Enemies, Lovers, and Everything in Between
I hope you’re all enjoying summer so far! Between teaching and editing, I’ve been deep in the final stages of my upcoming romantic suspense, with a twist of humour: DECOY IN STILETTOS.
This story is packed with twisty suspense, sizzling chemistry, and a gritty love story wrapped in secrets, danger… and stilettos.
To kick things off, I sat down (virtually, of course) with the heroine and hero; Ryan and Gabe, for a Q&A.
They’ve graciously agreed to give us a peek into their world, and the fine art of not strangling each other (yet).
Q: Ryan’s an unusal name for a woman. How did that come about?
Ryan: “My dad’s Iris mum, Grandma Abigail did this old wives’ test when my mom was pregnant. She tied my mom’s wedding ring on a string and dangled it over her belly. It swung in a circle, which meant it was a boy.
Grandma insisted the firstborn O’Flanagan male had to be named Ryan. So, I showed up and they slapped on Ryan Abigail Maria Benetti O’Flanagan to please both sides. Protestant Irish on my dad’s, Catholic Italian on my mom’s.
Ma and Nonna blame my dad, since he bought the ring in a pawn shop.”
Question: What’s something about Gabe that would surprise people?
Ryan points a finger at Gabe. “Coasters. I mean, everywhere in the house.”
Gabe rolls his eyes. “She’s a spiller.”
Ryan gives him a sharp side-eye. “He’s intense.”
He smirks, unfazed.
Question: What’s your worst date story?
Ryan: “The guy brought his emotional support plant on the date.”
Gabe: “Just one of the unhinged in her honey traps.”
Ryan: “Well, there is that.”
Interviewer: Speaking of honey traps, can you tell us what exactly that’s about?
Gabe jumps in, shaking his head. “Her agency entraps people.”
Ryan cuts him off, arms crossed. “Nope. We’re a catch-a-cheater PI agency.”
Gabe smirks. “That’s her story.”
Ryan: “And I’m sticking to it. No matter how much you disagree with it. It’s successful.”
Gabe: “Yup. Until she triggers the Russian mob. Then all bets are off.
Ryan shaking her head. “Don’t go there, and that’s everything we’re spilling on that No spoilers. Remember?”
Question: If your life were a movie, what would it be?
Ryan taps her chin. “Probably something like The Royal Tenenbaums.”
Gabe nods approvingly. “Perfect. Drama and dark humor. All her.”
Interviewer: What about you, Gabe?
Ryan cuts in quickly. “Let me answer that one.”
Gabe leans back, folding his arms. “Knock yourself out.”
Ryan smiles. “Think Jason Bourne meets one of those moody indie films where the guy broods in shadows and spends half the time stitching himself up in the mirror.
Mostly serious and controlled, and occasionally exasperated. Minimal dialogue. Except when he’s muttering about my safety or how bad my coffee is.”
Gabe shoots her a look. “Occasionally exasperated? Wonder why.”
Ryan grins slyly. “Admit it, you love that I’m the plot twist you didn’t see coming.
Gabe shakes his head.
Q: What was your first impression of Ryan?
Gabe grins. “Grade four. I thought she was the prettiest girl in school, until she turned around, stuck her tongue out, and called me a stupid dork.”
Ryan laughs. “He deserved it. He tore up my hand-made posters.”
Gabe nods. “She organized a petition to ban dodgeball.”
Ryan shrugs. “It was violent and unfair to the short kids.”
Gabe glances at her. “Which you were not.”
Ryan smirks. “No, but I was lobbying for the oppressed.”
Question: Gabe, What’s your soft spot when it comes to Ryan?
Gabe pauses, then looks at Ryan. “She’s just her.”
***
Thanks for hopping on here and catching a glimpse into their world.
Stay tuned for the upcoming cover reveal and release date announcement.
You won’t want to miss what’s next!
Ryan thought running a honey trap agency was a smart hustle until a client’s husband dropped dead on her watch.
Now her infuriating long-time nemesis, Detective Smoke-Show, slaps the cuffs on her in front of her loud, nosy Italian-Irish family.
Jail might be the safest place for her, considering the Russian mob put out a hit, and she has no idea why.
Good thing Gabe’s in her corner. Part protector, full-time trouble, and probably the only reason she’s still breathing.
Life after divorce? Try a front-row seat to a romantic thriller with a body count and a punchline.
***
Meet Maddie and Alex (who will also make a cameo appearance in Decoy in Stilettos) for their character interview. CLICK HERE.
