Many, many thanks to my brilliant editors, Deb Werksman and Cat Clyne. Also to Susie Benton, Skye Agnew, Beth Pehlke, and everyone else at Sourcebooks who have been so fantastic in helping to see these books to fruition.
Mary Calmes and Damon Suede, your friendship and counsel has been a lifeline, and this book wouldn’t be what it is without you. I truly don’t know where I’d be without you both, and I’m so grateful. Kimberly Kinkaid, mad love for the eleventh-hour helicopter reading! Amy Lane: “douchefucker.” Erica Goode: big vat of coffee = <3.
Thank you to Chad Byers and Patrick McKinley Johns for lending me your patience and expertise. Also, of course, for your military service. Knowing you both is such an honor. :)
Writing can be solitary, and I’m grateful beyond measure to the community of authors near and far I’ve been blessed to meet who have offered help, advice, and support. I hope I’ve been able to do the same in return.
A bazillion squishy hugs to the readers, reviewers, and bloggers who continue to be so supportive. Extra-special thanks to Viviana Izzo and “The Staab Mob” for all the awesomeness! Thank you to Sharon Stogner and Jillian Stein for going the extra mile (and the martinis).
To my friends and family, the wonderful folks who care for my kids, and most of all to my Tom, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your love, support, and patience. I couldn’t do it without you.