Note: In this book, Nick takes his rescue dog to a place called Operation Freedom Paws to train her as a PTSD service dog. This is a real organization in San Martin, CA, doing fantastic work for Bay Area veterans. If you are interested in their mission or feel the urge to help them out, you can find them here: http://operationfreedompaws.org/
This book has been true labor of love. Through many, many revisions I have been blessed to have an amazing team on my side. The Legends: Cheryl, Lorey, Ashley, and Lissa, thank you for being my unflagging cheerleaders, and partners in sarcasm. The Sassy Bitches: Layla, Victoria, & Allyson, thank you for write-ins and laughter and panicked deadline edits. To Sarah MacLean and Eloisa James, thank you for both taking the time to encourage a new writer who was out of her depth.
Thank you to the Old School Romance Book Club, for being my safe place to take a break from the drama of my story and real life. You have been waiting patiently. I hope you like it!
A big thank you to my editor, Jennifer Graybeal, and my cover designer, Lee Hyat, for working under tight deadlines to help me make this the best book it could be. To my girlfriends, for giving me the friendships and foundations that give me strength, whether you are next door or on the other side of the world, thank you. There wouldn’t have been a Girls’ Night Out without your influence.
To my mom and dad, for flying around the world to chase your grandchildren, for pushing me out the door so I could hit my word counts, and for all of the sacrifices you’ve made for me growing up and still today, thank you. I love you more than I can say, and I am sincerely sorry for the cranky teenager who crashed in my room from age fifteen to eighteen. Karmic payback is on its way.
To my daughters, who celebrate my writing news with dance parties and ice cream cones, thank you for understanding why mommy leaves to work and panics when you mess with her laptop. You are my heart and the reason I write. To my husband, J.R., who has supported me in this, even when it was just a dream. You said, “If you’re going to do it, you should really do it.” Here I am, really doing it, babe, and I couldn’t have gotten here without you. Thank you for being my partner in the incredible life we’re building and for a shot at this dream.