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!