It is an indescribable feeling to finish a book. Anyone who has can relate to what that means. Anyone who loves books can equate it to when you reach that final page and there's nothing left to read. You feel complete, and yet, there's that bitter after taste as you realize:

Oh shit. There's nothing left to read.

That's pretty much how I felt when I typed that last word — together. For so long, I never knew how this book was going to end. Fourteen year old me was just inspired by the idea of waking up married to the love of your life. The hopeless romantic that I was (am) I just had to write about it. So, Amber and Carter were born. I never knew where they were gonna go along the way. Never really knew how Mark would tie into the plot. Didn't even know that Amber's mom wasn't her mom. The only thing I knew about Amber and Carter was that no matter what, they would end up together.

How fitting that the word fell so perfectly into that last line, and in a way, it made saying goodbye to this story a little easier. This chapter in Amber's life has officially closed, and in some ways, I feel the same. For ten years, this story has been gnawing at me, tugging at me, pissing me off, and forcing me to grow in ways I never thought I would. For a decade, I have been transforming these characters from their basic ideas — fun fact, Mark's original name was Cam — into who they are now. For so long, I thought I would not finish this book, that it would sit on a shelf in my head and never see the light of day.

Then, I found the most incredible support group, and my life was changed for the better.

Wattpad was never something I expected to get addicted to. Yes, I am admitting my problem. I learned my lesson from Mark (too soon?). Growing on this site might not always be the easiest in terms of getting reads, but my writing has blossomed under this platform. Not only that, the connections are something I truly did not expect. I would not feel right ending this book without properly thanking those who helped me the most through this process. Whether it was from the early days of Corey Whitfield, or those who helped tremendously through the gruesome editing process, each and everyone of you has not only shaped my Wattpad experience, but this story too.

First, a shout out to my amazing Beta Readers. It's funny how I found them both after applying to be their reader first! I picked your stories because I saw something special in both of them, and I so appreciate you feeling the same way about Falling.

thegapinthedoor You came into this book when she was practically complete...which is exactly when I needed the most support. Right around the time I was doubting if this book was worth investing more time in, you sped through it and left me tons of comments that honestly made my day. Just seeing you stay up all night to finish it (something I've done with countless books in the past) was the boost I needed to believe that people not attached to these characters from the jump could still fall in love with them. Thank you for being that little beacon of light at the end of the tunnel.

Rogue705 I won't lie, I was a little nervous when you first signed on to read this book. I wasn't really sure if you would love it — I mean, you were over here writing about a badass assassin destined for greatness! I knew that a romance novel might not be right up your alley, but your point of view was everything I needed and more. It's not very often that a book like this gets a male audience off it's cover and blurb alone, so having your insight into what this story might need fixes with was tremendously helpful. Thank you for being a fresh pair eyes to show me what I couldn't see.

Now, moving right along to the writers who's stories I bonded with off chance alone. It's not often that you come across a book that changes you as a writer, or even changes how you look at a genre you've never really loved. I am forever grateful for these people not only for their support of my book, but of the sheer talent they have that pushed me to the limit and challenged me as a writer. You both have been on Amber's journey from before I hit that complete button, and I'm so grateful that you stuck with it till the end.

frickin_bats Fantasy writers are people who I truly applaud. When I first started reading Shadows in the Trees, I remember just being so blown away by not only your characters, but your world building. It's always been something I've envied, and it is truly something you are gifted in. Every comment you left on this book made me laugh, think, and grow. You were never afraid to really tell me when something was meh (hope you like the addition of salsa in chapter seventeen!) and this book is better because of it. Thank you for being a solid supporter on this crazy ride we call writing a book.

cjtruz I have told you numerous times how much I admire your writing... and I will tell you a hundred times more. Seeing the way you craft the English language has made me question my own talent in the absolute best way possible. Your end of chapter comments on this book were something I looked forward to after every update, and you never did disappoint in catching all the little hints and callbacks I laid out so secretively. You too were unafraid to give me constructive feedback that helped shaped this story into what it is today. I took so many of your notes and applied them to this final edit, and I can only hope I was able to return the favor. Thank you for being a mentor to me, whether you knew it or not.

And now — CarsonFaircloth

God damnit. I told myself I wasn't gonna cry...

Carson, it is impossible to sum up our friendship into a single word. It amazes me every day that I found you on a random critique thread in the forums, and never for a second did I think that one interaction would flourish into a true bond. You have been my rock through the highs and lows of writing this book. You were there when I was messaging at three in the morning doubting myself and my writing. You have talked me off the ledge of throwing the whole thing out. I have been inspired by the writer you are, the way you tell stories, the way you craft sentences, and the way you make a reader fall in love with a character (Cooper, Calla, and Vincent are my second favorite trio in the world). I still miss the days when we were in the first draft phase, holding each other's chapters hostage to push the other to finish and update first. There is no doubt in my mind that without you, this story would not exist. It would still be sitting in my Google Drive, collecting dust and going absolutely nowhere.

Thank you for being my writing buddy, my motivator, my biggest cheerleader, and most of all, my friend. Like we always say, this writing bond is for life!

Finally, I want to thank and dedicate this book to my mother, for not only being my number one fan, but for gifting me my love of books. Without her supporting my desire to read, I would not be a writer today. Thank you for driving me to Barnes and Nobles every weekend before finally buying me a Kindle (and saving yourself gas money). Thank you for not yelling when I bought too many books because said Kindle didn't have a limit on the credit card. 

Thank you for reading every chapter of this book before I shared it with the world. Thank you for dealing with my moodiness when you gave a critique I didn't want to hear. Thank you for believing in me and my dreams, no matter how big or outlandish they may be. And thank you for being my best friend in the world, no matter how lame that may sound.

And to you, reader (if you're still here) thank you for taking the time to come on this journey with Amber. She's not perfect, and neither are her choices, but her heart is made of gold. Thank you for loving her as much as I do and sticking with her stubbornness until the end.

Well....the end of this book, anyway.

See where Amber's journey will lead to in her next installment: