Ambush

Ambush by new to me author C. Coble, published by Thomas & Mercer is a thriller/ second chance romance/ christian literature; the first book in The Sanctuary Series.
A slow burn novel with an intriguing story and wonderful characters, 4.5 stars.
Blurb: Paradise Alden's life has left her scarred. The suffereing in the foster care system, her first love's betrayal, and the jaguar attack that nearly destroyed her career have led to an unshakable distrust--in men, in God, and maybe in even in herself.
After fifteen years, returning to her hometown is a last resort to finding her life again. She's hoping the wildlife refuge where she's accepted a veterinarian job will be the perfect place to heal from her recent traumas and unlock her memories about the night her parents died. But on the day she arrives at The Sanctuary, a body is discovered on the grounds. And soon, a series of deadly events threatens not only her future but the man who, despite all odds, still makes her pulse stutter. Arson, a shooting, a break-in, and multiple instances of animals being freed from their enclosures all point back to him, but Paradise knows Blake Lawson isn't responsible. Not the man who has been helping his mother manage The Sanctuary these past six months and care for his stepbrothers in the wake of their father's death . . . even if his betrayal years ago cost her everything.

Paradise Alden returns to her hometown after a not so idealistic upbringing to accept a new job after years of being a way. Upon her arrival, things start happening. With the help of a “friend”, she unlocks the mystery of who’s behind these events.

"Ambush" by Colleen Coble is an engaging romantic suspense novel set in Nova Cambridge, Alabama. The story follows Paradise Alden, a veterinarian who returns to her hometown after 15 years, hoping to heal from past traumas and uncover the truth about her parents' murder.

As Paradise begins work at a wildlife refuge called The Sanctuary, she encounters a series of dangerous events that threaten both her safety and that of Blake Lawson, a man from her past. Their complicated history adds depth to the story as they work together to unravel the mysteries surrounding them.

Coble's writing is clear and accessible, making the book easy to follow. The plot moves at a good pace, with enough twists to keep readers interested. The author does a good job of developing Paradise's character, showing her growth as she deals with her past and learns to trust again.

The small-town Southern setting provides an interesting backdrop for the story, and Coble's descriptions help bring it to life. While the romance between Paradise and Blake is an important part of the book, it doesn't overshadow the suspense elements.

Overall, "Ambush" is an enjoyable read for fans of romantic suspense. It offers a good balance of mystery, personal drama, and romance, making it a solid choice for readers who enjoy these elements in their fiction.

I was given their book by NetGalley for an honest review-
I loved everything about this book- the characters, the mystery, the emotions. A totally great read!
Paradise has been abused in the foster care system after her parents were murdered. Fifteen years later she returns home to work at the wildlife refuge hoping to heal and find out who murdered her parents and why. Her first day back a murdered woman is found at the refuge. Then begins a series of scary incidents that happen leaving them to wonder who is doing this and why? Can they find the murderer? Will she rekindle her romance with Blake? You won’t want to miss this book!

I read this book in one night. I thought I would just read a couple chapters before bed and ended up reading the whole thing. I loved the characters and the animals. The description of the sanctuary was actually something I could invision, and the events kept me on the edge of my seat. This book left me on a clifhanger so I hope this means there's more to come!

Wow, another 5 star book by Colleen Coble. Ambush is number 2 in her Sanctuary series and is a thriller second chance romance in Christian suspense. It has an intriguing storyline.. Paradise is a veterinarian that has accepted a job at a wildlife sanctuary. In her hometown of Nova Cambridge, Alabama. She left a scarred teenager of the foster care system amid a first love betrayal with her boyfriend Blake Lawson. She has returned home to try to heal from her trauma from a jaguar attack and to discover who murdered her parents. Paradise begins her job at the Sanctuary determined not to get involved in any relationshis again as she has a serious mistrust of people in general but especially men. Her very first day a dead body shows up on the Sanctuary grounds. Soon a series of deadly events begin happening, threatening herself and the boy who is now a heart stopping handsome man who is getting blamed for the events. Paradise knows better than to believe that Blake is harming anything at the Sanctuary when he left the Marines to help his mother run it and take care of his little brothers even if his betrayal years ago cost her everything. Together they join forces to investigate the mysteries surrounding them and the Sanctuary. Ambush has been a very enjoyable read from beginning to the cliffhanger ending. I can't wait for the next one!! I want to thank NetGalley and publishers Thomas Nelson for this advanced copy for my honest review.

Loved this book! Paradise, a wildlife veterinarian, and Blake the son of the owner of The Sanctuary Wildlife Preserve face challenges at every turn! Many twists to the story keeps you racing to the end. Definitely a five star!

Every time I read a Colleen Coble book I think this is her best work yet. And then another is released.

Paradise Alden’s story is amazing and you will cheer for her all the way through. Everything about this book is top notch. You won’t be able to put it down until you’ve finished the last word and then you’ll want to start over and read it again.

I was given an advanced reader’s copy from Thomas Nelson and Netgalley. Opinions are my own.

I’ve been a fan of Collen Coble and her books for years, and never hesitate to recommend her books. She has really hit it out of the park this time. Another winner!
Paradise Alden spent much of her childhood in Nova Cambridge, Alabama. It was a happy childhood until both of her parents were murdered and she ended up in an abusive foster care home. She left her hometown at age 15, and now 15 years later she is returning to work at the wildlife refuge as their veterinarian and with the hope of healing old wounds; some visible and some not so much. The owner of the animal shelter is the mother of her former boyfriend, Blake, who she unexpectedly finds is also living and working there.
Upon the day of her arrival, a woman is found dead on the property, that is only the beginning of a series of other unexplained, dangerous situations they find themselves in.
This is a captivating, fast-paced story that is a page-turner, from the very beginning. Colleen’s characters are always lovable and unforgettable, and that is very true in this heartfelt story. Whether you are an animal lover or not, you will find the vast number of animals to be a delightful addition to his heartwarming story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.

The cover of this book is what caught my eye initially but the author's skillful storytelling had me eagerly flipping pages.

This is a fairly new to me author and honestly I can't wait to check out more from her in the future. I thought the storyline and characters were really interesting and her writing style has such a natural flow to it. I binged this book in a day because I had to know what happened.

If you enjoy reading books in the Romantic Suspense genre I would definitely check this one out!

Thank you Colleen Coble, Net Galley and Thomas Nelson for providing me with an ARC of this book!

Romance, murder, mystery , past secrets, memories good and bad!

This is the first book in a new series by this author.

Paradise has left town in not such a good way when she was 15, her parents had been murdered, she was really bad foster home, it didn’t get better after she left town.
She is back now with more memories, swirling around her head then she wants, who murdered her parents?

She takes a job at the animal sanctuary, where she worked when she was a teenager and what inspired her to become a veterinarian, unfortunately it is run by her ex-boyfriend Blake and his mother.

Paradise is all alone in the world. She has nobody, and no one in her corner when she arrives at the sanctuary she immediately is greeted by a dead body, a break in, fire, many secrets!

This book was fantastic, I can’t wait for more in this series!

Ambush was such a great book. I loved having the setting on a safari like animal sanctuary with exotic animals. It made for fun twists and turns. Colleen Coble is amazing at keeping you glued to the book with her character interaction and a story filled with mystery. I really enjoyed this one!