Every book takes its own unique journey from inspiration to publication, and this one was my greatest adventure by far. So I want to start by thanking my readers for their love and support—and especially their patience—as I fumbled through all the craziness to bring this story into the world.
An infinite amount of thanks goes to my fabulous agent, Laura Rennert, for her ability to play the roles of adviser, champion, and shoulder to panic on. The amazing people at Andrea Brown Literary also deserve an abundance of thank-yous, as does Taryn Fagerness and all my wonderful foreign publishers.
To my editor, Liesa Abrams Mignogna, thank you for believing in Vane and Audra and giving me the chance to write the ending their story deserved. My deepest gratitude also goes to Mara Anastas, Mary Marotta, Katherine Devendorf, Sarah McCabe, Carolyn Swerdloff, Jennifer Romanello, Faye Bi, Lucille Rettino, Jodie Hockensmith, Michelle Leo, Anthony Parisi, Betsy Bloom, Matt Pantoliano, Amy Bartram, Mike Rosamilia, Tom Daly, Sara Berko, Julie Doebler, and the entire sales team at Simon & Schuster for the time, care, and creativity they each pour into my books. And thank you, Regina Flath, for giving me three covers I absolutely adore, and Shane Rebenschied for creating the most gorgeous artwork ever.
Thank you, Kari Olson, for enduring hours and hours of brainstorming (Vane would also like me to thank you for constantly advocating All the Kissing!) And thank you, C. J. Redwine, for braving the deadline trenches with me. I’m not sure I would’ve made it through without our check-in chats. Thank you, Victoria Morris, for being an awesome cheerleader (and an absurdly fast reader). And Sara McClung and Sarah Wylie—no matter how far I drop off the radar, I’m so thankful to know you’re both always there when I need you.
Thank you, lovely writer friends, for letting me lean on you (and hanging with me at events), especially Erin Bowman, Zac Brewer, MG Buerhlen, Lisa Cannon, Christa Desir, Debra Driza, Nikki Katz, Lisa Mantchev, Lisa McMann, Ellen Oh, Andrea Ortega, Cindy Pon, James Riley, Amy Tintera, Kasie West, Natalie Whipple, and Suzanne Young. And thank you to the brilliant teachers, librarians, bloggers, and booksellers who help readers discover my books, especially Mel Barnes, Alyson Beecher, Katie Bartow, Jo Gray, Maryelizabeth Hart, Jillian Heise, Faith Hochhalter, Heather Laird, Katie Laird, Kim Laird, Barbara Mena, Brandi Stewart, Kristin Trevino, Andrea Vuleta, and so many others. (If I’ve forgotten you, you officially have my permission to yell at me!)
To my parents, thank you for never letting me give up or doubt myself, and for not judging me (too much) when I find it far too easy to think like my villains.
To my long-suffering husband, Miles, thank you for helping me turn my office into the perfect writing space, and for not complaining when I still set up camp in your man cave during the endless deadline days.
Finally, I have to thank Vane and Audra. Yes, I’m aware that you’re fictional (really, Mom—I am!) but in some ways you feel very real. You were there when I needed to fall back in love with writing, and again when I needed a boost of hope and faith. And even though I’m done telling your story, you’ll still be with me. I’ll think of you every time I look at the sky or feel the wind on my face. But I’m done tormenting you now—I promise! Go forth and enjoy your happy ending!