Jacquie D’Alessandro - Whirlwind Affair

Robert looked into her eyes brimming with happiness and love. Here was his girl from the sketch. The woman he'd waited a lifetime for. "My darling Allie. Of course they are. Did I not tell you that I always play to win?"

He drew her close and captured her lips in a deep, tender kiss. That "certain something," that indefinable magic he'd felt from the very first time he'd touched her, rushed through his veins, and utter contentment filled him.

At last.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the following people for their invaluable help and support:

My editor, Liz Scheier, for her kindness, cheerleading, and wonderful ideas.

My agent, Damaris Rowland, for her faith and wisdom.

My critique partners, Donna Fejes, Susan Goggins, and Carina Rock, for all the good times.

My mom and dad Kay and Jim Johnson, for a lifetime of love and support.

My in-laws, Lea and Art D'Alessandro, for the priceless gift of their son.

My sister, Kathy Guse, whom I am very proud of.

Martha Kirkland, my best research source, for being so generous with her time and knowledge.

Denise Forbes, Pat Pruitt, Nancy Krava, and Julie Teasley, for the great book signings.

Kathy Baker, bookseller extraordinaire, for her kindness and support.

Michelle, Steve, and Lindsay Grossman, for all the laughs and fun and for being such great peeps.

And a cyber hug to Connie Brockway, Marsha Canham, Virginia Henley, Jill Gregory, Sandy Hingston, Julia London, Kathleen Givens, Sherri Browning, and Julie Ortolon. You Looney Loopies are the best!

A very special thank you to Wendy Etherington and Jennie Grizzle. Thanks also to the members of Georgia Romance Writers.

And finally, thank you to all the wonderful readers who have taken the time to write or email me. I love hearing from you!

Award-winning author Jacquie D'Alessandro grew up on Long Island and fell in love with romance at an early age. She dreamed of being swept away by a dashing rogue riding a spirited stallion. When her hero finally showed up, he was dressed in jeans and driving a Volkswagen, but she recognized him anyway. They married after they both graduated from Hofstra University, and are now living their happily-ever-afters in Atlanta, Georgia, along with their very bright and active son, who is a dashing rogue in the making. Jacquie is currently working on her next historical romance for Dell, and she would love to hear from readers. Email her through her website at www.JacquieD.com

Jacquie D'Alessandro dreamed of handsome rakes atop bold stallions from an early age, and later created several award-winning novels from that girlhood fascination, including Whirlwind Wedding. She now lives in Georgia with her husband and young son, who she believes to be "a dashing rogue in the making."