Elise Dee Beraru can't recall a time since she learned to read that she hasn't been a writer. She chooses to write romance because she believes love stories featuring smart, strong women who find true love with the men of their dreams without sacrificing their core selves are the ultimate empowerment.

Her novels, including The Hungry Heart, have gained honors, including winning the Sime-Gen Reviewers' Choice Award, the Windy City Choice Award and the PASIC "Book of Your Heart" competition. She has also been a finalist for the EPPIE, Holt Medallion, Aspen Gold, Texas Gold, Golden Quill, Notable New Author and Orange Rose Awards. She has also written award-winning short stories with romance themes.

When not writing, Elise is an attorney in solo practice. She is also an award-winning quiltmaker and public speaker who regularly makes presentations promoting Los Angeles Opera and the rights of injured workers. She lives just south of Beverly Hills, California with a mortgage, several cats and more fabric than any one woman has any business owning.