To Mom and Dad, you never let me give up on my dreams. You never told me I couldn’t do what I loved. You only asked me when I was going to do it. You have always supported me, even if you didn’t know what the outcome would be, you’d be there to either catch me if I fall or watch me soar. There are no words to describe how much you both mean to me, how much I love you, and how much I look up to you both.
To Matt, Zach, and Josh. You didn’t ask for a fabulous older sister, but you got one anyway. And I never asked for three people who brighten up my days like y’all do. From the laughs to the pranks to ganging up on the parents, I have so many memories with you three that I cherish daily (aside from Z brainwashing my cat to love him more). We bicker and fight as siblings do, but you three are always my number ones. I love you, you crazy fools.
To my grandparents, two of you are here to see this moment and the other two are watching from above, but I hope that I’ve made you proud. So many of my favorite memories and stories to tell are about you. I know everyone probably says this about their grandparents, but I have the best. Thank you for never letting me go a day without your love.
To my Aunt Jenny and cousin Nikki, for all the tireless hours of editing and proofing, helping me whip this book into shape. No words can express how thankful I am for all the time you’ve put in. And to the rest of my fam, some of you might not get my obsession with books but you’ve supported me anyways.
To Grandma Dee, who stepped up when everything became too much, assured me of this story when I was feeling lost and helped me polish off the document after I made changes after changes. You might not be family by blood, but the fam and I love you dearly.
To Allison Riddles, thank you for being you. For being the best creative writing teacher I’ve ever had. Spring 2014, in your class, was the first time I ever shared my writing with other people. Thank you for seeing potential in my writing and helping me grow. The three semesters I spent with you taught me so much, expanded my writing, and gave me more confidence than I can ever thank you for. So, I’ll just thank you for all the time you’ve put in to help your students, to help me, be a better writer then I was yesterday.
To my BFF Jessica, my lemon Morelia, and my book-twin Lacey. For being the first readers of Break Line, for seeing the potential and loving the story from the very beginning. You put up with my questions, my freak-outs, my hang-ups without complaining, even as I blew up your phones. You put so much time, did so many read throughs, that I think you know the story better than I do at this point. I’ll forever be grateful for the book community, for many reasons, but the biggest three are y’all. Three of my best friends who know me better than anyone and are always willing to fangirl (and fight) over our book boyfriends.
To my forever friend, Julia, from writing self-insert fanfiction in your dad’s computer room to workshopping in Riddles’ class together. You’ve been with me since day one, the girl who I share all my best memories with growing up. From the cumquat fights to baseball games to just riding in the car together and having every song that played be your favorite (we won’t talk about the van you swear you didn’t see). You’re the sister I’ve never had, but the one I’ve never let go of. Thank you for reading and helping get BL to this point. For always being honest, not just with this book, but in life. You’re the day to my night and the loud to my sarcasm. Thanks for always being weird with me.
To R. Scarlett, my dear sweet friend! I am so thankful you came into my life. Not only did I get Tensley, but I got you too. One of my closest friends whom I badger on a daily basis, bless you for putting up with me! I have so many things to thank you for. From all our convos (you’re my long lost cousin!), your endless encouragement, all our word sprints, and all the guidance you provided for me along this journey—I honestly don’t think I would’ve gotten this far without you. But most of all, thank you for your friendship. I’d be a mess without ya!
To my squad, Breezy, Dani, Alicia, and Aidan. For all the times we’ve sung musical numbers, to our beach days, our food dates, trivia nights and all of our random adventures, my life would be dull without y’all. You four are my backbone when I need someone to lean on, when my days are hard and I just need someone to talk to. When I said I was writing a book, that I finished said book, and wanted to publish it, y’all rallied behind me, keeping my head up when I felt discouraged and always being an ear to vent to.
To Alex, for calling me an author at the start of our friendship, long before Break Line was ever finished. For always asking me about my book, asking when it’s getting published. For all your excitement, even when doped up in the hospital you’d ask me about BL, what the book cover was going to look like, and asking to see who the cover artist was going to be. I don’t think I’ve ever told you, but your questions, your genuine interest gave me the push to get this book published. So, thank you for helping get to this point. Thanks for all the laughs and ridiculous looks you’ve given me, for showing me how frat boys shotgun beer under three seconds in my shower before screaming like a girl when you turned the shower head on. I think I still have that video somewhere. For all the FSU and football talk, I’m still amazed you didn’t know bae’s mascot—I’ve failed you. But most of all, thank you for our friendship. You’ll always be my favorite frat boy.
To the friends I’ve met through blogging, especially my HWTB ‘18 girls! My days aren’t the same without group chats or y’all laughing at me for whatever random shit I decide to freak out about that day. You girls are always there for me and your enthusiasm and support for this book have truly blown me away! (And a special thanks to all those who helped me polish BL off!)
To Bex Harper for being a godsend, swooping in at the last minute, and helping me when I felt like I was falling apart. Your time and dedication to help make this book as perfect as possible, on top of your enthusiasm for this book and the characters have been a ray of light I’ve needed! You rock my fuzzy socks ;)
To Autumn Grey, for messaging me on Facebook that one day and offering me so much advice and wisdom, and always being there to answer my questions. You are one of the sweetest people I know. Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to answer my questions and help me find solutions, and I’m so glad to have you in my life.
To Letitia Hasser and Stacey Blake, for all your hard work making my book as pretty as can be! I’m in awe of your talent. Break Line wouldn’t stand out without you both!
To Enticing Journey, for blowing me away with all the hard work you put into making this book get into the hands of bloggers and getting my work out there. Your patience, kindness, and support mean everything to me!
To my reader group, thank you for your support of Break Line from the beginning. You all have blown me away with your excitement and support, and I hope you enjoy BL as much, or more, than you thought you would!
To all the bloggers, reviewers, and readers who pick up this book. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for picking up my baby. I know what it’s like to be in your shoes and know how many books are out there to read, so I’m honored you took a chance on a new author and BL!