Cuban-American TV reporter Rebecca Menendez’s success comes from playing by the rules. When she’s kidnapped by a fierce and intensely handsome man who needs her help, however, all of those rules seem pointless.
Published: July 14th, 2015
His revenge will change her life forever…
Cuban-American TV reporter Rebecca Menendez’s success comes from playing by the rules. When she’s kidnapped by a fierce and intensely handsome man who needs her help, however, all of those rules seem pointless. Nothing could have prepared her for being taken hostage…or the irresistible reward if she complies: information about her long-thought dead father.
Antonio Vega has spent almost every day of his adult life dreaming of revenging his father’s death. With his sister’s life and freedom in jeopardy, Antonio isn’t taking any chances. But once Rebecca and Antonio are in Cuba, they’re immersed in a world of corruption, deceit, and betrayal. It’s a deadly game…and there are no rules.
"This novel is one of the smartest romantic suspense novels I have read a long time. I will warn romance lovers that this book does not have a lot of romantic elements such as high angst, or grand gestures and Antonio is not one for sweet nothings and gooey declarations of love. This is not that type of story. But, the chemistry is hot and heavy between the couple and there is more of an emotional connection between them. " - Goodreads, Julie
GUEST POST
Real people who inspired characters in Cuba Undercover
My first taste of Cuba came way back in 1998 when, as a TV news reporter, I was sent to cover the historic meeting of Pope John Paul the second and Cuba’s leader Fidel Castro. During the trip I was assigned to interview different families from Tampa who were going on the trip as well, many returning to Cuba for the first time since leaving after the revolution. On that trip I met my future husband. He was one of five sons, and one of only two who would go back to Cuba while Castro was still in charge. I found that conflict within the family fascinating. That trip was the beginning of a relationship that is going strong after 14 years. My husband Jorge is the inspiration for Antonio Vega, my hero in Cuba Undercover. Like Antonio, Jorge taught me a lot about the value of family, tradition and culture.
Also on that trip, I met Jorge’s brother Victor. I covered an especially touching moment when we first arrived. Victor’s aunt used to take care of him in Cuba and on the day Victor and his immediate family left, his aunt asked for Victor’s little red shirt to remember him by. More than a decade after that, she still had that little red shirt and pulled it out crying when she realized Victor had returned a man. You will find a version of that moment in Cuba Undercover.
Another person who inspired me – my “adopted” son Barbaro. He tried to leave Cuba by makeshift boat, failing twice, before making it the third time. A hard-working kid with big dreams, he left Cuba for opportunity to do more with his life. Just this year he became an American citizen and intends to join the U.S. Coast Guard, helping others like our service members helped him. He inspired the character of Domingo in Cuba Undercover.
I hope as you read my book, you will look for these little slices of real life. And that is part of the story behind my story.
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About the author:
Linda Bond loves to read. She started with those great Nancy Drew books. Remember Nancy Drew and ‘The Secret of the Old Clock?” How about ‘The Mystery of the 99 Steps?’ She really liked smart, gutsy heroines, even at a young age. In high school, Linda discovered historical romances by authors like the great Kathleen Woodiwiss. She read at least three books a week. So many her mother actually called a conference with her teacher, worried, and overwrought that her innocent little girl was reading those trashy romance novels.
What was she learning? Linda’s teacher just looked at her mom and said, “Your daughter reads three books a week?” Linda’s mother said, “Yes, at least. And I don’t know what to do.”
“Let her read,” Linda’s teacher responded. And, so she did.
Harold Robbins and Jackie Collins took Linda out of her high school hallways and into the glamorous Hollywood Hills.
John Grisham, James Patterson, and Harlen Coben can still keep Linda up all night. Turning pages, ladies, turning pages.
Linda lives for a good romantic thriller. Which is probably why she’s a reporter. She’s addicted to the rush of adrenaline that comes with finding and crafting a great story.
Each day Linda writes about someone’s unique life. In Linda’s world, 400 words must carry the weight of 400 pages. Linda writes a dreaded synopsis every single day- under deadline.
Now, Linda is retraining herself to do just the opposite. She’s punching up her pages with powerful passages. With each new chapter, Linda smiles, because she loves to tell a story.
It’s really as simple as that.
The best way to really know Linda Bond is to read what she writes. That’s where the real fun begins.
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