Big love to my editor, Jennie Conway, who made this book so much better in so many ways. It’s truly a joy to work with you.
To the team at St. Martin’s Press: Thank you for working so hard on behalf of this series. I’ve been so thrilled at all you do, the attention to detail and the joy with which you embrace the books you publish. To my publicity team in particular: Thank you so much for launching The Orchid Throne in such a wonderful way. Working with you makes everything so easy.
Much love and gratitude to my agent, Sarah Younger, who is the absolute best. You are my rock and my guiding star.
Many heartfelt thanks and love to my writer friends who are always there for me at the other end of the phone or internet connection. I’d be lost without you! Virtual hugs and chocolate to Amanda Bouchet, Grace Draven, Jennifer Estep, Thea Harrison, Darynda Jones, Leslye Penelope, Kelly Robson, and Minerva Spencer. Thanks in particular to Megan Hart for an emergency read.
Special thanks to Sage Walker and Jim Sorenson for brunches, to Megan Mulry for cocktails, and to Emily Mah and Trent Zelazny for coffee.
Many thanks to my professional writers organizations, the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA) and the Romance Writers of America (RWA)—especially my local RWA chapter, the Land of Enchantment Romance Authors—for being a port in the storm, a rising tide that floats all boats, and fellow travelers on the sea of publishing. Special shout-out to the SFWA Slack chat for daily advice and nonsense.
As always, immense gratitude to my fantastic assistant, Carien Ubink, who does it all.
Finally—first, last, and always—love to David, who is there every day.