Ambush + Giveaway

She’ll do anything to uncover the truth of her parents’ murder–even work alongside the man who once broke her heart.

Paradise Alden’s childhood in Nova Cambridge, Alabama, was idyllic until the night her parents were murdered. Since then life has left her scarred. The abuse she suffered 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.

Someone dangerous is lurking beneath the town’s moss-draped trees, and Paradise refuses to let another murderer disappear into the shadows.

My Review:

Whoa! I’ve read a ton of Colleen Coble’s books (not all, but a lot) and this one might be my absolute favourite. I just loved everything about it. The way the suspense elements are evenly paced out – intense all the way through without being completely overwhelming. I was on edge, waiting for the next ‘thing’ to happen but still able to enjoy the quieter, thoughtful moments with these characters. And the emotional fireworks too, of course!

A second chance romance sparks from doomed puppy love fifteen years earlier. Both Blake and Paradise have coped with their share of trauma through the ensuing years, but they are stronger for it. And even more stubborn! Clashing wills, gnarly reckonings, and oh my heart hurt so much for Paradise when all is revealed! But they are soon united in their quest to save the wildlife refuge from an unknown threat.

And that sanctuary setting! Such an exciting backdrop for the story. It added even more intensity to the plot and was peppered with intriguing insights into the animals and their habitats and a very creative way to up the danger too!

Coble is a master at character development – and not just with the hero and heroine. Every secondary character is fleshed out in a memorable way and kept me emotionally engaged all the way through the read. Sometimes happy feels (Blake’s mother and little brothers…sooooo cute!); sometimes seething with rage (there’s one character in particular…) and the whole gamut in-between. I love feeling my way through a story and I did that with this amazing read. In a word: unputdownable.

I was blessed to listen to the audio edition of ‘Ambush’ and was thrilled with Karen Peakes’ performance. She brought distinctive voices to all the characters – especially loved the way she portrayed the little boys – and the way she used her voice to build tension was phenomenal. Highly recommend this audio book.

My thanks to Thomas Nelson, Zondervan Fiction Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio edition of ‘Ambush’.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

US – available in print or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada – available in print or ebook or audible (if available) — winner’s choice

International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Ambush, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday February 8 2025

36 thoughts on “Ambush + Giveaway”

  4. I can remember buying Colleen Coble’s books in the Christian bookstore in our town before internet & FB so we go back a ways. No more Christian store (sad face). Love her books & this one is definitely on my wishlist. Thanks for the exciting review & giveaway opportunity, Kav!

    dianalflowers at aol dot com

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    1. Our Christian bookstore closed too. Soooo sad! There’s something so bookishly wonderful about being able to browse the shelves and meet the books ‘in person’ before buying them. Good luck, Diane!

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      1. So true. And right when you would walk in our bookstore they had the new releases on sale in an organized bin for $8.99 – $11.99. Talk about way cool! Sigh . .

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  5. WOW! When you said it’s your favorite Colleen Coble book, that speaks volumes and brought a chill up my spine just anticipating reading it. Love a book that grabs you right away and doesn’t every turn you loose. Then add wonderful characters and a slow growing second chance romance (my absolute favorite) and you know this has to be a must read for me. On my TBR list and can’t wait for the opportunity to dive into it – head first and ready to go the distance of can’t put down reading.

    Thank you for the fabulous chance to win a copy!

    2clowns at arkansas dot net

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  7. I have loved her books ..from way back…and I really want to read this one!! Thanks, Kav, for your generosity and your review.

    jacsmi75 at gmail dot com

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  10. This looks so exciting. The plot reminds me of C.C. Warrens’s Holly Novels, my favorite series, so I am sure I will enjoy this book as well. Adding to TBR

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