TIMELESS DECEPTION, my
time-travel Regency romance, has been a reader favorite for many years. I’m
often asked what gave me the idea for this novel. Easy! I’ve always loved
time-travel, and I was intrigued by a different type of plot. A contemporary
woman, Alaina Sawyer, somehow finding herself not only being transported back
to the past, but switching places with a Regency “twin” so that she is now
“married” to the man of her dreams. The additional dilemma here is that the Regency
husband, Richard, the Earl of Saybrooke, despises Alaina because he believes
his wife is unfaithful. Ouch! What an unusual predicament!
The twist to TIMELESS
DECEPTION is that Alaina experiences visions before her time-travel. The reason
for this is to allow her to have a brief “heads-up” to see what she’s going to
be getting into. She’ll understand what type of woman her double was, and also
she’ll be “introduced” her to the hero, who will now be her husband. This
creates the interesting conflict of being in love with someone who absolutely
*does not* return the affection. In addition, I wanted to explain a bit how the
heroine could end up across the Atlantic and back in time without dwelling on
the details too much. Alaina is also aware that the only way she can get back
to her own time is to find the mystic woman her double used. Once that turns
out to be a dead end, she knows she’s trapped back in time.
A TANGLED WEB--Her
identity switched against her will, Alaina Sawyer wakes up in the year 1818 as
the Countess of Saybrooke. Can she convince the man of her dreams that she is
cut from an altogether different cloth than his adulterous wife Alicia?
Richard Cransworth, the
Earl of Saybrooke, must come to grips with his wife’s sudden descent into virtue.
Is her new behavior wishful thinking on his part, or can it possibly be that
she is now his, and his alone?
TIMELESS DECEPTION was first
published by Novel Books, Inc., and is now re-released by Awe-Struck Publishing
(Mundania Press). This unique novel has garnered several awards including the
2002 PEARL (Paranormal Excellent Award for Romantic Literature), and Golden
Rose Nominee for Best Time Travel.
TIMELESS DECEPTION has also
achieved bestseller status on lists including Fictionwise (#1 for over three
months!), Novel Books, Inc., and Awe-Struck. In addition, it has been awarded 5
star reviews by Sime-Gen and Amazon.com.
Waking up in 1818 as the Countess of Saybrooke,
Alaina must convince her new “husband” that she’s cut from a different cloth
than his unfaithful wife Alicia.
Print book available (2002 edition) at www.susanneknight.com/orders.htm
This book is part of the
Elegant Regencies line.
For
those of you who like to read reviews, get ready... here they come!
5 STARS!! Ms. Knight’s book
is charming, with wonderful characters, an interesting plot and sub-plots, and
vividly accurate historical details. She makes Alaina’s quandary believable,
and the way the character reacts to the situation has one admiring her moxie.
This is certainly a keeper, and a refreshing approach to the same old
time-travel piece. I highly recommend this for an enjoyable read and re-read.--Sime-Gen
Reviews
5 STARS! A very
different and original time travel! TIMELESS DECEPTION is a very
different and original time travel than any I've seen before. It's a creative
endeavor that is a wonderful keeper. I love time travels and Regencies, and
this book is a perfect blend of both genres. I drooled (!) over Richard, and I
enjoyed rooting for Alaina as she tried to convince Richard that she was a
"changed" person. I highly recommend this terrific example of
Brit-lit: TIMELESS DECEPTION!--Amazon.com
4.5 Blue Ribbons! S.M.
Knight has created a time travel romance that is sure to please. Two strong and
likable main characters and a host of wonderful secondary characters make for
an enjoyable read. Alaina and Richard make the story come alive. Alaina is
smart and brave. She is willing to risk anything for a chance to win her
“husband’s” love. Richard is an extremely appealing hero and his son is sure to
tug at readers’ heartstrings. TIMELESS DECEPTION blends the paranormal and
well-crafted characters and a blossoming romance. With vibrant details and
complex personalities, Ms. Knight pens a tale that keeps you rapidly turning
the pages until the heartwarming end.--Romance Junkies
4 1/2 Stars! [TIMELESS
DECEPTION] is ten cuts above any Regency read before. Could it be the
time-travel element, the mood, the skill of the author--or all three? Perhaps
that and more, for it is an up-all-night, stay-in-the-tub-til-the-water-is
cold, entrancing read. Part of what makes it so readable is the juxtaposition
of thoroughly modern Alaina's observations on 1817 manners and mores. natural
humorous insights pop up throughout, a leavening that rarely appears in most
Regencies. The author has an engaging way with her lead characters. Though
finding themselves in awkward, even impossible situations, they respond
genuinely. Born centuries apart, Alaina and Richard are oh, so likable--and
made for each other if they could only see it. The supporting cast adds even
more interest and color to the tale, all without overshadowing the hero and
heroine. Read TIMELESS DECEPTION. Just make certain you have a long, lazy
afternoon and evening ahead of you to enjoy it fully.--Love Romances
4 1/2 Roses! TIMELESS
DECEPTION is about being able to judge someone for their actions today and not
past mistakes, a love that is being built from sparks that are between the hero
and heroine, even though the hero does not want to feel anything towards the
heroine. There is a passion in what Alicia believes is right or wrong and she
is vocal in her opinions, even helping out others in need.
Ms. Knight was able to draw
me into the story, make me feel like I was right there along with the hero and
heroine. I was able to feel their pain, mistrust, joy, and a love that spanned
over two centuries.--A Romance Review
I thoroughly enjoyed this
romp into the past. Ms. Knight has done a superb job of portraying truly
delightful characters. The well-researched Regency setting and unique plot will
have fans of time-travel romance begging for more! TIMELESS DECEPTION was such
a joy to read that I simply couldn't put it down. Ms. Knight promises 'Romance
Writing with a Twist' and she certainly delivers with this wonderful
Time-Travel Regency I highly recommend this book.--Road To Romance
TIMELESS DECEPTION is one of
the best time travel books that I have read. I love the Regency period and
TIMELESS DECEPTION captures the feel of this time. This is a well-written book
with great characterizations. Richard, who has been greatly wounded and is
afraid to trust, must overcome his fear in order to find happiness. Alaina, a
kind and intelligent woman, must adapt to this new time and help Richard to see
her true self. Richard's family, who has been affected by Alicia in a
detrimental way, must learn to trust Alaina and accept her good intentions. If
you are looking for a great time travel book, give TIMELESS DECEPTION a
try.--ParaNormalRomance Reviews
4 Angels! TIMELESS DECEPTION
is a terrific time travel romance. With two very strong leads and a whole host
of supporting cast members, it makes for a fulfilling read. The story moves at
a nice pace with enough action to keep the reader glued to the pages. If you
enjoy time travel romances, TIMELESS DECEPTION fits the bill!--Fallen Angel
Reviews
4 1/2 Roses! Ms. Knight has
written a wonderful love story, about a man who loved with all his heart, and
had to face that the woman he loved was not what she appeared to be. Seeing
Richard go from the hard, brittle man he has become, to a loving man, was truly
wonderful, and Alaina aka Alicia was a treat of a heroine, thrilled with her
newly acquired husband, family and friends... Seeing Richard and Alain fall into
love was definitely the focus of the story, and will make for wonderful reading
for Regency lovers!--Love Romances (2)
TIMELESS DECEPTION is an
intriguing and original Regency time-travel. I thoroughly enjoyed this tale of
a modern day woman pulled back in time to Regency England and meeting the man
of her dreams. Mystery, suspense, and romance abound in this novel that readers
will be hard put not to devour in one sitting!--AOL Books Community
Richard and Alaina are
likable characters. The Saybrooke family and their staff are well drawn and add
much lively interest to the story. I found the concept of doubles being
exchanged through time very intriguing. I recommend TIMELESS DECEPTION as a
fast, entertaining read from a versatile author.--Romance Reviews Today
TIMELESS DECEPTION is an
excellent time-travel romance. Ms. Knight seamlessly combines the modern
mentality of her heroine and the glitter of Regency England in a marvelous tale
built around two women who look exactly alike--but act very much distinctly.
Excellent characterization and a delightful romance leave the reader finishing
the book and missing not only Alaina and Richard, but the entire family that
the heroine had adopted. TIMELESS DECEPTION is an attention-grabbing,
stay-up-all-night read. Readers who enjoy time-travel romances and those who
enjoy Regency-period stories should definitely check TIMELESS DECEPTION out.--
ParaNormalRomance Reviews(2)
TIMELESS
DECEPTION is a lovely Regency story. Susanne Marie Knight has written what I
refer to as a comfort book. I don’t usually like Regency era novels but I
really enjoyed this one. Ms. Knight does not dwell on the numerous social rules
of the Regency Period, nor is there any silly, stressful tension between the
hero and heroine. When you need a break, I recommend relaxing with this
book.--Word on Romance
TIMELESS DECEPTION is a very
different and original time travel than any I've seen before. It's a creative
endeavor that is a wonderful keeper. I love time travels and Regencies, and
this book is a perfect blend of both genres. I drooled (!) over Richard, and I
enjoyed rooting for Alaina as she tried to convince Richard that she was a
"changed" person. I highly recommend this terrific example of
Brit-lit: TIMELESS DECEPTION!--Amazon.com.
I read TIMELESS DECEPTION
straight through. Ms. Knight’s light touch and sense of humor pull you along.
Her secondary characters are well developed and add dimension to the
story.--MyShelf.com
4 Stars! For those of you
who enjoy a nice little time travel story - you won't be disappointed in this
one. A Regency romance for those who both love the period, and dream about
living through an experience like that of the heroine. A very quick, fun
read.--Amazon.com
4
Stars! TIMELESS DECEPTION has an interesting premise, and the way the time
travel is introduced is fresh and innovative. I look forward to seeing other
works from this author.--Joyfully Reviewed
4 Stars! This is a great
story and could've been twice the number of pages... recommend it for
time-travel junkies and look forward to seeing more from this
author.--Amazon.com
I LOVE YOUR BOOKS,
ESPECIALLY TIMELESS DECEPTION!--D.L.
This is a very
unique novel, combining elements of historical romance with time-travel and a
suspenseful plot--and add in a Regency-like quality! This one is hard to
categorize! And Susanne Knight is hard to beat!--K.S.
TIMELESS DECEPTION is one of
my all-time favorite books!--K.T.
I love Susanne's books. She
is the reason I am trying to write my first book. I love her work so much
especially in Timeless Deception.--A.D.
I finished Susanne Marie
Knight's TIMELESS DECEPTION. While I'm not usually into period pieces,
this one was great. Both the hero and the heroine were likeable, understandably
confused and deliciously tortured! The way cool-headed Alaina dealt with
dealing thrust back in time 200 years was spot-on. Again, a great work,
definitely worth the read if you like Regency stories.--T.S.
Recommended reading:
TIMELESS DECEPTION. Love your Brit-lit: Regency, Time-Travel and Contemporary
(Tainted Tea). All are terrific!--A.S.
For TIMELESS
DECEPTION and GRAVE FUTURE: The story plots were different from what I have
read in the past. Wonderfully written-out dialogues and plot descriptions had
quickly pulled me into the reading.--J.S.
I was totally sucked into
the plot. And the characters were very real. The story and the characters were
extremely entertaining and well drawn. I was just enthralled by it!--R.C.
I couldn't put TIMELESS
DECEPTION down! Best book of yours that I've read.--D.C.
I really like this
story. I nearly missed my train stop (twice!) reading TIMELESS
DECEPTION.--K.T.
Highly recommended!--L.B.
I *loved* TIMELESS
DECEPTION! Can't wait to read more of your Regencies.--C.A.
I Loved TIMELESS DECEPTION.
Looking forward to reading more of your books.--P.P.
I was captured from the very
first page. I loved this book!--R. A.
Highly recommended!--A.Z.
4 Stars! For those of you
who enjoy a nice little time travel story - you won't be disappointed in this
one. A Regency romance for those who both love the period, and dream about
living through an experience like that of the heroine. A very quick, fun
read.--Amazon.com
I give this book five
stars!!--P.M.
A creative endeavour! A
wonderful keeper.--M.C.
I've really enjoyed this
story! TIMELESS DECEPTION is a very different time travel than any I've seen
before!--K.T.
I was captured from the very
first page!--A.C.
This is a sweet
love-transcends-time story, that I very much enjoyed. It was really straight
forward, avoiding all the complexities of time travel that you see in other
books. It was refreshing... The book was a good light read. If you are looking
for a quick, simple time travel romance, then this is your book! Keep up the
good work!--Goodreads
I really enjoyed TIMELESS
DECEPTION!--P.C.
A delight to read.--G.D
Highly recommended!--I.K.
4 Stars! This is a great
story... recommend it for time-travel
junkies and look forward to seeing more from this author.--Amazon.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Here’s a bit of real life
trivia for TIMELESS DECEPTION. I have a floor-length, silky robe that I love.
It also has a really long zipper. Alaina wears that robe when she time-travels,
only hers is rose-pink and mine is sky-blue. The robe serves a double purpose:
it’s proof that Alaina isn’t from the nineteenth century since zippers weren’t
invented back then. When Richard grows suspicious of his wife’s behavior, he
questions her maid, Dana, who tells him about the robe. The follow passage
describes what happens when he finds it.
Richard finished his
survey of the wardrobe in the dressing room without finding the object he was
looking for: the mysterious pink robe.
Entering his wife’s
bedchamber, he scanned the room with an eye for possible hiding places. If he
could but challenge her with this robe, she would surely then reveal the truth.
Dana’s description of the robe intrigued him. And he was completely at sea as
to what the magical fastening of the robe might mean.
After a thorough
examination of the bedchamber without results, he sat dejectedly on the bed.
Where might she have hidden it? The cupid statues surrounding the bed seemed to
leer suggestively at him, mocking his current failure. Where the devil could
she have cached a blasted robe?
He ran his hand through his
hair. A robe was a bulky object but perhaps... just perhaps this one was
skimpy. Dana had mentioned it was silky. Perhaps it could be folded upon itself
and occupy the smallest compartment.
In a flash, his gaze
rested on the Sheraton writing table in the middle of the room. Yes, of course.
A piece of furniture designed for secrets! Moving his large hands deftly over
its surface, he discovered its false facade and the lock behind it. Regardless
of the damage, he used a knife to break the mechanism.
With a quick inhalation
of breath, he pulled the drawer open. Inside the small space, a rose-pink
fabric reflected back at him. It had been ruthlessly stuffed within the
container.
For several minutes
following the discovery, the large ornamental clock on the fireplace mantle
ticked away. Richard sat, inanely opening and closing the wonder robe. As he
pushed the tab upward, tiny teeth interlocked together. Just as unbelievably,
when he pulled the tab down, they were pulled away.
Nowhere in England, or indeed
anyplace in the world that he was aware of, could boast of such a fastener, so
finely and meticulously made.
The mystery grew deeper
and deeper.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I hope you enjoy Alaina and
Richard’s story, and how, against impossible odds, she manages to restores
happiness Richard’s family. Remember, when faced with an overwhelming
situation, you can see it as a predicament, or an opportunity. As Alaina quotes
from Ann Landers: “When life hands you a lemon, make lemonade.”
Happy reading,
Susanne Marie Knight
Read outside the box:
award-winning Romance Writing With A Twist!
