"Forever," he vowed.

"Yes, forever."

And he did.

Acknowledgments.

As this is a first book, I have a lot of people to acknowledge. First, I'd like to thank everyone at Avon Books who steered Claiming the Courtesan on its journey from manuscript to book. I'd particularly like to thank my wonderful editor there, Lucia Macro. Heartfelt thanks to the Art Department for my gorgeous cover. I'd also like to thank my agent, Julie Culver of Folio Literary Management, who supported this project from the moment she read it. My gratitude also goes to the marvelous writers I've met through Romance Writers of Australia and Romance Writers of America. I offer a special thank you to the members of my writing group, Turramurra Romance Writers in Sydney.

Finally, I dedicate this book to three remarkable women-my beloved mother, Dagmar; my oldest and dearest friend, Jill Turner; and my critique partner extraordinaire, Ann See.

About the Author.

ANNA CAMPBELL decided to become a writer shortly after she learned to walk. Then she discovered romance novels and realized she just had to be aromance writer and tell stories about love and hope and triumph through adversity, not forgetting gorgeous, passionate men. After various jobs and as much travel as she could afford, including a stay of several years in the United Kingdom, Anna has now settled near the sea on the east coast of Australia.

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