He came to Cuba to make a killing.

She came to find a purpose.

And on an island overrun with passion and violence, they each found something to live for.

On a hot night in Havana Harbor, U.S. marines sleep on the deck of the USS Maine as the sound of rumba music drifts across the water. Then, in a flash, the Maine is blown to pieces. Now a bloody carnaval of war, nations, and schemers is exploding on the dusty, sugar-rich island some dared call—Cuba Libre.

Welcome to Cuba, 1898—where the insurrectos are in the hills, the rich are partying in Havana, and Teddy Roosevelt's Rough Riders are about to come ashore. Into the melee an American cowboy arrives with a scheme to sell horses and run guns, earning himself a date with a firing squad—until a rich man's mistress saves his skin. Now Amelia Brown and Ben Tyler are riding for their lives, fighting side by side—for revenge, for love, and honor.

This rip-roaring jaunt into history sizzles with the passion of lovers, the violence of nations, and the wild courage of freedom fighters crying out to their firing squads: "Viva Cuba Libre!"