EPPIE Award Finalist for Best Historical Romance
Re-Released!!!
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?
Artist’s concept cover
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 was
published by at Awe-Struck Books (Mundania Press) and had been with them for
many years.
Ebook Cover and Print Cover
I recently decided to have
the rights returned to me for all my Awe-Struck books--a total of twelve. THE
CONTRARY CONTESSA is the sixth to be re-released. It’s now available on Amazon.com and Smashwords.com!
Lord Rutherford has no interest in marrying a
non-English matron, but how can he resist his captivating... and contrary
stepsister?
Amazon.com
and Smashwords.com.
*Limited* copies of the 2004 print book are available
at www.susanneknight.com/orders.htm
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.
Happy
reading,
Susanne
Marie Knight
Read
outside the box: award-winning Romance Writing With A Twist!
