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When We Left Cuba

(The Perez Family #2)

Chanel Cleeton (Goodreads Author)

4.01 · Rating details · 32,475 ratings · 2,921 reviews

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 Fl ...more

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Paperback, 346 pages

Published April 9th 2019 by Berkley

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Mar 29, 2019 Miranda Reads rated it really liked it

Shelves: received-to-review

"I am nothing if not a scandal."

Beatriz is one of the Perez daughters - known for their fame and fortune in their homeland, Cuba.

But they were forced to flee due to the revolution. And though her family has settled in Florida, and her father is bent on reforming the Perez family fortune, Beatriz cannot help but long for the life she left behind.

"They said you ruled like a queen in Havana."

Beatriz becomes consumed with the near-impossible goal - to destroy Fidel Castro.

But making plans an ...more

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Jun 01, 2019 Jen rated it liked it

Shelves: cuba

I think I’m going to get poo-pooed on for this review. Having read and adored Next Year in Havana, this one just fell flat for me. Too unrealistic.
I love Cuba but this character? What happened to Beatrize? For a 22 year old she makes reckless decisions - which may be appropriate for her age- but for how intelligent she is supposed to be just didn’t jive for me.
This one read more like a harlequin romance - hey I’m a sucker for a good love story every now and then- but I couldn’t buy into it. I’m ...more

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Apr 06, 2019 Angela M rated it really liked it

Shelves: netgalley-reviews

Political intrigue, history, wanting to know more about Cuba, and a love story were the things that attracted me to this book, as well as the fact that I enjoyed Next Year in Havana . It moved a little slowly at first. I didn’t feel immersed until a third of the way in and then I was taken in. I remembered that Beatriz Perez was Marisol’s great Aunt and Elisa’s sister from the previous book, but I don’t remember much more about her from the first novel. She turns out to be a spirited, independen ...more

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Dec 11, 2018 Susanne rated it it was amazing

Shelves: direct-from-publisher

4.75 Intriguing and Suspenseful Stars!
Beatriz Perez wants nothing more than to return to Cuba. Having been exiled to Florida after the Cuban Revolution is not what she had in mind. She has no interest in being a debutante like her sisters, nor does she have any interest in marriage. For Beatriz, the loss of her twin brother Alejandro, is excruciating thus all she wants is revenge. When the CIA recruits her as a spy, she jumps at the chance hoping that she can make Castro pay.

What Beatriz doesn’ 4.75 Intriguing and Suspenseful Stars!
Beatriz Perez wants nothing more than to return to Cuba. Having been exiled to Florida after the Cuban Revolution is not what she had in mind. She has no interest in being a debutante like her sisters, nor does she have any interest in marriage. For Beatriz, the loss of her twin brother Alejandro, is excruciating thus all she wants is revenge. When the CIA recruits her as a spy, she jumps at the chance hoping that she can make Castro pay.

What Beatriz doesn’t count on, is meeting Nick, who captures every fiber of her being, and whose life is the exact opposite of hers. How will Beatriz’s need for revenge coincide with her need for a man she can’t get enough of?

“When We Left Cuba” captured my attention from the very first. Beatriz is both brilliant and hilarious, as well as bold and fearless. She will do whatever it takes to get what she wants. I liked her immediately and got wrapped up in this spy game, as well as the story of family, love, intrigue and vengeance. While I loved the character of Beatriz, I adored the character of Eduardo as well and would love to find out more about him one of these days (hint hint)!

“When We Left Cuba” is the second book in the Perez family series by Chanel Cleeton, with “Next Year in Havana” being the first. While I liked “Next Year in Havana” - I absolutely LOVE Beatriz Perez’s story. I found her to be compelling, funny, intelligent and sassy. Perhaps it is her independence or her ability to face danger so willingly, whatever it is about her, it grabbed me. Here, Chanel Cleeton does an incredible job intertwining Cuban History with American History all the while creating a suspenseful, romantic read. I highly recommend this to fans of historical fiction and those who love reading a good espionage story.

Kudos also to Ms. Cleeton for the gorgeous cover! What a way to draw readers in.

A huge thank you to Elisha at Berkley Publishing Group and to Chanel Cleeton for a galley of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Published on Goodreads on 12.11.18.
Will be published on Amazon and Twitter on release date.
Excerpt to be published on Instagram. ...more

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Apr 09, 2019 Jennifer ~ TarHeelReader rated it really liked it

Shelves: berkley, arcs

A stunning and intriguing follow-up! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Beatriz Perez lost everything during the Cuban Revolution, including her family and her home, her beloved Cuba. The CIA recruits her to get close to Fidel Castro and his comrades.

Now a spy, Beatriz is thirsty with revenge for all she’s lost. The Cold War is in full swing when Beatriz finds herself in love with power hungry man; a clandestine affair, and she knows it.

Beatriz comes to a crossroads where she must choose between everything she holds ...more

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Mar 31, 2019 Holly B (wifi is acting wacky) rated it really liked it

Shelves: historical-fiction, read-in-2019

Beatriz Perez lives in exile in Palm Beach, Florida with her family, but Cuba forever lives in her heart. The family fled during the Cuban Revolution and they lost their family home and successful sugar field business. They are safe, but Beatriz has anger and revenge on her mind. She isn't one to forget the past.

Beatriz as a strong, independent and beautiful young woman and is known for catching the eye of many and is known to collect marriage proposals .

She is approached by the CIA and a ...more

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Mar 09, 2019 Warda rated it really liked it

Shelves: author-of-colour, characters-of-colour, historical-romance, i-fell-in-love

As beautiful as I was expecting it to be.

I was anticipating this book a lot since I read Next Year in Havana earlier this year and fell in love with it. The way that story concluded had me excited to see what Beatriz's story would be like and it didn't disappoint. She exuded a lot of strength, charm and beauty in the previous book and those qualities carry through in her own book.

Beatriz is a defiant character. She has a reputation that follows her, but she couldn't care less. She's bold and br ...more

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Apr 26, 2019 Chelsea (chelseadolling reads) rated it liked it

EEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeeehhhhhhh. Not really sure how to rate this one as it just.. wasn't what I expected it to be? Which I guess is my fault. I went in wanting more romance but this was definitely more about espionage and like.. spy stuff? It wasn't a bad book, but it was just not my cup of tea. ...more

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Mar 09, 2019 Liz rated it it was amazing

Shelves: netgalley

4.5 stars, rounded up
When We Left Cuba picks up in time after Next Year in Havana. The Perez family, part of the Cuban sugar aristocracy, has landed in Palm Beach after the Cuban Revolution. Once again, Cleeton does a great job of combining an engaging story with a real feel for the time and place. This is historical fiction done right. Cleeton knows how to weave historic facts into the story in a seamless manner.
This sequel focuses on a different Perez daughter. Driven by revenge, Beatriz Per ...more

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Apr 10, 2019 Berit Talks Books rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2019, advanced-reader-copy, book-besties

An exceptional story about an extraordinary woman! A book rich with love and steeped in history!

Beatriz Perez my queen! There was something about Beatriz that completely captured my heart from the very first page of this book. She was a smart, strong, and sassy woman with an unbreakable spirit and an unstoppable independence. This is a follow-up of sorts to, “Next Year in Havana”, although I’d say you could read this book independently. We do meet Beatriz in the first book (it is the story of h An exceptional story about an extraordinary woman! A book rich with love and steeped in history!

Beatriz Perez my queen! There was something about Beatriz that completely captured my heart from the very first page of this book. She was a smart, strong, and sassy woman with an unbreakable spirit and an unstoppable independence. This is a follow-up of sorts to, “Next Year in Havana”, although I’d say you could read this book independently. We do meet Beatriz in the first book (it is the story of her sister Elisa) however Beatrix is on the periphery of that story. Both books are exquisite, however I have to admit I like this book a teeny bit more.

Beatrix might live in the US now, but her heart is still in Cuba. Her family was exiled to the US after Fidel Castro took power in Cuba. Beatriz was the privileged daughter of a sugar barren, she lived a glamorous life filled with parties and glitz. Then her life was turned upside down, she lost her twin brother during the uprise, her family loses all their wealth, and her family is sent away from the land that they loved. Beatrix now has to start over in a new country. Consumed with revenge and a desire to return “home“ she finds herself entangled with the CIA. She also meets a man. A man who is off-limits, A man who will completely capture and consume her. We experience the US Cuba relationship during the 1960s through the pages of this book. We see the Bay of Pigs, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the JFK assassination through Beatrix’s eyes. This book is a true love story, A woman’s love for a country and a man.

Chanel Cleeton’s vivid writing will transport you to the 1960s. The feel and the fear at the beginning of the Cold War seeps through the pages. The historical aspects of this book are compelling, but I have to say the romance wormed its way into my heart. Beatrix Nick’s Love story was so raw, I really can’t think of any other word to describe it. A forbidden love that broke them both and then built them up again. it’s all about Fate and timing and all that.

This was a spellbinding story packed with romance and history rat in a cloak of intrigue! Unequivocally recommend!

*** many thanks to Berkley for my copy of this book *** ...more

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Nov 29, 2018 Katie B rated it really liked it

Shelves: historical-fiction, first-to-read, arc, read-in-2018, 1960s, fiction, cuba

If you enjoyed the historical fiction novel, Next Year in Havana, you'll want to check this one out as it features Beatriz Perez. I'm so glad the author decided to write a book about her because she's a fascinating character. Really liked this one as it had a little bit of everything including romance, espionage, and family drama. While this book could be read as standalone novel, I highly recommend checking out the previous book so you can get a better understanding of not just Beatriz but also ...more

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Apr 12, 2019 Marialyce (absltmom, yaya) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: books-of-2019

4.5 stars

I always find there is nothing better than reading a book that connects you to a time you so well remember. Such was the case in this wonderfully written story that Chancel Cleeton constructed for her readers.

This story takes us into the life and times of Beatriz Perez, a strong willed, beautiful, independent woman who possesses great love and feelings for her native land. Her wish is to see Cuba become the place of beauty, family, and one that her memories so want it to be. However, 4.5 stars

I always find there is nothing better than reading a book that connects you to a time you so well remember. Such was the case in this wonderfully written story that Chancel Cleeton constructed for her readers.

This story takes us into the life and times of Beatriz Perez, a strong willed, beautiful, independent woman who possesses great love and feelings for her native land. Her wish is to see Cuba become the place of beauty, family, and one that her memories so want it to be. However, this is the time of the advent of Castro, coming into power after the tyrannical reign of Baptiste. Beatriz wants to go home again, but the times thwart her heart's desire.

She is beautiful, desired by many men, but she falls in love with a "Kennedyesque" senator, and their relationship, though loving and torrid for the times, only seems to be able to bring Beatriz pain, longing, and loneliness. Recruited by the CIA, she is determined to fight for her Cuba in any way she can even to the ultimate of murder and death. Her life becomes one of clandestine times with the Senator and plotting for the overthrow of Castro.

One can not help but admire Beatriz as she is driven to try and recapture what was once hers and her family's. This story was told with the backdrop of the times, Kennedy as President, the Bay of Pigs failed attempt, the plight of the Cuban people both here and in Cuba, and the Missile crisis added such relevance and poignancy to this book. It was a time I so remember as the threat of nuclear destruction hung about our days and made the news reels each night scaring those who watched.

Chancel Cleeton did a most admirable job weaving the story infused with so much historical significance with the life of Beatriz. I recommend this story most highly for its authenticity and its ability to present so well the wonderful ability of strength and resilience that so many woman of that time possessed.
A special thanks to Susanne who sent this book to me after I mentioned I so wanted to read it. ...more

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Apr 08, 2019 Norma rated it really liked it

Intriguing, suspenseful, glamorous & magnetic!

WHEN WE LEFT CUBA by CHANEL CLEETON is an engaging, fascinating, entertaining, beautifully crafted and rich historical fiction novel that I thoroughly enjoyed. I was immediately drawn into our main characters life, Beatriz Perez and loved the romantic & adventurous journey that this book took me on. The author’s passion and knowledge definitely shines through tenfold and where some of the content was missed by me I totally appreciated learning about Intriguing, suspenseful, glamorous & magnetic!

WHEN WE LEFT CUBA by CHANEL CLEETON is an engaging, fascinating, entertaining, beautifully crafted and rich historical fiction novel that I thoroughly enjoyed. I was immediately drawn into our main characters life, Beatriz Perez and loved the romantic & adventurous journey that this book took me on. The author’s passion and knowledge definitely shines through tenfold and where some of the content was missed by me I totally appreciated learning about this part of Cuban and American history.

I didn’t have the pleasure of reading and visiting the Perez family in the NEXT YEAR IN HAVANA before reading this novel WHEN WE LEFT CUBA. And normally I tend to shy away from reading follow-up books out of sequence order because it somehow makes me feel like I’m missing out or cheating the “system”. So with that being said I am definitely going to revisit the Perez family again but in the meantime I am so glad that I put all of my feelings aside and dove right into this fabulously written romantic & dashing tale of espionage, revenge, love, & family drama.

Even though this is a follow-up and some of the characters are revisited here this is Beatriz’s story and definitely works and reads well as a standalone.

This was a Traveling Sisters group read.

Norma’s Stats:
Cover: Strikingly beautiful, glamorous, gorgeous, appealing and a fitting representation to storyline. Love the cover art!
Title: Intriguing, fascinating, powerful and a wonderful representation to storyline.
Writing/Prose: Beautifully written, passionate, knowledgeable, fluid, engaging and entertaining. Absolutely loved the writing style!
Plot: Intriguing, informative, fascinating, thought-provoking, fast-paced, atmospheric and entertaining.
Ending: A pat and happy ending that was very satisfying and pleasing. I have a fondness for Epilogues!
Overall: A fun, tense and exciting read with fabulous characters filled with rich historical content. Would highly recommend!

Thank you so much to Elisha at Berkley Publishing and Chanel Cleeton for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book in exchange for a review.

Review can also be found on our blog:
https://twosisterslostinacoulee.com ...more

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Apr 13, 2019 Bkwmlee rated it really liked it

Shelves: penguin-first-to-read, fiction, favorites

4.5 stars

In her first book about the Perez family, Next Year in Havana , author Chanel Cleeton had introduced us to Beatriz Perez, Marisol Ferrara’s great-aunt and also older sister to Elisa Perez. Even though the focus of that story was on Marisol and Elisa, with Beatriz playing only a supporting role, I still remember quite vividly Beatriz’s strong, spirited, defiant personality – in fact, she was one of my favorite characters from that story so of course, I was absolutely ecstatic to learn 4.5 stars

In her first book about the Perez family, Next Year in Havana , author Chanel Cleeton had introduced us to Beatriz Perez, Marisol Ferrara’s great-aunt and also older sister to Elisa Perez. Even though the focus of that story was on Marisol and Elisa, with Beatriz playing only a supporting role, I still remember quite vividly Beatriz’s strong, spirited, defiant personality – in fact, she was one of my favorite characters from that story so of course, I was absolutely ecstatic to learn that Cleeton’s next novel, When We Left Cuba , would essentially be Beatriz’s story. While Next Year in Havana was set primarily in Cuba and focused on the time period of the revolution in which president Batista was ousted and Fidel Castro took power, When We Left Cuba is set primarily in the United States and focuses on the aftermath of the revolution, the Cuban exiles living in Florida and their fight to reclaim Cuba, as well as the island’s relationship with the rest of the world under Castro’s leadership. In addition, this story touched on elements that we would normally find in a spy thriller, as Beatriz becomes involved with the CIA and goes on a few secret missions for them with the goal of killing Castro in order to avenge the death of her twin brother Alejandro and the loss of her family’s home and fortunes. Story-wise, there was a lot at play here –politics, history (both Cuban history as well as American), romance, espionage, family, culture, etc. – plus quite a few characters, both ones we were introduced to in the previous story as well as new ones, yet not once did I feel overwhelmed by everything that was going on – rather, I was captivated by the story and couldn’t put the book down once I started reading it. I’m usually not a reader of spy/espionage-themed stories and more often than not, I also don’t take well to stories heavy on American politics, but this book defied my expectations in this area -- both of these themes were incorporated extremely well, to the point that they didn’t overpower the story, which I absolutely appreciated.

One of the biggest draws to this book for me was the character of Beatriz Perez herself – a wonderfully written character who was at once complex, intriguing, and absolutely unforgettable. I loved her sassiness, her independent spirit, her boldness in following her heart and not caring what others thought of her or her actions, her open defiance of convention and refusal to conform to what society and her parents expected of her (which was to marry someone rich and well-connected, have children, and fade into the role of demure housewife). Beautiful, smart, funny, willful, and headstrong, Beatriz was the type of person who wanted to be recognized and respected for her own merits, who valued her own independence and freedom and making her own way in the world, who wanted to shape her own destiny and not be a woman needing to be “taken care of” by a man or whose worth in the world could only be defined by the merits and achievements of her significant other. At the same time, she was also a woman who knew how to love passionately, fearlessly, boldly, devotedly, yet still be able to approach the same relationship with pragmatism and discernment. In her Author’s Note, Cleeton mentioned that after introducing Beatriz’s character in Next Year in Havana , she had to stop halfway through drafting that novel in order to write the first chapter of this book because Beatriz’s story “was pushing its way out, demanding to be told” – that’s exactly how I felt about Beatriz even before I started reading her story!

Once again, Cleeton does a fantastic job of seamlessly melding historical events with a captivating story while at the same time giving us beautifully drawn, imperfect characters whom we can’t help falling in love with as the story progresses. While it’s not required to have read the first novel in order to appreciate this one, I would still recommend reading Next Year in Havana prior to going into this one because of the background it provides in terms of the Perez family and what happened to them during the revolution in Cuba. I enjoyed revisiting some of the characters from the previous story and also seeing how perfectly the timelines from both stories aligned. I’m not sure if Cleeton’s next historical novel (which, according to the note at the back of this book, is scheduled to come out in Winter 2020) will also be about the Perez family, but even if it’s not, given how much I loved her last 2 novels, no doubt I am still highly anticipating its release. Historical fiction fans definitely should pick both of these novels up, especially those who are interested in better understanding Cuban history and its role on the world stage.

Received ARC from Berkley Books via Penguin First to Read program ...more

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Nov 08, 2018 Christie«SHBBblogger» rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: berkley, advanced-copy, part-of-a-series, april2019

Title: When We Left Cuba
Author: Chanel Cleeton
Release date: April 9, 2019
Cliffhanger: No
Genre: historical fiction, women's fiction

Let me start out by saying that I see major love for this book, and I seem to be in the minority with my feelings. My issues may not be yours. If you've been excited about reading this as I was, you could very easily disagree with me. I was looking forward to Beatriz's story ever since meeting her in Next Year in Havana, and I thought her book was going to be surefir ...more

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Apr 09, 2019 DJ Sakata rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: family-drama, suspense, netgalley, historical-fiction, womens-fiction

Favorite Quotes:

War has a way of sanding down your virtue.

I reenact my own Cinderella routine sans the discarded pump. If Cinderella had paid what I did for these shoes, she’d have made sure she left the ball with both, too.

If I’m going to have regrets in this life, I’d rather them be for the chances I took and not the opportunities I let slip away.

The line between villain and hero is whisper thin, and, very frequently, a matter of perspective. Gray, Miss Perez. We operate in the gray.

My Review: ...more

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Mar 26, 2019 Astrid - The Bookish Sweet Tooth rated it liked it

Shelves: arc

READ MY REVIEW ON THE BLOG

TITLE: When We Left Cuba
AUTHOR: Chanel Cleeton
GENRE: Historical Fiction, Women's Fiction
RATING: ✭✭✭
CLIFFHANGER: No

NEXT YEAR IN HAVANA was one of my favorite books last year. The promise of Beatriz being a fantastic heroine was the proverbial dangling carrot and I was looking forward to reading her story.
Alas, WHEN WE LEFT CUBA didn't work as well for me.

Not gonna lie, cheating isn't something I'm comfortable with. It's not necessarily a deal breaker if I can make ...more

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Aug 23, 2018 Kate Quinn rated it it was amazing

Chanel Cleeton follows the spectacular success of NEXT YEAR IN HAVANA with the sure-to-soar WHEN WE LEFT CUBA, continuing the saga of the exiled Perez sisters. Bold, unconventional Beatriz makes a heroine for the ages, burning to avenge her losses, aid her homeland, and carve out a more independent role for herself than the conventional marriage and motherhood expected by her family. A charismatic American senator offers Beatriz the chance of love in a new home, but a shadowy CIA spy holds out t ...more

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Mar 26, 2019 Tammy(PeaceLoveBooks) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: read-in-2019, netgalley-read, read-in-march-19

When We Left Cuba picks up a couple of years after Next Year in Havana and tells the story of Beatriz Perez. Beatriz is a beautiful, strong woman trying to buck the societal norms for women of the time. Beatriz is focused on avenging her twin brother's murder and she won't let anything or anyone stand in her way. Last year, I read Next Year in Havana and couldn't wait for this book. Chanel Cleeton has written an intriguing story with yet another memorable character. When We Left Cuba was one of ...more

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Nov 24, 2018 Cindy Burnett rated it really liked it

When We Left Cuba is a solid follow up to Cleeton’s last novel, Next Year in Havana. This book focuses on Beatriz Perez and her desire for revenge against Fidel Castro and his cronies who forced her family to leave Cuba. There is a greater focus on Beatriz’s love life and politics in this novel and less on Cuba and its culture and history. My favorite part of Next Year in Havana was absorbing details regarding the food and environs of Cuba and the history that led to Batiste’s downfall. However ...more

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Apr 09, 2019 Suzanne Leopold (Suzy Approved Book Reviews) rated it it was amazing

Beatriz Perez and her family are living in Florida after fleeing The Cuban Revolution. They are all acclimating to their simple lifestyle after growing up with wealth and privilege. Her father suffered a big financial loss when his land was seized and is currently trying to rebuild his sugar empire. Beatriz yearns for her old life back in Cuba and seeks revenge for her brother’s death at the hands of Fidel Castro.

Acting as a spy for the CIA, Beatriz is willing to take chances to bring on the dea ...more

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May 07, 2019 Moonkiszt rated it it was ok

Shelves: aging-a-little-bit-older-and-deeper, historical-conflicts, meh, called-it-plot-end-halfway-in, spies-a-multiplicity, high-fructose-sicky-sweet

When We Left Cuba. . .

I’m not a romance book for romance’s sake girl. . . .I like a ripping tale with interesting history, new thoughts, philosophies, intrigue, plot twists, relationships of all types, reasons of all types, justifications, and justice being done. Mysteries, solved and unsolved (if done right), character-heavy, dense beautiful words. I love all that. And if a romance is thrown in, ok. That’s a life thing. But I cannot hardly bear a book written for the opportunity to throw charac When We Left Cuba. . .

I’m not a romance book for romance’s sake girl. . . .I like a ripping tale with interesting history, new thoughts, philosophies, intrigue, plot twists, relationships of all types, reasons of all types, justifications, and justice being done. Mysteries, solved and unsolved (if done right), character-heavy, dense beautiful words. I love all that. And if a romance is thrown in, ok. That’s a life thing. But I cannot hardly bear a book written for the opportunity to throw characters into bed with each other like Barbie and Ken dolls, or with even baser, deeper reasons – opportunities to practice porn skills. Geez. Anyone can do that. I have a visceral response to those moments when I come across it in a book: spine straightens, stretches tall, eyes begin a right to left high arch roll over, and I fall back hard against whatever is behind me. A groan of some kind is emitted, wrapped around words to the effect, “ARGH. . .not again. . . . .” I don’t go around announcing every bodily explosion in real life. I don’t see why it has to be published in book life. I get the ones that are the conclusion or reconciliation between long separations, but every few pages? Gets tiresome. Personal opinion, granted, but real. Unfortunately, this was a book that had over 5+ TMITO Eyeroll moments. (TooMuchInfoTooOften)

I read C Cleeton’s first book – and it was borderline, but I was learning about Cuba and the politics of a time and place I had little knowledge of, so despite a few eyerolls I finished and was pleased, it having been assigned to the world by Reese W. I had complied! And, quickly it turned out that the author was birthing a new book about the sister – and it was clear the sister stole the show from the main character at the end, so that was a good promise to look forward to being kept.

Beatriz didn’t need all that limb-tangling. . .suggestions would have been sufficient. I liked it that she was independent, she was sorta political (she didn’t seem to have many original ideas, tho – mostly she absorbed the ideas of whoever she was closest to), had definite feels about school, family, etc. Just a kiss of Kennedys and the missile crisis, and we are back in bed. The reunion with the very ancient politician was a little creepy. I was glad for them, but as an old person myself, I know what’s coming, and it isn’t pretty, and if they are together for days or years, caregiving is going to be involved. Old bones rolling over and around can get damaged with an abundance of enthusiasm.

I think I’m done with Cuba.
...more

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Apr 10, 2019 Carlene Inspired rated it it was amazing

Shelves: ng-group-challenge-2019, ng-2019-challenge, netgalley, historical-fiction, women-s-fiction

Find this review and others at Carlene Inspired.

Beatriz Perez, with her beauty and her paste jewelry, can work the Palm Beach social circuit with the best of them, but she can't pretend it's what she wants. The fake smiles, the social status marriages the American dream, it doesn't mean as much to her as the future of Cuba does. While her family feels safe, despite the loss of their home and the family's successful sugar business, Beatriz burns with anger, with a desperate desire for revenge, wi Find this review and others at Carlene Inspired.

Beatriz Perez, with her beauty and her paste jewelry, can work the Palm Beach social circuit with the best of them, but she can't pretend it's what she wants. The fake smiles, the social status marriages the American dream, it doesn't mean as much to her as the future of Cuba does. While her family feels safe, despite the loss of their home and the family's successful sugar business, Beatriz burns with anger, with a desperate desire for revenge, with a sadness that penetrates even the happiest of moments. As future Beatriz drinks a champagne of celebration and reflects on the past, young Beatriz makes the choice to risk it all, to join the CIA in the act of espionage.

"'We'll be in Havana soon,' he vows.
'We'll dance at the Tropicana,' I counter."

Chanel Cleeton does it again with When We Left Cuba, taking readers into the past with a gorgeous, sweeping historical fiction. Blending fiction and facts, the romantic tale follows Beatriz as she gives up jewels and Palm Beach fame for the secretive life of a spy. And yet, Beatriz can't hide from love, the kind of love that's forbidden, that makes her question the politics at play, the kind that could ruin her revenge plan entirely. I love love loved Beatriz in Next Year in Havana, just the small glimpses of her that we were given told us she'd be a force to reckon with and in When We Left Cuba we see just that. She's fierce, driven, beautiful beyond words, and yet she's weighed down by the loss of her home, of her life, of the future she dreamed of. Beatriz, the girl who once loved jewels and fancy dresses, now lives for revenge. Except Nicholas Randolph Preston III makes her believe in happiness, the kind she can escape to, but that she also knows she can't have, not when he's sitting in a senate seat and she is spying for a team not known for abiding by the rules.

"There is no place for a broken heart in all of this."

Chanel Cleeton kept me engaged with the perfect blend of romance and suspense; I loved the chemistry between Nick and Beatriz, yet while I read of their stolen kisses I yearned for the reveal of secrets that would get Beatriz closer to her goal. I loved her perspective on her family's escape, of the experiences they had in Cuba, of the politics in America at the time. She is an independent, opinionated women at a time when that was frowned upon. Her passion overflows from the pages, filling me with the same desperate desire to right the wrongs in Cuba.

"He fell in love with a socialite and has gotten a spy in return."

When We Left Cuba is a fascinating novel that takes readers back in time in American and Cuban history. Chanel Cleeton weaves fact with fiction as strong-willed Beatriz Perez romances the Kennedy-connected elite and blends with the girls vying for the attention of a wild revolutionary. Chanel Cleeton has such an incredible, romantic way with words, I could feel the bubbles in my own throat as Beatriz sipped the finest champagne and the butterflies of fear that flapped their wings inside her as she traded in family and safety for secrets. I was intrigued and entertained from the first page to the very last, Beatriz' voice becoming real in my mind as she narrated the dangerous world of espionage and told of the man who she nearly risked it all for. Suspenseful, poignant, and romantic, When We Left Cuba, and its beautiful heroine, is an instant favorite for me for 2019. I won't soon forget Beatriz Perez and her love of her home, Cuba.

ARC provided. ...more

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Apr 18, 2019 DeAnn rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2019

4.5 revolutionary stars

This is a lyrical and lush historical fiction tale featuring the glamorous Beatriz Perez, who we first meet in “Next Year in Havana” also by Chanel Cleeton. Beatriz is exiled to Palm Beach, her entire family forced out of Fidel Castro’s Cuba. She was the queen bee of society in Havana and is creating quite the stir in Palm Beach. She has a string of marriage proposals and broken hearts to her name.

She is completely taken by surprise when she falls for a handsome politician ...more

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Nov 07, 2018 FMABookReviews rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 5-it-fed-my-addiction-stars, arc, waiting-for-amazon, audio, ultimate-bbf, that-first-kiss-tho, omg-my-heart, best-of-jan-2019

AUDIO REVIEW (2nd read): 4 stars

While I loved getting to relive this beautiful story again, I’m not sure the audio presentation was my favorite. It was good, it just wasn’t as phenomenal as the book. Perhaps my expectations are impossible to meet. I’m not sure if I could ever love an audio presentation as much as the book or feel it could do it justice.

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BOOK REVIEW: 5 stars

❝Why does everyone assume I want marriage? That if I’m not someone’s wife, I’m not worth any

...more

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Mar 20, 2019 ☕️Kimberly rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

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, ...more

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Jul 14, 2021 Kathryn in FL rated it did not like it

Recommends it for: Sorry, I can't

Shelves: did-not-finish, probably-forget-plot-in-6-mo, romance, target-2020, 0h-no, political, caribbean

No, no, no. I tried, I really tried to get into this story but there was to much suspension of belief. I didn't particularly like the protagonist either. I can let a few things slide but I just couldn't buy into this story. After giving up, hoping to return to it, I have just to many good stories sitting awaiting to be read to return to this illogical fluff. I'm not knocking those who enjoyed it, I'm glad. I have read some of Cleeton's stories that delighted me. I wish she would make her stories ...more

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Apr 16, 2019 Tammy rated it it was amazing

Shelves: release-2019

5 ☆ Part spy, romance, and political thriller this was a slow burn in all the right ways. It follows up Next Year in Havana detailing the beauty and tragedy of war-torn Cuba after the Perez family are exiled to the states living in Palm Beach, Florida. Fidel Castro is playing house with the Russian’s and opening his shores to communism. But one of the Perez sisters is out for revenge. The very beautiful, bold as brass Beatriz Perez is a force to be reckoned with this time around — to avenge her ...more

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Apr 07, 2019 Carole (Carole's Random Life) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: net-galley, historical-fiction, 2019-netgalley-challenge, 2019

This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.

This was such a wonderful story! I really enjoyed Chanel Cleeton's Next Year in Havana so I was really excited to learn that one of my favorite characters in that book would get to tell her own story. This is that story. The events in this book take place after those in Next Year in Havana and while I enjoyed seeing all of the characters again, this story stands on its own. I was hooked by this story from the very beginning and had a This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.

This was such a wonderful story! I really enjoyed Chanel Cleeton's Next Year in Havana so I was really excited to learn that one of my favorite characters in that book would get to tell her own story. This is that story. The events in this book take place after those in Next Year in Havana and while I enjoyed seeing all of the characters again, this story stands on its own. I was hooked by this story from the very beginning and had a fantastic time with this book.

This is really a big story. Beatriz and her family are living in Florida after fleeing Cuba when Castro came into power. The family has suffered a lot of losses and it has been a difficult adjustment. Beatriz and her family hope to go back to Cuba but are also trying to make a life in Florida. Beatriz's mother would like to see all of her daughters married but Beatriz has other ideas. She has turned down quite a few marriage proposals and is more focused on revenge.

This story was filled with excitement. Beatriz works with the CIA and let's just say that her life is far from boring. She was passionate about the cause that she was working towards and it was really quite interesting to see her in action. Some of her missions were more exciting than others but it was great to see her in action.

I was really taken by the romance in this story. It was not your average romance and I am actually somewhat surprised that I was so taken with it but I just found myself swept away by their chemistry. Nick and Beatriz were just great together. They were incredibly attracted to each other and couldn't seem to stay apart even when they tried. There were so many things that seemed to work against the possibility of a relationship between them but they just couldn't stay away from each other. There were things about their relationship that made me sad and I wouldn't necessarily say everything turns out well but I think they were both better for knowing each other.

I really enjoyed the politics and history that were a part of this book. This was such an eventful period of time and I loved seeing some of the events that I have learned about worked into this story. I thought that all of the little details that the author included really added to the authenticity of the story.

I would highly recommend this book to others. This was a captivating story about a passionate character working to make a difference in the world while trying to find some happiness for herself. I cannot wait to read more from this talented author.

I received a digital review copy of this book from Berkley Publishing Group via NetGalley.

Initial Thoughts
This was great. I loved Beatriz in Next Year in Havana and knew I had to read her story. She is really an amazing character. This book has a lot of politics and history worked into the story which I found really interesting. There is some romance in the book and I must say that the chemistry between Nick and Beatrice was so well done. I felt like it may not be the best relationship for either of them but I just understood why they wanted to be together. Definitely a book to pick up.
...more

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Nov 27, 2018 Mlpmom (Book Reviewer) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: kindle-books, arc-book-read

Rich in detail and devastating history, Next Year in Havana enchanted me with the smooth way it blended history with fiction and before I knew it I had completely devoured it in one sitting.

Knowing that there was a sequel on the horizon, this time told from possibly the most famous and notorious Perez girl, I knew it would be one of my top reads for the year and I'm happy to report I wasn't wrong.

Filled with strife, and heartache but also love and friendship, When We Left Cuba will completely ta ...more

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About Chanel Cleeton

Chanel Cleeton

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Chanel Cleeton is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick Next Year in Havana, When We Left Cuba, The Last Train to Key West, and The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba.

Originally from Florida, Chanel grew up on stories of her family's exodus from Cuba following the events of the Cuban Revolution. Her passion for politics and history continued during her y ...more