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At Boiling Point
At Boiling Point
by Tempest Wick
Cassie Buckley is used to intense heat—in the kitchen. But when her carefully constructed life falls apart, the Michelin-starred chef seeks refuge in her Southern roots, returning to Charleston, South Carolina. There, she unexpectedly crosses paths with Stephen Harlow, her first love.
Stephen, now a magnetic and successful cybersecurity CEO, is as captivating as ever, though shadows from his past and the dangers of his career linger just beneath the surface. As sparks fly and old passions reignite, the chemistry between them builds to a heat that threatens to boil over.
Caught between renewed passion and a fiercely guarded independence, Cassie must navigate the delicate balance between what she desires and what she fears. With her heart on the line, she can she trust Stephen and their rekindled spark, or will she risk getting burned by the secrets he keeps? In the end, Cassie must decide if love is worth the risk of getting scorched—or if some fires are best left to die out.
by Tempest Wick
Cassie Buckley is used to intense heat—in the kitchen. But when her carefully constructed life falls apart, the Michelin-starred chef seeks refuge in her Southern roots, returning to Charleston, South Carolina. There, she unexpectedly crosses paths with Stephen Harlow, her first love.
Stephen, now a magnetic and successful cybersecurity CEO, is as captivating as ever, though shadows from his past and the dangers of his career linger just beneath the surface. As sparks fly and old passions reignite, the chemistry between them builds to a heat that threatens to boil over.
Caught between renewed passion and a fiercely guarded independence, Cassie must navigate the delicate balance between what she desires and what she fears. With her heart on the line, she can she trust Stephen and their rekindled spark, or will she risk getting burned by the secrets he keeps? In the end, Cassie must decide if love is worth the risk of getting scorched—or if some fires are best left to die out.
420 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 25, 2025
15 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
About the author
Tempest Wick
3 books17 followersTempest Wick is a storyteller with a passion for life’s most flavorful experiences. Originally from Charleston, South Carolina, Tempest grew up immersed in the vibrant culinary traditions of the Lowcountry, and this deep connection to food and culture breathes life into her novels. Each story she writes invites readers into kitchens where heat and heart intertwine, capturing both the art and allure of cooking.
As an avid traveler, Tempest’s insatiable curiosity leads her to explore the world, and she’s never shy about weaving the bold flavors, passionate connections, and unexpected thrills from her adventures into her stories. With every new destination, she draws from the spice of foreign lands, fueling her characters’ desires and their journeys toward love, temptation, and discovery. Her books simmer with intensity, and readers can never quite predict where her next adventure or her next fiery romance will take them.
As an avid traveler, Tempest’s insatiable curiosity leads her to explore the world, and she’s never shy about weaving the bold flavors, passionate connections, and unexpected thrills from her adventures into her stories. With every new destination, she draws from the spice of foreign lands, fueling her characters’ desires and their journeys toward love, temptation, and discovery. Her books simmer with intensity, and readers can never quite predict where her next adventure or her next fiery romance will take them.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 13, 2025
Kindle girlies get ready to wear your poker face if reading this in public! The spice is spicing! Aside from the 🔥 the story was really fun to follow! I live in Charleston and so it was easy for me to imagine the setting of where they were and what they were doing. What I didn’t expect was the mystery/suspense plot point! I loved how it all unfolded. It was a more unique read than just your average contemporary romance. If you love a 2nd chance romance, happen to be a foodie, and like a little mystery, you’ll have a good time with this one! Yay, Tempest! Great debut! Can’t wait to see what else you have in store!
August 24, 2025
⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5
🌶 Spice: 4/5
This book was such a ride! I had the honor of meeting Tempest at an event, and I’m so glad I did because Boiling Point completely blew me away. From the very first chapter, the mix of love, suspense, and jaw-dropping twists had me glued to my Kindle, I couldn’t put it down! The chemistry between the characters was off the charts, and the spice was perfectly balanced with all the heart-pounding tension.
What I loved most is how the story kept me guessing while still delivering the kind of swoony, emotional moments I crave in a romance. It’s one of those books that leaves you immediately wanting more, and I can’t wait to dive into her next one! Tempest Wick has definitely earned a permanent spot on my auto-buy list!
🌶 Spice: 4/5
This book was such a ride! I had the honor of meeting Tempest at an event, and I’m so glad I did because Boiling Point completely blew me away. From the very first chapter, the mix of love, suspense, and jaw-dropping twists had me glued to my Kindle, I couldn’t put it down! The chemistry between the characters was off the charts, and the spice was perfectly balanced with all the heart-pounding tension.
What I loved most is how the story kept me guessing while still delivering the kind of swoony, emotional moments I crave in a romance. It’s one of those books that leaves you immediately wanting more, and I can’t wait to dive into her next one! Tempest Wick has definitely earned a permanent spot on my auto-buy list!
September 1, 2025
This book was a book club read for me and holy moly! This book had me engulfed. My jaw was dropping this entire book and I couldn’t figure out what was happening next. Cassie and Stephen’s story was a sweet and wild ride! This was my first book by Tempest and certainly not my last! Highly recommend this book!!
April 27, 2025
So good!
Such a feel good love story. Love the feel good moments and it had plenty of spice to add to the story.
Such a feel good love story. Love the feel good moments and it had plenty of spice to add to the story.
April 9, 2025
I finished the book so quick, I am reading it again!! Absolutely love the story, intrigue and amazing writing. It was the best novel I've read in a long time and following the characters lives made it even better. Can't wait for Tempest Wick's next novel.
January 26, 2025
🔥At Boiling Point is🔥
This 2nd chance romance by Tempest Wick follows Cassie and Stephen and is set in the charming city of Charleston, South Carolina. Tempest’s descriptions of the city and the restaurant scene sets the stage for Cassie’s banter with her ride or die BFF (she needs her own book!!) and the rekindling of a romance with Stephen that had always been smoldering no matter where life took them. When they reconnect, the spice and heat are 🔥🔥🔥! It ends in a HEA. I can’t wait for her next release!
This 2nd chance romance by Tempest Wick follows Cassie and Stephen and is set in the charming city of Charleston, South Carolina. Tempest’s descriptions of the city and the restaurant scene sets the stage for Cassie’s banter with her ride or die BFF (she needs her own book!!) and the rekindling of a romance with Stephen that had always been smoldering no matter where life took them. When they reconnect, the spice and heat are 🔥🔥🔥! It ends in a HEA. I can’t wait for her next release!
March 6, 2025
OMG. What a great book!!! Could not put it down once I started to read it. What a great adventure, mystery, and sexy book!! Spicy and sexy all wrapped into a great thriller with lots of turn and twists. Thanks Tempest Wick. Can’t wait to read your next book
May 29, 2025
I’ve read it twice because it’s so good! Cassie and Brit are the friendship everyone wants! You feel like you truly know them and want to hang out with them! Then…… there’s Stephen! 🔥🔥🔥 ladies yall NEED to know Stephen. He’s my book love forever. Second chance at love and spicey romance does not disappoint! Leaves you craving more from this author! Tempest I can’t wait to see what you do next!!
May 16, 2025
second chance with a chef
This book kept catching my eye at a book signing in Charleston earlier this year. We even purchased the author’s coffee. Delish! She also gave us suggestions for restaurants. She knows her stuff especially after reading this book. Well done on the book, but not how I like a steak. Cheesy, but it fits since this book made me hungry.
Cassie is a mom, wife, chef, and restaurant owner. The kitchen is a lot of work so when she finds her husband busy elsewhere, her life changes dramatically. One trip home to Charleston changes her life further when she runs into Stephen that she used to know very well. The magic is still there between them, but he’s had a time the last few years with a missing fiancée. With many twists, turns, and surprises this book was a page turner. I enjoyed the family and friend relationships. It showed how important it is to have your circle.
Was he thinking about Lauren? Was he thinking about what his next move was with me? Work? Was he thinking about who the Philadelphia Eagles were going to draft at the center for next season? -LOL eagles household too!
“The child could pack ten minutes full of information without a single breath.” My daughter!
“More like Young and the Ruthless.”
Creamy Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, hatch chilies, and smoked paprika. This wasn’t a match-up, just a Mexican side piece for the big Brazilian boy. -mouthwatering
This book kept catching my eye at a book signing in Charleston earlier this year. We even purchased the author’s coffee. Delish! She also gave us suggestions for restaurants. She knows her stuff especially after reading this book. Well done on the book, but not how I like a steak. Cheesy, but it fits since this book made me hungry.
Cassie is a mom, wife, chef, and restaurant owner. The kitchen is a lot of work so when she finds her husband busy elsewhere, her life changes dramatically. One trip home to Charleston changes her life further when she runs into Stephen that she used to know very well. The magic is still there between them, but he’s had a time the last few years with a missing fiancée. With many twists, turns, and surprises this book was a page turner. I enjoyed the family and friend relationships. It showed how important it is to have your circle.
Was he thinking about Lauren? Was he thinking about what his next move was with me? Work? Was he thinking about who the Philadelphia Eagles were going to draft at the center for next season? -LOL eagles household too!
“The child could pack ten minutes full of information without a single breath.” My daughter!
“More like Young and the Ruthless.”
Creamy Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, hatch chilies, and smoked paprika. This wasn’t a match-up, just a Mexican side piece for the big Brazilian boy. -mouthwatering
January 27, 2025
A taste of something new, I’ve never read anything about a bad ass female chef before and lemme just tell you it is HOT. As a debute novel I wasn’t sure what to expect but I am happy to report that this is a must read. The twists and turns that added so much suspense towards the end and the pining from both Cassie and Stephen is *chefs kiss* (pun intended). So excited to see what else Tempest has in store for us!! 10/10 would recommend, as long as nothing bad ever happens to Kyle😍
January 21, 2025
After getting my hands on this novel, I couldn't put it down! Instantly compelled by Cassie and Stephen, the main characters, that truly make this novel something original. Cassie and Stephen have the type of love that you root for, and above all, the chemistry you yearn for in a book. Sexy, steamy, and thoughtful, Wick has really outdone themselves in terms of a debut novel.
August 16, 2025
This book was so good!! I was hooked from the first chapter, had many a crash out but the ending was worth it and I could read this over and over again
April 5, 2025
I got to meet the author and get a sign copy. I l9ves this story and could not put the book down. I want to know more of how Cassie and Stephen story goes. The food described in the book is awesome and since I live in Charleston, would love to find a restaurant that has the food
Thank you Tempest for a great story and I cannot wait for more. You have a forever loyal fan.
Thank you Tempest for a great story and I cannot wait for more. You have a forever loyal fan.
April 25, 2025
Sizzling, Smart, and Utterly Addictive "At Boiling Point" is an Irresistible Read!
From the very first page of At Boiling Point, Tempest Wick plunges the reader into a world of searing passion, high-stakes emotions, and deliciously complicated characters. I devoured this book like a hungry woman. I just could not put it down.
Cassie Buckley is everything I didn’t know I needed in a heroine strong, ambitious, and vulnerable in the most real, relatable way. As a Michelin-starred chef who's been burned by life, her return to Charleston feels like a retreat, but what she finds is a full-on inferno in the form of Stephen Harlow. And oh my, Stephen. He’s the perfect blend of danger and desire, brooding, brilliant, and impossibly magnetic. Their chemistry? Off the charts. The tension between them builds like a pressure cooker, and when it finally explodes, it’s every bit as explosive (and beautifully written) as you'd hope.
What I loved most is that while the heat level is very risqué (Tempest knows how to write spice!), it never overshadows the emotional depth. The story is layered with vulnerability, second chances, and the raw honesty of two people trying to rebuild trust both in each other and in themselves. The pacing is perfect, the dialogue is snappy, and the Southern setting adds this dreamy, slow-burn charm that complements the intensity of the plot.
At Boiling Point isn’t just a love story - it’s a reckoning. It’s about who we become when life strips us bare, and whether we’re brave enough to stand in the heat rather than run from it.
I can’t wait to see what Tempest Wick does next. If this is her debut, she’s only just getting started—and I am HERE for it.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (and maybe an extra 🌶 for good measure)
From the very first page of At Boiling Point, Tempest Wick plunges the reader into a world of searing passion, high-stakes emotions, and deliciously complicated characters. I devoured this book like a hungry woman. I just could not put it down.
Cassie Buckley is everything I didn’t know I needed in a heroine strong, ambitious, and vulnerable in the most real, relatable way. As a Michelin-starred chef who's been burned by life, her return to Charleston feels like a retreat, but what she finds is a full-on inferno in the form of Stephen Harlow. And oh my, Stephen. He’s the perfect blend of danger and desire, brooding, brilliant, and impossibly magnetic. Their chemistry? Off the charts. The tension between them builds like a pressure cooker, and when it finally explodes, it’s every bit as explosive (and beautifully written) as you'd hope.
What I loved most is that while the heat level is very risqué (Tempest knows how to write spice!), it never overshadows the emotional depth. The story is layered with vulnerability, second chances, and the raw honesty of two people trying to rebuild trust both in each other and in themselves. The pacing is perfect, the dialogue is snappy, and the Southern setting adds this dreamy, slow-burn charm that complements the intensity of the plot.
At Boiling Point isn’t just a love story - it’s a reckoning. It’s about who we become when life strips us bare, and whether we’re brave enough to stand in the heat rather than run from it.
I can’t wait to see what Tempest Wick does next. If this is her debut, she’s only just getting started—and I am HERE for it.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (and maybe an extra 🌶 for good measure)
March 24, 2025
Wow! As a first-time male read of contemporary romance, this book had me on the edge of my seat from the first chapter. I loved the litany of characters and the evolving plotlines that all comes together in a terrific ending. I was happy, sad, excited and even may have shed a tear or two in public while reading it! I highly recommend At Boiling Point and am looking forward to Tempest Wick's next book.
February 7, 2025
Wow! Spicy, fast-paced, and delicious. This book kept me wanting to keep reading and finding out what was next; from the hot and steamy to the food and adventure. The author created a story that allowed me to submerge myself in their lives and tales. Can’t wait to read the follow up from Tempest Wick!
March 20, 2025
Due to my ADHD I hardly ever finish a book. It's not that I don't like to read, I just can't ever seem to get beyond the first couple chapters. It has to be a page turner to hold my attention. This book is just that, sexy, steamy, hot!!! 🔥 Needless to say I finished this book in record time and can't wait until her second book is released. Brilliant author!
May 22, 2025
I am obsessed with this book from start to finish! From the very beginning, you immediately fall in love with all of the characters and everything they entail. The love and relationships in the book are so real and so genuine and makes you want to never put your book down! I am so excited to see everything Tempest Wick has coming up next!!!
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July 31, 2025stopped reading at 81%. ... about that time when she's in love and in a relationship and decides it's ok to flirt with a different man that is clearly interested, winding up "staying late" to close the restaurant alone talking to him... leading to then being seen and causing relationship drama.
nope. not ok.
nope. not ok.
September 27, 2025
This book was great! I loved that the storyline was set in a few different locations, and it was a story whose main characters were older and had established careers. It was fast paced and kept my interest the whole way through the book. The plot twist at the end was so unexpected which I really enjoyed! I have Tempest's next book in this series and can't wait to dive in💕
February 5, 2025
Loved this book from start to finish! Watching Cassie and Stephen’s romance unfold kept me reading straight through in one late night. The plot was well developed and I loved the ending. Can’t wait to read more from Tempest Wick!
April 25, 2025
Literally couldn’t put this down. Can’t wait to see more from this author!!!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews