Well Met(96)

The back room wasn’t as sexy as the classics section, but I soon discovered it would do in a pinch.





Acknowledgments




Writing is a solitary endeavor, yet the process of bringing a book to life takes the help of so many people.

All the love and thanks to my brilliant agent, Taylor Haggerty, who just rolled with it when I said, “Hey, how about a story with Ren faire pirates and Shakespeare jokes?” You’ve been my rock during all the publishing madness; I truly wouldn’t be here without you.

I can’t believe how lucky I am to have found a publishing home at Berkley. From the first phone call with Kerry Donovan, I knew we were on the same wavelength, and I’m so happy we got to work together on this book. It’s been so much fun! Everyone at Berkley has been so welcoming and supportive, including Sarah Blumenstock, Jessica Mangicaro, and Jessica Brock, and I can’t thank you enough for all your hard work. Sorry about all the vests. (No, I’m not.)

I’m so thankful for my extraordinarily talented critique partners, Vivien Jackson and Gwynne Jackson (no relation) (that I know of). You are two of the most brilliant writers I know; thank you for reading messy first drafts and helping me bounce ideas. This book wouldn’t exist without you. Viv, keep writing that SIC because I need it; and Gwynne, I MISS YOUR FACE.

Annette Christie, you were so kind to read an early draft, and your suggestions increased the swoon level by at least twenty-five percent. You are a genius and I’m forever grateful.

Where would I be without my Bs? Nowhere. Brighton Walsh, Helen Hoang, Ellis Leigh, Anniston Jory, Melissa Marino, Suzanne Baltsar, Laura Elizabeth, Esher Hogan, and Elizabeth Leis Newman, you girls provide all the inspiration, laughter, encouragement, Chicago Mix popcorn, and face masks that I need. I love love love you all.

Additional thanks to the VLC group chat—ReLynn, Helen, Ash, Courtney, Jenny, and Trysh especially, for the love, the pics, the GIFs . . . London Fogs all around. #ICan’t

ReLynn Vaughn, thank you especially for the GIFs. You know the ones. You are the best enabler.

Many thanks to Brenda Drake and the Pitch Wars community, especially my mentor, Brighton Walsh, who taught me everything I know about structuring a novel, and also traumatized me with pictures involving Pringles cans. I can’t thank you enough, B. The class of 2016 Pitch Wars mentees (Go Raptors!) is a wonderful, supportive group of people and I’m lucky to be one of them. Meet you in the sprantenhausen!

Shout-out to the volunteers, cast, and crew of the Lady of the Lakes Renaissance Faire. Whether I’m a volunteer or a patron, Faire is one of the highlights of my year, and writing this book let me hang out there a little longer. It’s been an honor to be a pub wench in your ranks. Special thanks to Michael and Jennifer Dempsey for sharing your stories.

When I asked for beta readers for this book, I hoped one or two people might read it and give me their thoughts. I was amazed and grateful for the deluge of feedback. Thank you, thank you to Kate Clayborn, Elisabeth Lane, Helen Hoang, ReLynn Vaughn, Trysh Thompson, Ian Barnes, Rosiee Thor, Adele Buck, Haley Kral, and JR Yates for your time and efforts. You helped make this a better story.

Joining Romance Writers of America was the best decision I made when it was time to take my writing seriously. I’m so grateful to have a local chapter, Central Florida Romance Writers, who have been so supportive and encouraging along the way. Thank you all.

Writing friends are integral, but non-writing friends are just as vital. Amanda Bond and Julie Dietz, thanks for understanding when deadlines had me bailing on nights out, but just as importantly thanks for sometimes dragging me out from behind the computer for wine walks and movie nights! Hate chicken is on me. Mandy Lantigua and TraMi Willey, you Stupid Terminators, I love you.

Finally, I have to thank my husband, Morgan Lee. Occasionally he likes to burst into my office when I’m writing a super-emotional scene to tell me about something funny he found on Facebook, and sometimes he likes to encourage me by saying, “Is that book done yet?” and “You’re not getting paid by the hour to write that book, you know.” But he has always believed in me, and never blinked an eye when I went to retreats and conferences that we couldn’t afford so I could improve my craft. I’ve never seen anyone as happy as he was the moment I told him I sold a novel. Thank you for having my back, honey. I love you.





   Continue reading for a special preview of Jen DeLuca’s Well Played, coming from Berkley in Fall 2020.





Simon turned his attention to me, and his brows drew together. “Are you sure about that necklace, Stacey?” His voice was pitched low since he’d dropped the accent and his character. “It seems a little . . . elaborate for a tavern wench.”

My fist closed around the pendant, the dragonfly’s wings digging into my palm. “Perhaps it’s time for a change, then, Captain.” I kept my voice light, almost teasing, so neither of them could see my irritation.

“She has a point,” Emily said. “The taverns are mostly run by volunteers now. Maybe Stacey and I can be different characters next summer.”

“Perhaps.” Simon shifted from one foot to the other as his Faire accent crept back. He didn’t like change, especially when it came to Faire. But Emily looped her arm through his, bringing his focus to her, and the smile returned to his face. “Perhaps,” he said again. Fully back in character, his voice was pure pirate, and he bussed Emily’s temple. “For now, though, I’m due on the chess field. Would you lasses care to join me?”