Unraveled

Amber Ridge #2

by Nyssa Kathryn

He’s her neighbor…her enemy…so why has she told everyone he’s her boyfriend?

Sky Williams has a neighbor from hell. Every day, Becket finds a new way to torture her. Sometimes it involves cutting trees on her property line; other days—most days—it includes using an annoying nickname he knows she hates. It’s safe to say she can’t stand the guy. So why then, when her parents persistently try to set her up with one of their church friends, does she find herself blurting out that she’s dating Becket?

Retired Navy SEAL Becket Hayes has a great life. His family is amazing, he’s the fire chief of Amber Ridge—a job he loves. And more recently, he’s found unexpected joy in fighting with his cute but easily riled neighbor. She seems to take offense in his very existence. So when she publicly declares Becket as her boyfriend, he’s intrigued enough to play along. It’s just meant to be for show, but the longer they “date”, the less fake it feels.

When a string of seemingly unconnected incidents occur, putting Sky’s life in danger, Becket suddenly has even more reason to remain close. It appears there are parts of her past that refuse to be left behind. And someone determined to ensure Sky has no future—with or without Becket.

A Small Town, Enemies to Lovers, Fake Relationship, Romantic Suspense from Bestselling Author Nyssa Kathryn.

Genres: Enemies To Lovers, Romantic Suspense, Romance, Small Town Romance, Firefighters, Fake Dating, Audiobook

315 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 9, 2025

About the author

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Australian Romantic Suspense Author, Nyssa Kathryn, is a passionate reader and writer of all things romance. Living in South Australia with her hubby and daughter, when she's not spending time with the family, she's either plotting her next story or got her head stuck in a book.

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Reviews

[Kaity · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audio:
5 stars for Aiden Snow
5 stars for CJ Bloom

Book: 3-3.5 stars

I loved the banter at the beginning haha but I think like everyone else it was a shock to see them together haha! I did enjoy this story a lot more than anticipated, but I didn’t like the 3rd act breakup, it was annoying and wasn’t needed…

[Anila · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t read the first book in the series, but the blurb of the second book caught my interest and I’m glad it did because this was a good read.

Skylar and Becket’s chemistry was strong from the very first chapter. I could feel the dislike and annoyance between them, but there was also this underlying tension in their banter. Add in a fake dating scheme and I fell in love with these two as a couple.

However, I did not like Skylar’s parents. They were so controlling and overbearing. She is 32 years old and her parents are treating her like a child. They overstepped several times and did not respect her boundaries and wishes. It was so annoying and frustrating to read. The suspense/mystery aspect was also a little weak for me. It became more of a focus in the second half and I felt that it dragged the story.

All in all, this was an enjoyable read and I’m curious to read Clara and Holden’s story next. I can’t resist a brother’s best friend trope🫢

[Kerry Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my, this book was literally so good. True enemies-to-lovers, slow burn romance with a thriller, myster vein.
Beckett and Sky were too irresistible to put the book down and the suspense.... i binge read this and am happy I discovered Nyssa on Goodreads. I am absolutely going to read the other books in this series.
Triggers
death by fire
pet death
if you love small town romance with charismatic characters and fun side characters, this is a book for you.
Nyssa's writing style is beautiful and emotionally charged at points in the book.
Some scenes are so swoony and cozy, you feel all the dopamine enveloping you.
Kerry Kennedy Author

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unraveled is book two in the Amber Ridge series by Nyssa Kathryn. Sky Williams decided to come back to her hometown to open a doggy daycare and did not expect to have a neighbour from hell. Amber Ridge Fire Chief Becket Hayes wanted a clear view of the street from his home, so he blocked Sky from putting up her fence and cut down her tree on her property however, when Sky Williams's parents tried to set her up with the son of their church friend, Sky told her parents that she was dating Becket. When a mystery incident happened to Sky, Becket stepped up to protect her. The readers of Unraveled will continue to follow Becket and Sky to discover what happens.

Wow, I love reading books by Nyssa Kathryn. She always knows how to engage me with her stories and characters. I have not read one book by Nyssa Kathryn that I did not enjoy, and Unraveled kept up the tradition. Reading Unraveled, I learned about organising a fundraiser in rural communities. I also understand the danger of grief for everyone involved.

I love Nyssa Kathryn's portrayal of her characters and how they interact throughout this book. Unraveled is well-written and researched by Nyssa Kathryn, which ensures that I forget about going to bed until I finish this book. I like Nyssa Kathryn's description of the settings of Unvraveled, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.

I thank the author for my ARC in exchange for an honest review. I recommend this book.

[WaterLillyBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.25/5

As a long-time fan of Nyssa Katheryn, I was excited to dive into Unraveled, the second book in her newer series. Featuring popular tropes like enemies to lovers and fake dating, this installment had all the ingredients for a gripping and emotional romance. However, while the plot had potential and the signature writing style I’ve come to enjoy from Katheryn was present, this one didn’t quite hit the mark for me.

Let’s start with the positives: Katheryn’s prose remains sharp and engaging, and the twist at the end genuinely surprised me — a testament to her ability to weave suspense into romance. It was a moment that reminded me why I usually love her books.

That said, Unraveled fell flat in several key areas. Most notably, I struggled with the lack of character development, particularly in the female main character. By the end of the story, I didn’t feel like she had grown or evolved meaningfully. Additionally, given that the male lead is a former Navy SEAL with a brother in the police force, it was frustrating how easily a series of misfortunes surrounding the FMC went unnoticed or unaddressed. It stretched believability in a way that pulled me out of the story.

The romance itself — a central draw for any book with these tropes — didn’t feel fully fleshed out. I didn’t sense enough build-up or emotional depth between the characters to make their relationship compelling.

I can see many readers enjoying this book for its twisty plot and dramatic moments, especially if they’re fans of Katheryn’s style. But for me, it didn’t quite deliver the emotional connection or character payoff I was hoping for.

[Jenn the Readaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored Sky from the very beginning. And Becket? Well, I adored him also, but it was amusing to see how very much like a boy with a crush he was at first. He finds every button to push and realizes just how much of a rush he gets by any and all interactions with Sky. He also finds just how attracted he is to her. More so every single time he ruffles her feathers. So when Sky is desperate for someone to help her avoid an unwanted interaction, Becket is all in to help her. If what starts as fake becomes oh so real, even better!

But all is not sunshine and rainbows and puppy dogs. Nope. Someone is out for Sky. And they have no plans of giving up until their goal is met. And that goal is a worrisome one, at best. Sky tries to keep others out of the path of destruction, but Becket isn’t one to run away from danger or fear. Instead, he remains firmly by Sky’s side and at her back, and these two prove that love can and does beat all when push comes to shove.

I loved this story of antagonizer to lover to everything and can’t wait for more!

[viv · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always, the second book in the series was just as entertaining and exciting as the first—maybe even more so! I went into this one with high expectations, especially since I was already intrigued by Sky and Becket’s brief but memorable banter in the first book. Their chemistry was undeniable even in just a few lines, so I couldn’t wait to see their dynamic fully explored—and I’m happy to say, it did not disappoint.

One of my favorite parts was how Skylar and Becket’s relationship played out. Skylar was so annoyed by Becket’s laid-back, charming vibe, and she didn’t even try to hide it—which made for some really funny and surprisingly sweet moments. Becket, of course, totally loved getting under her skin and found her reactions hilarious. Their back-and-forth felt super natural and had just the right mix of humor and tension. It was so satisfying to watch them go from clashing constantly to actually trusting—and eventually falling for—each other.

As a dog lover, I was thrilled to see that Skylar ran a doggy daycare center. That detail added so much warmth and personality to her character, and the dog-related scenes were a delightful addition to the plot. It’s not often that pets are more than background elements in books like this, so I appreciated how the dogs were part of the story and added some cozy, heartfelt moments.

Also, the buildup between Clara and Holden? Gahh, I loved every second of it. I'm really excited for the next book which will finally be their story because I can already tell it’s going to be amazing. The little hints and moments between them had me totally hooked!

[Shabby -BookBistroBlog · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Heart wrenching, beautiful, humorous....Beckett Hayes & Sky Williams take us on a beautiful journey in the small town of Amber Ridge"
The hilarious rivalry of her tree being butchered by Him, starts the war and ends up with them being in love. It was inevitable, the sparking vibes between them were more of lust than hate anyways.
She's a doggy day care owner and he's an ex navy SEAL firefighter. I mean could he BE any more perfect for her.
Esp when she's moved from Cheyenne, a stalker-killer on her heels.
But the shadowy figure is still after her.
Aaaaand there's the pesky ex - Tony. He has trouble hearing the word no.
The weird fake dating leads to real love and on the way we see hilarious banter, sizzling chemistry and a whole lot of intense emotions.
A Quirky, sweet & spicy story full of cosmic perfections
Narrators Aiden Snow & CJ Bloom are a joy to listen to bringing this story to fantastic life.
4.5 stars for Peaches
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[Denise H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read! An enemies-to-lovers romance with fake dating, suspense, danger, humorous banter, great friends, interfering family, and dogs!

Becket Hayes is the Fire Chief of Amber Ridge, and former Navy SEAL. He’s an adrenaline junkie and he loves to rile up and banter-spar with his sassy neighbor just for fun.

One of the reasons Sky Williams left Amber Ridge was to get out from under her controlling parents. She knows they mean well, but enough is enough. However, after tragedy strikes, she returns and tries to start over yet again. Things are mostly going well except for her pain in the a$$ neighbor who irritates her at every turn. The one good thing she’s got going for her is her business – a Doggy Daycare, which she loves and also helps heal some of the pain she carries.

After Sky’s parents try to set her up with a guy she can’t stand, she panics and claims Becket is her boyfriend. Shocked, but also intrigued, he plays along. That one little announcement leads to so much more between them, if they can face the past and overcome the demons that haunt them both and if Becket can save Sky from a threat neither saw coming.

These two characters have strong personalities and clash in the best ways. Their quick wit, banter, and chemistry are fantastic and they make the perfect couple. Add in the mystery and suspense of the goings on around town and threat to Sky and it’s an “can’t put down” till I’m done type of read. Even though this is only book two in the series, it’s quickly becoming a favorite and I cannot wait to see what happens next.

[Kell X · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this was one of my all time favorites of Nyssa's work. I just loved it. Everything about it. I didn't put it down. I just couldn't. It was glued to my hands while I shifted through the pages untill the very end.
We return to Ambar Ridge with the story between two neighbours who are always fighting, mainly because Becket really enjoys pushing Sky's buttons.
Becket is a firefigher, and an ex-seal, and takes safety seriously. He is a sweethart in disguise! He also likes helping people and adrennaline and he as all that with his work and with his friends and family. But since he started bickering with his new neighbour some new feeling started as well! Those moments were the best of his day!
Sky is a lovely woman, oppinionated, and self sufficient who loves dogs (sn animal lover FMC? Could it be more perfect?) and recently moved back into town and opened a doggy dayvare. Her business is growing and she is starting to feel like herself again. If she could just get rid of that annoying neighbour she would be perfect!
She believes she is very bad with luck or just has bad karma, because some bad things start happening, and she touggt she had left all those bad moments behind. But what if luck as nothing to do with it and there is someone with very bad intensions to blame? How much danger is she in?
Can she get throught it? And how will Becket react when someone he loves is in serious danger?
I laughed so hard between their banter... oh the sweet banter between them was just plain funny and so well developed. The way they pushed each other's buttons at first and bring out the worst in eather of them was hilarious.
It also made me cry. It had some sad bits ,but mainly by the rawness of some of those moments. It was perfect. And I believe I had some eye rolling as well also. Mainly at Beckett. He was infuriatingly cocky.. but so sweet at the same time!
I never want this small town world to end!

[Mindy Diegel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sky and Becket oh my God it was so absolutely hilarious from the first chapter. Two people that argued like it was their job and could also make it an Olympic sport. It was everything I wanted it to be in so much more. Becket made it his life mission to aggravate and annoy his neighbor Sky. And he’s excited when he succeeds. He is this absolutely gorgeous, fire chief ex Navy seal knows he’s good looking and so incredibly charming. The thing is all these features and skills add to the aggravation and irritation of his neighbor. Sky absolutely hates that she is attracted to her neighbor that drives her absolutely crazy. He gets under her skin like nobody’s business. Them being in the same room sparks fly as well as insults. Watching them interact is everything. I loved, watching the relationship develop. They just sneak past each other’s defenses and not even quite realize that it happened. Once they realize they have this connection all bets are off. And their relationship is not without its challenges and ups and downs but they figure it out. And I am so glad that they get there happily ever after.

[Amber Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unraveled (Amber Ridge Book 2) is a small-town romance packed with fake dating, simmering tension, and just the right amount of chaos. Sky and Beckett can’t stand each other—but when a fake relationship becomes the only way to handle a messy situation, their enemies-to-lovers energy turns into something a lot more real and a lot more complicated.

Sky describes Beckett as “the human embodiment of a Monday morning,” while Beckett thinks Sky is “a hurricane in yoga pants.” Their banter is sharp, their chemistry undeniable, and their fake relationship? Let’s just say it gets very real.

If you're into sarcastic banter, undeniable chemistry, and suspense that keeps you flipping pages, this book is your next binge-read. Sky’s sharp wit and Beckett’s grumpy charm make for a dynamic duo you’ll root for—and laugh with—the whole way through.

[Imogen Dior · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars.
I enjoyed reading Unraveled. I liked the plot, characters and suspense. Both Sky and Becket were good characters and i enjoyed their enemies to lovers vibes. I liked their individual personalities and seeing how they melded together to make them work. Seeing Sky’s past was so sad she’d been through so much and the memories were still really hard for her to deal with especially triggers that took her back there. I loved her job/business! I really liked Becket too, he was so protective but also patient and understanding with Sky. He was so good at supporting her and just being really dreamy, he also came out with the funniest lines. I loved the scenes with his job too! I loved Bella and seeing all of the other secondary characters.

[Nikki Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Amber Ridge series and boy it certainly doesn't disappoint. There is drama, suspense and twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat and guessing, but the relationship between Sky and Becket just had me chuckling. They both have the ability to get under each other's skin and Becket loves antagonizing Sky, but when the chips are down and Sky needs help, he is there for her. With parents who are determined to marry her off, she finds herself blurting out that Becket is her boyfriend, which causes more amusement, but Sky is being targeted and Becket will do whatever it takes to keep her safe. I am loving this series and each book just blows me away. I can't wait for the next one and await with eager anticipation.

[kn_cozy_bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love banter in books and this one had it in spades! Their hate to love dynamic was very fun to read. Sky held nothing back and Beckett just ate it up, his interactions, no matter how angry he made her, the best part of his day. I felt Sky’s frustration with him and wanted to drop kick him myself! 🤣

The fake dating trope was the perfect accompaniment to the story to force them to spend time together and for Sky to realize there is more to Beckett than just her annoying neighbor.

I loved Sky’s love for dogs and her doggy daycare business! It was so cute and the fact a pup plays an integral plot point made me cheer. I love dogs, lol.

Beckett is an amazing protective MC and totally swoon worthy. I loved how he handled Tony and Sky’s parents.

Nyssa yet again gives us a great romantic suspense read, with mystery, danger, and a great plot twist!

*ARC Review*

[BJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nyssa Kathryn did it again! While Unafraid was good, Unraveled is awesome!!! Becket is the most wonderful hero...former SEAL, current firefighter, family guy, friend. Skylar is a prickly, dog-loving, slightly introverted, sweet heroine...sweet to everyone except her annoying, aggravating, asking-to-be-murdered-in-his-sleep neighbor.

I truly didn't know who the culprits (two, count 'em, two and totally unrelated!) were which is very unusual for me. Kathryn did her usual excellent job of building an interesting world with interesting characters. As a bonus, there are some laugh out loud moments and dialogue between Becket and Sky.
Here's an example: "You want to know what I'm thinking when I look at you? Two billion years of evolution for THIS?" I am sooo looking forward to book three, Untouched!

[Robyn Corcoran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book two in the Amber Ridge series is just as exciting and entertaining as the first book.
This enemies-to-lovers story has everything you could want. It is a fake dating romance with some very humorous moments and fun banter between the lead characters.

Skylar Williams is the owner of Sky’s Doggy Daycare and is passionate about dogs. She is also passionate about retaining the tree and all its branches in her yard as well as her intense desire to erect a fence between her house and Becket’s. Some fun times are involved and I’m still chuckling.

Becket Hayes is a retired Navy SEAL who now loves his job as the town fire chief, his other love is to rile up his neighbour—Sky Williams. It really doesn’t take much before she goes off like a rocket displaying her total dislike for Becket.

Honestly, these two characters are fantastic and perfect for each other as they both have strong personalities. Their chemistry is red hot and there are some very close moments.

Their chemistry mystery and suspense element in the story is brilliant. Bit by bit things happen and I freely admit I fell into the “Oh, I bet it’s him or her” trap. 😆 So much fun trying to solve who is doing what but… as usual this terrific author has some amazing twists and turns in the story.

Every release by this incredibly talented author is a treat for readers. Bring on ‘Untouched’ the third book in this fabulous series.

[Di · Rating 5 out of 5]

Becket and Sky have an antagonizing relationship, he does everything in his power to get Sky, his neighbour, riled up….cutting her tree, blocking her putting up a fence, cameras that catch her property and giving her a nickname, Peaches. At each turn, Sky gives it right back and doesn’t bow down to him until her parents meddling in setting her up has her turning to Becket and introducing him as her boyfriend. They put aside their “differences” to convince her parents and everyone they are a couple and find out that there is more between them than just bickering. When “accidents” that put Sky’s life in danger keep happening, Becket is right by her side, saving and protecting her. There is a pattern to her bad luck and Becket will do whatever it takes to save her….even walk through fire.
YES!!! Becket and Sky, their banter had me laughing out loud, and I loved how their “hate” evolved into more. A page turner with suspense, surprises, twists and turns, steam and great characters….loved it!!
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*

[monica • · Rating 5 out of 5]

i enjoyed this so damn much! what a great audio experience and one of my new favorite romantic suspense books. i loved sky and beckett so much and the suspense portion was genuinely shocking and well thought out even though sky didn't have much common sense. i can't wait for clara and holden's book!!

[Suzette · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I want you to know that it doesn’t matter how things start. Hate can turn into love…and something that maybe didn’t feel quite so real can turn into the most real thing in your life.”

I LOVE a good fake-dating story! Sky and Becket’s banter is hilarious, and their chemistry is great. I liked this book even better than the first.

[Karon Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite kinds of stories, enemies to lovers. Sky and Beckett are neighbors who fight over everything. But when she needs a fake boyfriend to head off her parents matchmaking attempts, she recruits Beckett by offering to give up her quest for a fence between their properties. Their time together in the pretend relationship turns into something very real. Unfortunately Sky is convinced she's cursed because of a series of mishaps that are turning more deadly by the moment. Add in a thief who's making the rounds through town, a fire bug thwarting Beckett and his crew and smelly Tony, the guy Sky's parents are convinced she should be dating and these two are busy taking care of business while dancing around their attraction to one another. When Beckett comes in the line of fire, Sky makes the heartbreaking decision to protect him. But Beckett isn't going to let go now and fights to figure out the numerous mysteries haunting this town. Great HEA.

[Julie Booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great addition to the Amber Ridge series. I was hooked into the story quickly and felt like I was constantly on alert. The author always does a great job with her characters, and in this case, the dislike/annoyance was done very well. As they move into the fake dating and eventually more, the banter is perfect. As Becket begins to protect Sky, swoon!

Nyssa Katheryn knows how to write a suspense story; every book she has written has been a top read. I will now add Unrivaled to the list.

Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.

[Kaylee Derosier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book two of the Amber Ridge Series is Becket and Sky’s story, and buckle up, because it’s a crazy ride! From enemies to lovers, their journey is full of twists. When Sky’s overbearing parents are trying to set her up with a member of their church, Sky turns to an unlikely rescuer in the form of a fake boyfriend. But when the lines blur between fiction and feelings, things get complicated. As with all of Nyssa’s works I have read thus far, there is a mystery element to this story, keeping the plot intriguing and the pages turning. I cannot wait for the next book in the series!

[Jessie (thatchickwithabook) · Rating 5 out of 5]

You KNOW I love Nyssa Kathryn!!! I stayed up til 3am to finish this and have no regrets. And I’m SO excited for Holden and Clara’s book, I’ve been waiting since the first one!

[Melanie Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOVED. The banter between the two characters was so funny and I could feel their chemistry. I was not expected the plot twist who was behind everything.

[Jennifer Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been really excited about getting Sky and Becket’s story since we were introduced to them in Unafraid. I was absolutely blown away by this story! I honestly think this might be Nyssa’s best one yet! The banter between these two…it’s honestly some of the best that I’ve read. Every interaction was like pouring gasoline onto an already lit fuse, and every word between them was explosive! Nyssa had me straight up laughing out loud at the beginning of their relationship. But when it becomes apparent that Sky is in danger, Becket is all business. This man is a protector to his core, and he will not stand by and let Sky be targeted. I love how he is willing to jump into their fake relationship without hesitation, but even more so I love that he’s so willing to admit that it’s real for him. These two have such amazing chemistry! I absolutely could not put this book down once I started it! Just absolute romantic suspense perfection!

[Clayr Catherall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adored Skylar and Becket’s story.

Their love/ hate relationship is hilarious. The banter between them had me doubled laughing. Then Skylar declares that Becket is her boyfriend. What’s even funnier is he goes along with it all. What will happen next with this couple?

This story had lots of twists and turns. It kept me guessing. Love a good enemies-to-lovers book.

[Mrs R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the banter between these two!

Sky and Becket are neighbours, and he manages to irritate her with every interaction they have. You can tell from the offset that he just loves riling her up, and the insults and snark she sent back was brilliant. I loved their conversations.

They start to fake date so that Sky can get her parents' matchmaking to stop, and Beckett takes the job very seriously. Things heat up and get very steamy.

We don't just get these two arguing. We also get quite a bit of suspense woven into the story and from a couple of angles. It seems someone is out to hurt Sky, and Becket is determined to keep her safe.

I love Nyssa's books. They have the perfect combination of suspense and heat. It was action-packed and had me hooked to the last page.

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sky and Becket in Unraveled are a brilliant, banter filled roller-coaster of a relationship that keeps you turning pages to see who comes out on top of their conversations. Nyssa Kathryn has once again given us a funny but serious story with these two, and the suspense throughout keeps you guessing what is going on and whether these two can figure it out in time. Once again, another great step into Amber Ridge and as always, leaves you wanting to read the next.

[Kurtins R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book to in the Amber Ridge series and an awesome funny, suspenseful enemies to lovers story.
These 2 were so great together. The Chemistry between Beckett and Skylar was intense from the first page (... when they met in the first book)
I really enjoyed this story and can't wait for the next one.