Ryan's Temptation

Arresting Onyx #2.5

by Amber Daulton

Wrong place, wrong time. Now she’s running for her life.
Beautician Chanel Leroc can wield a pair of scissors like nobody’s business. After she witnesses a murder and lands on a serial killer’s hit list, she has to figure out how to protect herself—and fast. The killer tracks her down, but her sexy new neighbor, Dr. Ryan Naylor, drives the brute off.
The police dump the pair in a witness protection program, which doesn’t last long. Either the killer has a connection to the police, or he’s far more intelligent than they realize. All Chanel wants to do is get back to her safe life and get to know her neighbor better. Instead, she and Ryan hit the road and try to survive on their own.
How will they stay alive and keep their blooming romance intact with the killer hot on their trail?

-- Book 2.5 in the sexy, stand-alone, romantic suspense series, Arresting Onyx.

Genres: Romance

Unknown Binding

Published August 9, 2022

About the author

Amber Daulton writes raw, edgy romantic suspense and dark cartel romance featuring high stakes, deep passion, and defiant hearts. She’s the author of the Lozano Cartel, Arresting Onyx, Embracing You, and Ramseys in Time series, as well as a rich catalog of standalone novellas. Her books are available worldwide in digital, print, and select audio formats.
From her home base in North Carolina, she builds dangerous criminal underworlds and maps out fierce, second-chance love stories alongside her supportive husband and her demanding feline writing assistant, Zita.

👉 Get a Free Ebook when you join my Inner Circle: https://amberdaulton.com/newsletter-s...
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Reviews

[Tracey]

This is an entertaining, steamy, fast paced, romantic suspense novella. It has a brave female protagonist, a hot, caring, physician male protagonist, intrigue, family drama, and a happily ever after ending. This is the third entry in Ms. Daulton's outstanding Arresting Onyx series, and can easily be read and enjoyed as a stand alone. Ms. Daulton kindly provided me with an ARC of her novella, and this is my honest review.

[Samantha]

Part of the Arresting Onyx Series.

I was honoured to be approached by the authoress as part of her ARC to receive a copy of the book for an honest review. I read it in one sitting, it was an easy read and a standalone romantic suspense novella in the 'Arresting Onyx" series.

The central characters are Chanel and Dr Ryan. Chanel witnesses a murder and Dr Ryan saves her but the serial killer gets away with her wallet containing her address. Chanel and Dr Ryan end up in witness protection but that doesn't work out. They decide to go it alone, with a serial killer in pursuit and someone helping him, as there was a leak from the inside.

What gives the story weight is that this is their story, we see romance bud and take root. It is full of suspense which gives the story pace, all of which is further enhanced by how she builds and develops her characters. Daulton's speciality is her character descriptions, they carry the plot. Her character portrayal of the serial killer was very interesting including how it he had help to cover it up his crime and again this shows how she develops her characters throughout the story.

If you are wanting an easy to read romance, with a deeper plot to the storyline and a HEA then this is a book for you!

[Karen Hollon]

This book will grab your attention til the very end! Wonderfully written, characters are believable and relatable. I have not yet read the two stories before this one and that’s ok. This story brings the previous characters into this story but not in such a way that the reader becomes lost.

[Kathy Heare Watts]

CHANEL, RYAN, AND A KILLER

The story is part of the Arresting Onyx Series by Amber Daulton but will read well as a stand-alone. The two main characters will be beautician Chanel Leroc and Dr. Ryan Naylor. The story will have Chanel at the wrong place, wrong time, and now in the site of a serial killer dubbed the Streetwalker Killer. The story has secrets, mystery, suspense, life and death danger, murder, attempted murder, and two witnesses becoming fugitives to survive.

The story’s plot will have Chanel Leroc hearing a woman crying for help, and she goes to see what is happening and witnesses a man kill her. The assailant escapes with Chanel’s purse, giving him her address. But now, Chanel has seen his face, and he can’t leave a witness alive. What saves Chael will be Dr. Ryan Naylor, and his coworkers coming to her aid.

The story has the good, the bad, and the ugly of people. Chanel will survive one attack only to arrive home and come face to face with the deranged killer again—Ryan will hear her scream and come busting into her apartment and will save her life. Now, the police are involved—they are putting both of them in protective custody while they try and catch a killer. Only that doesn’t work out, and they are on the run—without protection. Is there a mole within the police force? Who can they trust?

The story will have Chanel and Ryan on the run, and they must keep a low profile since their pictures are now plastered on the news as if they are criminals. With the assistance of a few friends, they find a place to hide, where they feel they can be safe. But for how long? Both of them have put their lives and careers on hold, and a killer is still on the loose.

I loved the story and how Chanel and Ryan rely on each other, learning to trust one another and do everything they can to protect their friends and family. The downside is not telling friends and family where they are. The chemistry between these two sizzles, and eventually, it will change to physical. The story does include intimate scenes and does have a happy ending.

[Cathy Brockman]

Chanel left the diner and heard a cry for help in the alley not realizing how serious she stepped in to find it was the serial killer, when she screamed for help a man grabbed her,it was her handsome neighbor and dr . They barely escape being put into a safe house together but soon, the killer comes there, meaning there is a leak . They go on on the run to save themselves and figure out how to get help.

I have read a couple of the books in this
Series but this stands alone enough you don’t have to read the others first ( but they are good and you meet her friends and Chanel so why not?)
The characters are interesting, Ryan is sexy and charming if not a bit cocky, Chanel is strong and the real hero, and we get to meet the other friends in the end again.
The plot is interesting, fast paced, the story is short since this is one of the short stories but so so good.
It’s nail biting and keeps you on your toes and the sex is really hot

[Charlotte Glass]

Fast paced and easy to read - a definite page turner. Chanel, a hairdresser who likes glitter and tassels, and the far more sober and down to earth Ryan, are thrown together when she witnesses a crime and the killer finds out who she is and where she lives. Amber Daulton very convincingly takes us through the chase and the ticking clock that begins to wind down as Chanel is thrown into witness protection with a young doctor, Ryan Naylor and the two of them don't hit it off. Or do they? Ms. Daulton gives us a very clear sense of the dreary hotel rooms, the emotional seesaw of their growing affection for each other, and brings the story to a very satisfying conclusion. Well plotted and certainly a "goodread."

[Terry Babb]

Oh my hat!...
Riveting page turner that sucked me in & spat me out on repeat. I'm not one to tell the sory but it was deep, dark & dangerous with a murderer on the rampage, an innocent witness he's out to kill. Underpinning this was an unexpected but real love interest, a doctor who wanted to protect her, the police were inadequate. Would he be able to become her true hero. Highly recommended. I received an arc this is my honest & voluntary review.

[Renee Entress]

4 star

The story has laughs, suspense, secrets, and pain.

This is Chanel and Ryan’s story. Chanel and Ryan are neighbors. When she witnesses something, she should not have she runs. Dr. Ryan helps her out and they go into protective custody, but the killer is back on them right away. Knowing they can only count on them selves they go on the run together with only each other as protection. Can they keep each other protected? As they flee and stay on the run they fall for each other. The author keeps you latched on the story with the suspense that keeps you turning the pages. The banter from the main characters helped keep things light throughout the story.

I recommend this book.

[Paula Genereau]

I loved this book. It was amazing. Such a well written book

[Nanasbookreviews]

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zwDD...
Blog: https://nanasbookreviews.wordpress.co...

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Ryan's Temptation by Amber Daulton is a romantic suspense. It's part of the Arresting Onyx series.

The story is about Beautician Chanel Leroc and Dr. Ryan Naylor. Chanel witnessed a murder and was almost killed by the serial killer when her neighbor Ryan found her. They went into witness protection together and started developing feelings for each other. The police had promised them that they would catch him in a week but he was smarter than them and had connections. Chanel couldn't handle being away from her family and friends and did something that could possibly end her life if the plan didn't work.

It's such a great book. It's well written with a great plot and good world-building. It started with an intense scene and ended with a sweet one. I was addicted to it and finished it in a couple of hours. I liked the suspense with the killings and the hiding. But mostly I loved the blooming romance. The characters had good chemistry in and out of bed. Their banters were my favorite part
of their interactions. Their love scenes were too hot and passionate.

This is such an easy book to read, I didn't even understand when I went from the first page to the last. If you like this genre, I highly recommend you to buy this one. I will rate it with 5 stars.

[patrick Lorelli]

I received this book for an honest review:

First, I must say my review is late for life has gotten away from me and all of my reviews are behind but I am especially sorry about this one.
The story opens with a woman screaming and she is being attacked, the person who comes to try and help her is a beautician from across the street. Chanel though now just puts herself into the line of the attacker. Once going back to her apartment after the police talk to her she realizes that the attacker has her address, again fighting though this time a neighbor Dr. Ryan Naylor comes to her aid. Now wanting to put her into protective custody which you think will work for the D.A. the attacker has found her there as well. Once again the doctor comes to her aid but this time they take off together thinking that someone in the police is helping the attacker.
I found this story to be fast-paced with much suspense to keep me the reader gripped from page to page as well as what and who was the person helping. Also, you get some follow-up from the characters from the previous books. I found this to be a very good read. I received this Arc from the author I gave it 5 stars.

[BooksBooksandmoreBooks69]

Ryan's Temptation is by another new author I’ve not read before, it’s a short story, but what it lacks in chapters it more than makes up for in drama and suspense. It's part of the Arresting Onyx series. Which I’ve not read, but I’m adding to my TBR list. It’s not necessary to read the previous books to enjoy this one.

Chanel was only trying to help rescue a woman she thought was being attacked. Instead she’s on the run from a killer who now knows what she looks like…..
She’s a great character, a beautician with a sense of right and wrong.

Ryan is a Doctor, he comes to the rescue of Chanel his neighbour when she’s attacked in her home, he scares off the assailant
I liked Ryan, he’s a strong character that isn’t afraid to help someone, his attraction to Chanel did have me chuckling, that man was smitten almost immediately. 

Both making statements to the police, they think it’s only a matter of time before he’s caught. But when they are told to go into witness protection for their safety, both Ryan and Chanel agree on the conditions they go together.
Being in witness protection has Ryan and Chanel relying on one another, friendship turns into romance….
But the killer is onto them, is it someone on their case feeding information to the killer? Or is he really a mastermind that has worked out where they went?
Going on the run together is their only option, they need to stay one step ahead him…..

It's a really good book.
It's well written with a great plot and great characters. We start with an intense moment, and the story just races you along.
I was drawn into their world and couldn’t put it down. I finished it in a couple of hours.
I really liked the suspense and the drama, the killer is methodical and your drawn into trying to figure out if it’s an inside job or a clever killer.
The chemistry between Ryan and Chanel is wild. They bicker and banter, they are passionate about their jobs and one another, and the author captures it all brilliantly.

Can Ryan and Chanel make a go of it once the killer is caught. Or will the adrenaline/passion finally wear off once they are home and living their normal lives?

I’d recommend this book if you like drama/action/suspense and a big helping of romance.


🦋

[Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews]

I read the synopsis for Ryan’s Temptation and, no pun intended, I was tempted to read this book. LOL

If the synopsis didn’t arouse my attention, then the first sentence of the story surely did. “The piercing cry froze the blood in Chanel Leroc’s veins”.

Chanel is the heroine of the story. I am undecided if she’s brave or lacks common sense. Let’s think about it for a minute. Chanel hears a cry for help, and she asks herself, “What kind of person would that make me if I abandon someone who might be hurt?” I’d say that would make her a smart person. Chanel is a beauty beautician with no weapon. But does that stop her? Her choices wouldn’t be my choices, but it sure set up the suspense. What Chanel thinks next and what happens right after is the perfect setup for the story and plot. Chanel even meets her new neighbor in an unconventional way.

Needless to say, it didn’t matter to me at that point if Chanel was brave or stupid. Ryan is the new neighbor that Chanel couldn’t stop thinking about. Chanel can’t resist men with a cleft in their chin, or dimples. It’s remarkable that her new neighbor, Ryan Naylor, the hero in the story, has both. He is simply breathtaking.

If you like to watch the tv show “Criminal Minds” as I do, then this story might delight you as it did me. Ryan’s Temptation would make an entertaining episode for any of those crime solving police shows on tv. The plot is predictable as they come but I still rapidly turned the pages to solve the mystery. The romance was electrifying as much as the suspense was riveting. I couldn’t get to the end fast enough. Once I finished the book, I felt quite satisfied.

The story was well written as I read to find out “How will Chanel and Ryan stay alive and keep their blooming romance intact with the killer hot on their trail?”. This story is book 2.5 in a series but can be read as a standalone. If you are in the mood to raise your blood pressure either by a steamy romance or sitting on the edge of your seat, then this book might be a good choice for you. I’m glad I read it. Happy Reading!

[Amys Bookshelf Reviews]

Amber Daulton writes a remarkable tale with Ryan's Temptation

In Ryan's Temptation, the reader is brought into the life of Ryan Naylor, who is investigating a murder and saves her neighbor from the same fate. I am a big fan of Amber Daulton and want to read whatever this author writes. This author has a grand imagination, and talent for showing the story. The story is a thrilling romantic suspense that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. Insert Chanel Leroc, a brave beautician who finds herself on a serial killer’s hit list after witnessing a murder. ​Her journey of survival, paired with the budding romance with her neighbor, Dr. Ryan Naylor, is both gripping and heartwarming. What an excellent talent of blending action, danger, and romance, creating a fast-paced narrative that keeps readers engaged. The chemistry between Chanel and Ryan is palpable, and their relationship evolves naturally amidst the chaos. ​ Chanel’s courage and Ryan’s protective nature make them a compelling pair to root for. The book’s suspenseful moments are well-executed, with twists that keep you guessing. The antagonist, Paul Foley, is chillingly portrayed, adding depth to the danger Chanel faces. The author also touches on themes of trauma and resilience, which add emotional layers to the story. It has strong characters, and thriller drive plot. Unpredictable, with twists all the way to the end. Ryan's Temptation is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book also write a review.

[Rik Ty]

Deep in the very last pages of this book, the author mentions that this is one of several novellas she wrote featuring incidental background characters from another, major project of hers. That puts a whole new spin on this particular project.
I never would have guessed the main character of this story was a minor character somewhere else. Though, now that I know – I have to laugh about one scene – spoilers – there is a scene where the main character (a little stridently) defends the value, work ethic, and artistic merit of hairdressing, and I thought at the time “Whoa, where is this coming from?” But now I know. No one is dismissible. No one is a support character in their own life. Do I think the author went overboard a little bit? Maybe a tiny bit in this instance, but who can’t applaud the idea? And it’s four sentences or so anyway – a very minor (but funny) detail.
This is a short book, where the very vibrant main character gets pulled into a murder case by witnessing a crime (she is also quickly assisted by a young dr.). The two get put in witness protection, and that is the excuse for a lot of fun romance stuff. Honestly, I wasn’t convinced during the scenes featuring the villain. He’s definitely the hero of his own life, but please, I don’t want to hear any more about him.
Steamy fun. Sure, jump in!

[P.J. Ashton]

Ryan's Temptation had the best start of all the Arresting Onyx books that I've read so far. It launches into the story when our first protagonist Chanel hears a woman screaming. She goes to help and comes face to face with a serial killer. Ryan, a doctor, then comes to her rescue, and soon the two find themselves in witness protection and then on the run when a mole in the police department gives their location to the killer.

Of course, during this time, our heroes fall for each other. The sex scenes are well developed and erotic. The book also has some good action and Amber's writing of characters is always good.

My issues are rather small, mainly how both Chanel and Ryan talk about the killer. They refer to him as Dipper, which is the name the killer gave to Ryan. Personally, I struggle to believe this. Victims of crime, especially attempted murder would refer to the killer using rather more colourful language I'd think. Another is being a novella, the ending is a little rushed, but it doesn't create issues with the narrative.

If you like spicy romance with thriller elements, then Ryan's Temptation is highly recommended.

[RaesBooksAndRecipes]

No good dead goes unpunished. Chanel Leroc, a beautician would soon find out those words ring true when she is faced with a serial killer. Chanel was trying to help a woman when she found herself seconds away from being this evil mans next victim. Chanel was thrilled when she saw help was on its way and she would live another day. Dr. Ryan Naylor, a handsome man from her apartment building heard Chanel’s screams and jumped into help. Now that Chanel was safe, would she stay out of harms way and could Ryan protect her from the dangers lurking?

Another great read from author Amber Daulton. I have enjoyed every book in the Arresting Onxy series and am looking forward to reading more from this author. you will find characters overlapping from other books in the series and the author then gives these characters room to shine in their own book. This book is steamy and romantic with suspense. A great rounded combination. A recommended read.

I received a copy of this book from the author

[Jason Newman]

This is a love story mixed in with a thriller. Chanel lives in Denver and witnesses a fatal attack on her way home involving the 'Streetwalker.' The killer sees her and attacks her too. She survives with the aid of a passerby, Ryan, who also lives in her apartment block, but the killer gets away with her handbag. After the killer waits for Chanel in her apartment, she barely escapes again. Ryan and Chanel are put into witness protection by the police.

Whilst captivated, Ryan can't help having feelings for Chanel and think that she may have feelings too. Given the sensitivity of the situation, is this appropriate? Will the pair get it together? Whilst you turn the pages wondering if love is about to unite the pair, you mustn't forget that they're also running for their lives as the Streetwalker is still onto them.

I really enjoyed this story, a lot of suspense and romance very nicely intertwined. A very original idea from the author.

The author gave me a free copy so that I could leave a review.

[Miriam Schwellnus]

Chanel’s split-second choice to help a stranger drops her into a serial-killer nightmare. Her neighbor, ER doctor Ryan, becomes the unlikely hero who drags her and himself into witness protection.

There are knife fights, leaked intel, and a villain who always stays just behind them. At the same time, the romance lights up fast yet feels earned. Chanel’s glitter-and-lip-gloss energy plays well against Ryan’s calm steadiness. Their teasing never dulls the danger. The love scenes are explicit and the language is salty, which fits the “life-on-the-line” stakes but definitely nudges this out of PG territory.

A couple of nits: The killer’s uncanny knack for finding them strains credibility. And the finale ties up faster than I’d prefer. Still, I came for escapism and got exactly that. If you like a spicy romance with thrills, this is a brisk, satisfying addition to Daulton's Arresting Onyx series.

[Kat]

I’m such a fan of the Arresting Onyx series by Amber Daulton. RYAN’S TEMPTATION is a novella that jumped right into the action, with hairdresser Chanel and her neighbor, hunky doctor Ryan, witnessing a murder by a serial killer who’s been stalking the streets of Denver. It soon becomes clear that the killer isn’t going to let them get away and this was an exciting race to figure out who was hunting them, and who they were working with, before they caught up with them in witness protection.

I loved Ryan and Chanel and loved how real and relatable both MC’s felt, from the stresses and demand on a doctor’s time=failed relationships (so many times doctors are written as perfect), to how it’s hard to find work with an art history degree. This is my favorite kind of romantic suspense with no slow moments and instant chemistry between the characters, intense action, and lots of spice! 5/5 stars.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary ARC copy of this book from the author for review purposes.

[Loralee]

This story starts with a bang. Chanel the heroine is walking home when she hears a scream for help. Being an altruistic person, she goes to see what's wrong and in not much time, she's the one needing rescuing. Luckily, Ryan comes along, and the story continues from there. Lots of twists, turns, betrayals from where they'd least expect it, and a bad guy who won't give up trying to hunt both Chanel and Ryan down, keep the story going. How does the bad guy know where to look for them? Is he acting alone, or is there something more sinister going on?
The story is not appropriate for young audiences as there are many on-screen and detailed sex scenes, and frequent strong language, including repeated use of the "f" word and others.

[Lily]

Between the tense threat of a serial killer and the steamy moments with Chanel and Ryan, your heart will be racing. This was a quick read, but Daulton has packed quite a bit into it. You're drawn in from the start with Chanel being in the very wrong place at the worst time, and from there, Ryan at her side is exactly what she needs...and wants. I got so wrapped up in the story, and I was holding my breath to see if they'd manage to catch the killer before the killer caught up to our MCs. The tension practically pours off the page, wrapping itself around your heart. If you enjoy tense romantic suspense, you'll want to grab this. It's so good you'll fly right through it.

[Katherine Horvath]

Ryan's Temptation: WOW! Great story and fantastic writing! Great characters and strong hero and heron. She might have been on her own for some time but she has had her eye on her good-looking neighbor. I never thought he would be her hero. They had a connection even though she had been through a lot. They felt it wasn't safe for her to go home because of the attacker. Ryan and Chanel do side to get rooms at a hotel. They grew closer while in the hotel. It was a fascinating story and the writing was terrific with great dialog. I liked the suspense, surprises, and romance.

[Jane litherland]

Chantal Leroy a beautician and expert with scissors somehow gets herself on a serial killer’s list when she inadvertently witnesses a murder…Sexy doctor Ryan Naylor is her saviour but this gets them both dumped in witness protection. Just how safe are they and can they make it on their own. Temptation never felt so tense! Relatable and steamy as! Great writing and immersive
I read a free copy and m6 review is voluntary

[Heidi Fontenot]

This is a very spicy, romantic thriller novella. It was predictable as to what would happen, however I still wanted to know the next thing. The chapters were long and that was one of my biggest dislikes. I think that’s why it took me so long to read the 176 page book. The writing style was easy however. I don’t mind a good smut book and this definitely has it all.

[Colleen C.]

Running For Their Lives...
This was a great read! I enjoyed the connections to the characters in the previous books in this series! I found this story really interesting. It held my attention from start to finish. Great storyline... I really liked Chanel and Ryan. Loved the attraction, connection and teamwork between them! A fitting addition to an amazing series!

[J.R. Gibson]

Even though Romance isn't my genre, this story was very well written. The romance between Ryan and Chanel starts after she is mugged by a serial killer, and develops from there. I thought that the character development was very good, as Ryan and Chanel were very believable and likeable characters.

Received this as an ARC for a Goodreads review round.

[Laura Koerber]

Action-packed romantic thriller. Starts with a bang and keeps going. Not realistic--but realism is hardly the point; this book delivers the escapism of danger and romance wanted by readers of this genre.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (6/19/2023)! 🎁

[Ashley]

Fast paced, slightly spicy, and the suspense??? *chef kiss*