Acknowledgements
Thank you so much for reading Out On a Limb! I poured so much of myself into writing this one, and I’m so grateful you gave it your time. If you skipped over the author’s note at the beginning, I’d encourage you to read it, as that explains just how important this story was for me to write. I’ve never relied on my friends, family, and online community more than while I was writing this book. I think it’s partially because of the busy season of life my husband, kids, and I were in, but also because of how deeply personal this book is. Often, I felt as if I was leaving too much of myself on the page—unsure if it was at all entertaining or worthwhile for the reader. So this time around, my process included a lot of friends and members of the romance community who were willing to lend me their eyes, ears, and opinions. A.k.a. I made this book everyone’s problem. So thank you to my incredible support system, family, friends, alpha and beta readers, and everyone who let me voice-note incessantly about these characters. Specifically, Sophie, who spent hours on the phone with me planning, plotting, and de-escalating my anxiety—this book wouldn’t exist without you. Tabitha and Tarah, for their friendship, support, and guidance—I adore you both endlessly. Millie, for her kindness, enthusiasm, and friendship throughout this process (and for inviting me to see Taylor Swift with you, because that was the best night of my life). Esther and Laura for being willing to put up with my nonsense and love me despite it all. Natasha, Meg, Marianne, Taylor Smith, Kelsey, Janni, Gracie, and Zarin (a.k.a. Doctor Salim), for being such incredible champions of me and my work and reading each and every stage of this book. Christina, for being my first writer-friend and one of the kindest people I know. Taylor Torres, Julie Olivia, R.M. Derrick, and Lindsey Lanza, for making the indie author community a more beautiful place and supporting me through this project! And Abi, who is the Sarah to my Win (though we’re not all that similar to them in real life). Thank you to my editor (saviour) Beth, my cover designer Mary Scarlett, and the incredible Kelsey, who designed the artwork for the title page. I’m very, very lucky to be able to work with you all. To the Bookstagram and Booktok communities, who embraced the Next series and allowed me to pursue this authoring thing full time—I have endless gratitude for you all. You’ve changed my life, and more importantly, my kids’ lives too. The internet can be an incredible, safe, welcoming, and encouraging place when good people make it so—and the bookish corner of the internet is the best of the best. Then, the man of the hour, Ben. I dedicated this book (my favourite yet) to you for a reason. I love you so much it’s honestly a bit gross. I think you’re the funniest, kindest, hottest, most dedicated person to ever exist. When my brain was being mean to me during this process, you took it all in stride and continued to love me the way I needed—as you have for twelve years now. Thank you for never making me feel anything but capable, strong, and beautiful. I’m sorry I borrowed some (all) of your nerdiness for Bo. I meant it with only the highest praise. Thank you for tying my shoelaces, braiding my hair, helping with buttons, and all the things you do to help me feel less frustrated. If you made it this far, thank you, dear reader. Whether you’re new to my books or whether you’ve been here since my debut, thank you for spending your time with my characters. It’s a true joy to write them for you. Lastly, to my fellow disabled folks of all shapes, sizes, abilities, and understandings—we deserve love too. Most of all, we are worthy of it. But be sure to give it to yourself first.