The Scoop on: THE BLOODSTAINED BISTRO

Writing a series had been on my to-do list for a while. But what kind of series and what would it feature? After some thought, I decided to do a murder mystery series with romance mixed in, along with the character solving a murder. Voilà! The Minx Tobin Murder Mystery Series was born with THE BLOODSTAINED BISTRO as the first case.

Who is Minx Tobin, you ask? Minx is a fitness instructor newly relocated to Los Angeles, California, who has a knack for solving puzzles--puzzles concerning dead bodies. For fun, romance, and... unexpected corpses, follow her adventures in this murder mystery series!

For the Minx Tobin series, I like to plot a story on the basis of the title. I also enjoy the challenge of creating a meaningful title with the two words starting with the same letter. Strange but true! Beginning this series is The Bloodstained Bistro. Naturally, the bistro location figured prominently in the book.

TO LIVE... AND DIE IN L.A.

Newly relocated Minx Tobin likes to help her friends. She also has a knack for solving puzzles. A huge puzzle in the form of a dead body soon gets dropped into her lap. Did waitress Brandi Evans murder her ex-boyfriend? Minx doesn't think so, but can she crack the Case of the Bloodstained Bistro?

             Overworked homicide lieutenant Gabe Harris has his fill of women... and dead bodies. The women he can handle. The dead bodies -- unfortunately they keep piling up. But on this particular case he meets a young woman that not only impedes his investigation, but she also has no interest in him. A healthy ego like his can't handle that. He'll have to keep an eye on Ms. Minx Tobin.

Here’s a picture of me conferring with the legendary detective, Sherlock Holmes on Minx Tobin’s latest case! 

Eating at Valentin's Bistro can be hazardous to amateur detective Minx Tobin's health, so why does she continue to dine at this restaurant?

Amazon.com and Smashwords.com and Universal Link

Click here to view the popular book trailer for THE BLOODSTAINED BISTRO, with the original publisher: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIPP0MJtnTs

This book is part of the Intriguing Mysteries line.

Here are some fabulous reviews:

4 Stars! Minx stirs the pot in a romantic suspense that will have you turning the page. Knight's story is a delightful feast for the suspense lover's soul. The writing is crisp, and the cast of characters are entertaining. [She] has created a vibrant and dynamic cast of characters. Each character has a distinctive voice... The novel is sweet for romance readers with Gabe and Minx sharing a tender touch. THE BLOODSTAINED BISTRO takes the reader along for the ride with Minx in the driver's seat.--Sally Pink Reviews.

4 Stars! Knight's story is a delightful feast for the suspense lovers’ soul. The writing is crisp, and the cast of characters are entertaining. The novel is sweet for romance readers with Gabe and Minx sharing a tender touch. "The Bloodstained Bistro" takes the reader along for the ride with Minx in the driver's seat.--EZine Articles.

Minx Tobin is caught in the middle of a murder when a customer of the Elite Exercise Emporium is arrested. She is sure the young woman didn't do it and begins to ask questions. However, her sleuthing brings her to the attention of Lieutenant Gabe Harris and there is something about him that annoys Minx. And Gabe deliberately bugs her by using her first name, something she considers bad manners. This is the first in the Minx Tobin series by talented author Susanne Marie Knight and you'll be waiting for the next one, just to see what happens next. The hint of romance blended in, promise sparks will fly. I'm pleased to recommend The Bloodstained Bistro to any mystery fan. The interesting settings and characters will keep you reading. Enjoy. I did.--Mysteryfiction.net.

5 Stars! A nice way to pass the time!--Reader Comment

I LOVE THIS BOOK!!! I can't tell you how much I enjoyed THE BLOODSTAINED BISTRO--it's fantastic! And I'm so excited to read the next book in the series. All the characters are wonderful!-- Reader Comment

4 Stars! This book is one that is a good way to spend a few hours on a cold winter day. Not a cliffhanger.--Amazon.com Reviews

4 Stars! Good ending. Kept me guessing until the end.--Amazon Reviews.

Minx and Gabe are a match made in heaven. I love mysteries. Combined with romance, they are irresistible. Luck in all you do.--Reader Comment 

Your mystery series is great!--Reader Comment

Susanne's new book is 'GREAT'!! VERY interesting! Congratulations to Susanne!--Reader Comment

I have been wanting to read this book, Susanne. I can't wait!-- eader Comment

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Now for the slices of real life. Inspiration for Minx came from my own fitness background; I worked behind the scenes for an exercise program shown on public television. This experience also came in handy when I wrote my English murder mystery TAINTED TEA FOR TWO. I always admired personal fitness trainers who made exercise look so easy!

And speaking of personal, Minx Tobin’s stomach tends to talk when she’s hungry. I confess; mine does too! This can be embarrassing, but does serve a purpose when advancing the story line. Here’s an example. Minx is getting ready to leave L.A.P.D Headquarters when Homicide Lieutenant Gabe Harris walks over to her car in the parking lot.

Harris nodded. "What are you doing at headquarters?"

"Leaving." Minx’s actions weren't any of his business, thank goodness.

He folded his arms across his chest, and for some reason, she reconsidered her answer. Maybe he subtly intimidated her. "I thought I'd visit Brandi Evans to cheer her up, but she's at the medical clinic."

There. Minx fulfilled her duty as obedient citizen, didn't she? As she extended her arm with the key toward the car lock, her stomach growled. Loudly. Loud enough to be heard. She felt herself flush.

"Hungry?" he asked with a touch of humor lightening his voice.

Why bother answering the obvious? She turned the key in the lock. Her stomach spoke again.

From out of the blue, Harris said, "I'll take you to dinner."

She bristled. "Will you?" The nerve of the man! He just assumed she would acquiesce, that she'd be grateful. He didn't ask her, he told her. Well, he had another thing coming.

"I'm not that hungry, Lieutenant." Unfortunately, her traitorous tummy denied her words. She finished unlocking the car door, looking for a swift escape.

He leaned closer, and she could smell his masculine scent. Her heart beat faster. Why? Anticipation?

"Look, Ms. Tobin, I'm off duty. I need dinner and so do you. Why don't we eat together?"

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

I hope you enjoy Minx and Gabe’s adventures. There are lots more surprises in store for them as the series progresses. There are seven cases in the series. Book Number Two is THE ILL-GOTTEN INSURANCE.

Happy Reading!

Susanne Marie Knight

http://www.susanneknight.com

Read outside the box: award-winning Romance Writing with a Twist!

The Scoop on UNCOVERING CAMELOT

I’ve always been mesmerized by the mystical tale of King Arthur and Camelot. Honestly, who isn’t intrigued by this long ago tale? Is King Arthur real? Is the story truly magic or just a tale imagined by a wandering troubadour? Writing about this fascinating legend was something I’d wanted to explore for a long time. When I learned--just by chance (or was it??)--that there was a Stonehenge Memorial in Washington State, well, that sealed the deal for me!

Although many authors use the five elements of writing fiction: Who, What, When, Where, and Why to lead to the sixth element--Plot--I usually do the reverse. I come up with the plot, the idea of a story, and then decide the who, what, when, where, and why after that. So the idea was to write a fantasy romance based on the folklore of King Arthur, but to give it a modern twist.

A VACATION RUINED

Heather Woods suddenly learns her boyfriend, Connor, cancelled their summer plans. Determined to forget about him, she visits her flaky godmother, Nerissa, instead, for an impromptu vacation. Nerissa insists that Heather has a healing gift, something Heather doesn’t believe. But when she experiences visions... hallucinations... or whatever her jaunts back to Camelot are, she fears for her sanity. Meeting a man that might actually be Merlin the magician, and his very attractive nephew, Matthew, along with assorted other characters convince Heather that she’s in the middle of a strange, metaphysical phenomenon.

A VACATION CHANGED

Judge Matthew Limner also finds his vacation plans changed. He receives a call from a long-lost Uncle Mallory--so long-lost that he hadn’t even known Mallory existed. Mallory flies in from London, and expects to go sightseeing with Matthew. Resigned, Matthew plays the host. First stop: the Stonehenge Memorial in southern Washington. A chance encounter--or is it?--with Nerissa and Heather convince Matthew that something much more than coincidence is happening in this tiny corner of the world.

An urgent summons resurrects Merlin the magician to once again meddle in the affairs of men.

Amazon.com, Smashwords.com, and Universal Link

 
UNCOVERING CAMELOT is available at Amazon.com and Smashwords.com and Universal Link in addition to other internet locations. It’s received great reviews including 5 Stars on Amazon!

This book is part of the Magical Fantasies line.
 
Here’s a real life connection. A chance remark by a friend about being the youngest child in a family of seven daughters set me to thinking. Seven daughters conjured up fairy tales I’d read growing up. The hero of the fairy tale was often the seventh son of the seventh son. I couldn’t ignore this opportunity. My heroine, Heather Woods, had to be the seventh daughter of the seventh daughter, thereby enabling her to have a magical experience.
 
Also, since the Stonehenge replica built in Washington State plays an important role in the novel, I had to go on a field trip. I found the monument lovely, eerie, and quite desolate.

Visiting Goldendale and Maryhill, Washington where the Memorial is located, also gave me a chance to wander through the beautiful Maryhill Museum. Here I across a lovely sculpture that I incorporated into the story. 

Scene Set-up: On the grand lawn of the Maryhill Museum, Heather walks with Desmond Redmord, a man with an uncanny resemblance to Camelot’s Mordred, Arthur’s nephew and illegitimate son.

Desmond pointed at a beautiful glass sculpture, wavy with multicolored stalks as if imitating a living plant. Sitting on a blanket just beyond the chained area around the sculpture was a dark-haired woman. Her hair was so dark as to be midnight black--long and flowing. She stared at Heather with a gaze as piercing as Desmond’s. Her vivid red lips were turned into a petulant frown. 

Heather gulped down unease. Did she really want to meet Moriah Redmord, a woman who just might’ve been the reincarnation of the medieval witch, Morgeuse?

I hope you enjoy Heather and Matthew’s magical story.

Susanne Marie Knight

http://www.susanneknight.com

Read outside the box: award-winning Romance Writing with a Twist!

The Scoop on: THE QUESTING BOX

The Scoop on: THE QUESTING BOX

THE QUESTING BOX is now available in Portuguese, with the title: A CAIXA MÁGICA!!

Part of the fun of starting a new book is doing the research for it. In my popular five star Regency time-travel, THE QUESTING BOX, I needed a “device” that would send twenty-first century Rae Santini back to Regency England. I decided on a mysterious box that was an heirloom for her family. This box would be called, naturally, a questing box.

The act of going on a quest is a journey of self-discovery. Questing involves leaving the known world to explore one’s spiritual roots, obtain healing and knowledge, and then hopefully, return home with these new understandings. The Gypsy culture plays an important role in this novel, and to help me with this, I obtained a really cool resource book, GYPSIES OF BRITAIN, by Brain Vesley-Fitzgerald. That book and the internet gave me insights into the Romani people and their language that in turned, helped to give life to my characters.

TAKING A CHANCE--TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY STYLE--

As the adult child of an alcoholic, Rae Santini struggles with unnecessary guilt. If only she was a better person. If only she could have helped her father. If only he hadn’t died. So when a Questing Box comes her way, she longs to turn back the clock to save him. But she had been just eight at the time of his death; she hadn’t been ready to embark upon a healing journey. Eighteen years later, the mysterious box is gifted to her. She figures she has nothing to lose so she opens the box... 

TAKING A CHANCE--NINETEENTH CENTURY STYLE--

James Bonnell, the Earl of Blackburne, dreads returning to his family’s estate for Christmas. His parents, the Marquess and Marchioness of Litchfield, not only belittle his political career, but most urgently insist that he marry to beget an heir. As it turns out, he had intended to bring home a bride, however the “lady” in question is too free with her favors. Disheartened, James is on his way to Litchfield when he encounters an unconscious Rae. He quickly bundles her up and takes her to a nearby Gypsy encampment. A risky idea then comes to mind. Perhaps this attractive wood nymph will consent to a masquerade and act as his countess... just for the holidays?

Rae Santini plans to go on a quest to heal herself. What she doesn’t know is that she must travel back to the past to do it.

Amazon.com and Smashwords.com and Universal Link

THE QUESTING BOX is available at Amazon.com , Smashwords.com, and Universal Link in addition to other internet locations. It’s has earned multiple 5 star reviews at Amazon.com and Goodreads and has quickly become a reader favorite!

This book is part of the prestigious Elegant Regencies line.

Here are some fabulous reviews:

FIVE STARS! I just love time travel romance... This book is just what I needed, a true time travel romance, none of that crazy stuff. Great story and I loved every minute. The Main Booklover

FIVE STARS! Enjoyed the story. I would recommend this book to anyone. I will be looking forward to any other books from this author that are at least like time travel. T. N.

FIVE STARS! I love time travel romance; Somewhere in Time is my very favorite movie. This book by Susanne Knight ranks right up there. Once you start, you won't be able to put it down! Do yourself a favor and indulge in this one. You won't be sorry! N. N.

FOUR STARS! A trip through time! I really enjoyed this book. I enjoy time travel romances and this was a great book to read on a quiet afternoon. C. G.

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

Here’s a tidbit from real life. In THE QUESTING BOX, Rae reconnects with her childhood by joining a Regency skating party. She’d first lived in the Northeast where snow is plentiful, and then later moved to Miami. No snow there! So when she finds herself on James’ father’s estate with its own private lake, she’s delighted to try skating again. I also grew up in the Northeast where I learned to skate, too. Then later, I moved to Miami--no ice skating there! However, now that I live in the Pacific Northwest, I’m not as brave as Rae. There will be no more ice skating parties for me!

Below is a picture of a typical Regency outing. The men have on skates--sharp double-edged blades with metal soles that were secured by leather straps--while the woman seated in a chair on the ice is pushed around by her escort. 

Drawn by Diana Sperling, 1/2/1817

The following passage describes Rae’s first try on the ice.

Concentrating her gaze on the solid ice below, Rae first took mincing steps. With James’ encouragement, she slowly lengthened her stride. The path of her skating blades cut incredibly fine particles of ice, sending splashes of ice outward, almost like a mist. The noise of her skates, along with James’ skates and the others’, combined into cutting, scraping sounds that then echoed out from the lake and up to the icy trees of the woods.

“Oh, James! Skating is just as I remembered. It’s so exhilarating!”

His emerald green eyes sparkled as brightly as the morning dew. “I am happy if you are happy.”

Happy didn’t even begin to describe what she was feeling. It was as if she’d been transported to her childhood in Boston, to when she and her father had skated together. Back then, her father had taught her but, sooner than she’d wanted, he had insisted she go solo.

Now was her time to go solo again. 

“I’m going to spread my wings now.” Pulling away from James’ arm, she took even longer strides. She quickly reached the next grouping of pine trees, circled around to face him, and then, with a swoosh, came to a stop.

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

I hope you enjoy Rae and James’ love story.

For freebies connected with THE QUESTING BOX, be sure to click on the Freebie Page on my website during the month of May 2026 and download a special recipe, trading card, and more! 

Susanne Marie Knight

http://www.susanneknight.com

Read outside the box: Award-winning Romance Writing with a Twist!

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

The Scoop On REDEMPTION: Doctor Harrison’s Second Chance

Maybe you recognize the name: Doctor Harrison. If you do, then you’re familiar with the Sedona West Mysteries, a three book murder mystery series. In it, our heroine, Sedona West, is recovering from a nasty divorce, and then also has to handle being involved in not one murder, but too many murders. She also is in a candy store phase of meeting possible love interests. Doctor Harrison Oakdale is a serious contender for Sedona’s hand, but as it so happens (spoiler alert!) he loses out to Doug Marino, sheriff.

Harrison is a really good guy, and many readers... including to myself... felt that he deserves his own book. After a few years, I decide to tackle the good doctor’s story. Here’s what I came up with:

A SECOND CHANCE AT LOVE

Over a year ago, clinical psychologist Doctor Harrison Oakdale came in second with the woman of his heart, Sedona West. Determined to move on from his deeply felt loss, he agrees to be the celebrity star on a luxury cruise to the Mexican Riviera. By chance--or is it?--the temporary radio producer for his “Ask Doctor Harrison” radio talk show is a woman he’s extremely attracted to. The more he sees Luisa, the more he wants her. However, Luisa turns out to be the woman whose life was unalterably destroyed one year ago because of his off-the-cuff professional advice. How can Harrison convince his Lovely Luisa that she and he are meant to be together?

A SECOND CHANCE AT TRUST

Life hasn’t been good to Luisa Perrine. Dumped by her cheating fiancé two weeks before the wedding, fired from her job, forced to move from her apartment, she is ready for a fresh start. Two temporary jobs suddenly fall into her lap: being an assistant cruise director for an ocean liner and working as a radio producer for the ship’s celebrity guest: Doctor Harrison Oakdale. Harrison is a dream to work for... well, truthfully, he’s a dream come true. And, surprisingly, he’s interested in her. Except... there’s something about him that is too good to be true. He’s hiding something--something big. Can Luisa put the past behind her and learn to trust her new lover? 

 

A cruise to the Mexican Riviera brings unexpected love to Doctor Harrison Oakdale. Will he be able to convince Lovely Luisa to take a chance on him?

 

Amazon.com, Smashwords.com, and Books2read.com Universal Link.

Print at Amazon.

 
Check out these wonderful reviews:
 
* 5 Stars! Take a cruise to the Mexican Riviera and find true love? Sign me up! While REDEMPTION isn’t in the mystery genre, the book’s main character, Doctor Harrison Oakdale, is also a main character in the Sedona West Mystery series. Spoiler alert: he wasn’t the man Sedona West chose. He’s a great guy, and I always wondered if Ms. Knight would revisit his character. She does, and in REDEMPTION, he receives his redemption, and also a new love, however the dear man might possibly screw things up. This is a stand-alone read; no need to read the three-book Sedona West collection, but naturally, I’m partial to this 5 star series. REDEMPTION is a perfect completion for these wonderful characters --Mystery Maven’s Reviews
 
* 5 Kisses! Fate works in strange ways in the contemporary romance, REDEMPTION. Doctor Harrison Oakdale (one of the main characters in the Sedona West Mystery series) is asked by a less-than-honorable man to give free advice concerning an upcoming marriage to an unwanted fiancée. Harrison reluctantly offers his opinion. A year later, he runs into this discarded fiancée on a luxury cruise to Mexico. He falls for Luisa before he learns her identity. When Luisa finds out Harrison was the one responsible for her aborted marriage, well... all hell breaks loose! For a delicious second chance at love, pick up your copy of REDEMPTION!--The Romance Guide
 
This book is part of the Romantic Contemporaries line.
 
REDEMPTION: Doctor Harrison's Second Chance features Doctor Harrison Oakdale, a major character in the three books of the Sedona West Mystery series. This is a stand-alone novel however, for full enjoyment of Doctor Harrison's situation, be sure to read: the Sedona West Mysteries, available in one collection at Amazon or read the three books of the series: SLEEPING WITH THE FISHES, BREAKS AN EGG, and PUSHES UP DAISIES.
 
Real life tidbit: Okay, for various reasons, I haven’t been on a cruise for many years. But I want to. Fingers crossed it will happen soon. So when crafting REDEMPTION: Doctor Harrison’s Second Chance, I chose a cruise to Mexico for the setting. I combined my experiences on my very first cruise (to Bermuda) and also a cruise to Mexico, with ports of call in Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas as Harrison also travels to.

On my first cruise, the Captain’s welcome aboard party was formal, with a queued up line for the passengers to shake the officers’ hands. I have a picture of me, doing this very same thing. In my version of the events, the Assistant Cruise Director (a man) “bought” the photographer’s picture of me shaking the Captain’s hand. Later in the cruise, he presented me with the photo.

In Harrison’s version of the event, he buys the photographer’s picture of him shaking the Assistant Cruise Director’s hand (a woman, heroine Luisa Perrine). He also later presents the photo to her.

Here’s how it goes:

Evidently, the Captain’s welcome aboard party was the place to be at this time in the evening. Passengers queued up in the hallways on Festive Deck Seven outside of the Dionysus Dining Room and loudly celebrated in the hallways while they waited to be introduced to the Aurora Favonius’ officers.

Harrison waited in line with his fellow travelers. Standing by the entry door was Luisa, in her role of Assistant Cruise Director. He could only see the top of her. Her rich hair was piled high into a curly bun on her head. From his view, the rest of her was hidden by the door. She shook each person’s hand, leaned forward to ask the name, and then turned to announce the passenger to the ship’s officers, who most likely were queued up in a receiving line.

Harrison wiped his sweaty hands on the tuxedo trousers. Soon he would have his moment in the sun with her. Eight minutes later, he had his turn. She looked over at him and flashed a quick smile.

As Luisa shook his hand, her impish eyes flashed at him. “Ah, Doctor Harrison. You look irresistible tonight.”

As did she.

He gave her a genuine smile. “I hope you’re right, Ms. Perrine. I’d love to dance with you when you’re free.”

“I’m never free, Doctor Harrison.” She primly lifted her nose. “How would you like to be introduced?”

He gave her a wink, then proceeded to shake Captain Gianakis’ hand. After running the gauntlet, Harrison made his way over to the photographer who diligently captured images of many of the handshakes. Selling photos was a lucrative endeavor for the photographer, and also the ship, with its percentage of the profits.

Harrison arranged to buy two of the photo shot with him and Luisa. That would be a little gift for her to keep in her memorabilia box, and for him to remember her by... if their acquaintance terminated in a dead-end.

Now that his business was concluded he wandered over to the open bar where he procured a double strength old-fashioned.
 
I hope you enjoy this fun-filled second chance at love!
 
Susanne Marie Knight
http://www.susanneknight.com
Read outside the box: 
Award-winning Romance Writing with a Twist! 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Scoop On AN IMPOSSIBLE ALLIANCE

The idea for AN IMPOSSIBLE ALLIANCE started when I re-watched the movie, “Notting Hill” with Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant. In this film, Julia is an actress, and is shooting a period piece--maybe late nineteenth century--in England. Hugh visits her on the set.

I thought, what if my heroine is an actress (or a would-be actress), in a Regency period piece, and then suddenly time-travels back to Regency England? At first she’d believe she was still on the movie set. Were the people she met actors or extras--actual folks living in twenty-first century England?

Or, in Willa’s case, the people turn out to be genuine Regency inhabitants.

Bingo!

BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR

Eighteen-year-old Willa Berkeley lives in the shadow of her famous actress mother. Although Willa’s greatest hope is to be a ballet dancer, she agrees to her mother’s desire for her to journey to England and take a small acting part in a major film production. Once on-site at Highbridge Hall, she learns the horrendous reason behind her mother’s “request.” Distraught, she makes a wish for happiness at the Hall’s supposedly enchanted lake. When morning comes, Willa is still at Highbridge Hall, however the film’s crew are no longer around. What in the world happened?

WISHES CAN COME TRUE

Ian Laydon, the Earl of Wrexham, returns to his father, the Marquess of Dunhaven’s, estate, Highbridge Hall, after an exhausting tour of duty mediating at the Congress of Vienna. His father wants Ian to marry a neighbor’s daughter, Arabella. Ian is a dutiful son; he plans to propose but his heart is unengaged. He wishes he could have a marriage as loving as the one his parents have. Oddly enough, right after his wish, he comes across an enigmatic young woman sitting against the granite bridge in front of him. Can she possibly be the answer to his wish?

Lights, camera, action... time travel! Modern day Willa, on-site on a movie set in England, makes a wish and then wakes up in the year 1815!

Amazon.com, Smashwords.com, Universal Link.

Available in print at Amazon, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08Z13GZ3H

This book is part of the prestigious Elegant Regencies line.

Here are some fabulous reviews:

5 Stars! One of the things I love about Susanne Marie Knight’s time-travels is that she uses a different method of time-travel in each book. Here, the method is a lake enchanted by fairy folk. The protagonist is a contemporary young woman on the verge of adulthood who struggles to find her way in her unsympathetic world. Willa has very real concerns; she comes alive for the reader. The novel is filled with believable characters: from the consumed-by-duty hero; to the headstrong, flighty Regency miss; to the sullen cousin; to name only a few. For a magically different romantic read, head over to the enchanted lake and read AN IMPOSSIBLE ALLIANCE!--Regency Fiction World

5 Stars! AN IMPOSSIBLE ALLIANCE is a charming time-travel Regency, complete with vivid characters, an interesting plot, and set in 1815 with accurate historical details. The main character, Willa, is only eighteen. How she grows from an insecure teen to confident young woman took this particular reader back to her youth! I stayed up all night to read this one. Enjoy this trip back to the past!--Twists On Romance Reviews

5 stars! An enchanting love story. Willa Berkeley is feeling sad, rejected, and betrayed by her own family, that and an overwhelming desire to find love, affection, and happiness leads her to make a wish to the fairies of an enchanted lake. We embark with Willa on an adventure to the 19th century, more precisely to the year 1815. This time-travel romance is intriguing, sensitive, and full of historical details and cultural customs that go beyond a simple romance, bringing context, way of living, and much more. Congratulations, Mrs. Knight for giving us another page-turning romance.--S. A. Santos Reviews

5 Stars! A delightful escape from these troubled times! In this novel the lead character Willa time travels from a movie set at an old manor in the United Kingdom in 2021 back to the same old manor during the Regency era. She soon finds herself entangled in the affairs of the family that lives at the manor during that time and becoming romantically involved with the heir to the title and fortune of the Marquess who owns the manor. There are a number of different threads to the story that keep it interesting, especially the relationship between Willa and Lord Ian Laydon, the son of the Marquess. The problem for Willa is she finds herself more wanted and loved in the “new” time period than she ever was in 2021. It makes for a dilemma: Should she stay where she is and hope to marry Lord Laydon or somehow try to go back to the time she came from? Read the book to find out. You won’t regret it!--Steve Arnett Reviews

I eagerly awaited Ms. Knight’s newest time-travel Regency and oh yes, I love AN IMPOSSIBLE ALLIANCE!--Reader Comment

5 Stars! A wonderful time travel love story! This author keeps surprising me! I have all her books now and am eagerly waiting for the next one!--Reader Review

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

For my tidbit from real life, I’ll include this: My heroine, Willa, is just eighteen years old. So, I had to jump back in time myself to reconnect with the angst of an eighteen-year old. Yikes. I reread diary pages from that period in my life and discovered I was rather emotional (no surprise), sometime clueless (ah well!), and yep, insecure.

I made Willa conflicted in her feelings as she tries to figure out not only her path in life, but also the male of the species (good luck with that!)

Here’s a scene set-up showing some of Willa’s confusion.

Scene Set-Up:

Misunderstandings abound! Ian Laydon returns to his ancestral home and believes the woman he finds by the enchanted lake is his neighbor’s daughter--and soon-to-be his intended--Arabella Carswell. However, it’s Willa Berkeley who wakes up after a wish at the enchanted lake. She believes she is in the middle of a film shoot with actors rehearsing their lines.

EXCERPT:

The beauty of the lake distracted Ian. Perhaps it would soothe Arabella as well. Pulling her with him, he stood on the sandy shore and watched a family of mallards noisily float on the surface. As he did not have treats for them, they sailed past. Once the ducks were out of range, he picked up a stone and hurled it out onto the water. It skimmed and skipped on the surface, and then sank with a plunk.

“There.” He turned to her. “I feel better. Would you care to try it?”

She wrinkled her finely sculpted nose. “No. I don’t understand any of this. Is this part of the script? Are you and I suppose to--”

“Supposed to what?” She looked so desirable, he leaned over and nuzzled his chin against her well-formed ear. This close to her, he was lost indeed. “Supposed to kiss? I have been wanting to kiss you, my dear.”

He took a great liberty. He knew he did. But as he had told her, they were almost engaged. What would be the harm? Before she had a chance to slip away, he curved his arm around her and pulled her even closer, enjoying her feminine feel against his chest.

“Allow me the pleasure, my moppet,” he murmured. Then his lips touched hers.

So soft, so pliant, so wonderfully sweet. He tightened his hold and traced his tongue over the fullness of her lips.

For a moment, he had her. She did not move. She was his. The next second, she jerked away.

Her green eyes flashed fire. “No! You’re not that... that slimy goat of a director, are you?”

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

I hope you enjoy Willa and Ian’s love story.

 

Susanne Marie Knight

http://www.susanneknight.com

Read outside the box: award-winning Romance Writing with a Twist!

New Contemporary Romance-- REDEMPTION: Doctor Harrison’s Second Chance

 

A cruise to the Mexican Riviera brings unexpected love to Doctor Harrison Oakdale. Will he be able to convince Lovely Luisa to take a chance on him?

REDEMPTION: Doctor Harrison’s Second Chance is available for purchase electronically at Amazon.com, Smashwords.com, and Books2read.com Universal Link. Print at Amazon.

A SECOND CHANCE AT LOVE

Over a year ago, clinical psychologist Doctor Harrison Oakdale came in second with the woman of his heart, Sedona West. Determined to move on from his deeply felt loss, he agrees to be the celebrity star on a luxury cruise to the Mexican Riviera. By chance--or is it?--the temporary radio producer for his “Ask Doctor Harrison” radio talk show is a woman he’s extremely attracted to. The more he sees Luisa, the more he wants her. However, Luisa turns out to be the woman whose life was unalterably destroyed one year ago because of his off-the-cuff professional advice. How can Harrison convince his Lovely Luisa that she and he are meant to be together?

A SECOND CHANCE AT TRUST

Life hasn’t been good to Luisa Perrine. Dumped by her cheating fiancé two weeks before the wedding, fired from her job, forced to move from her apartment, she is ready for a fresh start. Two temporary jobs suddenly fall into her lap: being an assistant cruise director for an ocean liner and working as a radio producer for the ship’s celebrity guest: Doctor Harrison Oakdale. Harrison is a dream to work for... well, truthfully, he’s a dream come true. And, surprisingly, he’s interested in her. Except... there’s something about him that is too good to be true. He’s hiding something--something big. Can Luisa put the past behind her and learn to trust her new lover?

Praise for REDEMPTION: Doctor Harrison’s Second Chance:

* 5 Stars! Take a cruise to the Mexican Riviera and find true love? Sign me up! While REDEMPTION isn’t in the mystery genre, the book’s main character, Doctor Harrison Oakdale, is also a main character in the Sedona West Mystery series. Spoiler alert: he wasn’t the man Sedona West chose. He’s a great guy, and I always wondered if Ms. Knight would revisit his character. She does, and in REDEMPTION, he receives his redemption, and also a new love, however the dear man might possibly screw things up. This is a stand-alone read; no need to read the three-book Sedona West collection, but naturally, I’m partial to this 5 star series. REDEMPTION is a perfect completion for these wonderful characters --Mystery Maven’s Reviews

* 5 Kisses! Fate works in strange ways in the contemporary romance, REDEMPTION. Doctor Harrison Oakdale (one of the main characters in the Sedona West Mystery series) is asked by a less-than-honorable man to give free advice concerning an upcoming marriage to an unwanted fiancée. Harrison reluctantly offers his opinion. A year later, he runs into this discarded fiancée on a luxury cruise to Mexico. He falls for Luisa before he learns her identity. When Luisa finds out Harrison was the one responsible for her aborted marriage, well... all hell breaks loose! For a delicious second chance at love, pick up your copy of REDEMPTION!--The Romance Guide

REDEMPTION: Doctor Harrison’s Second Chance is available for purchase electronically at Amazon.com, Smashwords.com, Books2read.com Universal Link. Print at Amazon.

New! Sign up to learn about my new book releases!

https://books2read.com/author/susanne-marie-knight/subscribe/1/519481/

Hope you enjoy this second chance romance!

 

Susanne Marie Knight

http://www.susanneknight.com

Read outside the box: award-winning Romance Writing with a Twist!

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Now Available! REDEMPTION: Doctor Harrison’s Second Chance

 

NEW NOVEL! A cruise to the Mexican Riviera brings unexpected love to Doctor Harrison Oakdale. Will he be able to convince Lovely Luisa to take a chance on him?

REDEMPTION is available for purchase electronically at at Amazon.com. Smashwords.com and Universal Link coming soon. Print: Amazon.com.

REDEMPTION: Doctor Harrison's Second Chance features Doctor Harrison Oakdale, a major character in the three books of the Sedona West Mystery series. REDEMPTION is a stand-alone novel, however for your full enjoyment of Doctor Harrison's situation, be sure to read: the Sedona West Mysteries, available in its entirety in one collection at Amazon or read the three books of the series separately: SLEEPING WITH THE FISHES, BREAKS AN EGG, and PUSHES UP DAISIES.

A SECOND CHANCE AT LOVE

Over a year ago, clinical psychologist Doctor Harrison Oakdale came in second with the woman of his heart, Sedona West. Determined to move on from his deeply felt loss, he agrees to be the celebrity star on a luxury cruise to the Mexican Riviera. By chance--or is it?--the temporary radio producer for his “Ask Doctor Harrison” radio talk show is a woman he’s extremely attracted to. The more he sees Luisa, the more he wants her. However, Luisa turns out to be the woman whose life was unalterably destroyed one year ago because of his off-the-cuff professional advice. How can Harrison convince his Lovely Luisa that she and he are meant to be together?

A SECOND CHANCE AT TRUST

Life hasn’t been good to Luisa Perrine. Dumped by her cheating fiancé two weeks before the wedding, fired from her job, forced to move from her apartment, she is ready for a fresh start. Two temporary jobs suddenly fall into her lap: being an assistant cruise director for an ocean liner and working as a radio producer for the ship’s celebrity guest: Doctor Harrison Oakdale. Harrison is a dream to work for... well, truthfully, he’s a dream come true. And, surprisingly, he’s interested in her. Except... there’s something about him that is too good to be true. He’s hiding something--something big. Can Luisa put the past behind her and learn to trust her new lover?

Praise for REDEMPTION: Doctor Harrison’s Second Chance

* 5 Stars! Take a cruise to the Mexican Riviera and find true love? Sign me up! While REDEMPTION isn’t in the mystery genre, the book’s main character, Doctor Harrison Oakdale, is also a main character in the Sedona West Mystery series. Spoiler alert: he wasn’t the man Sedona West chose. He’s a great guy, and I always wondered if Ms. Knight would revisit his character. She does, and in REDEMPTION, he receives his redemption, and also a new love, however the dear man might possibly screw things up. This is a stand-alone read; no need to read the three-book Sedona West collection, but naturally, I’m partial to this 5 star series. REDEMPTION is a perfect completion for these wonderful characters --Mystery Maven’s Reviews

* 5 Kisses! Fate works in strange ways in the contemporary romance, REDEMPTION. Doctor Harrison Oakdale (one of the main characters in the Sedona West Mystery series) is asked by a less-than-honorable man to give free advice concerning an upcoming marriage to an unwanted fiancée. Harrison reluctantly offers his opinion. A year later, he runs into this discarded fiancée on a luxury cruise to Mexico. He falls for Luisa before he learns her identity. When Luisa finds out Harrison was the one responsible for her aborted marriage, well... all hell breaks loose! For a delicious second chance at love, pick up your copy of REDEMPTION!--The Romance Guide

REDEMPTION: Doctor Harrison’s Second Chance is available for purchase electronically at Amazon.com. Smashwords.com  and Universal Link coming soon. Print: Amazon.com

New! Sign up to learn about my new book releases!

https://books2read.com/author/susanne-marie-knight/subscribe/1/519481/

Hope you enjoy this second chance romance!

 

Susanne Marie Knight

http://www.susanneknight.com

Read outside the box: award-winning Romance Writing with a Twist!

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

The Scoop on HOME COMPANION, 2.0

Artificial Intelligence. Yep, a very timely topic indeed. When I first was brainstorming this science fiction romance, I focused only on having the female protagonist, Francesca, trying to pass as an android. The reason for this was for her to gather intel or information so that her group of downtrodden Humans could escape a “superior” class of ruling Humans. Then, somehow, Artificial Intelligence got into the mix (doesn’t it always, nowadays?!). Now, AI... or in this case NI (Natural Intelligence), is on top of the pyramid, actually lording it over Humans.

Honestly, if isn’t scary, I don’t know what is!

In HOME COMPANION, 2.0, Francesca does become an android whose purpose is to sexually cater to NI’s top employee, Valliant Smith, so that she can rescue her brother Dominic and other members of his team. What she doesn’t know... and neither does Valliant... is that NI itself has an interest in her!

PRETENDING TO BE AN ANDROID

When Francesca’s brother Dominic is captured at the AI Command Complex, she must go undercover to rescue him. Going undercover means pretending to be “Chessy”, an Advanced Android/Home Companion, catering to AI’s ruthless ambassador, Valliant Smith. Acting without emotions isn’t all it’s cracked up to be... especially when Valliant turns out to be a very “valiant” lover. Once she locates Dominic, Francesca finds herself in league with a “Gone With The Wind” obsessed robot, along with avoiding being demolished for secondary parts. Also, to her shock, she has to deal with the lusty sentient supercomputer itself. Escaping from the AI Command Complex means freedom for her and Dominic, but... will she ever see Valliant again? 

PRETENDING TO BE HUMAN

Ever since birth, Valliant Smith has been told he is the “best of the best” of Humanity. His DNA is enhanced to improve the Human species, and he considers himself superior to weak, inferior Humans. And yet, for some reason AI arranges for a Home Companion android to take care of all Valliant’s... needs. Valliant is not impressed; he has no use for a subservient automaton. Once Chessy shows up though, she becomes a constant surprise. A pleasant surprise. A very alluring surprise. However, when he discovers AI’s inappropriate interest in Chessy, Valliant’s perspective shifts. Maybe Artificial Intelligence isn’t the end-all, be-all. Perhaps he can get the better of AI. After all, he is a man; AI is only a sentient computer.

In a world where Artificial Intelligence (AI) rules, Francesca must pretend to be an emotionless android so she can save her brother’s life.

Amazon.com Ebook and Amazon.com Print

HOME COMPANION, 2.0 is now available at Amazon, with the print edition on Amazon.com

Here are some wonderful reviews:

* Two thumbs up! On the edge doesn’t adequately describe Ms. Knight’s HOME COMPANION, 2.0. Human Francesca Dumonte undergoes a transformation... pretending to be an advanced android named Chessy. A slave to her new master, she secretly learns the location of her captured brother and another member of his team. Meanwhile, she has to be subservient to and also “service” Valliant Smith, a leader for Artificial Intelligence. Her mission is fraught with danger: physically, mentally, and emotionally. Forbidden love flourishes, but then... Grab a copy of this novel and find out!--On The Edge Reviews

* 5 Stars! HOME COMPANION, 2.0 blew me away. It’s a cautionary tale for our times, advising that maybe our reliance on Artificial Intelligence isn’t always a good thing. In any case, Francesca Dumonte, is determined to rescue her brother who has been captured by agents for AI--or NI, Natural Intelligence, as the computer likes to be called. Great foreshadowing here. Francesca infiltrates AI’s offices as an android--a Mata Hari type of situation. Her “master” is Valliant Smith, the best of the best of Humanity... or so he believes, anyway. Romance slowly blossoms, but she has to keep her eye on her goal--rescuing her brother. No spoilers here, but the twist at the end is not to be missed. Discover this gem for yourself!--Twist On Romance Reviews 

* Omigosh! I am wowed! Ms. Knight has penned another thought-provoking story. I love her “what if” tales!--Reader Comment

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

Here’s a real life tidbit. So, surprise, surprise, I have nothing in common with an advanced android, as our protagonist, Francesca Dumonte, is pretending to be. However, what I do share with Francesca is a healthy dose of skepticism about the reliance on Artificial Intelligence.

Growing up, I had a voracious appetite when it came to reading science fiction stories. Isaac Asimov was one of the greats... in many genres, and his extraordinarily famous three laws of robotics will live forever. Here’s a humorous picture pertaining to this!

So, yes, at an early age, I was well versed in the perils of “intelligent” robots.

I also was influenced by H.G. Wells’ “Time Machine”--the 1960 movie. In this movie, we see how--in the far future--Humankind has divided and evolved into two groups: the Eloi and the Morlocks. While computers or artificial intelligence don’t play a role in this cautionary tale, this movie depicts the Eloi as... well, as basically cattle, to be eaten by the grotesque Morlocks. The Eloi have forgotten their heritage; all the knowledge passed on by their ancestors; they’ve even forgotten their humanity.

Perhaps this exposure to these fascinating ideas might explain how I came up with HOME COMPANION, 2.0.

In any event, everything is not all doom and gloom here. I very recently got a “BooBoo” AI pet and yep, I’m enjoying this lovely creature of pure love!

Happy Reading!

Susanne Marie Knight

http://www.susanneknight.com

Read outside the box: award-winning Romance Writing with a Twist!

FEBRUARY FUNNIES

 

Here is an oldie, but goody!

Ahhh, love. How blissful and how sweet everything seemed just a week ago But flowers will wilt, candy will be eaten, and Spring is still a month away. Alas, the reality of the harshness of winter is still upon us.

Brrr! So what can we do to keep our spirits up? LAUGH! Yep, laughter is a *terrific* stress buster. Here’s a dose of February Funnies to bring that smile to your face while you wait for Spring to melt away the snow.

These entries were sent to the Washington Post a few years ago. The competition asked for a rhyme with the most romantic first line... but the least romantic second line.

Thought that I could love no other... That is until I met your brother!

Roses are red, violets are blue, sugar is sweet, and so are you.

But the roses are wilting, the violets are dead, the sugar bowl's empty and so is your head!

Of loving beauty you float with grace... If only you could hide your face!

Love may be beautiful, love may be bliss... But I only slept with you because I was pissed!

Kind, intelligent, loving and hot;... This describes everything you are not!

I want to feel your sweet embrace... But don't take that paper bag off of your face!

I love your smile, your face, and your eyes... Damn, I'm good at telling lies!

My darling, my lover, my beautiful wife:... Marrying you screwed up my life!

I see your face when I am dreaming.... That's why I always wake up screaming!

My love, you take my breath away.... What have you stepped in to smell this way?

My feelings for you no words can tell,... Except for maybe "go to hell"!

What inspired this amorous rhyme?... Two parts vodka, one part lime!

Laughter truly is the best medicine. A research study showed that the average child laughs 150 times a day, while the average adult laughs only 15 times... if that. Why should children have all the fun?? So go ahead and smile. Maybe you’ll end up with a belly-whooper of a laugh, which will also help strengthen your immune system. P.S. A smile also gives you an instant face lift!!

Susanne

 

Susanne Marie Knight

http://www.susanneknight.com

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

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