“But you love me, right?”
“Damn skippy.”
Afterword
I think it bears repeating that this is a work of fiction. I took extreme artistic license with parts of Denise’s storyline. It is true that atrocities were committed by a small, outlier group of people in Iraq. They did not, in any way, represent the vast majority of service members who served and fought with honor and distinction.
***
There are many, many animal rescues throughout the United States. Several of them work to rehabilitate dogs and train them to be service animals for veterans and people with disabilities. I encourage you to find one in your local area and donate, volunteer, and follow them on social media. And please, if you’re thinking about adding a fur baby to your family… Adopt. Don’t shop.
Acknowledgments
I find the acknowledgements to be the hardest part of finishing a book. Weird, huh? But how do I express my gratitude to everyone who helps make this goal a reality without sounding trite? But…here goes:
El. Even though I dedicated it to you, thank you for being my person. Iraq was hell and I’m pretty sure the only reason I made it through was because of you.
Toni. My RT platonic romance. My line standing partner. My travel buddy. Thank you for your friendship, your humor, and your strength.
Taylor at Imagination Uncovered. Thank you SO much for another gorgeous cover!
Shauna Kruse, Matthew Hosea, and Stephanie Pietz for such a gorgeous photo.
Jessica Snyder, editor extraordinaire. Do what you’re told! I don’t care if I’m not your real mom! lol. Thank you so much for your guidance and direction and superb attention to detail. Peen-to: any of several peaches with a flattened shape; especially :a peach of Chinese origin grown in the southern U.S.
The A2T2 Reader Group. You’re the best group of readers because you’re mine! Well, one-fourth mine, but you get my point.
The reviewers, bloggers, sharers: Thank you for your support, your likes, and your shares.
The readers: Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. You’re the reason I keep doing this. Also because the voices in my head tell me to, but mostly because of you.
About the Author
Tarina has spent her entire life in and around the military - first as a dependent and then as an enlisted Air Force member.
In 2015, a friend challenged her to complete NaNoWriMo. She dusted off one of the many stories she'd started over the years, threw it in the trash, and started all over.
Her debut novel, Stitched Up Heart, released in September 2016. The military gives her plenty of material to work with and she strives to create characters who authentically represent all facets of the military life - the good and the not so great.
Tarina is still active duty, a single mom of five-year-old twins, and a closet romantic. Her favorite hobby is sleep. She has delusions of retiring from the military and being a stay-at-home mom.
Sign up for her newsletter, join the A2T2 Reader Group, and follow her on Bookbub and Instagram.
www.tarinadeaton.com
[email protected]
Also by Tarina Deaton
Stitched Up Heart
Rescued Heart
Half-Broke Heart
Locked-Down Heart (Combat Hearts Book 3) Page 20
