First and foremost, we want to thank our contributors, who enthusiastically embraced the concept of a book that bridges such varied approaches to engaging with sex and romance in Austen’s novels, adaptations, and communities. Their interest in the topic and the diversity of their perspectives and expertise made our work on this collection as eye-opening as it was pleasurable. We warmly thank Sonia Kane, editorial director, University of Rochester Press, for her belief in the book, and her involvement and support from its earliest stages. We also want to thank the Jane Austen Society of North America, which enabled conversations with diverse lovers of Austen.

As many of our colleagues and friends are aware, we have been thinking about this book since we met in graduate school. We want to thank everyone who helped us along the way for encouraging our fascination with Austen and sex. Finally, our deepest gratitude goes to our families, who gave us the space, time, and support that allowed us to make this book real.