A month before this book was due to my editor, I received a phone call no one wants: my editor had suffered an aneurysm and passed away a day before my last book, Stay For Me, released. The news staggered me. Nikki Busch and I had worked together for eight years on twelve books, several of which have won awards and all of which have earned four- and five-star reviews from readers like you. Her editing skills made me a stronger, better writer, and I will be forever grateful for her professionalism and expertise. Not to mention, she was an incredible person. I miss comparing notes on all the rock shows we’d seen and listening to her stories of playing guitar in a rock band.
After a month of wringing my hands and wishing I could ask her for a recommendation for her replacement, I finally moved on with the difficult task of auditioning a new editor, which is sort of how I imagine online dating works. Finally, I found Bryony Leah. Thanks for agreeing to take me on, Bryony, especially with the busy, busy summer you had marrying the love of your life, honeymooning on a Greek island, and coming home to the loss of your nana. Your plate was pretty full before the addition of editing Finding the End Zone.
Joni Blood, without your insistence that I write a football romance, I doubt I would have written this book. Thanks for the push. I loved writing Callahan and Jamaica’s story so much that now theirs is the first book in the Game Time football romance series with at least three more books coming. You’re welcome. ;)
Bri Weigel, you are a rock star. Every time I ask you to beta read for me, you never hesitate to say yes, even when you’re chasing an active toddler around the house and teaching a full load at Casper College. I appreciate your insights so much. Thank you.
Coleene Torgerson, I’m so lucky to have you in my life. Thanks for your help with the blurb and for your endless support of my writing. Because you believed in me from the start when I sent that very first draft of Talisman to you, I have a career. I truly hit the best friend jackpot on the first day of first grade all those years ago.
Levi Meyer, I appreciate all the work you do to keep my website top notch. The revamp looks marvelous. Thank you.
Julia Goldhirsch, VA extraordinaire, I appreciate your tireless efforts to keep my books in front of readers. You always come up with fresh ideas and new places for me to connect with people. Without you, I’d be muddling around in the dark trying to figure out marketing and driving myself bonkers in the process.
My critique partners—JR Cobourn, KJ Gillenwater, LindaRae Sande, and Sara Vinduska—you’re the best. Thanks so much for your comments and catches on the early drafts of this book. I’m so pleased you love this story. Our working dinners together are such fun. Cheers!
CruiserMan, you always believe in what I’m doing. Having that kind of support is a gift. Thank you. I love you.
I’ve saved the biggest thanks for you, Dear Reader. Without you, this writing dream is airy nothing. I love to connect with readers online, especially on Instagram and TikTok, so keep tuning in and commenting. I also love to see you on the reading sites where I check in regularly. Readers truly do influence what I write. If you haven’t already done so, head on over to my website www.tamderudderjackson.com and subscribe to my newsletter. I always have something fun to share including free books, sales, discounts, sneak peeks, and bonus chapters. See you there.