Acknowledgments
You can't see me, but I'm smiling and it's huge because this is my favorite part of the book. The part where I get to say thank you to all of the awesome people who helped make this book possible. Sit back and get comfortable because I have a lot of love to spread, this may take a while.
Thank you to my beta readers, who named themselves The Legion of Moist. You five incredible women kept me smiling and laughing through the final, tough month of writing and then lovingly and meticulously tore this book apart to help me turn it into something I was proud to hand off to my editor. Your friendship, encouragement, constant humor, intelligence, and love made all the difference in the world. You took me from writer's block to the point where I finally fell in love with this story—I owe you more than you will ever know. So, to Lindsey Burdick, Amy Donnelly, CM Foss, Gemma Hitchen, and BN Toler, I say, thank you. You all make me ...
Thank you to Debbie Clark. You have stood beside me and cheered me on through the past several years of this crazy writing dream I have. Thank you for your constant support and friendship in all things in my life, not just writing.
Thank you to Brandon Hando, crazy talented designer. You created another cover that I am in love with. In. Love. And you are always patient with me and create magic every time I ask for another T-shirt design, or another bookmark, or another sticker, or another ... anything. Thank you for always seeing my vision, sometimes even before I do. You have my heart.
Thank you to Monica Parpal, kickass editor. None of my books would have been published without you. Collaborating with you is an honor; you breathe life into my stories. My respect for you grows with every book we work on together (and that's saying something because my respect was through the roof two books ago). And in the case of Gus, you took ownership of this project and committed to it even with your own wedding quickly approaching. I can't thank you enough.
Thank you to Amy Donnelly at Alchemy and Words, kickass editor, formatter and designer. Not only did you beta read, edit, and proofread for me, but you created the most beautiful trailer and teasers for Gus. Not to mention backing me up at every signing event, being an auntie to Phoenix (I'm so glad we adopted you into our family), and letting me bounce anything and everything off you. You. Do. It. All. I don't know what I would do without you. Seriously. I'm bowing down to you right now.
Thank you to Josh Harris at Yerk Design, website designer and general smart dude. You set up my website and have maintained it and added whatever, whenever I ask you to, and have offered advice along the way. Thank you for your willingness to always help me out—including proofreading this little book, which was above and beyond the call of duty.
Thank you to Seth King, voice of reason and friend. You talked me off the ledge many times near the end of this project and helped me keep my last, frayed shred of sanity. Aside from writing, I think counseling might be your calling. You're a wise dude. And honest. And caring. And funny. And for all that, I'm eternally grateful.
Thank you to Colleen Hoover, mentor and friend. You are one of the kindest people I've ever met. Thank you for always answering my questions and offering guidance on all things book world related, every time I've needed it, without fail. You'll always be my favorite author, but your heart is what makes you so damn special. Thank you ... for everything.
Thank you to my favorite bands for creating nothing short of pure magic and inspiring me with your music. I wouldn't be able to write without you. And a massive shout out to my very favorite band, Sunset Sons. While I was struggling to wrap up this book, Gemma Hitchen came in literally shouting (IN ALL CAPS) about your band and how you are the real-life Rook. I instantly fell in love HARD with your music and listened nonstop through writing the final chapters and all editing. You were my muse. You are my Gus and Rook. Nothing but love for Sunset Sons.
Thank you to Mom and Dad. For everything over the past forty-two years. I love you.
Thank you to B. and P., my dudes. It's an honor to be your wife and mom – it's what I live for. Period. I love, love, love you both. To the moon and back again.
Thank you to the Bright Side Support Group on Facebook. I'm not quite sure how it happened, but hundreds of the nicest and most positive people on the planet all gathered in one spot. We all share a love of good books, but more importantly we all share a love of good people. I am so lucky to be a part of this amazing group. Thank you for being awesome.
And last, but not least, thank you to every reader, author, and blogger who's befriended and supported me. I get to continue to chase this dream and do what I love because of you. That is a gift beyond measure. This book wouldn't be in your hands right now if it wasn't for you. Thank you a million times.
One more thing and then I promise I'm done.
I love you.
That's for everyone mentioned above. Your friendship is a gift. Thank you for being you.