Thank you so much for reading Gleam!
I really hope you’ve enjoyed the journey so far. I wanted to be really mindful of Auren’s progression as she went from full-blown Stockholm Syndrome, to stepping out of her cage, to then realizing not only what life and love can really be like, but to come face-to-face with her own potential. In a lot of ways, this is just the beginning. I have so much more in store for these characters and this world. And I’m excited for more #Aurip in the next book!
If you can, I would so appreciate you hopping over to leave a review on Amazon and/or Goodreads!
The preorder for book 4 is already available here.
If I can move up the release date, I will!
For updates, teasers, and giveaways, join my reader group and follow me on Instagram.
Thank you to everyone who reviews, recommends, and posts about this series! I couldn’t do this without you.
Acknowledgements
I’m just going to jump right in and admit that this book was incredibly difficult to write. I struggled many times, wondering if I was getting any of the words right, if I was portraying Auren honestly. Not only is this the longest book I’ve written to date, but it was also the most complex. I think I had more loose strands to weave than Midas did. I lost hold of them several times, got them all tangled, wanted to give up. If it weren’t for the people in my life, I wouldn’t have been able to keep hold of the strings.
To my husband, my steady, my home: Thank you for handling everything in the real world, while I dealt with this fictional one. I love you forever and always. Also, you’re cute and funny, and you bring me treats, so I like you.
To my daughter who reminds me to breathe and to play: You are my heart.
To my family: Your constant encouragement and pride is what started this all, and I’m so damn lucky to have you guys.
I have so many people in the book world that have made all the difference for me.
Firstly, I’m just blown away by the kindness and support from the Bookstagrammers and BookTokers who have promoted these books. Every single time I get tagged in another gorgeous photo or fun video, it just reminds me how awesome bookish people are. Special shout out to Candice on her Instagram @canxdancexreads because since the moment you read Gild, you have helped to spread the word about this series and been my most epic hype girl. Thank you!
To Sarah Finger Parker: I’m not even sure I can explain how thankful I am. You seriously dragged me over the finish line kicking and screaming （and sometimes bribing） and I love you for it. Thank you for your friendship, and for all the times you woke up at 4 AM in Australia just so you could meet me in the sprint room or help me brainstorm. You’re the best sprint partner ever, and this book （and this Raven） would’ve fallen apart so many times if it weren’t for you. 10/10 would recommend.
To Ivy Asher and Ann Denton: How the hell did I get so lucky to land you ladies? This book world would be so lonely and difficult without you. I couldn’t ask for more loyal, kind, funny, and just all-around awesome people to have in my squad. Thank you for always beta reading even though you always have a million other things on your plate. And I’m glad we embraced TikTok and now make up entire conversations with videos. I’m here for it.
To Helayna: I’m convinced you’re a magical unicorn. This book was rough, and I missed so many deadlines, and still, you worked your magic and stuck with me even though I was a mess. I sent you this book in THIRTEEN different clumps. （I know, I counted.） But somehow, you wrangled me in and polished this beast of a book that just wouldn’t end. Thank you for being your magical, patient, understanding self.
To Amy: Thank you for all of your hard work with the formatting of this series. I couldn’t ask for an easier person to work with!
To Aubrey: Thank you for all of the gorgeous graphics and designs you make for this series. I’m blown away every single time you send me something.
To Lisa, Cheria, and Reagan: Thank you for moderating my reader group! I never have to worry, because you ladies take care of everything while I’m stuck in the writing cave.
And thank you to my readers.
Every single one of you.
I can’t believe how much love I’ve gotten for this series, or the overall support as an author. I’m so grateful that I get to have this job, because it’s all I’ve ever wanted to do. So thank you for every sentence you read, every review you leave, every post you make. Thank you for taking a chance on a golden girl with ribbons on her back and a fae with spikes on his arms. You guys are pure gold.
—Raven