Ambushed In The Night

by Rhonda Starnes

To protect innocent targets...he will risk his life.


When his scared neighbour appears on his doorstep seeking refuge from a gunman, former police officer Maxwell Prescott is determined to shield the single mother and her toddler daughter. With Brenda Granger’s witness protection location compromised and her late husband’s ties to a drug trafficking ring placing a target on her back, Maxwell is the only person she can trust. But with threats at every turn, Maxwell’s protection skills are put to the ultimate test and outrunning danger could be beyond their reach. Can they evade lethal assailants determined to silence Brenda or will their pursuers lead them straight into an inescapable trap?



Mills & Boon Love Inspired Suspense — Courage. Danger. Faith.

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Christian Fiction

209 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 13, 2026

Reviews

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it when a highly recommended book is just as good as it was claimed to be! I’d seen raving reviews for this one, but was hesitant because I’d never read anything by this author before. After really enjoying this one, I’ve placed author Rhonda Starnes on my auto-read list.

I think this will be a great fit for any reader who enjoys Christian romantic suspense because many of us have experienced disappointment at the hands of others, and many of us have had life turn out slightly different from what we’d planned. Susan Warner and Maxwell Prescott both learned these truths the hard way in Ambushed in the Night.

Starnes explores whether we can ever reach a point where it’s okay for life not to end up the way we’d planned.

She takes us to the small town of Fisher Point and introduces us to neighbours Susan and Maxwell, who come to rely on each other after Susan’s life comes crashing down around her … again. Susan and her daughter Rose had been placed in WITSEC and were starting to adjust to their new life when their identities were compromised, and they had to rely on a neighbour to help them escape.

I enjoyed this pacey read with a heroine on the run, a great narrative focused on protective custody gone wrong, the heartpounding tension of a relentless pursuit, the danger of involving an innocent child, and lots of sketchy characters I found difficult to trust. I appreciated reminders that we can’t control what others do, but we can control our response, we need to count our blessings, and we need to put the past in our rearview mirror where it belongs.

I’ll remember this book for the opportunity it gave me to consider that sometimes life turns out exactly the way it was meant to.

I’ll be searching out Smoky Mountain Escape by this author because I’m interested in knowing Susan’s back story.

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Jenny x Carolena]

Ever since discovering Love Inspired Suspense I have loved almost every single book that has been released in 2025 and am excited to say that this was an incredible read to kick 2026 off with! I love that I was definitely captivated and kept on the edge of my seat throughout the whole story.

I will definitely be picking up more books by this author!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Linda Wilson]

Brenda is in WITSEC and is running for her life with her young daughter. She runs to her neighbors house for protection. Maxwell is a disillusioned former police officer. But he still has the skills to protect Brenda and Rose. Everywhere they run trouble seems to follow. How are they always being found?

The actions never quits and keeps you reading waiting to see what will happen next.

I received this book from Love Inspired Suspense via Net/Galley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

[Megan Begin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A single mother being chased by bad guys and she doesn’t know why… An ex-NYPD officer who had escaped the big city to live a life all alone. But he’s forced to make a decision on if he should help a stranger and her daughter, or drop her with the authorities. And she needs to decide if he can be the first person she’s trusted in almost two years. In hopes it will save her life and her daughters.

I really enjoyed this book. It had a sweetness to it that was really nice, but also it was really intense at parts! It was an innocent romance, with high stakes and bad people. I read this book in about a day because I needed to get to the end to find out what happens. And this intensity was from the very beginning until the very end!

I’ve never read a book in the “Christian” space, specifically. But I found it not to be overwhelming and it only added to the story and character development.

This man was amazing. Strong, determined, and faithful to those who need help. I love that. She was kind of awesome, too! She didn’t need him, exactly, but she was better off because of him. And I think that makes for the perfect relationship.

And there was a dog. Who just happens to meet the exact description of my furry best friend I just said goodbye to a few days before picking this book up. Seems like kismet to me.

I won’t say it was the best book I’ve read. Or some literary masterpiece. I simply enjoyed it. A lot.

[Laura (kroosreadsandreviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

These suspense stories that involve children pull on my heartstrings! The level of suspense was perfect, and the interactions between the characters drew me in.

I loved how Maxwell stepped into a stranger's drama and stayed involved throughout. Brenda was so strong throughout and her love for Rose was so evident.

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

[Book_Lovers_Quest · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first time reading a book by this author. The story is fast paced, motivating and very intriguing. The author does add some faith based elements within the storyline that captivated my attention, enough to make this story compelling to reader but not so overwhelming or pushy.

Both characters have great qualities that combine well and eventually end up providing the perfect balance for this book.

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review in advance. The thought are of my own formed opinions.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ambushed in the Night by Rhonda Starnes. A love inspired romantic suspense. Fast paced , action packed and full of Faith. Didn’t want to put it down and it kept you on the edge of your seat. Thank you to #NetGalley and #Harlequin-Romance for this Arc. This is my honest review. Releases Jan 27, 2026

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This author knows how to write a great suspense novel. I’ve not read her books before, but will look for them in the future. There’s a lot of suspense and subtle romance. I was given a complementary copy of this book and the opinions are my own.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Actual rating 3.5 stars out of 5.

I didn't realize that this was a continuation of a previous Love Inspired that I read, so safe to say I was delighted. Now we know what happened to Brenda. Brenda ends up in WITSEC after the trial of her brother (and the death of her husband in the previous book) with her little girl, Rose, because authorities were worried that the drug cartel would come after her thinking that she had additional information on them. Only as far as Brenda knows, she doesn't have anything. She didn't know anything until her brother and husband pulled her into the crazy scheme of the previous book. But they eventually find her anyway and she is forced to run to her nearest neighbor's with her daughter.

Maxwell was looking to get away from his life in the big city. Former police officer, he and his k9 partner retreat into the woods near a small town seeking seclusion only to have a random woman show up at his door looking desperately for a place to hide from two men who are pursuing her and her small daughter. He obviously cannot turn them away. Together they go on the run, unable to reach Brenda's handler and not willing to risk trusting anyone else at first because their pursuers keep finding them again and again.

So What Did I Think?

This romance happened at lightning speed. It was so freaking fast, even the author used a support character to acknowledge it. Honestly, Maxwell was in love in under 24 hours. So, yeah, there's that. But it's a Love Inspired book book so I kind of just filed that away under "suspend disbelief." What I, once again, struggled with is the epilogue. Why are so many of these books ended the exact same way? Getting married 4 months later is fast. Faster then the standard 6 months later.

That said, I am really glad that the author gave us the conclusion to Brenda's story and even brought back characters from the previous book to help her. I enjoyed it, other than the disturbingly fast whirlwind romance speed.

[jennie.and.books · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story full of suspense, trust, and faith!

I enjoyed this fast paced story and the characters within it! I felt like it captured my attention and kept me in suspense but also made me feel hopeful!

You will not want to put this one down!

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ambushed in the Night is the second in a series. While it cam be read alone for sure, it is enjoyable to read after the first. Brenda, Rose and Maxwells story was captivating from the beginning, grabbing your attention at every turn. Love and suspense what a good combination!

[Ausjenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley for my review copy.

I read my first book by Rhonda Starnes last year "Smoky Mountain Escape" and loved her writing. This book while a stand alone also includes characters from Smoky Mountain Escape. I am so glad I got to read this story.

From the start of the book we learn our heroine is in WITSEC in a small town in Maine. She is using the name Susan but we learn her name is Brenda Granger. The book starts with her relaxing after putting her toddler Rose to bed. She is outside to relax and hears someone in her room. After a quick dash with Rose she runs to a nearby cabin. This is where she meets Maxwell Prescott and his K9 Gus. He is a former police officer from New York but now living on his own keeping to himself.

The bad guys have found their way to his cabin and are looking for Brenda and prepared to kill to get to her. This starts a series of dangerous situations where the bad guys are after them and Maxwell is determined to save them. Gus being a trained K9 dog is also protective of Rose. Just when I think they will be given a moments respite the bad guys turn up again.

There are a lot of tender moments and funny moments. Rose is so sweet and some of the things she says are so funny. While there was always danger I wasn't over the top. Sometimes authors put the characters through so much that they should be in a hospital. This book wasn't like that Yes they were in danger and they did face a lot of obstacles but not to the point they shouldn't still be standing. Which I appreciate because it feels more realistic. I was on the edge of my seat for the whole book, and it wasn't till near the end I knew who was behind it all. The ending was satisfying.

If you like suspense featuring WITSEC, toddlers and K9's plus a great suspense story give this book a try.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ambushed in the Night by Rhonda Starnes
To protect innocent targets…
he will risk his life.
When his scared neighbor appears on his doorstep seeking refuge from a gunman, former police officer Maxwell Prescott is determined to shield the single mother and her toddler daughter. With Brenda Granger’s witness-protection location compromised and her late husband’s ties to a drug-trafficking ring placing a target on her back, Maxwell is the only person she can trust. But with threats at every turn, Maxwell’s protection skills are put to the ultimate test, and outrunning danger could be beyond their reach. Can they evade lethal assailants determined to silence Brenda, or will their pursuers lead them straight into an inescapable trap?
My favorite quote is
Susan Warner picked up the snowman mug filled with hot cocoa, lifted it to her nose and inhaled deeply. The chocolate scent instantly soothed her jagged nerves. Indulging in a sweet treat had become her favorite way to end the day. Thankfully, her twenty-two-month-old daughter, Rose, normally slept through the night, going to bed at eight each evening—allowing Susan time to tidy up and unwind before her own bedtime—and not waking until six or seven the next morning.
I recommend this book.
Ambushed in the Night by Rhonda Starnes is a 5-star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Rhonda Starnes.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are my own.
From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trust is normally earned, but in this case Brenda is going to have go in faith and prayer that Maxwell Prescott will keep her and her child safe.

Brenda is in witness protection, but she is no longer safe as someone breaks into her home in the middle of the night. She ends up banging on the door of her next door neighbor, Maxwell Prescott, who just so happens to be a former police officer. He does not hesitate to let her in to keep her safe, but the battle is far from over.

As Brenda and Maxwell go on the run with a toddler and K-9 in tow, they have no idea what to expect. What they do not expect is what happens next and then again and again.

This book had just the right amount of action in it to keep it thrilling, but it also has a deep faith message as Brenda leans heavily on her faith and prayer. Even after all that Brenda has been through, her faith is sound and she never doubts that God is in control.

I really liked Maxwell's innate desire to protect a complete stranger and her child. He was in danger as well, but he never hesitated. Brenda has some very surprising skills that come handy as they are on the run. Baby Rose is absolutely adorable as she steals Maxwell's heart from the first moment she says his name. That being said, the characters were very easy to like and were engaging to me as a reader. The mystery was very well-written and quite surprising when the reveal finally came to a head.

Thank you to Harlequin and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imagine former police officer Maxwell surprise when a women and child comes banging at his quiet home with two gunman on their tail. Thankfully he was able to help with his retired canine and now they will do everything they can to protect this small family when it's clear that the person isn't done looking for them and her Witness Protection Officer is becoming a harder to get a hold of so that she may go back to them in their care.

This was such a fast-paced read and it was so fun to read. There was just so much going on and. I was really hooked till the very end. Just going to point out that this this is a clean book with no steamy scenes which I appreciate and it's also very faith Facebook where they do Christian prayers and different stuff if you're into that. I love that this book kept me on the edge of my seat I enjoyed the characters and seeing a bit of why they were the way they were. I mean Maxwell was just looking for some quiet after dealing with untrustworthy people which is why he's no longer in the career that he was and took a step back and is basically tucking his tail after what he dealt with and Brenda really helps get him out again and was able to benefit from the skills and it was interesting seeing how everything played out. Overall really good book really enjoyed it.

[Catherine Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was action packed, full of suspense and once I started reading it I did not want to stop. The romance was innocent but satisfying and balanced out the edge of your seat drama to create an addictive read.

When Brenda was 'Ambushed in the night' she had to run on the fly with her daughter Rose. Can she trust the neighbour she has never even met? Max is former NYPD and rather disillusioned with life and enjoying hiding out in the country with his service dog Gus. When Brenda and Roes turn up on Max's doorstep with 2 baddies close behind they have to take a risk to trust each other. Forced proximity especially between two strong, capable and attractive people means they build connections a lot quicker than usual! But before they can think about their feelings towards each other they need to get away from the bad guys who turn up at every turn, no matter what they seem to do.

I liked the life lessons within this story - that people don't always treat you right but your integrity and attitude are what is important. I loved little Rose and Gus and how they enhanced the story so much. The faith elements integrated into the story were subtle and not at all pushy. A great read for a quiet afternoon or evening!

[Mvm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ambushed in the Night is an action-packed suspense novel that grabbed my attention from the very first chapter and didn’t let go. Brenda and her daughter are living in the witness protection program after her husband and brother are arrested in a major drug bust. When Brenda’s location is compromised, she must quickly decide who she can trust. Her neighbor, a former NYPD officer, may be her only hope—and choosing to rely on him could make all the difference.

This was a very enjoyable, fast-paced read filled with nonstop action and intensity from start to finish. The story is packed with twists and turns that kept me fully engaged, and once I started reading, I didn’t want to stop. The characters are strong, with solid development, and the storyline is both suspenseful and intriguing. A gripping, well-written suspense novel that delivers exactly what it promises.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for an advance copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving this honest, personal, and unbiased review.

[Rachel DeVaughn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brenda and her daughter Rose are in the witness protection program after her husband and brother are arrested as part of a drug bust. When Brenda's location is compromised, she has to decide who she can trust to protect her and her daughter. She meets her neighbor (former NYPD) Maxwell and his canine dog Gus along the way and decides to give him a chance. 

Both Brenda and Max had learned the hard way that sometimes people will disappoint you in life. But we cannot control what others do, we can only control our response and keep our focus on God. I really like that! 

This action packed suspense story had twists and turns at every time, keeping my interest from getting to end. Amazing and strong characters with an intriguing storyline. Once I started reading, I didn't want to stop! 

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions and views expressed are my own.

[Dali Castillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Page-Turner

This story is one awesome page-turner! The entire story kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. While the suspense kept me turning pages, the hope-filled inspirational faith messages deeply touched my heart and kept me reflecting.

However, the relationship between Brenda and Max was the icing on the cake. Yes, the suspense and intrigue were top-notch, but the way the author wove in their relationship was beautiful and touching. Add to that a very special little princess and a very smart K-9, and the whole mix results in a beautiful story that is a definite must-read.

Book Quote:
However, I’m quickly learning that sometimes in life we’re not dealt the hand we think we should be given, but it’s okay. As long as we remember God is in control, nothing else matters.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and voluntary.

[Diane Jewell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ambushed In the Night by Rhonda Starnes ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The best book I've read in 2026. Lol

Rhonda Starnes is a new author for me and if this is any indication of her writing skills it will definitely not be the last..

Brenda is in witness protection program because of the arrest of her husband and brother for drug trafficking. Middle of the night 2 guys break in her house. She grabs her daughter out of her crib and runs through the woods. She has no idea where to go but she must keep going and not look back. She sees a house and she hauls it praying that someone is home . She pounds on the door. Friend or foe ????

Pre-order your copy today (you'll be glad you did.) for a January 27th release date to find out who answers the door.

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy for my honest review.

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brenda must fight for her and her daughter's lives, as their witness protection cover is blown and they must depend on their neighbor, former cop Maxwell Prescott.

A fast paced suspense, with a lot going for it. There is a lot going on, and Brenda is determined to do what is takes to keep her daughter safe. Maxwell, is the right guy at the right time, he sees that Brenda and Rose are in need and goes above and beyond to keep them safe. I admired Brenda's faith, and how she trusted God to keep them safe.

An engaging story, with high stakes and strong, likable characters. Rose is so adorable and I liked how she befriended Maxwell. Great character interaction, and relationship building suspense. Definitely recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Kelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fast-paced suspense novel started out with adrenaline-fueled action and didn't slow down throughout the book! Maxwell Prescott opens his door to a frantic woman and her child one night and suddenly finds himself in the middle of a wild ride. Brenda Granger, a WITSEC participant, has been discovered and is on the run. Innocent of any crime, she finds herself hunted by ruthless drug dealers who will stop at nothing to find the evidence they believe she has against them. Unfortunately, she has no idea where it is! Can Maxwell and Brenda - thrown together in an impossible situation - work together to find out who's behind the sinister attacks and keep her daughter safe? Grab this latest thriller by Rhonda Starnes and be prepared to stay up late!

I was gifted a copy of this novel by the publisher through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have become addicted to Love Inspired Suspense. I appreciate the suspense, mystery and the faith. The faith is never overwhelming and feels totally realistic. Ambushed In The Night Delivers on all of that. My hiccup is we find out in the first chapter what the perps are looking for and I immediately knew where it was. Then they kept getting found and I knew where one was. This left me frustrated that an ex cop couldn't figure it out till later. That being said they would have to communicate sooner to reach the conclusions. Gus our furry friend stole the show. Thank you for the advanced copy. I freely share my honest thoughts and opinions. #AmbushedInTheNight #RhondaStarnes #Harlequin #LoveInspiredSuspense

[DevotedToHope · Rating 5 out of 5]

A terrified mother. A child who needs protection now, not later. Ambushed in the Night places its characters in circumstances where trust must be chosen before certainty arrives. Maxwell Prescott does not step forward because the situation feels safe or convenient. He steps forward because it is right. That decision carries weight through every single page.

Max is a former police officer carrying both skill and weariness, someone who understands threat assessment as well as moral responsibility. Brenda Granger carries a different burden: motherhood under pressure, grief, and the constant awareness that danger follows her steps. Having a small child in the middle of everything changes the weight of each moment. Every risk grows sharper, every protective choice more urgent. Watching them move through fear, responsibility, and reliance on God is marked by grounded sincerity. Their growth unfolds through action, prayer, and obedience, revealing faith lived out under pressure.

The faith content here is neither implied nor thin. Prayer appears as something personal and practiced, shaped by need and trust. Scripture anchors the story in a way that reflects lived belief, not borrowed language. The foundational verse, Jeremiah 17:7, quietly shapes the narrative, reminding the reader that trust placed in the Lord becomes steadiness when everything else feels unstable.

One prayer stood out for its honesty and humility: “Dear Lord, forgive me for my mood today. I know every negative situation I have experienced has had an equal blessing. Where there has been darkness, You have provided Light … find a church home in my new community that has fed my soul and helped me deepen my relationship with You was more than I ever could have hoped for. Thank You for always providing for my needs even before I realize I have a need.”

Another moment of spiritual grounding comes through Scripture spoken in fear and steadiness alike:
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want,” she whispered, reciting the twenty-third Psalm—something she’d started doing after she’d entered WITSEC to ease her anxiety and remind herself God was in control.

This story understands surrender. Protection skills matter. Courage matters. Faith holds everything together. The result is a suspense novel where danger accelerates the heart and trust anchors the soul.

For readers who value clearly Christian suspense with prayer, Scripture, and dependence on God woven naturally into the story, Ambushed in the Night delivers with conviction and care.

I received a digital ARC from the publisher and NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing and story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.

[Kellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I have read by Rhonda Starnes, it was most definitely a not put down book. Thank you for the ARC Copy.
Brenda and her daughter have been put into WITSEC when the men that have been looking for her find her in a remote part of Maine she grabs her daughter and runs to the nearest neighbor. Heath is still licking his wounds from the betrayal he feels his NYPD officers have branded him with.
When he hears someone banging on his door and finds a woman and her toddler standing in the freezing cold and holding a shot gun he is not sur what to think. As the men who are looking for Brenda keep finding her she takes Heath up on his offer to help her find a safe place to go.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ambushed in the Night by Rhonda Starnes is an intriguing tale. I was quickly drawn into the story. I enjoyed the characters, especially little Rose and Maxwell’s dog, Gus. Maxwell and Brenda both have admirable traits. While Brenda's hesitation to trust Maxwell made sense, I thought some of her choices were questionable. The action and suspense were engaging and kept me interested. I liked how the epilogue wrapped up the story. Faith was subtly woven into the story. Ambushed in the Night is a suspenseful story with unwelcome interlopers, a neighbor in need, guarding a little girl, a protective pup, a missing marshal, and a hopeful future.

[Jennifer Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Wow. Just wow. I'm all about a fast paced, action packed book. And this one didn't disappoint. As a matter of fact, I finished it in a few hours simply because I couldn't put it down. From the very first page, I was deeply hooked into the life of Brenda and Rose and loved that within 4 days time, a massive drug ring was brought down and she had fallen in love. I highly, highly recommend this book!! You won't be sorry!!

[Denise Schenk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Former police officer Maxwell Prescott nearest neighbor shows up with her daughter seeking refuge. Brenda Granger’s witness-protection location compromised, and her husband's drug traffic ring have found her and her toddler. When Max realizes that Brenda needs help, he takes her under his wing. They are on the run, but the bad guys keep finding them. They decided to return to the original home of Brenda to seek the truth about why they are hunting her.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hooks you on the first page and doesn't let go. Brenda, her daughter Rose, Max and k-9 Gus are running for their lives, so that means you are getting a story with non-stop action, suspense, drama and romance. Once you start reading their story you won't be able to put the book down. This book deserves more than 5 stars!
I received a complimentary copy from Harlequin - Romance via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[bookloverjb123 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fast paced and on the run mystery/suspense that will have you cheer Brenda and her cute daughter Rose on. Brenda is in the Witsec program and after someone breaks into her house she runs to her neighbor Maxwell and asks for help.

Little does Max know the impact Rose and Brenda would have on him. As they run for their lives will Max be able to keep Brenda and her daughter alive and safe?

Nice love inspired romance read. 3.5 stars