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URL: www.reneeknowles.com 

Contact: renee@reneeknowles.com

ABOUT RENEE

     Once upon a time there was a little girl who wanted to be a writer. Of course, Renee wanted to be a professional ice dancer, an Olympic gymnast, and a fashion model too. But once she learned she had no athletic aptitude and wasn't going to be six-foot tall and stick thin, her love for writing and books grew. She read anywhere and everywhere she could, including during class (especially Math and Science). Uh, not so good for school, but it encouraged her passion for books, opening her up to some of her favorite authors, including her all-time fave Jane Austen.
     But as her love for reading grew, so did her love for writing. She wrote short stories and poems, which were read out loud in class and even occasionally published. But, for some reason in her twenties she just stopped. Cold. Oh, she dreamed about it, of course, but her life seemed too busy. Then she moved from upstate New York to Dallas, Texas, and met the man of her dreams. A true Southern gentleman, accent and all. He asked her out. She said no. Why? She was crazy, of course! Eventually, she gave him a chance (thank God!) and a year and a half later they eloped while on vacation in Colorado. She's been with him for ten years, and he's truly her hero.
     Her desire for writing returned, especially stories of love and personal journeys, and now she can't imagine doing anything else.
     Renee lives in Northern Colorado with her husband and a view of the Rocky Mountains out of her window. How cool is that? Renee has traveled all over the world, living in both Europe and Asia. She has also visited Amsterdam twice, the setting for her debut book, Going Topless. Her favorite place to travel to is Italy, and her dream is to own a vacation home there.

INTERVIEW

Q: Why did you decide to write romance novels?

A: Romance novels offer such hope and bring so much fun to life. They highlight one of the best experiences one could ever hope for—love. I've been hooked on them for years, and when I began my first manuscript, it seemed only natural that there would be romance in it.

Q: How has your writing craft developed over the years?

A: I think it has deepened. I've learned to add more layers to the story and emotion to my characters. I also think that my voice has grown and developed to a place where it is more distinct and sassy. The old adage is true: the more you write, the better you will become. So, for me, it's important to write some every day.

Q: If you could be anyone you wanted who would that be?

A: Jane Austen, without a doubt. Why? While it's true she never met Price Charming, she was such a master at her craft. I would love to see what it was like to live in her head for a day. And to live in Regency times would be a dream come true—ah, minus the chamber pots :)

Q: How much of your personality and life experiences are in your writing?

A. I think, though my writing is not based on my life, I put a lot of my personality and life experiences in it. For example, my current release, Going Topless, is set in Amsterdam. I've lived in Europe twice and have visited Amsterdam a couple of times. Plus the main heroine, Susannah, is a woman closing in on forty, who is seeking new challenges in her life. I am very much at that same place, although my challenges have more to do with my inner self than romantic life.

Q: What was the biggest hurtle you had to overcome in your career?

A: The death of my father. When he died, I suddenly couldn't write fiction anymore. I still wrote non-fiction, but had lost my fiction muse for well over a year. But late in 2006, I regained my inspiration and have been writing ever since.

Q: Do you find your books draw you in and it is hard to let go once you have finished?

A: I feel very drawn in while I'm writing the manuscript, thinking about it constantly. But after I finish, it's almost as if I've read the book and finished it for real. I am ready to move on. I have so many new characters running through my head, that I am ready for my next challenge!

Q: Can you tell us something about you that makes you different?

A: I have traveled all over the world, and lived in both Europe and Asia. I am very interested in the political world and must have been a strategist in another life.
     Oh, also, I am a HUGE football fan. Love pro and college and am always home on Sunday afternoons in the fall to watch the games.

Q: Besides writing, what is your favorite thing to do every day?

A: Yoga. Without a doubt. It helps me keep in balance and handle all the everyday hassles we all deal with.

REVIEWS for Going Topless

5 Flags: "FANTABULOUS! Absolutely entertaining, charming, witty and real! Renee Knowles is definitely in touch with her feminine side as she breathes life into the various female characters of this book, allowing them to grow and develop as the story progresses. The European setting and additional references to pop culture were well written (a bonus was her knowledge of Tracy Chevalier and love for Colin Firth). A must read!" —Aya, Euro-Reviews

5 Roses: "Going Topless is an erotic trip not for the faint of heart. The passion and spark will have you wanting more. Renee Knowles is hot, hot, hot!!! Renee has captured the true meaning of friendship between these three amazing women and filled their characters with so much spunk, sass and outward sensuality, that I could not pick one I liked best. Cheers, Renee, for a huge hit!" —Deb, Sensual Reads

5 Kisses: "Going Topless by Renee Knowles is about three women and their journey of self-discovery. Susannah must learn that age is really just a number, especially when she meets a sexy German lover 15 years her junior. What she learns about herself helps her blossom into the woman she will become. Chelsie has to learn that being the life of the party and never being emotionally attached has a price. The things you do, you eventually pay for. She grows up a lot in this book and puts her friendship with her sister to the ultimate test. As for Mattie, you’re going to love her. She's a shy wallflower who blossoms into the beautiful butterfly. I want to borrow the guy she ends up with. Dang he is hot! I would even get a tattoo just for him! Renee Knowles is a brilliant author. She really understands the different journeys all women go through in their lives. You will really not regret Going Topless." —Tina, Two Lips Reviews

4.5 Enchantments: "This is a heartwarming story of love, betrayal, and self-discovery, as three women venture through uncharted emotional territory and realize who they truly are. I enjoyed this story and how it unfolded and developed. Renee Knowles did a terrific job taking three completely different personalities, leading them through turmoil as well as self-discovery, and bringing them through to a happy ending. Very good read, and definitely chic lit." —Desiree Douglas, Enchanting Reviews

"Going Topless is beautifully written, erotic, and, best of all—fun! I loved following these characters on their European journey learning about love and, most importantly, themselves. This is a great read." —Theresa Alan, national bestselling author

"A sexy, fun read! Renee Knowles crafts a fabulous story with fun characters and an enjoyable plot. Going Topless is thoroughly entertaining and steamy!" —M.A. duBarry, award winning author