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Midlife Misadventures in Cuba: Comedy Travel Memoir Series
Their love life is failing. Will an adventurous vacation explode into chaos, or bring them closer together?
London, England. Kevin Kelly is desperate to save his waning relationship with his girlfriend. Disheartened by numerous splits and reconciliations, an ultimatum convinces him a Christmas jaunt abroad will fix all their problems. So despite his friends’ warnings, he jets off to Cuba on a mission of romantic salvation.
Unable to speak the language, the couple suffers a string of calamitous mishaps that only increase their already fraught tension. But just when Kevin finally believes things are improving, he catches her dancing flirtatiously with a nightclub singer.
Can their future survive a hectic holiday as Kevin discovers the truth to happiness?
Written as both an open-hearted memoir and a trek to self-realization, this intriguing tale takes you on an extraordinary journey of love and heartbreak that will make you cry and laugh out loud. Set among the backdrop of fascinating locations like Marrakesh, and Cuba, Kevin shares a daring and humorous ride toward his own enlightenment.
Midlife Misadventures in Cuba is the first book in the poignant Midlife Misadventures series. If you like raw emotional expeditions, light and dark humor, and excursions to exotic locales, then you’ll adore Kevin Kelly’s engaging story.
London, England. Kevin Kelly is desperate to save his waning relationship with his girlfriend. Disheartened by numerous splits and reconciliations, an ultimatum convinces him a Christmas jaunt abroad will fix all their problems. So despite his friends’ warnings, he jets off to Cuba on a mission of romantic salvation.
Unable to speak the language, the couple suffers a string of calamitous mishaps that only increase their already fraught tension. But just when Kevin finally believes things are improving, he catches her dancing flirtatiously with a nightclub singer.
Can their future survive a hectic holiday as Kevin discovers the truth to happiness?
Written as both an open-hearted memoir and a trek to self-realization, this intriguing tale takes you on an extraordinary journey of love and heartbreak that will make you cry and laugh out loud. Set among the backdrop of fascinating locations like Marrakesh, and Cuba, Kevin shares a daring and humorous ride toward his own enlightenment.
Midlife Misadventures in Cuba is the first book in the poignant Midlife Misadventures series. If you like raw emotional expeditions, light and dark humor, and excursions to exotic locales, then you’ll adore Kevin Kelly’s engaging story.
- GenresMemoir
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 29, 2021
10 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 8, 2021
I got swept up in this book right from page one, I thought Kevin J.D. Kelly’s wit, humor, writing style and ability to laugh at himself made this a very entertaining and engaging read. Part travel memoir, part romance and relationship struggle and part journey of self-discovery, this book has plenty to keep the reader turning the pages. Sally the love interest was so nasty and sneaky that I was kept engaged waiting for Kevin to discover her misdemeanors and sort her out, I was really invested in seeing her get what she deserved. Thoroughly enjoyed this book and will certainly be reading more from this author, a well-deserved 5 stars.
June 7, 2021
Someone recently said on a Facebook page that few men bared their souls in memoirs. Having beta-read this first full-length travel memoir by Kevin J D Kelly, I’d say: ‘here is one male who does.’
I beta-read Kevin’s prequel short story previously and enjoyed his engaging, witty yet honest account of a holiday gone wrong in deepest Kent. If you haven’t signed up for Kevin’s newsletter, it’s well worth doing so for the FREE copy of this prequel story; Midlife Misadventures in Margate.
In his writing, Kevin portrays himself with a rare honesty. He says at one point that he has ‘never been good enough as a father, or a son.’ And he feels lost when not in a relationship. Kevin is willing to do anything to fight for his love, even if it means travelling to potentially dangerous locations. So, putting aside his fears and reservations, Kevin books a new holiday, far from Margate.
In Midlife Misadventures in Cuba, the luckless Kevin takes his shrew of a girlfriend to the Caribbean for a ‘make or break’ holiday. Does it work? You will have to read on to find out.
But, as his friend Sean says ‘Hope you told her to do one, mate.’
I beta-read Kevin’s prequel short story previously and enjoyed his engaging, witty yet honest account of a holiday gone wrong in deepest Kent. If you haven’t signed up for Kevin’s newsletter, it’s well worth doing so for the FREE copy of this prequel story; Midlife Misadventures in Margate.
In his writing, Kevin portrays himself with a rare honesty. He says at one point that he has ‘never been good enough as a father, or a son.’ And he feels lost when not in a relationship. Kevin is willing to do anything to fight for his love, even if it means travelling to potentially dangerous locations. So, putting aside his fears and reservations, Kevin books a new holiday, far from Margate.
In Midlife Misadventures in Cuba, the luckless Kevin takes his shrew of a girlfriend to the Caribbean for a ‘make or break’ holiday. Does it work? You will have to read on to find out.
But, as his friend Sean says ‘Hope you told her to do one, mate.’
September 6, 2021
A sequel to Midlife Misadventures in Margate, this book continues tales about the 'relationship' between Kevin and Sally. I found it interesting because it is the point of view of a man -it is not only women who are fragile and desperate to find a soul mate. Kevin has been wounded and betrayed by a previous partner resulting in a loss of self-esteem and instilling in him a believed necessity to replace the lost partner. The author shows desperation and he turns into a man who will do anything to make the relationship work, not realising that he is betraying himself. His so-called partner is shameless and uses him for his money, pretending she will love him if he changes the way he dresses, the way he treats her, if he will do everthing she asks of him. She is manipulative and plays on his fragile condition, well aware of his plight so lies to him and to the other men in her life. However, the author has written his story with humour and the reader sees what a kind person he is when apart from her. The light-hearted way the book is written conveys hope that the author will come out fine at the other end, once he sees this woman's true colours.
June 8, 2021
This is a fabulous spiral of comedy, tragedy and reality that will leave you laughing and gasping for air.
There is something magical about Kevin’s writing that draws you in and leaves you wanting more. He has an exquisite way of phrasing things that draws straight to the heart of the matter, whether that is the deftly and perfectly timed comedic retort that leaves you laughing aloud, or the shared deep angst and pathos of a heart in trouble that makes you want to reach out and hug the writer.
It is hard to categorise this book – and that is a good thing. It is funny – yes – very funny in places, so it is a comedy. But it is so much more than that. There is tragedy, and reality, and a searing self-honesty that makes you stop and draw deeply into your own experiences too. So it is a memoir. And a tale of travel and adventure too, with his hilarious account of visiting Cuba for the first time.
Kevin has a fabulous way of opening his heart and sharing his innermost feelings, and yet you turn the page and find yourself laughing again. Truly a great book.
There is something magical about Kevin’s writing that draws you in and leaves you wanting more. He has an exquisite way of phrasing things that draws straight to the heart of the matter, whether that is the deftly and perfectly timed comedic retort that leaves you laughing aloud, or the shared deep angst and pathos of a heart in trouble that makes you want to reach out and hug the writer.
It is hard to categorise this book – and that is a good thing. It is funny – yes – very funny in places, so it is a comedy. But it is so much more than that. There is tragedy, and reality, and a searing self-honesty that makes you stop and draw deeply into your own experiences too. So it is a memoir. And a tale of travel and adventure too, with his hilarious account of visiting Cuba for the first time.
Kevin has a fabulous way of opening his heart and sharing his innermost feelings, and yet you turn the page and find yourself laughing again. Truly a great book.
June 14, 2021
Well presented; love the bright, lively cover, a good read.
Travel memoirs are often retirees who decide to explore at their leisure; or young things who backpack, work abroad, maybe walk the Camino de Santiago. This series is different-Kevin is middle-aged, and taking to travelling after kids, divorce etc.
Poor Kevin, it never seems to go right for him. He has a demanding girlfriend, Sally. They'd got together via a dating app. Now, it's two years on.
This light-hearted travel memoir follows on from his previous book/prequel. Rather than the no-frills Margate, this time Kevin is trying to win over his lady with somewhere a bit more exotic-Cuba.
It's honest, sometimes self-deprecating. His girlfriend plays games with him, strings him along, then knocks his confidence. She keeps him hanging on a thread. You're reading it and thinking- just pack her in!
You have to feel sorry for him, he craves love and attention, and seems to be settling for second best. Will she start to care? He's pulled out all the stops, a big step up from Margate- but will it all be for nothing? A loveable character, and you can't help but care as you read of things going wrong for him.
Some fun moments-but mostly a rooting for Kevin as I read-hoping he’d come good and see what she’s really like.
Adventures and misadventures. Travelling around, taking in the local culture and history. A good read, I wonder what his next book will bring? I look forward to reading it and finding out.
Travel memoirs are often retirees who decide to explore at their leisure; or young things who backpack, work abroad, maybe walk the Camino de Santiago. This series is different-Kevin is middle-aged, and taking to travelling after kids, divorce etc.
Poor Kevin, it never seems to go right for him. He has a demanding girlfriend, Sally. They'd got together via a dating app. Now, it's two years on.
This light-hearted travel memoir follows on from his previous book/prequel. Rather than the no-frills Margate, this time Kevin is trying to win over his lady with somewhere a bit more exotic-Cuba.
It's honest, sometimes self-deprecating. His girlfriend plays games with him, strings him along, then knocks his confidence. She keeps him hanging on a thread. You're reading it and thinking- just pack her in!
You have to feel sorry for him, he craves love and attention, and seems to be settling for second best. Will she start to care? He's pulled out all the stops, a big step up from Margate- but will it all be for nothing? A loveable character, and you can't help but care as you read of things going wrong for him.
Some fun moments-but mostly a rooting for Kevin as I read-hoping he’d come good and see what she’s really like.
Adventures and misadventures. Travelling around, taking in the local culture and history. A good read, I wonder what his next book will bring? I look forward to reading it and finding out.
June 18, 2021
As I read Kevin’s account about his vacation in Cuba, I was sucked into the dynamics between him and his girlfriend, Sally, who is not someone I would get along with. All the author wants to do, is please his companion, who never seems to be happy, despite the efforts, money, time, dedication, and emotions Kevin invests in her. He believes she is the love of his life and worth everything. But Kevin is an anxious person with a few issues, physically and mentally, and being with what appears to be the wrong woman, adds to the travel drama.
While I sometimes grew a bit frustrated by the way Sally treated Kevin (my personality is very different from the author’s and, even more so, his girlfriend) and mad at how some women get away with so much – a free trip to Cuba! – I felt invested in his travels, his experiences, and his growth throughout this book. My favorite parts were the dialogues between the two main characters and with the locals of Cuba. The character development and relationship issues are engaging and it was rewarding to learn more about this communist country.
Midlife Misadventures is a well-written story that is funny, ironic, sad, informative, and gripping at the same time. The misadventures – and there are many – will draw you in and make you root for the author until the end. I thoroughly enjoyed this quick and compelling read and eagerly await the sequel!
While I sometimes grew a bit frustrated by the way Sally treated Kevin (my personality is very different from the author’s and, even more so, his girlfriend) and mad at how some women get away with so much – a free trip to Cuba! – I felt invested in his travels, his experiences, and his growth throughout this book. My favorite parts were the dialogues between the two main characters and with the locals of Cuba. The character development and relationship issues are engaging and it was rewarding to learn more about this communist country.
Midlife Misadventures is a well-written story that is funny, ironic, sad, informative, and gripping at the same time. The misadventures – and there are many – will draw you in and make you root for the author until the end. I thoroughly enjoyed this quick and compelling read and eagerly await the sequel!
June 24, 2021
Midlife Misadventures in Cuba - a review by Rosemary Kenny
Kevin and (the much wed/divorced), Sally are supposedly going to Cuba on a romantic holiday, to fix their rocky relationship. A delay getting through customs on arrival, makes Sally virtually collapse with a panic attack... she's a control-freak who manipulates Kevin into doing her every whim.
She moans about the lack of classic car transport and wi-fi - and as for him asking a local woman for directions, (surprise(!) Sally doesn't like that either) - apparently they're only in Cuba because she wanted a 'solo' adventure, (with Kevin as her dogsbody!).
Will events in Cuba clear the air and allow love to blossom and give Kevin and Sally an HEA, or will it be fish-and-chips all round on the sofa for Kevin, now his eyes have been opened, with the family back home in Leeds, as a singleton yet again?
I can highly recommend this book to fans of comic-romp 'memoirs' (such as those by Mike B. Good, in his similarly unlucky-in-love, seeking happiness/riches in warmer climes, travel adventures), that will make you laugh out loud.
Don't wait - get your copy of Midlife Misadventures in Cuba by Kevin J.D. Kelly soon!
Kevin and (the much wed/divorced), Sally are supposedly going to Cuba on a romantic holiday, to fix their rocky relationship. A delay getting through customs on arrival, makes Sally virtually collapse with a panic attack... she's a control-freak who manipulates Kevin into doing her every whim.
She moans about the lack of classic car transport and wi-fi - and as for him asking a local woman for directions, (surprise(!) Sally doesn't like that either) - apparently they're only in Cuba because she wanted a 'solo' adventure, (with Kevin as her dogsbody!).
Will events in Cuba clear the air and allow love to blossom and give Kevin and Sally an HEA, or will it be fish-and-chips all round on the sofa for Kevin, now his eyes have been opened, with the family back home in Leeds, as a singleton yet again?
I can highly recommend this book to fans of comic-romp 'memoirs' (such as those by Mike B. Good, in his similarly unlucky-in-love, seeking happiness/riches in warmer climes, travel adventures), that will make you laugh out loud.
Don't wait - get your copy of Midlife Misadventures in Cuba by Kevin J.D. Kelly soon!
June 28, 2021
I was eagerly looking forward to reading this book for two reasons. One, I know how difficult it is to navigate a midlife romance. And two, it’s about Cuba. Kudos to Kevin Kelly for travelling to Cuba on his own terms rather than the more common route of booking a stay at a tourist resort.
But how does his girlfriend feel about Kevin’s planning on this trip? Does his decision to fly there with her improve or worsen their relationship? The word misadventures in the title should give the reader a clue, although you will need to read to the end of the book to get the answers.
His discoveries about Cuban culture, pesos, employment opportunities and Wi-Fi matched what I experienced when travelling in that country. But some of his adventures (and misadventures) did not. For example, as a Canadian, I have yet to be referred to as “loud”. My explanation is that the Canadians he met in Cuba must have been posers.
It seems almost wrong to say I enjoyed reading about the misadventures in this book. But I did. Through skilful writing and self-deprecating humour, the author has gifted us with a thoroughly enjoyable book
But how does his girlfriend feel about Kevin’s planning on this trip? Does his decision to fly there with her improve or worsen their relationship? The word misadventures in the title should give the reader a clue, although you will need to read to the end of the book to get the answers.
His discoveries about Cuban culture, pesos, employment opportunities and Wi-Fi matched what I experienced when travelling in that country. But some of his adventures (and misadventures) did not. For example, as a Canadian, I have yet to be referred to as “loud”. My explanation is that the Canadians he met in Cuba must have been posers.
It seems almost wrong to say I enjoyed reading about the misadventures in this book. But I did. Through skilful writing and self-deprecating humour, the author has gifted us with a thoroughly enjoyable book
July 29, 2021
Make or Break Adventure
Will their relationship stand the test of time? Will they come back from their adventure in Cuba together or apart? You will have to read to find out.
Craving love and attention, Kevin will do anything to keep his rather demanding girlfriend, Sally, who he met through a dating app. Two years on after a few splits and timeouts, they are embarking on a more exotic trip, to Cuba for Christmas and New Year.
Kevin bares all in this no-holds-barred, well-written travel memoir, he draws you into his story and leaves you asking for more. Craving love and attention Kevin panders to her every whim, bending over backward to keep Sally happy. Cracks start to appear and he finally opens his eyes. At times you feel sorry for him and at others, I was thinking...just dump her, leave her there, live your own life and be happy.
There is plenty of culture and history in this wonderful travel memoir and I look forward to Kevin's next adventure.
Thank you Kevin for an eventful read.
Will their relationship stand the test of time? Will they come back from their adventure in Cuba together or apart? You will have to read to find out.
Craving love and attention, Kevin will do anything to keep his rather demanding girlfriend, Sally, who he met through a dating app. Two years on after a few splits and timeouts, they are embarking on a more exotic trip, to Cuba for Christmas and New Year.
Kevin bares all in this no-holds-barred, well-written travel memoir, he draws you into his story and leaves you asking for more. Craving love and attention Kevin panders to her every whim, bending over backward to keep Sally happy. Cracks start to appear and he finally opens his eyes. At times you feel sorry for him and at others, I was thinking...just dump her, leave her there, live your own life and be happy.
There is plenty of culture and history in this wonderful travel memoir and I look forward to Kevin's next adventure.
Thank you Kevin for an eventful read.
June 11, 2021
I was given an advance copy of this book for an exchange of an honest review.
What a fun read! While the reader learns about Cuba and its culture inaccessible to most Americans, the author learns about his doomed relationship and himself in his travels to the country. In a humorous way, he describes his interactions with a girlfriend masterfully and with such keen detail, bringing us into his world and inviting us to stay till the end. The details are so rich and vivid that, at times, I felt like I was watching them from afar while rooting for the author to do something, to stand up for himself and walk away. While the scenes are sometimes a bit intense, the humor keeps them light. They literally made me laugh out loud! By the end, I couldn't help but wonder: what is the next (mis)adventure for the author? I can't wait to find out!
What a fun read! While the reader learns about Cuba and its culture inaccessible to most Americans, the author learns about his doomed relationship and himself in his travels to the country. In a humorous way, he describes his interactions with a girlfriend masterfully and with such keen detail, bringing us into his world and inviting us to stay till the end. The details are so rich and vivid that, at times, I felt like I was watching them from afar while rooting for the author to do something, to stand up for himself and walk away. While the scenes are sometimes a bit intense, the humor keeps them light. They literally made me laugh out loud! By the end, I couldn't help but wonder: what is the next (mis)adventure for the author? I can't wait to find out!
January 7, 2022
I really enjoyed this latest book by Kevin J. D. Kelly recounting his winter holiday escapades in Prague, this time with his friend Lesley. As usual nothing ever seems to go smoothly for him and the first shock is that he has inadvertently booked a King size room with one bed! Oh, the thoughts that went through his mind did make me laugh.
It's more than simply a fun memoir about the Christmas Markets of Prague and all the historical sights of the city. It's a very honest and at times raw memoir as the author speaks of his problems with relationships and his issues with mental health. However he uses a black humour when doing so which works well. It's a clever way of drawing the reader in and making you sympathise with his predicaments. I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series when he has more misadventures, this time in Thailand.
It's more than simply a fun memoir about the Christmas Markets of Prague and all the historical sights of the city. It's a very honest and at times raw memoir as the author speaks of his problems with relationships and his issues with mental health. However he uses a black humour when doing so which works well. It's a clever way of drawing the reader in and making you sympathise with his predicaments. I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series when he has more misadventures, this time in Thailand.
June 8, 2021
The sequel to Midlife Adventures in Margate, this book sees the hapless Kevin continue to try to impress his mega-bitch girlfriend Sally by taking her on a dream holiday to Cuba. Poor Kevin tries everything to keep Sally happy, booking tours, nice hotels, restaurants, but nothing seems to go right for him. Sally's personality isn't just split, it's cleaved open wider than a lady-of-the-night's legs and Kevin never knows which Sally he's going to get. And is Sally having a secret affair?
Tragic and frustrating, this story of travel, relationships and human foibles will tug at your emotions, while phrases such as "I felt as if I had passed a hedgehog through my bottom" will have you laughing along to the end of the book. A very easy read, and highly recommended.
Tragic and frustrating, this story of travel, relationships and human foibles will tug at your emotions, while phrases such as "I felt as if I had passed a hedgehog through my bottom" will have you laughing along to the end of the book. A very easy read, and highly recommended.
July 6, 2021
They say you can't please all the people all of the time, but you can please some of the people some of the time. Not Sally. Despite Kevin's best efforts - and boy does he try hard! - nothing ever seems to be good enough for her. Trying to revive a flagging relationship takes Kevin way out of his comfort zone on a Christmas holiday to recently opened up Cuba. But despite all his careful planning, things don't always work out as he intends. You will laugh but you will also feel Kevin's frustration. Will their relationship last? Will Kevin have a nervous breakdown? Will Sally ever be impressed? A fun read which I really enjoyed (I read it in one day) and I'm looking forward to Kevin's next misadventures.
November 6, 2022
I’m not sure if I want to give the author a big hug or a good ‘get real’ lecture. You would think that after the Margate weekend trip, Kevin would have seen the light and ended the relationship. But no. Sadly he remained smitten, and boy did Sally reap the benefits of this very one-sided relationship. I admire the honest way the author opens up his heart, but does it in such a witty way, that at times I found myself laughing out loud. Will his amazing persistency in trying to keep Sally in his life continue? I sincerely hope not as he deserves far better! An enjoyable read which, by the way, does include a few interesting facts about Cuba.
June 15, 2021
Goodness where to start. A horrible relationship with a horrible person and yet he does his best to keep her even spending tons of money on her. It is called a comedy but I definitely didn’t find anything funny about the entire story. I definitely wouldn't want to go to Cuba based on this book. I hope Kevin gets some help.
August 10, 2021
The worst book
This is not a funny book, For this reader ,and I'm not even finishing it. The characters are, unrealistic who acts like that? Since I'm not reading the whole book, maybe someone else will.enjoy it, who knows?
This is not a funny book, For this reader ,and I'm not even finishing it. The characters are, unrealistic who acts like that? Since I'm not reading the whole book, maybe someone else will.enjoy it, who knows?
September 13, 2021
Excellent
This is such a good read. I love the authors way.
The humour is great, it's funny and so as it is.
Great book
This is such a good read. I love the authors way.
The humour is great, it's funny and so as it is.
Great book
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews