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Tuesday, August 5, 2025

Art imitating life

 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!


Amazon--One Way Out

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. 

Tim Smith's AllAuthor page


2 comments:

Tina Donahue said...

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!

Tim Smith said...

Thank you, Tina. If you do read One Way Out, I'd love to know your thoughts.