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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I originally wrote about these four brothers when I was in high school, and I’m in my thirties now, so thanking everyone along the way would be impossible.

That said, I’m going to try.

My mother has been a constant guide and inspiration in my life, and this book would never have been written without her unconditional love and support every step of the way—even if she hasn’t read the whole thing. (Yet.) There’s a good chance she still thinks it’s about vampires.

Bobbie Goettler has been along for the ride since the beginning, since the Merrick brothers actually were vampires, since before I had kids and needed her advice practically every day, since before I knew what an amazing friend she would turn out to be. Bobbie, I never would have made it this far without you, and I can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done for me along the way.

Alison Kemper sent me a few chapters of her book for critique once, and I knew she had something special. We’ve been critique partners and friends ever since. She’s read every word of this novel at least three times, and this book wouldn’t be half as good without her input. Or her text messages.

Sarah J. Maas is my agency sister and friend, and it’s been amazing going on this publication journey with you. I’ll never forget holding my breath for days while I waited for you to get back to me on whether I could actually pull off writing a Young Adult novel.

Tamar Rydzinski is my brilliant agent. She’s amazing and savvy and fabulous, and having her input during the development of this novel made all the difference in the world.

Alicia Condon and the entire team at K Teen have been wonderful since day one. I knew Alicia and I would get along right from the start, but she clinched the deal when we were supposed to be coming up with title ideas and we could only think of dirty ones. Thank you for everything.

Special thanks to Officer James Kalinosky of the Baltimore County Police Department for letting me know how much teenagers could get away with. If I bent the rules too far, it’s my fault, not his.

Special thanks to Andrew McKay for helping me with trash talk when my husband turned out to be too nice a guy. (Oh, and for letting me borrow your name.)

Many, many people read this book and offered advice along the line. Special thanks to Kathy Fusto, Susan Gilmore, Thomas Berry, Jonathan Kemmerer, Sarah Fine, Gordon McKinney, Katrina Goettel, and Hannah Dwan. I know I’m leaving someone out, and if that person is you, thank you.

I never would have gotten this far without the unending support from my family. My husband, Michael, is my best friend, my support system, my confidant, and my inspiration. You’ve given me everything I’ve ever asked for and more, especially Jonathan, the best stepson in the whole entire world, and our two beautiful sons, Nicholas and Sam.

Extra special thanks to my sisters-in-law, Jenny Franklin and Tina Kasten, for reading everything I’ve written and offering support and suggestions.

And finally, many thanks to my in-laws, John and Dolly Kemmerer, for their love and support, especially for being willing to babysit at the drop of a hat.