, they must confront a painful question: Are they truly right for each other, or is the timing for their love terribly, tragically wrong?

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This novella thoughtfully explores the complexities of trust after betrayal, the fluidity of sexuality, and the painful dilemma of forbidden love. The lush, dual-setting acts as a character itself, mirroring the internal emotional turbulence of the protagonists. Fans of angsty, trope-driven romance will be captivated by the messy, realistic relationships and the high-stakes emotional conflict, offering a fresh and poignant take on the question of whether love can truly conquer a foundation built on secrets.

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• The Tropical Storm. Part 1

• The Tropical Storm. Part 2