Cigar Barons by Isabella

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.

Synopsis: 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.