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 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.

AMBUSH by COLLEEN COBLE is an exciting thriller which takes place in Nova Cambridge, Alabama, at The Wildlife Sanctuary, where Paradise Alden joins the staff as a vet. She is determined to face up to her fears and find the person responsible for her parents’ murder. She also has to face her first boyfriend, Blake Lawson, whose betrayal ruined her life, and her fear of big cats after having been mauled by a jaguar.
Blake has left his career in the Marines to help his mother Jenna run the Sanctuary as well as help her with his young brothers after the death of his stepfather., Hank.
The story is exciting as Blake and Paradise work together to find out who is responsible for the murder of animal activist, Danielle Mason, whose bloody body is delivered in a trailer to the property, the burning down of Paradise’s cottage, and the opening up of gates turning dangerous animals loose, thus giving the place a bad name. It seems as though someone is trying to force Jenna to sell…..
The characters are great. I specially love Blake’s little brothers Levi and Isaac, and their interacton with him and Paradise.
There is a strong Christian message of redemption and forgiveness running through the book.
I cannot recommend this unputdownable romantic suspense novel highly enough.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Thomas Nelson. The opinions in this review are completely my own.