I would like to thank the incredible cast of people whom readers never see. My first reader, Rosemary Ahern, whose enthusiasm and story sense always guide me to my better self. My agent, Stephany Evans, and my editor, Michaela Hamilton, both of whom always have rock-solid judgment. And the entire staff of Kensington Books who have gone all out for the series: Michaela, of course. But also Norma Perez-Hernandez, Morgan Elwell, the sales and publicity staffs, and Steven Zacharius who has thrown so much support my way.
My thanks most of all to the people who have to live and/or listen to me through the ordeal of writing a book: my husband, Thomas Dunne, my children, Kevin and Erica, and my dear friend, Janis Pomerantz. Thank you, as always, for putting up with me.