Book Synopsis

From USA Today, BookTok, and #1 Amazon bestselling author Kandi Steiner comes an angsty and emotional stand-alone romance about first love, buried pain, and the one person you can never quite let go of.

How can you hate someone who still owns your heart?

Jasmine Olsen hasn't been home in seven years for a very good reason. Some memories cut too deep, and sometimes running is the only way to survive. But when her best friend's wedding brings her back to the small town she desperately tried to escape, she finally comes face to face with... him.
Tyler Wagner. The boy who broke her heart. The man she never quite forgot. And, unfortunately, her best friend's brother. Charismatic, confident, and unyielding, Tyler is everything Jasmine can't afford to want. And now, as the wedding fast approaches, he's everywhere--testing boundaries they never defined, stirring feelings they both pretended were long buried.
With every stolen glance, his golden eyes lure her into their depths. Unable to escape his pull, the memory of them tightens like a rip current, dragging her under. And when he flashes her that smile, she loses her breath along with the last of her restraint.
She wants to hate him. She needs to hate him. But if he kisses her again, she'll drown. And this time, she'll take him down with her.

About the Author

Kandi Steiner is a USA Today bestselling contemporary romance author best known for writing emotional, relatable love stories. Her works range from angsty and heart-wrenching to uplifting and sweet, offering a story for every kind of romantic. With over 35 novels to her name, Kandi has earned a devoted following of readers who affectionately dub her the "Queen of Angst".

Born in Oklahoma, a 20 year resident of Florida, and now settling down in Tennessee, Kandi draws inspiration from her surroundings, often weaving themes of family, love, and self-discovery into her narratives. When she's not crafting compelling stories or getting lost in the words of another author, you can find her hiking in the mountains, indulging in cozy moments with her family, or practicing pole dancing and yoga. Her books, including the viral hit A Love Letter to Whiskey, have been translated into multiple languages, resonating with readers worldwide.