The Roca Group: A Tale of Financial Espionage

by J. Jaye Gold

By the time this book is released, the restrictions imposed on Cuba by the United States will have been relaxed. How did it happen? When politics and high finance are involved, we rarely get to know. This is the story of how it might have happened 20 years ago and was kept secret until now. It was rumored that heroes were involved. This is their story too.

276 pages, Paperback

Published September 19, 2016

About the author

Justin has been assisting people in their search for inner meaning for 40 years. He works with several dozen seekers of truth. Over the years he has deliberately resisted the trend to become a “traveling guru” with followers around the world in favor of preserving an element which he considers precious – that of maintaining opportunities for developing an actual teacher/student relationship. He is available to anyone who seeks his guidance and has never asked to be compensated for his help, either monetarily or otherwise.

Reviews

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a goodreads drawing.

A woman operative for a private espionage organization helps thaw relations between Cuba and the USA. I found the shady origins of the group very interesting.

[Amalthea Birkholz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cuba is a place I have visited, and it is unique. This creatively-told story could believably have taken place there. The characters are definitely not cookie cutter. Callie is a role model for me of sorts- she walks the line between cynicism and finding hope at the end of an all-too-clear view of human ambition. She relies on friends, even tho she is sorely tempted to go it alone. Through this, she finds hope and surprising resolve. In addition to a fun read as a story about financial espionage, it restored my faith in humanity through Gold's characteristic mastery of subtle moments.

[Tishia]

I am reading this book now but for the second time. The first time I read the book to get the story, which takes you on quite a ride, twisting and turning in unexpected ways. The characters are fascinating, and Gold’s remarkable insight into human nature adds a vibrancy to each one and to the story overall. The ending is delightful….but don’t skip to the end! Get the story and enjoy the surprise!

[Johanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

GOOD, CLEAN FUN!
Such a colorful cast of players that swirl through the story and around one another - Fawn Brisco in her convertible; El Jugador and his heartfelt bond with Fidel; Magelinos with the eyes; power exec Carmen Miranda with her short skirts; the cheesy bear-hugging Manny; Wyndham Otnabe and his fine suits; Red-Jack with his communications equipment; the Postman... I had a blast with these characters, from the streets of Havana to Che Guevara's old mountain/cave hideout to a beach resort at the south-eastern end of the island. While I don't think that Callie is quite so hot stuff as she presents herself to be . . . at the end of the day, she's got the connections, she's got the experience, and she gets the job done!

[Ian Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It is an exciting story with lots of twists and turns that will keep you trying to figure out who is doing what...and to whom. What I found most unusual about this book was that along with an exciting espionage story,thoughtful gems of perspective and humanity are subtly sprinkled throughout it. The characters are made more human by their doubts, wonderings and insights. It makes this book more than just an entertaining story....though it is that too!

[Matthew B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not the kind of book I usually go for, but Gold's other books are among my all-time favorites, so I went for it. It was so refreshing. No one is shot, and you are carried along by the intrigue, smarts, and insight into human nature. I found it almost too much for me to keep straight at times, but a real gripping plot, with a sharp female lead, and such a wonderful twist at the end that I wish could inspire real life events for its creative, non-violent solution.

[Johor · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a big fan of the spy genre, both books and movies, this books ranks near the top. I really liked the tradecraft and the plot surprises using Cuba as a setting. The financial aspect of the espionage was refreshing and fascinating. I highly recommend this book and I hope it gets made into a movie (if done right).

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to author J. Jaye Gold for this FREE Kindle copy of The Roca Group. And thanks to Goodreads for hosting the opportunity.

A well written and engaging story that moves along at a nice pace with a good cast of characters. I enjoyed the ride and especially liked 'Chapter 11'. Nice. Simple and effective cover design. A good read.

[Hope Brady · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great spy novel with a strong female lead. This is a story with plot twists, interesting characters and very little violence. It's also set in Cuba, so now I feel like I've been there.

[Chela Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love to see (read about) women who Rock! Great adventure, wisdom, and story. I was in Cuba a few years ago and really enjoyed reading this while being there. Quite unique!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodreads giveaway winner

It was a true page Turner read for me

[Renee French · Rating 4 out of 5]

While financial espionage is not normally my cup of tea, I picked up this book because I've read other books by J Jaye Gold which I've appreciated immensely, and also because I've been to Cuba, where the story is set. The book really defies categorizing. It is part travel, part romance, part thriller, part in-depth character studies. The plot is original and creative, and I enjoyed being surprised where it took me.

[Pranavati · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have long hoped to travel to Cuba, so this book served as a welcome reminder and gave me a little taste while I wait. The story involves a host of colorful characters that includes a female lead—always welcome, IMO!

[Patti Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the characters in this book and the adventure storyline. This should be made into a movie.

[Rick Andrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting and well written.

[Jenna Mobley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is very different than other books I have read by author J Jaye Gold. Except for the humorous expression of subtle insights and observations about humanity that I have come to know and admire about all of Mr. Golds books. The story is intriguing, funny and a little edgy at times. I had to work hard to track the twists and turns of the story which was fun. The dynamics between the characters especially the main character Callee were very engaging. I appreciate that the main character in a financial espionage tale, is a woman. Cool, original and fun.

[Helen Bowers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great fun and adventure! Following Callie through all the twists and turns she navigates makes for an exciting, rich read.

[Stephan Blum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like spy type books and history (this has both) which is a great combination for me.I have not read much about Cuba (where this predominantly takes place) and that added to the fun. And of course some good twists near the end.