Originally, I wasn’t going to write an acknowledgments section for this book, not because I didn’t have an abundance of people to thank for helping me to finally bring these characters and this story to life, but because I wasn’t sure anyone read them. Needless to say, I was proven wrong. And since I do have so many to thank, I’m going to give it a shot and hope I don’t leave anyone out.
First and foremost, to Emma Scott, who might never actually get a chance to read these acknowledgments but who ultimately became the final voice I needed to hear in getting this book finished and published. Thank you for not only reading my message and taking the time to respond, but for reaffirming what an incredible and beautiful person and author you are. Rather than making assumptions or assuming the worst, you were so understanding and supportive, and I can’t begin to tell you how much your kind reply meant to me. I was ready to call it quits on this story, and if it wasn’t for you, I might have never found the courage to finish it otherwise.
To Eleanor Lloyd-Jones, who had witnessed every struggle I’d faced writing this book. Thank you for believing in me and my words and for constantly telling me “You’ve got this.” I’m so thankful for your friendship, love, and support in this crazy publishing journey.
To Louise Holroyd, for always being there when I need you, even if the messages come through in all shouty caps and at random hours and times. I am so thankful to have met you in this book world, and I can’t wait until I can give you another hug and eat more of your awesome cake. Oh, and I’m sorry to disappoint you, but the glistening flaps had to go. Perhaps I’ll write them into a story, just for you.
A special thank you to the wonderful Danielle Dickson, who read this story back when it was originally a novella. Thank you for loving these characters as much as I did and wanting more. This story has become “more” because of you.
Gratitude to my beta team and to the few special ladies who read early chapters of this book during the writing phase, Michelle Richardson, Louise Holroyd, Danielle Dickson, Nicole Richard, Abigail Davies, Jennifer Kennessey, Aime Metzner, Kelsey Rae Lehman, and Samantha Blundell. Your feedback has been invaluable and I’m so thankful to have you as part of my team.
A huge thank you to my cover designer, Najla Qamber for helping me create the perfect cover for Cassi and Sam’s story. I hope you know you’re stuck with me for life. Your patience, attention to detail, and ability to deliver only the best is next to none.
And to the following ladies, Saira Mendoza, Tabatha Edmonds, Na Bookaddict Dine, Diz Norman, and Kelsey Rae Lehman, who offered their thoughts and opinions in helping me narrow down my cover choices and choosing the perfect one for the story.
Immense gratitude to my editor, Kelly Hartigan. You’re the best of the best. Thank you so much for taking my words and making them truly shine. I’m so grateful to have found you at the start of my publishing journey and couldn’t imagine working with anyone else.
A massive thank you to Kristina Hanicar, Saira Mendoza, Tabatha Edmonds, Claire Williams, Jennifer Kennessey, Margaret Hardy Nee-Montgomery, Claire Willan, Tracy Gonzalez, and Cat Wright for loving and sharing my work as much as you do. Your selfless support means the world.
To all the bloggers, tweeters, instagrammers, and book groups, but especially Diz Norman (4TLOR), Brenda (BBB Book Blog), Amber and Amanda (Shock_n_awe_bb), Emilie (Chasing The Words Book Blog), Colleen (The Book Lover Blog/Thebooklover16), Kelsey (Buriedinabook_k), Sarah (All_Encompassing_Books), Nikki (Nikkigracereads), Samantha (I_Love_HEA_Romance_Book_Blog), Thuy (Tweezyreads), Alexandra (Alexandra_Tolentino), Kim (Sexy Sirens Book Blog) Aime (Thebookloversreport), Brittany (Cantquitbooks), Aneeqa (Readmatic.book.blog), Danielle (bookobsessive), Elsa (bookishaurora), and Indiebookjunkie for not only taking a chance on me but for reading and reviewing and for sharing your love for my books. Without you, it’d be impossible for my books to get noticed.
The wonderful ladies at Enticing Journey—thank you for being so awesome and helping make my release the best it can be.
To you, the reader, thank you for taking a chance on my story when there are so many others to choose from. Thank you for recommending my books, for your unending support, and the messages and emails that remind me why I write.
Thank you to Katie’s Foxy Readers. You guys are so much more than just my readers, your friends, and I love you all immensely! Seriously the best reader group this author girl could ask for.
To my fellow authors, who offer endless support when it comes to knowledge, feedback, and guidance. I am forever indebted to you.
And to my husband and son, thank you for putting up with my endless need to write. I love you both more than you could ever possibly know