My first beta readers were so helpful and supportive even though it still needed so much work! Andie Christopher, Katee Robert, Jenn LeBlanc, Leigh Kramer, and Sarah Crawford—thank you for finding things to love about this story along with things that helped me to make it stronger! I feel overwhelming gratitude for each of your friendships.

Thank you to my agent, Taylor Haggerty, who saw the potential in this story and did so much to help me make it better. Your steady support during the chaos of the last year has meant the world and I can’t wait to see what we do together in the future.

Aarya Marsden, holy hell I want to give your big beautiful brain a hug…but I would settle for a regular hug. You’re brilliant and notice the most fascinating things. The notes from your beta read were perceptive and lovely.

Erica Russikoff, your eagle eyes were reassuring when it felt like I’d edited this thing so many times I couldn’t even make out the words anymore.

Jen Prokop, I was too nervous to ask you to look at it and then you offered and blew my mind with your observations. Thanks for un-fucking the beginning of my book (and lots of other parts). I’m in awe of your instincts for romance and story.

Sarah MacLean, thanks for always making time for me and for being such a supportive friend…and for letting me escape into your sensational stories.

Jacque and Danielle Sewell, you’ve been a source of joy and encouragement during the most stressful of times. Jacque, you’re so goddamned talented that I want to hide you away and keep you all to myself, but I’ll share as long as you promise you’ll have time for me when you’re a big name. Thanks for everything both of you have done to support me and the Wicked Wallflowers community.

Sierra Simone, Katee Robert, and Kennedy Ryan, thank you for holding my hand through the indie publishing process. You’ve answered endless questions and offered patience, wisdom, and support. Your books have also been a balm…and a source of great angst for me because seriously, do you have to set the bar that fucking high?

Maureen Lenker and Kristin Dwyer, you’ve been rays of sunshine in my life and I’ve felt you at my back as I nervously worked my way through this. Thanks for making it feel like I wasn’t so alone during the most isolating parts of the pandemic. And letting me talk endlessly about Hadestown. Maureen, you’ve been my sister on this publishing journey and I can’t wait for the rest of the world to experience your stories.

Melody Carlisle, I’m obsessed with you. Thanks for letting me trick you into working with me. Your drive, thoughtfulness, humor, and sexy brain bring me untold delight.

Eva Moore, you’re not only my parenting idol, but you’re a rockstar author, and one of the kindest humans I’ve ever met. Thanks for reassuring me I could do this while I was still in the trenches.