The Dating Dare is my pandemic baby. At times, it was difficult to write. Who am I kidding? It was hard—really hard—to write on most days. Yet, this book has been my escape and my anchor through these incomprehensible, heartbreaking times. Tara and Seth warmed my heart, made me laugh, and moved me to tears. Writing their story gave me a purpose that helped me forge ahead. It kept me whole.
To Sarah Younger, literary agent extraordinaire. Your voice of reason and sound advice—which kept me sane through four releases and two new contracts during the pandemic—allowed me to center myself and write this book. Thank you for having my back, my friend.
To Mara Delgado Sánchez, my wonderful editor, thank you for loving my book. It made me deliriously happy to hear that I made you laugh and cry! Thank you for believing in me even when I couldn’t and working so hard to make The Dating Dare shine. I’m so happy we got to work together on this book.
And to my marketing manager, DJ DeSmyter, my publicist, Mary Moates, and the rest of the incredible team at St. Martin’s Griffin. Thank you so much for your support and dedication. As I so often said, you guys rock.
Thank you to Gwen Hernandez for being my friend and critique partner. Your support and candid insights helped me see this book with a clearer eye and a kinder heart. And to Christin Britton, thank you so much for holding my hand through this whole process and steadying me through the bumps and jolts. You gave me the strength to give The Dating Dare my everything until the very end.
To my husband and my boys. Thank you for your love and support as I wrote this book while all of us spent way more time with each other than usual. It was challenging at times, but you never lost your sense of humor. And your interest in my work always makes me so proud of myself. Your support means everything.
To Mom, Dad, and my brother, Eugene, you guys are my biggest cheerleaders. You lift me up so I can reach higher, and you’re ready to catch me if I fall. Your love sustains me. I’m so lucky to have a family like you.
More than ever, we need love, hope, and laughter in our lives. I hope this book brings you, my dear readers, all that and more. And I will always strive to deserve your love and support. Thank you with all my heart.