Note to self: when stepping back into your billionaire boss's world:

— Remember why you turned him down all those years ago: because infamous playboys like Drake Llewelyn are trouble with a capital T!

— He plays to win. You can't afford to take a gamble on love and lose, no matter how much he says he's changed.

— So arm yourself against his movie-star looks, devastating charm, intoxicating smile... Oh, no! This is going to be so much harder than I thought!

Melissa has always been a fan of fairy tales and "happily-ever-afters," but she'd never read a category romance until her senior year of high school, when an English teacher had the class study genre fiction. Needless to say, she owes Mrs. Penny Cooper a debt of gratitude.

After graduating from Stanford University with a degree in mechanical engineering, Melissa worked analyzing jet engine performance, and her love of romance novels grew. One day, she decided to write a romance of her own. Easier said than done, Melissa quickly learned, but she didn't give up.

Writing soon became a passion, and the few hours spent at the computer during lunchtimes and in the evenings weren't nearly enough. With lots of prodding and support from her husband, Melissa decided to follow her dream and write full-time.

It was a good decision. Her first full-time effort was also her first sale to the Silhouette Yours Truly line. She moved to the Silhouette Romance line with her second sale.

When she isn't writing, caring for her toddlers, or doing laundry, Melissa loves to curl up on the couch with a cup of tea, her cats, and a good book.

Melissa makes her home in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Her 1939 cottage was recently remodeled and she's having fun decorating the inside and gardening outside. She lives with her own real-life hero husband, her daughter, son, two lovable but oh-so spoiled indoor cats, and a no-longer stray outdoor kitty who came with the house and calls the garage and cellar home.

You can reach Melissa via her web site at www.melissamcclone.com.