I wanted to love this book so much! DNF at 50%
Unfortunately it started really strong but then I couldn't stay connected or interested.

Due to the loss of my kindle I, sadly, was not able to read this book.
I sincerely apologize for this inconvenience.

A book must grab me immediately or I am totally turned off and put the book down, Too boring for me

The author wrote about her affair with Pablo Escobar in a raw and honest way that I really respected. She admitted that she was vain and self-centered and was not shy about letting the reader know about her other faults. Her fall from grace was interesting to read about and I cannot wait to see the movie that is coming out based on this book.

All I can say even a couple of days after finishing this book is wow, this one is lingering. Soon to be a major motion picture starring Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz and I can’t wait to see it. The story of Pablo Escobar told from the viewpoint of his former girlfriend, television journalist Virginia Vallejo. She met Pablo while dating someone else and invited as guests for a few weekends to Escobar’s ranch. At one point he ended up saving her from nearly drowning when no one else even noticed she was caught in a sudden whirlpool in the water. She told him that from that point on he was responsible for her life. Not long after, she broke up with her drug-addicted boyfriend and began spending time with Pablo. They each found that they had much to teach the other. She taught him how to be more media savvy with the press, and he taught her about the other side of life that she was mostly unaware of. Before long they each fell in love and spoiled one another and things were good for some time.

But it seemed before many months had passed with Pablo sending his plane for her frequently to spend time with him, she also started seeing another side of Escobar. Along with the good Pablo who helped many poor Columbians with food and housing from the profits of his empire, she learned that there was also a dark side. One who craved fame and political appeal and infamy. Also, one who liked violence and revenge on his enemies. She also found that he enjoyed flings with young women of little intellect, buying their favors for a weekend during times they were apart despite having her love and loyalty to him too. This caused her much anguish not so much from jealousy, but because it showed he was greedy and would never be satisfied and this foretold a very dangerous future. An advance digital copy was provided by NetGalley, author Virginia Vallejo, and the publisher for my unbiased review.

Published: May 29, 2018

Vintage

Fascinating look into a complicated man, woman and situation. Super quick read but plenty of details. I can’t wait for the movie!

Although I feel really sorry for the DEA agents who had to babysit her at a hotel in Miami she thought was crummy, this is a fascinating front-row seat to the rise and fall of Pablo Escobar and the cartel. I read this to augment the social science research for the Dirty Money class about drugs and money laundering, and the kingpin theory, in which removing an organization head you know can bring a period of opportunity while they fight and reorganize, but also bring forth more skilled, more unhinged leaders willing to take more risks. This is that, but with fur coats, mass murder and parties with piles of cocaine, rather than graphs.

Virginia Vallejo a model and newscaster ends up being Pablo Escobar’s mistress.

Great story. Informative and interesting.