Some books come out fully formed and some books take a village. This book took a metropolis. First, I have to thank the super smart and incredibly generous Sarah MacLean, who spent many hours helping me untangle the mess I’d made with this story. In addition, thank you to Sophie Jordan, Diana Quincy and Nisha Sharma for their help along the way. I couldn’t have done it without you!
I also couldn’t have done it without Tessa Woodward, my fantastic editor at Avon/HarperCollins. This is our seventh book together and she makes me a better writer each time.
The team at Avon/HarperCollins works hard on producing and promoting my books, and I’m extremely grateful for their efforts: Elle Keck, Jessica Lyons, Angela Craft, Pam Jaffee, Guido Caroti and everyone else behind the scenes. Thanks to Jon Paul Ferrara (Jon Paul Studios) for another fantastic cover illustration. Also, thank you to my agent, Laura Bradford, for always looking out for me.
A special thanks to Heather Charron and Joana Vieira Varela, members of my Facebook group, the Gilded Lilies, who came up with the name for the Websters’ Newport cottage when my brain melted near the deadline.
Here are some historical notes for you . . .
Lawn tennis became an organized, competitive sport during the Victorian Era/Gilded Age. I based Maddie on a number of ladies tennis players from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, but mostly Suzanne Lenglen. A Frenchwoman, Lenglen became an international phenomenon in the 1910s and 1920s, and her aggressive style of play revolutionized ladies tennis. (Seriously, research her because she was one unconventional and outspoken woman, and I’d like a biopic now, please.)
Mashers were a serious problem in Gilded Age America, as women gained more independence and went out in public more frequently. Hat pins became a way for women to defend themselves, though many cities looked to regulate the hat pin instead of cracking down on the sexual assault. (Some things never change, I suppose.) Thanks to the “Racing Nellie Bly” blog for the info that started me down this rabbit hole.
Before I forget, thank you to the readers, bloggers, reviewers and lovers of romance. We adore you! Your support allows authors to have the best job in the entire world.
I can’t send enough love to the author pals who listen, support and distract me when I need it. There are too many to name here, but you know who you are!
Lastly, thanks to my family. I couldn’t continue to do this without their love and patience.