I have a confession to make. Although there's a disclaimer in the front of my books that they're works of fiction, my most recent romantic thriller "One Way Out" was actually inspired by--wait for it--the Epstein files scandal!
Lauren Scott is a wealthy widow with a lot
of embarrassing secrets. Her late husband, a convicted stock swindler, died
under mysterious circumstances, just as he was about to name names in Federal
court. His legacy supposedly includes a list of VIPs who attended sex parties
on a private Caribbean island, among other things. Now Lauren has become the
target of too many people who think she holds the secrets he once kept, and
they just might kill her for them.
She calls on her friends, former CIA spies
Nick Seven and Felicia Hagens, for help. Despite initial misgivings, they agree
to assist her. But their laidback Florida Keys life is quickly disrupted by
those in hot pursuit, including a zealous podcaster who is making Lauren’s
private life public, a Treasury agent, victims of her late husband’s Ponzi
scheme, and a Southern governor who has his eye on the White House.
Looks like there might be trouble brewing
in paradise.
The basic elements of “One Way Out” were influenced by
some classic caper movies, like “Charade” and “The Maltese Falcon,” along with
several Hitchcock films. There’s a strong current events theme involving the
young trophy widow of a convicted financial scammer and sex trafficker who was found
hanging in his jail cell before he could testify in Federal court. It was
suggested by actual events, and I’m sure you can fill in the blanks. I also
included the governor of a southern state who has his eye on the White House,
and may have been a guest at the island sex parties. You can probably name that
person, too.
Of course, there are the usual lead characters, Nick
Seven and Felicia Hagens. They both left the CIA to find peace in paradise, but
somehow never manage to do so, thanks to past events intruding at unwanted
times. They still generate more heat than Key West in July with their sensuous romantic
banter and teasing. Here’s an example:
The scent of patchouli from a burning candle permeated
Nick and Felicia’s bedroom, accompanied by smooth piano jazz from the stereo.
The room was dark, and the window was open to let in fresh night air along with
the sound of waves gently hitting the seawall in the channel. Nick lay on his
back with one arm behind his head on the pillow, his eyes closed, enjoying the
peacefulness. Felicia curled up next to him, her naked body close to his while
gently running her fingers over his bare chest. He relaxed under her gentle
touch.
Nick rolled over and placed his palm on Felicia’s
cheek. They stared into each other’s eyes while moving closer until their lips
met. Nick gently kissed her. She returned his passion, massaging his lips with
hers. Their tongues dueled in a sensuous erotic dance as their kissing became
more intense and passionate. Nick’s hand strayed to Felicia’s firm breast and
cupped it, gently massaging her nipple until it was as hard as a gumdrop.
Felicia exhaled a deep contented breath. “Wow.”
He kissed her. “You’re the most passionate lover.”
“I always knew you’d be a good lover. Even before we
sealed the deal the first time.”
“How did you know that?”
“Because you’re a good kisser. Where you have one, you
have the other.”
Nick reached up and brushed back a strand of hair from
her sweaty forehead. “You mean after we kissed the first time, even though I
didn’t make a move, you knew what kind of lover I’d be?”
“Mm-hmm. Surprised?”
“Astonished. You must tell me your secret someday.”
She kissed him. “Some things are better left
unspoken.”
You can find "One Way Out" in Kindle and print at Amazon, but you'd better hurry before someone figures out who is who and puts me out of business!
Tim Smith is an award-winning, bestselling author of
romantic mystery/thrillers and contemporary romance, with 30 published books to
his credit. His novels featuring former CIA agent Nick Seven have garnered
awards and international critical praise. He is also a freelance writer,
blogger, editor and photographer. When he isn’t pursuing those interests, he
can be found in the Florida Keys, doing research in between parasailing and
seeking out the perfect Mojito.
2 comments:
I loved Charade. Saw it a few months back on Tubi and was stunned that it's held up so well considering when it was filmed. :)
One Way Out being inspired by the Epstein files makes the book a definite must-read IMO! You rock, Tim!
Thank you, Tina. If you do read One Way Out, I'd love to know your thoughts.
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