The Scoop on THE CONTRARY CONTESSA
EPPIE Award Finalist for
Best Historical Romance
Writing my award-winning Regency romance, THE CONTRARY CONTESSA, was a labor of love. I wanted to have a different setting for this Regency, so the first part of the book is set in Sicily, with the latter taking place in York, England, which, as a side note, has the reputation of being the most haunted city in Europe.
I’ve
never been to Italy or Sicily, so getting the flavor of the land and
surroundings was the most difficult part. I do have an Italian and English
background, and I was happy to combine both heritages in this lively Regency!
This
novel deals with one man's prejudice against his own family. He has a ready
dislike of anything or anyone non-English, and when his father marries a lady
from Sicily... well, Robert Weston is seriously displeased. Too bad, says his
stepsister, Lexia Cappello, the Contessa di Fabrianni. Unaware of the Sicilian
tradition of "Fortuna"--true
love--Robert gave Lexia the four colors of roses--red, white, yellow, and pink.
She and he are destined to marry, no matter what he thinks!
PRIDE
AND PREJUDICE: Because of the Sicilian tradition of “Fortuna”, Lexia
Cappello believes she is destined to marry her stepbrother, the Marquess of
Rutherford. Robert Weston, however, has a ready dislike of anything or anyone
non-English. Can she convince this obstinate lord that his ignoble prejudice
stands in the way of his future happiness?
ALL
IN THE FAMILY: At first Robert Weston is annoyed, then intrigued by his
new-found Sicilian stepsister. The more he resists her, the more he finds he
yearns to possess her. Can he overcome his pride to admit the error of his ways
and win the Contrary Contessa’s heart?
I
truly enjoyed “living” in Lexia Cappello’s character. Out of all the heroines
in my books, I’d say she is the one most unlike me. What a saucy minx! As
you’ll find out, she has Robert Weston, the Marquess of Rutherford, wrapped
around her feminine, little finger. :))
THE CONTRARY CONTESSA is now available on Amazon.com, Smashwords.com, and Universal Link.
Lord Rutherford has no interest in marrying a
non-English matron, but how can he resist his captivating... and contrary
stepsister?
Amazon.com, Smashwords.com, and Universal Link
THE
CONTRARY CONTESSA has garnered an impressive list of awards and reviews. This
book was chosen as finalist in the prestigious EPPIE Awards (now EPIC eBook
Award) for Best Historical Romance.
Also, it was a Romance Reader at Heart Top Pick Award
Winner, in addition to being a #1 best
seller at Fictionwise.com and earning 5 stars at The Romance Studio and Romance
Junkies.
This
book is part of the prestigious Elegant Regencies line.
Below
is a picture of Lexia as a Cosmo Girl, using Cosmopolitan's Virtual Makeover
software. She’s perfect, don’t you think?!
For those of you who like
to read reviews, here they come!
5 Hearts! This is an
excellent Regency romance. It has a little bit of comedy and tons of romance.
The plot has some surprising and very pleasing twists. Robert, who is very
proper, and Lexia, who is quite bold, make an interesting pair. I highly
recommend this fun, entertaining story.-- The Romance Studio
Top Pick Award! Charming and
delightful! THE CONTRARY CONTESSA is well written and what I like to call
spicy! Lexia is a beautiful Sicilian spitfire who teaches Robert what it is to
love someone and accept them for who they are. Gina, Anthony, and Emma are
precious and precocious children who added a lot of fun to this story. I
absolutely loved this novel. Lexia is a very strong-willed woman who goes after
what she wants, which in this case is Robert. Robert had a lot to learn about
happiness and love, and thank goodness he realized that you don’t have to live
by society’s rules. The twist at the end was the perfect ending for this novel.
I cannot wait to read more from Susanne Knight.-- Romance Readers At Heart
5 Blue Ribbons! THE CONTRARY
CONTESSA will steal your heart with its humor and warmth. The impish but
delightful children provide plenty of laughs and tender moments as they help
Robert and Lexia to realize that nothing can stand in the way of true love.
Plus, there is a thrilling twist at the end of the story. Susanne Knight has
written a great story, filled with plenty of love, comedy, and desire. Italy
and England collide in this warm-hearted, romantic tale of true love, Italian
style.--Romance Junkies
THE
CONTRARY CONTESSA is a charming little Regency, with a twist. We also get the
pleasure of learning a bit of Italian culture with this one. Susanne Marie
Knight has done a wonderful job of blending the two cultures with the typical
results. The horror of the kitchen staff when a member of the nobility enters
the kitchen, and not only enters it, but proceeds to cook and clean up! The
characters are believable, from Robert’s dislike of anything not English, to
Lexia’s passionate nature. I really loved the character Zia Conchetta, Lexia’s
aunt. Taciturn and quiet by nature, she still manages to make her disapproval
known. If you enjoy a good Regency as much as I do, you don’t want to miss this
one!--PNR Reviews
4 Angels! This light-hearted romp is sure to put a smile on
readers' faces. Fate has led the pair together; the hero never knowing that he
set the course of his own destiny so many years before with his kind actions to
an injured little girl. The children are an enhancement to the tale, bring with
them a sense of hearty extended Italian family atmosphere to a man who was an
only child. Lexia's refreshing opinions about English conventionality and
straight-laced respectability are not expected in traditional Regency. She will
not be compromised in body or mind, yet her desires and needs shine through as
she tries to thaw the heart of the very English brother that she has always
seen as her destiny. A thoroughly enjoyable Regency romance!!--Fallen Angel Reviews
4 Roses! THE CONTRARY
CONTESSA is an enjoyable story with a few bumps and a twist thrown in to make
the lives of Robert, Lexia, and everyone around them a little more unexpected.
Well, with the three children that is a given. But throw into the mix an
elderly aunt, an almost fiancée and a very good friend that likes spewing
Shakespeare whenever he can, you aren’t quite sure what to expect. The antics
of the children are just that; children at play with Lexia right in there with
them with a few antics of her own. If you like to read a historical romance
that isn’t set in London but in the country that has a few ruts and bumps in
the story just like the road, then pick up THE CONTRARY CONTESSA.--A Romance
Review
THE CONTRARY CONTESSA is a pleasant way to pass the
day. Engaging characters account for much of the enjoyment. Lexia Capello
possesses a certain joie de vivre that is alluring to both readers and Robert.
She is vibrant and exotic; very different from the usual English miss. It is
highly amusing to see how Lexia disrupts Robert's conventional English life.
His household and his feelings are thrown into utter mayhem, but under her influence,
he loses his superior attitude and prejudice, and becomes more likable.
Contributing to the chaos in Robert's life are delightful secondary characters
such as his younger siblings. They are typical children, wreaking havoc with
their playful hijinks. THE CONTRARY CONTESSA is a light-hearted, feel good
romance, which I recommend to anyone in need of a quick pick me up.--Romance Reviews Today
Ms.
Knight has a real knack for creating distinctly unique characters. Her work is
filled with witty, fast paced and engaging dialogue from these fun, interesting
people. She obviously did her research well, giving the reader just enough
finely woven history and appropriate time and style details on fashion, art,
and architecture. The author has crafted a technically well written story
filled with lovely language. Satisfying, light entertainment.--NovelSpot
Romance Review
I really enjoyed THE CONTRARY CONTESSA!--P.R.
Lexia was a wonderful heroine! I just loved
her!--E.A.
I loved, loved THE CONTRARY CONTESSA. Susanne, you
are sooo good!--N.W.
Just finished THE CONTRARY CONTESSA and thoroughly
enjoyed it!!! I loved your use of the Italian words. It brought back
memories!--M.C.
I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed THE
CONTRARY CONTESSA. Great romance with lots of laughs, for the perfect
combination. Thanks for a great read.--S.W.
I really enjoyed the Italian slant of THE CONTRARY
CONTESSA! Never read anything like it before. Wonderful story!--M.C.
THE CONTRARY CONTESSA: An excellent story.--K.M.
I am a big fan of your writing. I think you are a
very good writer! You should be proud of your hard work, and also for all the
joy you bring us fans! Keep up the great work!--T.L.
For THE CONTRARY CONTESSA: Beautifully written.--G.M.
I very much enjoyed THE CONTRARY CONTESSA. It has a
great twist at the end.-- D.C.
I loved this book. Thank you!--B.R.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Here’s
an excerpt from THE CONTRARY CONTESSA that was inspired from real life. As a
child, I learned that it was a “sin” for food to grow cold. When called to
dinner, you didn’t dawdle in taking your place at the table. And so, this book
is dedicated to my mother “who knows pasta must always be served hot!”
In
the scene below, Robert and his friend James Dutton, have just arrived in
Sicily to bring Robert’s half siblings back to England. Robert is unaware that
his hostess for dinner is not only the Contessa di Fabrianni, but also his
stepsister, Lexia.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In the center area of the room stood an extended
oblong table, made of highly polished cherrywood. Seating for twelve, however
seven place settings presently were arranged on the sleek tabletop. A large
ceramic bowl of pasta was already placed near the plates, along a heaping
container of mouthwatering tomato sauce and small dishes of finely grated
cheese.
The combination of aromas tantalized his senses,
caressing him as a lover might, after a long abstinence.
Robert instinctively licked his lips.
“Ah, the signori are hungry, yes?”
To the side of him, poised by a larger painting of
the Venetian canals was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. As she
turned from the picture to face him, he drank in the sight of her. Dressed in
the finest French silk, the woman looked like the queen that he had only
minutes before made fun of. Her dark, shiny hair curled in ringlets, was piled
high on her head, and was set off with a gold star bandeau.
A pert nose, high cheekbones, and the largest,
luminous eyes in the world, the woman fluidly made her way to his side. The
motion caused the soft, rounded mounds of her breasts as revealed by her
modestly cut décolletage to quiver ever so slightly.
Faith, his mouth suddenly went dry. Dutton was also
affected, for he too remained owl-eyed and silent.
“Does no one speak? Is the conversation all up to
me?” She dimpled a smile at him.
That smile. Good Lord! She was the Contessa! Somehow
she had transformed her ragtag self into a Madonna worthy of every man’s
reverent worship. His wits gone begging, he struggled to hide his obvious
astonishment.
“With all due respect, Contessa, you are... you
are... so different.”
“Ah, Marquess, what sharp eyes you have.”
Damn it all, but Dutton laughed. Leaning over, he
whispered into Robert’s ear. “Street urchin, hey?”
The Contessa curved her lips into a Mona Lisa smile,
evidently overhearing. “Urchin, eh? That is not what the Marquess called me
earlier.”
Blast! Remembering his behavior in the kitchen,
Robert flushed. This girl/woman was sharp on the uptake, as sharp as a rapier’s
point, while he had displayed the rag manners of a bovine Cit. He could not
blame his conduct on the wine. His boorishness was his responsibility. His
alone.
With an elegant motion of her long-sleeved arm, she
gestured toward Dutton. “You are Signore Dutton, yes?”
His friend made a stately bow. “James Dutton, at your
service, ma’am. Thank you for your hospitality on such short notice.”
For the first time, her saucy smile seemed to reach
her eyes. She glided over to the table, her assurance evident in every step.
“Let us sit, signori. The pasta, it grows cold. In Sicily, there is no
worse fate.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The love of family and the
love of food are very important in Lexia’s world, and I like to say this
Regency is sprinkled with Sicilian cooking, giving it a special twist! If you
love Regency romance, this book’s for you! I hope you enjoy Lexia and Robert’s
story.
Susanne Marie Knight
Read outside the box: award-winning Romance Writing with a Twist!
