The Buzz on ALIEN HEAT

Today I’m writing about ALIEN HEAT, my popular science fiction futuristic romance. 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.

Wings ePress was delighted to read, and then publish ALIEN HEAT. Here’s what one editor says 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 has 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!

I love this cover as well. I’d like to share with you the process that created this fantastic piece of art. On the cover art form to describe want I wanted, I wrote: Because my novel deals with heat, I envision the cover colors being in yellows and oranges--colors that give off heat. I picture a blazing sun beating down on parched earth.

I included these pictures to give talented artist mpMann a feel for what I had in mind.

 

I so loved the look of the above picture, I painted it (below)!

I also wrote to the cover artist: I’d love to have an image of the alien plant on the cover, but as I don’t have a picture of this Venusian flower (!) I realize this might be impossible. Below is a passage that describes the plant, plus an attached picture of a glass oval with bubbles suspended in it.

She reached down and plucked one. Its willowy stalk stood tall--about a foot high--and hard, almost like bamboo. Completely covering the stalk was a type of white “fur,” warm to the touch. Inside the gauzy white flower petals, she saw a clear oval, jelly-like mass, with tiny bubbles suspended within it. As she watched, bubble by bubble floated up to the top to be released into the air.

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

Here is the lovely... and eerie result! This cover was nominated for the 2005 Quasar Awards for Best Cover!

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

Amazon.com eBook and Amazon.com Print

Wings Print

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

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

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

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 may 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

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

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

www.susanneknight.com

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

The Buzz on TIMELESS DECEPTION

TIMELESS DECEPTION, my time-travel Regency romance, has been a reader favorite for many years. I’m often asked what gave me the idea for this novel. Easy! I’ve always loved time-travel, and I was intrigued by a different type of plot. A contemporary woman, Alaina Sawyer, somehow finding herself not only being transported back to the past, but switching places with a Regency “twin” so that she is now “married” to the man of her dreams. The additional dilemma here is that the Regency husband, Richard, the Earl of Saybrooke, despises Alaina because he believes his wife is unfaithful. Ouch! What an unusual predicament!

The twist to TIMELESS DECEPTION is that Alaina experiences visions before her time-travel. The reason for this is to allow her to have a brief “heads-up” to see what she’s going to be getting into. She’ll understand what type of woman her double was, and also she’ll be “introduced” her to the hero, who will now be her husband. This creates the interesting conflict of being in love with someone who absolutely *does not* return the affection. In addition, I wanted to explain a bit how the heroine could end up across the Atlantic and back in time without dwelling on the details too much. Alaina is also aware that the only way she can get back to her own time is to find the mystic woman her double used. Once that turns out to be a dead end, she knows she’s trapped back in time.

A TANGLED WEB--Her identity switched against her will, Alaina Sawyer wakes up in the year 1818 as the Countess of Saybrooke. Can she convince the man of her dreams that she is cut from an altogether different cloth than his adulterous wife Alicia?

Richard Cransworth, the Earl of Saybrooke, must come to grips with his wife’s sudden descent into virtue. Is her new behavior wishful thinking on his part, or can it possibly be that she is now his, and his alone?

TIMELESS DECEPTION was first published by Novel Books, Inc., and is now re-released by Awe-Struck Publishing (Mundania Press). This unique novel has garnered several awards including the 2002 PEARL (Paranormal Excellent Award for Romantic Literature), and Golden Rose Nominee for Best Time Travel.

 

TIMELESS DECEPTION has also achieved bestseller status on lists including Fictionwise (#1 for over three months!), Novel Books, Inc., and Awe-Struck. In addition, it has been awarded 5 star reviews by Sime-Gen and Amazon.com.

Waking up in 1818 as the Countess of Saybrooke, Alaina must convince her new “husband” that she’s cut from a different cloth than his unfaithful wife Alicia.

Amazon.com

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

www.susanneknight.com

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