ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

When I first realized, over twenty years ago, that I wanted to write books, I had no idea what was in store for me. First of all, I learned it’s not nearly as easy as I expected, but more important, I’ve learned it’s a lot more fun than I ever imagined. My thanks to every one of you who have helped me reach my goal—but especially my agent, Jessica Faust of BookEnds LLC, for believing I had the talent; and my editor, Audrey LaFehr, who has given me every possible opportunity to succeed in this amazing business. Also my sincere thanks to Kensington editorial assistant Martin Biro, who hit the ground running and probably hasn’t had time to take a breath since he joined the company.

As always, my gratitude and appreciation go to my amazing beta readers—on this project Jan Takane, Rose Toubbeh, Amanda Haffery, Sandi Potterton, Camille Anthony, Karen Woods, Margaret Riley and Ann Jacobs. And, to the talented authors willing to take time from their hectic careers to read the first book of my new series and offer a quote—Stella Cameron, Alyssa Day, Virginia Kantra, Angela Knight and Jayne Ann Krentz (a/k/a Amanda Quick and Jayne Castle). Thank you so much—now, if there was just a way for me to absorb some of your amazing talent….

Last but not least, to my husband—there really are no words. Thank you doesn’t even come close.