Kat and Chase were one of the first couples that came to me before I’d even started my writing career. Back then, it was just a crazy idea with not much of a plot line. Just two utterly broken people who found each other through their addictions. Not a very sexy theme, I realize. I threw down five chapters of this book in one sitting two years ago, then walked away thinking it would silence them but, no matter how many books I wrote, Kat and Chase always resurfaced, always started chatting away in my ear asking me to write their story. I gave up, gave in. They needed to be heard.
Addiction may seem like a poor background to a romance novel, but Kat, Chase, Desiree, and the Andropoulos family poured onto the pages directly from my heart. They were modeled so closely after my own experiences that I found them difficult to write at times. I had to walk away to clear my head. Watching loved ones drink themselves into an early grave is something I’m far too familiar with. So many people I’ve cared about have lost their lives to drugs or alcohol, and it never gets easier.
If you know someone who’s battling with their own demons, please urge them to find help. Addiction is a slippery slope, but it’s never too late to turn things around. There are so many programs available to guide a person in their recovery. The Alcoholics Anonymous website is an excellent reference and a great place to start:
Now that I’ve gotten that off my chest, I must thank the people who helped turn this little idea into a full-blown novel. I have so much to say to each and every one of you, but for the sake of time, I’ll keep this brief. Y’all know how much I love you!
From the top:
Candice Royer, my editor, you continue to amaze me every time we work together! You somehow always manage to make my work better, push me to improve, and support all my crazy whenever I need you to.
Dani Rene’, the creator of this lickable cover (and all those hot AF teasers!), your work is amazeballs, as always! I asked for a hot cover and you delivered! Phew! To show my appreciation for everything you’ve done, I hereby bequeath you first dibs on Chase. He will be yours, I promise!
TE Black - your formatting skills are so badass! Thank you so much for making my book just as pretty on the inside as it is on the outside!
Jenny Sims from Editing4Indies - I don’t know that I would put a book out without your mad eagle eye to fix all my mistakes. You never cease to amaze me with the stuff you find!
Sandy Ebel from Personal Touch Editing – I love working with you. Your excitement over my work adds to my own, I’m truly blessed to have you in my life. By the time you get the manuscript, it’s pretty clean, yet you still pick up the tinyest things missed and polish it that much smoother.
My Master Betas - Jenny G., Jamie O., Robin W., Melissa F., Jillian V., Brooke Lee, & Dani Rene’ you guys are the backbone of my work, you really truly are. Your opinions, suggestions, and guidance are invaluable to me. Also, the hot and sexy inspirational photos you send over DM. Those help a ton!
My street team – Cindy, Jackie V.Booknerd, Jenny, Nicole, Niki, Stracey, Renee, Melissa, Melissa, Allison, Sam, Michele, & Sandy – you guys RULE! Thank you for just being you. You are fantastic!
Added love to Melissa Pascoe – getting to work so closely with you, just getting to know so much better, has been such an amazing experience! Thank you for everything you do, all the work you put in helping my release succeed, and just helping talk me through shit whenever I needed it. From organizing the cover reveal to just being there every second of every day … you have no idea how much I appreciate all of it.
I’d also love to give a couple special little shout outs to two people who contributed to the success of this story –
Author Brooke Lee, thank you for allowing me to use your beautiful poem. When I heard it, I just knew it belonged in this story. Your poetry is excellent and everyone should read it. If y’all want to read more Brooke Lee poetry, her book can be found on Amazon.com. Thanks again, as well, for your invaluable help with the blurb! Wow, your words really captured the essence of this story and I don’t know what I would have done without you!
Author Tanner Chase, thank you, first and foremost, for the use of your name! From the second I met you, I knew that name was perfect for this character, and I felt like such an ass asking if I could use it! But even more than that, the chats, support and just your overall excitement for everything I do is humbling. It’s heartwarming to have such a fabulous fan that I can also call a friend.
Ena & Amanda from Enticing Journey Book PR, you guys are awesome! Thank you, always, for just being killer all the time!
Colleen from Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, this is the first time working together, and it was a great experience! I look forward to working with you again and again!
The bloggers – you guys really deserve to be at the top! Without you, no one would even read my stuff. Thank you for always sharing, reading, and reviewing! It means so much to me.
And, finally, my readers, my Addicts. Your PMs, comments, and posts make my whole day. Hearing from all of you puts a mile-wide smile on my face. Thank you for your constant support and love.