by Chanel Cleeton
Genres: Historical Fiction
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
In 1960s Florida, a young Cuban exile will risk her life--and heart--to take back her country in this exhilarating historical novel from the author of Next Year in Havana, a Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick.
Beautiful. Daring. Deadly.
The Cuban Revolution took everything from sugar heiress Beatriz Perez--her family, her people, her country. Recruited by the CIA to infiltrate Fidel Castro's inner circle and pulled into the dangerous world of espionage, Beatriz is consumed by her quest for revenge and her desire to reclaim the life she lost.
As the Cold War swells like a hurricane over the shores of the Florida Strait, Beatriz is caught between the clash of Cuban American politics and the perils of a forbidden affair with a powerful man driven by ambitions of his own. When the ever-changing tides of history threaten everything she has fought for, she must make a choice between her past and future--but the wrong move could cost Beatriz everything--not just the island she loves, but also the man who has stolen her heart...
When We Left Cuba by Chanel Cleeton shares Beatriz Perez’s story. Rich in the history of the 1960s and the Cold War, it also shares a forbidden romance as Beatriz fights to free her beloved Cuba.
Atmospheric, swoon-worthy and addictive!
The Perez family has left Cuba and relocated to South Florida. While her father tries to rebuild his wealth and her mother tries to marry them off, Beatriz Perez works with the CIA, to infiltrate Fidel Castro’s inner circle.
I adored Cleeton’s contemporary romances, but you can tell she has come home in this genre. From the history to the culture she captured everything from the political climate to the Cuban people.
I love Beatriz. She is young, about twenty-two at the beginning of this story, but the tale begins with her as an older woman and ends the same. I loved her story and the forbidden romance nestled amongst the pages between daring missions and covert spying.
While the story is entirely fictional, Cleeton does weave in factual history giving the story an authentic vibe I love in stories such as these. I fell hard for the characters, especially Nick and her cousin.
The romance is a forbidden one and the kind you never forget. I adored them together even when they fought. It was a powerful romance, but so was Beatriz commitment to the cause. The romance isn’t straightforward and side stage to Beatriz work to undermine Castro but I loved every damn moment.
If you are looking for a beautiful, poignant and addictive read, I encourage you to pick up When We Left Cuba. It will work as a standalone, but don’t cheat yourself, grab Next Year in Havana too.
The books and characters will stay with you long after you’ve closed the book. I laughed and cried with these characters.
#MustRead When We Left Cuba by Chanel Cleeton is a story that will stay with you. Beautiful, heartbreaking and poignant … #NewRelease Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Mary @StackingMyBookShelves!
I have read a lot of great reviews for this one and is high on my to get list. Great review – you make me want to read it right now!
Mary
Olivia Roach
I just added this one to my Goodreads wishlist. It sounds like the perfect book for me! I studied Fidel Castro and Cuba in history in secondary school and the affects on the people who stayed and left has interested me immensely. But it also sounds like the characters were amazing here, and the writing and the atmosphere too. I can’t wait!
Carla
Beautiful, poignant and addictive ….. Pick me. This sounds amazing, wonderful review Kimberly.
Suzanne @ The Bookish Libra
This sounds wonderful and the Cuban setting really appeals to me.. I love this time period and this story just sounds so compelling.
blodeuedd
Now this sounds interesting, and now I am worried. I hope she gets out after spying
Ethan
I really love the sound of the atmosphere in this one. Cuba seems to be a more popular topic now that people are able to visit again.
Angela @ Simply Angela
I’ve been on the fence about this one but you’ve convinced me I need to read it! Great review!
Carole @ Carole's Random Life in Books
Wasn’t this a wonderful book?! I finished this one yesterday and loved Beatriz and Nick. I really liked how politics worked into the story as well. I am glad you enjoyed it, Kimberly!
Jonetta (Ejaygirl) | Blue Mood Café
Thanks for a wonderful review, Kim. I was debating about this one and now I’m all in.
Sam@wlabb
Yeah! So happy to hear this was a hit. I was shocked by how much I loved the first book (I also am a fan of Cleeton’s contemporaries). I was intrigued by Beatriz in the last book too. Looking forward to reading this one.
Tyler H. Jolley
What a fantastic review. It sounds like it’s a perfect tension filled romance without being too steamy. I appreciate that. 🙂
Lindy@ A Bookish Escape
I love the premise of this story, and how well you said she executed the culture, history, and swoon-worthy romance! I love a good forbidden romance! Great Review Kim!
STefanie
Definitely intriguing. I like how this historical fiction is other than WWII. Great cover too. I’ll be checking out this author on GR.
Melissa (Books and Things)
Oh this one makes me want to read it for the setting. I do love that the characters were so well written. Love a book that stays with you. Brilly review!
Katherine @ I Wish I Lived in a Library
I’ve been loving historical fiction lately and this sounds fantastic. I know a little bit about Cuba before and after Castro but not from this angle at all. It sounds intriguing and definitely like something I need to read!
JoLee @ Wickedly Delicious Book Blog
Great review. Happy it was another winner for you. I have read many great reviews for Next Year in Havana.
Anne - Books of My Heart
If I get in the mood to read historical fiction, I’ll certainly look at this one. Wonderful review.
Anna
I loved Next Year in Havana! This one is on my TBR
Sophia Rose
I was thrilled to get Beatriz’s story. I knew it would be so good after encountering her in the first book.
Melliane
Oh I see this one a lot around! I should try!
Angie Elle
I agree you would totally be cheating yourself if you skipped Next Year in Havana!
I am reading this right now, and I have to admit, I am having a hard time getting into it. Your review gives me hope!
Great review.
kindlemom1
*highfivesyou* Yes! This really was just fantastic, even more so than the first which I adored. It pulled at the heart strings so very much and I just loved it, so happy you did as well Kim. Definitely a story that stays with you.
Nadene
This sounds absolutely beautiful.. From the tone of your review I can tell how this story resonated with you. Great review.
Nadene
I click submit not realizing that the link to my post was not included.
Cynthia
This book has been on my radar for a while. Great review Kimberly, I am definitely reading or listening to this ASAP
Ailyn Koay
oh, I haven’t been to Cuba, but this sounds like sin and redemption. cool review