7 Whnowledgmae I thought writing this book was hard, though it seems this part is the most daunting—only because I need to thank a literal village of people. Without their help, The Darkest Temptation would probably not be here, and if it was, it would win an award for worst DL book yet. These people are the ones who saved my 2020. Kaitlin, I once called your sudden appearance in my inbox divine intervention, and I’m sticking to it. I have no words for how insightful you are. You are truly beautiful inside and out and have an Einstein understanding of how to write a story. This book is so much better because of you. And I’m afraid you’re stuck with me for life now. ® Mina, I honestly feel like I need to pay you for all of your encouragement. (*Sending a check direct to Martoba*) You have gone above and beyond as a beta, and I can’t thank you enough. You were a great fan from the beginning, but I now consider you an amazing friend. Y Tawni, my sister from another mother. You’ve been with me since my very first book, and I know I never would have gotten this far without you. I also know I will continue to randomly Facetime you until I’m old and gray, so always be on your toes. Lana, Alina, and Dina, you had your work cut out for you with my Russian translations. I can’t imagine what Ronan would be saying without your help. Thank you so much. Hannah, Joan, Kelly, and Ratula, you have truly been the best betas dealing with my unprofessionalism, which includes but isn’t limited to sending you a chapter a week for a year. Thanks for sticking it out with me and helping make this book the best it can be. Alice, thanks for being a great PA. I would be lost without you. Bryony, I’m still questioning why you put up with me. I miss threefourths of my deadlines, email you back a week later, and then need my edits stat. M€You are a fabulous editor, and I’m truly grateful for how well you clean up my writing. Juli and Zainab, thank you so much for the proofreading work you do. And Nicole, who’s a great friend and got stuck with proofing TDT last minute, lol.