Paradise Alden returns to her hometown after many years in order to take up the position of veterinarian at a local wild animal sanctuary. At the time she left, she felt betrayed by Blake, her first love. Though he is helping his mother run the sanctuary, Paradise returns anyway, in order to overcome her fear of big cats. When a body is found on the compound, and a series of frightening events takes place, Paradise and Blake seek to find the truth about who is behind the various attacks, and why.

This book has just enough drama and mystery to keep the reader engaged, without being exactly heart racing. The main characters are believable though some of the secondary characters seem a bit stereotyped. I felt that the story ended abruptly. I wanted to flip to more pages, but there were none. Perhaps Ambush is intended to be the first book of a series. Overall, an enjoyable read and an author to be followed.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

Ambush is the newest release by Colleen Coble. So something cool about this book is that it incorporates supporting characters from the Pelican Harbor series and the Tupelo Grove series. The time placement of this book seems to be after the conclusion of What We Hide as the characters from that book seem to be who they are at the conclusion of What We Hide. (also--if you've READ What We Hide before this...well, I won't spoil it, but it gives you a different viewpoint of some interactions.)

Paradise has loads of baggage to deal with in this book. Forced into the foster system after the brutal killing of her parents when she was 9. Raped by a son of a foster family. She's got a background that makes her skittish towards men. Throw in being violently mauled by a panther due to the nature of her job (exotic animal vet)...well she's got a lot of PTSD to deal with.

Blake (we met him in What We Hide--he's Hez's cousin) is the owner with his mom of the local wild animal refuge/safari and he's got a lot of things to deal with himself. Guilt over his behavior as a friend/boyfriend to Paradise when they were 15. Dealing with taking care of his mom and two half-brothers. Keeping the family business afloat. And now dealing with violent activists for their place.

Throw in trying to solve the criminals behind the violence with the wildlife refuge--as well as diving into unsolved mystery of who killed Paradise's parents when she was little. And dealing with his renewed attraction TO Paradise.

One thing I like about Colleen Coble. You don't have a wedding at the end of the book. LOL. Yes there is romance, but it's kept more on a reality plane with ups and downs before the "happily ever after" part. And I love the mystery! she reveals the plot and characters like an onion. A little layer here and there.

I give this one a solid 4 stars and plan on continuing the series.

*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for an ARC of this book to review. All opinions are 100% my own.

Lo disfruté.

Si buscan un libro que se centre en el misterio, este no es el indicado, ya que se enfoca en el romance con un toque de misterio.



Paradise regresa después de 15 años alejada de su pueblo para sanar las heridas emocionales que le dejó su último trabajo, donde fue atacada por una pantera. El problema es que el único lugar donde puede ofrecer sus servicios es el santuario que pertenece a la familia de su primer amor, Blake, quien le rompió el corazón.

Blake está cuidando de su familia tras el asesinato de su padrastro y se sorprende al reencontrarse con el amor de su vida, aquella chica a la que solo quiere cuidar y ayudar, pero a quien terminó perdiendo.

Ambos no solo tendrán que enfrentar su pasado, sino que también deberán investigar quién quiere matarlo y quién mató a los padres de ella.

Es un libro cristiano, por lo que incluye algunas menciones sobre la religión; son pocas y no profundiza en ella.


Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is the first book in a new series by Colleen Coble.
I loved the storyline. What a neat name for the main character, Paradise, born in Hawaii.
I learned a lot about wild life preserves. Of there is a lot of controversy over that subject.
The other main characters are fun to get to know.
There is murder, mayhem, and mystery that keeps you turning the pages.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. My opinions are my own.

Ambush starts strong and kept me glued to the pages. There are many questions, lots of twists, and plenty of suspense to keep the story moving. I enjoyed Paradise and Blake, and their renewed relationship; Jenna and the two younger boys were delightful. I also enjoyed catching up with characters from other books and visiting familiar settings. I am very much looking forward to returns to their area in future books!!
"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

This was an annoying book. Way too religious, and not even necessary. There was a lot of that cheesy second-time "try again" romance which was so cringey. Ew no

Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, and to the publisher for this complementary ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!

✰ 2.75 stars ✰

“If The Sanctuary failed, where would they go? He had to do everything he could to save this special place.”

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ So, I did not know that this is also labeled as a Christian read, as NetGalley has not mentioned that, so if that may be difficult for others to read, then please keep that in mind. For me, however, that inclusion of appreciating God did not bother me at all. ' I believe God was loving you, steering you, even when you didn’t sense him there.' 😔 Paradise was a young woman who had lost her faith; for her to find God in the events that he placed her in, was important for her to feel and accept with every fiber of her being, so that she could go forward in her life - with the purest and strongest of convictions. To restore her own feelings for Blake, to reassure herself that she is on the right path - I thought renewing that connection was heartfelt and sincere. 🙏🏻

“Someone either wants the refuge to close down or they’re seeking revenge against Blake for something.”

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ I was intrigued by the premise, and thankfully, this is the start of a new series, so there was not much that I felt I was missing; yes, knowing that it is a start to a series was something I was aware of. However, because of it being a start - it is also setting up the storylines of future storylines. One being the most prominent and significant of all - the murder of Paradise's parents when she was only nine years old. Returning to the Gulf Shores in Alabama to work in the Sanctuary where she has previously worked as a teen, and run by her ex is enough to send off warning bells that things can go awry. 😥

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ And awry they did. 😟 Someone is out to sabotage the Sanctuary and endanger not only the lives of her and Blake, but Blake's mother and younger brothers, and the animals entrusted to their care. As they slowly peel back the possibilities of anyone's ill-gained intentions to harm their place - 'murder, the fire, the constant intruders' - so, too do Paradise and Blake slowly peel away and softly rekindle the very flames that once burned so deeply between the two, but blew out because of one ill-advised decision, leading to Paradise feeling even more hurt and alone than when she was with Blake. It is a time of healing and nurturing past grievances - of forgiveness and retribution, as well as uncovering the truths of secrets and betrayals buried longer than anyone could have anticipated. 😟

“But her only answers were here in this place, where shadows from the past still reached out to shape her life.”

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Paradise and Blake grew close again in a believable and slow way, despite how the feelings were still very present between the two, I liked how they worked together - not only to figure out who was behind everything, but also to take the tentative steps for deepening their relationship. I liked Blake's steady patience, his kindness, his gentleness of reminding Paradise that even if she felt alone - she was never truly alone, for he was always praying for her. 'One thing he knew for sure— a piece of his heart still belonged to her and maybe always would. ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹 The importance of reminding her that God had never abandoned her was a reassuring touch that made her be braver and more willing to do better to belong and forgive. She was courageous; anyone working with wild animals has my respect! And even after surviving a violent attack, she never lost her love for animals. She has a lot of love to offer - a lot of hope for a future that she's kept suppressed for so long, but returning home has, in a way, given her a small sense of closure - on a personal level. 🥲

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ What created the imbalance of the story, was not the pacing, but that it had to carry two separate plots running parallel to the other that prevented one from being more impressive. When I wanted to try and eliminate the clues to who might be behind the attacks, I also had to pay attention to revealing the history of Paradise's parents that could lead her to their suspect. 'Time changes people. So many wear masks.' It was hard to stay connected to either, which, in turn, did not develop either constructively enough. On top of that, we're being introduced to the small town characters - setting the stage for the future, as well as shedding light on the groundwork of the threats and responsibilities of being an animal keeper - which I did like! But, it became overwhelming. It was difficult to stay focused entirely on one aspect rather than just laying the foundation for it. I also did not like how the culprit was eventually revealed, because there really was no evidence suggesting said involvement, so that also rang rather flat for me. 😮‍💨

“Nothing is a sacrifice when you love someone.”

It was a truth she was only beginning to realize herself.”

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Still, I don't think it was entirely bad, just not exactly what I am used to. I did love Blake's relationship with his siblings, I did enjoy the maturity and growth Paradise showed - how she is allowing her scars to heal, and her heart to open to fresh starts, relying on her own inner strength and resolve not to lose hope, and let go of the sting of betrayal and painful loneliness. 🥺 I liked that despite how she paraded Blake on a pedestal, he had his own share of ghosts that he had to forgive himself for and it took Paradise to be a part of his life again, for him to bring a sense of closure to that part of his life, as well. I liked the soft and gentle way in which they first faced their past and then hoped they could have a present to pave the way for the future. And the mystery lover in me does want to know what really led to her parents' murders, because there seems to be a lot of secrets buried there that I am curious to see how it will come to light. 🕵🏻‍♀️

*Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

What a thrilling start to a new series! Coble’s books never fail to instantly pull me in with their suspense, danger, great characters, and romance.

Ambush takes us back close to the Tupelo Grove area in Nova Cambridge, AL and the wildlife animal refuge, The Sanctuary, which has come under attack. Paradise Alden finds herself as the new vet at The Sanctuary after promising herself she would not return to Nova Cambridge after her parents brutal murder when she was a child that threw her into foster care and eventually sent her away as a teen as well as her first love, Blake Lawson, breaking her heart.

Blake Lawson left the marines to help his mom run The Sanctuary and raise his two younger brothers after his stepfather’s death. He is taken back when he sees Paradise arrive to take the job as the new vet. He isn’t sure his heart can take her being in his life again.

As the attacks and danger increase at the refuge, Paradise and Blake find themselves working together to keep the family and animals safe and get to the bottom of the situation. There are several different threats at play keeping the reader guessing which one is responsible for what is happening now.

I found this first book fascinating! I loved the wildlife refuge theme, getting to reconnect with characters from Coble’s previous series who make an appearance, and how it kept me guessing where and who the danger was coming from. It has me anxiously awaiting the next book to explore more of the mystery surrounding Paradise’s past. This book is a must read!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

#Ambush #NetGalley

I've read quite a few books by Colleen Coble. The layers of suspense in Ambush kept me reading.
This is the first book in the series and ends in a cliffhanger. I hope the second book comes out soon.
Paradise has had a hard life, being put in foster care and turned away by family members who didn't
want the responsibility of her care. As an adult, Paradise wants an answer to what happened to her
parents. She comes back to Alabama, where all her hurt began, taking on a new job and facing her
fears. As things start happening at the Sanctuary, a refuge for animals, Paradise is a vet and also
has a real fear of the big cats and is hoping to conquer that fear.

"Ambush" is a Christian romantic suspense. Paradise first lost her parents in an unsolved murder then was abused in foster care. She doesn't trust a God that allows things like that to happen to a child. During this story, she experienced God protecting a young child, and it touched her in a profound way. She started praying to God for help. Anyway, she's come back to try to solve her parent's murder, hoping it will bring her peace. She and Blake also worked to solve the murder and attacks threatening to undermine The Sanctuary since the detective had a huge grudge against Blake. They asked questions and tried to figure out who would gain from the attacks. I correctly suspected part of the answer, and both mysteries were resolved by the end of the book.

The main characters were likable and reacted realistically to events. The suspense came from the danger from the released animals and random attacks (which could have hurt anyone). Blake and Paradise had a long history of caring for each other, and both genuinely wanted to help and support the other. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this exciting novel.

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!

This book took off running and didn't let up at all. I was drawn in right away, and felt like I was in the story.
These characters were people I would like to know in real life. I loved their chemistry and how they complimented each other.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own *

Such a great setting for this romantic suspense book! The Sanctuary is home to exotic animals but Paradise is hoping that it will be home to her as she confronts her past. Blake is doing the noble thing by coming home to help his mom and brothers but comes alongside Paradise to help discover all of the attacks on the Sanctuary.

My favorite characters were Jenna, Levi and Isaac. Those little boys were so sweet!

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.

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!

This was an interesting story but stretches believable. Too many things happen too quickly for law enforcement not to pay attention. First in series so time to more fully develop story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

This title is published on March 4th, 2025.

Ambush by Colleen Coble promised plenty of action and suspense. While it delivered somewhat on this expectation, it did so in a very underwhelming manner.

The best way I could think of to describe this book was to picture a Hallmark movie crossed with a low budget action movie. There was a romance between the two main characters which was the most compelling part of the story. However, one of the characters had an arc focusing on the death of her parents, which took up plenty of the opening chapters but ultimately went absolutely nowhere (I can only presume this will be featured more heavily in a potential sequel). The other character's arc was focused on keeping his mother's wildlife reserve running while it was terrorized by the most inept enemy you could imagine.

This enemy turns out to be someone who was barely featured in the book (with a very tedious link to the main characters which seemed to be a massive stretch) and at one point these attacks literally happen every chapter. Plot points are skimmed over in mere sentences with virtually no exploration of the trauma for the main characters and it all left me feeling like the book was a chore to finish. The title also, didn't really fit the plot in my opinion either.

We did get a classic cliche though, a storm for the book's conclusion!

1.5 stars rounded up to 2, out of 5.

This was a great book! Paradise Alden returns to the The Sanctuary in her home town to care for the animals as a veterinarian. Right away a woman’s body is found and she has clearly been murdered. A series of other crimes happen and it’s clear the local lawman is trying to arrest Blake. Blake returned home to help his mother run the animal sanctuary after the death of his step-father. The descriptions of the sanctuary and the animals are well done and I was able to visualize what it looked like. The other settings in the book are equally well described. Besides this being a mystery there is also a bit of romance happening but it is not the main part of the book. I admit I did not have any idea who the culprit was for all the unfortunate happenings at The Sanctuary and was surprised when it was revealed. I received an arc of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed 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!

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.

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.