Acknowledgments

First and foremost, thank you reader for taking the time to read this book. The fact you choose it out of all the others means more to me than you will ever know. (And if you would do me the honor of leaving a review, I’d be forever grateful.)

Thank you to my amazing editor, Lydia Sharp. You believed in this book before it was even a finished draft. You helped take what was just an idea, and together we turned it into a full-fledged novel. I’m not sure what this story would’ve looked like without your support and encouragement.

My critique partners, Sue O’Connor, and Isabell Felix saw this book in its infancy and were helpful and encouraging as it moved from its first draft. If it wasn’t for my local critique group (Annette, Diane, Kelly, Louis, Maurine, Sydney), and the bottomless fries at our favorite Red Robbin (on Kuykendahl Rd. Spring, TX), and the amazing service from Sabrina and Kyle, I’m not sure I would’ve gotten through the last minute edits.

Kelly Colby, you were the eyes and ears during the good and bad times trying to get this book written. Thank you for always being there. For always answering my strange texts and coming up with ideas to help make this story better.

A million thanks goes to Jenn Griffin who sat with me at my kitchen table and helped me name my characters, hammer out the conflict of this story, and just tell me it would all be okay. I’m not sure what I would’ve done without you.

Thank you to Katya de Becerra, Beth Kander, and Kim Chance for reading a (very) early copy of Breakout and offering quotes for my publisher to use.

I am beyond blessed to have the amazing support of my entire family. Thank you Jim, Orion, Cyrus, Dad, Aunt Carol, Aunt Sue, Kristen, Jen, Jessica, Uncle Bill & Aunt Donna. Your emails, texts, pictures of you reading my work, and general support and encouragement have helped me through some tough times. Thank you for believing in me and being my cheerleaders.

My fellow Entangled authors, Kat Colmer, Jennifer Welker, Jessica Fleck, Larissa Hardesty, Meg Kassel, Samantha Bohrman, and Sara Alan, you have been the brightest part of this whole publication journey. I’m lucky to know each one of you.

To my lifelong friends, Heidi Arbogast, Beth Shaver, and Cindy Patty. You ladies mean everything to me.

And last but not least— A huge shout-out to my sister from another mister, Jenn-A. I love you more than words will ever express. Your strength and courage is a true inspiration. I’m so lucky to have you in my life. And, of course, thank you to your little Hazel—for whom the main character of this book is named.