Author Notes on LORD DARVER’S MATCH

The premise for LORD DARVER’S MATCH, my popular Regency time travel romance, began one dark morning with me snuggling next to my husband. My eyes were closed and his arm held me against him. Suddenly, an idea for a new Regency popped into my head. What if a married woman realized that the arm curved around her wasn’t her husband’s? How would she react? Would she scream? Yell for help? Start pummeling the man? And then, here’s the kicker: what if somehow, she’d been transported back into the past... now vulnerable and alone and at the mercy of this stranger?

This idea developed into Hillary Logan’s plight... transporting her back to England in the early nineteenth century and the Marquess of Darver’s bed!

AN INNOCENT WISH--Little did modern day Hillary Logan realize when she made her innocent wish for a happy marriage, that she’d be waking up in bed next to a handsome nobleman--in 1815. Struggling to adjust to Regency England, she teaches the dashing marquess a thing or two about love and “a woman’s place.”

A PLEASANT DIVERSION--Seeking a diversion from the ongoing horrors of the Napoleonic Wares, Simon Altmont, looks forward to a liaison with the attractive woman in his bed. She would make a perfect new mistress! He soon learns just how different his mysterious Mrs. Logan really is. Has the Marquess of Darver finally met his match?

LORD DARVER’S MATCH was great fun to write. And to read! LIONHEARTED PUBLISHING offered me a contract and made this novel one of the first in their new publishing line.

What if a woman woke up next to a man who was not her husband?

A flurry of 5 star reviews soon followed including from Affaire de Coeur Magazine, Sime-Gen Reviews, and Amazon.com, along with a Love Romances Golden Rose Nominee for Best Regency.

LORD DARVER’S MATCH became a reader favorite and achieved best-seller status! When the contract expired, I arranged my book to be available at Amazon.com along with other internet sites.

What happens when a modern woman’s wish for a happy marriage lands her back in time, in bed with a handsome nobleman?

Amazon.com

As I’ve written previously, I enjoy using bits and pieces from real life to add realism and inspiration to my novels. So in addition to the genesis of the book as an experience from my life, I also had an “incident” with a rowboat. Happily for me, my rowboat didn’t overturn as Hillary and Simon’s did. The following passage describes what almost happened to me!

Feeling Simon’s hands on hers, Hillary jerked away and started rowing. Her spencer jacket ripped under the arms. Great. How had such a lovely day turned into such a disaster?

“Hillary, I apologize. Here, let me have the oars.”

Well, she could be stubborn, too. Concentrating on her strokes, she avoided looking at him.

“M’dear, the boat is going in circles. Let me....” He leaned over to her.

“No! You’ve done enough.”

To evade him, she thrust her weight to the side. Wrong move. The boat lurched. She just had time to cry, “Simon!”

The rowboat overturned, and dumped her and Simon into the cold waters of the Serpentine.

Under a magic moon, two hearts can become as one, as Lord Darver finds out as he meets his match!

I hope you enjoy Hillary and Simon’s story.

Happy reading,

Susanne Marie Knight

www.susanneknight.com

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

Author Notes on PAST INDISCRETIONS

Writing PAST INDISCRETIONS, my best-selling paranormal romance, was a labor of love for me. I combined my interest in Atlantis and past lives, along with the dilemma... or ethics... of human cloning. The research alone was a blast! After all, who isn’t enthralled by the mystique and allure of Atlantis? Then, to ground this suspense novel, I set a major part of the action in my father’s hometown--a town where I spent several summers at my grandmother’s house, just as Savannah Alexander, the heroine, does. PAST INDISCRETIONS is near and dear to my heart.

Marketing Copy: Can you escape your past? Or are past life issues carried over into present times? Find out how one woman must battle an impossible enemy in PAST INDISCRETIONS.

Haunted by recurring nightmares of doom, Savannah Alexander learns that the future and past are irrevocably linked. Will she be able to save herself and the man she has grown to love from the horrors that await her back in time... on the lost continent of Atlantis?

In matters of love, Tom Patterson has been hurt before. But when overwhelming coincidences bring Savannah back into his life, can he put aside his prejudices and act upon faith to protect the woman he loves?

Artist’s rendering of a possible cover

The editors at Awe-struck Publishing (Mundania Press) quickly picked up the options for this unique book. PAST INDISCRETIONS soon became a best-seller and garnered 5 stars on Amazon.com with a variety of excellent reviews. PAST INDISCRETIONS is still available at Awe-struck both as an eBook and in Print.

Cover artist’s first proof

The perfect human clone may be possible... back on the island of Atlantis.

Amazon.com

One fan of this book wrote to tell me how much he enjoyed Past Indiscretions because I “cleverly bring together the past and mythology.” Thank you! And as for Atlantis, well, I feel like I’ve solved that mystery and I also suggested what then became of the survivors. Who knows? Maybe what I proposed really happened!

Real Life Tidbit: When I was writing Past Indiscretions, my novel about Atlantis, past lives, and cloning, I created the Colby clan with three boys and a girl. One weekend, my family met a couple with three boys and a girl in the same birth order as my book. My daughter mentioned, "Mom, they all have the same face. It's scary!" I pounced on this sentence because it was a perfect fit, especially since my book deals with human cloning.

I also have to thank my daughter for her childhood habit of always wearing socks--even in bed. I had Savannah copy that habit and then, toward the end of the book, I showed why she instinctively never went barefoot. It was because of a past life experience. 

Zeus lifted a bottle the color of putrefied flesh. Although stoppered, the bottle seemed to throw off a stench. Savannah’s nostrils pinched in response.

“Who would believe the first step in duplicating a person is obtained through the feet?” He roughly removed her sandals and threw them on the floor. Opening the bottle, he then dipped in a brush and painted the bare soles of her feet.

The odor was as she imagined, but she quickly forgot it as her feet turned cold. Slowly, the coolness gave way to heat--searing heat. Like acid burning into her skin. She twisted in pain, but was determined not to cry out. Even so, she bit her lip too hard and tasted blood.

“Feels good, eh?” He caressed her shoulder. “Just wait until Anubis begins his part of the process!”

Past Loves, Past Lives, PAST INDISCRETION!

I hope you enjoy Savannah and Tom’s story.

Happy reading,

Susanne Marie Knight

www.susanneknight.com

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

Author Notes on THE MAGIC TOKEN

The idea for THE MAGIC TOKEN, my reader favorite Regency romance, came from a desire to combine a Regency 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 picked up by LIONHEARTED PUBLISHING where it grew to best-seller status, along with earning 5 star reviews from Amazon.com, Visionary Insight Press, and The Romance Studio. My novel also was an EPPIE Finalist for Best Historical Romance.

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

When the contract ran out, my publisher, Uncial Press, republished THE MAGIC TOKEN, where it continues to flourish today. 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!

After receiving a gold coin, Amanda suddenly becomes governess to the sister of a duke. Is her good fortune a coincidence, or is it Fate?

Amazon.com

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 Amanda’s 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.

Happy reading,

Susanne Marie Knight

www.susanneknight.com

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

Author Notes on FOREVVER

It's Monday, and that means another installment in my Author Notes Series!The idea for FOREVVER, my 5 star science fiction futuristic romance, first started as a short story that posed this dilemma: What is the price for eternal youth? I was so intrigued with this idea that I decided to expand it into a novel. The dilemma evolved into: What if eternal youth could be found not in a fountain, but in a box? What if the richest man in the world was also the oldest?

In the year 2102, Flavia Gracchus reluctantly agrees to deliver a special shipment from her home on the Moon to ForEvver Rehabilitation CEO, Reid Evver. What she doesn’t know is that Evver, a man much older than he appears, intends to marry her and start a family. How can she escape Evver’s clutches and wed the man of her dreams?

Ambitious Jason Maverick can’t believe his new assignment: to babysit Reid Evver’s future wife, a Moon native, by escorting her on a sightseeing tour on Earth. But the more time Jason spends in Flavia’s company, the more she captivates him. How can he propose to the woman he’s been waiting for all his life when she’s all but bought and paid for by his mysterious, unscrupulous boss?

Awe-struck Publishing (Mundania Press) offered a contract, and soon FOREVVER delighted readers all across the globe. Its beautiful cover was honored with the Dirk A. Wolf Cover Art Award for Best Science Fiction/Futuristic.

Time is running out!

FOREVVER is blessed with excellent reviews including 5 stars with Once Upon A Romance Reviews. After a few years, I arranged my book to be available at Amazon.com along with other internet sites.

In the year 2102, the Fountain of Youth exists for only a select few. But you can’t cheat death ForEvver.

Amazon.com

Now for the bits and pieces from my life that I like to scatter throughout my books. One of the locations mentioned in FOREVVERr is Maui, a beautiful island I had the great good fortune in visiting. Here I am, dwarfed by the famous Iao Needle at Iao Valley State Park.

As you’ve probably noticed, FOREVVER’s heroine, Flavia Gracchus has a Roman name. She’s a Luna native, and in my take on future life on our moon, the ancient civilization of Rome flavors a great deal of lunar life. I’ve always been fascinated with Greek and Roman mythology, and I like to weave these tales through some of my novels, including FOREVVER. Here is an except from the Maui portion of the book where Jason rescues Flavia from drowning.

“Flavia!” Jason arranged her unresponsive body on the sand, and swept strands of wet hair off her face. Relying on instinct, he tilted her head back and listened for breathing.

None.

“Flavia?” He couldn’t keep the fear from his voice. He pinched her nose, then covered her mouth with his. With all his might, he blew his breath into her. Once, twice.

She moaned as she came to, then coughed up water.

Jason had never seen a more beautiful sight.

Helping her to a sitting position, he remained close to her, leaning his cheek against her waterlogged head. His own breathing was as ragged as hers.

The silence on the beach was broken only by crashing waves and squawking seagulls gliding on tropical breezes. These hypnotic sounds enhanced his relieved state of mind. His thoughts turned to a story he’d learned about in childhood. A Greek or Roman tale where a man, Pygmalion, breathed life into an ivory statue. Or requested a goddess, Aphrodite/Venus, to make the statue live. Pygmalion then married his creation, and had a happily ever after ending, an ending that was unusual in mythology.

Jason had saved Flavia; he’d breathed life into her. Maybe their destinies were intertwined--

For a thought-provoking science fiction romance, read FOREVVER before time runs out! I hope you enjoy Flavia and Jason’s story.

Happy reading,

Susanne Marie Knight

www.susanneknight.com

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

Author Notes on TAINTED TEA FOR TWO

Tainted Tea For Two, my best-selling mystery romance, is my homage to Agatha Christie and the English murder mystery genre. So, to get started on this insider scoop on my novel, why don’t you prepare a hot cup of delicious tea--not tainted, of course--and I’ll begin!

One of the genres that I always wanted to write was an English murder mystery, a la Ms. Christie. Before I start a project, I like to come up with a working title. Many of the mysteries I’ve read had menacingly playful titles, so TAINTED TEA FOR TWO just popped into my head. Naturally, this meant poison had to play a role in the novel! And not just poison... but injections, and, oddly enough, potatoes!

For my “What if” scenario, I proposed: what if having a nice spot of tea took on a sinister meaning? Hard Shell Word Factory loved the idea, and soon published TAINTED TEA FOR TWO, both electronically and in print.

While in England, a personal trainer finds romance... and murder. Can she prove her innocence?

After a few years, TAINTED TEA FOR TWO was picked up by Uncial Press. Its new cover won an Ariana Award for Best Contemporary /Suspense /Mystery /Historical Romance.

Amazon.com

Someone wants Lord Embrey dead. Will the method of execution be by poison, or injection, or... potato??

In addition to winning the Ariana Award, TAINTED TEA FOR TWO has been a best-seller over the years and has received 5 star reviews with The Romance Studio and Word on Romance. The book video I created for this mystery earned a Cameo Awards nomination for the Best Romantic Suspense in the Amateur Division.

As always, there are small snippets from my life embedded into this novel. The heroine, Ms. Marty Jackson, is a personal fitness trainer. Her name is Marty because her father--a former Mr. Universe--wanted a son to carry on his name. Although I’m not a trainer, I do have a fitness background, having worked for thirteen years for an exercise program shown on public television.

Marty also has a cherished possession similar to one that I have... or had, given to me by my daughter.

Marty took out her most prized possession: a paperweight in the shape of a giant, clear crystal. She held it upside down, and the colorful pearls suspended inside gently floated to the bottom. A kid's toy, of course, but she never went anywhere without it. It was the last thing her father had given her.

She gave it a place of honor on the nightstand...

This isn’t an actual picture of the paperweight, but it’s close enough. As with Marty’s diamond, mine also fell to its doom.

"No!" Marty raced to the window and watched her beloved remembrance of her father shatter into a zillion pieces. Part of her shattered with it.

For a classic English murder mystery, I recommend TAINTED TEA FOR TWO. I hope you enjoy Marty and Gregory’s story.

Happy reading,

Susanne Marie Knight

www.susanneknight.com

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