Monday, September 23, 2019

NEW and Coming Soon! A SESTERCE FOR HER THOUGHTS


A SESTERCE FOR HER THOUGHTS is coming your way! This new time-travel romance novel set in ancient Roman times will soon to be available at Amazon.com and Smashwords.com. Scheduled release date is October 2nd!

Short Blurb:
An ancient coin transports Olivia two thousand years back in time to the Roman invasion of Britannia and into the arms of a hunky legion commander!
  
Praise For A SESTERCE FOR HER THOUGHTS:

5 Sesterces... and 5 Stars! For a peek into a creative imagining of what may have happened two thousand years ago--an alternate reality, do yourself a favor and read A SESTERCE FOR HER THOUGHTS.--Just Imagine Fanzine

5 Stars! Quite a different read: part creative and part historical. Frankly, I enjoyed everything: we discover each piece of the puzzle, to then put it all together to learn the surprise twist... or twists at the end. Excellent!--Norwood Reviews

Soon to be available at Amazon.com and Smashwords.com.

Get your gladius (sword) ready because A SESTERCE FOR HER THOUGHTS will be coming your way soon! Stay tuned!

Susanne Marie Knight
Read outside the box: award-winning Romance Writing with a Twist!
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Tuesday, September 17, 2019

The Re-Buzz on A CONTINENTAL MARRIAGE-- Re-Released!!!


Golden Wings Award WINNER--Best Overall Historical Romance Read


I’m happy to announce that my popular Regency romance, A CONTINENTAL MARRIAGE, has now been re-released! My award-winning Regency romance, A CONTINENTAL MARRIAGE, holds a very special place in my heart. When you view the cover, you’ll understand why! But before I get into that, let’s look at the genesis of the story. I wanted to try my hand at writing a Regency with an American heroine as a contemporary with her Regency peers. The idea of feisty American pitted against a proper Englishman intrigued me. No time-travel is involved here. Since this Regency is set in 1814, the War of 1812 is raging behind the scenes. This seemed a perfect background for the heroine, Nicolette Turner, and hero, Victor Kincaid (Lord Cushing), to be at odds with each other for their external conflict.


Nicolette is summoned to travel across the Atlantic by her English grandfather, Lord Eldridge--a man who disinherited her beloved father. This novel takes place in Long Melford, Suffolk, and London, with a honeymoon trip to Southwold. I also wanted to have some of the characters from another one of my Regencies, The Reluctant Landlord, make a brief appearance. So in addition to creating Nicolette and Victor’s story, I had to decide where to introduce Katrina Jones and Quentin Thornhill, revisiting their personalities, along with a few of the other characters.


An American Rose: American Nicolette Turner has a bone to pick with the British. Not only is her country’s maritime rights being violated, but her English grandfather, Lord Eldredge, demands that she travel across the Atlantic to visit him. What she doesn’t know is that he intends for her to marry, thereby staying in England and having lots of babies.

The most eligible suitor is neighbor Victor Kincaid. Victor has severe money problems. Lord Eldredge offers to take care of the debts... if Victor marries Nicolette. At first Victor believes she’s a fortune-hunter, but soon becomes captivated by her. Can he convince her he wants more than a marriage of convenience?

A CONTINENTAL MARRIAGE was published by Wings Press and had been from the beginning. Here is the book trailer:




Music is by Kevin MacLeod, Two Together.


Previous Ebook Cover and Print Cover

I recently decided to have the rights returned to me for all my Wings ePress  books--a total of three. A CONTINENTAL MARRIAGE is the last to be re-released. It’s now available on Amazon.com and Smashwords.com!


This book has been on the publisher’s best-seller list and is a Golden Wings Award WINNER for Best Overall Historical Romance 2007. It has also been on the Fictionwise.com’s best-seller list and earned 5 Stars on Amazon.com and Joyfully Reviewed.




Lord Cushing proposes and Nicolette accepts… only because her grandfather’s money sweetens the deal. Where does love fit into this financial transaction?


This book is part of the prestigious Elegant Regencies line.



Also, a fan’s husband very kindly sent me a unique gift. His wife loves A CONTINENTAL MARRIAGE so he created this “First Day Of Issue” envelope to commemorate the book. There’s a bit of time-travel going on here, either that or precognition. In 1993, I hadn’t written this book yet; it was published in 2007!



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


Golden Wings Award WINNER--Best Overall Historical Romance Read


5 Stars! A story of misunderstandings and growing up is the easiest way to describe A Continental Marriage. It seems that Nicolette and Victor are never going to be able to be completely together due to one misunderstanding after an other, but the author does a very good job in showing how these misunderstandings are brought to light and reconciled. I think Ms. Knight has written a wonderful addition to the historical romance genre. She took the time to research how long correspondence would have taken as well as how expensive it might be etc… I was drawn into the story early on and I enjoyed the entire story. A Continental Marriage is a great addition to any historical romance fan’s library.--Joyfully Reviewed


5 Stars!--Amazon.com


4 Roses! Susanne Marie Knight just proved how talented of a writer she is with her new release, A CONTINENTAL MARRIAGE. I thoroughly enjoyed this sweetly written Regency about a marriage of convenience. It is definitely going to please the historical romance reader! I just loved Knight's writing style and voice. Just by words alone, she was able to transport me back in time to Regency England. I didn't feel like a spectator when reading her book; instead, I felt like I was part of the story! I love when an author can affect me like that. I have to admit that I like a well-written story about marriages where both the participants slowly fall in love with one another. Nicolette and Victor are both very likable and you can't help but feel sorry for their unfortunate circumstances. Even the eccentric secondary characters are likable and add additional flavor to this charming romance. I thoroughly enjoyed Susanne Marie Knight's historical romance, A CONTINENTAL MARRIAGE. It's a well-written story that this historical reader wouldn't hesitate to read again.--Romance Reader at Heart


4 Books! When Nicolette Turner is forced to travel across the sea into "enemy" territory, to England and the estranged grandfather she blames for her family's hardships, she has no idea what awaits her. Her cantankerous grandfather is the least of her problems. English snobbery...gossiping tongues... and worst, the handsome baron who lives next to her grandfather’s estate, who seems to think Nicolette is a money-grubbing, uncultured savage from the backwoods of America. From almost the first page of A Continental Marriage, I felt a connection with Nicolette. Though pretty and spirited, as any romance heroine should be, she did not come across as a cliche. I loved the way she thumbed her nose at a wealthy society who looked down on her merely because she was not English. But I also liked the way the author gave her a soft and vulnerable side. It gave her a well rounded believability which is all important for me, as a reader. I really felt I was there, living out this adventure, and I really enjoyed falling in love with the handsome Victor Kincaid. There were a few mild curses, but much less than you’d probably see in an hour of regular TV. And best of all, the focus was on the romance that developed between the two main characters, without the panting and groaning that make some romances feel more like a really bad prank call. The romantic tension was there without all that stuff, and a better story for it. A delightful read.--Long and Short Reviews


Susanne Marie Knight's romances have an imagination that sets them apart.--D.L.


Recommended reading! A CONTINENTAL MARRIAGE, LOVE AT THE TOP, and LORD DARVER'S MATCH. I thoroughly enjoyed these books.--M.T.


I enjoyed A CONTINENTAL MARRIAGE so much, I'm giving this book to my friend!--H.B.


Beautiful cover! Perfect for Regencies.--E.A.


This is a wonderful story! I truly enjoyed A CONTINENTAL MARRIAGE.--L.B.


I really enjoyed this book. It's a great story!--M.C.


I loved this one! Glad to see the characters for THE RELUCTANT LANDLORD. It's always nice to visit with characters we loved from past books.--L.H.


Oh, I fell in love with Victor and Nicolette! Thank you for a great read.--S.C.


I've been waiting for this book. Love the cover!--B.K.

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

Now for the big reveal... and a tidbit from real life! Nicolette is referred to as an American rose. In one of my daughter’s high school graduation pictures, she’s in a country setting and is holding a red rose. I couldn’t resist; I submitted the photo to the cover artist. She agreed with me that this picture would make a perfect cover for A Continental Marriage. As you see the result, it’s a beautiful fit!


Scene set-up: The following shows the first instance where Nicolette--or Lady Nicolette as she is now known--is referred to as an American rose. The scene is in Victor Kincaid’s (Lord Cushing’s) point of view. He meets her for the first time and disapproves of her. The Duke of Devonshire (actual person) and the Earl of Eldridge (Nicholette’s grandfather) also are included.


Nicolette now sat next to the Duke of Devonshire, looking as attentive as any of the debutantes hungrily eying the bachelor duke. Perhaps her previous consternation had been all a ruse. Was she angling to become a duchess?


Victor joined in their conversation.


“Oh, hallo, Cushing.” The duke scratched at his auburn hair. “I was just telling Lady Nicolette that I regret I must take my leave tomorrow and return to London. Lord Liverpool has requested my presence.”


“Blasted politics,” Lord Eldridge chimed in. “Congress of Vienna just opened, you know. Castlereagh’s there to represent British interest against those Frenchies.”


Victor winced. Did Lord Eldredge forget his granddaughter was half French? “Lord Castlereagh’s our foreign secretary, Lady Nicolette,” he explained. “Now that Bonaparte has been banished to the island of Elba--”


“I’m knowledgeable on current affairs, Lord Cushing.” She sent him a freezing glare. “And Lord Liverpool is your prime minister. I do try to read the newspaper every day. After all, your country is still at war with mine, isn’t it?”


The Duke of Devonshire clapped his hands together. “Touché, Cushing, touché! Our American rose has got you dead to rights.” He inclined his head. “I do hope, my dear, with all my heart that we can also be done with this war as we are now through with Emperor Bonaparte.”


She extended her small hand. “I hope as you do, your grace, and I also hope you have a pleasant journey tomorrow.”


After the duke shook her hand, she stood and raised her voice to carry through the room. “Good night, everyone. It was very nice to meet you all.” As she glanced down at Victor, her expression hardened. Obviously she had not enjoyed meeting him.


Victor sat back and watched the enticing sway of her figure as she walked out of the drawing room. This American rose might be a beauty, but she also showed she carried a few thorns.

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

I hope you enjoy Nicolette and Victor’s story!


Happy reading,


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

Monday, September 9, 2019

The Re-Buzz on ALIEN HEAT--Re-Released!!!


Hurray! My popular science fiction futuristic romance is now re-released on Amazon.com and Smashwords.com.

So, how did I come up with ALIEN HEAT’s storyline? Well, I got the idea for this novel when I came across a cover story in the magazine U.S. News and World Report. The feature was on global warming. I theorized: what if this warming was due to villainous extraterrestrial factors, not just because of manmade conditions like automobile exhaust? Then I researched the 1994 crash of comet Shoemaker-Levy into Jupiter. I proposed that this could happen to the planet Venus, with the force of impact sending fragments of Venus out into space which then eventually collided with Earth. In addition to a dramatic climate change, there’d have to be significant damage to civilization. With that kind of trauma, cultures and countries usually become divided, so now I had the “primitive” villagers clashing with the more technologically advanced people of the territory now known as Canusa. Throw in colonizing Venusian flowers and you have ALIEN HEAT!

AN ALIEN INVASION
A cataclysmic bombardment by meteorites drastically alter Earth's atmosphere... and bring strange alien plants that have a mind of their own. Because of “mutant” powers, only Glyneth recognizes the threat these Venusian flowers pose not just to humans, but to Earth itself.

AN HONORABLE DILEMMA
Major Lucas Jefferson reluctantly abducts Glyneth as a breeder for his country. But "Lady Bulldog" teaches him that might is not always right. Can he learn from this villager to fulfill the ancient prophecy of uniting the old ways with the new?

World-building in science fiction stories can be very difficult to write about. Creating and populating a believable world and culture from scratch takes some heavy research and imagination. For ALIEN HEAT, I had to propel myself into the distant future and envision a scenario where Earth is recovering from being bombarded by fragments of Venus. Climate and civilization, as we know it, has been drastically altered.

In addition, since this novel is a romance, a major focus must be on a relationship between a couple... human or otherwise, while the science fiction portion explores the effects of science on some aspect of humanity. In ALIEN HEAT, the romantic conflict is between “uncivilized” villager Glyneth and Major Lucas Jefferson, an “Outsider” from a technologically advanced culture. The science fiction portion deals with the invasion by heat-producing plants intent on turning Earth into another Venus.

ALIEN HEAT was published by Wings ePress and had been with them for many years. Here’s what one editor said about it: “A good example of [crossing genres] is ALIEN HEAT by Susanne Marie Knight which is a Futuristic/SF book. It has appeal to both audiences because of the way Susanne has woven her story using a mix of both genres.”

High praise indeed! ALIEN HEAT had been a best-seller at Wings ePress and on Fictionwise.com. It’s garnered 5 and 4 star reviews on Goodreads, and 4 ½ and 4 stars at review sites: A Romance Review and Romance Junkies. ALIEN HEAT’s beautiful cover was also nominated for the 2005 Quasar Award! Here it is, below:


 All women love these flowers... but the feeling's *not* mutual.


ALIEN HEAT was also featured at the 2006 Booklovers Conference in Wiesbaden, Germany!


I recently decided to have the rights returned to me for all my Wings ePress  books--a total of three. ALIEN HEAT is the second to be re-released. It’s now available on Amazon.com and Smashwords.com.



What happens when an “uncivilized” villager matches wits with a handsome warrior... AND strange, heat-producing plants intent on turning Earth into another Venus?


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


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


5 Stars!--Goodreads

4 1/2 STARS! There are plots of revenge, attempted murder and hatred intertwined in ALIEN HEAT. There is also the blossoming of love between Lucas and Glyneth, and a few others as well. The interaction between the main characters, Lucas, Glyneth, Hawke, Will, and Sylvie was something to see. Will was a riot and the play between the three men was interesting... If you haven't read anything by Ms. Knight, you don't know what you are missing.--A Romance Review

I found Susanne Marie Knight’s ALIEN HEAT to be very imaginative. Knight’s plot is like no other I’ve read, which is really saying a lot considering that I deem reading the ultimate pastime. The villainous aliens in ALIEN HEAT come in an unexpected form, and the vastness of the futuristic detail was mind-boggling. ALIEN HEAT was very entertaining.--The Road To Romance

4 Stars! Susanne Marie Knight has an interesting take on the future of the world with aliens from Venus thrown in to heat it up. I really loved the way she pulled modern day facts into the story to put a realistic tint to it. Her characters grab you and pull you through the story not letting go until the last page. Once again Ms. Knight hits the jackpot with a compelling story and life-like characters. So much happens in ALIEN HEAT that I only touched on some of its aspects. What an incredible journey it is. ALIEN HEAT is not to be missed, in this reviewer’s humble opinion. Romance Junkies

Susanne Marie Knight has woven a story of a troubled Earth, invasion by an alien species, and the mysteries of some ancient lore to produce a captivating tale of romance and danger in a post-apocalyptic world. The devastating impact of a comet has left the word divided, and its people scattered. Small pockets of civilization remain in differing levels of civilization, and through them, the diversification of the populations survive. ALIEN HEAT is just that...it is alien, and it is heated. It takes you from the bride markets of Columont, to the vast stretches of desert that is slowly devouring the newly recovering earth. Treachery and death stalk the lovers, and the destruction of civilization, and even the world as they know it now hands in the balance. The premise in Susanne Marie Knight's story is no different than told in many a sci-fi thriller, but in the telling, we see the difference. ALIEN HEAT focuses on the powers of magic, love, and the intentions of honorable men and women to not only save their society, but the very world on which they live. After a bit of a slow start, the reader gets quickly wrapped up in the intrigue of the court, the plans on both sides of the battle, and can feel the thrill of the impending conclusion. The ultimate question is answered in the long run...[and] the reader is a winner.--Romance At Heart

I was totally intrigued by this book. When we think of aliens the first thought that pops into our heads is little green men that walk on two legs with big, bulging eyes. Susanne Knight shows in this book that our alien friends could be in the form of something innocent looking like flowers. Absolutely brilliant!--Paula Beaty Reviews

ALIEN HEAT is a remarkable example of science fiction romance. Ms. Knight has set her novel in Earth’s future, used much of its history and technology, but given it a special twist and then stayed within the rules of her world. Glyneth and Lucas are wonderfully dimensional characters, each bound to their own path, each aware of who and where they stand in the world. I especially loved the reason the women were infertile. It was so unexpected and different. Don’t miss.--In The Library Reviews

This is a good story with several plot lines that keep things moving. Good humor, fun characters, and playful dialogue. This would make a good science fiction film plot, particularly with the plants as enemies, able to release carbon dioxide gas in big enough quantities to kill a person or use their roots to cause earthquakes. The parts in the story where the plants conspired, “speaking” with each other were particularly well done. This was a good book, a fun read, and well worth looking for. Good job, Ms. Knight.--SFR Reviews

Once again Susanne Knight produces as interesting and thoroughly entertaining paranormal romance, one that fans of science fiction should enjoy, also. I appreciated that though there is plenty of action and evil intentions in this story, the violence is minimal. I also was impressed at the way the human villain reacted to his punishment. I felt the way the invaders were dealt with was justifiable. The story kept up its momentum to the very end, which was quite satisfying.--Paranormal Romance Reviews

Found on the Web: Science Fiction Romance's article with Wings Press editor Leslie Hodges. Here's what Ms. Hodges says about ALIEN HEAT: I am always looking for good, well-crafted stories, no matter what the genre. Here in my department, we love cross-genre tales, and all levels of romantic involvement. More and more authors are crossing genres and the result has been some wonderfully well-crafted stories that appeal to fans of both genres.  A good example of this would be ALIEN HEAT by Susanne Marie Knight which is a Futuristic/SF book. It has appeal to both audiences because of the way Susanne has woven her story using a mix of both genres [science fiction and romance]. 

Susanne Marie Knight has woven a story of a troubled Earth, invasion by an alien species, and the mysteries of some ancient lore to produce a captivating tale of romance and danger in a post-apocalyptic world. The reader gets quickly wrapped up in the intrigue of the court, the plan on both sides of the battle, and can feel the thrill of the impending conclusion. The reader is a winner. Look for ALIEN HEAT today.--Romance at Heart (Heartstrings)

I am not usually a futuristic romance reader, but I must admit to enjoying ALIEN HEAT. Susanne Marie Knight took a unique idea and created a fascinating novel. I loved her plant from Venus. I also enjoyed the twists Ms. Knight added to the storyline. ALIEN HEAT has several surprises that are revealed as the story unfolds.--Writers Unlimited

ALIEN HEAT is one of the most unusual after-the-world’s end novels I have ever read. The comet hitting Venus, and the Venusian fragments hitting Earth is terrific. The interplay between the characters is good and Gwyneth being a mutant is an excellent ingredient. I happily recommend ALIEN HEAT.--The Romance Studio

This book was a mix of romance and sci-fi. The author has many surprises in store for the reader. The book has many twists and turns involving the main characters. The author has woven an intricate tale of the futuristic Earth and the people who populate it.--Love Romances

ALIEN HEAT is well-written. Glyneth and Lucas are interesting characters with hidden depths and emotions. Susanne Marie Knight writes an interesting tale. Grab a copy of ALIEN HEAT.--Romance Reviews Today

I found Susanne Marie Knight's ALIEN HEAT to be very imaginative.--J.G.

I'm excited to read this title [Alien Heat]! I would like to use it for my book club that meets at Barnes & Noble Santa Barbara!--M.T.

Love time travel and your book Alien Heat--S.K.

This is a really good book. This story helped convince me that I wasn't the only person in the world that loved futuristics!--R.F.

Man, I just have to get this book!--A.V.

I enjoyed ALIEN HEAT.--R.F.

My favorite book of yours is ALIEN HEAT.--R.D.

ALIEN HEAT--What a fabulous read!--C.L.

I'm waiting for the time when I will read ALIEN HEAT. All books of Susanne are fantastic.--K.B.

ALIEN HEAT is getting great reviews!--M.B.

Extremely well-written story, good plot, and interesting read!--R.L.

ALIEN HEAT really surprises the reader!--R.R.

My friend and I really enjoyed your book. And we look forward to many more.--P.C.

ALIEN HEAT is a great read!--G.M.

Great read! I really enjoyed ALIEN HEAT. You're a great writer!--C.L.

What a fab read!--C.H.

I love this story!--L.H

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Now for a quick example from real life that I used in ALIEN HEAT. The secondary character, Lieutenant Will Flagg, was inspired by a boy I knew in seventh grade. Thinking of him, I generated this passage:

"There were two things Will Flagg hated above all else. The first was to be called 'short.' The second was to be a disappointment to someone he thought highly of. Unfortunately, the latter was just about to happen."

For plenty of ALIEN HEAT (!) I hope you read this out-of-this-world science fiction romance and enjoy Glyneth and Lucas’ story.

Happy reading,

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