Desperate to escape an arranged marriage, Angelina Herrera flees from Cuba to Key West to start a new life and build her own business. But when her past catches up with her, she realizes the only way she can avoid the arranged marriage is to marry another … in name only.
Drawn to the fiercely independent beauty Angelina, Cuban revolutionary, Alejandro Estava marries her. Though outwardly he agrees to the platonic relationship because of his secret past, he cannot deny his powerful desire to possess her completely.
But tempestuous forces more powerful than the hurricane descending on their island home unleashes their mutual passion while threatening their yearning for a lifelong bond.
Hebby Roman is a New York traditionally published, small-press published, and Indie published #1 Amazon best-selling author of both historical and contemporary romances. Her WEST TEXAS CHRISTMAS TRILOGY is an Amazon Bestselling and Award-Winning series. Her first contemporary romance, SUMMER DREAMS, was the launch title for Kensington’s Encanto line. And her re-published e-book, SUMMER DREAMS, was #1 in Amazon fiction and romance. Her medieval historical romance, THE PRINCESS AND THE TEMPLAR, was selected for the Amazon Encore program and was #1 in medieval fiction. She was selected for the Romantic Times "Texas Author" award, and she won a national Harlequin contest. Her book, BORDER HEAT, was a Los Angeles Times Book Festival selection. She has been a RONE Finalist three times and in three different categories. She is blessed to have all her family living close by in north Texas, including her two granddaughters, Mackenzie Reese and Presley Davis. Hebby lives in Arlington, Texas with her husband, Luis, and Maltipoo, Maximillian.
A classic romance story set in an interesting time and place. Angelina and Destiny meet when Angelina first arrives in Key West. The two women become best friends supporting each other through thick and thin.
Angelina is unable to accept the life her father has planned for her in Cuba and flees to Key West to start a new life. A life in which she alone is in charge of her fate or that’s the plan but things don’t quite turn out that way especially when she meets fellow Cuban-migrant Alejandro.
Destiny is a bit of a social outcast due to past events involving her parents. She dreams of regaining her status in society by marrying James the son of one of the most influential families in Key West. However when Captain Nathan Rogers shows interest in her, everything becomes complicated.
This is a classic romance story set against the historic background of the Cuban War of Independence just after the end of the American Civil war at a time when tensions, about how the revolution should be fought, are high between rival factions of Cuban migrants. This theme was used well to create the plot and some of the characters. Key West as a setting for the story, with its colourful characters, makes things interesting. However I would have enjoyed the book more if the plot was a bit more complex and some of the suspenseful scenes, such as the rescue of Angelina and the capture of the smugglers, were described in more detail. This would have given the characters a bit more depth. I give it 3.5 stars.
Still the book was an enjoyable read but ultimately a classic romance story, set in an interesting time and place that fans of romance novels will probably enjoy.
Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for a honest review.
In this historical romance, Angelina Herrera has fled Cuba to Key West in the hopes of forging an independent life free of a man’s dictates. Her plan is to build a cigar factory and support herself. Financial circumstances, however, force her into marriage with the enigmatic Alejandro Estava. Carrying scars from a fire that killed his wife and child, he is unrecognizable to Angelina and hides the fact that they had known one another many years prior. That he has long loved her only fuels his efforts to protect her from an alliance with an unscrupulous man. As a counterpoint to their romance, the story also showcases Angelina’s new friend, Destiny, and her courtship with Nathan Rodgers, a Navy captain.
Ms. Roman has written a lush and evocative tale, weaving in Cuban culture and history along with the early days of Key West society. Both heroes are swoon-worthy, the heroines are spunky and stubborn, and the love scenes steamy. It’s everything a romance should be and more. A wonderful read!
HEADLINE Fortunate indeed Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
A fast pace interesting historical tale of a love lost that has been found, true friendships despite ethnicity and heritage and a very colorful bird that’ll have you laughing and maybe learning a few inappropriate words in Spanish. You like the connection between Alejandro and Angelina once she discovers it. It had some bittersweet moments and enemies that definitely needed to be taken care of. Reunions and a wager to be won were also in the cards. Destiny was really likeable and you liked the fact that she and Angelina hit it off despite their differences and the fact they were practically strangers when they met. Her grandfather needs his story told. He definitely had his moments and there were a few others who need their stories told as well. It had a little bit of everything so when you get the chance pick up a copy and enjoy.
I wish the story explored more on their childhood from Angelina’s POV rather than Alejandro only. Plus the story could make do without a romance interference between Destiny and Nathan as they really take up so much of the story. They even had more romance scenes than Angelina ane Alejandro did. I really couldn’t care less for this sidekick couple🥴
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique)
Angelina/Alejandro and Destiny/Nathan's relationships once again prove that "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder" and thank goodness Hebby touched on the fact that good looks DO NOT make for good bedfellows. Case in point: Both women found themselves at the hands of two scoundrels who's nefarious intentions almost cost them everything. Yet, in true romance fashion, love prevailed and we saw two HEA's.
That's good, right?
I thought so, too.
My only complaint was the journey to the HEA's. Nathan fell in love after one date/kiss. Probably at first glance. His sudden mad love for Destiny caused him to propose on their first date and a few times later too. Most women would find this behavior too much, too fast. I sure would. Women like to be wooed, courted, asked at on more than one date before they allow a man to put a ring on their finger.
On the flip side, Alejandro and Angelina just couldn't get their ducks in a row. Now their love story seemed a bit more realistic and relatable
This book is filled to the brim with twists, turns and intrigue. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story to find out how it was all going to work out. I was on the edge of my seat for the last several chapters. If you love some mystery along with your romance, then this book should be on your "to be read list".
Loved this book from beginning to end. Two heroes and two heroines in one book, both their stories well written, cheering for each as I snuggled in, to enjoy following them to a HEA. JudyE
I enjoyed this book very much! The two storylines went well together. The setting of Key West was a nice change too. I hope to read more selections from this author in the future!