Monday, December 12, 2016

The Updated Buzz on TIMELESS DECEPTION

PEARL Award Nominee for Best Time Travel Romance!
Re-Released!!!

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 then Awe-Struck Publishing (Mundania Press). This unique novel has garnered several awards including the 2002 PEARL (Paranormal Excellent Award for Romantic Literature) Nominee for Best Time-Travel, 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.


I recently decided to have the rights returned to me for all my Awe-Struck books--a total of twelve. TIMELESS DECEPTION is the fourth to be re-released. It’s now available on Amazon.com and Smashwords.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!

Monday, December 5, 2016

The Buzz on COMPETITORS!

Dream Realm Award Finalist For Best Speculative Fiction
Re-Released!!!

Strangers in our midst--I’ve always been intrigued by that idea--whether the strangers were foreigners or aliens or... Neanderthals. What could be more fascinating than a story about ancestors of modern man--primitive by our definition--freely walking among us, escaping detection and thumbing their collective noses at us? Neanderthals are the ultimate underdogs. The very word has become synonymous with crude, boorish, and uncultured. So what would happen if a vulnerable young woman unexpectedly comes in contact with a mysterious tourist? What if she discovers the truth about his secret world? What if she falls in love with a Neanderthal?

Here you have the basis for COMPETITORS!, my popular paranormal romance. COMPETITORS! is a mystery too, with a serial killer on the loose--a killer who just happens to collects skulls.

AN IMPOSSIBLE MEETING!: Vivianne Quinn is staying at her brother’s apartment to recover from a personal tragedy. Her visit is anything but tranquil, for soon a serial killer targets her as the next victim, she has to “babysit” a valuable artifact, and she falls in love with a stranger, Max, who is unlike anyone she has ever met. How will Vivianne react when she finds out just how different he really is?

NEANDERTHAL’S NEMESIS: It’s common knowledge that Neanderthals are extinct, vanished from the face of the planet about 30,000 years ago. What remains a mystery is how or why this sudden disappearance occurred. Sometimes, however, common knowledge can be wrong....

COMPETITORS! was published by Awe-Struck Books (Mundania Press) and had been with them for many years.



Ebook Cover and Print Cover

I recently decided to have the rights returned to me for all my Awe-Struck books--a total of twelve. COMPETITORS! is the third to be re-released. It’s now available on Amazon.com and Smashwords.com!


NEW COVER!

Anthropology enthusiast Vivianne Quinn gets more than she bargained for when she makes a date to “meet” a Neanderthal!


*Limited* copies of the 2007 print book are available at www.susanneknight.com/orders.htm

This paranormal romantic suspense has appeared as #1 on the Fictionwise.com Best Seller List, gotten great reviews including 4 ½ stars from Once Upon A Romance Reviews, and was a Dream Realm Finalist for Best Speculative Fiction Romance.


In addition, I was named as one of the best eBook authors on the Internet by NightsandWeekends.com because of COMPETITORS! (among other books, too!)

Plus, my book trailer for COMPETITORS! was honored as one of the Top Ten Favorite Romance Books. Here’s the review:

Competitors! by Susanne Marie Knight comes in the third spot for my favorites. If it had been in the form of a mini-movie I think it could easily have taken the first or second slot! I'm assuming the author created this trailer herself, and she did a fantastic job, I will be purchasing this book at the earliest opportunity. The pictures absolutely match the story, and the text frames that have been inserted before them. This doesn't always happen with book trailers that use static pictures and text frames. The creator also put outlines around characters, and objects in colors that really brought out what the pictures and text were trying to convey. A great book trailer and one I would love to see put into a mini-movie. You can view this book trailer here. --My Top Ten Favorite Romance Book Trailers from YouTube--Regina Paul

Here is a book trailer for COMPETITORS! 


Music is by Kevin MacLeod, Sinfonia3.

This book is part of the Uncanny Paranormals line.


For those of you who like to read reviews, here they come!

“Could Neanderthals still exist? And if so, would they look just like the rest of us? Susanne Marie Knight takes those questions and runs with them in COMPETITORS! and shows us that not everyone is what they appear to be. When readers first meet Vivianne, she is a tormented young woman who constantly wonders why she didn’t also die in the car crash. But as the book progresses, she becomes the strong woman she must have been before the accident. As for Max... Max, Max, Max. What a combination of alpha maleness and intelligence, which this reviewer believes will cause many women to swoon. He’s dominating, yet gentle, and treats Vivianne with great respect. An interesting and fun-filled romance, COMPETITORS! is the perfect read for those looking for something a little different in their love stories.”-- Romance Reviews Today

“Susanne's been chosen as one of the best e-book authors the Internet has to offer for COMPETITORS! ”--Nights and Weekend.com.
Susanne Marie Knight certainly has a diverse imagination, and she blends suspense with a haunting question--why did Neanderthals abruptly vanish 30,000 years ago--in COMPETITORS! But what if they’re not extinct? What if they walk among us? This is a plot that can easily sound farfetched in the wrong author’s hands, but Ms. Knight pulled it off, suspending my belief and wrapping me in an enthralling tale. You want an author with unique style? Susanne Marie Knight is your gal.--Nights and Weekends.com

“4.5 Books! “I liked COMPETITORS! I have read other books about Neanderthals and this species never came across as anything other than primitive. The Neos in this book are caring, gentle people who value their ancestors and want what everybody wants in life - to be loved and understood. I enjoyed the growing awareness and romance between Vivianne and Max. Despite their differences and the dramas they are living through, there is a bond between them that neither can deny. It was amusing to think that the Neo's consider Vivianne and her people savages. The derogatory term of calling someone a Neanderthal may not be so bad after all. It's always good to see history turned on its head. I also liked the fact that the killer is not known until the end. I thought I knew who it was but I was wrong. The book also got me wondering if there are Neos amongst us. There are weirder things out there. If you enjoy books that are beyond the normal, then I would recommend COMPETITORS! It's a fresh, unique romance that is kind of sweet and overwhelmingly passionate.--Once Upon A Romance

“Author Susanne Marie Knight has done a convincing job of making the exotic Max as hypnotic and flat-out irresistible as he needs to be, to accomplish everything he is called upon to do. Max isn’t only a sex hunk, he is smooth, educated, and well traveled. He can communicate mentally, and his sense of smell gives new definition to the word “intimate.” Knight will have readers knocking on her door asking where they can get their own Neanderthals. In addition to Max, Vivianne has a flock of friends to turn to in her tough times. Vivianne’s identical-twin brothers, her husband-hunting friend Fran, and Max’s cat Eins with his divided loyalties all contribute to the workings of fate – fate being the saving of Vivianne so she can be with Max. Her associates are amusing, even at their most irritating. Max’s friends, on the other hand, are Very Serious People. It isn’t easy for Max to have a personal life when The Mission is All. It keeps the other Neanderthals from having as much dimension as Max does. COMPETITORS! is well thought out. Knight has more than a superficial knowledge about Neanderthals, and she has used it to shape her what-if into a fun, original plot.”-- Reviewers-Choice.com

“4 Stars! This was a very creative look at what could have happened to the Neanderthals. All the characters provide a full array of personalities that keep the book interesting. The romance is based on the strong sexual tension and emotional pull between Max and Vivianne. While the physical aspects are primarily left to the reader's imagination, their feelings are openly demonstrated. The numerous subplots move the story and support the romantic plotline. But the originality of the story impresses me the most. Writers who can successfully finish the "what if" in a logical and fascinating way are few, but Ms. Knight succeeds here. COMPETITORS! is a great book for those who love a good suspense and a romantic twist, and those who enjoy a good romance with a well written paranormal base.--Coffee Time Romance Reviews

“A fun read I recommend to anyone who enjoys something different, something that offers a new outlook and new background for the characters. This tale fits into many genres and will provide hours of pleasant reading. Talented author Susanne Marie Knight gives us a multi-layered story and a new look at the mystery of the Neanderthal's disappearance. Or did they? Enjoy, I did.--Mysteryfiction.net

“COMPETITORS! is a fast paced read, with a very well written cast of characters that support and play up each other. Good attention paid to the details, so one can understand the differences between the characters and the races involved. Susanne Knight has granted her audience fantasy and mystery combined with a science fictional blend along with a romantic edge to satisfy most any readers taste.--TCM Reviews

I started reading [REGENCY SOCIETY REVISITED]. The first few pages promise as much entertainment as your COMPETITORS! gives.--J.C.

Thank you for writing this wonderful work!--M.M.

A group of Neanderthals has a mission among the modern human civilizations. That rarity, an original romance plot. Entertaining, too.--J.C.

I couldn't stop reading! Great book!--C.K.

Another winner and a great read it is!--K.S.

Oooh, sounds wonderful. I love this kind of book. L.D.

Congrats on COMPETITORS!--D.G.

Congrats on the new release!! It sounds great and paranormal is really hot--may Competitors! be a best-seller for you!--D.T.

I enjoyed reading COMPETITORS! Good job!--F. M.

COMPETITORS! was great fun to read.--O.C.

I'm really glad to see you have a new novel out. I looove your books!--M.B.

Thank you for an enjoyable read.--J.C.

I really enjoyed this book. I think this is the best one yet!--D.C.

Thank you for an enjoyable read.--J.Y.

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

Here are some real life connections in COMPETITORS! My major in college was anthropology; my area of interest: physical anthropology. This certainly helped with the premise of COMPETITORS! The book’s setting is in the Bronx, New York--my old neighborhood, in fact. And my apartment also was Number 17, same as Vivianne’s brother’s place.

The inspiration for Max’s cat in COMPETITORS! was my beloved Siamese kitty. He always liked to “sun” himself under the lamp on my desk and give advice whenever I got writer’s block.

Below is a passage from COMPETITORS! Scene Setup: Vivianne had just met a stranger, Max, and his “cousin” Nilda. He treats her to lunch and has a favor to ask.

The server returned and placed the charges on the table. Vivianne leaned over to get her bill.

"Nein. No, you must allow me." Holding out his hand for the bill, Max waited for her to obey. His eyebrows descended even further, almost hiding the color of his eyes. "You are my guest. I insist."

Nilda sat back down, transferring her gaze from Max to Vivianne. "Yes, you will quite insult him if you refuse."

Whoa. Vivianne fingered her earring a little nervously. "I thank you, really but I would feel better if I pay--"

"No. This is my, how do you say, my treat." He snatched the paper, then reached into his pocket and removed two hundred dollar bills out of a money clip.

Gosh, he was awfully high-handed, wasn't he? But why fight about it? "Well, thank you, Max. I enjoyed lunch."

Nilda had a one-track mind. She stood. "Now we go."

Vivianne glanced at the two hundreds. The total charge had come to a hundred bucks plus tax. Surely he wanted change?

Max smiled again, but this time, he looked amused. "You are concerned about my finances, ja? Too much of a tip, is that it, Vivianne?"

He tugged on Nilda's arm, pulling her back into her chair. "We wait for change."

Nilda looked as though she was readying to snort fire at Vivianne, but the woman restrained herself.

"Besides," Max leaned over, this time grasping Vivianne's hand and sandwiched it between his two huge ones, "I have a favor to ask of Vivianne."

Now Nilda squirmed in her chair.

Omigosh! Vivianne must've blushed vivid scarlet. His body warmth traveled up her arm and down her chest to settle in the most indecent places! Just what kind of favor was he asking?

"It concerns my cat."

"Your cat," she repeated, taken completely off guard.

"Ja. My cousin is kindly letting me stay with her during my visit, but the problem is my cat, Eins. I am afraid he is not used to sharing space with other animals, and Nilda has a dog."

Nilda made a gurgling noise, then quickly drank from a glass of water on the table.

With her hand still trapped, Vivianne wasn't able to think. She removed it and placed both hands in the safety of her lap. "Eins? Doesn't that mean 'one' in German?"

"True, number one. Eins thinks a lot of himself."

She laughed. She couldn't help it. Who would've imagined this mammoth guy under the paws of a housecat?

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

I hope you enjoy this intriguing tale and Vivianne and Max’s unusual story.

Happy reading,

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