Never Let Go: Top Shelf Romance Collection 6
Page 31
Kiss Me Slow
Featuring: Tijan, Willow Winters, Corinne Michaels & Louise Bay
Need You Now
Featuring: Skye Warren, Annika Martin, Claire Contreras, Sierra Simone & Laurelin Paige
Promise Me Forever (Free with Kindle Unlimited)
Featuring: Kate Stewart, A. Zavarelli, Kennedy Ryan & BB Reid
Make Me Yours
Featuring: Devney Perry, Amo Jones, Chelle Bliss & K. Bromberg
Don’t Break This Kiss
Featuring: Jessica Hawkins, Kylie Scott, Marni Mann & Carrie Ann Ryan
Acknowledgments
A book is never truly written by just one person, and I had the A-team on this project. I have so many people to thank, but first (mostly to save you from having to read this novella), I want to address you — the reader. Man… that was a rough one, wasn’t it? I know I put you through a lot of emotions with A Love Letter to Whiskey — some that you probably loved, and some that you probably wanted to kill me for. I just want you to know that I love you, and I am so thankful that you let me take you on this journey — even if it wasn’t the easiest. Please, don’t ever stop reading. And don’t ever stop taking a chance on Indie. OH, and come find me on the internet, because I love to hang out with my readers. You can start by joining the Kandiland (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1408360979440689) group on Facebook.
To my husband, Ryan Steiner, thank you once again for being my rock through this. Every book seems to test me more and more emotionally, and you’re always there to bring me back to the real world with a calming touch and sincere smile. Thank you for believing in me and chasing your dreams right alongside me while I chase mine. I love you.
Hey Staci Hart — WE DID IT! Can you believe it? We actually wrote books together… at the same time… and survived! And, it was the best experience ever. I don’t want to remember what it was like to do this without you, and I hope I never have to again. I love you more than whiskey sours. #SteinHarts #BestieRelease
This book would have been an absolute train wreck without the help of Sasha Whittington and Monique Boone. Thank you for not only being two of my best friends, but also being the most kick ass beta readers ever. I know it was hard, reading in chunks, letting me leave you at the WORST possible places, but it was worth it in the end. You helped me see what I couldn’t, and for that I’m grateful. I love you both!
Becca Hensley Mysoor, GOD I love you. Thank you for always being there to send me encouraging hearts and gifs and just for spreading light into the world. My life is brighter with you in it. I love you.
Thank you, Brittainy C. Cherry, for loving my words and me, too. Writing with you is such a privilege and an honor. You are quite possibly the most beautiful soul to ever exist. Thank God we found each other.
I can’t forget about my Buddy Brew coffee buddy — Kathryn Andrews. You are just… the absolute SWEETEST person. Thank you for making me laugh, celebrating my successes, and helping me through the rough days. I love writing with you, and I hope we can make this a ritual that lasts much longer than just one book.
Karla Sorensen and Ilsa Madden-Mills, thank you for propping me up like two bad ass, gold-plated crutches. Writing this book was HARD, and each of you helped me in your own ways along the road. I appreciate you more than I can say in words.
Momma, I always write the sweetest acknowledgement for you. This time, I want to thank you for teaching me how to drink like a champ. Those whiskey references came in handy, after all. ;)
To Beau Taplin, thank you for inspiring me with your words and for letting me quote my all-time favorite poem in this story. It set the tone, and I’m thankful to have your blessing.
Oh, Kellee Fabre. You have been here since the very beginning and Lord help me if you ever decide you’re over my shit. LOL! Thank you for threatening me EXTRA hard this time around. Your (scary) but loving messages make my life.
To the rest of the beta team: Monique Buntin, Ashlei Davison, Jess Vogel, Maegan Abel, Kristen Novo, Tina Lynne, Patricia Leibowitz (QUEEN MINTNESS), Sara Butler, and Sahar Bagheri. WHEW. I wasn’t kidding when I said I had the A-Team on this one. You guys seriously KILLED this beta read. You brought the best feedback and for that I’m thankful. You ALSO brought a lot of emotions, with voice messages, texts, phone calls, and snotty-faced photos. Thanks for tapping into this world with me and loving it as much as I do. I’m so thankful for every single one of you.
To Elaine York, my incredible editor and formatter. I may breathe life into my stories, but you breathe freshness and beauty, and I am so thankful I found you. Your encouraging editor notes made my heart flutter. Please don’t ever leave me!
Half of you probably wouldn’t have purchased this book without the beautiful photography from Lauren Perry of Perrywinkle Photography. I am simply amazed by your talent and your soul, Lauren, and I hope we can work together for many years to come.
Erin Spencer, where do I even start with you? Thank you for promoting me like your life depends on it. And, thank you for your voice messages while you read ALLTW. I’ve never gasped out loud in the grocery store before, but I guess there’s a first time for everything. ;) Our friendship is one of my very faves. I love you!
To my “Writing Little” Cassie Graham, thank you for checking in on me while I wrote ALLTW and always having nothing but sweet things to say about my writing. We’ve been together since the very beginning, too, and I know we’ll last until the very end.
Angie Doyle McKeon, my BUMBLE BEE! I cannot tell you how happy I am to see a message from you in my inbox, whether it’s book related or not. Thank you for coming into my life and please say you’ll stay forever. I adore you!
Shout out to Jessica McBee for chasing your dreams so hard you made me want to get up and chase mine. You inspire me as much as I do you, my dear, and I love your soul. Thanks for being a friend.
A huge thank you goes to the team at Give Me Books for taking me on for promo. You guys teaming up with Southern Belle Book Blog was like riding a magical unicorn down a rainbow road.
To the two groups that keep me going — Tribe and Kandiland. I am… just completely flabbergasted that I have somehow surrounded myself with the most uplifting women (and man — lookin’ at you, Chase!) in the entire world. You push me when I feel like quitting, hold me when I can’t catch my breath, and pop champagne when it’s time to celebrate. Thank you for always being there.
And, as always, thank you, God, for blessing me with a writer’s heart and a dreamer’s soul. I pray He will always keep me humble, thankful, and kind.
Also by Kandi Steiner
The Becker Brothers Series
On the Rocks (book 1)
Neat (book 2)
Manhattan (book 3)
Old Fashioned (book 4)
Four brothers finding love in a small Tennessee town that revolves around a whiskey distillery with a dark past — including the mysterious death of their father.
The Best Kept Secrets Series
What He Doesn’t Know (book 1)
What He Always Knew (book 2)
What He Never Knew (book 3)
Charlie’s marriage is dying. She’s perfectly content to go down in the flames, until her first love shows back up and reminds her the other way love can burn.
Make Me Hate You
Jasmine has been in love with her best friend’s brother since freshman year of high school. She’s also been trying to hate him (and forget him) for the last seven years since she graduated. But when they’re both back in the same house for the first time to celebrate a wedding, she’ll discover it’s a lot harder than it seems.
The Wrong Game
Gemma’s plan is simple: invite a new guy to each home game using her season tickets for the Chicago Bears. It’s the perfect way to avoid getting emotionally attached and also get some action. But after Zach gets his chance to be her practice round, he decides one game just isn’t enough. A sexy, fun sports romance.
On the Way to You
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br /> It was only supposed to be a road trip, but when Cooper discovers the journal of the boy driving the getaway car, everything changes. An emotional, angsty road trip romance.
A Love Letter to Whiskey
An angsty, emotional romance between two lovers fighting the curse of bad timing.
Weightless
Young Natalie finds self-love and romance with her personal trainer, along with a slew of secrets that tie them together in ways she never thought possible.
Revelry
Recently divorced, Wren searches for clarity in a summer cabin outside of Seattle, where she makes an unforgettable connection with the broody, small town recluse next door.
Black Number Four
A college, Greek-life romance of a hot young poker star and the boy sent to take her down.
The Palm South University Series
Rush (book 1) ➔ FREE if you sign up for my newsletter here.
Anchor, PSU #2
Pledge, PSU #3
Legacy, PSU #4
Rush, PSU #5
#1 NYT Bestselling Author Rachel Van Dyken says, "If Gossip Girl and Riverdale had a love child, it would be PSU." This angsty college series will be your next guilty addiction.
Tag Chaser
She made a bet that she could stop chasing military men, which seemed easy — until her knight in shining armor and latest client at work showed up in Army ACUs.
Song Chaser
Tanner and Kellee are perfect for each other. They frequent the same bars, love the same music, and have the same desire to rip each other’s clothes off. Only problem? Tanner is still in love with his best friend.
About the Author
Kandi Steiner is a bestselling author and whiskey connoisseur living in Tampa, FL. Best known for writing “emotional rollercoaster” stories, she loves bringing flawed characters to life and writing about real, raw romance — in all its forms. No two Kandi Steiner books are the same, and if you’re a lover of angsty, emotional, and inspirational reads, she’s your gal.
An alumna of the University of Central Florida, Kandi graduated with a double major in Creative Writing and Advertising/PR with a minor in Women’s Studies. She started writing back in the 4th grade after reading the first Harry Potter installment. In 6th grade, she wrote and edited her own newspaper and distributed to her classmates. Eventually, the principal caught on and the newspaper was quickly halted, though Kandi tried fighting for her “freedom of press.” She took particular interest in writing romance after college, as she has always been a die hard hopeless romantic, and likes to highlight all the challenges of love as well as the triumphs.
When Kandi isn’t writing, you can find her reading books of all kinds, talking with her extremely vocal cat, and spending time with her friends and family. She enjoys live music, traveling, anything heavy in carbs, beach days, movie marathons, craft beer and sweet wine — not necessarily in that order.
CONNECT WITH KANDI:
FACEBOOK
FACEBOOK READER GROUP (Kandiland)
INSTAGRAM
TWITTER
WEBSITE
Kandi Steiner may be coming to a city near you! Check out her “events” tab on her website to see all the signings she’s attending in the near future.
Sloth
By Ella James
Dear A. –
I am writing to express my gratitude for your gift. There are no sufficient words, but please accept my sincerest thank you.
Yours,
R.
She writes me back.
I didn’t expect that.
She tells me she’s a lover of chicken pizza and video games, a hot sorority girl with the nickname Sloth. She wants to know something about me in return. She says I owe her.
This is how she saves my life. She doesn’t even know it. We’ve never even seen each other. But I need a reason. Just one reason to continue. She becomes mine.
The anonymity is good. She doesn’t need to know me, but I need her kindness. We both live our lives: a letter here, a post card there. For three years, I escape my demons. And then one day I’m pulled back in.
I’ve resigned myself to what I know is coming. Until the girl I’m spanking gives her safe word: Sloth.
And then the lie I’m living starts to unravel.
To Jamie Davis–
For Much Slothing
Letters
October 2, 2011
Dear A. –
I am writing to express my gratitude for your gift. There are no sufficient words, but please accept my sincerest thank you.
Yours,
R.
October 17, 2011
Dear. R. ~
I hope you don’t mind me writing back. I don’t mean to be an asshole, but I guess I was a little…disappointed by your letter. I have accepted your sincere thank you and have folded it into an origami sparrow that I wear around my neck. Just kidding. I don’t wear anything around my neck except my trusty sloth necklace. Why a sloth? It’s my nickname. It suits me because I’m slow-moving, and I like to sleep. Also, sloths are fucking adorable and weird. What better combination? I promise I am not a stalker, at least not in my real life, but the truth is, I would love to hear a little bit about you.
~Sloth
October 31, 2011
Sloth -
Please don’t waste your time writing to me. I am not interested in befriending you. We are close enough already, don’t you think? In any event, have a wonderful life.
R.
November 11, 2011
R.,
Yeah, I guess so.
For what it’s worth, I’m a Georgia peach with a Final Fantasy obsession and a never-ending appetite for chicken pizza. (That’s pizza with chicken on it. FABULOUS.) I hope my Sloth-ly traits haven’t rubbed off on you too much. Have a wonderful life yourself.
-S.
P.S. Are you male or female?
November 23, 2011
Sloth,
I am male. And surprised you had to ask.
-R.
December 1, 2011
R.-
I can’t believe you paid the postage on that. You must be a very interesting person. Interesting = weird. Remember, though, I like weird. Are you near my age? I’m 18. I turned 18 this past April, but I’m only a senior in high school. Weird, right? See…I have secrets too. I think I’ll hoard them until you cough up some of yours. You might say you owe me?
Too much?
Too soon?
Please don’t report me.
I swear, I’m not as weird as I seem on paper. I’m just bored and curious. And sealing this into an envelope now, so I don’t get tempted to throw it into the fire.
-Slothfully Yours
December 19, 2011
Sloth-
You have a fire in Georgia? Hmm. Are you anemic?
-R.
December 26, 2011
R. –
Are you inquiring about the quality of my blood? Believe me, if blood was money, I’d be king.
The fire was a bon fire. The night I wrote that letter, my friend Bentley and I went to a field party. It was cold, for here. I think like 43 degrees. Have you ever been to a field party? A kegger? A rave? I’d like to think so. Somehow I imagine you behind a desk, in a suit or something. Might I ask your age, sir?
-Sloth
P.S. Merry Christmas or Happy Hanukkah – or both!
January 8, 2012
Sloth-
Why not a queen? You think a king is superior? How very un-feminist of you.
You might ask my age. If you did, I might or might not tell you.
Forty-five degrees is not cold. Where I am, it’s 9 today. I went outside and got icicles in my nose.
I don’t do suits. Try jeans, a ratty old jacket, and boots.
Age is just a number. My number isn’t far from yours.
I’ve been to a few house parties. Vaped a little. I don’t drink much but like vodka—top shelf.
Is that enough
to pay my debt?
-R.
January 20, 2012
R. ~
Vape, you say? What is it to vape? Is it vaping? Vape-ing?
You owe me no debt. That was a rude thing for me to say. I’m sorry.
How not far from my number is yours? Are they side by side? Or a few seats away from each other? What do you do every day? Are you a wood-chopper? I am now picturing you in flannel and work boots. I think I kind of like that look.
Are you in New York? Somewhere else? Are you living with family?
I’ve got stalker tendencies, okay? So sue me.
I’m getting really tired of school. I can’t wait for college!
-Sloth
February 2, 2012
Sloth-
I am in New York state. How did you know?
This seems like the right time to reiterate my thanks. I’m sorry it was so…stiff originally. Yeah, I said stiff.
Vaping is something one does with marijuana. It’s like…smoking from a bong, but the impurities are removed via…some process. It involves a lot of heat. That’s all I know. It’s been a while.