Gentle Reader, I know I've committed an unpardonable act. I should never have read Miss Liza Cranshaw's letters. I assure you I never intended to wrong her. But now that I've learned of her desperate straits, how can I ignore her plight? Miss Cranshaw is the daughter of a wealthy merchant. She is being blackmailed into marriage by a wretched nobleman greedy for her dowry. Naturally, I cannot ignore a damsel in distress —- especially one so lovely and so charming —- and am determined to prevent this disastrous union for her sake, though I must admit she has stirred my soul in ways I had not thought possible. I am aware of my reputation as a rake and one who has never had more than a passing acquaintance with constancy. And I admit I am a stone's throw away from debtor's prison —- through no fault of my own, I hasten to add. Misfortune, however, is no impediment to heroism. I vow, Gentle Reader, that I will restore my fortune and rescue Miss Cranshaw —- before I land in prison. Just, I beg of you, do not tell her about the letters! Very truly yours, Jack Fairchild, Esq.
Author
Julie Beard is a former journalist who brings her reporting skills to her award-winning, bestselling novels. Imagine investigating weapons of the Middle Ages, or the importance of reputations in the Victorian era, as she did when writing Midnight Angel (Berkley Sensation, December 2003). Julie has been hailed for her ability to magically recreate the distant past. Now she's busy "world building" in the future. Julie was one of the launch authors for the Silhouette Bombshell series, a new line of romantic action/adventure novels. She debuted with Kiss of the Blue Dragon (August 2004) featuring 28-year-old Angel Baker, a certified retribution specialist who strives to see justice done in the year 2104. The sequel, Touch of the White Tiger, will be a September 2005 release. Julie was a reporter and a news writer before turning her writing skills to more creative venues. She worked as the night beat for KSDK-TV, covering everything from murders to visiting politicians to hometown parades. As a news writer at the Fox affiliate in Chicago, she wrote copy for the legendary news anchor Walter Jacobson and Robin Robinson. Julie also has given dozens of workshops and lectures around the country at community colleges, bookstores and writers conferences. She's conducted seminars and written articles about editing, writing, promotions and journalism. She wrote the popular "how-to" book, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Getting Your Romance Published. This comprehensive nonfiction title offers advice on everything from plotting and editing a novel to finding an agent and publisher. Julie graduated from Northwestern University's prestigious Medill School of Journalism with a master of science degree in journalism. She graduated with a B.F.A. in theatre arts from Stephens College. She lives with her husband, two children and two incorrigible basenjis in the Midwest. Sourced from: http://www.eharlequin.com/author.html...
