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Hot Behind
Hot Behind - A story of heat, hunger, and finally belonging.
Once, Kyle Berkley stood outside the life he wanted, believing success would finally let him in. What he didn’t know was that the hardest door to open wasn’t the industry, the grind, or the world that refused to see him—it was himself.
This is a story of grit and hunger. Of kitchens that burn and dreams that refuse to die. Of a man who thought succeeding would finally make him whole, only to discover that belonging, forgiveness, and love ask for something far braver than ambition.
From a lowly fry house in San Francisco, Kyle claws his way through the heat and hierarchy of the culinary world, carrying unfinished dreams, buried grief, and a hunger that goes far beyond food. Each promotion brings him closer to the life he thought he wanted, and further from the one he actually needs.
When Alaska slows his momentum and an unexpected reckoning forces Kyle to confront the past he never planned to revisit, he must finally reckon with legacy, love, and what it truly means to belong.
This is a story of redemption. A love story that waits patiently while he learns to open the door and finally stay.
This is Kyle Berkley’s story.
Once, Kyle Berkley stood outside the life he wanted, believing success would finally let him in. What he didn’t know was that the hardest door to open wasn’t the industry, the grind, or the world that refused to see him—it was himself.
This is a story of grit and hunger. Of kitchens that burn and dreams that refuse to die. Of a man who thought succeeding would finally make him whole, only to discover that belonging, forgiveness, and love ask for something far braver than ambition.
From a lowly fry house in San Francisco, Kyle claws his way through the heat and hierarchy of the culinary world, carrying unfinished dreams, buried grief, and a hunger that goes far beyond food. Each promotion brings him closer to the life he thought he wanted, and further from the one he actually needs.
When Alaska slows his momentum and an unexpected reckoning forces Kyle to confront the past he never planned to revisit, he must finally reckon with legacy, love, and what it truly means to belong.
This is a story of redemption. A love story that waits patiently while he learns to open the door and finally stay.
This is Kyle Berkley’s story.
386 pages, Paperback
Published March 27, 2026
About the author
Tempest Wick
4 books23 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 - 6 of 6 reviews
April 16, 2026
Kyle is my BABY! Ugh. I feel like I have watched him grow up and I’m so proud of him!! I loved Kyle from first meeting him in Tempest Wick’s first book and I was sooo excited to see he was getting his own book! Hot Behind! If you’ve read the first two books in this series, you know we were all waiting for this!! If you haven’t, GET THEM. You’ll fall in love.
What’s wild is he will make everyone fall in love so different. I’m older so I’m all proud lol. But a younger friend who read it fell in LOVE LOVE. Cause he’s a lil hottie.
Kyle is the guy everyone roots for, wants the best for him. I wanted to squeeze him when he finally got his high end apron with the leather straps. Yes baby you did it! So many emotions in this book. Tempest knows how to pull you in and keep you wanting more.
There’s so much more to tell, but no spoilers.
What’s wild is he will make everyone fall in love so different. I’m older so I’m all proud lol. But a younger friend who read it fell in LOVE LOVE. Cause he’s a lil hottie.
Kyle is the guy everyone roots for, wants the best for him. I wanted to squeeze him when he finally got his high end apron with the leather straps. Yes baby you did it! So many emotions in this book. Tempest knows how to pull you in and keep you wanting more.
There’s so much more to tell, but no spoilers.
April 14, 2026
Tempest does it again! The twists you never see coming in this book just keep you wanting to read and not stop. How it all came full circle at the end was perfection.
April 30, 2026
The Hot Behind for me was Tempest Wick's best book yet.
The flow of the story and the mystery of how it was going to turn out was terrific. I couldn't put it down. AND can't wait for the next one!!
The flow of the story and the mystery of how it was going to turn out was terrific. I couldn't put it down. AND can't wait for the next one!!
June 9, 2026
Hot Behind is expectedly, well...hot. Scorching with plenty of fascinating characters, complex scenes, and dialogue dedicated to bringing home a laugh or tears (or both) Tempest Wick has outdone herself again. Over the span of multiple decades, Kyle Berkley's life unfolds for the reader in the wake of tragedy, trauma, loss; regardless, his scrappy nature and narration never leave the page. It's a binge-worthy summer read you certainly cannot put down. It's fresh and original, a character-driven novel that commands your attention and makes you beg for more. Are you ready to find out if Kyle Berkley has what it takes to make it to the top? I can't wait for Tempest Wick's next creation.
May 14, 2026
A favorite BY FAR. I’ve never connected and fallen in love with characters the way I do in Hot Behind. She has a special way of turning simple, everyday moments into something bigger and more meaningful. Every character has a memorable story to them and makes you fall in love with them in different ways. I’m incredibly proud of her and what she’s created—this is the kind of story that sticks with you forever. It’s a beautiful thing what she can do. Kyle has my heart forever. Amazing book.❤️
July 26, 2026
Tempest just knows how to WRECK ME in the best ways possible 🥹
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews