While The Princess Stakes is a work of fiction, I wanted to write a story that showcased not just what it meant to be a woman of color in historical times, but also what it meant to fall in love in a period that wasn’t all ballrooms and ballgowns (though I do hope you love the dresses—I definitely did—I’m head-over-heels in love with the gorgeous gown on the cover)! The Princess Stakes is first and foremost a romance, but it is also an exploration into my characters, drilling down to the core of who they truly are. I wanted to strip down the hero and heroine to their fundamental layers—to the raw essence that connected them as people and, hopefully, to show that differences are meant to be celebrated and valued. After all, love is love, and it’s certainly worth fighting for.

Thanks for reading!

Xo, Amalie

Acknowledgments

First and foremost, thank you to my brilliant editor, Deb Werksman. What a journey this has been, and you’ve had my back every single step of the way, editorially and otherwise. I cannot thank you enough for taking a chance on me and this book. I’ve wanted to work with you for years, and I’m so glad that I finally got a chance to do so…it has been everything I hoped for and more.

To my hands-down super star agent, Thao Le, what can I say except you are a freaking force of nature. Honestly, you’re everything a literary agent should be: smart, professional, forward-looking, fierce, compassionate, and a devoted advocate. Thank you so much for going over and beyond for me. I’m truly lucky to have you.

Thanks to the entire production, design, sales, and publicity teams at Sourcebooks Casablanca for your tireless efforts behind the scenes—I’m grateful for all you do! A special shout-out to Stefani Sloma and Molly Waxman. There aren’t enough words for how incredibly awesome you both are. Thank you.

To the women who keep me sane on this publishing roller coaster and are forced to read my scrappy first drafts, Katie McGarry, Wendy Higgins, Angie Frazier, Aliza Mann, Sienna Snow, Sage Spelling, MK Schiller, Shaila Patel, Vonetta Young, Damaris Doll, Kerrigan Byrne, Lisa Brown Roberts, Jenna Lincoln, Jen Fisher, Stacy Reid, Ausma Zehanat Khan, Jodi Picoult, and Brigid Kemmerer, I’d legit be curled up in a fetal position if it weren’t for you. Thanks for being there and never letting me down.

Thanks also to everyone who reached out when I really needed it. Too numerous to name here, you know who you are.

To all the readers, reviewers, booksellers, librarians, and friends who support me and spread the word about my books, I have so much gratitude for you. Thank you for being patient with me on this particular book.