Caliente Paperback – July 26, 2012

Was this a far-fetched attempt to compare the writer to Hemingway because he too spent time in Cuba? Didn't get the point .........so he drank, got caught up with a woman who used him, and..........................what? Loved it and wanted to go back for more? I kept reading to get to the point and somehow missed it. The hype was better than the book. Sorry.

After reading the first couple of chapters, my first - and luckily short-lived - impression of Caliente was that of a male sexual fantasy staged in an exotic country, with free flowing women, booze, fraud and minor crime, all there to imaginably man-up the main character. A biased female reader, admittedly, and without a hint of prejudice, I was wrong. The true value of the book is only apparent when one looks beyond the brutal, explicit, offensive and ugly. Caliente is a beautiful narrative of a real-life getaway from dullness and tediousness of western life, especially its predictability and tenuous social and moral norms.In his late forties, with a disappointing job and divorce behind him, Hilton could be experiencing a perfect mid-life crisis. But that would make the book mind-numbing. Instead, he plans, and then executes his escape from England with a criminal-mind precision, which leaves the rest of us in awe of his arrogance. Hilton wants to be alive again and he does it in style. Once established in Cuba, with a beautiful, albeit agonisingly difficult, woman on his arm, Hilton is not self-absorbed, rather painfully vulnerable and almost childish in persisting in making mistakes (all too clear to the locals), which lead to his broken heart, confused head, ill health and dried up wallet.Hilton likes money but not the ugly consumerism represented by high class hotels in Cuba. Money assists him in getting almost uneasily close to the locals with their own life wisdoms, traditions, superstitions and morals. This escapism becomes the most powerful drug to Hilton. Is he in love with Yamilia, as he believes, or is he addicted to her, the only woman who represents all Cuban things equally: the good and bad, beautiful and ugly, noble and corrupted. There is a price to pay of course. Hilton realises there is no escape from Cuba for him. The ending of Caliente will make many a reader shout out: is Hilton selfish, mad, or plain irresponsible? Has he got a problem growing up? Luckily, Hilton does not care... The best book suggesting how to grow up I read in ages.

The unique quotes at the start of each chapter keep the reader intrigued to what is coming next and also adds the personal touch and makes you feel involved.The story begins with excitement and the `anything possible' theme as Hilton jets off to Cuba. Throughout the first few chapters, the reader is able to form a clear picture of the scene, themes and characters. The characters seem like people you already know and are happy to see again. The scenery and descriptions of Cuba makes the book even more enjoyable. There are excellent character descriptions and it makes you feel very involved as a reader.The book provides hints of reality to highlight to the reader that life is never so simple...As I read on, I was intrigued about Yamilla, as despite her extrovert character and her irascible manner but I couldn't help but like her....especially as she becomes a close companion for Hilton during his trip and all the trouble that came with it.Hilton's book motivates you to runaway with the story and ponder that dreams can be accomplished when you feel life is dragging you down...nothing stops you for making instant decisions and enjoying life to the fullest, especially when love is involved.At times the reader is able to escape and feel they are in Cuba soaking up the sun with a mojito in one hand and Hilton's book in the other....Being able to jet off with big stash of cash and enjoy Cuban culture and then being mesmerized by a Cuban lover. What more could you want as a reader to escape from everyday life.Infused with emotion, failed love, death, healing, vivid settings, romance and a second chance at light, this story is unforgettable.Hopefully there will be a second book from Hilton with more interesting curves to tease us with..

I bought this at the same time as the 50 Shades trilogy was released. I got caught up in the hype so Caliente had to wait until I'd finished all three. After finishing Caliente recently I must say I preferred it to 50 Shades, which became very tiresome and repetitive after a while. Caliente seems real and full of life in comparison: real places, real life and real people with all the good and bad that comes with them. I thought the book gave a wonderfully vivid impression of Cuba and especially the people: full of fun and a fiesta always just round the corner. I note that some reviewers have taken a high moral stance; I've no idea why - this is just a real life adventure honestly told, with all its humour, mistakes, good and bad behaviour and a fair amount of sex thrown in. As I said: it's real, in ways the ultimately weary fantasies of 50 Shades were not.Caliente made me want to visit Cuba (today!) and my only complaint is that I want to know what happened next. The adventure clearly wasn't over; I want to know more about Yamilia, José, Tony and the author. Did he go back to Yamilia? What happened next?! Is there another book pending? Easily 5 stars - I couldn't put it down

Great depiction of a very vibrant Havana scene in this clash of cultures story of British characters trying to make out in every sense in the complexity of revolutionary Cuba. This rum-fuelled story of one European's passionate absorption in the Cuban way of life - sexual and romantic, as well as the business culture and social fabric of the island - is rivetting and very believable. The local context is painted with a sharp eye for detail and the story is told in chapters wittily epigrammed with quirky quotes from across all eras. The ending is a not hugely conclusive but given the fever engendered by the main character's involvement with Castro's Cuba, this is probably as it should be....there is no cure. It's a great read, especially for anyone who knows Cuba or Havana even a little bit, but even without any knowledge, it's a cracking yarn, explicit, sexy and very lively!

Good fun? No, this book's deeper than 'fun.' Hilton takes us on a rollercoaster ride of the protagionist's experiences in this bipolar country. And he paints a very vivid picture...there is certainly no telling.I am left feeling sorry and frustrated with the character - a sign that Hilton's prose is of a strong enough quality to envoke emotions in his reader.As for Cuba: I am introduced to another side of a country that I had only heard about through international media. Of course, the other side exists, and thank you, Chris, for showing us.Be prepared for a very matter of fact, no bullsh*t look at the life of an expat in a country with no extradition treaty. And there're lots of women to keep you entertained too.

I bought this because I saw it advertised in Private Eye - which is where the tale begins. How much of the story is actually true and how much is imagination or wishful thinking is another matter! It's a fairly fast moving story of a slightly self-indulgent male fulfilling (well almost) his dreams.I would have like to hear more background of Chris Hilton and his conspirator before their first trip to Cuba. I presume that Chris is writing a sequel to tell us what happens next.It would depend on ones attitude to drink and sex as to whether you enjoy this book or not. I thought it was a bit of a romp and at times read like fiction.

loved this book, could not put it down, could not help cringing at the authors mistakes over in cuba but makes the book more interesting, an absolute must for anyone thinking of starting over in a hot sexy new land...as it says ' if you go in search of honey expect to be stung by bees' well done chris and hope you write a follow up to this, can never understand these so called ' classics' written by well known authors, when there is books like this around, a must buy...

A story of mixing women, crooked business deals with a generous splash of white rum, this truly is a cocktail for an excellent read.When Hilton hit his mid-life crisis he most certainly didn’t buy an expensive automobile, instead he set out towards, what seemed at the time, a perfect break from the stereotypical, suit and tie, 9-5 life- style. Hilton and his suitcase of money went on an unforgettable journey.Caliente is a superb read, one where the reader feels connected to the adventures experienced by Hilton, through the highs and the lows. It engrosses the reader to read on, chapter after chapter, adventure after adventure; it truly is a compelling story.After reading this book it made me want nothing more than to drink a mojito and visit Cuba!