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.

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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.

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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.”

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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

http://www.susanneknight.com

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

The Scoop On ALIEN HEAT

Hurray! My popular science fiction futuristic romance is now available on Amazon.com, Smashwords.com, and Universal Link.

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

AN ALIEN INVASION

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

AN HONORABLE DILEMMA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ALIEN HEAT is now available on Amazon.com, Smashwords.com, and Universal Link.

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, Smashwords.com, and Universal Link

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

Here are just a few great reviews for ALIEN HEAT!

5 Stars!--Goodreads

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Susanne Marie Knight

http://www.susanneknight.com

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