When I created the lovable character the Russian in the first Bromance Book Club book, I never intended for him to get his own story one day. I owe a huge thank-you to all the readers, bloggers, and reviewers who sent me messages and tagged me on social media to say, “Please give this gentle giant his own book!” I listened, and I’m so glad I did. I hope I have done justice to the man you’ve all grown to love so much.
Huge thanks to my niece, Madison Kefferstan, a real athletic trainer who helped me research hockey injuries and rehab. Thanks for indulging all my questions, no matter how ridiculous. I can’t wait to see where your career takes you! Also thank you to attorney Melissa Indish for your invaluable help in researching the complex and heartbreaking realities of the American immigration system. Any mistakes in either area are entirely my own!
As always, enormous thanks to my agent, Tara Gelsomino, for your hard work and enthusiastic belief in the Bromance boys. Equal gratitude to my editor, Kristine E. Swartz, who helped me work through several rewrites of this book to make sure the Russian’s story was perfect and true to his character. And to the entire marketing, publicity, foreign rights, and sales teams at Berkley Romance—you are the best in the business.
Thank you to my friends—Meika Usher, Christina Mitchell, Alyssa Alexander, Victoria Solomon, Tamara Lush, Thien-Kim Lam, Erin King, Elizabeth Cole, G.G. Andrews, Deborah Wilde, Jennifer Seay, Amanda Gale, Jessica Arden . . . I couldn’t do this without you.
And finally to my family. Thanks for putting up with me. You’re the reason I do this.