The Exception (47 page)
Authors: Adriana Locke
Lara,
you are the sunshine in my life, my California friend! If there were more Lara’s out there, the world would be a much better place. You are a sweet, supportive, and funny when I’m writing or when I’m not. You remember the little things and go out of your way to make me smile. You are a friend even when I’m having a bad day (or week). The size of your heart, the way you love is an inspiration. I hope you know that I love you.
Kimberly
, even though you always seem to make me cry, I thank God that I “met” you. Thank you for holding my hand, for hooking me up with your contacts, and eating cookies for me. Your phone call “that one day” probably saved my sanity and this manuscript. You are a true friend, Kim. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Now I just need to book a flight. I believe there is peanut butter-chocolate ice cream, shots, and a “spa” (term used loosely) waiting on us! Ha!
Jesey from SchmexyGirl Book Blog
, there are a handful of genuinely “good” people in the world and you are one of them. You jumped in to help me with absolutely no hesitation, just a barrage of questions. And your weekly check-in’s on my sanity always made me smile. I could thank you a million times over and it wouldn’t be enough. Raquel and I both love you. ;)
Ashley
, as I sit here writing this (Ha!) … you are more than my editor. You are my friend. I can’t imagine going through this process with anyone else. Your patience with my quirks (i.e. – dashes), your lengthy explanations (I could write a book with everything you taught me!), and your cat stickers to my dog stickers were so appreciated. You pushed me without mercy, you encouraged me without relent. Your notes were spot on, insightful, and often times hilarious. You’re the best!
Michele
, I appreciate you so much. I know you don't want to hear that and you are probably telling me to hush right now, but it must be said! Your honesty and attention to detail came at a time when I had never needed it more. Thank you for your weekend and for giving me your feedback … and that one line. I now know who I need to go to when I need to make things hotter! Ha! Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Seraphina
, I will always think of you as “The Guru”. You have been so willing to help me through this process, to share your knowledge with this rookie. I’ve always loved you, you know that. But I hope you know that I also respect you as a person. Your heart is beautiful and I’m honored to call you a friend. Now where’s that Gresham County t-shirt? Kidding … ish. <3
Suzie
, thank you for being one of the sweetest souls I know. You amaze me on so many levels—your writing, your baking, your sense of humor … and your willingness to jump in and help me navigate this new world. I am so thankful we found each other, although I feel like I’ve known you forever. You’ve provided me with an entire soundtrack to my life. ;) I’ve not managed to take that one song off of repeat yet …
Lauren
, you have always been and always will be one of my favorites. You have a million things going and still manage to remember the important dates in my life. You amaze me, you inspire me, and your friendship means the world to me.
Rebecca,
you render me speechless! Your willingness to read my story and offer feedback in the middle of everything you have going on takes my breath away. I appreciate your time, your expertise, and your opinions more than you’ll ever know! Maybe one of these summers we can hook up for lunch. It is such a small world …
Jennifer W
, I see now why you are always booked! Your insight changed this book in a very literal way. Thank you for taking the time to read it and for giving me such amazing feedback. Your eye is unmatched! Your check-ups on both my sanity and plot made me smile many times over. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Lisa with TrulySchmexy Promotions
, your patience with me and my mess-ups is beyond impressive. Your professionalism knows no bounds, your ability to stay on top of everything even when I can’t makes you one of the best in the business. Thank you for your help in getting The Exception out there (with the right attachments! *facepalm*). I appreciate you more than you’ll ever know, lady!
Jessica D
, your encouragement and love of Charlie Hunnam has been SUCH a help through this process! I am so glad fate brought us together. Okay, maybe Sweet Addiction brought us together. Ha! Thank you for everything. I appreciate you and your picture files! <3
Ninfa, Emersyn, Stephanie “Tejas Girl”, Mindi
, and
Tessie
, your early excitement of this book has made me smile! Your messages and comments have rejuvenated me many times throughout the past couple of months. Thank you so much for your friendship and for being you! I love you all!
Sarah Prais
, thank you for your Spanish consult. Heaven knows what it would have said if you hadn’t stepped in.
Christine from Perfectly Publishable
, this rookie appreciates your patience, professionalism, and work ethic in getting this project complete the best and prettiest way possible! Thank you for making this process amazing.
Stacey
, isn’t the world a crazy place? We found each other on Twitter and our friendship just merged into real life. I wish I had known you were in my part of the world sooner! I would have loved to have dinner with you, my beautiful friend! Your words encourage me, your strength amazes me. You are light in my life. I love you in so many ways.
Katie
, sometimes when I’m writing late at night, I bounce back to Facebook for a little breather. How many times have I been greeted with a little surprise from you? *giggles* I am thankful for the friendship we have created, the many #gasps we have shared, and that you don’t ask questions when I tell you have I “certain” questions. (I promise – it was legit! It just popped up!) Don’t worry – I’ve been working on the “red and black themed wedding” this whole time. #KiddingNotKidding
Holly from Holly’s Red Hot Reads
- you were the first blogger to post my release date! Thank you for supporting indie authors as much as published ones! I appreciate you, everything you do, and everything you stand for. Muah!
Summer’s Book Blog
- you so graciously offered your blog up to me for a takeover—even before I hit the magic button! Your early support encouraged me in ways you’ll never know! Thank you!
Hetty from BestSellers BestStellars
- I asked you for help and you answered with “What can I do?” You didn’t know it, but that was a rough day for me and your willingness to help made a huge difference.
Elizabeth from Crazii Bitches Book Blog
- you picked up The Exception right off the bat and pimped me like no other! Your tags every day have made me smile (and a little giddy!).
Julie from Lookin’ For A Bookin’
– girl! Thank you so much for your messages, your encouragement, and for being you. I love you and am comin’ down for some sweet tea soon!
Jamie from J&J Southern Spice Book Reviews and Blog
– you are always so willing to go the extra mile for those you love. I have so much to repay you for. If you ever need me, you know where to find me.
Shaunda from Smut Sisters Orgasmic Book Club
—you made me squeal when you loved Cane! I’m not going to lie! Thank you for reading and your encouragement.
Bloggers
, I know how busy your schedules are and how many books there are to choose from. So many of you made room for me on your schedules without knowing who I was or what I had written. I’m amazed. I’m humbled. I’m so eternally grateful. Thank you for giving me a chance!
If you are reading this, thank
YOU
. There are so many titles out there to click! I know this because, after all, I am a reader first and foremost. I appreciate your willingness to take a shot on a new author. I will never be able to express my gratitude to you for picking up this novel. I hope you enjoyed The Exception and I look forward to hearing from you!
Adriana Locke lives and breathes books. After years of slightly obsessive relationships with the flawed bad boys created by other authors, Adriana has created her own. She lives in the Midwest with her family and spends a large amount of time playing with her kids, drinking coffee, and cooking. Her favorite things include sunshine, candy, wine, and random quotes.
The Exception is her debut novel.
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