Carly Phillips, whose real name is Karen Drogin, was born on July 7, 1965 in New York. She received an undergraduate degree from Brandeis University. She eventually became a lawyer, but never really enjoyed practicing law. After having her first child, she decided she wanted to write a romance novel. Seven years later, she sold her first book, Brazen, to Harlequin Temptation. She is now the best-selling author of numerous romances including Simply Sinful, The Playboy, Summer Lovin', Hot Property, Cross My Heart, and Lucky Break. She also writes the New York Times bestselling Dare to Love series.