❄️🏡🐎 “Ambush on the Ranch” (Red Rock Country #3) (2025) 🐎🏡❄️ – Book Review
Welcome to the Blog Tour for Ambush on the Ranch by Tina Wheeler, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
About the Book
Title: Ambush on the Ranch
Series: Red Rock Country
Author: Tina Wheeler
Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense
Release Date: December 24, 2024
Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense
Seeking ranch refuge…
with lethal threats at every turn.
After running for her life through the forest, art gallery owner Janel Newman wakes up in the hospital with no memory of the past forty-eight hours. A car bomb and masked gunman make it clear she must’ve seen something she shouldn’t have. When she's forced to hide at deputy sheriff Zach Walker’s family ranch along with her twin sister, secrets are uncovered, and a murderous conspiracy is revealed. With ruthless criminals dogging their every step, will Janel and Zach be able to thwart these villains’ plan to silence Janel for good?
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Harlequin | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub
Also Available
My Review
While this is the third (3rd) book in the series, this is the first book I’ve read by the author. I do have the first two books in my never-ending TBR pile.
I do recommend readers read them prior to this one. Some events and characters from the previous books were referenced in this one. While I was able to enjoy the story, I feel as though I would’ve enjoyed it more, and had a deeper understanding if I had read the previous two books.
Readers of the two previous books will notice the following characters return:
🚓 Cole
🗂️ Sierra (mentioned)
🚓 Jackson (no dialogue, but in
scenes)
📊 Bailey (mentioned)
As far as the parents, Lily (sister to Cole, Jackson, and Zach), Zach, and Lt. Yeager – as I haven’t read the previous two books, I don’t know if they appear in them or not. From the reviews on the books, it sounds like they do.
This story introduces:
🖼️ Janel (twin to
Karla; owns art gallery inspired by mother)
🔎 Karla (twin to Janel, older by
10 minutes; insurance investigator)
💵 Charlene (assistant manger at art gallery)
As well as other good and “bad” guys to round this out.
There might be some triggering themes – given recent events – of bombings, shootings, as well as a parental death from cancer.
As usual for the line – this started out with a literal bang. And, of course, the heroine loses her memories. However, she’s lucky that her friend from church – and a deputy sheriff – is there to protect her.
They don’t get too far when Karla’s car is bombed, then they’re shot at. It’s literally one thing after another.
Despite the issue with the ranch losing money because of its own share of shootings and bombings, Zach thinks the ranch is safer for Janel and Karla.
She’s also worried about keeping her gallery, and having had to use now-missing artwork as collateral to keep going, is another concern. There’s also a murder. It’s no surprise that Janel’s memories are the key to what is going on.
Zach is not only investigating, with Cole and Lt. Yeager, but he is trying to keep Janel safe – which isn’t an easy task at all with the never-ending threat.
They have even more trouble when a rival insurance investigator and a detective from a different jurisdiction start poking their nose into it.
Wheeler masterfully weaves together an intense and explosive storm of a story that is foreshadowed by the ominous cover.
A story that was so riveting I read it cover to cover without putting it down. And, that is EXTREMELY rare, even for a book of this size. These are more or less a “day” read for me.
As I haven’t read much due to personal reasons (the recent loss of my mother and ensuing stress from the financial issues) along with the holidays, I was surprised how FAST I read this. I started late in the evening and finished early in the morning. I read it in four (4) hours. I was halfway before my “bedtime”, and by the time I wanted to go to bed, I had less than 50 pages left. I might seem silly here, but that seemed like a waste – just finish the book, so I did. To say it drew me right in, held my attention, and I couldn’t put it down seems quite inadequate. It is the truth though.
For the line, it had very short chapters. That’s probably another reason I kept reading without stopping. The fast-paced action prevented any kind of lagging. It borders more towards suspense, which works for the story.
I had to admit, I had a different “bad guy” in mind. But, I loved how Wheeler wove everything together. She kept not only the characters guessing, but the reader as well. Though, there were a few hints here or there.
I have to admit, I wasn’t a fan of Janel at first, and it took me a bit to even tolerate her. She seemed far too high-strung and dramatic. I understand that what she was going through would test anyone’s patience, but that was my assessment of her. Her twin seemed to be a far more calming influence.
I did relate to her losing her mother – mine died back in November (about two months ago), and my mother had been in remission from cancer. So, I know how Janel felt about not disturbing her room (I haven’t been in my mom’s that much since her death), as well as the attachment to the paintings.
Charlene got on my nerves. In short, without spoiling, it was like the woman couldn’t follow directions. There were times I was rolling my eyes at her. I really wanted someone to take her off to the side and spell things out for her. Reminds me of the “hand puppets and crayons” memes.
Overall, I definitely enjoyed the book, obviously by how quickly I devoured it.
I’m eagerly awaiting a time when I can read the previous books. However, I’m also interested to see if the author has another book planned for the series. There seemed to be another romance starting towards the end of this one, so I would LOVE to see how that works out.
Despite being from the faith-based, Love Inspired Suspense line, there are mild tones of faith. They are evident, but not overwhelming.
RATING:
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Bookbub
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Personal Rating (see rating explanation in this blog: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2020/01/rating-system-2020-changes.html; update: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2022/07/what-goes-into-my-reviews-2022-edition.html)About the Author
Tina Wheeler is a Publishers Weekly Bestselling Author and retired teacher. Although she grew up on the edge of the desert in Arizona, her favorite place to plot a new story is on a balcony overlooking the ocean. She enjoys spending time with her large extended family, brainstorming with writing friends, discovering new restaurants, and traveling with her husband.
Connect with Tina by visiting authortinawheeler.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.
Tour Giveaway
(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon digital gift card!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 6, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on January 13, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
Sounds like a great read.
ReplyDeleteSounds really good.
ReplyDeleteSounds great
ReplyDeleteBeautiful set of books, nice gift.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a very enjoyable read. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDelete