Caliente

by Chris Hilton

Chris Hilton is middle-aged and broke. He is also in love with a woman twenty years his junior who lives 5,000 miles away. In Cuba. He places an ad in Private Eye requesting advice and receives a reply from Paul, resident of a local prison, serving two years for fraud. Paul offers some helpful guidance. Six months later Hilton boards a Cubana flight, direct to Havana. He has £100,000 in an attaché case and a similar amount in a Channel Island bank account. Paul will soon follow after his release; they intend to start a travel business together.

Yamilia waits in Havana. She is astonishingly beautiful and of volatile temperament. Her enemies, and even some of her friends, think she is unstable, even dangerous. José, Hilton’s closest friend in Havana, agrees, ‘She is a bad woman. Do not stay with her,’ he pleads. Hilton disagrees; he’s in love, he doesn’t see her that way – Yamilia is natural, honest, a force of nature. Like a hurricane. He will create a new life with her in Cuba.
What could possibly go wrong?

Caliente: A true story of escape, love and trouble. Lots of trouble.

Genres: Travel

338 pages, Paperback

First published July 4, 2012

About the author

Chris Hilton was born in Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, a traditional market town in the East of England. Chris has been factory worker, landscape gardener, graphic designer and a dealer in modern first editions. He has now turned to his own life story to write his memoirs.

Chris is the author of Caliente: a true life love story from Havana, Cuba and a short story The New Maid, his first fiction publication.

Caliente recounts Chris's time in the Caribbean island country at the time of the millennium. The revolution is over but the scars remain; the Castros still dominate the landscape, but finally the seeds of change are starting to bloom. Chris's adventures are an honestly written account of one man's escape from the rat race to a simpler, idyllic life.

Chris plans to start a new life with Yamilia, a force of nature to some, big trouble to others. Her enemies and even some of her friends think she is unstable, dangerous. Chris sees more than that. Her astonishing beauty and volatile temperament made him love her more, he sees qualities that few other people notice.

What could possibly go wrong?

Chris is still a regular on the malecon (the Havana seafront) and intends to retire to Cuba in time (if they'll have him).

He is currently writing the follow up to Caliente, and preparing to launch his first full length fictional title; the working title is Leaving.

Further information on Chris's writing projects are available by visiting:

www.chrishiltonwriter.com

www.chrishiltonwriter.wordpress.com

Reviews

[David Savage · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started reading this book I didn’t think that I would enjoy it but from the very start I was addicted. It is an autobiographical story and is very well written. It is exciting and compelling and I just kept reading to see what happened next and at the end left wanting more. This book will appeal to a wide range of readers: people who love good stories, fans of true stories and autobiographies and with the fantastic descriptions of pieces of history and life in Cuba might also appeal to history and travel readers. A fantastic read and very highly recommended. I can’t wait to see if there is a follow up book. Wonderfully written and thoroughly entertaining.

[P.D.Allard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great find. It’s an adventure, a romance and a travel book giving the kind of portrait you don’t often see, because most writers don’t get quite as involved in the daily life of a country as the characters do here. I thought it gave a brutally honest account of what happened and compelling descriptions of Cuban life, most of which was really entertaining – and real. Most travel books just involve second-hand accounts and history; this got down-and-dirty with the people. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Victoria Oguntope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caliente; story of love, escape and incredible adventure. A must read!!

[Lidia · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the first couple of chapters, my first – and luckily short-lived – impression of Caliente was that of a male sexual fantasy staged in an exotic country, with free flowing women, booze, fraud and minor crime, all there to imaginably man-up the main character. A biased female reader, admittedly, and without a hint of prejudice, I was wrong. The true value of the book is only apparent when one looks beyond the brutal, explicit, offensive and ugly. Caliente is a beautiful narrative of a real-life getaway from dullness and tediousness of western life, especially its predictability and tenuous social and moral norms.

In his late forties, with a disappointing job and divorce behind him, Hilton could be experiencing a perfect mid-life crisis. But that would make the book mind-numbing. Instead, he plans, and then executes his escape from England with a criminal-mind precision, which leaves the rest of us in awe of his arrogance. Hilton wants to be alive again and he does it in style. Once established in Cuba, with a beautiful, albeit agonisingly difficult, woman on his arm, Hilton is not self-absorbed, rather painfully vulnerable and almost childish in persisting in making mistakes (all too clear to the locals), which lead to his broken heart, confused head, ill health and dried up wallet.

Hilton likes money but not the ugly consumerism represented by high class hotels in Cuba. Money assists him in getting almost uneasily close to the locals with their own life wisdoms, traditions, superstitions and morals. This escapism becomes the most powerful drug to Hilton. Is he in love with Yamilia, as he believes, or is he addicted to her, the only woman who represents all Cuban things equally: the good and bad, beautiful and ugly, noble and corrupted. There is a price to pay of course. Hilton realises there is no escape from Cuba for him. The ending of Caliente will make many a reader shout out: is Hilton selfish, mad, or plain irresponsible? Has he got a problem growing up? Luckily, Hilton does not care… The best book suggesting how to grow up I read in ages.

[Mandeep · Rating 5 out of 5]

The unique quotes at the start of each chapter keep the reader intrigued to what is coming next and also adds the personal touch and makes you feel involved.
The story begins with excitement and the ‘anything possible’ theme as Hilton jets off to Cuba. Throughout the first few chapters, the reader is able to form a clear picture of the scene, themes and characters. The characters seem like people you already know and are happy to see again. The scenery and descriptions of Cuba makes the book even more enjoyable. There are excellent character descriptions and it makes you feel very involved as a reader.

The book provides hints of reality to highlight to the reader that life is never so simple...
As I read on, I was intrigued about Yamilla, as despite her extrovert character and her irascible manner but I couldn’t help but like her....especially as she becomes a close companion for Hilton during his trip and all the trouble that came with it.

Hilton’s book motivates you to runaway with the story and ponder that dreams can be accomplished when you feel life is dragging you down...nothing stops you for making instant decisions and enjoying life to the fullest, especially when love is involved.

At times the reader is able to escape and feel they are in Cuba soaking up the sun with a mojito in one hand and Hilton’s book in the other....
Being able to jet off with big stash of cash and enjoy Cuban culture and then being mesmerized by a Cuban lover. What more could you want as a reader to escape from everyday life.
Infused with emotion, failed love, death, healing, vivid settings, romance and a second chance at light, this story is unforgettable.
Hopefully there will be a second book from Hilton with more interesting curves to tease us with.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review originally posted on my blog: http://stephinlondon.com/2013/02/27/c...

When I was asked if I was interested in reviewing Chris Hilton’s ”Caliente”, I jumped at the chance. What better way to ditch the late-winter-blues and get away from the daily commute than a title that promises you heat?

“Caliente” certainly lives up to its Spanish title, it’s hotter than hot and delivers a one-two-punch of sex, booze, heat and violence. It’s bloody brilliant in about a million different ways. The book is so atmospheric and addictive, much like the white Cuban rum Chris seems to thrive on, that I found myself listening to Cuban music and sipping a glass of wine (we were out of rum) as I devoured nearly 200 pages in one sitting.

Few books actually linger with me between reading sessions. With ”Caliente”, I found myself thinking about the people and Cuba itself, daydreaming about just shucking my protective London shell and giving it all up for a faraway paradise, albeit Cuba’s a pretty poverty stricken one. I was in love with the people, both sketchy and legitimate (though there were few legit people!) and especially Yamilia, who I was shocked to find I resembled quite a lot in the bat-shit-craziness area. This was one of those rare books that I was sad to see end.

“Caliente” is nearly as good as hopping on a plane and getting the heck away from wherever the hell you are–it’s an adventure, a punch in the face, a rum filled tango and the best sex you’ve ever had and the hangover the morning after all rolled into one. Read it, now.

[Pino · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cuba that distant mysterious exotic destination...What else?

Chris started as a tourist Havana hotels, rum,pools, roof tops, beaches... And then come the "crazy" woman, Cubans, travels, business, and troubles.

Interesting details about Cuba now and then,a nice collection of people and amusing relationships brought together because of the money, the good company,a hope for a change something different... and then took off to an other of friendships conflicts,and brutality. Relationships are always an unpredictable funny mess.

This book is delightful,lively stories and various events, full of colours, alcohol, the sun, deals and corruption, high hopes and deception, luxury and misery, honesty and deceit.

And of course, the quotes starting each chapter,they were perfect and very lovely.

Adventurous Chris was, fleeing UK to Cuba, don't expect it to be the cosy easy retirement place.

The question now is where did you get all that money? and with a drunk troublesome financial adviser, like Paul, you did great :D

Thank you Goodreads and Chris for the opportunity.

[Jane Tatam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping account of a long-term stay in Cuba. Very raw in the telling,and raunchy!

[Fabulous Book Fiend · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really loved the concept of this book! A guy giving it all up, moving far away, to somewhere completely different. Then there is the romantic interest, I'm always a sucker for a love story. If you are looking for complete escapism with some random adventures thrown in, this book is definitely for you. Unfortunately, it was all just a bit too much escapism for me. I haven't read any books which include travel to Cuba before so I thought this might be good for me, something different but I think it was just too far out my comfort zone and I have to admit that me couldn't finish it.

Despite this book not being to my own personal taste, I think that there are a lot of features that other readers will enjoy. The writers voice is very strong and clear and because you are competing the journey WITH the author, I think that this makes it more accessible to a wider audience. The descriptions of the scenery as well as the action are also very strong, you can build up a good mental picture of exactly where he is and what is going on. His love interest is also well described. She seems like a completely free spirit but with a fiery personality, something that some writers would shy away from putting across in their writing, readers can enjoy living vicariously through her, doing things that they always wanted to do.

I think that one of the reasons I couldn't finish this book was because it tended to jump around quite a lot, it was a bit of a roller coaster in terms of pace. I would just begin to settle into one scene and suddenly I would find myself one some deserted road in the middle of the Cuban countryside. I found that that meant that the writing was a little stilted at times, making it quite challenging to really get to know the plot or the 'supporting' characters in the book.

Whilst I am a fan of travel writing, as well as steamy love stories, this book wasn't for me. I think this book certainly would appeal to other audiences, however, and it is an ideal choice for someone looking for some travel writing slightly further afield or even more off the beaten track.

[Rhoda · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all I would like to thank the author for the opportunity to read and review this book as I won it on First Reads.

I have always had a fascination for Cuba so was very interested to read this book, as it is about the author's time in Cuba. There are plenty of interesting details about Cuba in the book and I enjoyed reading them, however I personally would have liked more details about Cuba and a few less details of how many rums the author drank every day.

Having said that though, I thoroughly enjoyed reading the author's account of his life in Cuba and the characters he met along the way, although a lot of it was rather cringeworthy!

[Simon Templar · Rating 5 out of 5]

How I discovered this book was in quite an odd way. I was sitting in a bar off the Sumkhuvit Road in Bangkok (not one of the overpriced tourist bars but a real local place), I got chatting to a guy who owns a private security contractors. They work all over the middle east. I got chatting to him, as guys who have travelled the world do, and we started swapping stories - the real kind. Anyway, most of his stories were from South America or the Middle East, and mine were all from the far east. then I asked him if he had ever had experiences in the Caribbean. He replied that he had not, but he was reading a book by some guy (Hilton, it later transpired) who had had lots happen to him in Cuba. He told me that he had discovered the book from private eye, and so a few days later, I ordered this book. So here I am!

Enough about me, turning to the book itself. I don't need to tell you the plot - all the other reviewers have already done that. the book is very well written,in an engaging manner, and really sucks you in. As well as learning little titbits of Spanish, and gaping open-mouthed at Chris's actions in Cuba, you learn quite a lot about Cuba itself (for example, I never knew the Ambos mundos hotel was where hemmingway used to write, until I read this book).

there's a bit of sexual content - not much (it's not 50 shades of gray or anything like that) but if you're really easily offended, don't read this. The quotes at the beginning of each chapter are also quite fun.

And one of the best feelings about this book, as you read it, is that you know that it is all TRUE, that all these fascinating characters really are real people - from slick, clever tony to bewitching Yamilia...and of course, the narrrator (Hilton himself) always getting through any kind of situation with ease, drinking, a bit of womanising... A superb book, and a great ending, can't wait for the sequel to come out! Write it soon please Mr Hilton!

[Mad Giles (Giles A. Madding) · Rating 5 out of 5]

But Why Is The Rum Gone?

4.75 stars

If you could escape to your own version of paradise, would you? What lengths would you go to get there? Could this dream of freedom still taste as sweet once you were living it? And, can you make it last? Not too many of us out there will ever go beyond daydreaming in the attempt to answer these questions.

Within the pages of this uniquely paced tale, we travel alongside the author as he takes a gamble on living his dreams… by whatever means necessary.

If you are looking for a book full of sweeping messages and lessons learned this may not be the one for you. However, if you’d enjoy a chance to escape into a slice of life full of memorable characters, poor choices, a strange adventure filled with busy nights and lazy days… you have stumbled across a worthy choice.


**I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.**

[Chris · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was very excited to win a book in a Goodreads giveaway. I am therefore saddened to say that the book isn't worth reading unless you get it free. And then it is only worth reading if you want to read the experiences of a drunk Englishman in Cuba. The book never explains how the author gets the large amount of money he took with him to begin his life in Cuba. It seemed from the tenor of the book that he probably got it in less than an honest way. While in Cuba, he drank too much to the point that he was literally a falling down drunk, he had sex with any woman that would have him. I don't care to read about oral, anal, and vaginal sex. He wasted all his money on booze, women, and exploits that resulted in nothing. At the end of the book, he was still scheming about getting money without really doing anything to deserve it. It was a waste of time reading the book.

[Laurie Franco · Rating 3 out of 5]

Caliente was a good book...but I had a hard time staying into it. While I understand it is the authors actual experience while in Cuba, it just didn't hold me like I hoped it would. I never really got what happened in England and why he left, or what he exactly did to get the money he had. I also found it annoying that he put up with Yamilia like he did, yet slept with anyone that came at him. It was an INTERESTING story, but it just could not keep me interested. While not a bad book in any way, shape or form I was quite disappointed.

[Csimplot Simplot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book!!!

[Ted]

"*** I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads ***
** The Giveaway was Listed By Chris **
* I received my copy on Mon, Sep. 2 2012 *

THANK YOU GOODREADS FIRST READS AND Chris! "

[Marcus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty entertaining light read about some misadventures in Cuba. I enjoyed it all the way through but felt the ending left a little something to be desired.