Cigar Barons: Blood isn't thicker than water - it's war!

by Isabella

Legends aren’t built overnight. In fact, they take decades of hard work, long days, and selfless sacrifice—if one is lucky. Huerta Cigars is a result of the combined passion of patriarch Alejandro Huerta, who emigrated from pre-Castro Cuba to Nicaragua, and his sons Roberto and Manuel. Their unwavering dedication to their dream of producing the best cigars made for a success. Upon Roberto’s passing he left the cigar empire to his only daughter, Sofia, who took over the family business.

Sofia Huerta is Don Roberto’s daughter, and she is making a name for herself with her own line of fine, boutique cigars. One late night phone call will change Sofia’s life forever. Rushing to Nicaragua from San Francisco, her only hope is that it isn’t too late to save her father.

Roberto Huerta, Jr. might be a Huerta in name, but his womanizing, drinking, and carefree lifestyle have kept him at arm’s length from his father. RJ think’s his father’s freak accident will leave him as the rightful heir of the family empire. He couldn’t have been more wrong.

A turn of events will pit brother against sister as they fight for control of the Huerta empire. Sometimes secrets and lies aren’t the only thing living in the closet, and there is only one Huerta that can continue the family legacy of excellence in this romantic mystery with a twist.

In Cigar Barons, blood isn’t thicker than water—it’s war.

Genres: Romance

362 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2019

About the author

Award winning, international best selling author, Isabella, lives in California with her wife and three sons. Isabella's first novel, Always Faithful, won a GCLS award in the Traditional Contemporary Romance category in 2010. She was also a finalist in the International Book Awards, and an Honorable Mention in the 2010 and 2012 Rainbow Awards.


She is a member of the Rainbow Romance Writers, Romance Writers of America and the Gold Crown Literary Society. She has written several short stories and just finished her next novel, Razor's Edge - American Yakuza III, set for an April 15th release. She is current working on Cigar Barons - A family dynasty where blood isn't thicker than water, it's war!

Reviews

[Agirlcandream · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sofia Huerta is all business, groomed by her father Roberto to take over the cigar plantation he established in Nicaragua. Her boutique line of cigars has proven to Don Roberto that she is capable of running his empire. Her brother, Roberto Jr.(RJ) has also grown up learning the cigar business but is a lazy, hard drinking womanizer who assumes he will take over following the unexpected death of his father.

Laura Worthington is a lawyer in her father's law firm in San Francisco. She works long hours and rarely takes time to enjoy the simple pleasures in life. Her goal is to eventually move full time to her home in Napa and escape the pressures of working for her father, Lewis. When Lewis is contacted by RJ to help him battle his sister for control of the Huerta empire, he dumps the case on his daughter Laura. Knowing little about cigars or the industry surrounding their production, Laura contacts her brother to introduce her to the culture and appeal of cigars at his private cigar lounge.

I’m not a cigar aficionado. The only time I tried to smoke one was following the successful completion of my college exams while drinking with a bunch of my fellow graduates. Things didn't go well and I’ve seen no need since to indulge. What drew my interest to this story of cigar barons was the generational aspects and my curiosity of how the cigar industry has attempted to appeal to a broader audience. I wanted to see how these two strong women would deal with what has always been a “man’s world” of private clubs and family dynasties.

My first impression of this novel was to question who the target audience was and if this was intended for a mainstream audience. There are far more men with major roles than I am used to seeing in f/f reads. There are also a few hetero scenes which may turn off some readers who don’t want to see these scenes in their reads. The cigar world of backroom deals, exclusive men’s clubs and cut-throat business deals would not be realistic without these main players. I did think the way the men are portrayed comes off as too black and white. In Cigar Barons all men are bastards. They are a bunch of heavy drinking, manipulative, entitled womanizers with few scruples or redeeming qualities. Even Laura’s brother Michael can’t seem to control his wandering eyes or his need to impress the ladies. Women are portrayed as honorable and industrious unless they sleep with men. Then they are as corrupt as the men they bed. I would hope there are still a few honorable men out there in the business world but I could be wrong.

Male bashing aside, I did enjoy this read. I learned a lot about the cigar industry and revelled in the developing relationship between Sofia and Laura.These women have it going on. Both are sexy as hell and when they share scenes the heat between them sizzles off the page. I liked how they kept their lines of communication open through the inevitable clashes once both were on the tobacco plantation in Nicaragua. The ending of the story felt rushed mainly because I wanted more resolution, more justice, and more retribution for the sins of the fathers and sons. I can be greedy too.
3.5 stars

ARC received with thanks from publisher for an honest review.

[Ameliah Faith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not to My Tastes
Sofia has inherited most of her late father’s estate, including the very lucrative cigar business. Her brother, RJ, is fit to be tied. He hates his sister with a passion and will be damned if he “allows” her to not only keep the company, a company she has worked hard on and with, but she won’t even be able to live on her father’s estate….

I had seriously hoped that this story was about a romance between women, but I was afraid that this book was going to revolve a jerk, a spoiled rotten, must always get his way or else, bully of a “man” and I was right about that, the romance not so much. This tale was well written so I can't fault it for that. There were parts of this story that were ok, the romance between Laura and Sofia being a good part but really felt like an after thought. There was a whole lot I didn’t like. I do understand that Latin men in some countries have no real value for women and think they are good for cooking, sex and making babies and that’s all and this book really highlighted that! I didn’t expect it to be so… much! I figured that since this was written by a woman it wouldn’t be so full of (insert really bad words) men. Actually, thinking about it, the author really did get the cultural aspect pretty spot on and as much as I disliked it, the story was pretty accurate. SO, I guess if you have a general dislike for men, this might not be the book for you but if you are looking for a more true to life drama, this might just be the ticket.

[Lorraine Rusnack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must say that I learned a lot about cigars. I found it very interesting and it really adds to the story. Sofia and Laura make a great couple. I couldn’t wait for that snake RJ to get his. The narrator did a wonderful job especially with the accents.

[Karelia Stetz-Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intrigue. Romance. Cigars.

Alejandro Huerta built a nationally recognized cigar company from nothing, throwing his heart and soul into the enterprise. His family has been at his side—sometimes supporting his work, sometimes simply taking advantage of the lifestyle Huerta Cigars affords them. While he may be the patriarch of the family, he knows that his daughter, Sofia, is far better suited to run Huerta Cigars than her dissipated brother. When Alejandro dies, the family learns that he has willed the company to his daughter. His son Roberto clings to the idea that he should rightfully inherit the company, not his sister. A family feud ensues. But it’s not the kind of feud that’s fought with harsh words over the dinner table. It’s a war that risks lives, reputations, and fortunes.

This romantic thriller steeps the reader in the world of cigar culture. The reader will smell the cigar smoke lifting off the page as they read. Even a cigar-hater, who has coughed dramatically and complained when someone nearby lit a cigar, will fall in love with the taste of a fine cigar. As the story unfolds, the sensual nuances of cigar smoke blend with the sensual nuances of romance, as Sofia falls for Laura, a woman she is in no position to love.

With attention to detail, history, family lineages and setting, Isabella has crafted an engaging thriller. Her readers are sure to push for a sequel or a series, and she is likely to oblige.

[Annette Mori · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an eagerly awaited novel for me and it did not disappoint. I absolutely loved all the rich descriptions and the whole generational story. The book reminds me of some of the great romance writers who have penned books featuring strong women over the generations. I grew up reading those types of books and finally, we have one with a strong lesbian main character! About damn time! I am eagerly awaiting the next book because I hope and pray there will be one.

[Jude Silberfeld-Grimaud · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cigars are everything to the Huerta family. Alejandro emigrated from Cuba to Nicaragua, passing his passion on to his sons, Roberto and Manuel. With Roberto’s unexpected death, his daughter Sofia, who has dedicated her whole life to cigars too, inherits the family business, much to her brother’s chagrin. Roberto Junior, aka RJ, will try everything to gain control of the Huerta cigar empire, including blackmailing an American lawyer (and his daughter) into challenging his father’s will.

I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I hoped I would, in great part because the narration is so uneven. Some moments were great, others were really flat. The other reason is that the story took way too long to start. About a quarter of the book is about setting the scene. I get why it was necessary, but it was still too long for me, especially in a story where men take so much space, which I’m not used to in lesfic.

However, once it really began, I liked it a lot. I’ve learnt a lot more about cigars than I thought I’d be interested in but it was never boring, even though I’m not a smoker. I also enjoyed the way the relationship between Sofia and Laura developed. They’re both strong but kind women, both ready to fight for what they believe is right and for their love. I also wish the ending had been a little less rushed. Especially since the beginning was so slow, I felt the readers deserved a little more time with these two women.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Maria Siopis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every family has a secret. In Cigar Barons the secret is too big to keep it in the closet forever. The author created a story with many layers to move the story forward and she was successful. Its impossible not to turn the page to find out what the characters would do. As a matter of fact, you will want to find out where the story will end as your desire for justice and fairness will burn inside you. The reader will certainly, love the main characters and hate the villains, will question family relations, and identify with their ups and downs. Sofia is likeable, although, she is so arrogant, yet so realistically portrayed by the author. I wanted the character to be arrogant to survive in a world that is dominated by men. She has to be tough and make decisions. She has to fight to keep the family business going, and she has to take matters into her own hands. There is also a very satisfactory HEA. I'll leave you with a direct quote from the novel, "Their tongues battle for dominance, but there weren't any winner or losers in this battle, only lovers." Personally, this novel is a winner.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rec'd an ARC from Sapphire Books Publishing for an un-biased review.
A romance with cigars as the theme - I was hooked immediately. The smell of a good cigar wakes up my senses and has always seemed romantic whether smoked by woman or man. The leads in this story, Sofia, Laura and R.J. (Sofia's brother) are so well written as is the plot, that at times I felt I was immersed in a television show - the scenes playing out in real time before me. Descriptions are vivid and crisp. There was angst, intrigue, sex, family feuds, murder and romance --I read slowly, savoring every moment. I wanted justice, retribution, recognition, success and love for Sofia - why not? The author is one of my favourites and never disappoints but this time Isabella - WOW!!! Unflinchingly recommend with 5 stars.

[RNPride · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very interesting book. I loved the plot twists and the romance - both of which kept me engaged throughout. I also learned things I didn't know about cigars and the cigar business. The characters are very well written, to the point where I even found myself getting angry at one of the antagonists. I'd love to read more about these women. It was well worth the read. I've enjoyed every one of this author's books that I've read and this is no exception. I look forward to reading more of her writing.

[Lesbian Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully written book that has elements of generational fiction. It reminds me of the books my mother used to love that would weave in a tiny bit of history and other things with a story that crosses many generations. I loved the characters, even the evil ones. A bonus was the love story embedded in all the rich history and information about the cigar industry which was absolutely fascinating to me. I hope there is another novel in the series.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know great book, when you fall in love with main characters before they meet for the first time. You grow with them and care more and more. Your interest increases, you can feel the love and hate. Feel what they feel. It doesn't happen often that book becomes your whole life...but this one is absolutely awesome!!

[Jenna “Meadow” | The Book of Meadow · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I usually put this note towards the bottom of my reviews, but felt I needed to preface this review as it's not usually a book I'd go for.

I enjoyed that this novel gave great background on the cigar industry and explanations of different types of cigars, how to start one, etc. As someone who doesn't smoke them but with a husband who enjoys them, I found it very interesting to learn more specifics. I also enjoyed that those details were sprinkled throughout several sections of the book so it wasn't just info dumping and felt more fluid.

The beginning of the book set a good pace of this information along with character developments of our few main characters. Although not my usual genre, I was enjoying it and intrigued to find out how Sofia and RJ would determine the control of the Huerta empire.

Unfortunately, the second half of the book, and especially the last 40 pages went downhill. The plot and dialogues were rushed or contrived in order to move certain things forward. In about 20 pages, multiple situations and twists are revealed, a relationship forms with insta-love, there's a climax and solution and it was a whirlwind of too much information until it abruptly ended. One of these twists was too much for me because it really wasn't necessary and I think it just took things too far with family scandal. There was already plenty happening with the siblings fighting over their family business, this extra situation did not to be thrown in at the last minute.

Another thing that made it difficult for me to enjoy this novel completely was the fact that every single man in the book was a "manwhore" or extremely demeaning to any woman he came across. Other men were cheaters and not one was described as decent. I understood that the men in the cigar/drug cartel would not really be upstanding citizens but the descriptions of how they were treating woman seemed contrived. Then, when every other male in the book was also described as having different bedmates every night or doing something disgusting, it seemed ridiculous. Many of the male family members were also just forgiven these ways as being normal or expected, it also seemed expected that they'd be cheating on their wives no matter what.

Overall, it's a decent novel with some unique details, I think it just could have been better with a bit more editing and less stereotyping.

[Marie’s Book Boutique]

Review coming soon