To all of you who have supported me, through your words, hugs, smiles, laughter, prayers—thank you. Huge thanks to my sweet savior for blessing me with my wild imagination; to my parents, whose endless encouragement has given me the confidence to pursue my dreams; to my family, my circle of friends—old and new—thank you for never laughing at my dream and being a constant source of love in my life; to the authors and professors (and a therapist) who have inspired me; to Lindiwe Stenberg, James Aries, Mom, and the handful of others who read and edited THE MISSING CRIMOIRE in its earliest forms—you helped make it the best it could ever be; to Shelley Couvillion, who designed my amazing book cover—your personality is as adorable as your art. And to my sweetest, strongest support—my husband, Alejandro. Your steadfast love and confidence in my dream mean the world to me. I love you.