Kindle Edition Download from Smashwords (eBook) All About The Contrary Contessa Universal Link: Category:  Romance Type: Fiction Pages: 173 Copyright: Jan 29, 2017 Price: $3.99 (eBook) EPPIE Finalist for Best Historical Romance: How can Lord Rutherford resist his captivating... and contrary stepsister? 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?       Excerpt About to ferret out a pot of coffee, Robert stopped. Chattering nonstop from a chair by the outside door was the most astonishing slip of a girl. What she said, he had no idea, but speaking in rapid fire Italian to someone evidently named Zia, she removed mudstained shoes. Her toes, brown and sturdy, wiggled joy at their sudden freedom. The girl’s dark straight hair, braided in a long strand to her slim waist, hung down to touch the floor even as she brushed dirt and grass from her feet. Dressed in peasants’ clothes, she wiped her hands on a soiled apron that outlined her slender hips. Her bosom, however, was quite...bountiful. Without thinking, he ran his tongue over his upper lip. She was undoubtedly a tasty morsel—one that he was eager to sample. Rumor had it that these Sicilians were a passionate breed. He wished to discover that for himself. He gave her a lazy smile. “Buon giorno, signorina.” She looked up at him and gasped—all doe-brown eyes and adorable pink lips. Even as she stared, her eyes widened and her hands flew to her sun-kissed cheeks. By the rise and fall of her voluptuous bosom, she would, no doubt, be a spirited conquest. Gently, he circled her small wrists with his hands and lifted her to her feet. He spoke slowly and deliberately, for a kitchen maid would not understand English. “You are quite beautiful, signorina. Bello.” Inhaling her intoxicating flowery fragrance inflamed every inch of his desire. The wine swimming in his head, the promise of the girl’s sweet nectar, and her liquid brown eyes all overruled any restraint he might have had. He leaned closer, to steal a kiss. From out of his fog of passion, he heard her speak. “Bella,” she said in her musical voice. “Bella?” he breathed, so close to achieving his goal. Her sparkling eyes almost mesmerized him. “Sì, bella.” Stepping away from him, she poured water from a pitcher into a bowl and washed her hands. He jerked his head back. No woman of his acquaintance had ever walked away from his attentions! And to do so to perform such a mundane task! Well, that was outside of enough. She picked up a worn, wood spoon, and with a twirl of skirts, turned her back on him and walked over to the boiling pot of vegetables. “Bello is for masculine and bella is for feminine. Capisce? Understand?” Just his wretched luck to try and seduce the one scullery maid in all of Sicily who spoke English. But still, by her heavy breathing, as indicated by the sensual flutter of her breasts, she was not indifferent to him. She had a similar fire igniting her natural desire. He would humor her. “Bella signorina. Do I have it right now?” He curved his lips into a rakish smile and followed her over to the fireplace. She would feel like heaven in his arms. “Mi dispiace. I am sorry. No. You do not.” She held up her left hand. “It is signora. See? Gold ring.” “The devil!” He could not help expostulating. Married? This young chit? But on her ring finger gleamed a slim band of gold. He was not so debauched as to force himself on a married woman.

The Romance Studio
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 par. I highly recommend this fun, entertaining story.

Romance Junkies
THE CONTRARY CONTESSA will steal your heart with its humor and warmth. Lexia and Robert both have to make some heavy decisions about their futures in the one of becoming one together. 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 Review Today.
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.