Many thanks to the incredible team at Penguin for helping and cheering us on. My gratitude goes to Stacey Barney, our editor, for being patient, thorough, and thoughtful. Thanks also go to Marisa Russell for coordinating publicity at Penguin, and also to the team at JKS Publicity, including Julie Schoerke, Samantha Lien, and Grace Wright, for doing everything from getting us interviews with Publishers Weekly to snagging me a cab at midnight on Bourbon Street.
A special thank-you goes to the team at New Leaf Literary, but I want to express my intense gratitude to Kathleen Ortiz and Joanna Volpe for providing support of every possible kind throughout this process. You guys set a high bar for agents. Like, up in the stratosphere.
To my friends who never wavered in your electronic (((hugs))) and encouragement—Brigid, Jaime, and Virginia most especially—I am in your debt. And Lydia, not even a mountain of shrimp toast could properly convey my adoration.
Thank you to my family for holding me together, and to my colleagues, especially Paul, for being willing to let me mix book talk with psychology talk.
And finally, to our readers, thank you for hanging with Tate and Christina during the most intense week of their lives. Whether you scan red or blue, I love you all.
—Sarah Fine
Thanks to Melissa, my love and the CEO of our family.
My incredible co-author, Sarah Fine, who somehow juggles four full-time jobs at once!
Joanna Volpe, the Guinness World Record holder for the Greatest Agenting Moves in One Calendar Year.
The entire team at New Leaf Literary and Media, most notably Kathleen Ortiz, Jaida Temperly, and Jackie Lindert for their editorial prowess during the writing process!
Our incredible team at Penguin, including the marketing and publicity teams (Marisa Russell, Erin Berger, and Erin Gallagher); Tony Sahara, who designed our incredible covers; Cindy Howle, copy chief, who oversaw the production process; our copy editor, Wendy Dopkin; and Stacey Barney, who loved this series from day one and made it work through sheer will.
My mom, Nahid Ghaffari, who taught me to read practically before I could walk. My dad, Faraz Shahbazian, who loves books as much as anyone. My entire family and my friends for their support over all these years.
—Walter Jury