This book started to take shape in my head more than a year ago. Though I started writing it immediately, I needed time for the characters and story to evolve in my mind before I was able to finish.

Chase and Gin mean a great deal to me. Chase, because he admits his wrongs and tries to atone for them. And Gin, just for being Gin. There’s more of me in Gin than in any heroine I’ve ever written. That feeling of being different, apart from the crowd, was something I struggled with at her age, too.

My amazing bookish tribe helped with this book in more ways than I can put into words, but words are required here, so I’ll have to do my best.

KP Simmon and Rachel VanDyken each took time to sit down with me at RT 2017 and talk over this story idea I had. Both times, I felt nervous about putting the Sweet Sixteen concept into words. Would they look at me in horror? Tell me this is about the least romantic idea they’ve ever heard?

They did not. Both of them were enthusiastic and supportive. And to get that kind of feedback from women I admire, well, that meant the world to me. Both of them had lots of people vying for their attention, but they both carved out some time for me. That meant a great deal.

I wouldn’t have finished this book on time—or possibly at all—without my beta reading team. Janett Gomez, Lisa Kuhne, Chelle Northcutt, Chantal Gemperle and Lizette Diaz—thank you. Thank you for reading the chapters fast when I was churning them out and waiting patiently when I wasn’t. Chelle’s messages about how she hated this book yet couldn’t stop reading it were food for my artistic soul. And Lisa helped me with the blurb at a time when I needed her most. Janett’s reactions to the pivotal chapters in the story encouraged me to write the ones after. You five gave me the fuel I needed to finish this story, just by reading it and cheering me on. So much love to you all.

Design Goddess Regina Wamba made the cover for Sweet Sixteen. With almost nothing to work with, she discovered my vision for this story. It wasn’t quick or easy, but she didn’t care about those things. She just wanted it to be perfect for me. The cover of this book is everything I hoped for and more.

Karen Hulseman read this story when it was being posted one chapter at a time on a startup reading app last year. It wasn’t convenient and it left her hanging every time, but she did it, and she talked about the book, to support me. BIG HUGS, Karen.

My publicist Jessica Estep provided encouragement and organization when I needed them most. And Michelle New helped make my promo materials shine with her teaser wizardry.

Editors Lisa Hollett and Taylor Bellitto whipped this book into shape. They busted me on all my mistakes and helped me smooth out the rocky bits. Lisa also sat down with me at RT 2017 to discuss the book, and she helped me talk out my plot plan. And both Lisa and Taylor worked on my crazy schedule, which they may be used to doing but still puts them at rock star status for me.

My author bestie Stephanie Reid helped me with plotting on this book, providing a crucial turn that benefitted the story greatly. She is and always will be my plot whisperer.

My other author bestie Chelle Bliss formatted the book for me when I found myself in a time crunch. She’s pretty much the best in every possible way.

And finally, thanks to Dan Hopkins for patiently answering all my football questions. There were many, and some were dumb, but he drew pictures when needed.