Author's Message

When I wrote my debut novel Better Than Bulletproof in 2009 Shaun Logan was a shadowy minor character. All I “saw” when he first appeared on the page was a gorgeous contract security specialist with a seductive Irish accent, but I always hoped I could come back and write his story. In fleshing out the hero for Bulletproof Hearts I discovered that Shaun was raised on the mean streets of Dublin after losing his parents when he was a boy. High risk situations never seem to shake him. The tougher it gets, the cooler he gets—hiding his real emotions under charm, a calm exterior, and beautiful old world manners. He never reveals what he truly feels.

But Abby Trevor, the heroine of Bulletproof Hearts, makes him feel and hope for things he never dreamed were possible and admitting that is a huge risk for him. Especially as he is also hiding a secret that he never intended to get so far out of hand.

Feisty and independent, Abby says exactly what she is thinking, despite having had a genteel upbringing. This fascinates Shaun. She’s “broken out” of that Southern belle mold to find answers in her brother’s murder. She’s got trust issues because of how she was raised and as a result she always leaves herself an “escape hatch” in relationships. In dealing with Shaun, there is no escape hatch. 

In Abby’s eyes, the worst thing you can do is lie and Shaun has started their entire relationship with a lie of omission. Lying is what Abby considers an “unforgivable act.” Even understanding this Shaun must continue lying to her in order to keep her safe—fearing once she discovers the truth she’ll leave his protection, be on her own and in danger. Realizing this, he is forced into a situation where lying is the only safe thing to do even though he’s falling in love with her and knows he will lose her once she learns the truth about his lies.

Shaun’s professional competence defines him. He’s glacial under pressure. Yet around Abby, he feels himself losing that hold on the icy calm he’s always had and it scares him. He doesn’t know what to do with all these new emotions he’s experiencing. It’s an explosive combination and one that I hope will keep you turning pages until the very end of their story.

- Kay Thomas