The sound of a car door slamming echoed in the forest. And then a figure stormed towards me. “What in the hell do you think you’re doing?”
Calder. His dark eyes blazed, making them appear almost amber in the afternoon light. His anger poured off him in waves, grating against my skin. The man who had once been my partner in crime. The person who had taught me how to tune out the world and let it all go. But he wasn’t that anymore. Because everything had changed four years ago. Now, he didn’t know me at all.
Falling Embers is available for purchase by tapping HERE.
Acknowledgments
I’m a big fan of acknowledgments and as I’m sitting down to write these (at the beginning of 2021) it’s been a rough few months. There has been so much pain in our world and some tough things in my own life. So, I want to take a minute to shout out to some women who have been an amazing support through it all.
First, in my writerly world. Emma, for being encourager, confidante, sounding board, and forever safe space. What would I do without you? Whatever it was wouldn’t be good or fun. Grahame, for always being there to answer one question or fifty, for beta listening to all my books, for always being willing to toss ideas around or just cheer me on. Willow and Laura, what a gift you both are! Your positivity, light, and friendship mean the world.
Second, in my non-writer world. My STS sisters: Hollis, Jael, and Paige, you have been the bright spot of this quarantine. I love chasing dreams with you and sharing whatever might be in our hearts. Thank you for the gift of twenty years of your friendship and never-ending support. My Charshie. Oh, how I love you and am in awe of how you have walked through life these last months. You are an inspiration and force. And I love that these books have connected us when I couldn’t be with you in person.
And to all my family and friends near and far. Thank you for supporting me on this crazy journey, even if you don’t read “kissing books.” But you get extra special bonus points if you picked up one of mine, even if that makes me turn the shade of a tomato when you tell me.
To my fearless beta readers: Angela, Crystal, Emily, and Trisha, thank you for reading this book in its roughest form and helping me to make it the best it could possibly be!
The crew that helps bring my words to life and gets them out into the world is pretty darn epic. Thank you to Susan, Chelle, Janice, Julie, Hang, Stacey, Jenn, and the rest of my team at Social Butterfly. Your hard work is so appreciated!
To all the bloggers who have taken a chance on my words…THANK YOU! Your championing of my stories means more than I can say. And to my launch and ARC teams, thank you for your kindness, support, and sharing my books with the world. An extra special thank you to Crystal who sails that ship so I can focus on the words.
Ladies of Catherine Cowles Reader Group, you’re my favorite place to hang out on the internet! Thank you for your support, encouragement, and willingness to always dish about your latest book boyfriends. You’re the freaking best!
Lastly, thank YOU! Yes, YOU. I’m so grateful you’re reading this book and making my author dreams come true. I love you for that. A whole lot!