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Rum & Coke
Imagine being kidnapped in a forbidden country whose language you don’t speak – and there’s no way home.
When a strait-laced American TV reporter is sent on assignment to Cuba, he is determined to keep out of trouble. But everything changes when he crosses paths with a beautiful and dangerous Cuban chica who calls herself Calypso.
Ulysses wakes up in handcuffs. His head pounding and his mouth gagged with his own tie, he desperately tries to recall what happened. Now, without his wallet or even his passport, Ulysses is at the mercy of his kidnapper.
Insisting that she is in the power of a Santeria love-goddess, Calypso forces Ulysses into the trunk of a 1958 Cadillac convertible at gunpoint. Then she drives him away from Havana, deeper into the heart of her forbidden island.
Uncertain if Calypso is a violent political activist, a common criminal, or simply insane, Ulysses knows he must find a way to escape – and soon. But he finds himself falling for his kidnapper…
Rum & Coke is a crazily off-kilter love story, and a modern odyssey of revenge, devotion and desire; but most of all it is simply the tale of a gringo, a chica, a Caddy, and a love-goddess…
Find out more at www.jaxymono.com, or follow Jaxy on Twitter @jaxymono.
When a strait-laced American TV reporter is sent on assignment to Cuba, he is determined to keep out of trouble. But everything changes when he crosses paths with a beautiful and dangerous Cuban chica who calls herself Calypso.
Ulysses wakes up in handcuffs. His head pounding and his mouth gagged with his own tie, he desperately tries to recall what happened. Now, without his wallet or even his passport, Ulysses is at the mercy of his kidnapper.
Insisting that she is in the power of a Santeria love-goddess, Calypso forces Ulysses into the trunk of a 1958 Cadillac convertible at gunpoint. Then she drives him away from Havana, deeper into the heart of her forbidden island.
Uncertain if Calypso is a violent political activist, a common criminal, or simply insane, Ulysses knows he must find a way to escape – and soon. But he finds himself falling for his kidnapper…
Rum & Coke is a crazily off-kilter love story, and a modern odyssey of revenge, devotion and desire; but most of all it is simply the tale of a gringo, a chica, a Caddy, and a love-goddess…
Find out more at www.jaxymono.com, or follow Jaxy on Twitter @jaxymono.
- GenresThriller
301 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 16, 2016
2 people are currently reading
681 people want to read
About the author
Jaxy Mono
7 books79 followersJaxy Mono - the world famous “monkey with a typewriter” and the creator of “monkey lit” - is a highly intelligent tail-less Barbary Ape (Macaca sylvanus) from Europe’s only population of wild monkeys in Gibraltar.
As a young member of Gunnery Battery Troop, Jaxy (pronounced JAKH-see) had many opportunities to observe human behaviour and language close-up at the Apes’ Den. Jaxy then completed his education by stowing away in a tourist’s rucksack and traveling the world.
Jaxy creates his works by tapping, apparently at random, on the screen of a “borrowed” (i.e. stolen) iPad. Jaxy also thieves cameras, and he is a keen film-maker. His six hour documentary study of his left foot has won major prizes at several international film festivals.
Outside his artistic endeavours, Jaxy likes beer, bananas and his babies; and he dislikes fleas, being paid in peanuts, and zoos. His hobbies include foraging, grooming, rooting through trash-cans, and playing tag with his offspring.
Despite overwhelming scientific evidence to the contrary, Jaxy doesn’t believe in evolution, as he simply can’t accept that he is descended from creatures as primitive as human beings; especially Creationists.
Jaxy Mono has asserted his inalienable moral right to be identified as the author of his works; and anybody who asserts otherwise will be nipped on the butt.
Hard.
As a young member of Gunnery Battery Troop, Jaxy (pronounced JAKH-see) had many opportunities to observe human behaviour and language close-up at the Apes’ Den. Jaxy then completed his education by stowing away in a tourist’s rucksack and traveling the world.
Jaxy creates his works by tapping, apparently at random, on the screen of a “borrowed” (i.e. stolen) iPad. Jaxy also thieves cameras, and he is a keen film-maker. His six hour documentary study of his left foot has won major prizes at several international film festivals.
Outside his artistic endeavours, Jaxy likes beer, bananas and his babies; and he dislikes fleas, being paid in peanuts, and zoos. His hobbies include foraging, grooming, rooting through trash-cans, and playing tag with his offspring.
Despite overwhelming scientific evidence to the contrary, Jaxy doesn’t believe in evolution, as he simply can’t accept that he is descended from creatures as primitive as human beings; especially Creationists.
Jaxy Mono has asserted his inalienable moral right to be identified as the author of his works; and anybody who asserts otherwise will be nipped on the butt.
Hard.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 12, 2016
Disclaimer: I was sent this book for review.
Rum & Coke is about a crazed Cuban woman who kidnaps an American man who is sent to Cuba to report on an up and coming hurricane, which kindly shares the same name as his wife.
Ulysses is a recovering alcoholic, but seems rather quick to throw away those few months of sobriety when he meets his future kidnapper, Calypso. Calypso is a young, crazy woman who worships the Orisha gods, and goddesses to a point where she’ll offer the goddess Orchun her blood in the hopes that the goddess will help her lure in a man for a mysterious reason.
When I say Calypso is crazy, I mean she is f***ing nuts! Throughout the entire book, all I could think was, “why isn’t this girl locked up in an asylum?” I’m all for a crazy villain, and a female villain at that, but she was so out of it, and so completely off her rocker, that I didn’t know if I should like her as the book’s antagonist, or hope that Ulysses would figured out that the gun was not a toy, and just jammed, and shoot her so she would just go away.
The book started off very slowly, and seemed to continue at the snail like pace for some time that it seemed that I was fighting tooth and nail, not to put it down, and read something else. I was not expecting for it to be so heavily influenced by the Orisha gods, and goddesses, that when deciding which genre it should be put in, Supernatural, or paranormal should be put in, alongside romantic (which is an overstatement) and thriller. The reason why the title, romantic is overrated for the categorizing of the book’s genre, is because for 3/4 of the book, the romance is really one sided, until the last few chapters.
Which is another thing that was a bit of a problem for me. Ulysses was so adamant for a large part of the book to get away for his capture, that when he fell in love with her in those last few chapters, it was ridiculous. Yes he thought she was hot, and he had no love her his wife, but to all of a sudden to fall in love with Calypso, was just flabbergasting. He downright hated the woman one day, and loved her the next.
I don’t want to leavethe book with an entirely negative review, so I will say: once a certain incident happened between Calypso, Ulysses, and that cop, things did start to pick up, and get better. To a point that it was easier to read, and I actually wanted to continue reading. But even though the story did start to get interesting, the dialogue was hard to read at times. And it had nothing to do with the occasional language change. But the way Calypso spoke made me want to plug my ears, so I wouldn’t have to listen to her childish ways.
But again, not wanting to be completely negative, I feel like the author did a really good job at capturing the lifestyle of Havana, Cuba (I’ve never been, so I have no idea what it’s like) if that is in fact what it’s really like. Jaxy Mono did make it seem very real, and painted a nice picture with his words when describing the landscape.
Overall rating: 2.5-3/5 stars. I wouldn’t say it is a 3, but it could possibly see the horizon over the steep hill.
Would I recommend: No, unless you are really into the Cuba, and interested in hearing more about what some of it’s cities look like.
Rum & Coke is about a crazed Cuban woman who kidnaps an American man who is sent to Cuba to report on an up and coming hurricane, which kindly shares the same name as his wife.
Ulysses is a recovering alcoholic, but seems rather quick to throw away those few months of sobriety when he meets his future kidnapper, Calypso. Calypso is a young, crazy woman who worships the Orisha gods, and goddesses to a point where she’ll offer the goddess Orchun her blood in the hopes that the goddess will help her lure in a man for a mysterious reason.
When I say Calypso is crazy, I mean she is f***ing nuts! Throughout the entire book, all I could think was, “why isn’t this girl locked up in an asylum?” I’m all for a crazy villain, and a female villain at that, but she was so out of it, and so completely off her rocker, that I didn’t know if I should like her as the book’s antagonist, or hope that Ulysses would figured out that the gun was not a toy, and just jammed, and shoot her so she would just go away.
The book started off very slowly, and seemed to continue at the snail like pace for some time that it seemed that I was fighting tooth and nail, not to put it down, and read something else. I was not expecting for it to be so heavily influenced by the Orisha gods, and goddesses, that when deciding which genre it should be put in, Supernatural, or paranormal should be put in, alongside romantic (which is an overstatement) and thriller. The reason why the title, romantic is overrated for the categorizing of the book’s genre, is because for 3/4 of the book, the romance is really one sided, until the last few chapters.
Which is another thing that was a bit of a problem for me. Ulysses was so adamant for a large part of the book to get away for his capture, that when he fell in love with her in those last few chapters, it was ridiculous. Yes he thought she was hot, and he had no love her his wife, but to all of a sudden to fall in love with Calypso, was just flabbergasting. He downright hated the woman one day, and loved her the next.
I don’t want to leavethe book with an entirely negative review, so I will say: once a certain incident happened between Calypso, Ulysses, and that cop, things did start to pick up, and get better. To a point that it was easier to read, and I actually wanted to continue reading. But even though the story did start to get interesting, the dialogue was hard to read at times. And it had nothing to do with the occasional language change. But the way Calypso spoke made me want to plug my ears, so I wouldn’t have to listen to her childish ways.
But again, not wanting to be completely negative, I feel like the author did a really good job at capturing the lifestyle of Havana, Cuba (I’ve never been, so I have no idea what it’s like) if that is in fact what it’s really like. Jaxy Mono did make it seem very real, and painted a nice picture with his words when describing the landscape.
Overall rating: 2.5-3/5 stars. I wouldn’t say it is a 3, but it could possibly see the horizon over the steep hill.
Would I recommend: No, unless you are really into the Cuba, and interested in hearing more about what some of it’s cities look like.
December 12, 2016
A fast paced enjoyable read. I would really recommend giving it a try.
July 29, 2016
If it were music, this would be in the alternative genre. It tells the universal story of love too though, even if it’s not in the conventional way. Sometimes you need to step out of your comfort zone and try something else, and that’s what I did. It takes a bit of getting used to but if a) you want a dramatic change of what you’re used to reading and b) you want a book with a lot more substance than your average read and finally c) you have an interest in knowing a lot more about Cuba, than this is the book to read. The picture of Cuba is not a very positive one though and I was quite surprised that the book gave such a raw perspective of the country.
The novel opens with a telling how people came on earth, how the Gods made men and women, how we were cut in 2 and we are always searching for our other half. Beautiful isn’t it?
There is a lot of Cuba’s background in the book, layered with a lot of local words and the belief in The Black Madonna, a representation of a Goddess called Ochún (the Goddess of love and rivers) that runs as a red thread throughout the book. Ochún became the patron saint of Cuba and is known as the Black Madonna. The slaves in the old ages hid their worshipping of the gods pretending to pray to Catholic saints and they dressed their gods in the saint’s robes. This dual religion is called Santeria.
Calypso really believes in Ochún and acts accordingly. This wasn’t entirely my cup of tea as the belief in the Gods was very present and I don’t really care about that so much. Luckily Ulysses is more down to earth and thinks she’s kind of crazy too. It was not easy to feel empathy with Calypso although she had such a hard life and she did come across quite crazy and naive sometimes, but she did have her good moments too.
It has a little bit of an open ending and where I don’t like that in any other book, I was quite happy here that some of the future is undetermined. It didn’t need a fixed closure as the story of Calypso and Ulysses in Cuba was already told and finished.
This sure was a crazy ride, and not only for them. It wasn’t told schoolishly but I did learn quite a few things. Cuba has never felt so close as when I read this story and I have a firm belief that the author must have lived there, has roots there or some other.
I received a free copy of this novel from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
The novel opens with a telling how people came on earth, how the Gods made men and women, how we were cut in 2 and we are always searching for our other half. Beautiful isn’t it?
There is a lot of Cuba’s background in the book, layered with a lot of local words and the belief in The Black Madonna, a representation of a Goddess called Ochún (the Goddess of love and rivers) that runs as a red thread throughout the book. Ochún became the patron saint of Cuba and is known as the Black Madonna. The slaves in the old ages hid their worshipping of the gods pretending to pray to Catholic saints and they dressed their gods in the saint’s robes. This dual religion is called Santeria.
Calypso really believes in Ochún and acts accordingly. This wasn’t entirely my cup of tea as the belief in the Gods was very present and I don’t really care about that so much. Luckily Ulysses is more down to earth and thinks she’s kind of crazy too. It was not easy to feel empathy with Calypso although she had such a hard life and she did come across quite crazy and naive sometimes, but she did have her good moments too.
Calypso: “If I cooked as I looked, you’d scrape my pot”I felt more of a bond with Ulysses, or Jack, as she calls him (for every American is a John or Jack to her). The story is pretty clear, she kidnaps him for some sort of undisclosed reason that is only revealed at the end of the book and then they have a roadtrip that helps them to find each other and form a bond. Ulysses really evolves throughout the story, going from holding on desperately to his job, his old life and his wife, towards letting go and feeling okay with it.
It has a little bit of an open ending and where I don’t like that in any other book, I was quite happy here that some of the future is undetermined. It didn’t need a fixed closure as the story of Calypso and Ulysses in Cuba was already told and finished.
This sure was a crazy ride, and not only for them. It wasn’t told schoolishly but I did learn quite a few things. Cuba has never felt so close as when I read this story and I have a firm belief that the author must have lived there, has roots there or some other.
I received a free copy of this novel from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
August 26, 2016
l received this book for free from Goodreads Firstreads giveaway
Rum and Coke by Jaxy Mono had me gripped from the start. A pretty ordinary guy, called Ulysses is sent to Cuba on the pretext of monitoring a hurricane for his TV weatherman job. l say pretext as it becomes clear that his boss aka father-in-law wants him 'off the scene'. He is a recovering alcoholic and his wife has left him but he tries to remain professional. . . . . Until he meets Calypso.
There are so many twists and turns in the relationship between Ulysses and Calypso, you never know where it is leading to. l quite liked the way the communist minder sent to 'keep an eye on Ulysses' had his own agenda.
And the ending . .. . . where is Part ll . . . . there must be one. lf l were a film producer l'd approach Mr Jaxy Mono and negotiate film rights . . . . entertaining and atmospheric.
Well recommended.
Rum and Coke by Jaxy Mono had me gripped from the start. A pretty ordinary guy, called Ulysses is sent to Cuba on the pretext of monitoring a hurricane for his TV weatherman job. l say pretext as it becomes clear that his boss aka father-in-law wants him 'off the scene'. He is a recovering alcoholic and his wife has left him but he tries to remain professional. . . . . Until he meets Calypso.
There are so many twists and turns in the relationship between Ulysses and Calypso, you never know where it is leading to. l quite liked the way the communist minder sent to 'keep an eye on Ulysses' had his own agenda.
And the ending . .. . . where is Part ll . . . . there must be one. lf l were a film producer l'd approach Mr Jaxy Mono and negotiate film rights . . . . entertaining and atmospheric.
Well recommended.
April 16, 2017
When Ulysses, a tv weatherman, is sent to Cuba to report on an approaching hurricane he has no idea how much his life is about to change. Into his life comes Calypso, a girl with so many facets to her personality that it could be a book in itself. The story veers from love to despair, passion to terror, weddings to death. Ulysses it totally out of his depth, his comfort zone smashed by this Cuban missile of a woman.
Join them as they take a ride in an old Cadillac Eldorado. This is a journey through modern Cuba, taking in the scenery, the cultures, and the varying lifestyles, from the rich and advantaged ruling classes to those struggling to fight for survival below the poverty line.
Will Ulysses ever manage to work out exactly who or what Calypso really is under those multiple personalities that she displays? Does he really love her, or she him? Will he ever get back to his US home?
This was a book that I couldn't put down until I knew the answers.
Join them as they take a ride in an old Cadillac Eldorado. This is a journey through modern Cuba, taking in the scenery, the cultures, and the varying lifestyles, from the rich and advantaged ruling classes to those struggling to fight for survival below the poverty line.
Will Ulysses ever manage to work out exactly who or what Calypso really is under those multiple personalities that she displays? Does he really love her, or she him? Will he ever get back to his US home?
This was a book that I couldn't put down until I knew the answers.
June 23, 2016
Disclaimer: I received a free review copy of this book from Goodreads.
Quirky, fast paced, full of twists and turns, fun and highly engrossing. The book starts with a rather bizarre section which left me somewhat confused and wondering what the rest of the book was going to be like. Once you get to know our heroine; the chica, this section becomes much more understandable. The characters are well developed and highly believable. I was really cheering for the chica and eventually really liked the gringo. The descriptions of the settings make you really feel as if you are in Cuba.
Quirky, fast paced, full of twists and turns, fun and highly engrossing. The book starts with a rather bizarre section which left me somewhat confused and wondering what the rest of the book was going to be like. Once you get to know our heroine; the chica, this section becomes much more understandable. The characters are well developed and highly believable. I was really cheering for the chica and eventually really liked the gringo. The descriptions of the settings make you really feel as if you are in Cuba.
August 6, 2019
I picked up this book because I won it from a GoodReads giveaway. I almost didn't stick with it, but by the end, was glad I had. The characters are not easy to like throughout the first half of the book. I didn't care what happened, I wasn't intrigued. However, by the second half(-ish), I could see both main characters grow and change and turn into people I cared about. By the final four or five chapters, I couldn't put it down. I gave it only 3 stars because while I liked it, it had a crappy ending and I probably won't find myself reading it again or recommending it.
July 26, 2016
I received this book for free via Goodreads First Reads.
It feels and is written like a standard romance for the first few chapters. It is worth reading on to find out it is not. It is an exciting and different read with a supernatural element alongside some violence.
It is not a book for everyone but it is a book worth reading if you get the chance. A pawshake to the author and a recommendation from me.
It feels and is written like a standard romance for the first few chapters. It is worth reading on to find out it is not. It is an exciting and different read with a supernatural element alongside some violence.
It is not a book for everyone but it is a book worth reading if you get the chance. A pawshake to the author and a recommendation from me.
December 13, 2016
This was a great fast paced read, bringing together two characters from completely different backgrounds. I felt, along with Ulysses, that I was learning about the Cuban culture and I certainly enjoyed the ride! As the story progressed, I wanted to know more about the protagonists and find out why they behave as they do....this did come to light, so thankfully I wasn't left hanging....
I received this copy of Rum & Coke in a Good Reads giveaway.
I received this copy of Rum & Coke in a Good Reads giveaway.
May 21, 2016
Fantastic book which I was encouraged to read quickly by virtue of the fast paced plot which was full of twists and turns. It is a mix of thriller, love, culture and history and well worth a read. I will certainly read more books by the author in future.
July 21, 2016
I had difficulty getting into and staying interested in this book
January 13, 2018
Won in a Goodreads First Reads contest.
This book is bananas! Had to pass it on to a friend who loves wacky stories. He loves it.
This book is bananas! Had to pass it on to a friend who loves wacky stories. He loves it.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews