Ugh! The next time a drop-dead-gorgeous slab of man talks to me, it would be nice to use words.
* * *
Purchase Finding Dandelion on AMAZON.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
My first order of business is to thank my husband Matthew, who is the one who pushed me off the ledge and got me to take a chance and try my hand at writing fiction. If I had landed in a giant splat on the ground, I’d be blaming him too. haha. Seriously, though, thank you, Matt. You make me laugh every day, and you’re the reason I have anything funny to say. Thanks for not killing me when I use our convos in my books. And to my girls, I may not want you to read my books, but you’re the reason I write. Love you, little bears. A big hug to my awesome family in Texas and the best parents a girl could ever have. Love you!
I have the most kick-ass agent ever. Kimberly Brower, thanks for being tough on me and for being a great friend. My books are better because of your input.
RJ Locksley, you’re a fantastic editor. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your feedback.
A huge thanks to Whitney Barbetti and KL Grayson, who helped me get my second wind. I seriously wouldn’t have finished this book without you. Love you guys. #Trifecta4Ever
Jules Barnard, you deserve a medal for reading my crappy first draft. Still waiting for you to visit me in LA. *whistles*
Tackle hugs to Krista and Becca Ritchie, who showed me the ropes to self-publishing. Becca, thanks for talking Krista into designing my gorgeous covers! You two inspire me.
M. Pierce, thanks for that wry sense of humor and encouragement. I appreciate you pushing me to redo my first cover. So many great things happened because of that advice. I owe you some pancakes.
To Sheri Thompson-Gustafson... Thanks for helping me pick out my covers and for holding my hand whenever I freak out, which is often. I wrote Maddie’s roommate for you. Sorry I didn't give her big boobs. xoxo!
Cole McCade, I’m psyched I finally found someone who loves Harold Perrineau in Romeo & Juliet as much as I do. Thanks for helping me with my blurb. I owe you a few drinks. Let’s line up that designated driver.
To my lovely former student Rachel... I'm so proud of your many accomplishments! Thanks for sharing what your life is like as a broadcast reporter. If I got any of the details wrong, it's all on me.
A big thank you to my betas, Alexis Durbin, Kristen Humphry Johnson, and Kristina Brooks. Your feedback was wonderful!
I also have to give a special shout out to Angie Owens and her eagle eye. Thanks for proofing this last minute!
Ass slaps and smooshy hugs to Doris Gray and Jullie Anne Caparas, who started the Dearest Series Fan Group. You two have done so much for me–scoured my books for excerpts, made me teasers, and helped me plan. You were the first to Out-Skank me... on Twitter no less. *tear* Thanks for the encouragement and endless laughs! I also have to thank the girls in my group for understanding my filthy mind and for being as twisted as I am. #ThatSkankLex loves you!
I really appreciate all of the friendships I’ve made with the #IndieChicksRock gang. Thanks for sharing so selflessly in the group. NAAU, I’ve learned so much from you.
Cristiane Karamanolis, thanks for all of your tweets and shares and endless love for authors. I feel lucky to know you.
Tarah Lockard, your teasers are gorgeous. I appreciate you taking the time to help me.
Kawehi Reviews, thanks for calling Veronica a slore. *giggle* It stuck with me and inspired that conversation Maddie has with Sheri at the beginning of the book. Thanks for being one of my earliest readers!
Jacqueline Russell, you’re a sweetheart for helping me with my promo!
Truly, I realize no one would read my books were it not for a few bloggers who picked up Dearest Clementine early on. Aestas, I can’t thank you enough for taking a chance on a new author. Lanie and the Bookaholic Fairies, you rock my socks. Dirty Laundry Review, you girls are peas to my carrots. Three Girls and a Book Obsession, this is where I snuggle you.
Hugs and hair pulling (the sexy kind) to my friends at The Literary Gossip, Smokin’ Hot Book Blog, Summer’s Book Blog, Teacups & Book Love, Owl Always Be Reading, Schmexy Girl Book Blog, One Click Addicts, Give Me Books, ByoB, Kylie’s Fiction Addiction, I Bookin’ Love to Read, Hopeless Book Lovers, Smut Fanatics, Smut Muffins, Book Baristas, Four Chicks Flipping, Restless Book Obsession, INDIEpendent Book Babes, The Smut Slut, Desert Divas Book Addiction, FMR Book Grind, Second Bite Book Reviews, Smut Bags, Books & Tea, Once Upon A Book Blog, Red Cheeks Reads, Lauren’s Book & Media Club, Bujoijoi22, Typical Distractions Book Blog, Literary Misfit, Painful Reads, Hopeless Book Lovers, BookCrushin.in, The Bookish Laurel, Little Read Riding Hood, The Never Ending Book, Reads, Calloway Books, Shelley & Courtney, Turning Pages at Midnight, Starbooks, Megpie’s Book Blog, Read Review Repeat, and One More Chapter. I know so many more bloggers have posted my cover reveals and promos and sales and teasers. If I could smother you all in kisses, I would.
A huge thanks to Natalie at Love Between the Sheets for doing the promo for all three of my books. You’re the best, Nat!
Lastly, to my readers… Thanks for reading my books and for all of your messages and tweets. It’s bittersweet to come to the end of this series. This is the last full-length novel for Clem, Jax, and Daren as their stories have been told. However, since I’ve received so many messages about Jena and Ryan, I wanted to let you know that I’m hoping to write a companion novella for them. And there might be something special down the road for Brady. I think he’s deserving of a spin-off, so keep your eyes peeled for more news!
xoxo,
Lex
CONTACT LEX
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lex@lexmartinwrites.com
www.lexmartinwrites.com
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Dearest Series Fan Group
Table of Contents
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Chapter 46
Chapter 47
Chapter 48
Chapter 49
Chapter 50