The Scoop for: AN IMPOSSIBLE ALLIANCE

The idea for AN IMPOSSIBLE ALLIANCE started when I re-watched the movie, “Notting Hill” with Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant. In this film, Julia is an actress, and is shooting a period piece--maybe late nineteenth century--in England. Hugh visits her on the set.

I thought, what if my heroine is an actress (or a would-be actress), in a Regency period piece, and then suddenly time-travels back to Regency England? At first she’d believe she was still on the movie set. Were the people she met actors or extras--actual folks living in twenty-first century England?

Or, in Willa’s case, the people turn out to be genuine Regency inhabitants.

Bingo!

BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR

Eighteen-year-old Willa Berkeley lives in the shadow of her famous actress mother. Although Willa’s greatest hope is to be a ballet dancer, she agrees to her mother’s desire for her to journey to England and take a small acting part in a major film production. Once on-site at Highbridge Hall, she learns the horrendous reason behind her mother’s “request.” Distraught, she makes a wish for happiness at the Hall’s supposedly enchanted lake. When morning comes, Willa is still at Highbridge Hall, however the film’s crew are no longer around. What in the world happened?

WISHES CAN COME TRUE

Ian Laydon, the Earl of Wrexham, returns to his father, the Marquess of Dunhaven’s, estate, Highbridge Hall, after an exhausting tour of duty mediating at the Congress of Vienna. His father wants Ian to marry a neighbor’s daughter, Arabella. Ian is a dutiful son; he plans to propose but his heart is unengaged. He wishes he could have a marriage as loving as the one his parents have. Oddly enough, right after his wish, he comes across an enigmatic young woman sitting against the granite bridge in front of him. Can she possibly be the answer to his wish?

Lights, camera, action... time travel! Modern day Willa, on-site on a movie set in England, makes a wish and then wakes up in the year 1815!

Amazon.com, Smashwords.com, Universal Link.

Available in print at Amazon, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08Z13GZ3H

This book is part of the prestigious Elegant Regencies line.

Here are some fabulous reviews:

5 Stars! One of the things I love about Susanne Marie Knight’s time-travels is that she uses a different method of time-travel in each book. Here, the method is a lake enchanted by fairy folk. The protagonist is a contemporary young woman on the verge of adulthood who struggles to find her way in her unsympathetic world. Willa has very real concerns; she comes alive for the reader. The novel is filled with believable characters: from the consumed-by-duty hero; to the headstrong, flighty Regency miss; to the sullen cousin; to name only a few. For a magically different romantic read, head over to the enchanted lake and read AN IMPOSSIBLE ALLIANCE!--Regency Fiction World

5 Stars! AN IMPOSSIBLE ALLIANCE is a charming time-travel Regency, complete with vivid characters, an interesting plot, and set in 1815 with accurate historical details. The main character, Willa, is only eighteen. How she grows from an insecure teen to confident young woman took this particular reader back to her youth! I stayed up all night to read this one. Enjoy this trip back to the past!--Twists On Romance Reviews

5 stars! An enchanting love story. Willa Berkeley is feeling sad, rejected, and betrayed by her own family, that and an overwhelming desire to find love, affection, and happiness leads her to make a wish to the fairies of an enchanted lake. We embark with Willa on an adventure to the 19th century, more precisely to the year 1815. This time-travel romance is intriguing, sensitive, and full of historical details and cultural customs that go beyond a simple romance, bringing context, way of living, and much more. Congratulations, Mrs. Knight for giving us another page-turning romance.--S. A. Santos Reviews

5 Stars! A delightful escape from these troubled times! In this novel the lead character Willa time travels from a movie set at an old manor in the United Kingdom in 2021 back to the same old manor during the Regency era. She soon finds herself entangled in the affairs of the family that lives at the manor during that time and becoming romantically involved with the heir to the title and fortune of the Marquess who owns the manor. There are a number of different threads to the story that keep it interesting, especially the relationship between Willa and Lord Ian Laydon, the son of the Marquess. The problem for Willa is she finds herself more wanted and loved in the “new” time period than she ever was in 2021. It makes for a dilemma: Should she stay where she is and hope to marry Lord Laydon or somehow try to go back to the time she came from? Read the book to find out. You won’t regret it!--Steve Arnett Reviews

I eagerly awaited Ms. Knight’s newest time-travel Regency and oh yes, I love AN IMPOSSIBLE ALLIANCE!--Reader Comment

5 Stars! A wonderful time travel love story! This author keeps surprising me! I have all her books now and am eagerly waiting for the next one!--Reader Review

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

For my tidbit from real life, I’ll include this: My heroine, Willa, is just eighteen years old. So, I had to jump back in time myself to reconnect with the angst of an eighteen-year old. Yikes. I reread diary pages from that period in my life and discovered I was rather emotional (no surprise), sometime clueless (ah well!), and yep, insecure.

I made Willa conflicted in her feelings as she tries to figure out not only her path in life, but also the male of the species (good luck with that!)

Here’s a scene set-up showing some of Willa’s confusion.

Scene Set-Up:

Misunderstandings abound! Ian Laydon returns to his ancestral home and believes the woman he finds by the enchanted lake is his neighbor’s daughter--and soon-to-be his intended--Arabella Carswell. However, it’s Willa Berkeley who wakes up after a wish at the enchanted lake. She believes she is in the middle of a film shoot with actors rehearsing their lines.

EXCERPT:

Ian smoothed his fingertips over Arabella’s soft-as-velvet cheek, and then he moved in closer. He had no choice; he was drawn to the honey of her lips. Catching her gaze, he held it and sent her an unspoken message. He wanted to taste those lips. Would she allow him the privilege? In truth, they had never exchanged a kiss before.

She gasped.

His heartbeat quickened, and he leaned in to accomplish his goal. “There is no need to stand on ceremony, my dear.” He inhaled more of her floral perfume. “After all, we are almost engaged, are we not?”

She stepped away from his touch and took another gulp of air. “I-I haven’t read the script yet. Are you... are you supposed to be my fiancé?”

What an interesting way to phrase their connection. He took her right hand and, delighting in the feel of her, kissed each of her fingertips. “I am if you say yes, my dear.”

 “Oh!” She pulled her hand away, and then struck it against her delicate breast. “Goodness, I had no idea. I mean, no one told me what I’m supposed to do.”

She darted her gaze wildly about as if planning her escape. Indeed he was reminded of a trapped animal.

 “So sorry,” she panted. “I-I’ve got to get back.” She quickly turned in the Hall’s direction.

He did not remember Arabella as being missish. Indeed, she had always seemed forward.

But that did not signify. People had a tendency to change. He blocked her path. “Stay, my dear. And please, forgive me. You are correct, of course. My apologies. I have not followed the proper procedures.”

Placing his arm through hers, he then headed for the lake, taking her acquiescence for granted. “Is Lord Carswell at the Hall?”

Her lower lip trembled. “I don’t know.” She looked skittish, but she did follow him.

 “Never fear, I shall talk with him. Get his permission. Just a formality, I am assured. I daresay he has been longing for this event ever since you were born.” Ian lifted an eyebrow as he looked over at her. “I was under the impression that you were longing for it, as well.”

Even through the fringe of hair on her forehead, he could see her own eyebrows stretched high. She was puzzled. Why was that?

The beauty of the lake distracted him. Perhaps it would soothe her as well. Pulling her with him, he stood on the sandy shore and watched a family of mallards noisily float on the surface. As he did not have treats for them, they sailed past. Once the ducks were out of range, he picked up a stone and hurled it out onto the water. It skimmed and skipped on the surface, and then sank with a plunk.

“There.” He turned to her. “I feel better. Would you care to try it?”

She wrinkled her finely sculpted nose. “No. I don’t understand any of this. Is this part of the script? Are you and I suppose to--”

“Supposed to what?” She looked so desirable, he leaned over and nuzzled his chin against her well-formed ear. This close to her, he was lost indeed. “Supposed to kiss? I have been wanting to kiss you, my dear.”

He took a great liberty. He knew he did. But as he had told her, they were almost engaged. What would be the harm? Before she had a chance to slip away, he curved his arm around her and pulled her even closer, enjoying her feminine feel against his chest.

“Allow me the pleasure, my moppet,” he murmured. Then his lips touched hers.

So soft, so pliant, so wonderfully sweet. He tightened his hold and traced his tongue over the fullness of her lips.

For a moment, he had her. She did not move. She was his. The next second, she jerked away.

Her green eyes flashed fire. “No! You’re not that... that slimy goat of a director, are you?”

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

I hope you enjoy Willa and Ian’ love story.

 

Susanne Marie Knight

http://www.susanneknight.com

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

Scoop on: “Something Out Of This World”

I haven’t written a short story in many years. Not that I was avoiding them; it probably was because I felt like concentrating on writing novels. However, an opportunity came my way to mix a few words together--one of those writing prompt deals. I couldn’t resist!

What were the words, you ask? Well, some of them had to do with magic and passion and a secret hideaway in a forest. What better way to showcase this than to have a brooding alien researcher who suddenly finds... love?!

“Something Out Of This World” is very short: over 2,300 words. The story sells for $1.49, but it does pack a punch! It’s now available electronically at Amazon.com, Smashwords.com, and Books2Read with its Universal Link.

Weary of being away from his home world, an alien researcher suddenly meets a determined runaway bride.

Amazon.com, Smashwords.com, Universal Link

This short story is part of the Fascinating Sci-Fi line.

Here are some cool comments!

·        I loved this! I could feel Vantos' loneliness. A very cute story.--Reader Comment

·        A feel-good short story! This makes me smile! :-)--Reader Comment

·        Great ending! I was worried he was going to eat her or something!--Reader Comment

·        A charming science fiction romance, this short story blends loneliness and unexpected connection as an alien researcher and a runaway bride discover that love can bloom in the most unlikely of circumstances.--Reader Comment

·        5 Stars! Something Out of This World by Susanne Marie Knight is a short yet intriguing science fiction romance that blends the wonders of the cosmos with an unexpected love story. This compact tale introduces Vantos, an alien researcher who has spent too long away from his home world, growing weary of his solitude. His routine is disrupted when he encounters a runaway bride—a meeting that sets off an unforeseen connection between two beings from entirely different worlds. Knight’s storytelling is sharp and efficient, crafting an emotional depth that resonates despite the brevity of the piece. The themes of loneliness, unexpected companionship, and fate intertwine beautifully, making this an engaging read for fans of both romance and sci-fi. And with reader comments hinting at a surprising and satisfying ending, Something Out of This World promises a delightful escape into the unknown.--Goodreads Reviewer

Real life snippet: “Something Out Of This World” deals with an alien researcher. Truthfully, I have nothing in common with him. His home world is out in the vast expanse of the galaxy; he feels as old as time (nope, I’m not gonna admit that!); he’s brittle and bitter, while I’m flexible and sweet... ha! I’ve never been away from my home for a millennium, nor do I wish to soar with any birds, especially not with vicious dactyls!

However, I do share one thing with him. I have done research in the backwoods, far from civilization, in a dense forest. Here’s a picture of me getting down and dirty on an archaeological dig in the wilds of Pennsylvania! 

As for Vantos, he never knew what, exactly, he was looking for. Back on the dig, I always knew. My goal was to survive the heat, gobble down water, and then I looked forward to a relaxing shower.

Vantos was lucky as well. He finally found what he was looking for. He tells the Earth woman, Donna:

“We are conjoined now, Donna. I have finally found what I have been searching for this past millennium. It has been you. It will always be you.”

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

I hope you all find what you’re looking for as well! So that’s the 411 on this short science fiction tale. Enjoy Donna and Vantos’ story.

Susanne Marie Knight

http://www.susanneknight.com

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

New Release: Short Story, “Something Out Of This World”

 

“Something Out Of This World”, science fiction romance short story by author Susanne Marie Knight

Genre: Science Fiction Romance Short Story

Available electronically at Amazon.com, Smashwords.com, Universal Link

Price: $1.49

Buy link:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F281R34G

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1734168

https://books2read.com/u/3L2R6N

Blurb:

Weary of being away from his home world, an alien researcher suddenly meets a determined runaway bride.

Praise for “Something Out Of This World”:

I loved this! I could feel Vantos' loneliness. A very cute story.--Reader Comment

A feel-good short story! This makes me smile! :-)--Reader Comment

Great ending! I was worried he was going to eat her or something!--Reader Comment

A charming science fiction romance, this short story blends loneliness and unexpected connection as an alien researcher and a runaway bride discover that love can bloom in the most unlikely of circumstances.--Reader Comment

5 Stars! Something Out of This World by Susanne Marie Knight is a short yet intriguing science fiction romance that blends the wonders of the cosmos with an unexpected love story. This compact tale introduces Vantos, an alien researcher who has spent too long away from his home world, growing weary of his solitude. His routine is disrupted when he encounters a runaway bride—a meeting that sets off an unforeseen connection between two beings from entirely different worlds. Knight’s storytelling is sharp and efficient, crafting an emotional depth that resonates despite the brevity of the piece. The themes of loneliness, unexpected companionship, and fate intertwine beautifully, making this an engaging read for fans of both romance and sci-fi. And with reader comments hinting at a surprising and satisfying ending, Something Out of This World promises a delightful escape into the unknown.--Goodreads Reviewer

Hope you enjoy this science fiction romance short story!

Sign up to learn about my new book releases!

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

 

Susanne Marie Knight

http://www.susanneknight.com

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

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

The Scoop on: THE XENON ADVANTAGE

I must’ve been in the mood for an ethical dilemma. I felt drawn to write a science fiction romance, and all I could think about is what if a group of explorers from Earth were sent to a distant planet for purposes of colonization. What if their government, SolSpace, insisted the planet was uninhabited, however as the explorers approach, they receive disturbing evidence to the contrary. What’s a morally ethical leader to do? Throw in a psychic beauty, an aggressive male from Earth, and a lovesick alien, and voilà, you have THE XENON ADVANTAGE!

OUT OF HER ELEMENT

Naressa, a native of the Earth colony on Alpheratz 3, is chosen at the last minute be the communications officer on an exploratory mission to a planet in the Southern Cross sector. Her hidden ability to receive and translate alien thoughts is the reason for this decision. Now aboard the Nautilus, she’s met with hostility... and something else... by Kurt Stone, the starship’s CO who is annoyed that she replaced his on-again-off-again lover. She also receives messages from a powerful... and amorous alien leader, Mavolian, telling her to “come to him.” Naressa has no interest in forming a love connection with anyone, however Mavolian is determined and Kurt is smitten by her. Will she be able to give up her freedom for the boundaries of love?

OUT OF HIS ELEMENT

Years ago, Kurt Stone left the endless routine of his homestead in the Greater Dakotas for the excitement and danger of interstellar space. He excels at his job and pursues his goal of obtaining a captaincy. On a treacherous mission to explore a uninhabited planet, Acrux 4--a twin of Earth--he meets an unusual female, Naressa, native to an Earth colony that has an excessive amount of the element Xenon in its atmosphere. As it turns out, Acrux 4 also is abundant in Xenon. As Kurt fights his attraction to her, he has to endure watching as the powerful alien leader, Mavolian, makes a play for Naressa. Can Kurt set his jealously aside and convince her to be with him for always?

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

 Amazon.com, Smashwords.com and Universal Link.

The print copy is on Amazon.com 

THE XENON ADVANTAGE is now available at Amazon, Smashwords, and Universal Link with the Print edition on Amazon.com

Here are some wonderful reviews:

* Ms. Knight poses an interesting dilemma in THE XENON ADVANTAGE, her latest science fiction romance novel. A prosperous Earth is determined to expand to other planets. A near-duplicate, uninhabited world is discovered, and SolSpace sends an exploratory ship, the Nautilus, to pave the way for future colonization. But wait, is the planet truly without intelligent lifeforms? Is SolSpace secretly aware that the planet is inhabited, and sends a starship anyway? What about the ship’s crew, do they know what awaits them on Acrux 4? The intrepid Nautilus crew must deal with gut-wrenching wormholes and powerful, hostile aliens, in addition to circumventing the differences between Earth natives and Earth colonies around the solar system, as well as a telepathic native from an Earth colony on the distant planet Alpheratz 3--Naressa. Far from her distant home for the first time, Naressa has her hands full dealing with an amorous alien leader and a jealous Earth commander, along with the trials and tribulations of life aboard a tin can ship. Definitely a 5 star read!--Twist On Romance Reviews

* 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!--Decatur Reviews.

* A Captivating Journey Beyond Boundaries"The Xenon Advantage" is a riveting tale that propels readers into a mesmerizing world of interstellar intrigue, romantic tension, and the complexities of human-alien connections. From the very first page, the narrative hooks you in with its dynamic characters and richly imagined universe. The world-building in "The Xenon Advantage" is nothing short of extraordinary. From the intricately detailed starship Nautilus to the diverse alien landscapes encountered on their mission, every aspect of the universe feels vivid and immersive. The author's attention to detail creates a sense of realism that draws readers deeper into the story with each passing chapter.

With its engaging plot, well-developed characters, and thought-provoking themes, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking an escape into a world of adventure and possibility. Bravo to the author for delivering a truly stellar read!

This book is part of the Fascinating Sci-Fi line.

Here’s a real life tidbit. Naressa has an affinity for animals and likes to quiet down the research animals aboard the starship Nautilus. She intuits that Betty the Bunny is upset so she removes the animal from its cage and holds Betty in her lap. Then Kurt comes across her.

Quickly... and gracefully getting to her feet, Naressa moved over to a nearby cage, released its lock, and then put the rabbit back with its fellow inmates.

“Okay, Betty, in you go, back with your bunny friends.” Naressa patted the rabbit and then turned to him. 

Glad to get out of his crouching position, Kurt wasn’t as graceful--not by half. He watched her for a second, knowing, somehow instinctively, that she was feeling troubled.

Her seductive scent weaved its way into his soul. He took a step closer. “What’s this all about, Naressa?”

Her breathing rate must’ve increased for the rise and fall of her breasts under her uniform mesmerized him. Was her rapid breathing due to his presence beside her?

“I... I knew Betty was upset. I came down here to soothe her.”

That was a far-fetched statement. Hell, all the rabbits were probably “upset.”

My experience with a bunny was quite different. I was around ten years old and I visited a friend who’d received a cute, full-sized bunny for Easter. We were out on her lawn, me sitting there with legs bent under me. I petted--gently petted, I might add--the bunny, and all of a sudden it sank its front teeth into my thigh! Oh dear, there was a bit of blood. Yep, I thought bunnies weren’t meat eaters! Needless to say, I quickly got up and had nothing more to do with my friend’s Easter bunny! :))

I hope you enjoy Naressa and Kurt’s out-of-this-world story!

Susanne Marie Knight

http://www.susanneknight.com

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

The Scoop on THE MAGIC TOKEN

 THE MAGIC TOKEN

EPPIE Award Finalist for Best Historical Romance Novel

The idea for THE MAGIC TOKEN, a reader-favorite Regency romance and EPPIE Award Finalist for Best Historical Romance Novel came from a desire to combine a Regency tale with a touch of magic--the kind of magic where you might wonder, is this a coincidence or is it magic? Coincidentally (or was it?!) during my research for this book, I came across this sentence in a biography on Charles Darwin:

“[Charles’] friends enjoyed his tall stories:

he claimed to one that he owned a Roman coin.”

While his friends didn’t believe him, I did! THE MAGIC TOKEN soon took shape.

For my “What if” scenario, I used: What if a golden coin had the power to change one's fortunes?

A MAGICAL TOKEN--

When Amanda Barclay receives a magic token as a gift from a stranger, she is more than skeptical about whether this gold coin can change her fortunes. But then the very man who captured her heart years ago suddenly appears. Is it destiny or cruel fate? Does he even remember her? She desperately needs the position he offers as governess, but how can she endure being near to a man so beyond her reach?

A DIFFERENCE IN RANK--

Marcus Hamilton, Duke of Yarborough, is a man burdened by family and political responsibilities. He does not have the time nor the inclination to dally with women beneath his station. But a chance meeting throws him together with Mandy, the engaging young sprite from his past, causing him to reevaluate his beliefs. For once in his life, the call of love beckons far stronger than the duties and obligations of his position. 

THE MAGIC TOKEN was quickly earned 5 star reviews from Amazon.com, Visionary Insight Press, and The Romance Studio. My novel also was an EPPIE Finalist for Best Historical Romance. In fact, one reader posted this comment about my Regency on a blog: “The book THE MAGIC TOKEN by Susanne Knight would also make a good musical.” Wow! I’m still flattered!

THE MAGIC TOKEN is now available on at Amazon.com, Smashwords.com, and Universal Link!

Here’s the new cover:

An old woman gives skeptical Amanda a magic coin. It couldn’t possibly work, but how else can she explain her sudden good fortune?

This book is part of the Elegant Regencies line.

Here are some fabulous reviews:

* 5 Hearts! The supporting characters are very good. I love Dona Inês weaving in and out of the story along with Pritchard, Nannette, Gregory and most especially Duca di Maggiore. Ms. Knight has given us a truly fun story! I enjoyed how she wove the magic into this, and that coin was just great! Another thing I liked about her story is the little pieces of history she added, like the line about the Marquess of Londonderry… of course, I’m a complete period geek and had already looked this up years ago. This is such a good read! I especially liked the epilogue where we see who Amanda passes the coin to for its next magic turn! Oh, and yes, I have read at least one other story by Ms. Knight (which I liked) and now I have to find her other work since I loved this story!--The Romance Studio

* 5 Stars! Another fine book from Ms. Knight! Her meticulous research into this period piece shines throughout this wonderful story. From beginning to end, her words paint the scenes with rich visuals which enrich the story line of the two main characters. You will be invested in this story after just a few pages and will not want to put it down. This book deserves its place among the other novels of Ms. Knight.--Visionary Insight Press

* THE MAGIC TOKEN is gloriously magical and loads of fun! Susanne Marie Knight has taken a magical plot device and whipped up a charming tale in THE MAGIC TOKEN. Her characters are full blown and interesting, while the minor characters add spice. Ms. Knight’s writing is bright, and full of that Regency flavor readers enjoy. A sprightly romp with makes for a blast of a read!--Sime-Gen Reviews

* 4 Roses! Ms. Knight weaves a tale of magic. The golden coin is suppose to bring the person good fortune but seems good fortune for the book as well! This was a very lighthearted read and very easy to finish in one sitting--so be prepared to spend time with this story from beginning to end!--A Romance Review

* THE MAGIC TOKEN is an enchanting take on the Cinderella fairytale, complete with an evil stepmother and fairy godmother. This is a well-researched, well-written story with wonderful characterizations. The duke, who has overcome his abusive childhood, is a great hero and Amanda is a caring and compassionate heroine. There was also a very pleasing secondary romance between the squire’s son and the Portuguese woman’s granddaughter. THE MAGIC TOKEN was a great Regency read, with some magical elements. If you like fairytales, give THE MAGIC TOKEN a try.--PNR Reviews

* Susanne Marie Knight is a talented, versatile author whose books run from this light traditional Regency with a magical element, to time-travel, sci-fi romance, paranormal romantic suspense, mystery, and contemporary romance.--Romance Reviews Today

* THE MAGIC TOKEN has Knight’s usual boisterous extended family, lonely child with a flighty mother and spunky heroine who wins the hero’s heart without even trying to. The characters are vivid and sympathetic, and the story rolls along nicely. There are hints of true magic in the story--the good luck charm is depicted as a token with real power--but the romance and most of the story itself rests on the usual day-to-day lives of the characters. Knight writes Regency romance well, her language and the concerns of the characters clearly reflect the culture they are living in.--PNR Reviews

* 5 Stars!! A Real Page Turner! My family loved THE MAGIC TOKEN. It's a charming Regency imbued with magic and lots of wonderful characters. Once I opened the book, I left all my troubles behind and had a lively adventure with Amanda, Marcus, and company. Isn't that what reading is all about? My heartfelt thanks to Ms. Knight. I'm one of her fans!--Reader Comment

* OH … MY … GOSH!!! I just finished The Magic Token! I loved it! LOVE LOVE LOVED it! You are such a gifted writer … l love how you wove the story in and out of all the different real historical facts. And the coup de grace was Charles Darwin--and how you read about his mentioning he had a gold coin… wow, too cool! And I loved the comeuppance of Nanette… LOL… I just loved the book… and Gregory! I loved your line about how she looked in Marcus’s eyes, then they became the eyes of a stranger! It was great! Love love loved it!--Reader Comment

* Enjoyed it very much. This is a page-turner!--Reader Comment

* Fans of Susanne Marie Knight will enjoy THE MAGIC TOKEN!--Reader Comment

* Leave all your cares away and enter an exciting new world. Live the dreams and enjoy all that you read--problems are forgotten and love, romance, excitement and live a life not only different, but one you could never believe you could. Reading is in fact another world--it affords you an escape and entertainment too easily left behind because of television and movies. They can never give you the true entertainment and excitement a good book does. Read one of [Susanne Marie Knight's] books and compare--you will not be sorry.--Reader Comment

* A charming Regency with the intrigue of magic twisted with the fortunes of fate played out with wonderful characters.--Reader Comment

* A lovely story! I really enjoyed it.--Reader Comment.

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

As for a real life connection to this book, along with Amanda Barclay, I too have an interest in healing. Although I don’t use healing remedies on people in my “village” as Amanda does, I do have a Masters of Science degree in Natural Health.

Here is a passage from the beginning of THE MAGIC TOKEN where a young Amanda first meets Marcus--inadvertently and unexpectedly--in the woods on midsummer night’s eve.

Marcus must have noticed her melancholy. A strange, hungered expression overtook his face. “Don’t ever change, sweet Mandy. I can tell you are one in a million.”

Clearing his throat, he gave her the basket. “Well, my moppet, you best be getting home. Shall I escort you?”

“No, thank you kindly, Marcus. I should return by myself. But what about you?”

“Ah, I am doomed to wander the woods ‘til sleep comes to claim me. You see, dear Mandy, I suffer from insomnia. That is why I happen to be out at this ungodly hour.”

He took a step away from her, then bowed. “‘Tis of no import. My thanks for a diverting evening.”

An unfamiliar ache settled over her heart. She did not understand it; nor could she explain it. For some unknown reason, she did not want Marcus to leave. “Wait! I have something that might help you.”

Reaching into her basket, she pulled out a small linen pouch filled with the herb chamomile. “Here, steep this in boiling water to make chamomile tea. It will let you sleep.”

Marcus’ grin made him appear younger than his years. Laughing, he shook his head. “What’s this? Are you a traveling apothecary? My wondrous Mandy.”

She liked being his wondrous Mandy, but his admiration made her uncomfortable. “I want to heal people when I grow up,” she mumbled at her bare toes. Her friends usually laughed at her when she told them her ambition.

He accepted the pouch, then lifted her chin. “A noble aspiration. However, I do believe you are already grown up, while I, on the other hand, have a long way to go.”

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

Once again, two strangers meet by chance. Or is it something more, is it... destiny?

I hope you enjoy Amanda and Marcus’ story.

Susanne Marie Knight

http://www.susanneknight.com

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

The Scoop On: THE ENTITLED

Big, beefy, brawny, well-built men: yep, those fellows catch my eye for sure! So when I came across the picture you see on the cover of THE ENTITLED, I knew I had to give this body builder a story of his own. In perusing the covers for the science fiction romance trope of alien abduction, what do you see? Big, beefy, brawny, well-built men! So this is how THE ENTITLED got started.

CHOSEN AS MATE FOR A POWERFUL ALIEN WARRIOR

Aspiring astrophysicist Gelsey Dewitt is having a very bad day. First her professor dumps her in the middle of a seduction. Then, after a communication from another star system is received and translated by NASA, most of her student group is chosen to accept the invitation and will journey to an alien planet... but, alas, not her. As if that isn’t enough to ruin her day, then she is pursued by a persistent body-builder type of guy, Zaccheus, who doesn’t take “no” for an answer. When he offers to show her his secretive home, she inadvertently says “yes”. Then next thing Gelsey knows is that she wakes up as prisoner in a very strange place--a place with futuristic furniture, blue-tinged food, identical male quadruplets who think her feet are tiny, and broad, powerful Zaccheus who seems to have the hots for her. Where on God’s good Earth is she?

REFUSED AS MATE BY A PUNY TERRAN FEMALE

Proud Brhite Warrior, Zaccheus of the Fortis Gladius clan, a member of the Entitled ones on his planet, Brhin Primus, desires to become a Leader for his people. In order to accomplish his goal, he learns he must choose as mate a female from an inferior world, Terra. At first repulsed by the idea, he then vows to do what must be done since this female is foretold to become a savior for his suffering world. He travels to the lowly Terran planet and, as soon as he spots Gelsey, he knows she is the one. He does her the very greatest honor of selecting her for the Treaty of Union, but she... she has the audacity to refuse him, to reject him. How is Zaccheus supposed to become a Leader for his people and save Brhin Primus if Gelsey will not become his chosen mate?

After being turned down for an interstellar mission, Gelsey ends up going anyway when she is abducted by an alien.

 Amazon.com

The print copy is on Amazon.

THE ENTITLED is available at Amazon.com. The print copy is on Amazon. It’s received great reviews including 5 stars!

Here are some wonderful reviews:

* When most people think about Alien Abduction, they think of a late-night, anonymous capture, the purpose of which is to do nefarious deeds to the Human. In THE ENTITLED, the abduction is almost by consent. Almost. And there are very worthwhile reasons for this snatching of an Earth woman, Gelsey, by alien warrior Zaccheus. As one character told Gelsey, “Who wouldn’t want to get abducted by Zaccheus?” Indeed! Both Gelsey and Zaccheus learn to respect each other and the cultures on both of their worlds, but giving up her planet for his is a monumental decision for her to make. Will she do it? As for Zaccheus, I loved how he came to change his way of thinking: pairing with an insignificant Terran? Repugnant!! I am “Entitled” to read this wonderful story, and you will be too! Two thumbs up!--On The Edge Reviews

* 5 Stars! An alien abduction, that’s what Ms. Knight’s newest novel, THE ENTITLED, is about. This is another action-packed adventure and highly sensuous read by the Queen of Romance Writing with a Twist! Take a flight to a faraway planet. Solve the mystery of a world fighting with itself. Have a taste of Zaccheus, an Entitled one and one of the sexiest men alive--human OR alien. Will Earther Gelsey accept or reject proud Brhite warrior, Zaccheus? Grab a copy and find out!--Norwood Reviews

This book is part of the Fascinating Sci-Fi line.

Here’s a real life tidbit. At the beginning of THE ENTITLED, Gelsey and her xenopology group gather at a pub on the Big Island of Hawaii. McDwyer’s. McDwyer’s Pub is a nod to an Irish bar from my old neighborhood. One thing I like to joke about is that my neighborhood had at least one bar and one hair salon on every block! No kidding!

Truthfully, with all those bars around--and believe me, there were many!-- I only visited one once. I didn’t go into McDwyer’s, but McMahon’s Bar, closer to my address. Alas, as I understand it, in this neighborhood, all the Irish bars are closed. L

Let’s drink a mug of Irish beer in their honor!

Sitting in a dark corner booth at McDwyer’s Pub, Gelsey Dewitt ignored her noisy surroundings to focus on the bottle of half-finished Bud Light beer. She waited for Hazel Perry to burst in through the pub’s solid oak door, allowing sunshine to brighten the tavern’s dark interior. Her friend was late, but then again she usually was, so that wasn’t why Gelsey felt lower than a hole.

The why of it sat, unconcerned, at the bar counter, hanging out with other members of her elite xenopology group. She glanced over at the man who had so callously stomped on her heart.

Gulping down distress, she then turned her attention back to the sweating beer bottle in front of her. Even now she couldn’t look at Professor William Wynne’s elongated face, unruly shock of flaxen hair, and erudite black glasses that always slipped down his long nose... no, she couldn’t look at him without a pang of regret, or was that embarrassment? Something, anyway--some emotion squeezed her ill-used heart.

Gelsey took a long gulp from the beer bottle. Forget about sipping; she wanted to forget... she needed to forget what had happened last night in Wynne’s hotel room.

A bar or pub or tavern was, by necessity, dark and a bit gloomy. But even with this murky atmosphere, she felt as if her cheeks actually radiated pink with mortification.

I hope you enjoy Gelsey and Zaccheus’ out-of-this-world story!

Susanne Marie Knight

http://www.susanneknight.com

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

The Scoop on THE RELUCTANT LANDLORD

THE RELUCTANT LANDLORD first started as a writing exercise. Back in the last century (!) I belonged to a writers group--published authors and earnest beginners included. One of the writing exercises assigned was a phrase, sort of like a “What if” situation, to jumpstart the imagination. Since it was so long ago, I don’t remember what the exact phrase was except that it had something to do with something being thrown. What was thrown, the setting, story genre, and circumstances were all up to the writer.

It didn’t take long for me to come up with an idea. Set in Regency times, the short paragraph I wrote was about an impoverished young miss who flung a pouch filled with guineas back at the toplofty lord who had thrown it at her. He’d wanted her to remove herself and her aunt from his newly acquired lodgings. The coins were thrown to reimburse her for her trouble. The affronted young lady, Katrina Jones, stood her ground.

And so THE RELUCTANT LANDLORD was born!

A BATTLE OF WILLS

Impoverished Katrina Jones is determined to earn a living by pursuing a career. Her landlord, the Earl of Udall, has other ideas for her. Can she set aside her fears about marriage and learn that trust goes hand in hand with love?

A THORN IN HIS SIDE

Quentin Thornhill, the Earl of Udall, is used to having his own way. When the delightful Katrina inadvertently thwarts his plans to install his latest mistress at his newly-won lodging, he begins to realize that not all females are as devious as the women he has known. Can he overcome his cynicism and give his heart to this young and innocent silhouettist?

This novel was on the publisher’s best-seller list and has also been on the Fictionwise.com’s best-seller list, and earned two FIVE STAR reviews on Goodreads.

THE RELUCTANT LANDLORD is now available on Amazon.com, Smashwords.com, and Universal Link.

Lord Udall plans to install his mistress at his newly won lodging, but impoverished Katrina wants to live there instead. Who will be the victor?

Amazon.com eBook and Smashwords.com and Universal Link

Another THE RELUCANT LANDLORD fun fact is that the characters of Katrina and Quentin make a brief appearance in another Regency--A CONTINENTAL MARRIAGE. It was so cool revisiting their personalities, along with a few of the other folks in the book!

This book is part of the Elegant Regencies line.

For those of you who like to read reviews, here are a few!

Whenever I think of Regency romance, the names Mary Balogh and Carla Kelly come easily to mind. Susanne Marie Knight, a name not familiar to many, pens THE RELUCTANT LANDLORD, a wonderful story that is sure to touch the hearts of Regency fans, and establish her as one of the rising stars of Regency romance. THE RELUCTANT LANDLORD is a delightful Regency romp which will titillate with its diverse and well-created characters. Both Quentin and Katrina are well-developed. Along with Quentin and Katrina, Ms. Knight creates a menagerie of secondary characters that is unique and memorable. The Dowager, Aunt Hattie, and the evil Therese come quickly to mind. Four-year-old Freddy also stands out as we watch him more from a quiet, scared boy to a vibrant energetic individual bubbling with laughter. Wonderful characterization, a perfect sense of the Regency era, and a well-developed plot makes THE RELUCTANT LANDLORD one of the best Regency romances I’ve read so far for the year. Ms. Knight is a formidable talent!--Word On Romance

THE RELUCTANT LANDLORD was a wonderful Regency adventure. The characters were just heroic enough that they came across as both warmly human and singularly unique. The reader can cheer through their initial backbiting and later problems, and easily finds herself swept along a roller coaster ride of excitement that ends all too quickly. Another plus was that the villains were actual three-dimensional people, not the stereotypical people cutouts that serve as antagonists in some novels. The ending is poignant and eminently satisfying--a sure bet for anyone who enjoys the sweeter side of historical romance. Packed full of action, emotional drama, and of course, romance, THE RELUCTANT LANDLORD is wonderful proof of Ms. Knight’s talents at both characterization and setting. Readers should watch this gifted author--she is a star in the making.--Paranormal Romance Reviews

Ms. Knight has written yet another enjoyable romp illustrating the development of an unlikely relationship between two opposites. Her quirky sense of humor and endearing characters provide hours of reading pleasure, along with a fast moving plot written smoothly and seemingly without effort. Well-rounded characters, which thoroughly likeable, are not without their faults, which serve to add compelling back-story and character development beneath the talents of Ms. Knight’s pen. She has once again delivered with THE RELUCTANT LANDLORD.--Road To Romance

THE RELUCTANT LANDLORD is a well-written book which contains very good characterizations. If you like brooding heroes, this is a book for you. Ms. Knight has created a very believable villainess, who I wanted to strangle. THE RELUCTANT LANDLORD is the third book that I have read by this author, but hopefully it won’t be the last. I truly enjoyed all of Ms. Knight’s books, and will be looking for her other titles. I only hope she writes more Regencies.--The Best Reviews

The author deftly portrays a relationship that goes from battling to lively to warm, and four-year-old Freddie is a heart-grabbing little tyke. THE RELUCTANT LANDLORD shows us once again that the path of true love seldom runs smooth. Quentin and Trina face conflict after conflict. Some are the result of the differences between an innocent country girl and a disillusioned man of the world. Some are caused by the evil intentions of others. In either case, they make for intriguing situations. For a well-wrought plot about lives gone wrong, love, redemption and just desserts, I recommend THE RELUCTANT LANDLORD.--Romance Reviews Today

THE RELUCTANT LANDLORD is a lighthearted romance... There are a lot of obstacles in the Earl and Katrina's path before they can find true love. Fortunately, the Earl is a man used to getting his own way and sweeps aside anyone who tries to thwart him. Though he is formidable, he is still rather a likable character. Susanne Marie Knight wrote the characters well and it is evident that they are thoroughly thought out. They interact with each other superbly and this makes them all the more interesting. A Romance Review

Susanne Marie Knight clearly knows her historical period: in THE RELUCTANT LANDLORD she gives her Regency heroine an interesting but unique occupation in keeping with the times. A surprising plot twist forges Katrina and Quentin’s connection into something more serious.--Romantic Times Magazine

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One of my favorite bits and pieces from real life is that in THE RELUCTANT LANDLORD, the character of young Freddy likes to insist he's Arthur, the future Duke of Wellington, a hero from the Napoleonic Wars. I can thank a child from my daughter's pre-school for this idea. Out of the blue, a little boy walked over to me and with a serious face, told me he was Batman! Below, we find Constance, Quentin’s mother and Freddy’s grandmother, reminiscing:

Retrieving her hanky from behind her back, Constance blotted at the moisture seeping from her eyes. "Freddy’s current hero is Wellesley, you know. The dear boy corrects me if I call him Freddy. ‘I’m Viscount Wellington, Grandmama,’ he says. ‘I fight that nasty Bonaparte.’ Lord, Freddy reminds me so much of his father Robert."

Also, Katrina has an unusual hair color. At one time I did also: blonde and brown. Here’s a passage soon after Quentin has his first run-in with Katrina.

Miss Jones’ hair was a most strange color combination: sun-ripened maize--almost white in its intensity, yet streaked by coppery brown. Most unusual. Yet he was certain he had seen this mixture before. But where? And why was he waxing poetic over a thing as mundane as a woman’s hair?

THE RELUCTANT LANDLORD starts with a very dark hero who has been deceived by the important women in his life. The impoverished heroine changes his mind about females and about love. His transformation from cynic to lover is an interesting journey, and at the end, the “villainess” comments: “You have become too... domesticated... for my tastes.” There’s also a surprise twist to a secondary character that even I didn’t know would happen when I was writing the story!

If you love Regency romance, this book’s for you! I hope you enjoy Katrina and Quentin’s story.

Susanne Marie Knight

http://www.susanneknight.com

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

The Scoop on UNCOVERING CAMELOT

I’ve always been mesmerized by the mystical tale of King Arthur and Camelot. Honestly, who isn’t intrigued by this long ago tale? Is King Arthur real? Is the story truly magic or just a tale imagined by a wandering troubadour? Writing about this fascinating legend was something I’d wanted to explore for a long time. When I learned--just by chance (or was it??)--that there was a Stonehenge Memorial in Washington State, well, that sealed the deal for me!

Although many authors use the five elements of writing fiction: Who, What, When, Where, and Why to lead to the sixth element--Plot--I usually do the reverse. I come up with the plot, the idea of a story, and then decide the who, what, when, where, and why after that. So the idea was to write a fantasy romance based on the folklore of King Arthur, but to give it a modern twist.

A VACATION RUINED

Heather Woods suddenly learns her boyfriend, Connor, cancelled their summer plans. Determined to forget about him, she visits her flaky godmother, Nerissa, instead, for an impromptu vacation. Nerissa insists that Heather has a healing gift, something Heather doesn’t believe. But when she experiences visions... hallucinations... or whatever her jaunts back to Camelot are, she fears for her sanity. Meeting a man that might actually be Merlin the magician, and his very attractive nephew, Matthew, along with assorted other characters convince Heather that she’s in the middle of a strange, metaphysical phenomenon.

A VACATION CHANGED

Judge Matthew Limner also finds his vacation plans changed. He receives a call from a long-lost Uncle Mallory--so long-lost that he hadn’t even known Mallory existed. Mallory flies in from London, and expects to go sightseeing with Matthew. Resigned, Matthew plays the host. First stop: the Stonehenge Memorial in southern Washington. A chance encounter--or is it?--with Nerissa and Heather convince Matthew that something much more than coincidence is happening in this tiny corner of the world.

An urgent summons resurrects Merlin the magician to once again meddle in the affairs of men.

Amazon.com, Smashwords.com, and Universal Link

UNCOVERING CAMELOT is available at Amazon.com and Smashwords.com and Universal Link in addition to other internet locations. It’s received great reviews including 5 Stars on Amazon!

This book is part of the Magical Fantasies line.

Here’s a real life connection. A chance remark by a friend about being the youngest child in a family of seven daughters set me to thinking. Seven daughters conjured up fairy tales I’d read growing up. The hero of the fairy tale was often the seventh son of the seventh son. I couldn’t ignore this opportunity. My heroine, Heather Woods, had to be the seventh daughter of the seventh daughter, thereby enabling her to have a magical experience.

Also, since the Stonehenge replica built in Washington State plays an important role in the novel, I had to go on a field trip. I found the monument lovely, eerie, and quite desolate. 

Visiting Goldendale and Maryhill, Washington where the Memorial is located, also gave me a chance to wander through the beautiful Maryhill Museum. Here I across a lovely sculpture that I incorporated into the story.

Scene Set-up: On the grand lawn of the Maryhill Museum, Heather walks with Desmond Redmord, a man with an uncanny resemblance to Camelot’s Mordred, Arthur’s nephew and illegitimate son.

Desmond pointed at a beautiful glass sculpture, wavy with multicolored stalks as if imitating a living plant. Sitting on a blanket just beyond the chained area around the sculpture was a dark-haired woman. Her hair was so dark as to be midnight black--long and flowing. She stared at Heather with a gaze as piercing as Desmond’s. Her vivid red lips were turned into a petulant frown.

Heather gulped down unease. Did she really want to meet Moriah Redmord, a woman who just might’ve been the reincarnation of the medieval witch, Morgeuse?

I hope you enjoy Heather and Matthew’s magical story.

Susanne Marie Knight

http://www.susanneknight.com

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