Christina ransoms her American lover's freedom with the only things she owns, her beauty and her body. Now, it's up to Pete to repay that debt. Risking both their lives in a midnight, open ocean dash, he must reach dry land if the Cuban woman he loves is to survive. High seas adventure and an improbable love engulfs a crew of resourceful American anglers who dare to cross the Straits of Florida, to the forbidden fruit of the Caribbean...Cuba. Pursuit of giant Blue Marlin, in waters made famous by Hemingway is not without hazards, as is navigating thru the socialist society of the western hemisphere's only communist government. Spies, informants, a powerful secret police colonel combine to assure the visiting Americans spend their dollars without spreading the taboo dogmas of capitalism, democracy and most threatening of all ....free speech. Classic cars, centuries old cities and breathtaking mountain vistas - off limits to most Americans - masks the struggle the average Cuban faces to feed his family. Morality battles necessity for a people living on the most fertile of all Caribbean lands where a three meal day is rare, the black market, a risky requirement. One American's pursuit of love proves more perilous than monster fish.
About the Author: Phil Thompson is a fourth generation Floridian, the great grandson of homesteaders. Raised on the Alafia River and Tampa Bay fishing was more requirement than family tradition. Spreading a cast-net, a rite of passage for a young man A diver at 14, ocean racer at 22, Phil combined his two loves, racing and spearfishing, sailing throughout the Florida Keys, Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean, Finally settling in Key West. Phil ran fish and dive boats on expeditions to the pristine waters of the Marquesas and Dry Tortugas. Residing in Key West provided the opportunity to cross the Straits of Florida and explore Cuba. Phil participated numerous Hemingway Marlin Tournaments and traveled the island extensively, looking for the finest salt, fresh, and brackish water fishing holes and pristine dive sites. Bitten by the fly bug, Phil turned flats guide. Bonefish, permit and tarpon were the sought after trophies, fining sharks, lazy turtles and beautiful sunrises just perks. In 2008 Phil traded the pole for the a pen. Finding seclusion on San Salvador, Bahamas, Phil wrote a first book and waded for bonefish. "97 Miles South" Phil's debut novel is scheduled for release in early spring of 2012. His fishing reports, articles and short histories appear in Florida Sportsman, Coastal Angler and Gaff magazines. Phil currently writes a monthly column for Coastal Angler Magazine and divides time between Ruskin and Key West, Florida and Cuba. Phil's second book, "With Money the Monkey Dances" is scheduled for release in the fall of 2012.