Interview with Megan Freitas, Author of The Green Widow – NewInBooks

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?

The idea for The Green Widow started with a character rather than a plot. I kept imagining a woman who had survived incredible loss and violence, yet instead of breaking, she quietly became one of the most powerful figures in a dangerous world. Maeve began as someone who was underestimated by everyone around her, including the mafia families she found herself surrounded by. What fascinated me was the moment when people started realizing they were wrong about her. I’ve always been drawn to stories that explore power, loyalty, and what people are willing to do for the ones they love. Mafia worlds naturally amplify those themes because the stakes are so high. In that environment, love isn’t just romantic—it’s protective, fierce, and sometimes dangerous.

The relationship between Maeve and Aidan really became the heart of the book. I wanted to explore a partnership where both characters are strong in different ways. Aidan is powerful in the traditional sense—he leads, commands, and protects—but Maeve’s strength comes from resilience, intelligence, and a quiet determination that slowly reshapes the world around her. The Irish setting and mythology also played a role in the inspiration. Ireland has such a deep tradition of storytelling, and I loved weaving that atmosphere into a modern mafia narrative.

The title The Green Widow reflects both loss and rebirth—how someone can walk through fire and emerge not just surviving, but transformed. Ultimately, the book is about reclaiming power, protecting family, and the idea that sometimes the most dangerous person in the room is the one everyone underestimated.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of your book, what would they be?

Character Theme Songs for The Green Widow
Aidan O’Dwyer — Theme Songs

Vibe: Ruthless leader, calm violence, devotion to Maeve, quiet power.

1. “Take Me to Church” — Hozier
Perfect Irish energy and dark romance.
“I’ll worship like a dog at the shrine of your lies.”
This fits the dangerous devotion he has for Maeve.

2. “Way Down We Go” — Kaleo
Heavy, slow, intimidating. This feels like Aidan walking into a room where everyone knows they’re in trouble.

3. “Seven Nation Army” — The White Stripes
Classic mafia intimidation energy. This works for scenes where Aidan is hunting enemies.

4. “Human” — Rag’n’Bone Man
This fits Aidan’s conflict between brutality and love.

5. “Blood // Water” — grandson
Perfect revenge energy for mafia scenes.

Maeve — Theme Songs

Vibe: Survivor, intelligence, quiet strength, becoming dangerous.

1. “Control” — Halsey
Probably the best Maeve song.
“I’m well acquainted with villains that live in my bed.”
This fits her transformation into The Green Widow.

2. “Castle” — Halsey
Strong female power anthem.
“I’m headed straight for the castle.”
Perfect for Maeve taking control of the empire.

3. “You Should See Me in a Crown” — Billie Eilish
This screams mafia queen energy.

4. “Elastic Heart” — Sia
Fits Maeve’s emotional resilience and survival.

5. “Running With the Wolves” — AURORA
Beautiful dark feminine power.

Aidan & Maeve Together — Power Couple Songs

1. “I Wanna Be Yours” — Arctic Monkeys
Dark devotion.

2. “Earned It” — The Weeknd
Dangerous attraction.

3. “Middle of the Night” — Elley Duhé
Perfect dark romance / BookTok vibe.

4. “Bad Guy” — Billie Eilish
Great for edits showing them both dominating enemies.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I like to read mafia, MMC romance, and fantasy. Yes, I like to write the same genres that I like to read.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

My TBR list this year is full of new releases from my favorite authors. I’m excited for JL Drake’s Breathe Me In, several 2026 fantasy romance releases from LJ Andrews, the upcoming Black Dagger Brotherhood book, and a new romantasy series from JR Ward, and the next ACOTAR book by Sarah J. Maas. I love stories with magic, danger, and emotionally intense, morally gray characters, so these books are perfect for me.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The room went quiet before anyone realized why. Aidan O’Dwyer had entered. He didn’t rush or raise his voice; he simply crossed the room the way a storm crosses the sea—slow, inevitable, and impossible to ignore. Men stepped aside instinctively. Maeve stood near the far wall, fingers wrapped around a glass she hadn’t touched. The tension in the room had been simmering all night, everyone watching and everyone waiting. When Aidan reached her, he didn’t hesitate. His hand settled at the small of her back—possessive, certain. “Maeve,” he said softly. The way he said her name made half the room look away. She tilted her chin up at him. “You’re late.” Aidan’s mouth curved faintly. “I had business.” His eyes swept the room, then—slow and deliberate—letting every man there feel the weight of his attention. When he spoke again, his voice carried easily through the silence. “So did the rest of you.” No one moved. Aidan looked down at Maeve once more, his thumb brushing lightly across her wrist where he held her. Then he said it—not loudly, but clearly enough that no one could pretend they hadn’t heard. “This is Maeve. My woman.”

The shift in the room was immediate. A few men straightened, others looked away entirely, and one or two exchanged glances that said the same thing: everything just changed. Maeve felt it too—the weight of the declaration, the danger of it. She looked at him carefully. “You’re making a statement,” she murmured. Aidan leaned closer, his voice meant only for her now. “No,” he said. “I’m ending a conversation.” And for the first time that night, Maeve smiled.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I have cats walking around the PC as I write, and I have my Apple Music on shuffle while I write.

Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?

I’ve always believed that strength often grows from the moments when people underestimate us. That idea influences both my life and my writing. Many of my characters discover their power when they refuse to let circumstances or other people define who they are.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

If there’s one thing I hope readers remember after finishing The Green Widow, it’s that strength can come from the most unexpected places. The story is about resilience, loyalty, and the idea that people who are underestimated often become the most powerful forces in the room. Maeve’s journey shows that survival isn’t just about enduring hardship—it’s about reclaiming your voice and shaping your own destiny.