I used to read Author Acknowledgements, long before I decided to write, and wonder to myself, how in the world does it take so many people to put a book together? Now, having been through the publishing process for the second time, I finally get it. I am so lucky to have the support system I have, and I can say without a doubt, my writing would never be published without my amazing community of friends.
Thank you to my critique partner, cover designer, and dear friend, Jennifer Durfey. I have no idea how I would be doing any of this without your support, guidance, suggestions, and most importantly, your friendship. You are a brilliant, selfless, and talented person, and I feel blessed to get to work so closely with you. Thank you for stepping in and creating masterpieces for each of my covers. I never imaged they would match so perfectly to the thoughts swarming around in my head. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you do.
To my other critique partner and more importantly friend, Patty Maximini, I absolutely adore you. Thank you for your positive outlook and kind words. You are always there when I need a pick me up or a laugh, and to remind me that there is magic in the world. Whether that reminder comes from the Disney ideal we share, or our belief that Captain America and Thor exist in real life, it always comes at the perfect moment and in the perfect way. Thank you for being such an amazing person. I know you are going to go far in whatever you set your mind to, and I hope I can be there for you as much as you’ve been there for me.
Anitra Townsend from Can’t Read Just One, I’m not even sure where to start with you, lady! I feel like we went from one book conversation to spilling our guts to each other in a matter of days. I’ll always be there with a sticker to be named, Twinkie, no matter what life throws our way.
To my first ever beta reader and another wonderful friend in all of this, Stephenie Philipsen, at Sandwich Making Book Bitches - thank you for reading such raw versions of these books and providing me with wonderful, honest feedback. You were instrumental in this book in forcing me to revisit some of the scenes I didn’t want to spend time on. Awakened is so much better because of it (you know what part I’m referring to *cough*James*cough*). Thank you for your friendship, support, and constant “cheering up” with my pictures of hotties (most importantly, your main man Charlie Hunnam).
Another beta and friend, Liz Cooke!! Thank you for reading my work while it’s in a stage where it needs so much work, and still being able to provide amazing insight and feedback. I am excited to see how your writing comes, and I will always be here to support you if you need it, just like you’ve supported me. Thank you for spending so much time with my characters!
Thank you to my wonderful new friend and editor, Julie Mason with The Book Gardener. Thank you for your enthusiasm to jump in and edit Awakened so late in the game. Thank you for pouring as much passion into my series as I have, and for treating my work with such love and care.
Finally, to all the bloggers who seem to always tell me “yes” when I ask for posts, you all are wonderful. Cianna at Sunshine & Mountains, you are my number one fan! Cianna won the contest to have a character in Awakened named after her. I hope you enjoy your role in the book, girl! Special thanks to Vikki at Victoria’s Gossip, Bridgette at Bookworm Bridgette’s Blog & Reviews, Nerd Girl, and to my already mentioned go-to gals, Anitra at Can’t Read Just One, and Stephenie at Sandwich Making Book Bitches. You bloggers do an amazing job, and without you, it would be hard to spread the word on anything. Thank you, truly.
And last but not least, thank you to all of you who have supported and read through the Ariya Adams Trilogy so far. I hope you enjoyed Awakened and that you’re excited for Sacrificed, the final installment of the Ariya Adams Trilogy. Your messages, reviews, and kind words are all appreciated. I hope to continue to get to know as many of you as possible. This has been an amazing journey so far, and I feel so blessed to get to keep moving forward with it. Thank you, thank you, thank you!