I want to thank my children for being patient little boys. I imagine it isn’t easy being the children of an author—watching your mom write every single day, wondering what the hell she’s doing and why she’s not sitting on the floor playing army men with you. One day I hope you look back and realize that mommy was pushing herself to be better role model for you. I hope one day you are proud of my accomplishments and understand you were always my driving force. For now, I’ll keep trying to explain, I’ll take time in between words to jump on the bed and build forts. We’re a team and one day when you’re chasing your dreams, your mommy will be standing in shadows cheering you on and pushing you to climb those obstacles just like your grandma and grandpa taught me to. I love you, Joseph and Paulie, so much.
Jennifer I don’t know how I would’ve gotten this far without you. We were just two sisters-in-laws who loved to read. You resurrected my passion for books and provided all the support I needed to make a dream become a reality. We had no fucking clue what we were doing when I wrote Pieces, we were riding on passion and a prayer. Together we grew, put all our focus and determination in learning the ins and outs of the Indie community. There are still lessons to be learned, but we discover them together. Thank you for all you do on a daily basis for me from emails, to conference calls—teasers, formatting, promotions—I couldn’t do it without you. I can’t wait to see where we go from here. Next year we will be the official hosts of an author signing—how the fuck did that happen? Whatever happens I know we’ll always have this bond and that means everything to me. Thank you for loving these characters as much as I do and for investing as much of your time as you have.
Kristin, I’ve said it a hundred times and at the risk of sounding like a broken record I’ll say it again—God didn’t give me a sister because he had a bigger gift in mind for me when he gave me a choice and allowed me to choose my own. I picked you thirteen years ago and if I had the choice to choose again—I’d still pick you. Thank you for being a shoulder when I need one and for all you for my children.
Jackie, my friend and my muse—you’ve been supporting me throughout this entire journey and when you tell me you’re proud of me I know you’re being genuine and only want me to succeed. That means so much coming from the girl who has it all together. I don’t say it often but I want you to know I’m proud of you too and am blessed to have you as a friend.
To my loyal temptresses I wish I could hug each and every one of you and thank you in person for everything you do for me. You are more loyal than some of my blood and that’s the truth. You like my posts, read my work, promote my success and lend an ear when I need to vent—and together Janine’s Land of Temptation became part of my family. I respect your friendship. I treasure it and I’ll never understand why you took a gamble on a girl you don’t know but I’ll always be grateful for your big hearts and the trust you put into my words.
The beautiful gem that drives the success of indie and traditionally published authors are bloggers. You wonderful people are the reason our books find the hands of readers. You are the people who feed our palms and without you this community would be in ruins. The industry itself should be dedicated to each and every one of you. Thank you for all your efforts in pushing the Tempted Series into the community.
I’ve promoted five books with help of Indie Sage LLC and have met so many new bloggers and readers because they were willing to take me on when others shut the door in my face. Mia, I love working with you and look forward to all the future books we will share with the community.
Trish Bacher, a friend who gave me honest feedback and helped me see the error of my ways. With kindness and knowledge, you helped polish my words and I like to think I am a better writer having had the privilege of working with you. We will meet one day—whether it’s on my soil or yours I’m not certain but I am sure we’ll both be rocking killer heels.
To the photographers I’ve worked with—thank you for capturing my muses and bringing life to my characters.
To Hang Le for knocking it out of the park with six unforgettable covers.
If I missed anyone—I’m sure I have, I apologize and know that doesn’t mean I have forgotten your place in my life or that I’m any less grateful for what your role is.
I look forward to the next chapter of this wild and crazy ride and hope you’ll all stick around for what’s to come.
Thank you for allowing me and my characters tempt you.