Now open your eyes

It’s January 24^th, 2020, and I finally wrote the epilogue after sitting on it for so long. Yes, two weeks until the release day. Which, if you are reading this, the date has come or passed. I’m telling you this because I want to admit to you how scared I was to finish this story. I was TERRIFIED. I could hardly get through edits and beta reads without turning into an emotional mess. I was so close to not adding the epilogue simply because I never thought I’d be able to say goodbye.

But I did it.

Wherever you are sitting right now, I want you to do me a favor.

I want you to close your eyes and find what your heart beats for.

Once you find it, or if you have known all along, give it your everything. Cut yourself open and pour your heart into it. Don’t just chase it, become it. Breathe it. Live it. Never allow fear, uncertainty, or insecurities, or any soul or thing take it away from you. It’s right there, and it’s yours. The rejection you may face will never amount to the regret. You can learn to overcome rejection, but regret will haunt you for the rest of your life.

Six months. My entire life changed within six months, and I have so many people to be thankful for. I’ve been blessed with the best team at my side, book-lovers who adore these characters, life-long friends, new opportunities, and the list goes on …

To the READERS — Every morning, I wake up unsure what I ever did to deserve any of you. Every day, I see all your messages, and though it takes me a while to respond to contain my emotions (yes, I’m Ollie in a nutshell), they touch my fucking heart. It may sound so simple, but thank you. Thank you for reading. Thank you for understanding the story and the characters. Thank you for your tears, for your laughs, for your frustration, for your patience, for relating, for learning, for finding pieces of yourself inside these books and sharing it with me … Thank you!

To the ladies on the STREET TEAM — Each one of you have a piece of my heart, and though we only started this team within the last two months, I couldn’t have asked for a better group of ladies. Your constant enthusiasm, excitement, and passion fuels me every fucking day. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for believing in me, wanting to spread the word, and always on your A game. I love you all!

To the ARC ARMY —The talent, passion, and drive stirring within this community is unfathomable. By far, the favorite part of my day is when I get a message from you all. Thank you for your beautiful graphics, for sharing and spreading the word, for the hilarious meme’s, and trusting me with this story. I hope you find that I’ve done it justice because it was you all in the back of my mind as I wrote the epilogue. Here’s to a happy ever after, forevermore. Oh, and Christy L. … I told you I’d take you to Gibraltar ;)

To the LOVELIES — During the most stressful days, you all keep a smile on my face. I know I haven’t been as active lately, but I still see the way you ladies interact with each other, and it warms my heart. Thank you for staying so positive and accepting of each other. Thank you for always celebrating with me and becoming the one place I can escape to. You all are my safe haven.

To my KASSY — Dude, I fucking love you. Like, that’s it. And I’ll say it over and over. And thank you for beta reading SWM, EWIG, then NOYE. And thank you for being understanding and patient when I know deep down you wanted to strangle me these past couple of weeks while dissecting NOYE. Thank you for not just holding on, but carrying me through this, giving your complete honesty, and never holding back. In one year, we made it together. There is no other way I’d rather have it. Always and forever … (PS: There are 7 “ands” because I know that’s your favorite word and lucky number.)

To ANNIE — I wish this entire world could see what I see in you. Thank you for always being there without question and being my emotional support through the passing of my Nana while writing NOYE. I know it’s been a rough few months for the both of us, but despite what’s happened, you’ve never put me on the back burner, and for that, I’m forever grateful. Thank you for your perfect beautiful eyes and proofing my books. You are my Adrian Taylor—my most unexpected plot twist. My ripcord. This is going to be a busy year, partner. Buckle up! I love you!

To SHALEY — You are beyond amazing and more. If it weren’t for your hard-ass pushing me to make deadlines, we probably wouldn’t have seen this book for another few months. Thank you for your constant reminders to keep me on track, for leading the street team in the best possible way, for your guidance, your knowledge, for always willing to help, but most importantly, thank you for your friendship. You have made this ride so much smoother.

To LUCIA — That quote in the prologue is for you, woman. It’s only been a few months since we crossed paths, but it didn’t take long for me to look up to you and admire the woman you are. The kind of woman I strive to be. You are every bit encouraging, strong, fiercely passionate, and dedicated. Thank you for pushing me to get on a schedule, turning me into a morning person, and, without you ever realizing, reminding me to never second guess myself. At the end of the day, these are our stories, and we’re sticking to them …

To MICHAEL, CHRISTIAN, & GRACIE — You are the three I bleed onto these pages for so my love for you will last forever, even when I’m gone. XO

To my MOM — “Yes, Mom. I know, Mom, Okay, Mom.” Thank you for your constant nagging, reminders, willingness to help, trips to the post office during big orders, and celebrating all the small victories with me. I love you, and I’m ready for that breakfast date now.

To AMANDA, DANIELLE, & KAYLEE (& Steve) —You three will always be my favorite story to tell. TDL coming 2021

To the rest of my friends and family

all over the world,

Thank you!