This may seem strange, but the author’s acknowledgements are my favorite part of the book. I love to read who helped an author along the way, what inspires them, and who they love. Maybe it’s because I waited for this moment for as long as I can remember, imagining my own acknowledgements would be read someday. This may be long, but it’s my first time, so please bear with me.

I want to thank my husband, who is simply everything. I fall more in love with you every single day. Shortly after we met, you said you wanted to make all my dreams come true or stand next to me as I make them a reality. This book, every word, could not have happened without you by my side. I don’t know where this journey will lead me, but I know through its ups and downs you’ll make every second worth it. I love you, A. I love you so damn much.

Mom, Dad, and Raven, I tell people all the time I have the greatest family. It’s true. Your unending and unfailing love and support means the world to me. Thank you for loving me—even though I can be dramatic.

Mom, you deserve your own book. Thank you for always putting books in my hands when I was young, especially Harry Potter. Thank you for encouraging me to write every time I had a story to share. Thank you for reading my stories and being my sounding board. Thank you for finding the perfect balance to be my mom and my best friend. I’ll never be able to thank you enough for allowing me to become the person I’m meant to be. I love you.

Dad, thank you for loving your daughters unconditionally. Thank you for putting up with our crazy antics, and running interference. You have given me so much. I love you.

Raven, I love you, Sestra. Thank you for keeping me humble. You’re the bravest and most badass woman I know.

Tricia, the book world brought us together eight years ago. Thank you for your support throughout this journey. Thank you for letting me rave about romance books and for reading this book—so far outside of your comfort zone. Your friendship means the world to me.

My beta readers, Shayne and Kristen, you are outstanding. Your commentary, honesty, and thoroughness truly helped me shape this book. Y’all are rock stars! Thank you!!

Thank you, Evident Ink, for connecting me with Lisa and Kayti.

Lisa, editor extraordinaire, thank you for taking a chance on my novel. I’m so happy we clicked. Your suggestions transformed Vow of Retribution. I look forward to working with you on my next novel. Thank you for being so kind and helpful!

Kayti, thank you for consolidating my rambling into the perfect blurb. Thank you for sharing your wordsmithing genius!

Traci, you have a true eagle eye. Thank you for taking the final look before this book heads out into the world. I am so lucky to have found someone so helpful and sweet.

I’ll never be able to stop raving about my swoon worthy cover. Hang Le, you are a talented and exceptional artist. I cried when I saw my cover for the first time. You encompassed everything I envisioned from the start. Thank you for making the perfect cover.

Stacey, thank you for formatting, your quick responses, and your kindness. I can’t wait to hold the finished product in my hands. Thank you for being an important step in this process!

Mignon, thank you for all your expert wisdom and for working with me. You have been so patient with me and answered my never-ending questions with so much knowledge and kindness.

Thank you, Enticing Journey and IndieSage, for willing to work with a new author! I’m so excited my reveals and blitzes are in your extremely capable hands!

To my Kiss & Tell ladies, I’m beyond thankful I met each of you. Thank you for making me laugh daily and for giving me a space to share my failures and triumphs with others who completely understand. I’m so excited we are in this together and can’t wait to write the books we have planned!

Alessandra, thank you for creating the greatest group, Alessandra Torre Inkers. The information and knowledge I’ve gained is truly invaluable. Thank you to all those who comment and post! I learn something new all the time. If you’re an aspiring writer, join this group! You won’t regret it.

Thank you to all the romance authors who came before me. Thank you for sharing your words, love, and sexy characters with your readers. Thank you to the women who have been trailblazers in this industry. You’ve inspired me to share my words with the world.

Thank you to my fourth-grade teacher, Ms. Talley, who said I would be an author one day. I’ve carried those words with me every day of my life.

And thank you (the most important thank you in this awfully long acknowledgment section), to everyone who reads this book. Thank you for taking a chance on me and these characters. They’re so close to my heart, I hope they find a way into yours, too.