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Amber Ridge #3
Untouched
He’s afraid to live and love. She’s afraid not to.
Five years ago, Clara Hayes got the diagnosis no one wants: cancer. She fought it and won, but it altered everything. She moved back home, changed her career, and now she approaches life without fear or hesitation. Then her brother’s best friend moves to town. She’s loved Holden for as long as she’s known him. And though she’s been gently turned down by him once before, Clara decides she needs to take one more chance on him, even if ends in heartache. Because as she knows all too well, life’s too short for regrets.
Holden Forbes knows what loss feels like. It touched his life in a way that changed him, and to this day, has him unwilling to risk his heart. That’s why he turned down his friend and teammate’s sister, Clara, a few years ago. But now he’s moved to their hometown of Amber Ridge…and Clara is braver and stronger than ever. He’s trying hard to resist her, but when a series of events that seem to revolve around her mysterious roommate put Clara in danger, Holden can no longer stay away.
As the danger escalates and the suspect list grows, Holden finds himself falling harder for Clara. Losing her isn’t an option—but that revelation may be too little, too late.
A Small Town, Brother’s Best Friend, Romantic Suspense from Bestselling Author Nyssa Kathryn.
Five years ago, Clara Hayes got the diagnosis no one wants: cancer. She fought it and won, but it altered everything. She moved back home, changed her career, and now she approaches life without fear or hesitation. Then her brother’s best friend moves to town. She’s loved Holden for as long as she’s known him. And though she’s been gently turned down by him once before, Clara decides she needs to take one more chance on him, even if ends in heartache. Because as she knows all too well, life’s too short for regrets.
Holden Forbes knows what loss feels like. It touched his life in a way that changed him, and to this day, has him unwilling to risk his heart. That’s why he turned down his friend and teammate’s sister, Clara, a few years ago. But now he’s moved to their hometown of Amber Ridge…and Clara is braver and stronger than ever. He’s trying hard to resist her, but when a series of events that seem to revolve around her mysterious roommate put Clara in danger, Holden can no longer stay away.
As the danger escalates and the suspect list grows, Holden finds himself falling harder for Clara. Losing her isn’t an option—but that revelation may be too little, too late.
A Small Town, Brother’s Best Friend, Romantic Suspense from Bestselling Author Nyssa Kathryn.
296 pages, Paperback
First published July 11, 2025
614 people are currently reading
285 people want to read
About the author
Nyssa Kathryn
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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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https://www.nyssakathryn.com/vip-newsletter
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.
Follow Nyssa here:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nyssakathrynauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authornyssakathryn/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
July 6, 2025
Untouched is book three in the Amber Ridge series by Nyssa Kathryn. Clara Hayes thought she was over her feelings for her brother's friend Holden Forbes after he rejected her feelings towards him. However, she was wrong. After Holden Forbes left the military, he decided to move to Amber Ridge. However, a strange occurrence started to happen involving Clara; it became impossible for Holden to keep away from her. Readers of Untouched will continue to follow Holden and Clara as they discover what happens next.
Nyssa Kathryn has a written style that consistently engages me in her plots and characters, and it continues to captivate me in her latest book, Untouched. This book prompted me to think about the issues that face investigator reports. I also learn about the role of an acupuncturist and how it can help people relax. Untouched highlighted for me the problems for people who suffer from critical fatigue
I love Nyssa Kathryn's portrayal of her characters and their interaction with each other throughout this book. Untouched is well-written and researched by Nyssa Kathryn. I appreciate Nyssa Kathryn's portrayal of her settings in Untouched, which enabled me to envision myself as part of the book's plot.
Thank you to the author for providing me with my ARC in exchange for an honest review. I recommend this book.
Nyssa Kathryn has a written style that consistently engages me in her plots and characters, and it continues to captivate me in her latest book, Untouched. This book prompted me to think about the issues that face investigator reports. I also learn about the role of an acupuncturist and how it can help people relax. Untouched highlighted for me the problems for people who suffer from critical fatigue
I love Nyssa Kathryn's portrayal of her characters and their interaction with each other throughout this book. Untouched is well-written and researched by Nyssa Kathryn. I appreciate Nyssa Kathryn's portrayal of her settings in Untouched, which enabled me to envision myself as part of the book's plot.
Thank you to the author for providing me with my ARC in exchange for an honest review. I recommend this book.
July 12, 2025
3.5
this was such a fun read, loved the angst even it was a little frustrating at times
and the hospital mystery was interesting. this is a solid small town romantic suspense series.
this was such a fun read, loved the angst even it was a little frustrating at times
and the hospital mystery was interesting. this is a solid small town romantic suspense series.
October 3, 2025
Just another quick read - and honestly I just gobble these up. The yearning, the drama, and the white knight MMC? It’s just catnip to me.
Clara has lived through a lot - after being told she had stage 4 cancer, she fought and beat it. After telling her brother’s best friend that she was in love with him and he rejected her - she dealt with it. But now, on the eve turning 30, Clara wants to start moving on from her years of loving Holden and find someone who loves her back. But when strange occurrences and deaths start surrounding Clara’s roommate and the hospital staff she recently befriended - she gets pulled into a deadly plot. Holden has a history of his own. After watching his only family slowly wither away and pass away from cancer - he’s terrified to feel that loss again. So his answer? Not let anyone get too close, not open himself up to that kind of pain. But doing so means keeping Clara at a distance. And with a killer on the loose, he needs to keep her closer than ever - because he’s not ready to let her go.
Clara has lived through a lot - after being told she had stage 4 cancer, she fought and beat it. After telling her brother’s best friend that she was in love with him and he rejected her - she dealt with it. But now, on the eve turning 30, Clara wants to start moving on from her years of loving Holden and find someone who loves her back. But when strange occurrences and deaths start surrounding Clara’s roommate and the hospital staff she recently befriended - she gets pulled into a deadly plot. Holden has a history of his own. After watching his only family slowly wither away and pass away from cancer - he’s terrified to feel that loss again. So his answer? Not let anyone get too close, not open himself up to that kind of pain. But doing so means keeping Clara at a distance. And with a killer on the loose, he needs to keep her closer than ever - because he’s not ready to let her go.
August 19, 2025
Audio:
5 stars for Sean Masters
4 stars for Ava Lucas
Book: 3 stars
Ehh compared to book 2 this wasn’t as good.
Holden’s whiplash performance on Clara’s feelings wasn’t called for. I think she deserved so much more!
5 stars for Sean Masters
4 stars for Ava Lucas
Book: 3 stars
Ehh compared to book 2 this wasn’t as good.
Holden’s whiplash performance on Clara’s feelings wasn’t called for. I think she deserved so much more!
July 14, 2025
Rating: 2.25⭐️
This book was fine. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t great either. The female lead Clara was way too childish for someone who’s about to turn 30. Meanwhile, the male lead Holden could never make up his mind about Clara. He gave her so many mixed signals and I thought Clara deserved better. Also, it has always bothered me how the protagonists and their families are always portrayed as being good and righteous in this series and everyone else is rude and/or suspicious. Maybe it’s to build the suspense elements, but it rubs me the wrong way. The reveal of the villain read also too much like a soap opera. The execution was just messy and all over the place. This was a pretty addicting read though, which is the main reason why I keep coming back to this series🤷🏻♀️
This book was fine. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t great either. The female lead Clara was way too childish for someone who’s about to turn 30. Meanwhile, the male lead Holden could never make up his mind about Clara. He gave her so many mixed signals and I thought Clara deserved better. Also, it has always bothered me how the protagonists and their families are always portrayed as being good and righteous in this series and everyone else is rude and/or suspicious. Maybe it’s to build the suspense elements, but it rubs me the wrong way. The reveal of the villain read also too much like a soap opera. The execution was just messy and all over the place. This was a pretty addicting read though, which is the main reason why I keep coming back to this series🤷🏻♀️
July 15, 2025
1★
I feel the recent books aren't hitting.
I liked the premise of this book.
She's a cancer survivor and he's her brother's best friend.
but omg!! she was EMBARRASSING😭
(Girl, being a 29 year old virgin is not the end of the universe!)
She tells him y'all:
(I had to put the book down cause,oh god, this is just so...YOU CAN'T RECOVER FROM THIS. She has zero subtlety...ZERO and also, who leads with "I have something to tell you", while they are at her mom's sunday dinner shinding
👁👄👁)
Now on to, Holden, I didn't like him at all.
He kissed her 3 times and followed it up with "I'm sorry, Clara" (like that solves everything)
(Do better, Holden)
and when she wanted space, what does Holden do?
(B*tch shut tf up and make up your mind, ffs)
and you know what they *get together* and he comes in clutch and leaves her when she has a health scare. (Spectacular I know, I know..🚩🚩🚩)
I couldn't be bothered with the suspense in this one, I was just *rolling my eyes* at the amount of BS
I feel the recent books aren't hitting.
I liked the premise of this book.
She's a cancer survivor and he's her brother's best friend.
but omg!! she was EMBARRASSING😭
“I’m going to tell Holden I’m a virgin.”
(Girl, being a 29 year old virgin is not the end of the universe!)
She tells him y'all:
“Actually, there’s something I want to tell you.”
“Shoot.” He sipped his beer.
“I’m a virgin.”
He choked and stopped in his tracks. “What?”
(I had to put the book down cause,oh god, this is just so...YOU CAN'T RECOVER FROM THIS. She has zero subtlety...ZERO and also, who leads with "I have something to tell you", while they are at her mom's sunday dinner shinding
👁👄👁)
Now on to, Holden, I didn't like him at all.
He kissed her 3 times and followed it up with "I'm sorry, Clara" (like that solves everything)
"She’d made herself vulnerable twice with him, and both times he’d basically run from her. Kissed her and run, that was."
(Do better, Holden)
and when she wanted space, what does Holden do?
“I don’t want to lose you.” It was unfair of him. He knew it was unfair. He was a selfish prick. She deserved to be with someone who could give themselves to her without hesitation. But the idea of her going out and finding someone who wasn’t him… fuck, it hurt.
(B*tch shut tf up and make up your mind, ffs)
and you know what they *get together* and he comes in clutch and leaves her when she has a health scare. (Spectacular I know, I know..🚩🚩🚩)
I couldn't be bothered with the suspense in this one, I was just *rolling my eyes* at the amount of BS
June 30, 2025
Okay, is it bad that I found Holden so frustrating—especially at the beginning of the book? His whole push-and-pull attitude just wasn’t doing it for me. I get that he has some emotional baggage, but constantly going back and forth with Clara drove me a little crazy. I really don’t like it when heroes do that—either be with her or let her move on, don’t keep stringing her along! Thankfully, Clara was super understanding. She could see that something from Holden’s past was holding him back from really letting himself love her, and she gave him way more patience than I probably would have.
I am glad that Holden eventually stopped letting the past get in the way of his future with Clara. It was such a relief to see him finally open up and choose to move forward with her. I just wish it had happened a little sooner in the book—I was getting anxious waiting for that turning point!
That being said, the suspense in this story was so good. I had no clue what was going on at the hospital or how things were going to unfold. It kept me guessing the whole time and made the story even more intense in the best way.
I also really loved Clara’s character. After going through cancer five years ago and beating it, she has this fearless approach to life and love that was honestly inspiring. She doesn’t waste time holding back, and that made me admire her so much. She’s strong, kind, and just a really easy character to root for.
And omg, can we talk about Indie and Colt?! They’re the next couple in the series and I’m already counting down the days until their book comes out. I just know it’s going to be super angsty and emotional and probably feel like getting stabbed in the heart—but, like, in the best way. I'm so here for it.
I am glad that Holden eventually stopped letting the past get in the way of his future with Clara. It was such a relief to see him finally open up and choose to move forward with her. I just wish it had happened a little sooner in the book—I was getting anxious waiting for that turning point!
That being said, the suspense in this story was so good. I had no clue what was going on at the hospital or how things were going to unfold. It kept me guessing the whole time and made the story even more intense in the best way.
I also really loved Clara’s character. After going through cancer five years ago and beating it, she has this fearless approach to life and love that was honestly inspiring. She doesn’t waste time holding back, and that made me admire her so much. She’s strong, kind, and just a really easy character to root for.
And omg, can we talk about Indie and Colt?! They’re the next couple in the series and I’m already counting down the days until their book comes out. I just know it’s going to be super angsty and emotional and probably feel like getting stabbed in the heart—but, like, in the best way. I'm so here for it.
July 14, 2025
ꍏ꒒ꏳ ꋪꏂ꒦ꀤꏂꅐ
4.5 ⭐
𝐔𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝 is the third book in the 𝐀𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 and it had me hooked from start to finish.
The chemistry, protectiveness and suspense had me on edge.
I loved how this book set up the foundation for the next and I can't wait for Indie and Colts book. 💔❤️
...
𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑢𝑑𝑖𝑜 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑑𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑢𝑒𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑖𝑡 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑎𝑚𝑎𝑧𝑖𝑛𝑔.
𝑨𝒗𝒂 𝑳𝒖𝒄𝒂𝒔 𝒂𝒔 𝐶𝑙𝑎𝑟𝑎 𝐻𝑎𝑦𝑒𝑠 she did an outstanding narration for the female lead. Clara, went through a lot after being diagnosed with cancer, and she wanted to experience everything in life and have no regrets. The emotions she invoked brought this character to life. The switching up of accents to tones. Outstanding!
𝑺𝒆𝒂𝒏 𝑴𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒂𝒔 𝐻𝑜𝑙𝑑𝑒𝑛 𝐹𝑜𝑟𝑏𝑒𝑠, he did a perfect job narrating the male lead. Holden's character was very unsure in wanting a relationship and falling in love and his emotions and uncertainty was narrated perfectly. The deep voice when being protective, to the switching up for the other characters. Was awesome.
4.5 ⭐
𝐔𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝 is the third book in the 𝐀𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 and it had me hooked from start to finish.
The chemistry, protectiveness and suspense had me on edge.
I loved how this book set up the foundation for the next and I can't wait for Indie and Colts book. 💔❤️
...
𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑢𝑑𝑖𝑜 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑑𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑢𝑒𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑖𝑡 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑎𝑚𝑎𝑧𝑖𝑛𝑔.
𝑨𝒗𝒂 𝑳𝒖𝒄𝒂𝒔 𝒂𝒔 𝐶𝑙𝑎𝑟𝑎 𝐻𝑎𝑦𝑒𝑠 she did an outstanding narration for the female lead. Clara, went through a lot after being diagnosed with cancer, and she wanted to experience everything in life and have no regrets. The emotions she invoked brought this character to life. The switching up of accents to tones. Outstanding!
𝑺𝒆𝒂𝒏 𝑴𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒂𝒔 𝐻𝑜𝑙𝑑𝑒𝑛 𝐹𝑜𝑟𝑏𝑒𝑠, he did a perfect job narrating the male lead. Holden's character was very unsure in wanting a relationship and falling in love and his emotions and uncertainty was narrated perfectly. The deep voice when being protective, to the switching up for the other characters. Was awesome.
July 11, 2025
This one is an emotional rollercoaster of up and downs.
Holden is afraid to love after the loss he’s endured.
Sure, he was a gazillion feet of gorgeous, with the broadest shoulders she’d ever seen.
Clara has been in love with him for so many years. There is a push and pull that makes you want to scream. She has fought and won a huge battle. It’s made her stronger every day.
The mystery is suspenseful and a little dangerous. It brings them closer as things escalate.
Another winning combination of friends to lovers.
Holden is afraid to love after the loss he’s endured.
Sure, he was a gazillion feet of gorgeous, with the broadest shoulders she’d ever seen.
Clara has been in love with him for so many years. There is a push and pull that makes you want to scream. She has fought and won a huge battle. It’s made her stronger every day.
The mystery is suspenseful and a little dangerous. It brings them closer as things escalate.
Another winning combination of friends to lovers.
January 10, 2026
This is the third book in this series and is a brothers best friend romance.
Clara Hayes is the heroine in this one. We’ve met her in the first two books. She is a cancer survivor who has changed her life completely. She left her high powered life as a lawyer in NYC and moved back to her hometown of Amber Ridge where she practices acupuncture as it worked for her when she was going through her cancer treatment.
She’s in love with Holden Forbes, her brother’s best friend. The two of them served together in the special forces before retiring and returning to civilian life. Though Holden didn’t grow up in Amber Ridge, he now calls it home as his mother, his only relative lost her battle with cancer and he has grown very close to his buddy Jessie’s family. And this closeness includes Clara. A few years previous to the start of this book she declared her love for Holden and it didn’t go well. Ever since then things have been awkward between them.
Holden also has very deep feelings for Clara but the death of his mother hit him very hard and he’s terrified of losing someone else he loves. So the storyline is the two of them dancing around each other. There’s also a mystery involving the area hospital and people mysteriously getting sick and or dying. I liked this book but it seemed to get a bit draggish towards the end. But then I’ve been suffering from a very bad cold since Christmas and haven’t been in the best of moods for a while. Because of this it’s taken longer than usual to finish the book and I don’t like to take this long to finish a book so it might be me being persnickety. I got this book on KU so I do recommend that route if this might be a book that interests you.
Clara Hayes is the heroine in this one. We’ve met her in the first two books. She is a cancer survivor who has changed her life completely. She left her high powered life as a lawyer in NYC and moved back to her hometown of Amber Ridge where she practices acupuncture as it worked for her when she was going through her cancer treatment.
She’s in love with Holden Forbes, her brother’s best friend. The two of them served together in the special forces before retiring and returning to civilian life. Though Holden didn’t grow up in Amber Ridge, he now calls it home as his mother, his only relative lost her battle with cancer and he has grown very close to his buddy Jessie’s family. And this closeness includes Clara. A few years previous to the start of this book she declared her love for Holden and it didn’t go well. Ever since then things have been awkward between them.
Holden also has very deep feelings for Clara but the death of his mother hit him very hard and he’s terrified of losing someone else he loves. So the storyline is the two of them dancing around each other. There’s also a mystery involving the area hospital and people mysteriously getting sick and or dying. I liked this book but it seemed to get a bit draggish towards the end. But then I’ve been suffering from a very bad cold since Christmas and haven’t been in the best of moods for a while. Because of this it’s taken longer than usual to finish the book and I don’t like to take this long to finish a book so it might be me being persnickety. I got this book on KU so I do recommend that route if this might be a book that interests you.
June 28, 2025
I devoured this in one sitting, if that tells you just how good this one is. Holden and Clara have been dancing around each other for far too long, but the reasons sort of make sense. And they aren’t the reasons you’d think, either. But before I even get into how invested I was in their story, I have to say one thing. This author is KILLING me with the sadness and grief and angst that Indie is living, and I NEED her book now. I mean, honestly. She found a way to perfectly weave Indie’s pain and some backstory into Clara’s tale of falling for the man who she deserves. So much so that I’m sorely tempted to send an email begging for Indie’s tale now now now.
So, yeah. The edge of your seat tension is so wonderfully done. The wondering who is possibly behind the criminal misdeeds surrounding Clara and Holden steals your focus, but Indie and her misery will continue to dance at the edges and scoot further inward with each chapter. And finding out that you’re half right about the culprit, wondering if Scarlett is really as shady as she seems, and the throwaway truths that are scattered along the way, only to become big glaring beacons of “yup, here’s a puzzle piece” just in time for it all to fall into place makes this one book that you might want to make sure you’re in a comfortably spot with zero interruptions before you begin.
So, yeah. The edge of your seat tension is so wonderfully done. The wondering who is possibly behind the criminal misdeeds surrounding Clara and Holden steals your focus, but Indie and her misery will continue to dance at the edges and scoot further inward with each chapter. And finding out that you’re half right about the culprit, wondering if Scarlett is really as shady as she seems, and the throwaway truths that are scattered along the way, only to become big glaring beacons of “yup, here’s a puzzle piece” just in time for it all to fall into place makes this one book that you might want to make sure you’re in a comfortably spot with zero interruptions before you begin.
July 11, 2025
Holden and Clara
FMC: Clara Hayes
MMC: Holden Forbes
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Pages: 306
Tropes: Brother’s Best Friend, Romantic Suspense, Military Romance, Virgin Heroine, Small Town Romance, Cancer Survivor
Setting: Amber Ridge, Montana
Thoughts: Clara and Holden had such a sweet romance. I loved the fact that it was a brother’s best friend romance where the brother didn’t threaten or get angry with his best friend. Both Clara’s brothers were so supportive of Clara and Holden and I loved it. The suspense was the perfect catalyst for Holden to finally realize he needed to step up and be the man Clara needed. It seemed serendipitous that Holden would fall for a cancer survivor when his determination to keep his heart guarded started because his mom lost her own battle with cancer. I really enjoyed the mix of romance and suspense. As with most Nyssa Kathryn books, the twists kept me guessing all the way to the end.
FMC: Clara Hayes
MMC: Holden Forbes
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Pages: 306
Tropes: Brother’s Best Friend, Romantic Suspense, Military Romance, Virgin Heroine, Small Town Romance, Cancer Survivor
Setting: Amber Ridge, Montana
Thoughts: Clara and Holden had such a sweet romance. I loved the fact that it was a brother’s best friend romance where the brother didn’t threaten or get angry with his best friend. Both Clara’s brothers were so supportive of Clara and Holden and I loved it. The suspense was the perfect catalyst for Holden to finally realize he needed to step up and be the man Clara needed. It seemed serendipitous that Holden would fall for a cancer survivor when his determination to keep his heart guarded started because his mom lost her own battle with cancer. I really enjoyed the mix of romance and suspense. As with most Nyssa Kathryn books, the twists kept me guessing all the way to the end.
January 5, 2026
i almost liked it
This book had so many good things going for it but I really struggled with the heroine.
Being willing to fight for love is a great thing but this heroin was just a doormat in this love story. Over and over again she confessed her feelings to the hero and he rejected her outright and she just kept going back for more—including stepping over a clear boundary he had set in their friendship and propositioning him.
Overall the heroin just ruined this read for me.
SPICE LEVEL: Rated R / 2-4 descriptive intimate scenes, may have harsh language.
CONTENT WARNING: Romantic Suspense related violence, past death of parent, fatal cancer, cancer survivor
POV: Dual - M/F - 1st Person
This book had so many good things going for it but I really struggled with the heroine.
Being willing to fight for love is a great thing but this heroin was just a doormat in this love story. Over and over again she confessed her feelings to the hero and he rejected her outright and she just kept going back for more—including stepping over a clear boundary he had set in their friendship and propositioning him.
Overall the heroin just ruined this read for me.
SPICE LEVEL: Rated R / 2-4 descriptive intimate scenes, may have harsh language.
CONTENT WARNING: Romantic Suspense related violence, past death of parent, fatal cancer, cancer survivor
POV: Dual - M/F - 1st Person
July 6, 2025
Finally, Clara and Holden get their happily ever after. After watching them dance around each other over the first couple books in the series, we finally get to see them fall in love, and it was a worth that wait. Clara has had a rough go the last 5 years of her life and now she has a new outlook and she’s finally going to go for it, fight for what she wants. She is this sassy, beautiful, strong willed woman that goes for what she wants. Holden is this strong, protector, Amazing soul who will do anything for his friends and family. And they both have this amazing friendship because they’ve known each other for so many years. Watching them fall in love after they finally given it a go is a beautiful thing. It’s something they fight for, once they finally get it it’s so amazing. Now they have to go through some trials and tribulations and it’s not an easy thing. Once they get it, it’s so sweet and amazing. I’m so glad they finally got this beautiful happily ever after.
July 10, 2025
Untouched is the 3rd book in the Amber Ridge series and a powerful story about healing, facing fears, embracing life after trauma, and choosing love even when it feels risky. After surviving cancer, Clara Hayes is determined to live without hesitation. She’s not wasting another moment—especially when it comes to Holden Forbes, her brother’s best friend and the man she’s loved quietly for years.
Holden has faced his own loss and built walls to keep feelings at bay. But Clara breaks through them simply by being herself—resilient, bold, and unafraid to go after what she wants. She’s done being careful. He’s done pretending. And when danger threatens Clara, it becomes impossible for Holden to stay away.
Their romance simmers with history, unspoken longing, and emotional depth. It’s a love story shaped by grief, fear, and ultimately, hope—proof that sometimes the bravest thing we can do is love fully, scars and all.
Holden has faced his own loss and built walls to keep feelings at bay. But Clara breaks through them simply by being herself—resilient, bold, and unafraid to go after what she wants. She’s done being careful. He’s done pretending. And when danger threatens Clara, it becomes impossible for Holden to stay away.
Their romance simmers with history, unspoken longing, and emotional depth. It’s a love story shaped by grief, fear, and ultimately, hope—proof that sometimes the bravest thing we can do is love fully, scars and all.
July 7, 2025
Another amazing read.
Clara and Holden warmed my heart.
From the beginning of this series, I've been waiting for their story, and it was so worth the wait. Their chemistry and feelings were on point, and they left me craving more.
I didn't want the book to end.
Clara and Holden warmed my heart.
From the beginning of this series, I've been waiting for their story, and it was so worth the wait. Their chemistry and feelings were on point, and they left me craving more.
I didn't want the book to end.
January 10, 2026
Angst and tense and delicious! Clara and Holden have loved each other for years, but she is his best friend’s little sister. Nom nom nom — eating this right up! The mystery with Clara’s roommate and the hospital drama was good too.
July 12, 2025
as always this series serves me a great fun and angsty time!! i was a bit frustrated by holden but i can't wait for the next book i love me a marriage in crisis book!
June 30, 2025
I can never get enough of Nyssa's stories and characters. Each one is my new favourite. And this happens every single time!
I love this story, its characters, the sweet and small town vibe and all the suspense in between the romance that made it work perfectly. It had the perfect balance and I just loved it.
Clara is a sweet woman, with a huge heart that loves to help people and make them happy. She had her life on the line and fought a serious disease and won the battle and since then she gave her best to live her life to the fullest. She is in love since forever with her brother's best friend, Holden. And now he is living permanently in Amber Ridge.
Holden is an ex- ghost ops military that decided to make his best friend's small town his own home. These people became is family over the years and now he sees no point in going away. But that also makes him more close to Clara, the one he can't let himself love. The one he can't stop thinking about. The one he would do anything and everything to cherish an protect.
When weird events start taking place and Clara is in danger, he has to make a choice.
We could feel the anguish in Holden when he thought of how badly he wanted Clara and how strongly he feared giving in to his love for her.
And during the book is so worth it to see them finally give in.
As usual all the other characters are perfectly mixed in the story and we almost want to move into town as well!
I love this story, its characters, the sweet and small town vibe and all the suspense in between the romance that made it work perfectly. It had the perfect balance and I just loved it.
Clara is a sweet woman, with a huge heart that loves to help people and make them happy. She had her life on the line and fought a serious disease and won the battle and since then she gave her best to live her life to the fullest. She is in love since forever with her brother's best friend, Holden. And now he is living permanently in Amber Ridge.
Holden is an ex- ghost ops military that decided to make his best friend's small town his own home. These people became is family over the years and now he sees no point in going away. But that also makes him more close to Clara, the one he can't let himself love. The one he can't stop thinking about. The one he would do anything and everything to cherish an protect.
When weird events start taking place and Clara is in danger, he has to make a choice.
We could feel the anguish in Holden when he thought of how badly he wanted Clara and how strongly he feared giving in to his love for her.
And during the book is so worth it to see them finally give in.
As usual all the other characters are perfectly mixed in the story and we almost want to move into town as well!
February 10, 2026
Kind of annoyed me how much MMC pushed her away
July 13, 2025
I loved everything about Clara and Holden.
Welcome back to Amber Ridge, and the third book in Author Nyssa Kathryn’s aptly named Amber Ridge series about the Hayes Family, two of whom were in the military and came home, both finding love. UNTOUCHED features their sister Clara who has loved their military team brother since she'd first met him. Now he has made his home in Amber Ridge. Each book stands alone, but seriously, I can only urge you to do yourself a favour and start at the beginning especially if you love military romantic suspense trope, and because these characters are outstanding.
I adored Clara from the moment we met her in the first series book, UNAFRAID. Her older brother Jesse came home from the military along with their brother Becket and friend Holden inheriting not two but three over-zealous protectors. Now I loooove over-protective possessive male alphas, but they make terrible and annoying brothers. She'd survived cancer and even as she'd been left suffering from bouts of chronic fatigue syndrome, she lived life to the fullest and these three were all up in her business. I loved that she wanted to experience every opportunity life afforded her even over-extending herself on occasion, but how can anyone come to know their new lease on life if they don't test their own limits.
They don't, and Clara took an issue with this. The guys never doubted her internal strength but continually called into account her physicality all while she felt the man she'd previously confessed her love to still viewed her as a sister and the girl who'd had cancer.
Ms Kathryn paired together two people whose lives had been completely impacted and changed by cancer. We all know the toll this insidious disease takes on lives and family, and know the two extremes of reaction that are taken. One is to run, the other to stay and fight. Unfortunately, while Clara now fought to live life to the fullest and embrace love, Holden ran from the offer of her heart having sworn he'd never be in a position to lose someone he loved ever again. The push-pull of Holden could've become frustrating, but in UNTOUCHED it was pretty much on point.
Holden didn't want to want her, and he most definitely didn’t want anyone else showing an interest, but it wasn't until he realised that he would lose her anyway that he put his big boy pants on.
UNTOUCHED is about strength, both physical and internal. It’s about the determination, resilience to move forward in life with a purpose. And it's very much about the difference in being scared to love and being brave enough to love anyway.
Of course, the suspense element adds another layer within this romance and Ms Kathryn delivered. I thought I'd worked some of it out, but I found this one to be more than a surprise if truth be told. I loved everything about Clara and Holden's book. One stand out character who supported Clara was her cousin Indie who was struggling with the direction in her own life and I really need her to have her own HEA.
So it is on that note, I'll say that have I am in anticipation for Ms Kathryn’s next release.
All up though, Ex-Military-heroes + Hot Alphas + Suspense and some pretty cool leading ladies = one hell of an epic 5-Star ride. It’s a great read! 🖤💛✦
#fbombromancereads #mumsalwaysreading #bookblogger #bookreviewer #bookreview #marnsreads #marnsj
Welcome back to Amber Ridge, and the third book in Author Nyssa Kathryn’s aptly named Amber Ridge series about the Hayes Family, two of whom were in the military and came home, both finding love. UNTOUCHED features their sister Clara who has loved their military team brother since she'd first met him. Now he has made his home in Amber Ridge. Each book stands alone, but seriously, I can only urge you to do yourself a favour and start at the beginning especially if you love military romantic suspense trope, and because these characters are outstanding.
I adored Clara from the moment we met her in the first series book, UNAFRAID. Her older brother Jesse came home from the military along with their brother Becket and friend Holden inheriting not two but three over-zealous protectors. Now I loooove over-protective possessive male alphas, but they make terrible and annoying brothers. She'd survived cancer and even as she'd been left suffering from bouts of chronic fatigue syndrome, she lived life to the fullest and these three were all up in her business. I loved that she wanted to experience every opportunity life afforded her even over-extending herself on occasion, but how can anyone come to know their new lease on life if they don't test their own limits.
They don't, and Clara took an issue with this. The guys never doubted her internal strength but continually called into account her physicality all while she felt the man she'd previously confessed her love to still viewed her as a sister and the girl who'd had cancer.
Ms Kathryn paired together two people whose lives had been completely impacted and changed by cancer. We all know the toll this insidious disease takes on lives and family, and know the two extremes of reaction that are taken. One is to run, the other to stay and fight. Unfortunately, while Clara now fought to live life to the fullest and embrace love, Holden ran from the offer of her heart having sworn he'd never be in a position to lose someone he loved ever again. The push-pull of Holden could've become frustrating, but in UNTOUCHED it was pretty much on point.
Holden didn't want to want her, and he most definitely didn’t want anyone else showing an interest, but it wasn't until he realised that he would lose her anyway that he put his big boy pants on.
UNTOUCHED is about strength, both physical and internal. It’s about the determination, resilience to move forward in life with a purpose. And it's very much about the difference in being scared to love and being brave enough to love anyway.
Of course, the suspense element adds another layer within this romance and Ms Kathryn delivered. I thought I'd worked some of it out, but I found this one to be more than a surprise if truth be told. I loved everything about Clara and Holden's book. One stand out character who supported Clara was her cousin Indie who was struggling with the direction in her own life and I really need her to have her own HEA.
So it is on that note, I'll say that have I am in anticipation for Ms Kathryn’s next release.
All up though, Ex-Military-heroes + Hot Alphas + Suspense and some pretty cool leading ladies = one hell of an epic 5-Star ride. It’s a great read! 🖤💛✦
#fbombromancereads #mumsalwaysreading #bookblogger #bookreviewer #bookreview #marnsreads #marnsj
July 8, 2025
Excellent Story & Narration🎧Gripping & Heartfelt!
Untouched
Amber Ridge, Book 3
By: Nyssa Kathryn
Narrated by: Ava Lucas, Sean Masters
Nyssa Kathryn does it again and pens another fabulous novel set in her amazing “Amber Ridge” series, a small town, brother’s best friend, romantic suspense. As much as I would like to say this series keeps getting better, it would not be fair to the previous books, which are just as amazing, which is something you can say about all of her books. What makes her books so special, the incredible writing, plot, and world building, plus the stars of the show, the characters, who are realistic and relatable. “Untouched” is Clara Hayes’ and Holden Forbes’ story, and wow, it is a story that not only captivates your attention the entire time, but it tugs at your heartstrings too. Clara is a cancer survivor, and it changed so much in her life, but the one thing it did not change was her feelings for Holden, her brother’s best friend. It is time for her to go after what she wants and despite him turning her down once before, she does just that, but it is not so easy when he denies what is between them. Holden feels the chemistry between them, but his battle with his inner demons prevents him from letting anyone into his heart. Clara’s roommate always kept to herself, but whatever she was involved in brings trouble to her home and the danger rises after stumbling on something she shouldn’t have and it is Holden who wants to keep her protected. I loved all the layers of this story and how everything unfolded, both the romance and suspense storylines, a suspense and the mystery behind it that keeps you guessing and on your toes. There is never a dull moment, and the story has the perfect balance of drama, angst, thrilling suspense, mystery, heartfelt emotions, and steamy romance. I was rooting for these Holden and Clara the entire time, and am looking forward to more great things happening in Amber Ridge. Thank you Nyssa Kathryn for another exceptional story and emotional roller coaster ride.
🎧📚🎧 Sean Masters and Ava Lucas delivered an outstanding performance, bringing these characters to life with voices that are fitting for a perfect and believable portrayal of each. Holden’s personality and demeanor, including his inner turmoil, alpha tendency, and protective instincts, were all flawlessly portrayed by Masters. In Clara’s role, Lucas was a natural, completely embodying her personality and demeanor. Both were fantastic performing the roles of the secondary and side characters, too. The emotion in their performance was palpable, making you feel what each character felt. These versatile and superbly talented voice artists are entertaining storytellers and their captivating performance rivets you to the story.
Untouched
Amber Ridge, Book 3
By: Nyssa Kathryn
Narrated by: Ava Lucas, Sean Masters
Nyssa Kathryn does it again and pens another fabulous novel set in her amazing “Amber Ridge” series, a small town, brother’s best friend, romantic suspense. As much as I would like to say this series keeps getting better, it would not be fair to the previous books, which are just as amazing, which is something you can say about all of her books. What makes her books so special, the incredible writing, plot, and world building, plus the stars of the show, the characters, who are realistic and relatable. “Untouched” is Clara Hayes’ and Holden Forbes’ story, and wow, it is a story that not only captivates your attention the entire time, but it tugs at your heartstrings too. Clara is a cancer survivor, and it changed so much in her life, but the one thing it did not change was her feelings for Holden, her brother’s best friend. It is time for her to go after what she wants and despite him turning her down once before, she does just that, but it is not so easy when he denies what is between them. Holden feels the chemistry between them, but his battle with his inner demons prevents him from letting anyone into his heart. Clara’s roommate always kept to herself, but whatever she was involved in brings trouble to her home and the danger rises after stumbling on something she shouldn’t have and it is Holden who wants to keep her protected. I loved all the layers of this story and how everything unfolded, both the romance and suspense storylines, a suspense and the mystery behind it that keeps you guessing and on your toes. There is never a dull moment, and the story has the perfect balance of drama, angst, thrilling suspense, mystery, heartfelt emotions, and steamy romance. I was rooting for these Holden and Clara the entire time, and am looking forward to more great things happening in Amber Ridge. Thank you Nyssa Kathryn for another exceptional story and emotional roller coaster ride.
🎧📚🎧 Sean Masters and Ava Lucas delivered an outstanding performance, bringing these characters to life with voices that are fitting for a perfect and believable portrayal of each. Holden’s personality and demeanor, including his inner turmoil, alpha tendency, and protective instincts, were all flawlessly portrayed by Masters. In Clara’s role, Lucas was a natural, completely embodying her personality and demeanor. Both were fantastic performing the roles of the secondary and side characters, too. The emotion in their performance was palpable, making you feel what each character felt. These versatile and superbly talented voice artists are entertaining storytellers and their captivating performance rivets you to the story.
July 12, 2025
WOOOOW! I have been highly anticipating Hayes and Clara’s book and this story was full of twists and things I never saw coming! There is a building mystery and suspense that had me guessing while questioning everyone and everything! Once I hit play on the audio, I could not stop and easily devoured the entire thing! This series is in 3rd person but I am telling you, that DUET narration by Ava Lucas and Sean Masters is everything and makes it so easy to follow!
Small Town
Brother’s Best Friend
Romantic Suspense
Virgin FMC
Former Ghost Ops MMC
Cancer Survivor Heroine
He’s Scared to Love, She’s
📖Clara has always had a crush on her brother’s best friend Holden and when she got stage four cancer he supported her and even used his time off from missions to come visit her. After beating her cancer, she told him that she loved him and he said nothing. Now they are both back in Amber Ridge and you can still feel the chemistry between them. However, Holden still has his own inner struggles and reasons that make him reluctant to be with her. But now, so much is happening that puts Clara in danger and Holden can’t stay away.
Their journey to love is full of so much tension, angst and emotion as you can feel the love Holden has for Clara but he needs to allow himself to lower those walls and accept the love that she is giving him. Their romance is a slow burn but the deep connection between these two made it so beautiful watching them come together!!
This book can easily be read as a standalone but I highly recommend the whole series as the siblings are interconnected in them! I don’t want to give anything away for this book, so all I’ll say is I’m already SO feral for the next one!!!!
AUDIO REVIEW:
Absolutely phenomenal!! If you have never listened to a 3rd person story with a DUET narration, you are missing out! Ava Lucas and Sean Masters gave such an incredible performance as they embodied these characters, brought to life the emotion and depth of their journey to love and keep you on the edge of your seat as their voices capture you right into the mystery that is happening. I completely devoured this audiobook and loved every minute!!
Ava was perfection as Clara!! Her soft tone was packed with emotion as she brought out every emotion of Clara, while showcasing her strength and resilience for what she’s been through. Sean’s deep sultry tone had me falling hard for Holden’s swoony demeanor while feeling all the feels when talking about why he was hesitant to let himself love. He also has an intense side to his voice that grabs you right into the mystery as well! Overall, these two truly brought to life this incredible story and I cannot recommend it enough!
Small Town
Brother’s Best Friend
Romantic Suspense
Virgin FMC
Former Ghost Ops MMC
Cancer Survivor Heroine
He’s Scared to Love, She’s
📖Clara has always had a crush on her brother’s best friend Holden and when she got stage four cancer he supported her and even used his time off from missions to come visit her. After beating her cancer, she told him that she loved him and he said nothing. Now they are both back in Amber Ridge and you can still feel the chemistry between them. However, Holden still has his own inner struggles and reasons that make him reluctant to be with her. But now, so much is happening that puts Clara in danger and Holden can’t stay away.
Their journey to love is full of so much tension, angst and emotion as you can feel the love Holden has for Clara but he needs to allow himself to lower those walls and accept the love that she is giving him. Their romance is a slow burn but the deep connection between these two made it so beautiful watching them come together!!
This book can easily be read as a standalone but I highly recommend the whole series as the siblings are interconnected in them! I don’t want to give anything away for this book, so all I’ll say is I’m already SO feral for the next one!!!!
AUDIO REVIEW:
Absolutely phenomenal!! If you have never listened to a 3rd person story with a DUET narration, you are missing out! Ava Lucas and Sean Masters gave such an incredible performance as they embodied these characters, brought to life the emotion and depth of their journey to love and keep you on the edge of your seat as their voices capture you right into the mystery that is happening. I completely devoured this audiobook and loved every minute!!
Ava was perfection as Clara!! Her soft tone was packed with emotion as she brought out every emotion of Clara, while showcasing her strength and resilience for what she’s been through. Sean’s deep sultry tone had me falling hard for Holden’s swoony demeanor while feeling all the feels when talking about why he was hesitant to let himself love. He also has an intense side to his voice that grabs you right into the mystery as well! Overall, these two truly brought to life this incredible story and I cannot recommend it enough!
July 10, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ | 2 🌶️ | 4.5 🎧
What to Expect:
- Small Town
- Brother's Best Friend
- Romantic Suspense
- Former Ghost Ops Hero
- Protective Alpha Hero
- Reluctant to Love Hero
- Virgin Heroine
- Slow Burn
- Dual POV
- Duet Narration
We are back in Amber Ridge, and even though danger is always lurking, I am happy to be back. I adored Clara and Holden's story. Holden is Clara’s brother’s best friend, and they’ve known each other for a long time. After leaving the military, Holden moves to Amber Ridge. Clara has loved Holden for years. She moved back home after being diagnosed with cancer five years ago. Holden cares about her, but he’s scared of losing her, especially after losing a loved one. Clara is healthier, stronger, and ready to live life to the fullest. Holden is tough, protective, and will do anything for those he loves, but he has a lot of emotional pain from his past. Their journey to love was beautiful, and I loved watching them give love a chance and fall for each other. Clara and Holden have amazing chemistry, and their slow burn romance was super satisfying. I loved the suspense element of this story, and I was constantly trying to figure out who the villain was. This story was exciting, and the twists and turns had me guessing until the end. Untouched has great characters and an addictive plot, with the perfect mix of small-town romance with unpredictable suspense. I'm excited for the next book in this series.
Narration:
Ava Lucas and Sean Masters perform this audiobook in duet. They were the perfect voices for Clara and Holden. This is an emotional story that touches on some sensitive topics that hit close to home. I felt Ava and Sean perfectly captured every emotion associated with Clara and Holden's personal journeys and their journey to love.
Thanks to Nyssa Kathryn and Blue Nose Audio for the early review opportunity. Opinions expressed are my own.
What to Expect:
- Small Town
- Brother's Best Friend
- Romantic Suspense
- Former Ghost Ops Hero
- Protective Alpha Hero
- Reluctant to Love Hero
- Virgin Heroine
- Slow Burn
- Dual POV
- Duet Narration
We are back in Amber Ridge, and even though danger is always lurking, I am happy to be back. I adored Clara and Holden's story. Holden is Clara’s brother’s best friend, and they’ve known each other for a long time. After leaving the military, Holden moves to Amber Ridge. Clara has loved Holden for years. She moved back home after being diagnosed with cancer five years ago. Holden cares about her, but he’s scared of losing her, especially after losing a loved one. Clara is healthier, stronger, and ready to live life to the fullest. Holden is tough, protective, and will do anything for those he loves, but he has a lot of emotional pain from his past. Their journey to love was beautiful, and I loved watching them give love a chance and fall for each other. Clara and Holden have amazing chemistry, and their slow burn romance was super satisfying. I loved the suspense element of this story, and I was constantly trying to figure out who the villain was. This story was exciting, and the twists and turns had me guessing until the end. Untouched has great characters and an addictive plot, with the perfect mix of small-town romance with unpredictable suspense. I'm excited for the next book in this series.
Narration:
Ava Lucas and Sean Masters perform this audiobook in duet. They were the perfect voices for Clara and Holden. This is an emotional story that touches on some sensitive topics that hit close to home. I felt Ava and Sean perfectly captured every emotion associated with Clara and Holden's personal journeys and their journey to love.
Thanks to Nyssa Kathryn and Blue Nose Audio for the early review opportunity. Opinions expressed are my own.
July 1, 2025
We are back in Amber Ridge where another of the Hayes siblings finds love. Though the road will be a very bumpy one.
Clara Hayes, former lawyer and now an acupuncturist in her hometown, has overcome much in her 29 years. Five years ago her world was shattered with the news that she had cancer. She fought hard and though she occasionally suffers from chronic fatigue, she is now cancer free. Life is good except for one thing, her love life.
She’s been in love for most of her life with Holden Forbes, a former Navy SEAL and her brother Jesse’s best friend.
Holden has been attracted to Clara what seems forever, but he had a great loss when his mother died of cancer. Loving Clara and being with her would mean that he could loose her the way he lost his mother. Something he is determined not to do.
But when Clara is put in danger, everything changes for Holden. Or does it really? Can he handle it if something happens to her?
In the meantime, who is responsible for all the deaths and sickness occurring at the hospital and to the employees?
Can Holden keep Clara safe long enough to find the culprit and the why?
Once again, this very talented author delivers a story filled with heart, family, hope, angst and of course, love.
Whether you read or listen to the story, which by the way the narrators Ava Lucas and Sean Masters bring to life, rest assured to will be transported to Amber Ridge to another winner in the series.
I was entrusted an audiobook copy of this story. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Clara Hayes, former lawyer and now an acupuncturist in her hometown, has overcome much in her 29 years. Five years ago her world was shattered with the news that she had cancer. She fought hard and though she occasionally suffers from chronic fatigue, she is now cancer free. Life is good except for one thing, her love life.
She’s been in love for most of her life with Holden Forbes, a former Navy SEAL and her brother Jesse’s best friend.
Holden has been attracted to Clara what seems forever, but he had a great loss when his mother died of cancer. Loving Clara and being with her would mean that he could loose her the way he lost his mother. Something he is determined not to do.
But when Clara is put in danger, everything changes for Holden. Or does it really? Can he handle it if something happens to her?
In the meantime, who is responsible for all the deaths and sickness occurring at the hospital and to the employees?
Can Holden keep Clara safe long enough to find the culprit and the why?
Once again, this very talented author delivers a story filled with heart, family, hope, angst and of course, love.
Whether you read or listen to the story, which by the way the narrators Ava Lucas and Sean Masters bring to life, rest assured to will be transported to Amber Ridge to another winner in the series.
I was entrusted an audiobook copy of this story. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
August 13, 2025
Welcome back to Amber Ridge, the ‘sleepy’ little Montana town…that is anything but sleepy. Untouched is Clare & Holden’s story & picks up shortly after Unraveled.
Clare is Jesse & Becket Hayes’ younger sister…a cancer survivor & former big-city lawyer, now back home & working as an acupuncturist & at times renting out the extra room in her house.
Holden Forbes is best friends & former teammates with Jesse…and decides to move to Amber Ridge, since he doesn’t have any family to keep him in Minnesota.
What happens when you mix someone who is approaching life without fear (because what’s to fear after beating cancer??) with someone who holds back? Not to mention an roommate that might not be who she claims to be??
Weird things start happening…and somehow Clare gets dragged into the middle.
Can Clare & Holden (with the help of Clare’s brothers…because they’re not going to just sit on the sidelines) figure things out before things get out of control??
Can Clare help Holden ‘breakdown’ his barriers around his heart??
The answers are in the pages of Untouched, the third book in the Amber Ridge series that is out now. I’m loving this series…the close knit family & friends…the banter…the small town feel. If you haven’t read any of the Amber Ridge series…don’t worry—Untouched is a great place to start, and then you can go back & read how Clare’s brothers got their happily ever-afters.
Can’t wait for the fourth book in the series to be released in September. Five out of five stars.
Clare is Jesse & Becket Hayes’ younger sister…a cancer survivor & former big-city lawyer, now back home & working as an acupuncturist & at times renting out the extra room in her house.
Holden Forbes is best friends & former teammates with Jesse…and decides to move to Amber Ridge, since he doesn’t have any family to keep him in Minnesota.
What happens when you mix someone who is approaching life without fear (because what’s to fear after beating cancer??) with someone who holds back? Not to mention an roommate that might not be who she claims to be??
Weird things start happening…and somehow Clare gets dragged into the middle.
Can Clare & Holden (with the help of Clare’s brothers…because they’re not going to just sit on the sidelines) figure things out before things get out of control??
Can Clare help Holden ‘breakdown’ his barriers around his heart??
The answers are in the pages of Untouched, the third book in the Amber Ridge series that is out now. I’m loving this series…the close knit family & friends…the banter…the small town feel. If you haven’t read any of the Amber Ridge series…don’t worry—Untouched is a great place to start, and then you can go back & read how Clare’s brothers got their happily ever-afters.
Can’t wait for the fourth book in the series to be released in September. Five out of five stars.
July 6, 2025
I’m really enjoying this series with the Hayes siblings. Book three in the Amber Ridge series is about Clara Hayes and Holden Forbes.
Clara is the youngest sibling. A go-getter lawyer in New York, she has become a professional acupuncturist in her hometown. Clara’s brush with cancer made her look at her life differently, and she decided to embrace all aspects of it.
Holden is almost a Hayes family member after having served with Jesse. He lost his mother to cancer at sixteen, which traumatised him incredibly. Settling in Amber Ridge was a no-brainer for Holden. Starting a new career as a carpenter with incredible talent meant he was busy, busy, busy.
Holden had always been close to Clara, but knowing the pain of loss, he would never take a chance with her. After revealing her true feelings for him, Clara took a huge step back to protect her heart. I felt so sorry for Holden, and although I felt for him, I wanted to shake him a time or two to help him see what he’s missing.
Their on-then-off-again romance coincides with a weird set of events at the local hospital. Scarlett, Clara’s roommate, sets the cat among the pigeons as well. I honestly had no idea who was doing what until the end and even then there’s a great twist.
Now, I have to be patient for book 4, Indie and Colt’s story. I can’t wait, I’m already worried about his mother!
Clara is the youngest sibling. A go-getter lawyer in New York, she has become a professional acupuncturist in her hometown. Clara’s brush with cancer made her look at her life differently, and she decided to embrace all aspects of it.
Holden is almost a Hayes family member after having served with Jesse. He lost his mother to cancer at sixteen, which traumatised him incredibly. Settling in Amber Ridge was a no-brainer for Holden. Starting a new career as a carpenter with incredible talent meant he was busy, busy, busy.
Holden had always been close to Clara, but knowing the pain of loss, he would never take a chance with her. After revealing her true feelings for him, Clara took a huge step back to protect her heart. I felt so sorry for Holden, and although I felt for him, I wanted to shake him a time or two to help him see what he’s missing.
Their on-then-off-again romance coincides with a weird set of events at the local hospital. Scarlett, Clara’s roommate, sets the cat among the pigeons as well. I honestly had no idea who was doing what until the end and even then there’s a great twist.
Now, I have to be patient for book 4, Indie and Colt’s story. I can’t wait, I’m already worried about his mother!
July 10, 2025
Untouched is the 3rd installment in Nyssa's Amber Ridge series.
I have been so excited for this book ever since I saw the blossoming romance between Holden and Clara in the first book of Unafraid.
I love how in this book Clara's brothers were in full support of the two pursuing a relationship between themselves and weren't the typical over protective and unsupportive brothers for Clara.
This book has the tropes of small town, ex-military MMC, alpha and overprotective MMC, wild and carefree FMC, past illnesses, suspense, and a happily ever after.
Nyssa did an amazing job of showing the struggles of someone who has dealt with a chronic illness (cancer) and overcome it and doesn't let it rule the way she lives. These struggles, and real-world problems made the characters relatable and real to read about.
Nyssa is always a 5-star read for me, and I always know what I am going into when I pick up one of her novels, but she does always do a fantastic job of hiding the 'villain' of the story until she is ready to let them be known. I had so many guesses throughout the story of who it might have been, and I was wrong with all of them!
I can't wait to pick up Colt and Indie's story with the next book. This next one will be close to my heart after going through a recent breakup, and I am prepared to suffer through all the feelings with this next rollercoaster.
I have been so excited for this book ever since I saw the blossoming romance between Holden and Clara in the first book of Unafraid.
I love how in this book Clara's brothers were in full support of the two pursuing a relationship between themselves and weren't the typical over protective and unsupportive brothers for Clara.
This book has the tropes of small town, ex-military MMC, alpha and overprotective MMC, wild and carefree FMC, past illnesses, suspense, and a happily ever after.
Nyssa did an amazing job of showing the struggles of someone who has dealt with a chronic illness (cancer) and overcome it and doesn't let it rule the way she lives. These struggles, and real-world problems made the characters relatable and real to read about.
Nyssa is always a 5-star read for me, and I always know what I am going into when I pick up one of her novels, but she does always do a fantastic job of hiding the 'villain' of the story until she is ready to let them be known. I had so many guesses throughout the story of who it might have been, and I was wrong with all of them!
I can't wait to pick up Colt and Indie's story with the next book. This next one will be close to my heart after going through a recent breakup, and I am prepared to suffer through all the feelings with this next rollercoaster.
July 11, 2025
This was my first Nyssa Kathryn book and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Clara and Holden bring the tension with this slow burn. He is her brother’s best friend and she has loved him for years. He has closed himself off to ever loving someone that can be taken from him and fights his feelings for Clara…until he no longer can.
I wouldn’t quite call them grumpy/sunshine but Clara brings more light to Holden’s life with her positive/optimistic way of thinking. There was a time or two where Holden’s stubbornness had me angry at him but he redeemed himself quickly.
I loved the suspense aspect to the story and was trying to figure it out. The author wrote it well enough that some of it I expected but she managed a plot twist I did not see coming.
********AUDIO REVIEW********
It is narrated in duet style with Ava Lucas and Sean Masters I was immediately hooked. Both of these narrators are ones who have true talent. They had multiple characters they needed to give life to and did it exquisitely. Sean is one of those male narrators that you cannot wait until his parts are playing.
There are times when emotions were necessary and the fastest way to become a favorite narrator for me is portrayal of emotions and these two nailed them.
And the way they sound together….so natural. Their voices mesh very well making the listening experience that much more enjoyable.
Clara and Holden bring the tension with this slow burn. He is her brother’s best friend and she has loved him for years. He has closed himself off to ever loving someone that can be taken from him and fights his feelings for Clara…until he no longer can.
I wouldn’t quite call them grumpy/sunshine but Clara brings more light to Holden’s life with her positive/optimistic way of thinking. There was a time or two where Holden’s stubbornness had me angry at him but he redeemed himself quickly.
I loved the suspense aspect to the story and was trying to figure it out. The author wrote it well enough that some of it I expected but she managed a plot twist I did not see coming.
********AUDIO REVIEW********
It is narrated in duet style with Ava Lucas and Sean Masters I was immediately hooked. Both of these narrators are ones who have true talent. They had multiple characters they needed to give life to and did it exquisitely. Sean is one of those male narrators that you cannot wait until his parts are playing.
There are times when emotions were necessary and the fastest way to become a favorite narrator for me is portrayal of emotions and these two nailed them.
And the way they sound together….so natural. Their voices mesh very well making the listening experience that much more enjoyable.
July 12, 2025
Untouched by Nyssa Kathryn is a beautifully written and emotionally rich story that blends heartfelt romance with just the right touch of suspense. Clara Hayes is a strong, courageous heroine who’s rebuilt her life after surviving cancer, and her determination to live without regrets makes her instantly compelling. Her chemistry with Holden Forbes is undeniable, and their history adds depth to every interaction. The slow-burn romance between them is tender, electric, and layered with emotional vulnerability.
Holden is a standout hero—guarded yet deeply loyal, shaped by past grief and afraid to open himself up again. Watching him slowly fall for Clara and fight against his fears is both heart-wrenching and incredibly satisfying. The danger surrounding Clara and her mysterious roommate adds urgency to the story, keeping the pages turning and the tension high. The suspense is well-woven into the romance, never overpowering the emotional journey but adding just the right amount of thrill.
Nyssa Kathryn excels at creating real, flawed, and deeply human characters. The setting of Amber Ridge adds warmth and charm, making this feel like more than just a love story—it’s a story about healing, courage, and second chances. Untouched is the kind of book that stays with you, one that makes you feel and root for love that’s fought for and fully earned. A powerful, unforgettable read.
Holden is a standout hero—guarded yet deeply loyal, shaped by past grief and afraid to open himself up again. Watching him slowly fall for Clara and fight against his fears is both heart-wrenching and incredibly satisfying. The danger surrounding Clara and her mysterious roommate adds urgency to the story, keeping the pages turning and the tension high. The suspense is well-woven into the romance, never overpowering the emotional journey but adding just the right amount of thrill.
Nyssa Kathryn excels at creating real, flawed, and deeply human characters. The setting of Amber Ridge adds warmth and charm, making this feel like more than just a love story—it’s a story about healing, courage, and second chances. Untouched is the kind of book that stays with you, one that makes you feel and root for love that’s fought for and fully earned. A powerful, unforgettable read.
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