by Rebel Farris
Because one of my motivating factors for writing this story was that I want people to know that if you are depressed, it’s not the end of anything. It doesn’t mean life will pass you by. You can still fall in love, find your purpose for living, chase your dreams, and find your happily ever after. And if you just happen to be writing books, you can still finish the goddamn story.
Until then, be you. Stay original.
Rebel
This is the part of the book where I say thank you to all the important people who helped me get this far. And I get it, unless you’re one of them, you probably don’t give two shits about who they are. But I really hope you’ll read it anyway, you might be surprised in the end, so I’ll try to keep it short and sweet.
My editor, Sandra Depukat, at One Love Editing, you’re a godsend. Not only did you inspire me to write this story because you’re a fan and you want to know all my secrets. Spoilers aside, because you’d probably kill me if I blurted a spoiler. I’m sorry that you had to wait so long to find out what I was up to. You put up with the painstakingly slow process of going through edits on this book a chapter at a time, as I wrote them. And zooming through second-round edits with lightning speed once I was done writing… nothing short of amazing.
To my new beta reader, Charly Player. Thank you so much for being the most awesome reader an author can hope to have. I know you were slightly embarrassed to send me that synopsis of my Duet. But for an author, knowing that someone, even if it is just one reader, appreciates your words enough to hang on each one and dissect your story for clues… that… that means the world to me. I’m so glad that you have come into my life and I really hope you stick around for more because I love your input and insight into my books. And thank you for having so much patience, for being available to read every new chapter as soon as it was posted.
To Cece Ferrell, you have become my rock. My shoulder to lean on. I would probably be rocking in the corner without having you to talk me through every trial life has thrown at me, book-wise and life stuff. I really can’t thank you enough, but it won’t stop me from trying.
Cassie motherfucking Sharp, I don’t know what I would do without. Thank you for putting up with me. Understanding that I’m not always the best friend on the planet, but still being there when I need you despite that. I know I sucked for putting off reading your book to try and get this book written. The fact that you never mentioned it speaks volumes about your character, even if everyone already knows it. I’m 83% through it now, so you can expect a review soon, and everyone will know how amazing it is. I will shout it from the fucking rooftops. I’m so lucky to have you in my life. To help me make the innocuous decisions when I can’t make up my fucking mind, or to beta my books and cheer me on. I did write Xander for you, so you can lick him, and stick him in your pocket. He’s yours.
My proofreader, Jenn Wood, from All About the Edits. Thank you for being so flexible with me, wedging me into your schedule over a holiday weekend. Your accuracy at such speed is beyond compare. I am more than grateful.
Cassandra Nelson, thank you for jumping in at the last minute, beta reading and providing crazy insightful feedback all in the span of two short days. You are a lifesaver.
My cover designer and formatter for this book Erica Alexander of Serendipity Designs, you are a goddamn rockstar. Designing a cover in less than a day is breathtaking, surprising, and beyond all my wildest expectations. Then throw in the fact that you also did the same for the formatting. One day! I can’t thank you enough for restoring my faith in cover designers everywhere.
If you are reading this and you need a cover designer, look this one up, no lie, she’s inhumanly fast and made a ridiculously gorgeous cover at that.
And lastly, I want to thank you, dear reader. None of this would matter without you. I’m so incredibly lucky that you found me. I hope you like this story, I hope you’ll want to read more of the crazy shit that sprouts from my mind. I don’t think I will be able to thank each of you enough to even come close to match what you do for me. Words will never be enough, but for now, that’s what you’re getting.
Rebel Farris was born and raised in Texas. She lived in and around Houston for most of her life where she got a degree in Finance and had three kids. After that, she spent three years living in Seoul, South Korea (where part of her heart will always belong) and every corner of her home state before settling down in Austin. One day she hopes to live out the dreams of her nomadic soul, by traveling the world. All while pouring out the myriad of stories that fill her not-so-normal mind.
When she's not busy writing her newest project, she can probably be found curling up with a good book, hiding behind a lens of one of her many cameras, or going on adventures with her kids. Champion of the anti-hero, Rebel loves to write suspenseful and unpredictable stories while making people fall in love with the bad guy and the broken souls. She prizes loyalty and understanding in her friends above all. And frequently features chosen family and solid friendships to reflect the blessings life has given her.
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Rebel’s Mad House
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Scene Inspiration Songs
To Bring You My Love by PJ Harvey
Love Is Blindness by Jack White
Xander’s Record Collection
The Most Beautiful Girl by Charlie Rich
Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’ Charley Pride
Oh, Lonesome Me by Don Gibson
He Stopped Loving Her Today by George Jones
Mammas, Don’t Let Your Babies Grown Up to Be Cowboys by Waylon Jennings & Willie Nelson
Stand By Your Man by Tammy Wynette
You Never Even Called Me By My Name by David Allen Coe
I’m so Lonesome I Could Cry by Hank Williams
Good Hearted Woman by Willie Nelson
Crazy by Patsy Cline
I Walk The Line by Johnny Cash
Rosie’s Mix Tape
Pictures of Matchstick Men by Camper Van Beethoven
Blister in the Sun by Violent Femmes
Heroes by David Bowie
Love Shack by The B-52’s
Stand by R.E.M.
So Alive by Love and Rockets
Whip It by Devo
Hazy Shade of Winter by The Bangles
Sunglasses At Night by Corey Hart
I Melt With You by Modern English
Girls Just Want to Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper
In The Air Tonight by Phil Collins
Kiss by Prince
She Drives Me Crazy by Fine Young Cannibals
Faith by George Michael
You can find the whole playlist on Spotify by clicking here.
Standalones
Snapshot
Falling Small Duet
False Start
Pivot Line
Seven Hummingbirds Series
(Coming Summer 2018-2019)
Penalty Kill
Whip
Transition
Substitution
Blocker
Turn Stop
Target Zone