Chapter 38: Author’s Note – Summary & Analysis
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.
Summary
In this chapter, Elle Kennedy explains her long-standing anticipation to write Dean Di Laurentis’s story, first introduced in The Deal as Garrett Graham’s roommate. She admits to taking a creative liberty with the hockey team’s holiday schedule, shifting the timeline so Dean could enjoy an extended break from games, allowing the New York scenes with Allie to unfold. Kennedy then expresses gratitude to her early readers, best friends, and team of professionals—including editors, agents, and cover designers—for helping shape the novel. She ends by thanking bloggers, reviewers, and readers for their continued support and enthusiasm for the series.
Key Events
- Author reveals she had been eager to write Dean’s book since introducing the character.
- She acknowledges deliberately adjusting the Division I hockey schedule to give Dean more time off for the story’s setting.
- She thanks her early readers and friends: Viv, Jen, Sarina, Katy, Monica, Nicole, and Sophie.
- She expresses appreciation for her business team: assistants Nic and Natasha, Gwen, Sharon, and Nina Bocci.
- Special thanks to cover designer Sarah Hansen and the Bloom Books team (editor Christa Désir, Pam, Molly, Katie).
- Agent Kimberly Brower is recognized for her representation.
- She praises bloggers and reviewers for promoting the series.
- A final thank-you to readers for their ongoing support.
Character Development
No character development occurs in this chapter, as it is a direct address from the author rather than a narrative scene.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Authorial Intention: Kennedy’s note reveals her deliberate story choices, such as altering the timeline to enhance character interactions.
- Gratitude and Community: The extensive acknowledgments highlight the collaborative nature of publishing and the importance of a support network.
- Creative Liberty: The admitted fudging of details shows that romantic fiction sometimes prioritizes emotional payoff over strict realism.
Why This Chapter Matters
This author’s note provides readers with a transparent look at Kennedy’s creative process, reinforcing that the holiday scenes were intentionally crafted to deepen Dean and Allie’s relationship. It also humanizes the author by acknowledging the many people behind the book, fostering a sense of connection with the audience. Understanding these choices can enrich a reader’s appreciation of the novel’s pacing and tone.
Study Questions and Answers
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Why did the author adjust the hockey team’s holiday schedule?
Kennedy wanted Dean to have a longer stretch of time off so that he and Allie could spend an extended period together in New York, which allowed for more romantic and character-driven scenes. -
How does the author’s note reflect the tone of the novel?
The note is humorous and heartfelt, using playful language like “I regret nothing” and “awesomesauce,” mirroring the lighthearted, passionate tone found in Dean’s narrative voice. -
What does the acknowledgments section reveal about the author’s support network?
It shows that Kennedy relies on a mix of personal friends, professional editors, agents, and cover designers, underscoring that a successful novel is a team effort beyond the writer alone.