I’m pleased to announce the long-awaited release of my
newest romantic thriller Warning Shot
from eXtasy Books. I say long-awaited because it took me a while to get this
one to market, but it was worth it. This is the third installment in the Nick
Seven spy series, featuring my two most popular characters, former CIA spooks
Nick Seven and Felicia Hagens. They were featured in the best-selling books Memories Die Last and Never Look Back. Although this is part
of a series, the books do not need to be read in order, as each one is a
stand-alone adventure.
For the uninitiated, Nick and Felicia live in Key Largo , Florida ,
where they fled to get away from the spy game and intrigue. Nick is a moody
action hero plagued by memories of things from his past, and Felicia is the
Barbadian beauty who was once his co-worker. This installment finds them
helping Nick’s former mentor from his spy days when it appears that this person
has gotten involved in something he shouldn’t have.
Nick Seven and Felicia
Hagens left the CIA for the laidback ease of the Florida Keys, leaving behind a
life of intrigue. When Nick’s former mentor becomes part of a conspiracy with
international repercussions, Nick breaks his self-imposed exile to stop him.
The case throws Nick and Felicia into a juggernaut of espionage, government
cover-ups and political assassinations. Will they succeed in stopping the plan
in time? Can their relationship survive another unwanted adventure?
I think this is the fastest-paced thriller I’ve ever written,
with something for everyone – action, great atmosphere, realistic characters
and dialogue, humor, and enough heat between Nick and Felicia to make Key West in July feel like Alaska . There’s also a very strong romantic
element between the two leads, one that keeps evolving and getting stronger
with each new episode. Here’s an example:
Nick brought Felicia’s hand to his mouth then kissed it.
“That’s one of the reasons I’m glad I have you around. You always keep me
focused.”
“Is that the only reason you’re glad I’m around?”
“No, but it’s a long list.”
She sat on his lap then ran her fingers through his hair.
“I’ve got nothin’ but time, Tough Guy.”
He caressed her cheek “You’re resourceful, self-confident
and independent.”
“You just described a Boy Scout. Can’t you do better than
that?”
He kissed her. “You’re incredibly hot, passionate about
everything and waking up next to you makes all my teenaged dreams come true.”
He paused. “Plus you make a mean stir-fried shrimp.”
Felicia laughed and lightly smacked his arm. “Is that the
best you’ve got? You were always better at foreplay.”
“You make me feel alive and I can’t wait to start every day
all over again with you.”
She cupped his cheek and peered into his eyes. “That’s what
I was gonna say. It’s kinda hard to explain but when I first saw you, all that
time ago in London ,
it was like a jolt of electricity went through me. Then when you quit and I
went back to Barbados ,
I felt this big empty inside, like somethin’ vital had been taken away.”
He traced her jaw with his fingers. “Same thing I felt. I’m
glad we finally got together.”
She rested her lips on his and they kissed deeply. Nick
inhaled her scent, a libido-boosting blend of Giorgio Red and her natural body
chemistry. He massaged her neck while Felicia caressed his cheek. The linger
they kissed the more aroused Nick became.
Felicia pulled back and smiled. “What’s that I feel pokin’
me from underneath?”
“Three guesses and the first two don’t count.”
She chuckled seductively. “What is it about this climate
that always has you horny?”
“It isn’t the climate, it’s you.” He rubbed her cheek. “It’s
always been you.”
*
* * *
I’ve been asked why I chose the Florida
Keys as the setting for this series. When I sat down to write the
first one, I asked myself a question – if I were a former spy who wanted to
start over, where would I go? Since I had recently returned from a trip to Key Largo , the answer was obvious. The atmosphere down
there lends itself to anonymity, because people basically don’t care who you
are or where you came from. In doing research I discovered that the Keys have a
lot of former cops and government operatives among its nameless residents. That
sealed it for me.
My website is www.timsmithauthor.com.
Bio:
Tim Smith is an award-winning, bestselling author whose
books range from romantic mystery/thrillers to contemporary erotic romance. He
is also a freelance photographer. When he isn’t pursuing those two passions, he
can be found in the Florida Keys , doing
research in between parasailing and seeking out the perfect Mojito.