A Veteran's Temptation

by Sadie King

Stranded in a storm with an Army Ranger, and there’s only one sleeping bag!

I have no idea how a curvy yoga instructor talked me into attending a meditation retreat.
Then a storm washes out the road, leaving us stranded in the mountains with nowhere to go and no one to rely on but each other.
Keeping my hands off Kayla was already impossible. Sharing a cabin with her destroys whatever discipline I had left.
She’s sunshine and calm, where I’m all grit and control.
I’ve spent my life serving my country and the past year fighting to get my past life back.
Now there’s only one thing I want to protect.
Her.
And when the storm is over, Kayla is coming home with me.

A Veteran’s Temptation is a steamy, opposites attract romance featuring a fiercely protective ex-military hero, a curvy yoga instructor, forced proximity, grumpy/sunshine chemistry, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

Genres: Military Fiction

120 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 16, 2026

About the author

I believe in instalove!

I write short and steamy instalove stories about strong protective men and the curvy women who steal their hearts.

My books are high-heat, oh so sweet, and always with a happily ever after.

Home is New Zealand where I live with my young son and husband.

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www.authorsadieking.com/free

Reviews

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started this read I wasn’t sure about the male lead Jace. He was a self proclaimed a..h…., but in the end he redeemed himself. Kayla was a work in progress and when they got together it was explosive. Quick read with lots of heat and a little mystery set up at the end as a tease for the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most intense

This story I feel like was the most detailed intimacy of the three I've read so far. I thought there wasn't going to be any mention of the mystery buyer however it popped up in the end. I like them together.

[Chandra Luna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Veteran's Temptation by Sadie King is a heartwarming opposites-attract romance that perfectly balances humor, tenderness, and undeniable chemistry. With a gruff former Army Ranger, a sunshine-filled yoga instructor, and a mountain storm that leaves them stranded together, this story delivers all the ingredients for a cozy, feel-good romance that's hard to put down.

Jace is the definition of disciplined and determined. After suffering injuries during his military service, he's focused on rebuilding his strength and getting his life back on track. The last thing he expects is for Kayla—a kindhearted yoga instructor with endless optimism—to challenge everything he thought he wanted. Their playful banter begins almost immediately, especially as Kayla patiently attempts to teach a stubborn Army Ranger that flexibility involves more than just muscles.

Kayla's warmth and compassion provide the perfect balance to Jace's guarded personality. She refuses to be intimidated by his gruff exterior, and watching her gently chip away at the walls he's built creates a romance that feels both sweet and rewarding. Their connection grows naturally as they're forced to rely on one another when a mountain storm leaves them sharing a cabin, proving that sometimes life's unexpected detours lead to exactly where you're meant to be.

The supporting cast and retreat setting add extra charm to the story, while the combination of humor, heartfelt moments, and growing trust keeps the pages turning. Jace's protective instincts shine without overshadowing Kayla's strength, making them a couple that's easy to cheer for from beginning to end.

If you enjoy grumpy-meets-sunshine romances, ex-military heroes, forced proximity, one sleeping bag, mountain settings, and happily-ever-afters filled with laughter and heart, A Veteran's Temptation is a delightful addition to your reading list. It's a sweet reminder that sometimes the greatest healing begins when someone gently encourages you to lower your guard and trust your heart again.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laura Moylan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book starts off with Jace arguing with Savanna, the physio, regarding yoga. He doesn’t believe that it can help him, get back in shape to get sent back to duty, as an Army Ranger. Afterwards, he is headed to Joel at Jake’s Retreat, where he is staying and bumps into Kayla, who is the new Yoga instructor, with some yoga mats. So he decides to take her class because he is interested in her. lol. Their meeting is hilarious. Yoga isn’t just poses and stretching. it is also deep breathing and being mindful and meditation. It can act as therapy for the whole body and mind, especially for veterans.

I love Kayla. She is smart and doesn’t put up with Jace’s antics. She puts him in his place. Which just makes it more fun for him to tease her. Things get a bit scary when they start their first date, because of the storm and they get stuck in it. I like how she explains things to him. Things get romantic, hot and steamy and I like how she changed her life. It was very helpful for me to read.

I love Grant. After he picks up Jace and Kayla, he gives Jace a few pointers. This is saying something, because both men are pretty clueless, lol. During the after-storm clean up, he notices something and points it out to Jace. I can’t wait for his book because It will explain things and read all about it. Jace and Kayla make some really awesome choices at the end. It had me squeeing in glee.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Veteran’s Temptation was a sweet, steamy, and emotional grumpy/sunshine romance that delivered exactly what I love about military romances—protective heroes, healing, undeniable chemistry, and a couple who brings out the best in each other.

Jace was the perfect gruff, wounded hero. As an Army Ranger trying to rebuild his life after serving, he’s used to relying on discipline and control, but Kayla completely challenges the walls he’s built around himself. Watching him go from guarded and resistant to fiercely protective and emotionally invested was one of the best parts of the story.

Kayla was a wonderful sunshine heroine. Her warmth, patience, and calming presence were the perfect contrast to Jace’s serious nature. I loved that she didn’t try to change him—she simply gave him a safe place to be himself while reminding him that he deserved happiness too.

The forced proximity setup with the storm, remote cabin, and one sleeping bag created the perfect tension. The chemistry between them was immediate, but the emotional connection made their romance feel even more satisfying. Their opposites-attract dynamic was fun, heartfelt, and full of swoony moments.

If you enjoy grumpy/sunshine romances, protective military heroes, curvy heroines, forced proximity, steamy short reads, and a guaranteed happily ever after, A Veteran’s Temptation is a quick and enjoyable romance that will leave you smiling.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shreya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking for more of my reviews? Want to contact me? Check out my blog! Shreya Reads, Reviews, and Writes

⭐3 (rounded to 4)

TROPES YOU'LL LOVE:
🪖Touch her and Die
🪖Veteran MMC x Yoga Instructor FMC
🪖Instalove/Instalust
🪖Trapped in a Cabin
🪖Alpha Male
🪖Curvy FMC
🪖Age Gap

--💟💟--
TLDR: I need more of this.

Jace got me from the very beginning. His swagger, arrogance, charisma and total hunkiness of a man had me swooning from the get-go, and I knew I needed more of his chapters STAT. This is I think my first or second Sadie King book and A Veteran's Temptation was an interesting start to her series!

We follow Jace, who's in rehab for an injury, and Kayla, a yoga instructor whom Jace is instantly smitten with. Although I felt for Jace, it was more lust than love, I understood Kayla's attraction to him. She had more of an interesting backstory and I like how her past encouraged Jace to keep moving forward.

Kayla herself was a sweet character! I loved watching her learn to take charge and embrace her autonomy, but I wish she'd pressed Jace more on the hard facts of their relationship. I feel like Kayla was more invested in the romantic side of things than Jace.

That being said, Jace had absolute 'touch her and die' energy and he obsessed over Kayla in a way that had me reading page-after-page nonstop. His protectiveness over her while also respecting her boundaries is something I appreciate in an 'alpha male' hero. I wish we'd gotten more scenes of Jace exploring Kayla's curves, because I felt like that was an unfinished thread of Kayla's character development that I would have liked to see explored more.

I was also disappointed by the ending. I had expected maybe a time-skip, or at least more intimacy between Kayla and Jace. The story felt unfinished the way that it ended, so I hope we get to see more of them in the future books in this series!

[Tiffany Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

**First to Sign Up for Yoga!**

"A Veteran’s Temptation” is the third book in the Wild Heart Veterans series. After being injured while in service, Jace is determined to do whatever it takes to get back into action—except yoga. He doesn’t understand why yoga is part of his rehabilitation program. However, everything changes when he meets the new yoga instructor, Kayla.

After changing careers, Kayla has found her true balance in yoga, and as the new instructor at the retreat, her goal is to help everyone find theirs. This makes Kayla the perfect person to handle Jace’s shenanigans during class, intensifying their mutual attraction. I loved how unbalanced Kayla made Jace feel when they first met, and he soon realizes that she is exactly what he needs in his life. They truly become a perfect balance for each other.

This was definitely another great, warm, and heartfelt read, and I can’t wait for the next book in the series!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third book in the Wild Heart Veteran's series, this time it was recovering Army Ranger Jace and the retreats new yoga instructor Kayla. I didn't really see it as a grumpy/sunshine trope, he definitely was a bit of a jerk, but he didn't take anything seriously and was always joking/smirking. This was a forced proximity/one bed trope though for sure. I liked how anxiety was described in this one, and how breathe work and centering yourself really came into play. I wasn't sure about Jace as the MMC though for a good part of the book, but he did redeem himself. I didn't feel as much chemistry between the MC's as in previous books and the ending felt very rushed, I wanted a bit more of the story to flesh everything out. Was nice to see previous characters though and get some insight into up coming stories as well. No cheating or OM/OW drama, condom use, dual POV, an assumed HEA and no epilogue. Looking forward to Grant and Hannah's story, sounds like there will be some suspense with theirs!

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

He is taking her yoga class but it won't rehabilitate him from being an a-hole

A Veteran's Temptation is the third book in the Wild Heart Veterans series by Sadie King. This is a wonderful story about Kayla and Jace. She is the new yoga instructor at Jake's Retreat. She jumped at the chance to start the program as she wanted to do something that mattered more than what she was doing in the city. Jace is an Army Ranger who was badly injured during a mission. The doctors do not believe he will ever recover enough to go back to the unit but he is determined to prove them wrong. He has been at Jake's Retreat for the last six weeks and has been doing what he needs to, but he has also been fighting certain things. When he sees Kayla for the first time and finds out she is the yoga instructor he is a man with a mission and will do everything he can to have a successful outcome. This includes being at every class she teaches and then as it ends up realizing there is a life beyond being a Ranger and maybe he wants that future to be with Kayla.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

After an injury Jace is trying to heal so that he can return to his career as an Army Ranger as it is the only life he has ever know. His doctors have suggested that he try yoga which he had no intention of doing until he had an unforgettable encounter with Kayla, the instructor.

Kayla has come to town needing a much different life than the one she was leading. She is teaching yoga at the retreat, and she is hoping that the people there will be interested in her class. When Jace asks her out on a date she agrees if it includes them going to the mediation retreat however getting stranded due to a storm might just be the best thing to happen to either one of them.

Kayla understanding what it is like for your life to change course and she is supportive and understanding as she helps Jace realize that change can be good when it involves love.

[Aspen G · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Veteran’s Temptation is filled with sizzle and spark! Yoga instructor Kayla is sassy and sweet and has such a beautiful soul. Getting to know her is like unwrapping a present, and each layer that she gives to us adds to her awesomeness as a complex and amazing character. Grumpy army ranger Jace is the epitome of alpha jerk ego with a side of compartmentalized feelings, yet he unravels one bit at a time while in Kayla’s presence. His heart opens slowly yet gorgeously as these two get to know each other, and the author builds their connection step by step with grace and compassion. Their chemistry is electric! Loved the subplot and supporting characters appearances as well.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dorrita Winch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our MMC in this story is big, muscular, handsome and cocky Army Ranger, Jace.
He’s sent to Jake’s Retreat. Hurt by a bomb explosion while undercover. Now working to get his body back to Ranger standards. Unfortunately we will see about that one.
There he meets beautiful Kayla. She the Yoga instructor at the rehab. It was an eye opener meet for sure! The Vegan Princess as Jace calls her.
And when he signed up for her yoga class she saw trouble coming. Purposely not doing correct poses to have her hands on him, correction said pose😁.
Now he’s tricked into a mediation retreat, via a date. And things are being realized and happening fast.
A fairly short, sweet read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Veterans Temptation by Sadie King delivers a grumpy/sunshine military romance that is sweet, steamy, emotional, and impossible to put down. While reading this novel, I enjoyed the grumpy/sunshine dynamic and how King handled it perfectly. The hero's guarded nature and military background made him feel authentic without overshadowing the romance, while the heroine's optimism, kindness, and determination created the perfect balance. Their banter was engaging, their attraction instant yet believable within the story's instalove style, and every interaction kept me interested. Overall, A Veterans Temptation was full of the protective hero moments that I adore.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jackie Ziegler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely my favorite so far.

Jace has been injured and while doctors are pretty sure he won't deploy again, he refuses to accept that. Doctors want him to do yoga to help stretch but he wants nothing to do with it, until Kayla.

Kayla left her corporate job and is now working at the retreat as a yoga instructor. On day one, she meets the arrogant Jace but there is a spark there. When he asks her out on a date, she agrees on the condition she picks it.

She decides it will be the meditation retreat, but a massive storm strands them in the mountains.

Once they are back safely in Hope, will Jace accept his new path in life and will that path include Kayla?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathy Brinkley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Veteran’s Temptation: A Grumpy Sunshine Military Romance is book three of the Wild Heart Veterans by Sadie King. The plot is good as Kayla and Jace have real-world problems they must overcome. She teaches yoga at Jake’s Retreat, a ranch for rehabilitating veterans, and Jace is there to get well so he can go back to his unit. The story is short enough to read in one sitting, long enough to allow character depth, and it fits book lovers’ busy lifestyles. Its quick, steamy, romantic action will entertain.

I received a free copy of this book from Booksprout, and I am giving my honest opinion.

[Manda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jace and Kayla get stranded in a hut in the forest due to a storm. Isolation reveals their true personalities to each other.

Jace comes across as cocky and brash but this hides his vulnerability and sweet side. Whilst Kayla's yoga and vegan mantra are in fact a hard won peace from past difficulties.

Time alone opens their eyes to each other and a possible future.

A sweet, steamy read that ended a little abruptly for me. These are stand alone stories but have a mystery thread running through the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3 of Wild Heart Veterans. Can be read as a standalone.

'A Veteran's Temptation is a steamy opposites-attract romance featuring a fiercely protective ex-military hero, a curvy yoga instructor, forced proximity, grumpy/sunshine chemistry, and a guaranteed happily ever after.'

The characters were very appealing and complex and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Another great addition to the series. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Colinda Trienekens · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Veteran's Temptation is another fantastic addition to the Wild Heart Veterans series.
I really enjoyed getting to know Kayla and Jace. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the mix of playful banter, emotional growth, and sizzling attraction kept me turning the pages.

I loved watching them navigate the challenges life throws at them while slowly building trust and finding their way together. The added danger and forced proximity brought extra tension and excitement to the story, making it hard to put down despite it being a quick read.

Sadie King does a wonderful job balancing romance, humor, and suspense, creating characters that are easy to root for.

[Ms. Le · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jace is a bad patient, arguing with his physiotherapist Savannah about incorporating yoga into his recovery programme. He soon changes his mind when he meets the yoga instructor Kayla. Their meeting had me smiling. When she gets him to take her on a date to a meditation retreat, things take a dangerous turn when a storm forces them to seek shelter in an abandoned cabin. There is only one sleeping bag and soon they succumb to their sexual attraction. I don’t like cocky MMCs, but Jace has a vulnerable side that balanced that. The story ends pretty abruptly though and leads into the next couple’s story.

[Melissa Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 3 in Wildwood Heart Veterans series. Tropes: injured Ranger, curvy FMC, yoga instructor, and forced proximity. Jace is an angry injured Ranger who is determined to be on active duty again. Kayla is the new sweet yoga instructor at Jake's Retreat for Veterans. Jace falls first after Kayla accidentally runs into him. I giggled during this interaction. Loved both Kayla and Jace. Enjoyable read and good addition to the series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Knight Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exciting read as Kayla a yoga instructor goes to work at a rehabilitation center, where Jace an army ranger was a patient. They had an instant attraction, and he tried to attend her class three times a day. For their first date, they were planning to go to a meditation retreat, but a terrible storm prevented them from getting there. They did however make it to a cabin in the mountains, where they had to stay a couple of days. What a first date it was to.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Veteran's Temptation is Book 3 of the series, Wild Heart Veterans, by Sadie King. I love Kayla and Jace. Their bantering, learning to adjust to their new normal, and their spicy interactions make this ex-military short read engaging and entertaining. Adding to the overall enjoyment of reading their story is the conflict thrown their way, forcing them into a dangerous situation and close proximity. A Veteran's Temptation makes a great addition to the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Terra Oenning · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a fast read and insta love story that will definitely have you hooked from the beginning until the. Its a curvy girl and injured military man romance. Jace is in Jake's retreat recovering from injuries when he meets Kayla the new yoga instructor but when flooding hit them in the mountains and leaves them stranded will he come to terms about his military career? Super cute steamy romance story that will light up the book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jace is recovering from injuries he received as a Ranger. He was told that he would not be returning to active duty, but he's having a hard time accepting that. Now his physical therapist recommends yoga for strength and flexibility. He doesn't want to until he meets Kayla, the new yoga instructor. He's smitten from the first time he meets her. Kayla is, too. This is an excellent book with great characters. I loved Jace and Kayla.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has all the elements you can’t get enough of in a romance book. Jace is not interested in a relationship. He’s trying to recover from an injury. He got during his military service. Kayla is a yoga instructor who’s all happiness and sunshine. Kayla and Jace balance each other out with their grumpy sunshine dynamic. This is a fantastic heartwarming book that will melt your heart as Jace’s walls crumble. I really loved this book and it’s a great addition to this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forced proximity, one bed, grumpy sunshine romance. It was steamy in all the perfect parts and their first met cute in the hallway at the retreat center was hilarious and set the tone between this couple from the start. I also love the creative dates they come up with. I felt that it ended a bit abruptly, so I'm guessing it's a HFN since there was no talk of their future plans together, other than they both want that.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jace is a grumpy, injured Army Ranger who is getting help at Jake's Rehabilitation Center. Kayla is a sunshiny, sweet Yoga instructor who gets hired to teach at the center. These two are instantly attracted to each other, and their first date, a meditation retreat, turns into a steamy cabin retreat. This is a grumpy/sunshine, military romance with fun banter, a good storyline, steam, and a good ending. A Veteran's Temptation is book three of the Wild Heart Veterans series. I look forward to reading the next book. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Val · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful story from Jake’s Retreat. Jace rehabbing from a military injury, avoiding the truth about his injury. Kayla is the new yoga instructor.
After a meet cute, Jace continues to tease and flirt, asking for a first date.
Kayla picks the date. A storm, flash flood, a hike and an old mining hut.
In the dark Kayla confesses to her past, not wanting to repeat it.
Jace faces his choices. He chooses Kayla and the life they can build together.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[JaneH · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kayla and Jace, they meet when he, very reluctantly, attends her yoga session. Moving forward she convinces him to go with her to a meditation retreat. On the way a storm hits and they find cover in a dilapidated cabin. Night falls, passion happens. Two nights of learning about each other and they the n return to town. Feelings are declared and the story stops! No epilogue.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Didi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick instalove featuring an injured grumpy military man and the calm, sweet Yoga instructor. Loved the banter and sizzle between Jace and Kayla. Perfect blend of humor, a bit of danger, proximity, some angst, realizations and a forever. Hints given for the next story have me anticipating Hannah and Grant’s love journey.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.