#Interview with Stephanie Evanovich of Under the Table

Under the Table is available now!

Lexi: When the first flowers bloom and there’s a fresh, spring breeze in your hair you can’t help but feel love in the air! And the perfect complement to that is a lighthearted, sweet yet sassy read and our guest today has a book that will satisfy that craving. Welcome, Stephanie Evanovich!

Hi Lexi! Thanks so much for inviting me over for a glass and a chat. I’m going with Sangria, get a little summer frame of mind going. I was just outside telling my crocuses how happy I was to see them. I think Spring has finally sprung.


Lexi: We are so excited to have you on the blog today, Stephanie! And even more excited about UNDER THE TABLE which has been described as a modern twist on My Fair Lady. And we love the role reversal, instead of the professor making over a working-class girl you have a capable, confident cook making over the awkward, computer programmer. Which component came first, the role reversal idea or the characters, Zoey and Tristan?

I’m a character driven writer, fascinated by the human condition. For me, it always starts there, usually with the hero. I love my super confident alpha males, but the world is full of unlikely champions. I was looking to create a guy who was vulnerable but not bitter. When Tristan morphed into a hero with absolutely no game, I fell in love with him. But he couldn’t do it without a savior of his own. With Zoey, she certainly wasn’t a player, but her husband made a prime example of one. The differences in Tristan were both obvious and refreshing. At first.


Lexi: Your brain is a marvelous thing. And something else we found marvelous: Tristan’s kitchen. You created a functional, state-of-the-art, and incredibly beautiful culinary-heaven! No wonder Zoey was so captivated by Tristan, she was stunned! What is your favorite part of the kitchen, any one thing that you desperately wish you had and wrote it in for Zoey to enjoy?

The thought of having warming and cooling trays was exciting, even if they are excessive. I mean seriously, everyone already has warming and cooling trays, they’re called ovens and refrigerators. I guess it’s always a good idea to have an awesome set of knives, but Zoey travels with her own, cause she’s a badass like that.


Lexi: It’s fascinating that simple things like space combined with the right tools can culminate into something breathtaking. Much like Tristan who has the heart and the brains, but needed Zoey to help bring all his pieces together to become a masterpiece. What was the most important emotion you gave Zoey when she finally stepped back and saw the entire package that was Tristan?

I’d like to think it was the surprise. Zoey’s focus was so streamlined, she was working a career plan and was enjoying a measure of success. Tristan just wanted to get through an uncomfortable evening. Some of my favorite love stories are when people find each other when looking the other way. And it’s the surprise that has them making those impulsive decisions, the ones that add the fun. 


Lexi: Like the decorative frosting on a cake, perfection. Congrats on UNDER THE TABLE, sweet, funny, perfection in itself! Thank you for stopping by today and thank you for bringing us yet another lighthearted read right when we needed one!

You’re so welcome, Lexi, but the pleasure was really all mine. Thanks for letting me join the party and spread a little #upliftature. Hope everyone gets to spend a little spring curled up in a favorite chair with a tasty glass and a good book. Cheers!!

Under the Table

by Stephanie Evanovich

Hardcover, 336 pages

Expected publication: April 16th 2019 by William Morrow

ISBN 0062415921

The New York Times bestselling author of Big Girl Panties puts a modern twist on My Fair Lady in this funny, romantic confection in which a canny young woman makes over her awkward millionaire client . . . with some hot, sexy, and surprising results.

Suffocating in a dead-end marriage, Midwesterner Zoey Sullivan fled to New York and moved in with her little sister Ruth, a carefree, vivacious beauty with a string of eligible bachelors at her beck and call. Giving herself three months in the city to clear her head and find a direction, Zoey dodges calls from her ex Derek, and distracts herself by cooking and catering a few private dinners and parties. Pursuing her passion for cooking was never an option when she was with Derek, and now Zoey relishes her independence.

When Zoey’s meets reclusive millionaire Tristan Malloy, she’s blown away by his kitchen—a marble and stainless steel temple worthy of the culinary gods—and charmed by his impeccable gentlemanly manners. But despite his firm body, handsome looks, and piles of cash, Tristan—a computer programmer—is shy and more than a little socially awkward. Zoey is sure that Tristan has all the right raw ingredients—and she’s the right person to spice them up turn him into a delectable dish.

But Zoey’s unprepared for just how well her makeover works. Tristan turns out to be even sexier once he’s gained a little confidence and the right wardrobe. Beneath the gorgeous package, Tristan is a great guy who deserves a woman who really appreciates him. Slowly but surely, Zoey realizes she may have found her perfect match—but does Tristan even know how her feelings have changed? Is that warm look in his eyes gratitude for the new and exciting world she’s ushered him into, or something more? And what will happen when Zoey’s ex comes to town, looking to win her back? 

AMAZON | B&N 

About the Author:

Stephanie Evanovich is a full-fledged Jersey girl who began writing fiction while waiting for her cues during countless community theater projects. She attended New York School of Film and Television and acted in several improvisational troupes and a few small-budget movies, all in preparation for the greatest job she ever had, raising her two sons. Now a full-time writer, she's an avid sports fan who holds a black belt in tae kwon do. http://www.stephanieevanovich.com