Tempted Beyond Relief

Far Too Tempting #2

by Christa Wick

Hard, Hot and Sweet — Heroes out of Uniform are all that and more!

Stopping at a strip club from his younger days, former Army Captain Thomas Wylie wants nothing more than the best pork rub in all of Memphis. But the club has changed. Like Wylie, it's gotten harder and rough around the edges.

Determined to finish his limp cheeseburger and leave, he's all but out the door when a plus-size beauty walks on stage and starts to dance amid catcalls and disgruntled hisses.

Working the pole under the stage name of Gaia, Rhea Butler knows she's more than twice the size of the next largest dancer at the club. She's reminded three times a night, six nights a week as she starts each shift and has to win the audience over one jeering patron at a time.

Rhea doesn't want the men's admiration, just their money. She has a debt she can never work off, but she's doing the best she can, one dance at a time. She's certain that's all life has on tap for her -- until Wylie shows up at her other job determined to prove her wrong.
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Heroes out of Uniform are standalone shorts, novellas and novels featuring men with military backgrounds. What sets these titles apart from other stories I have with soldiers and sailors is the SWEETNESS factor. These men are protective and fierce, but they aren’t into being an alphahole (but if that's what you like, I can hook you up there, too!).

Dirty Sweet Curves is the third HOOU title, following Curve Major (previously Sexting Curves) and Curvy when Wet. I’ll be doing more soon, so be on the lookout for Curve Drill and check out http://www.christawick.com/heroesouto...

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Erotica, Military Fiction, Contemporary, Smut, Novella

140 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 6, 2019

About the author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Christa Wick has been hybrid publishing since 2012 (yep, she's one of the O.G. indie authors). She's written 50+ romances starring curvalicious heroines and alphalicious heroes whose stories span the spectrum of: steamy & sweet, steamy & emotional, steamy & suspenseful, steamy & paranormal, steamy & dark, and...well, you get the idea. Her darker, dirtier books are under C.M. Wick, and she also writes general fiction sci-fi thrillers and suspense novels under other pen names.

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Reviews

[Diana Rising · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another story where Christa Wick combines a wonderful, but somewhat heart-wrenching story with a lot of sexy romance and a happy ever after. If you loved Paper Wings, you will love this one too.
There is a very sad backstory for the soldier hero and the topless dancer heroine. Together, the two of them find love, acceptance, and a way to move forward that is wonderful for everyone in the story.
A lot of the plot has to do with a homeless shelter for runaway teens, and how they can best be taken care of. The heroine is 100% focused on making sure the young people are okay.
It is a great romance with a lot of erotic content, and the range of emotions I went through while reading it was incredible.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (12/25/2020)! 🎁

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series and can be read as a stand-alone. Rhea works at a youth shelter during and day and dances at night. Wylie falls for her and decides to volunteer at the shelter to get to know her better. Rhea has been hurt in the past and has thick walls set up to protect her from further heartbreak. Will Wylie be able to break through those walls? Fast-paced read with great characters, plenty of drama and steamy chemistry. I really liked it.

[Lisbeth]

While I did enjoy the story of Rhea and Wylie, I got a little bit frustrated with Rhea. I do understand she has her reasons for behaving the way she is, but it went a little too far. All in all though I enjoyed it.

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

[Donna Bryant · Rating 1 out of 5]

OH the wasted potential! The story idea was fairly standard, but a plus-size exotic dancer? Haunted former military man is right out of the romance playbook, but a fat stripper is novel enough for me to give it a download. She’s tough as nails, hardened from living a double life. No time for a man. He wants her from first sight, but he knows he has to approach carefully.

He attempts to get to know her by volunteering at her day job. She seemingly doesn’t let him in, even though it’s obvious she is as attracted to him as he is to her. They’re both dealing with guilt/PTSD; him from a failed mission that resulted in the death of all but one of his men and her from a drunk driving accident that resulted in a young man being crippled for life. Only she wasn’t driving, her awful mother was. But she took on the guilt.

Sounds like the perfect setup for a slow burn romance, right? Too bad it’s only 115 pages. Novellas are not for slow burn stories!

Beyond that, though, there were questions that never were answered, like who supplied Coombs with the video of her dancing? And who threatened Paulie with blackmail if he didn’t fire her from Tuttles? HUGE plot hole left gaping open and treated like it wasn’t important. Sorry, that’s something I cannot forgive.

One out of five stars for potential, one out of five hearts for romance, three of five guns for violence, and four out of five flames for the spice. No way it could be a movie, so no movie rating. No way will I recommend this title.

[Hannah Mills · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit disappointing

So when I read the blurb I was expecting a lot of more of the story tbh. The basic storyline was good and I liked that there were little bits you found out along the way but I felt the execution was off. I just couldn't warm to the characters and felt they lacked much personality tbh. I also did not care for the sex scenes at all they did not feel passionate or sexy at all its felt a bit sterile with constant need for lube!(you will understand if you read it) The editing needs a lot of work the constant change of Wylie spelling drove me mad and Frankies mom went from Sarah to Sheila! I'm not sure if I will bother with the other books tbh.

[Jessica Gomez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this story. I loved that the heroine is a plus sized woman. Even though it was not the entire focus of the story. That even though she at times was insecure about her size, she was able to do as she pleased with her dancing. Well stripping actually. Also she had her enemies. They do some stuff to get in her way. But she has help in moving on with the hot as 🔥, male lead. He was like hubba hubba very lickable male that even had me drooling. Hmmmmmmm.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Heartfelt!

I really enjoy these Heroes Out If Uniform stories and I was thrilled when this one downloaded on my kindle! I gobbled it up in a few hours and really just adored it! You have a heroine with a big heart and secret and a hero who just won’t stop until he gets his girl! Such an awesome connection between the main characters, emotionally and sexually. I loved this book and I can’t wait for the next in the series!

[Tiffany Townsend · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a keeper

Tempted beyond…worried me at first. Thinking it might bs too risqué for this reviewer-I had every intention to follow my original idea.
There was a moment in book that spoke to me.
Book ws expertly written.
Thoughts, actions and emotions of books were original and genuine.
Ti find out why— look into getting book’ disappointment is not an option

[Amanda Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute plot and storyline and characters. But still some weird descriptions, especially in the intimate scenes. And a few confusing transitions between chapters even though they were the same scene.
But cute

[Donna Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice sexy story

You know what you are going to get with these authors writing. A lot of passion and a good story.

[Janice · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wylie is former military who notices Rhea when she's doing her routine at a strip club. But wait, during the day she is a youth counsellor at a Christian run homelesss shelter.

[TheNelliReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Previously published as "Dirty Sweet Curves"

[Mandi Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better then the first book. But I just did love these characters. Just too much angst for me. The ending is pretty cool though.

[Maddie Stufflebean · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was so good! You can't help but love Wylie, except maybe the first chapter CREEP lol but extremely well written and yummy 😋

[Lissa Smith Reads'~A Bookaholics Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rated
4 Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kindle Unlimited Read

[Hanna Novotny · Rating 2 out of 5]

For me a bit too much bedroom and too little story.
At chapter 15, it gets interesting.
Unfortunately it was never revealed how and by whom the betrayal was done.

[Elizabeth/snoopypeach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wylie is retired from the Army and trying to sort out his civilian life. Visiting one of the places from his college days is not what he expects. Seeing a graceful and curvy woman on stage captivates him. He's not afraid of a chase...

Rhea is a curvy and beautiful but guarded. Her life hasn't been easy and it's led to some hard choices. She volunteers at a teen shelter and is an exotic dancer. She struggles to keep the two parts of her life separate. She keeps a distance from most men, but she may have met her match...

This story is Fierce and sexy! The characters absolutely bring the story to life. From the way Wiley unravels Rhea's hard earned control to the way Rhea brings out his loving side, this is a story that will pull at your heart. With passionate scenes that are scintillating and smoldering this story did not disappoint. The balance of sweet, spicy, and drama was perfect and the story never lagged. I would recommend this to anyone who loves a good passionate romance, with twists and turns and great characters!


Received a copy for an honest review.

[Di · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wylie, a retired Special Forces military man and Rhea, a woman he sees more than just her topless dancing in a strip joint. He turns stalkerish on her and tracks her down, becoming a volunteer where she’s a counsellor at a home for runaway teens. She has her walls built up high and no one comes close to breaking them down, until Wylie. They both have their demons they fight everyday but can they defeat them together.
A great read with steamy sensual scenes that had me melting and reaching for a cool drink. The story was short but packed quite a punch with an alpha of a male who took charge and didn’t give up. I liked these two, a lot, and the only thing missing for me was who was responsible for all that happened in the end, who took the pictures, why, were they caught and what did Paulie really mean to Rhea, why did he allow her lenience in his place, who was blackmailing him and who wanted to hurt Rhea so badly? Otherwise a great read I couldn’t put down, swooning over Wylie on every page and rooting for Rhea.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*

[Chalice · Rating 3 out of 5]

The couple: Wylie and Rhea

Romance genre: contemporary (near insta-love on his part at least)
Part of a series: Yes (Far Too Tempting)
Length: 142 pages

Plot: Wylie is a vet trying to figure out what to do with his life while he's cleaning out his mother's home after her death. He goes to visit a strip club, and there he sees the curvy girl of his dreams, who turns out the be Rhea. He finds out that Rhea works at a homeless shelter for teens and he starts volunteering there. They develop a relationship, but there sure is a lot of back and forth before things end up HEA.

Character development: Rhea has a lot of growing to do, but honestly, I can't blame her after her teenage years. Wylie is mostly patient with her, and he takes care of her when she needs it.

Would I read more from this author/in this series: Yes

This was a sweet book with less heat than others I've read from this author, but it was still a great story. I enjoyed reading about a coupe who faced challenges individually but then came together to be stronger.

[Viper Spaulding · Rating 5 out of 5]

I swooned hard for Wylie!

Rhea is a tough young woman who has had to endure so much heartache and sorrow, but she keeps her secrets close and her walls well-fortified. Until Wylie sets eyes on her and instantly knows he has to scale those walls to discover the heart within.

I loved his slow approach, working alongside her, making her cause his, and finding ways to make her life easier. Their chemistry is fiery hot, even though Rhea tries hard to keep away from him to guard her secrets.

There's quite a bit of intrigue surrounding her job as outside forces work to keep them apart, and I enjoyed the progression of their relationship as they worked together to bring justice to the homeless shelter.

This is the second Far Too Tempting book I've read, and I loved it even more than the first. It's a complete standalone romance with a satisfying HEA. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Gladys · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this read. It was impossible to not to fall for Wylie and Rhea. Both were complex characters that had their own issues and baggage. Wylie was a very swoon worthy hero. I liked his determination. Written differently I think it might have come across as stalkerish, but I could feel no malice in it. I felt it was really quite sweet in a way. Plus, I felt his actions were necessary. I feel that if you didn't have dogged battle plan you were never going to get through Rhea's defenses. As for Rhea, my heart hurt for her. She needed hima and you know what? That was perfect because he needed her just as much! Blend in some drama and intrigue with all this emotional content and you have yourself what I thought was a really wonderful read. The only downside to this book is that I felt some questions were left unanswered and some things were left unresolved. This is my honest, voluntary review.

[Kelly Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Wylie and Rhea story, would've liked cleared up who was pulling Paulies strings where Rheas job was concerned tho, was it Tina or Coombs or someone else ?? Hence the 4 stars not 5
Wylie sees Rhea dancing and is immediately attracted to her, so much so if the book was written differently you could class him as a stalker but it doesntcome across that way just as a man determined to get what he wants.
Having been in the forces he is a strong, dominant man with a big heart and nightmares from his days in the force.
Rhea hasn't had the best background hiding lots of secrets that Wylie is trying to get her walls down to discover.
A really enjoyable read, so much so that I finished it in one sitting, looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Holly · Rating 1 out of 5]

I absolutely admit that I did not make it far into this book before declaring it a DNF. I normally like Christa Wick's books - she writes about curvy heroines and all their wonders (and insecurities) and she writes some extremely hot sex scenes - but I could not get into this book after the stalking incident. (That happens in the first two chapters; this is not a spoiler. I'm sure that the story gets much better after that, but I won't know. At least not now. Maybe another time. But the stalking thing is still creepy.) The alpha hero gives off an odd vibe to me and as I was just so uncomfortable reading it, I opted to not go forward with it.

[JLS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second in the Tempted series by Christa Wick. It's a fast paced and easy read.
Rhea works at a shelter helping at risk teens during the day and is an erotic dancer by night.
Wylie, a military very, sees her dance and recognizes something in her that pulls at him. He follows her and starts volunteering where she works.
Rhea be burned before in relationships and doesn't trust men. Wylie slowly starts chipping at her walls.
The story has it all - great characters, a good plot twist, romance, intrigue and witty dialogue.
I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Miriam Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steamy!

It was a beautiful story! I loved that the characters were real not your typical shy girl meets the depressed man. Rhea is a plus size topless dancer, plus she lived in the streets as a teenager. Thomas is kind, compassionate man. He has some nightmares from his life in the services, but he's characters is portrayed as a well rounded individual who spotted a beautiful women dancing at a topless bar.

[Janet Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars The characters were great and the crazy angst didn’t exist which I appreciate. So many authors add slow angst and it adds no real value or purpose to the story. They know other authors do it so they do it. My drawback was that it was somewhat slow before it really got interesting. The story could have been developed more to hold my attention better. It wasn’t a bad story but it didn’t grab me and hold on either. I’ll always be a fan of Christa’s. Until next time y’all happy reading.

[Nichole]

So much story, the love scenes take a back seat!

The story of Rhea and Wylie had me glued to my seat until I finished it. Rhea's background and Wylie's past clash but it explodes into love. I enjoyed how he wooed her and the time he got to know her and not her "night shift" work.
Lovely story.

[Cindy Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story! I loved it!
I loved Wylie and Rhea? They were perfect together! They had great chemistry! They completed each other! It took Wylie awhile to convince Rhea because she was guarding her secrets. There was a bit of drama as outside forces try to keep them apart! This series keeps getting better with each book! I can’t wait to read the next one!

[Jannie Cv · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wylie in pursuit is relentless! ❤️
I love it when two people, perfect for each other, realize that and act upon that recognition! It’s not easy, though. They each have issues to address, and they each hold something back. It takes a man like Wylie to break through those formidable walls Rhea has erected for her protection. It’s not a long story, but is ever so satisfying!