Susanna Allen Weaves Romance and Fantasy with Grace in Her Acclaimed Shapeshifters Series

Susanna Allen, acclaimed author of the Shapeshifters of the Beau Monde series, is known for her captivating storytelling and vivid world-building.
A Masterful Blend of Regency Romance, Paranormal Intrigue, and Rich Character Development
Susanna Allen discusses her unique writing process, combining historical romance with paranormal elements, and shares insights into her diverse body of work.
Susanna Allen is an author whose creative prowess has captured the imagination of readers worldwide. With her acclaimed Shapeshifters of the Beau Monde series, Allen seamlessly blends Regency romance with elements of the paranormal, creating worlds filled with intrigue, charm, and unforgettable characters. Her versatility as a writer is evident, as she moves between genres with ease—from historical fiction to memoirs and contemporary novels, all under her pen name, Susanna Allen, and her birth name, Susan Conley.
In an exclusive interview with Reader’s House Magazine, Allen shared insights into the inspirations and experiences that have shaped her impressive body of work. Having a background in theatre criticism and feature writing, Allen’s literary style reflects the storytelling skills she honed through years of professional writing. Her ability to craft dialogue, develop rich characters, and blend historical authenticity with fantasy can be traced to her diverse career and personal experiences.
“Susanna Allen’s ability to blend genres and create enchanting worlds makes her a standout author in contemporary romance and fantasy fiction.”
Allen’s ability to navigate different genres—especially her shift from historical romance to contemporary fiction—is something she attributes to the clear distinction between her writing styles. “They are so separate in my mind, such entirely different worlds, that I don’t have a problem going between them,” she explained. Drawing on her high school immersion in Jane Austen’s works and her time living in Ireland, she effortlessly taps into the distinct “Regency era voice” for her Shapeshifters of the Beau Monde series. On the other hand, her contemporary voice stems from over two decades of blogging and journalism, especially in the beauty and equestrian spheres.
Allen’s background in theatre criticism has greatly influenced her approach to writing. “Writing every day in long and short form helped hone my skills,” she shared. This daily writing practice sharpened not only her writing but also her editorial skills, particularly when it comes to selecting and weaving together narrative details. Her love for theatre even finds its way into her stories, with characters and plots inspired by the world of performance, such as the troupe of traveling players in her novel A Duke at the Door.
The Shapeshifters of the Beau Monde series uniquely combines Regency romance with the supernatural, a blend that was, surprisingly, inspired by her work on her memoir, Many Brave Fools. Allen spent years researching diverse subjects such as brain science, addiction, and recovery, and during this time, she explored romance genres involving shapeshifters. A moment of creative inspiration struck when the title A Wolf in Duke’s Clothing came to her, marking the beginning of her paranormal Regency series.
In her memoir, Allen explores personal growth through horse riding following a life-changing event. She noted how the lessons learned from horses—patience, presence, and trusting the process—mirror her journey as a writer. “I’m never done learning when I’m on a horse, and I’ve realized, to my joy, that I’m not done learning about being a writer,” she said. Her experience with horses has deepened her understanding of resilience, which influences her writing process, particularly in moments of doubt or self-criticism.
Writing under two different names, Susanna Allen and Susan Conley, allows Allen to explore different facets of her creativity. She explained that as Susanna Allen, she’s more playful, while as Susan Conley, she tends to be more serious. Regardless of the pen name, Allen’s sense of humor is always present in her writing, uniting her work with a common thread of wit and charm.
The latest installment in The Shapeshifters of the Beau Monde series, A Duke at the Door, introduces readers to Tabitha, a 35-year-old apothecary who’s traveled across the continent. Returning to England, she finds it difficult to adjust to life in Regency society, especially when she crosses paths with Alwyn, a man haunted by loss and trauma from his time as a captive lion shapeshifter. Together, they find healing in one another, offering readers a captivating tale of love, healing, and unexpected revelations. Fans of the series can also expect appearances from beloved characters in previous books, as well as the introduction of a new shapeshifter whose identity will surprise and intrigue.
Through her remarkable storytelling and rich character development, Susanna Allen continues to prove that she is a force to be reckoned with in the literary world. Her unique ability to blend historical romance with elements of fantasy has captivated readers, and as her Shapeshifters of the Beau Monde series unfolds, there is no doubt that Allen’s future works will continue to enchant and inspire.