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Dear Reader,

On August 25, 2004, wonderfully talented Harlequin Temptation author Cheryl Anne Porter passed away after a valiant struggle with cancer. As her friends, we—the other “Temptresses”—wished to share a few of our fond memories of this vibrant, witty woman.

Without fail, all of us remember laughing with her. Whether because of her outrageous stories, the devilish gleam in her eye, or, as Wendy Etherington remembers, a name tag saying “Queen of the Universe,” Cheryl Anne inspired a feeling of genuine happiness from the moment you met her. Carly Phillips recalls meeting Cheryl Anne in a hotel lobby, and says everyone was roaring with laughter within moments of her arrival. Jacquie D’Alessandro distinctly remembers the first time she heard Cheryl’s voice—sort of husky, and filled with humor. That warm, softly accented voice was something Leslie Kelly will never forget, as her first interaction with Cheryl Anne was in a phone call.

If you’ve read Cheryl Anne’s books, you probably know her a little yourself. Her voice shone brilliantly through her written words. Julie Kistler was struck by how much Cheryl reminded her of her books, being smart, fresh, genuine and totally original. And Kimberly Raye calls Cheryl one of those people who lives life “out loud,” pointing out that, like her books, she made people feel good. Julie Kenner finds comfort that Cheryl’s voice, humor and wit will continue to live on through the readers, old and new, who discover her books.

Several of us first met her at writers’ conferences, where she was a sought-after speaker. Joanne Rock credits Cheryl Anne with helping her learn to tap deeply into her emotions while writing. Vicki Lewis Thompson fondly recalls the way Cheryl Anne would whip out those pictures of her grandchildren whenever they ran into one another. And every one of us still laughs when we think of Cheryl Anne’s “Larry the hotel employee” story.

Jill Shalvis and Julie Elizabeth Leto were fortunate enough to work closely with Cheryl on the MEN OF CHANCE miniseries in Harlequin Temptation, and Jill loved getting to know her. Julie, who lived close to Cheryl Anne, says that on the day Cheryl died, their hometown experienced an awe-inspiring rainstorm that lasted all night—and no one who knew Cheryl was the least surprised that she could influence Mother Nature.

But even those of us who didn’t know her personally felt touched by her. Emily McKay is thankful for Cheryl Anne’s gifts to the writing community, through her brilliant workshops, her wonderful books and her insightful articles. Rhonda Nelson says that whether you were a good friend, met her but once, or had simply read her wonderful books, the mere thought of Cheryl Anne always evoked a smile.

Finally, Cheryl Anne’s editor, Brenda Chin, admits that she’s firmly in denial. She’s not yet willing to imagine not having the pleasure of collaborating on another book with Cheryl. Cheryl’s wit, her irreverence and her outrageousness will be greatly missed by her Harlequin family.

We hope you enjoy this last book by our very dear friend Cheryl Anne Porter. She crafted her stories with love, laughter and genuine emotion…the same way she lived her life. The humor, charm and warmth you’re about to experience is her last, personal gift to all of us. One we’re all very grateful to have received.

With love,

The Temptresses