Intemperance X - The Life We Choose

by Al Steiner

Language: English

Published: 2026-01-01. 405,000 Words.

Categories: Fiction » Literature

Content Rating: Older than 17

INTEMPERANCE X is the tenth and final novel in the main Intemperance series—a culmination of two decades of music, relationships, and consequences set against the backdrop of the band’s biggest moment yet.

Jake Kingsley is still at the center of it all: a working rock god, fiercely private about the life he’s built and unapologetic about the one he’s chosen. Alongside him are Laura Kingsley and Celia Valdez-Kingsley—partners in love, family, and music—whose bond has been forged through years of scrutiny, misunderstanding, and hard-earned trust. Together, they’ve learned that honesty is not the same as safety, and that living openly always comes with a price.

As Intemperance prepares to headline a massive festival show, the night unfolds through many eyes: bandmates, crew, lovers, friends, and witnesses both onstage and off. The music is loud, the stakes are personal, and nothing about this moment exists in isolation—every note played carries the weight of everything that came before it.

This final volume returns to the heart of the series: what it means to live at full volume, to love without apology, and to accept that even the most powerful lives are shaped as much by consequence as by choice. Intimate, unflinching, and deeply human, INTEMPERANCE X brings the main saga to a close without shortcuts or sentimentality—honoring the people who built this world and the readers who stayed with them to the end.

A novel-length epilogue will follow, exploring the aftermath and long echo of what comes after.

Review Book

Reader Reviews

calvind101

Thank goodness

Reviewed it on April 13, 2026

I was glad to read that there is an epilogue to follow. The sudden ending was immediately frustrating. I can wait without complaining about how abruptly the words "THE END" popped up.
Its impossible tospend as much time as it takes to read this entire story without becoming emotionally attached to most ofnthe characters.
Like most people reading about this group of musicians and those closest to them, I was able to read it for free online. I felt it was only right to contribute so I bought book 10 online.
Looking forward to seeing how the journey comes to a final close.
PS - I paid for a book that was supposed to be the end of the story and now I am stuck waiting until all of chapters I paid for are released until I finally get to read the end ofnthe story.

vossjohna

Thanks for this journey!

Reviewed it on January 27, 2026

This was an epic journey. I learned so much about music, flying, birds and relationships. I was invested in the characters and am happy that this is not the end for all of them. Thank you Al for much enjoyment!

Live is how you shape it

Reviewed it on January 25, 2026

Absolutely attention demanding!

dougrob750

Buy it

Reviewed it on January 24, 2026

Just couldn’t wait for it to get posted. Best $12.99 I’ve spent in a long time. Characters are amazing and development has been superb. Really enjoyed it.
Wish I’d practiced more!

xtr780056

Dramatic Conclusion

Reviewed it on January 15, 2026

An action packed ending to the intemperance series.
Can’t wait for the epliogue.

rafkearns

Epic Conclusion

Reviewed it on January 5, 2026

This was a wild and crazy journey with the universe of all the characters of Intemperance. I laughed, I cried and I am still enthralled with the ability of Mr. Steiner to craft such a compelling story. All I can say is if you’re a fan of the series you know what I’m talking about.

I will miss all of the characters, especially those kids, Cap and KAYDEE, KAYDEE, KAYDEE.