Rituals, supernatural powers, legends and folklore add mysticism and beauty to the already rich and colorful history of Puerto Rico. A small tropical island in the middle of the Caribbean Sea, Puerto Rico is more than just a popular tourist spot. It is a place of magic and wonder. Originally settled by the Taino, these native people lived off the land and communed with nature believing everything from the ceibo tree to the coqui frog had a spirit. Puerto Rico is also a place marked by many years of wars, bloodshed, slavery and battles for freedom. The rich cultural mix of Taino, Spanish, and West African blood flows through the veins of the exotic island, making it pulse with life, laughter and love.
I couldn’t think of a better place to base Dark Waters, my romantic suspense thriller. Legends of ghosts, demons who roam the island after dark, pirates long ago washed up on shores, buried treasure, la bruja—the witch—and Santeria have all had a part in shaping the rich tapestry of Puerto Rican culture.
Santaria plays an important role in Dark Waters not only adding to the ominous atmosphere, but also showing insight into a relatively little known world of the beliefs and practices of some of the islanders. The practice of Santeria dates back to the fifteenth century when its earliest practitioners—members of the Yoruba people of West Africa— were brought to Puerto Rico as slaves to work the plantations. Hidden and practiced in secret for hundreds of years, Santeria has mixed with Catholic beliefs, making it a unique and intriguing religion. Enter into a Botanica, a specialized shop that sells anything from plastic figurines of saints, candles, dried herbs, prayer books, to amulets and you will find plenty to keep you absorbed.
Leyendas or legends definitely abound on this island, inspiring mystery and suspense, but there is one thing about Puerto Rico I find even more appealing. A Borican man!
I have to admit the image of a hot Latin man with fiery blood, sun-kissed toned body, and an enticing smile that would make mi abuela (my grandmother) swoon is one that certainly raises my temperature. A Puerto Rican man can ignites thoughts of a sultry night dancing the Salsa, a moonlit walk on a white sand beach, and naughty words whispered in Spanish into my ear.
Mix leyendas y puertorriqueño together and you get a sexy romantic thriller guaranteed to keep you up at night.
Adios!
Gabriella Hewitt
Dark Waters, in print now!
www.gabriellahewitt.com
Excitement. Suspense. Passion.
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