:: Join Susan's Newsletter

May 2013

Ice and fire, and a royal baby...

Diamond In The Desert

Publication Date: June 1, 2013

Breathless in a Bedouin tent With the future of the Skavanga diamond mine in jeopardy, heiress Britt Skavanga needs an injection of cash – fast. She finds it in a mysterious Arabian investor known only as Emir… Britt travels to the desert kingdom of Kareshi to confront her arrogant benefactor. If diamonds are in Britt’s blood, then the scorching desert sand runs through Sheikh Sharif al Kareshi’s. He’s determined to show cool, arctic beauty Britt how things are really done in Kareshi – including how hot nights in the desert can be…

Diamond In The Desert is the first of four books in my new Skavanga series.
I just love the concept of ice and fire, and a whole cast of characters exploded from these extreme settings, demanding to have their stories told

Here's link to a whole new section devoted to this series, along with info' as to how the travel bug took me beyond the Arctic Circle for my inspiration, and on into the vast deserts of Arabia, where I was lucky enough to be taken on a tour of a real life billionaire sheikh's wildlife conservation programme.

Diamond In The Desert tells the story of the oldest Skavanga sister, Britt, who has cared for her two younger sisters since the girls' parents were killed, and their brother, Tyr, went missing.

I feel so passionate about Britt, because she didn't think twice about taking on the responsibility for the rest of the family, even at the expense of her own happiness.
Britt never cuts herself any slack, and has no personal life outside her work and family. I so wanted Britt to be happy and fulfilled in all areas of her life, and so I found a hero in Sheikh Sharif, who can both excite Britt and show her that she can enjoy personal fulfilment without compromising her sense of duty.

And the royal baby?

What an exciting real-life event we have to look forward to this summer!

The Accidental Heir

Publication Date: June 1, 2013

'This digital novella reveals just how hard it is to be a modern day Princess in a passionate and powerful story that will stay in your minds long after the last page.'

The last of her clan, Princess Astrid steps up to claim her birth right as ruler of the Arctic lands of Hammersvik. But first she must complete the rigorous training her advisors insist upon.

Her unlikely tutor is Karl Thorberg, Prince of the neighbouring lands, intrepid explorer, and reckless thrill-seeker. He insists pampered Astrid leave her palace and experience, first-hand, the wild Arctic landscape she will rule.

As the freezing Arctic wind rages round them, passions are heating up between Karl and Astrid.

As the freezing Artic wind rages round them, passions are heating up between Astrid and Karl. It's not long before Karl is tempted into some very un-princely behaviour! But during their one night of indiscretion, he inadvertently resolves another condition of her reign - that she provides an heir.

What a buzz it gave me to write a short, which I hope encapsulates all the thrill and concerns of a young and very modern princess as she looks forward to the impending birth. And, yes, Karl's a Viking type. As I mention on my Skavanga pages, Scandinavian men do not disappoint! And, as I'm sure Princess Astrid would tell you, Karl is no exception.

Happy reading! And all the very best from me to all of you for the merry month of May!