Crazy Love You (41 page)

Everything begins and ends with my husband Jeffrey and our daughter Ocean Rae. They are the foundation of my life. And nothing gets written without their love and support. I am blessed to have so much love in my life. Not to mention cuteness. They are both
very
cute. Jeff also cooks. Ocean
occasionally
cleans her room. We also have a cute Labradoodle named Jak Jak. He is somewhat less helpful.

My editor, Sally Kim, brought her usual brand of wisdom, curiosity, and insight to the editing of this novel. She never fails to add something invaluable in the gentlest possible way. I wish I had a nickel for every time she said, “I wonder if . . .” Actually, I probably do.

When my beloved, long-time agent, and forever friend Elaine Markson retired last year, Amy Berkower of Writers House stepped in, bringing with her many years of experience, but also great warmth, wisdom, and tremendous passion. She made what was a heartbreaking and difficult transition much less so. Thanks, Amy, for stepping in and stepping up. I can't tell you how much it has meant to me.

My special thanks to Jud Meyers from Blast Off Comics in North Hollywood, CA. There's nothing I admire so much in a person as the union of passion and expertise. Jud opened the door into his world for me and my experience was far richer than if I had ventured there myself. He sent me a stack of comics and graphic novels that I
devoured,
and then had to keep away from Ocean. Let's just say much of it was not appropriate for an eight-year-old—even though they were very shiny and colorful. (Ocean: That is SO not fair!) And thanks to pal and
New York Times
bestselling author Gregg Hurwitz for connecting us.

James E. Adams, MD Board Certified Psychiatrist, spent his precious time on the phone with me talking about everything from childhood trauma to addiction. His insights and knowledge deepened my understanding of my characters—many of which could definitely use a talk or two with Dr. Adams.

The folks at Touchstone/Simon & Schuster and Pocket are an absolutely stellar group. Each and every person brings their own special gifts and talents to the table. My heartfelt thanks to: Carolyn Reidy, Susan Moldow, Michael Selleck, Liz Perl, Louise Burke, David Falk, Brian Belfiglio, Sophie Vershbow, Cherlynne Li, Wendy Sheanin, Paula Amendolara, Teresa Brumm, Colin Shields, Chrissy Festa, Charlotte Gill, Gary Urda, Gregory Hruska, Michelle Fadlalla, Bryony Weiss, Meredith Vilarello, Paul O'Halloran, Elisabeth Watson, and Melissa Vipperman-Cohen. And I can never heap enough praise on the top-notch sales team, out there on the front lines in this super-competitive business, getting books in every format into as many hands as possible. It's everything; thank you.

Last but not least, I have an amazing network of family and friends who cheer me through the good days and carry me through the challenging ones. I am so grateful for my parents, Joseph and Virginia Miscione, who have supported me in every way possible all my life, and are unstoppable as Team PA. To my brother Joe Miscione and his wife, Tara, for everything they do, including but not limited to facing out books on the shelves, inviting me to speak at Tara's book club, and general book flogging. Thanks to Heather Mikesell for being one of my first and most important readers. She also takes pictures of people she sees reading my books—which is always a boost! Thanks to Tara Popick and Marion Chartoff for their unfailing friendship. They've been with me every step of the way.

Also by Lisa Unger

In the Blood

Heartbroken

Darkness, My Old Friend

Fragile

Die for You

Black Out

Sliver of Truth

Beautiful Lies

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This book is a work of fiction. Any references to historical events, real people, or real places are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places, and events are products of the author's imagination, and any resemblance to actual events or places or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Copyright © 2015 by Lisa Unger

All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever. For information address Touchstone Subsidiary Rights Department, 1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020.

First Touchstone hardcover edition February 2015

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Interior design by Robert E. Ettlin

Jacket Photograph by Raven Yeh

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Unger, Lisa, 1970–

Crazy love you / Lisa Unger. — First Touchstone hardcover edition.

pages cm

I. Title.

PS3621.N486C83 2014

813'.6—dc23

2014009225

ISBN 978-1-4516-9120-7

ISBN 978-1-4516-9122-1 (ebook)