Acknowledgments

Trisha Leaver

This book would not exist if it weren’t for the support and encouragement of countless people. My agent, Kevan Lyon, whose unwavering belief in me as an author makes everything possible. My editor, Brian Farrey-Latz, and the entire Flux crew. My amazing CPs, who read countless version of Creed and never once questioned my sanity. And my co-author, Lindsay Currie, for taking this journey with me.

To my family … you will never know how much your love and support means to me. Meme, who every summer would let me stay up to the wee hours of the morning reading her Stephen King collection. Kyle and his band of friends. Your antics are a constant source of inspiration for my male characters. My sweet Caroline, whose refusal to subscribe to the word “impossible” guides my every move. Casey, whose gentle soul and huge smile reminds me never to take life to too seriously. And my husband, Brian, the keeper of my secrets and the love of my life. Your patience and strength are what keeps me whole.

Lindsay Currie

I’d like to thank so many people it’s ridiculous, but I realize it isn’t possible to mention everyone who made this dream a reality by name. With that in mind, I’m going to rein myself in and keep this simple. A huge thank you goes out to the following people, because without them, Creed would not exist:

My husband John. You’re the creamer to my coffee, babe. Thanks for everything, especially that sense of humor of yours that kept me smiling … even through the rejections.

My son Rob. What can I say, except that you’re amazing? You’ve become a determined and kind tennis player who shows so much heart on the court that I’m proud to say you are a huge inspiration to me.

My son Ben. You’re a champion both in your sport and in my heart. You’ve become a sensitive and strong martial artist whose behavior on and off the mat has taught me what it means to truly give 100 percent.

My daughter Ella. My Little Mama and princess with a heart of gold. You’ve become a true advocate for manatees who reminds me every single day that anything is possible.

I’d also like to thank my parents for encouraging me every single day as a child to follow my dreams, and for reminding me that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.

A huge thanks goes out to everyone who read Creed in its early stages (you know who you are!). We couldn’t have done this without you.

Thank you also to my agent, Kathleen Rushall, for the miracles she works and to Brian Farrey-Latz and the whole team at Flux for taking a chance on Creed—the little book that could.

Last but not least, thank you to Trisha Leaver, my co-author, for writing this with me. I’ve enjoyed every single moment of it.