Ambush

A Small-Town Romantic Suspense

By: Colleen Coble

Narrated by: Karen Peakes

"Ambush is electric--the perfect blend of romance, suspense, and characters you swear are real . . . just one more proof of Coble at the top of her game." --Tosca Lee, New York Times bestselling author

The first book in the riveting new series from USA TODAY bestselling author Colleen Coble, where a young woman will 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 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.

Colleen Coble's Ambush is just what her readers want--edge-of-your-seat suspense perfectly balanced with closed-door romance. The intricacies of a wild-animal sanctuary, sabotage, secrets that someone is willing to kill to keep hidden, and reconnecting with a first love make this a compelling story you won't want to miss. Perfect for fans of Allison Brennan and Dani Pettrey.

Also in The Sanctuary Series: Prowl (book #2, available November 2025) and Conspiracy (book #3; available July 2026).

Available now from Colleen: Fragile Designs, and from Colleen Coble and Rick Acker: What We Hide and I Think I Was Murdered.

Critic reviews

'Coble's AMBUSH takes off at a roaring speed with razor-sharp writing. Expect the suspense to put claw marks on the pages as you hold on for the thrilling ride. This is an up-all-night must-read!'

'AMBUSH is electric--the perfect blend of romance, suspense, and characters you swear are real. With a deadly mystery, past trauma, and future hope, AMBUSH is just one more proof of Coble at the top of her game.'

'Coble (FRAGILE DESIGNS) capitalizes on her success with Rick Acker in the 'Tupelo Grove' series to create a new spin-off in the same southern Alabama setting. Romantic suspense fans will be drooling over this new offering and eager for more installments.'

Colleen has done it again

Love the characters and location of Ambush!! Looking forward to Book 2 in the series.

Five+ Star Narration

Likable characters and amazing narration by Karen Peakes. She’s so talented that it actually sounds like there are multiple narrators. From the children’s voices to the male voices - SO believable. Two stars removed for all the unnecessary, preachy christian “god” dialogue, which was a disconcerting distraction from the story. With the hypocritical christian nationalist movement ripping this country apart, I had to keep skipping through all the religious propaganda. And there’s a lot of it. If all of this author’s books are as preachy as this one, then hard pass for me and probably for anyone who finds constant plugs for Jesus, church, god and the bible off-putting or offensive.

Great clean story

The book was very enjoyable like her other ones. I'm so happy to listen to clean and riveting stories!

These two authors deliver spellbinding story telling! A “I can’t put it down”, book.

Another GOOD book by Colleen and Rick. The story moves along and keeps the reader’s/listener’s interest. Story combines a bit of romance, murder, and intrigue.

Creative

The author created a great plot. The kept me wanting to listen longer. And I enjoyed hearing about the animals. Felt like I was there.