Sunday, February 16, 2025

The Scoop on: ONE WIFE TOO MANY

Sometimes LOVE does find us, but at that particular time, we’re not ready for it. That’s what happens to Wilson Struthers.

Here’s the blurb:

Wilson Struthers is an ambitious attorney who advances his career by marrying eighteen-year-old Andrea, the boss’ daughter. Things go according to plan... until Andrea is lost at sea. Seven years later, Wilson marries again. Then the fun begins!

Now the dilemma: How do I craft this tale so that when Wilson and Andrea meet seven years later, they don’t recognize each other? How can I make this story believable?

Ah, that’s the rub! For Andrea, she suffers from total amnesia of her former life and becomes Anakalia Lawai’a, and for Wilson, well, let’s just say twenty-five-year-old Andrea looks very different from his virgin bride.

ONE WIFE TOO MANY was previously published by and  is now available on Amazon.com and Smashwords.com!

Seven years after his bride is lost at sea, Wilson marries again. Bigamist!

Amazon.com and Smashwords.com and Universal Link

This book is part of the Romantic Contemporaries line.

ONE WIFE TOO MANY earned Best-Seller status at Fictionwise.com and is a Favorite in libraries across the United States including North Texas Libraries On The Go.

Here are some fabulous reviews:

5 STARS! Some books are meant to be classics. ONE WIFE TOO MANY is in this category. We are introduced to the main characters, Andrea and Wilson, as they just get married. Both of them are making a major mistake. Wilson, to get promoted, and Andrea, to escape her unloving father. But on the Hawaiian honeymoon night, Andrea’s eyes get cruelly opened, and she makes another bad choice, only to get swept overboard in a storm-tossed sea. Her body is never recovered. Seven years pass. Wilson is a sadder man, filled with regret, but feels it’s time to move on. He remarries. Then the unthinkable happens: his job sends him back to Hawaii where... ONE WIFE TOO MANY is a perfect second chance at love story. I thoroughly enjoyed reading how they met each other again with no recognition, and yet there was something achingly familiar that they just couldn’t identify. A wonderful treat for anyone who’s a romantic at heart!--Norwood Reviews

5 STARS! Amazing Book! After reading The Reluctant Landlord, which I was very impressed with, I decided to read another one of Susanne's books, One Wife Too Many. She did not disappoint me with this book either. Both books I thought were terrific. I would recommend both books to anyone and now I'm going to go onto one of her other books. I'm picking one of her short stories The Teachers Pet. I'm sure I will not be disappointed with that either. One Wife Too Many I read in one day as I could not put it down!--Reader Review

Susanne Marie Knight's books are always fun, sexy and tender. Her latest, ONE WIFE TOO MANY is all of the above, a real feel-good story. Andrea is young and innocent when she marries Wilson, who is an ambitious lawyer in her father's firm. Before the wedding night, she's lost at sea. He remarries, she survives and their lives get really complicated.--UP Reviews

This is a wonderful (as usual) love story. You’re soo good, Sus. Thanks so much!-- Reader Comment

Susanne’s plot pacing is, as always, superb!--Reader Comment

Brilliantly written--Book Review

This book is great! I adore Andrea, and as for Wilson--yum! Thanks so much for this refreshing read!-- Reader Comment

Whenever I want to take a Hawaiian vacation, I reread ONE WIFE TOO MANY. I love this story!-- Reader Comment

An excellent retelling at a second chance a love story!-- Reader Comment

Here is a popular book trailer for ONE WIFE TWO MANY, for the Uncial Press version.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6axHmA8xwc

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Below are a couple of tidbits from my life that helped me write this novel. The islands of Hawaii play a large role in ONE WIFE TOO MANY. During a terrifying storm, Andrea is swept overboard from the deck of a company yacht in the channel of waters between Molokai and Maui. I also was violently tossed about in a small yacht navigating very rough seas. Fortunately, I remained onboard!

Here’s how Wilson (Will) experienced the storm:

Still holding his drink, Will carefully maneuvered past annoyingly loud slot machines and equally annoying drunken passengers until he walked out the casino doors.

Once in the carpeted corridor, he stood a moment to get his bearings. Wrong move. A giant wave crashed against the starboard side of the ship. Will lost his balance... and his drink, and smashed into the wall.

While his crystal tumbler harmlessly bounced on the carpeted floor, the glassware inside the casino wasn’t as lucky. The tinkling of breaking glass was loud enough to be heard out in the corridor. Evidently everything that wasn’t nailed down on the bar counter had slid to the other end, then landed down onto the floor.

What a waste of booze!

Will grinned, righted himself and took a step. Another wave crashed into the ship, knocking him full force him back into the wall.

Damn. The shit just got kicked out of him. If Andrea had been seasick before, there was no telling just how badly she was feeling right now. Urgency fueled his movements.

Here’s how Andrea experienced the storm:

Although unsteady footing was a problem, she managed to get to the stairway and headed up one level for the casino deck.

The yacht personnel were prepared for this type of weather. Little white bags had been placed on each step by the wall... just in case.

Thank goodness she didn’t need to use one. Her stomach was behaving nicely. And actually, she had to admit, it was fun to be thrown from one side of the carpeted wall to the other.

Andrea grinned. Maybe now that she was a married woman, she could handle things better than before.

After Andrea washes up in the city of Hilo on the big island of Hawaii, she is welcomed into the bosom of a traditional Hawaiian family, the Lawai’as. Since she has no memory of her previous life, she takes the name Anakalia, which means Andrea in Hawaiian. Seven years later, she reluctantly gives a stranger, Will, a tour of Hilo, including the famous Akaka Falls. Here’s a picture I took of Akaka Falls while on vacation there.


Here’s how Akaka Falls fits into the story:

Today was about as perfect as a day could be. Will thoroughly enjoyed pineapple pancakes for breakfast--an exotic treat for the palate--the tropical rainforest surrounding Akaka Falls, and the company.

Especially the company. Anakalia Lawai’a combined sultry beauty with a naiveté that stoked his growing desire.

Walking behind her in the dense jungle and watching her bewitching bottom sway as they’d traveled on a narrow path to the falls was nearly his undoing.

Or perhaps it was the primordial surroundings. Any minute he’d expected Tarzan to swing through the trees with his characteristic yell.

No, his overactive libido was all due to her.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So now you know part of what happens when Wilson finds out he has ONE WIFE TOO MANY! I hope you enjoy Andrea and Wilson’s book.

Susanne Marie Knight

http://www.susanneknight.com

Read outside the box: award-winning Romance Writing with a Twist!

Sunday, February 9, 2025

The Scoop on: THE BLOODSTAINED BISTRO

 Writing a series had been on my to-do list for a while. But what kind of series and what would it feature? After some thought, I decided to do a murder mystery series with romance mixed in, along with the character solving a murder. Voilà! The Minx Tobin Murder Mystery Series was born with THE BLOODSTAINED BISTRO as the first case.

Who is Minx Tobin, you ask? Minx is a fitness instructor newly relocated to Los Angeles, California, who has a knack for solving puzzles--puzzles concerning dead bodies. For fun, romance, and... unexpected corpses, follow her adventures in this murder mystery series!

For the Minx Tobin series, I like to plot a story on the basis of the title. I also enjoy the challenge of creating a meaningful title with the two words starting with the same letter. Strange but true! Beginning this series is The Bloodstained Bistro. Naturally, the bistro location figured prominently in the book.

TO LIVE... AND DIE IN L.A.

Newly relocated Minx Tobin likes to help her friends. She also has a knack for solving puzzles. A huge puzzle in the form of a dead body soon gets dropped into her lap. Did waitress Brandi Evans murder her ex-boyfriend? Minx doesn't think so, but can she crack the Case of the Bloodstained Bistro?

 Overworked homicide lieutenant Gabe Harris has his fill of women... and dead bodies. The women he can handle. The dead bodies -- unfortunately they keep piling up. But on this particular case he meets a young woman that not only impedes his investigation, but she also has no interest in him. A healthy ego like his can't handle that. He'll have to keep an eye on Ms. Minx Tobin.

Here’s a picture of me conferring with the legendary detective, Sherlock Holmes on Minx Tobin’s latest case


Eating at Valentin's Bistro can be hazardous to amateur detective Minx Tobin's health, so why does she continue to dine at this restaurant?

 Amazon.com and Smashwords.com

 Click here to view the popular book trailer for THE BLOODSTAINED BISTRO, with the original publisher: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIPP0MJtnTs

This book is part of the Intriguing Mysteries line.

Here are some fabulous reviews:

4 Stars! Minx stirs the pot in a romantic suspense that will have you turning the page. Knight's story is a delightful feast for the suspense lover's soul. The writing is crisp, and the cast of characters are entertaining. [She] has created a vibrant and dynamic cast of characters. Each character has a distinctive voice... The novel is sweet for romance readers with Gabe and Minx sharing a tender touch. THE BLOODSTAINED BISTRO takes the reader along for the ride with Minx in the driver's seat.--Sally Pink Reviews.

4 Stars! Knight's story is a delightful feast for the suspense lovers’ soul. The writing is crisp, and the cast of characters are entertaining. The novel is sweet for romance readers with Gabe and Minx sharing a tender touch. "The Bloodstained Bistro" takes the reader along for the ride with Minx in the driver's seat.--EZine Articles.

Minx Tobin is caught in the middle of a murder when a customer of the Elite Exercise Emporium is arrested. She is sure the young woman didn't do it and begins to ask questions. However, her sleuthing brings her to the attention of Lieutenant Gabe Harris and there is something about him that annoys Minx. And Gabe deliberately bugs her by using her first name, something she considers bad manners. This is the first in the Minx Tobin series by talented author Susanne Marie Knight and you'll be waiting for the next one, just to see what happens next. The hint of romance blended in, promise sparks will fly. I'm pleased to recommend The Bloodstained Bistro to any mystery fan. The interesting settings and characters will keep you reading. Enjoy. I did.--Mysteryfiction.net.

5 Stars! A nice way to pass the time!--Reader Comment

I LOVE THIS BOOK!!! I can't tell you how much I enjoyed THE BLOODSTAINED BISTRO--it's fantastic! And I'm so excited to read the next book in the series. All the characters are wonderful!-- Reader Comment

4 Stars! This book is one that is a good way to spend a few hours on a cold winter day. Not a cliffhanger.--Amazon.com Reviews

4 Stars! Good ending. Kept me guessing until the end.--Amazon Reviews.

Minx and Gabe are a match made in heaven. I love mysteries. Combined with romance, they are irresistible. Luck in all you do.--Reader Comment

Your mystery series is great!--Reader Comment

Susanne's new book is 'GREAT'!! VERY interesting! Congratulations to Susanne!--Reader Comment

I have been wanting to read this book, Susanne. I can't wait!-- eader Comment

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now for the slices of real life. Inspiration for Minx came from my own fitness background; I worked behind the scenes for an exercise program shown on public television. This experience also came in handy when I wrote my English murder mystery TAINTED TEA FOR TWO. I always admired personal fitness trainers who made exercise look so easy!

And speaking of personal, Minx Tobin’s stomach tends to talk when she’s hungry. I confess; mine does too! This can be embarrassing, but does serve a purpose when advancing the story line. Here’s an example. Minx is getting ready to leave L.A.P.D Headquarters when Homicide Lieutenant Gabe Harris walks over to her car in the parking lot.

 Harris nodded. "What are you doing at headquarters?"

"Leaving." Minx’s actions weren't any of his business, thank goodness.

He folded his arms across his chest, and for some reason, she reconsidered her answer. Maybe he subtly intimidated her. "I thought I'd visit Brandi Evans to cheer her up, but she's at the medical clinic."

There. Minx fulfilled her duty as obedient citizen, didn't she? As she extended her arm with the key toward the car lock, her stomach growled. Loudly. Loud enough to be heard. She felt herself flush.

"Hungry?" he asked with a touch of humor lightening his voice.

Why bother answering the obvious? She turned the key in the lock. Her stomach spoke again.

From out of the blue, Harris said, "I'll take you to dinner."

She bristled. "Will you?" The nerve of the man! He just assumed she would acquiesce, that she'd be grateful. He didn't ask her, he told her. Well, he had another thing coming.

"I'm not that hungry, Lieutenant." Unfortunately, her traitorous tummy denied her words. She finished unlocking the car door, looking for a swift escape.

He leaned closer, and she could smell his masculine scent. Her heart beat faster. Why? Anticipation?

"Look, Ms. Tobin, I'm off duty. I need dinner and so do you. Why don't we eat together?"

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I hope you enjoy Minx and Gabe’s adventures. There are lots more surprises in store for them as the series progresses. There are seven cases in the series. Book Number Two is THE ILL-GOTTEN INSURANCE.

Susanne Marie Knight

http://www.susanneknight.com

Read outside the box: award-winning Romance Writing with a Twist!

Sunday, February 2, 2025

More On ENTANGLED--New Release!

 

For those of you who enjoy press releases, here's the info on ENTANGLED.

ENTANGLED by author Susanne Marie Knight

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Available electronically at Amazon.com, Smashwords.com, and https://books2read.com/u/mBLOWR

Price: $3.99

Buy link:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DS8RTFJZ

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1675013

https://books2read.com/u/mBLOWR

Print: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DSJ2RFNF

Price: $10.99

Blurb:

After a humiliating divorce, Tricia starts over again in her old neighborhood. Someone, however, is weaving a tangled web around her to guarantee her... death!

GOING SOLO

After a humiliating divorce, Tricia Nichols née Presson returns to her old neighborhood and focuses on rebuilding her life. She moves back into her mom’s apartment and, while she works as a home health aide, she takes college courses online. She has no intention of starting another relationship or getting entangled in other people’s lives. Been there, done that. Fate has other plans for Tricia as she unexpectedly gets reintroduced to old friends, foes, former crushes, and her childhood nemesis--Steven McPherson. Steven wants to make amends for the past, however now, for some reason, her life is in great danger. And that’s putting it mildly. How many times has she almost been killed? Time is running out for Tricia. Can she survive this treacherous web surrounding all her former classmates?

GOING DUO

Billionaire inventor Steve McPherson has gone the solo route, and obviously he’s been successful at it. Suddenly however, he finds himself targeted to be eliminated because of a miraculous healing device of his. Recovering from a serious car “accident”, he needs a home health aide. Imagine his surprise when his helper turns out to Patricia, a girl he thoroughly embarrassed in ninth grade. Patricia is just a lovely as he remembered, and soon he wants her to view him as a suitor, not a patient. But when her life is threatened repeatedly, he gives his all to save... and to woo his pretty Patricia Presson.

Praise for ENTANGLED:

“Oh, what a tangled web we weave...” ENTANGLED, that’s the title of fav author Susanne Marie Knight’s latest romantic suspense. Tricia Nichols returns home to start... or restart her life only to get “entangled” with a cast of characters from her school years, in addition to her new clients, and not to forget her domineering mom’s cronies. But not everyone is glad to see Tricia back in town. Someone decides to put a bulls-eye on her back, and soon she’s fearing for her life. If that isn’t bad enough, Tricia’s newest client is the one boy who thoroughly humiliated her in ninth grade. Too bad Steven McPherson is a billionaire now. And is a handsome stud muffin. And says he wants to “woo” her. Instead of wooing, Steven has to protect her. Which suspect is the villain... or is it more than one? Read ENTANGLED to find out!--Mystery Maven’s Reviews

5 stars! ENTANGLES provides a rollercoaster of a ride! Picking up the pieces of her life, Tricia returns to her old neighborhood. While some things have stayed the same, a great many things are different, proving that you can never go home again. Minding her own business, she gets attacked by a bowl of pea soup, almost smashed by a rogue air conditioner, shot at, nearly run over, dumped in an alleyway, and abducted by an unscrupulous would-be thief. Plus she gets wined and dined by a sexy billionaire. All this happens while she concentrates on her home health clients. Do yourself a favor and get “ENTANGLED” up in this suspenseful read!--Barry B. Reviews

Sign up to learn about my new book releases!

https://books2read.com/author/susanne-marie-knight/subscribe/1/519481/

Get “Entangled” in this second chance romance!

Susanne Marie Knight

http://www.susanneknight.com

Read outside the box: award-winning Romance Writing with a Twist!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sunday, January 19, 2025

The Scoop On ENTANGLED

You can never go home... but what if you could? What if you did?

This is the theme of my newest romantic suspense, ENTANGLED. Here, the heroine, Patricia Presson Nichols, suffers a life defeat and returns to her childhood home with her tail between her legs, so to speak. She’s reinvented herself as Tricia Nichols and is determined to start anew, however none of that matters. Everyone from her past refers to her as Pretty Patricia Presson, the nickname from her youth that she hates.

GOING SOLO

After a humiliating divorce, Tricia Nichols née Presson returns to her old neighborhood and focuses on rebuilding her life. She moves back into her mom’s apartment and, while she works as a home health aide, she takes college courses online. She has no intention of starting another relationship or getting entangled in other people’s lives. Been there, done that. Fate has other plans for Tricia as she unexpectedly gets reintroduced to old friends, foes, former crushes, and her childhood nemesis--Steven McPherson. Steven wants to make amends for the past, however now, for some reason, her life is in great danger. And that’s putting it mildly. How many times has she almost been killed? Time is running out for Tricia. Can she survive this treacherous web surrounding all her former classmates?

GOING DUO

Billionaire inventor Steve McPherson has gone the solo route, and obviously he’s been successful at it. Suddenly however, he finds himself targeted to be eliminated because of a miraculous healing device of his. Recovering from a serious car “accident”, he needs a home health aide. Imagine his surprise when his helper turns out to Patricia, a girl he thoroughly embarrassed in ninth grade. Patricia is just as lovely as he remembered, and soon he wants her to view him as a suitor, not a patient. But when her life is threatened repeatedly, he gives his all to save... and to woo his pretty Patricia Presson.


After a humiliating divorce, Tricia starts over again in her old neighborhood. Someone, however, is weaving a tangled web around her to guarantee her... death!

Amazon.com, Smashwords.com, and Universal Link

Buy links:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DS8RTFJZ

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1675013

https://books2read.com/u/mBLOWR

Print: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DSJ2RFNF

Here are some wonderful reviews:

“Oh, what a tangled web we weave...” ENTANGLED, that’s the title of fav author Susanne Marie Knight’s latest romantic suspense. Tricia Nichols returns home to start... or restart her life only to get “entangled” with a cast of characters from her school years, in addition to her new clients, and not to forget her domineering mom’s cronies. But not everyone is glad to see Tricia back in town. Someone decides to put a bulls-eye on her back, and soon she’s fearing for her life. If that isn’t bad enough, Tricia’s newest client is the one boy who thoroughly humiliated her in ninth grade. Too bad Steven McPherson is a billionaire now. And is a handsome stud muffin. And says he wants to “woo” her. Instead of wooing, Steven has to protect her. Which suspect is the villain... or is it more than one? Read ENTANGLED to find out!--Mystery Maven’s Reviews

5 stars! ENTANGLES provides a rollercoaster of a ride! Picking up the pieces of her life, Tricia returns to her old neighborhood. While some things have stayed the same, a great many things are different, proving that you can never go home again. Minding her own business, she gets attacked by a bowl of pea soup, almost smashed by a rogue air conditioner, shot at, nearly run over, dumped in an alleyway, and abducted by an unscrupulous would-be thief. Plus she gets wined and dined by a sexy billionaire. All this happens while she concentrates on her home health clients. Do yourself a favor and get “ENTANGLED” up in this suspenseful read!--Barry B. Reviews

This book is part of the Romantic Suspense line.

For my real life tidbit, I’d like to talk about some of the people in ENTANGLED. While all of these folks are unique characters, some snippets of dialogue and situations in this romantic suspense are actually true and did happen to me. Before you get any ideas, no, I was not accosted on a date at an ice cream parlour, or any other place, and none of my friends were, either!

Here’s what master writer Stephen King has to say about real life tidbits: “Interject some of YOU in your writing. What you know or have experienced or that someone you know has experienced.”

Below are some true-to-life situations from some of the characters:

Bob Beeks--overactive libido at age 8... or 10? Yep, I knew a guy like that.

Brody Arturo~~persistant in asking me out several times? Yep, that happened.

Darin Freed~~handwrestling in class? Yep, and naturally, I lost!

Emma Jovitz~~best friend and as alike as two peas in a pod? Oh yeah, BFFs.

Kent Daly. Well, I’ll let Tricia talk about this guy:

As for Kent, he was still classically handsome and also extremely tall. As Tricia remembered, she and Kent had never said much to each other in school; they’d always been in different classes. She had liked to think that he noticed her... in a good way, but at the senior dance held in the gymnasium, she’d overheard him say to his much shorter dancing partner that there were some real tall girls at the gym and that they weren’t good to dance with because of that particular fact.

Her secret crush for him had died right then and there. She’d been tall for her age, and that hadn’t stopped a guy--a shorter guy--from asking her to dance. Unfortunately she and her dance partner had been next to Kent when he’d opened his mouth. She couldn’t help thinking that he was actually speaking about her.

Tricia shrugged. That had been a lifetime ago: thirteen years. Who cared if this well-dressed jerk standing in front of her didn’t like to dance with tall girls?

So there you have it! For a modern day romantic suspense, try getting ENTANGLED in my second chance romance. I hope you enjoy Tricia and Steve’s story. 

Susanne Marie Knight

http://www.susanneknight.com

Read outside the box: award-winning Romance Writing with a Twist!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sunday, January 12, 2025

New Romantic Suspense: ENTANGLED!

 

#NewRelease! ENTANGLED by author Susanne Marie Knight

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Available electronically at Amazon.com, Smashwords.com, and https://books2read.com/u/mBLOWR

Price: $3.99

Buy link:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DS8RTFJZ

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1675013

https://books2read.com/u/mBLOWR

Print: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DSJ2RFNF

Price: $10.99

Blurb:

After a humiliating divorce, Tricia starts over again in her old neighborhood. Someone, however, is weaving a tangled web around her to guarantee her... death!

GOING SOLO

After a humiliating divorce, Tricia Nichols née Presson returns to her old neighborhood and focuses on rebuilding her life. She moves back into her mom’s apartment and, while she works as a home health aide, she takes college courses online. She has no intention of starting another relationship or getting entangled in other people’s lives. Been there, done that. Fate has other plans for Tricia as she unexpectedly gets reintroduced to old friends, foes, former crushes, and her childhood nemesis--Steven McPherson. Steven wants to make amends for the past, however now, for some reason, her life is in great danger. And that’s putting it mildly. How many times has she almost been killed? Time is running out for Tricia. Can she survive this treacherous web surrounding all her former classmates?

GOING DUO

Billionaire inventor Steve McPherson has gone the solo route, and obviously he’s been successful at it. Suddenly however, he finds himself targeted to be eliminated because of a miraculous healing device of his. Recovering from a serious car “accident”, he needs a home health aide. Imagine his surprise when his helper turns out to Patricia, a girl he thoroughly embarrassed in ninth grade. Patricia is just a lovely as he remembered, and soon he wants her to view him as a suitor, not a patient. But when her life is threatened repeatedly, he gives his all to save... and to woo his pretty Patricia Presson.

Praise for ENTANGLED:

“Oh, what a tangled web we weave...” ENTANGLED, that’s the title of fav author Susanne Marie Knight’s latest romantic suspense. Tricia Nichols returns home to start... or restart her life only to get “entangled” with a cast of characters from her school years, in addition to her new clients, and not to forget her domineering mom’s cronies. But not everyone is glad to see Tricia back in town. Someone decides to put a bulls-eye on her back, and soon she’s fearing for her life. If that isn’t bad enough, Tricia’s newest client is the one boy who thoroughly humiliated her in ninth grade. Too bad Steven McPherson is a billionaire now. And is a handsome stud muffin. And says he wants to “woo” her. Instead of wooing, Steven has to protect her. Which suspect is the villain... or is it more than one? Read ENTANGLED to find out!--Mystery Maven’s Reviews

5 stars! ENTANGLES provides a rollercoaster of a ride! Picking up the pieces of her life, Tricia returns to her old neighborhood. While some things have stayed the same, a great many things are different, proving that you can never go home again. Minding her own business, she gets attacked by a bowl of pea soup, almost smashed by a rogue air conditioner, shot at, nearly run over, dumped in an alleyway, and abducted by an unscrupulous would-be thief. Plus she gets wined and dined by a sexy billionaire. All this happens while she concentrates on her home health clients. Do yourself a favor and get “ENTANGLED” up in this suspenseful read!--Barry B. Reviews

Sign up to learn about my new book releases!

https://books2read.com/author/susanne-marie-knight/subscribe/1/519481/

Get “Entangled” in this second chance romance!

Susanne Marie Knight

http://www.susanneknight.com

Read outside the box: award-winning Romance Writing with a Twist!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sunday, December 29, 2024

New Year’s Resolutions and an Ancient Roman God

 

January is the month of Janus, the two-headed god of ancient Romans in charge of new beginnings. His two faces gazed in opposite directions so that he could watch the start and the end of each day. With such a momentous job, Janus was the natural choice to usher in the New Year. But the actual first day of the New Year was up for grabs until the Roman Senate settled on January 1. Janus became the god people prayed to for mercy from their enemies and for a prosperous time ahead.

Janus is one of the few Roman gods that has no counterpart in Greek mythology as the Zeus/Jupiter or Hera/Juno duality. Janus was one of the "good gods" who humankind could appeal to for help in everyday life. How Janus became associated with the negative connotation of being hypocritical or deceitful: "two-faced" or "Janus-faced," remains a mystery. God of doors, gateways, beginnings, childbirth, the future and the past, he was often called upon at the start of wars. To show his support, the doors to his temple in the Roman Forum would remain open during wars, while they stayed closed during times of peace.

Beginning the New Year with resolutions is a tradition we are very familiar with. Many people pledge to work on bettering themselves, and vow to stop smoking, lose weight, or give up drinking. The ancient Romans also had resolutions, eager to throw out whatever bad luck they had in the old year and replace it with good luck in the new. They believed in giving New Year's gifts: olive branches from special, sacred trees; gold-covered nuts; or from the wealthy, gold coins of Janus himself.

We in modern times also look forward to a fresh start on January 1 and derive comfort from traditions with our family and friends. Our custom of having parties on New Year's Eve comes from the belief that what people did or ate on January 1 would affect the luck they would have throughout the coming year. What better way to ring in the New Year than celebrating with those you love? Many people still believe in the tradition that if a tall, dark-haired man is the first person to enter their house, they will have good fortune for the entire year. And as for food, black-eyed peas are a requirement to eat on New Year's Day, along with ham or hog jowls, a symbol of prosperity. Some regions consider cabbage as lucky food, donuts as the circle of life, and even rice is considered fortuitous.

Whatever your New Year's resolutions are, may the god Janus be smiling down upon you!

--

As January is the perfect month for Susanne Marie Knight's, JANUS IS A TWO-HEADED GOD, this award-winning science fiction romance is now available electronically and in print at: Amazon.com and also electronically at Smashwords.com and Universal Link https://books2read.com/u/mBJwoM.   

Also available electronically and in print is the sequel JANUS IS A TWO-FACED MOON, at Amazon.com,  and electronically at Smashwords.com and Universal Link https://books2read.com/u/bx9Qj6

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Susanne Marie Knight

http://www.susanneknight.com

Read outside the box: award-winning Romance Writing with a Twist!

Sunday, December 22, 2024

2024 In Review!

 

Hello! 2024 turned out to be another banner year! In addition to an epic Science Fiction; a second chance at love Contemporary; and a whimsical time-travel Regency, all three Sedona West novels are now available in one book collection. Very, very cool!

1. THE XENON ADVANTAGE: A dangerous interstellar assignment to colonize a nonterrestrial world forces Naressa to butt heads with a powerful alien leader and a stubborn Terran crewmember.

Decatur Reviews raves: 5 Stars! What in the world is a Xenon Advantage and how can I get it? The easiest way is to read THE XENON ADVANTAGE and enjoy your journey into the vast expanse of interstellar space. Be sure to wear your “blocking cap” to ensure complete privacy! I loved watching our heroine, Naressa, learn how to not only handle her crewmates’ inappropriate thoughts when she doesn’t have her blocking cap on, but also how she grows into the mature woman she’s destined to become. A thoroughly enjoyable read!--

THE XENON ADVANTAGE is available at:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CRQFYVTN

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1504534

Universal link: https://books2read.com/u/mv9Nll

 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CS3NJQ58  Print

2. THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY: The “one that got away” catches up with twice divorced Chris Chambers twenty six years later. Is it too late to have a happily ever after?

Norwood Reviews declares: I’m a sucker for second chance romance stories. Ms. Knight delivers once again in this new contemporary, THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY. We have a couple in their forties who had a bit of a history when they were teens, to finally find themselves together again. Should they take the next step? Will Eric’s adult kids give their blessing? Can Christine overcome her two previous failed marriages? Should she and Eric finally commit? Grab your copy and enjoy the ride! 5 Stars!

THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY is available at:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CWSVK66J

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1531152

Universal Link: https://books2read.com/u/ml6oE9

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CX6L5DVW Print:

3. YESTERDAY’S TREASURES: A Regency themed photo shoot, a magical wedding dress, and a mysterious “uncle” send Mattie Newcastle back to the past.

Regency Fiction World says: 5 Stars! Another exciting Regency Time-Travel Romance from popular author Susanne Marie Knight. Due to receive her masters from graduate school, Mattie Newcastle has a very bright future ahead of her. However, her life takes a sudden detour when she models as a bride in a period-piece photo shoot. In a blink of an eye, she finds herself in the year 1816, in London, and married to a very aristocratic marquess! How in the world did this happen? Determined to discover the truth, Mattie crosses swords with a voluptuous rival, a badly used new friend, a woebegone Duke, an on-the-shelf lady, a gambling mother-in-law, and a very eager bridegroom, not to mention a pointy-earred... No spoilers! Don’t miss this unique Regency romp!

YESTERDAY’S TREASURES is available at:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D8ZVT368

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1587406

Universal Link: https://books2read.com/u/4jpey2

In Print: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D92BBZX4

4. THE SEDONA WEST MYSTERIES:  Hooray! You asked for this, and now it’s here: the complete set of Sedona West Murder Mysteries.

 About Sedona West:

Recovering from a nasty divorce, Sedona gets more than she bargains for when she moves to the idyllic town of Cozy Haven. Her intention is to piece together her shattered life. But Fate decides to throw major roadblocks in her way. First, the hunky sheriff has his eye on her. Second, a celebrity psychologist tries to get her on his private couch. Third, her disreputable ex husband unexpectedly makes an appearance. And fourth, a Girl-Night party turns into an actual Murder party... with all the guests drugged by sedatives in the wine. Talk about a major hangover! And now, Sedona finds herself under the sheriff’s scrutiny as a possible murder suspect. She had the means, the motive, and the opportunity to kill the deceased so how can she convince everyone that she’s innocent?

THE SEDONA WEST MYSTERIES is available at:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DJL41V6R

Happy reading to all... no matter what the year! And Happy New Year 2025!

Susanne Marie Knight

http://www.susanneknight.com

Read outside the box: award-winning Romance Writing with a Twist!

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Sunday, December 15, 2024

“A Very Special Christmas Present” Short Story

Regency romances are always popular with readers. Perhaps it’s because they recall an elegant era or perhaps it’s the appeal of noblemen and their ladies. Whatever the attraction, I’m heartily glad for it! “A Very Special Christmas Present” began as a submission to a new Regency publishing house. The publisher was conducting a contest for short stories to include in the new print and electronic anthology. The contest rules were simple: set the story around a winter holiday: the parameters between Advent and Twelfth Night. Naturally I chose Christmas!

Happily, my story was one of the seventeen winners. “A Very Special Christmas Present” earned fantastic reviews.

As it happens so often, the publisher had to close its doors and the anthology is no longer available. The rights to “A Very Special Christmas Present” returned to me. Some time passed, and then I received a call from a publisher to submit a short story. I sent in “A Very Special Christmas Present” and it was part of their inventory for many years.

Deidre's only brother was killed in the Napoleonic Wars, so romance is the furthest thing from her mind. However her young "niece"--Cupid's curly-haired accomplice--is determined to give Auntie Dee the best Christmas present ever.

“A Very Special Christmas Present” is now available in my portfolio of books on Amazon.com and Smashwords.com and Universal Link.

Here’s the new cover:

Deidre’s young “niece” is determined to give her Auntie Dee the best Christmas present ever: a husband!

 Amazon.com and Smashwords.com and Universal Link

 Some very special reviews for “A Very Special Christmas Present”:

* FIVE STARS! Fans of the stories set in early nineteenth century England will find this a comfortably familiar world. The setting is completely perfect, from the wonderful home and dedication to needlework, to the holiday plans, and even the focus on marriage. You will enjoy Knight’s clever twist with descriptions--her snow-capped fir trees “huddle” from the cold, and main character Deidre expresses frustration by ‘savagely’ embroidering. Throughout, the phrasing is subtle but delightful. It’s hard to say more without spoiling this one. Full of Christmas charm, Susanne Marie Knight’s A Very Special Christmas Present, would make a very nice present for some lucky romance fan on your shopping list...I will certainly re-read.--Long & Short Reviews.

* This is a most refreshing story. Sometimes we judge too quickly before learning the real truth.--Romance At Heart.

* I didn't want this story to end! More, more, more!--Reader Comment

* This is the best Regency short story I've read.-- Reader Comment

Real life tidbit: Just as our heroine, Deidre Livingston, I dabble in embroidery. Or rather, I used to dabble in embroidery. I enjoyed buying handkerchiefs and then using one as a canvas, embroider a friend or family member’s name to give as a gift. Deidre has far more talent than I ever had!

Scene setup: At a Christmas party, Jeremy Stafford, the Earl of Bainbridge, encounters the intriguing Miss Livingston who rescues him from the consequences of an unplanned sneeze!

Jeremy picked up two glasses of the mulled cider and handed one to Miss Livingston. The pungent aroma of spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, tickled his nose even before he drank.

He sneezed. “I beg your pardon.” Reaching for his handkerchief, he came up empty.

Miss Livingston must have realized his dilemma for she searched in her reticule and pulled out a delicate, embroidered cloth. “Please, take mine,” she offered.

Accepting the handkerchief, he marveled at the satin-stitch design and the feminine name of Deirdre stitched upon it. “My thanks, Miss Livingston. I gave mine to that imp of a child. Is this your fine needlework?”

She looked down at the parquet wood floor. Modesty became her. “Yes. I had the pleasure of giving handkerchiefs as Christmas gifts to all Lady Fairmont’s guests.” Her gaze everywhere but on him, she added, “Would you like for me to make one for you, also?”

His response came straight from the heart. “Indeed, if I may, I wish to keep this one. Your name is quite lovely.”

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I hope you enjoy Deidre and Jeremy’s Christmas story. Happy Holidays to you and yours!

Happy reading,

 

Susanne Marie Knight

www.susanneknight.com

Read outside the box: award-winning Romance Writing With A Twist!

Sunday, December 8, 2024

A Puppy For Christmas!

Just look at this adorable puppy!! Wouldn’t you want to see him as a holiday gift?

He’d be no muss, no fuss. Why? Because he’s Yo-Yo, the Yuletide Yorkshire, featured in the Minx Tobin murder mystery series, Case Five: THE YULETIDE YORKSHIRE. (Catchy name, right?)

Minx finds something unexpected under the Christmas tree. Unfortunately, it wasn’t something left by Santa.

Who is Minx Tobin, you ask? Minx is a fitness instructor newly relocated to Los Angeles, California, who has a knack for solving puzzles--puzzles concerning dead bodies. For fun, romance, and... unexpected corpses, follow her adventures in the Minx Tobin Murder Mystery Series!

HO, HO, HO... OH!

Home for the holidays, Minx Tobin introduces her parents to her homicide lieutenant, Gabe Harris. Unfortunately for her, her ex-fiancé Jared drops in on them, creating friction. But Jared soon needs Minx's help in the sleuthing department because a gruesome "present" is found under the tree. Once again, Minx is hot on the trail of a desperate killer.

All Gabe wants to do is propose to the woman he loves. Instead, he has to deal with a cast of East Coast characters, including an unexpected murder. Why do dead bodies always seem follow Minx Tobin??

Visit http://youtu.be/EIjQKNbuZWw to see a trailer of this book--with previous cover.

Desert Breeze Publishing previously published all six Minx Tobin novels. The publishing rights are now returned to me and all six books have new covers! PLUS, there is a new novel for the series: THE KILLING KISS.

THE YULETIDE YORKSHIRE has received great reviews including FIVE Stars from Goodreads and 4.5 Stars from Sensual Reads! 

THE YULETIDE YORKSHIRE is available for purchase electronically at Amazon.com, Smashwords.com, Universal Link, and other Internet locations.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS from my house to yours!

Susanne

Susanne Marie Knight

www.susanneknight.com

Read outside the box: award-winning Romance Writing With A Twist!