Courtney Milan, for unstintingly sharing her legal expertise. Google Books, the best research tool I’ve ever had. Rainer Engel, for reassuring me that indeed surgeons still dug out bullets at the end of the nineteenth century. My friend Vikram Jakkamsetti, M.D., Ph.D., for calmly and patiently answering all my questions about malaria. Kristin Nelson and Sara Megibow of Nelson Literary Agency, who are not just fabulous agents, but all-around fabulous people. This book is dedicated to Caitlin Alexander, What I started with takes an extraordinary editor. Getting a revised book out of me twice as good as

Making me cheerfully commit to start-over-from. It’s a keeper and be very thankful that historical romance has a new, shining star.” - on Private Arrangements Also by Sherry Thomas … You’ll not want to be interrupted once you start.” -Jane Litte,, on Private Arrangements “Deft plotting and sparkling characters … Steamy and smart.” -Publishers Weekly (starred review) on Private Arrangements “A love story of remarkable depth … Entrancing from start to finish.” -Mary Balogh, New York Times bestselling author, on Private Arrangements “If you’ve worried (as I have) about the future of historical romance, just remember two words: Sherry Thomas. This well-crafted romance places her among the very finest of the next generation of authors.” -Romantic Times (Top Pick!) on Delicious “Ravishingly sinful, intelligent and addictive.” -Eloisa James, New York Times bestselling author, on Private Arrangements “Sherry Thomas neatly blends subtly nuanced characters, a stylishly detailed late Victorian setting, and a sublime, fairytale-inspired romance into an irresistible literary treat.” -Chicago Tribune on Delicious “Sherry Thomas breathes new life into the historical genre with her rich, sensual tale. “Sherry Thomas dazzles with her intelligent, compelling story and memorable characters.

Private Arrangements by Sherry Thomas