the story I wanted to tell this time, becasue Dominic Collazo is too awesome to be watered-down.
Kingpin is my seventh novel, and those who know me best know my favorite number is seven, so I had to make this one special. I wanted a story that would have a subject that I love, with characters I’d want to read about. So, when I decided that book number seven was going to be one hundred percent WS Greer, three things popped into my head: Dominic, Alannah, and the title. Dominic and Alannah’s story had to start in the fifth grade so their love could be indestructible by the time they were in their twenties, and no other title could fit this novel. Even when I found out some news that made me change a character name and almost made me change the title, I decided I wasn’t going to give in this time. This was my seventh book, and I absolutely had to write everything exactly the way I wanted to write it. And with just those three things in mind—Dominic, Alannah, and the title—I knew I couldn’t go wrong.
I also took the time to think about my fans who’ve been my fans since the beginning. I thought all the way back to Frozen Secrets, and I realized that fans of Frozen Secrets are probably pissed because after I wrote that book, I never went back to that genre. Kingpin is my first full-on romantic suspense since Frozen Secrets. It took me six books to get back to doing this the way I wanted to when I first started, but now that I’m back on track, I feel more confident and comfortable than ever. I can’t go wrong now. Everything is the way it’s supposed to be, and I know it’s true because Kingpin is not only my best book, it’s also my favorite of the seven I’ve published. That’s a big deal, because my first book had always been my favorite until now. I finally beat it!
So, on to the acknowledging, huh?
There isn’t anyone I’d thank before I’d thank my wife. So, give me a minute while I speak directly to her . . .
Baby, thank you so much for sticking by me through this long process. I’m seven books into this thing now and I know I’ve nagged and complained, and I’ve said one thing and done another, but you’ve had my back. You’ve supported me and let me work all this shit out, and you’ve helped to guide me as well. We’ve been partners in this from day one, and there isn’t a hair on my body that would want to do it without you. Thank you for always being there for me when the going got tough, and thank you for putting me back on the right path when I felt like I was getting pulled off of it again. Dominic ends this novel with the same mentality he had when it started because you made sure of it, and I’m very thankful for that. Dominic and I thank you! I love you, baby!
I’d also like to thank my mother for being there during the writing process for this book as well. Your excitement is always telling when you’re reading something of mine, and it lets me know I’m doing the right thing with these characters. Thank you for your support.
A huge thank you to my brother and his family, and to my father for his support as well. Thank you to all my family in E. St. Louis who’ve been in my corner, showing me love and support since I started writing. I love and miss you all!
I’d also like to thank my closest friends who I told about this book when I first started writing it. I made a point to tell guys about this book, because I wanted to see if I could write something that would draw men in, and when I saw your faces light up, I knew I had it. Every time one of you said, “That sounds like something I’d read,” knowing good and damn-well you’re not a reader, it motivated me to keep going. This book is exactly what I wanted it to be, and I have all of you to thank for helping to bring it to fruition.
Lastly, to the fans of Frozen Secrets . . .
I’m sorry I switched gears on you for a while. Admittedly, I got pulled into the popular thing, and I jumped on