We often think of writers as solitary, feral creatures typing away madly on our keyboards into the lonely night—and while that is, by and large, true, what’s also true is that bringing a book forth into being is by no means a solitary venture.

Fate’s Promise would not exist without the help and support of many people.

My thanks to Rhonda Broman, winner of the contest I held to choose the title of the book, and to everyone else who participated and cast their votes. Fate’s Promise is called what it is thanks to you.

To members of the Wild Circle: J.I. Rogers, Diane Morrison, Mary Malinski. Your support keeps me going!

To my beta readers, Cloé Veilleux and Naia Newton, for going over the manuscript and giving me your feedback in record time. You helped chase away my imposter syndrome and gave me valuable insight!

To my editor, Kaimana Wolff, for fixing all the problems I can’t see.

To all the many friends who expressed their support when I told them I’m writing smut now. Sam, especially—you are my cheerleader & I love you.

To Mr. Katje, for being my number one book boyfriend and better than any fictional man I could dream up, and for giving me so much time and space to write my kissing books.

To all the writers out there putting out romance novels—between 2020 and 2023 y’all saved my sanity, and you inspired me to write my own romances. Sabina and Draivarya wouldn’t exist without you paving the way for me.

Thank you all, so so much. I hope I make you proud!

-Katje van Loon