Reality versus Fiction by Linda Bond, author of Cuba Undercover

Title: Cuba Undercover
Author: Linda Bond
Publisher: Entangled: Select Suspense
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Format: Kindle 

His revenge will change her life forever...

Cuban-American TV reporter Rebecca Menendez's success comes from playing by the rules. When she's kidnapped by a fierce and intensely handsome man who needs her help, however, all of those rules seem pointless. Nothing could have prepared her for being taken hostage...or the irresistible reward if she complies: information about her long-thought dead father. Antonio Vega has spent almost every day of his adult life dreaming of revenging his father's death. With his sister's life and freedom in jeopardy, Antonio isn't taking any chances. But once Rebecca and Antonio are in Cuba, they're immersed in a world of corruption, deceit, and betrayal. It's a deadly game...and there are no rules.

ORDER INFORMATION

  Cuba Undercover is available for purchase at  

Reality versus Fiction  by Linda Bond

Both difficult when it comes to writing about Cuba

As a TV reporter, I have traveled to Cuba twice.  Both trips were inspirational and I fell in love with the Cuban people and their Culture.  I also fell in love with a Cuban American. But, reporting there was not easy. Either time – back in 1998 and more recently in 2011.  First, securing the proper paperwork from the Cuban government was difficult.  In 2011, you needed a license from the Cuban government to report in their country.  I arrived at the International Press office on a Friday and it was closed.  Getting the license took days, but I kept trying, and I am thankful I did.  On the third day in Cuba, in the Plaza of the Revolution, my photographer and I were stopped by a police officer. He asked to see that license.  I can’t even imagine what might have happened if we had not had it.

Another source of frustration: the Internet.  Couldn’t find Wi-Fi in most places, and even in the nice hotel in Havana where we stayed, it took hours to send video back to the United States.  I hope that has changed with the developing technology.

And on both trips, I never could line up a government official to speak to me.

All that aside, I’m glad for the opportunity to visit that magical country.

When I decided to write a fiction novel about Cuba, I knew part of the conflict in the story would be the continued tension between our countries. And just as I sold the manuscript to Entangled Publishing, President Obama opened up a dialogue with Cuba and the conflicts began to change. Travel restrictions were lessened, embassies were to open, and more business would be allowed to take place. Wow.  The changes happened so quickly I could barely keep up. I had to re-write the book three times! 

As a journalist, I’ve been so married to facts for so long, it was hard to let go of the book. Finally I had to realize this is a work of fiction.  It won’t represent the changing face of Cuba-America relations completely and readers will have to suspend some disbelief.

But what is real on both accounts is the love of family.  I hope that is what you take away from Cuba Undercover.

Thank you for reading,

Linda Bond  

Linda Bond loves to read. She started with those great Nancy Drew books. Remember Nancy Drew and 'The Secret of the Old Clock?"  How about 'The Mystery of the 99 Steps?'  She really liked smart, gutsy heroines, even at a young age. In high school, Linda discovered historical romances by authors like the great Kathleen Woodiwiss.  She read at least three books a week.  So many her mother actually called a conference with her teacher, worried, and overwrought that her innocent little girl was reading those trashy romance novels.

What was she learning?  Linda's teacher just looked at her mom and said, "Your daughter reads three books a week?" Linda's mother said, "Yes, at least. And I don't know what to do."

"Let her read," Linda's teacher responded.  And, so she did.

Harold Robbins and Jackie Collins took Linda out of her high school hallways and into the glamorous Hollywood Hills.

John Grisham, James Patterson, and Harlen Coben can still keep Linda up all night. Turning pages, ladies, turning pages.

Linda lives for a good romantic thriller. Which is probably why she's a reporter.  She's addicted to the rush of adrenaline that comes with finding and crafting a great story.

Each day Linda writes about someone's unique life.  In Linda's world, 400 words must carry the weight of 400 pages. Linda writes a dreaded synopsis every single day- under deadline.

Now, Linda is retraining herself to do just the opposite.  She's punching up her pages with powerful passages. With each new chapter, Linda smiles, because she loves to tell a story.

It's really as simple as that.

The best way to really know Linda Bond is to read what she writes.  That's where the real fun begins.

For More Information
  Visit Linda at her website  

Linda is giving away a $25 Gift Card!

 

Terms & Conditions:

• By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
• One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Gift Certificate to Amazon
• This giveaway begins July 14 and ends on August 11.
• Winners will be contacted via email on August 12.
• Winner has 48 hours to reply.

Good luck everyone!

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