Acknowledgements
Yup, this will be long. Because each and every one of you are so important to me and there will never be a good enough way to thank you for all the support and generosity you've shown me. A simple acknowledgment in a book doesn't do it justice, but I hope it matters all the same.
Complicated Hearts was and is a gamble. This duet isn't for everyone and a lot of people turn their noses up at this sort of story. They judge before they understand. Writing this duet was and is a journey...and it showed me the people in my corner no matter what.
I'm so incredibly humbled and grateful for each and every one of you. And truly, I thank you all from the bottom of my heart and the depths of my soul. I hope like hell I'm not leaving anyone out...and if by some horrible chance I did...just know that I'm sorry.
First off, I have to thank all of the amazing bloggers. You selfless, amazing people. I’m so incredibly thankful for you.
Tanya: I can't thank you enough for all that you do. From being my shoulder to cry on, making the very BEST covers and teasers, reading my MS 50,000 times, and letting me push that envelope of yours. I Love you...and I need to stop before I start singing 'Wind Beneath My Wings' and get fined. You are hands down one of the best things that has ever happened to me. I. Love. You.
Jamie: Thank you for being there and listening to me and my idea. When I told you about CH, I expected you to talk me out of it; like some others before you had. But it was the opposite. You rooted for me and this story. You didn't even bat an eye. I do not have the words to thank you enough. You were and are pivotal for the Complicated Hearts duet and most importantly, my life.
Michelle: I don't think I can ever express my gratitude for all that you do. From the big things—to the small things that always add up to big things. You keep me organized. You keep me sane. You keep me going when I want to throw in the towel. Thank you, babe. So fucking much.
Pennie: Not every author is blessed to have a guardian angel in the book world. Thank you so very much for being mine. Thank you for supporting me and believing in me the way that you do.
K. Webster: You knew this was coming. :p EVERYONE needs to blame K Webster for Complicated Hearts being a duet and not a standalone. (j/k, guys- Don't blame her.) She's too fucking awesome and talented to ever yell at anyway. In all seriousness, while some others may not thank you for it, I do. Immensely. It was one of the best pieces of advice I've ever received and I'm so happy to call you not just my unicorn, but my friend and someone I look up to.
Erika: You know what you do and you do it so damn well. Thank you for pimping, believing, shouting from the rooftops, and throwing dandelions. I love your face.
Amy: You drive me crazy, baby. But I love you. Thank you so much for everything.
Tanaka: No one gets riled up about an Ashley Jade book quite like you do. You make me all warm and gooey inside. Thank you so damn much.
Shabby and Laura: Your support means the absolute world to me. Thank you so much for believing in me and for all that you do. #CornForever
Michelle R: Or as my husband would say, my 'New York' friend. Thank you for believing in me and this story. Thank you for giving us (both me and CH) a chance. <3
Avery: I had to sneak you in here right quick. Thank you, babe.
Nico: Thank you for all of your encouragement and kind words. You are such a sweetheart with such a gentle soul.
Michelle McGinty: Please forgive me for the senile science teacher. I love you long time, you sexy bitch!! (Who's crazy. :p )
My Bat Girls!!! OMG , MY BAT GIRLS!!!!::: Jessica K, Belinda, Paula, Maria, Kim, Nik, Tammy, Di, Thai, Crystal, Jessica M, Danielle, Tijuana, Jadey, Melanie, Dee, Janie, Kim, Mari Ann, Hanan, Brandy, Janice, Nikki, Margie, Rose, Diane, and our other Bat Girl who gained her angel wings too soon- Heather Stanley.
I love you. I'm blessed to have the very BEST people in my corner. I will never, ever forget anyone of you. Because as far as I'm concerned- I don't shine without you all. Thank you for all that you do.
Ashley's Little Survivors Group: You babes' are my everything. Thank you from the very bottom of my heart for being one of the BEST groups in the whole world full of the very best readers out there!!!
The Complicated Hearts Arc group: Thank you for dealing with my crazy, and my teasers, and my 'Ahhh' moments. I hope it was worth the wait and it paid off. <3
Cassie- You were my very first 'fan'. Starting all the way back from the days of the 'Twisted Fate' series. I will never, ever forget that. Thank you so very much. You're my 'MVP' for life!!!
And last but not least…the person who makes my world go round’. My ‘Hammie’—My heart and soul. I couldn’t do this without you, baby. My love for you knows no bounds…because we’d find a way to demolish anything standing in our way. You’re my ‘alpha’, my strength, my weakness, but most importantly…my everything.