Masquerade (20 page)

This book would not be possible without the constant encouragement and support from my readers. Thank you to everyone who e-mailed, blogged, reviewed, and posted on the
Blue Bloods
message boards. (Check it out at:[http://z13.invisionfree.com/Blue_Bloods). You guys rock!

Many heartfelt thanks to the wonderful team at Hyperion for their patience, support, and enthusiasm: Jennifer Besser, Helen Perelman, Brenda Bowen, Nellie Kurtzman, Jennifer Zatorski, Colin Hosten, Elizabeth Clark, Angus Killick, and Deborah Bass.

I am deeply grateful to Richard Abate and Josie Freedman at ICM.

Love and thanks to my family and friends, most of whom I have not seen in so long because I have been writing this book (and many others). I hope to have a social life at some point. Thanks especially to my favorite nephews and nieces, who are a joy and an inspiration: Nicholas and Joseph Green, Alexander, Valerie, and Lily Johnston.

As always, I would be nothing without my husband, Mike Johnston, who lives and dreams these books with me, but who hates sentimental speeches so I will spare him one. And finally, much love to our little vampire baby to come, who has been with me every step of the way.

MELISSA DE LA CRUZ
is the author of many books for teens, including
Blue Bloods
, The Au Pairs series,
Angels on Sunset Boulevard
, and the upcoming
The Ashleys
. Her books for adults include the novel
Cat’s Meow
and an anthology she coedited with Tom Dolby called
Girls Who Like Boys Who Like Boys
.

She began her career as a magazine and newspaper journalist, covering the New York City style and social scene, and now writes novels full time. Melissa divides her time between New York and Los Angeles, where she lives with her husband. She is currently working on many sequels (and prequels!) to the Blue Bloods series. While Melissa is not a Blue Blood, she knows many people who are.

Go to www.melissa-delacruz.com for more information.