Temptation

by Shana Gray

A man used to getting what he wants, Tom Rourke doesn’t take being discarded lightly. Smarting from Ellie’s rejection, he still can’t get her out of his head. She’d roused feelings in him he didn’t know existed. But they are no longer together. Refocusing his energy into ownership of the Black Phantom, he meets Heather Canyon. She casts an erotic web, but Rourke must resist her – or does he? – if she is to be his manager.

Rourke’s proposition is the perfect opportunity for dominatrix Heather to start anew and let her talents shine.

Ellie thought ending things with Rourke was the answer to her obsession with him. Her feelings for him run so much deeper than she thought possible. He is everything she desires, but he’s her boss.

The more time Ellie and Rourke spend apart, the greater their longing for each other grows, culminating in a decision that could alter both of their futures

127 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 25, 2025

About the author

Shana Gray writes contemporary romance and women’s fiction that just might make you laugh. With 40+ books behind her, some translated into multiple languages, she’s always eyeing the next story line. Usually she can be found daydreaming about life, and making travel plans to far off lands to feed her wanderlust.

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Reviews

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Temptation Shana Gray
What can I say about this awesomeness from Shana Gray , blew me the eff away! Tom Rourke doesn’t accept rejection well . In fact he’s thinking what the hell ?! He’s the new owner of the Black Phantom . There’s just one temptress for him and that’s his Ellie. But she doesn’t want her rise in ranks to be attributed to sleeping with the boss ,not on your Nellie,so she had to end it of course. Remembering her as Ariana makes his dick twitch ,he’s feeling the itch in his distant memory but he’s got to pull himself out of it . There’s the club needs handling in his own special way. Makes sense to stay on the floor where he can see more of what’s going right or wrong .Diverse clientele ,they don’t kiss and tell . Keep coming back for more of the same and before long it’s getting a good name ,this club of his . He might branch out do more business elsewhere. Maybe Manhattan who knows. His girls are pros and ever so discreet. But Heather comes to call and she’s the dominatrix that the Black Phantom needs but what of Tom? Mr Rourke is the boss ,Heather the manager and the Dominatrix ruling the club at night . Does he dabble in the delight? Or does he just dream of being with Ellie? The push n pull and the oh what a thrill that devours them both raises its head and there’s no turning back so why not go forward instead? …. What does this all mean? Ellie sure keeps him keening for her ,she’s Ariana for sure more and more . But does she have the right attitude to go for what she wants ,the memory of Rourke taunts. This book is a decadent and tempting delight that lights up all the senses and it’s an awesomely well described,believable story . I love everything about this book and those characters are really top shelf . Well it is after all a .Shana Gray book so it shouldn’t be a surprise that this storytelling does mesmerize and the storyline absolutely divine and compelling .

[Praline 99 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Workplace romance.
Ellie broke up with Rourke, the only man she could be herself with because he's her new boss. Now she spends her time avoiding him and wondering if she made a mistake.
Rourke has just bought the club where he met Ellie. He immerses himself in work and chores at the club to try to forget Ellie. He hires Heather, a dominatrix, to run his BDSM club. This woman is a real temptation for Rourke, but nothing comes close to Ellie.
Will Ellie and Rourke get a second chance, or will Rourke give in to the beautiful Heathérapie….

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

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Temptation Shana Gray
What can I say about this awesomeness from Shana Gray , blew me the eff away! Tom Rourke doesn’t accept rejection well . In fact he’s thinking what the hell ?! He’s the new owner of the Black Phantom . There’s just one temptress for him and that’s his Ellie. But she doesn’t want her rise in ranks to be attributed to sleeping with the boss ,not on your Nellie,so she had to end it of course. Remembering her as Ariana makes his dick twitch ,he’s feeling the itch in his distant memory but he’s got to pull himself out of it . There’s the club needs handling in his own special way. Makes sense to stay on the floor where he can see more of what’s going right or wrong .Diverse clientele ,they don’t kiss and tell . Keep coming back for more of the same and before long it’s getting a good name ,this club of his . He might branch out do more business elsewhere. Maybe Manhattan who knows. His girls are pros and ever so discreet. But Heather comes to call and she’s the dominatrix that the Black Phantom needs but what of Tom? Mr Rourke is the boss ,Heather the manager and the Dominatrix ruling the club at night . Does he dabble in the delight? Or does he just dream of being with Ellie? The push n pull and the oh what a thrill that devours them both raises its head and there’s no turning back so why not go forward instead? …. What does this all mean? Ellie sure keeps him keening for her ,she’s Ariana for sure more and more . But does she have the right attitude to go for what she wants ,the memory of Rourke taunts. This book is a decadent and tempting delight that lights up all the senses and it’s an awesomely well described,believable story . I love everything about this book and those characters are really top shelf . Well it is after all a .Shana Gray book so it shouldn’t be a surprise that this storytelling does mesmerize and the storyline absolutely divine and compelling .

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is steamy. Maybe to the detriment of the storyline? It is a cliffhanger type of book, which may be why when it was finished,I felt a sense of dissatisfaction.
I was intrigued by the 'relationship' between Ellie/Ariana and I hope further books address that. I was waiting for an explanation or even a hint of how this 'relationship' came to be and that wasn't really addressed.

However, the sparks between Ellie and the 'masked maitre-d' heated up my bedroom. The weatherman said it's because of the sun but I know better! And the scene in the company meeting...Yeah. Read the book ... you will see.

I think book 2 in the series is going to be released soon so now is a good time to check out this series. Have ice water close by!

[Linda Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Close together or far apart, you are forever in my heart...

Ellie believed breaking things off with Rourke would bring her closure, instead it makes her want him even more.  The bond between them is much stronger than she thought.

Rourke tries to move forward in his life, but its a losing battle. He is besotted with Ellie and can't seem to get her out of his head.  The magnetism between these characters cannot be denied.

This story is passionate, seductive and definitely steamy. A cold shower is highly recommended after reading their story.

[Praline 99 · Rating 5 out of 5]

work romance. (story in several parts)
Ellie is a young woman who likes to go to a private club and transform herself into Ariana, a woman free to live out her fantasies. However, she did not expect to experience a magical night with the masked butler.
Will Ellie and the magnificent butler live a beautiful story or will the latter's secret identity separate them...
I can't wait to read the rest.

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

[Jenia Tortora · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ellie and Rourke had a strong connection with a lot of push and pull. It seemed like the amount of spice came first and the plot was secondary. The story was slow and as much as I like a spicy read about feel like this wasn’t as good as it could have been. Still going to read book two in the hopes that it gets better.

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

[Shana Gray]

Author Thoughts
Temptation is book two in the Black Phantom Books. I haven't written book three yet, but it's in my head and I'm still working out a title :)
Book one is Obsession which also has a discreet cover.
mr lover is also set in the Black Phantom world, but in a different city, which is so fun!
xx

[Guionie · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is a 1.5 star read. For it being less than 100 pages I couldn’t finish it at all I had to force myself just to get to the halfway mark. It was very confusing, I felt as if I the reader was picked up and dropped in the middle some book.

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

[Mary Almeida · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story takes you from 0 to 60 really quickly on the hottest read ever. Excellent characters great development between them, leaves you wanting more of their story.

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

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ellie and Rourke had a really strong connection, but choose to walk away from him. They both felt the loss. Will they come back together? An interesting read. Received a free copy.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welcome back to the Black Phantom, a club where anything goes and it's the continuing saga of Tom Rourke and Ella Taylor who Tom cannot forget. His need for her is off the charts and no other will do it for him. He must get her back in his life and in his bed. But Ella cannot have a relationship with him knowing he owns the company she works for and denies them both. And little does she know that Tom has bought the The Black Phantom and has put a manager in place to run the club, and when she finds out and finds them together, she is heart broken... But Tom will do anything to have her back in his arms and his life. We are also introduced to Heather who is a dominatrix and the manager of the club. Tom Rourke tries to move on from Ella, but even Heather cannot take her place.

This was a very intense and sensual read. It's also a love story and filled with emotion and heart. I loved how Rourke will do anything for Ella. It is also very explicit and bold in a the sex club acts. It's a good story that keeps the reader wanting to find out what happens next with Tom and Ella.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Louise J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book two in the “Black Phantom” series and follows on from book one. Things are changing at the Black Phantom club, with Rourke as the new owner, and he needs a manager who can run the business and be discreet. Enter Heather, a dominatrix who is looking for a change of scene. When they meet, there’s an instant spark but Rourke’s mind is still on his ex Ellie, who works for him in his other business. Struggling to suppress his needs, and intrigued by Heather’s confidence and work as a dominatrix, can Rourke resist temptation? Ellie feels stuck after ending her relationship with Rourke so decides to return to the Black Phantom to reconnect with her sensual side but things come crashing down when they finally see each other again. This is a sensual, evocative and steamy tale which draws you deeper into the tempting world of the Black Phantom.

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

[PugLover · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in the Black Phantom series. Ellie and Rourke are still broken up, only interacting when needed for work, but they miss each other. Rourke has bought the Black Phantom. He hires Heather as the manager. He's drawn to Heather but keeps remembering Ellie. Ellie decides she needs to go back to the club and runs into Rourke and Heather coming out of a private room. Ellie's response proves to Rourke that she still cares for him, and he's no longer going to stay away. Ellie is forced to be with Rourke when they are the only two aboard a private jet to Japan for work. After talking, they confess their love for each other and extend their stay in Japan.

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

[Karen Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m ready for Obsession! This series keeps getting better and better! Rourke is the new owner of the Black Phantom Club. His new manager, Heather has some hidden talents and a past. In this book it’s all about Rourke and his desire to get Ellie back-remember she broke up with him in book one. Rourke isn’t innocent in this book like Ellie is. Let’s put it this way, Rourke needs a release. When Ellie finds out Rourke is the new owner of the club she met him at, how will she react? Will they get back together? Will a work trip to Japan spark old feelings for Ellie and Rourke? Wait til you find out!

[L KQ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Separation Broke Him

Rourke and Ellie's separation left him broken but business needs go on. However, he can't stop thinking of her even when opportunity spice things up for a while. It was a quick read with all kinds of steamy moments, until love could find a way back. The story was intriguing but still left me with some unanswered questions.

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

[Michele Flannery · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has many points of view but the main two characters in this story are Rourke and Ellie. They were two halves of a whole but she panicked and split them up. As their stories evolve other characters enter in giving Rourke more depth. In the end these two find their way back to each other.

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

[Shana Gray]

I'm thrilled to bring Book 2 in the Black Phantom series to my readers. The paperback is available Sept 9 once it goes live on Amazon and the ebook is scheduled for Sept 25. It was a fun book to write and I really hope my readers love it as much as I do.
Shana xxx

[Mary Almeida · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part two of this couples journey was very steamy and enlightening. Very hot read with a few hard choices to be made.

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

[Narelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tom and Ellie may be apart but can't stop thinking of each other. A sexy and erotic read in the club with multiple POVs, new staff and plenty of sizzle.

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

[Jenia Tortora · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rourke and Ellie are broken up and hurt. The back and forth between Rourke feelings and actions is a twist. Im not sure if this book has the same draw as the first.

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