Kristine Swartz and Jessica Watterson, thank you for not only putting up with me, but encouraging me. These books literally would not be possible without you both. Thank you for believing in me and helping me grow as an author.

To everyone at Berkley, I am endlessly thankful for all that you do. Thank you for making this book happen and for being absolute magic.

To booksellers everywhere. As an author and a reader, I thank you for all that you do to spread joy and create community within your walls. More than ever, you are a haven for us. The world would be a much darker place without you.

Since being in lockdown, I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to get to know so many members of the book world. Melissa Gill, Amber Burns, Crystal Perkins, Emily Santana, Shay Tibbs, Allie Boedeker, and so many more, thank you for being such bright lights. I feel so lucky to know you and call you friends.

Maxym and Lindsay, I honestly don’t know what I would do without you two brilliant women by my side. Your friendship means the world to me! Suzanne, Sarah, and Falon, I thought Pitch Wars couldn’t give me any more until I met you! Love you ladies to the moon! Harper, Clubhouse might’ve been a dumpster fire, but I’m so glad I found you!

Lin. I mean, what can I say that I haven’t already? Joining that Facebook group was the best thing that’s ever happened to me. You keep me sane. I honestly don’t know if I could’ve made it through these last years without you. You are a saint. I am so freaking thrilled to watch you shine. It’s long overdue, but I can’t wait to scream my head off and cheer for you as you take the world by storm. They aren’t ready!

Abby, Taylor, Brittany, and Natalie. It’s an embarrassment of riches, honestly, to have friends like you. You inspire me every single day. I love you so much.

Jean, I hope you’re reading this. I missed you, my life wasn’t as bright without you in it. Thank you for being there for me.

To my children, DJ, Harlow, Dash, and Ellis, you blow me away every day. You’re kind, funny, smart, and more than I ever wished for. I don’t know what I did to deserve to be your mom, but I’m eternally grateful. I love you beyond measure.

Derrick, look at us still going. Fifteen-year-old Alexa could’ve never dreamt of this future; thank you for standing by my side.