There are so many people to thank for the completion of this book.
First, to everyone at the writing critique site that shall never be named—Ann, Sierra, Shruti, Bigga—your critiques, advice, friendship, and encouragement were invaluable. I’m so grateful you took interest in my chaotic first draft.
To Mary Ann Marlowe, thank you, thank you for the kindness and generosity you showed me during a mega freak-out period of my life and the amazing help you provided with my query letter.
To my Tall, Dark & Fictional podcast cohost and fellow romance writer, Beatrix Strand, your why-the-fuck-not attitude, patience, humor, and brainstorming capabilities have gotten me through so many hard writing times (and there have been many). 10/10 would recommend friendship again.
To fellow romance writer Elaine Reed, for giving me feedback that soothed my prickly soul during a period of great tumult. Thank you for your considerate, smart words and willingness to invest your time in my manuscript even though I’d done nothing to deserve it.
To Instagram stranger turned real friend and all-around cool person with a monkey-dog like mine, Bailey (and Roscoe), your exuberant willingness to read a near stranger’s unpublished romance novel was both exciting and touching. And thank you for your smart story suggestions as well, which I implemented. And thanks for all the memes too.
To Lottie Lucille. Another Instagram stranger and fellow romance writer who agreed to read my manuscript and then went above and beyond with smart, thoughtful, thorough, on-the-money feedback. What amazing luck. Can’t wait to return the favor.
To Beth. You were the first person to ever read this story. I would have quite literally quit on chapter one if it weren’t for your quiet encouragement. Your kind, nonjudgmental presence gave me the will to continue on to the next page and then the next. Forever grateful.
To my partner. You were the first person to ever call me a writer even though I’d proven myself exactly zero times. You are never surprised when I succeed. Your incredibly thoughtful and exacting insight make me feel seen. Thanks, boo.
To K-pop. For obvious reasons.
To Deborah Nemeth for walking me through every step of the process and being such a skilled, patient, calm, and talented editor. Thank you so much.
And lastly, to my dogs Ozzie and Griff. The real MVPs. You can’t read, but you are/were always, always there for me, and that’s way more important. And to Ozzie, my Ozzie Bear, the little dog of my heart and soul, thank you for unselfishly staying with me until the very end. Had I known you’d have to go when I finished, I would’ve never finished. I’d give anything to have you back, but you were and are too good and pure for this whole bad world. I love you so much. Thank you.