by Renee Rocco
We have a long road of healing, the two of us, but we’ll make it to the end of the journey. Wish I could snap my fingers and get us there quicker, but sometimes, it’s not about the destination, but who walks beside you. We’ll get there, Wraith and I, because we’re Mayhem born. Baptized in blood and forged in pain. And as long as we have each other, we can withstand any storm.
Acknowledgments
It took a team of people to put Wraith on the page. So much love and gratitude to:
My husband, who at five o’clock every day for seven months would tell me to “just order a pizza,” because you are awesome. Like, seriously. I couldn’t do this whole life thing without you. Thank you for always being proud of me, even when I’m not proud of myself. There are just no words for how much I friggin’ love you.
My eldest daughter, who fist-bumped me throughout the entire writing process. You may still be too young to read this, but you were certainly along for the ride. And thank you for taking care of your younger sister. Omg, you rock.
My youngest daughter, who gave me random hugs because you knew mommy needed them. If it wasn’t for your smile, I don’t think I would have made it through some of the crazier days—that’s why you always get Roblox when you ask. Every. Single. Time. Love you, Smalls.
April and Lisa, my incredible editors who maybe didn’t laugh too hard when I typed shit instead of shirt? LOL
Art and Jamie, who inspire me to always strive to be better today than I was yesterday. From the day we met, you have been a blessing in our life. When I needed a strong name for my heroine, I borrowed one from a remarkable woman.
Alicia Condon, who was a driving force from day one. You’ve been the voice in my head who told me to keep going whenever I’ve doubted myself—which was often.
Shannon McKenna, you are amazing and generous, and I love you to pieces. Thank you for the eleventh-hour advice. I owe you big time.
Thank God for Five Finger Death Punch. Without their music, Masters of Mayhem would still be stuck in my head as background noise.
Mostly, though, I want to thank you, the reader. I never thought I’d be here. When I finished my last romance novel thirteen-ish years ago, I assumed I’d never again write fiction. But the muse struck, and I started tapping at the keyboard, writing into the void. But now Wraith is out there in the wild. He’s in your hands, and I thank you. I thank you so much for taking a chance on me, and for spending time in Mayhem. I hope you had as much fun hanging out with the Unholy as I had writing them.
About the Author
After a thirteen-year hiatus, Renee Rocco’s return to writing allows her to spend her days behind the scenes for a NY publisher, with her nights spent indulging in the wicked world of her antiheroes. Beneath the glamour of work-from-home mom duties, she’s a suburban misfit who always has a sarcastic comment at the ready—whether the situation calls for one or not. She is not Instagram-ready or speakerphone-friendly (you’ve been warned).
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Afterword
I wasn’t going to write Wraith. In fact, this book began as one titled Damaged, and I started it over two years ago. I sent the first pages to my friend, Alicia Condon, who pushed me to keep going. I didn’t, and I gave up for a long time. But these restless characters nagged at me. See, the thing is, I used to be a paranormal romance author, but back then, I was suffering from depression and didn’t know it. Those I’m closest to refused to give up on me, and with their encouragement, I got healthy. My husband and I launched our own small press, and as I grew that company, we had a second child. In the years that followed, we sold to a NY house, and that’s where I currently work (and I absolutely love my job!). But always, I felt the pull to write. So, here I am, thirteen-ish years later, and I tell you this because I want to know your thoughts. Writing into a void—and during the COVID pandemic—has been stressful. I’d love to know what you think about Wraith, Jamie, the Unholy, and the world I’ve created for them.
Please consider leaving an honest review of this book. It would mean everything to me. Thank you!
—Renee, xoxo
Also by Renee Rocco
JESTER
Masters of Mayhem, Book Two
He can have any woman he wants—except for her.
Coming July 2021
https://reneerocco.com/jester
