With every book, I never know where to start, but it’s even more true with this book. The last two years of my life have been a whirlwind. After releasing Fractured Hope, I took a long break. I wasn’t sure if I’d actually ever publish again, but here I am.

My husband has always been by my side. Always. Through every up and down, cheering me on and supporting me. Thank you for everything. No words could cover how much you mean to me.

My kids… I love you. Both of you. You’re the best things in my life.

Without the support of friends, I’m not sure if I’d be here right now.

Bianca Smith — Thank you. You’ve become one of the people in my life that I count on and love so much. I love that we can share dog pictures for days and be totally cool with it. Plus you have an adorable nephew. Thank you for pushing me to write, to make this story the best it could be, and for letting me use your name.

J.A. DeRouen — Here we are again. I’d be lost without you. Both for my writing and picking what to read, and for life outside. I can’t imagine not having you in my life. Thank you for every single thing you do for me every single day. Whether it’s gifs or giving me a verbal slap, I can’t express how much you mean to me.

Stephanie Rose — Other than my husband, I’m not sure if there’s anyone on this planet that I feel such a connection with. You get me in ways that sometimes scare me, but I love it. Thank you for being my friend and for always letting me get the nastiness out in a safe space.

A.M. Johnson — I don’t know how in the world we haven’t been friends from birth, but I’m glad we’re friends now. Thank you for convincing me to pick up the pen (figuratively) again. Without you, I know I would have left HeartLess in a dusty file in my computer. Thank you for being you.

To my beta readers, Tammy Cole, Tracy Dalton, Shannon Mummey, thank you for your time and feedback. You helped make this book stronger and I so appreciate that!

Mitzi Carroll — You are an amazing person, and editor. I’m so glad I met you and that I can count on you as a friend.

Marisa Nichols — Thank you so much for your eagle eye. I loved your comments while I was going back through the document!

Emily Wittig — Thank you for all your work on this cover. You took a cover I loved already and made it into something I ADORE.

Becca Zsurkán — There are not many people who I feel such an instant connection to, and you’re one of them. Thank you for your help with all the things. Your designs are gorgeous. You are an amazing person. I’m so glad I met you!

Jenn Holter — Thank you so much for helping me to organize my life toward release. You are seriously so fabulous. I’m lucky to count you as a friend!

Ena and Amanda at Enticing Journeys — Thank you for helping to spread the word about this book! And for being so kind!

And to anyone else that I haven’t mentioned, thank you. My brain is kind of like a bucket full of holes. Know that you are important to me. I really thank you.

And mostly, to you, the reader. Thank you for picking up HeartLess out of all the books out there. Thank you for reading Nash and Bianca’s journey. I hope you enjoyed it.