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Tunnel Creek Ambush

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Danger lurks in the shadows…
and a police dog is keeping watch

Officer Jasper Holt never thought he’d see his high school girlfriend, Kinsley Miller, again—much less become her protector. But when the wildlife biologist returns home for her aunt’s funeral, she’s attacked twice in a matter of hours. With his K-9 partner at his side, the single father will protect Kinsley with his life. But can they uncover the reason behind the assaults…before the next strike becomes the last?

From Love Inspired Courage. Danger. Faith.

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published April 25, 2023

17 people are currently reading
103 people want to read

About the author

Kerry Johnson

7 books333 followers
Kerry Johnson has been conversing with fictional characters and devouring books since her childhood in the Connecticut woods. A long-time member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and RWA (Romance Writers of America), she’s a seven-time Genesis Contest finalist and two-time winner. Kerry lives in the Sunshine State with her family, a lazy boxer, a temperamental sun conure, and way too many books. She loves Jesus, long walks, all creatures great and small, and iced chai tea.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for Katie Powner.
Author 8 books456 followers
Read
May 10, 2023
A fast-paced and suspenseful easy read with likeable characters and of course a dashing police dog. I enjoyed it! For fans of Jerusha Agen, Terri Blackstock, and Darlene Turner.
Profile Image for J.E. Grace.
Author 23 books140 followers
April 26, 2023
Tunnel Creek Ambush is a story about danger, courage, and forgiveness. Jasper & Kinsley have a past and both are carrying guilt.

When Kinsley becomes the focus by men who want to do her harm, can she survive with Jasper's help?

There are moments of extreme danger, suspense, and renewed faith. The non-stop action kept me on the edge of my seat. Lots of twists and turns that took me by surprise. The ending wrapped everything up nicely. Great characters that are well-developed and the descriptions of the landscape and action, kept me engaged throughout the entire story. Another great read from this author. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and voluntarily choose to review it. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Kerry Johnson.
Author 7 books333 followers
Read
March 23, 2023
I love these characters and I hope readers do, too. <3
Profile Image for Vickie.
2,239 reviews74 followers
April 29, 2023
I won this book in an online contest and I am so glad to be introduced to this author. The story is one that quickly captured my attention, with a biologist whose life is in danger and her second chance at love romance. When Kinsley returns to Tunnel Creek, she meets Jasper again, her high school sweetheart. Jasper is a police officer who never got over losing Kinsley. Now his constant companion is Dash, a protective canine who decides that Kinsley needs his protection, too. I really enjoyed how the story flowed smoothly, from one scene to the next and explained the backstory of the protagonists along the way. The intrigue was what in the world was going on in the mountain cave and why was Kinsley attacked just outside of it. There are multiple layers to the story and red herrings, too, that added to my reading pleasure. Mostly, I liked getting to know the no-nonsense characters and reading about the way Kinsley tackled the challenges that life had dealt her. I liked the theme of overcoming guilt and forgiving yourself as well as moving forward to a promising future. All very hopeful and positive! This book is a quick, enjoyable read that will entertain you and inspire you.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I won a copy of this book from the author and I was not required to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Profile Image for Danielle.
Author 28 books616 followers
May 2, 2023
Tunnel Creek Ambush by Kerry Johnson is a Love Inspired Suspense.

I’ve been very excited to read Kerry Johnson’s next Love Inspired Suspense. First, the cover is amazing, second it has a K-9, and third, I loved her first story and knew this one would be great, too. And it was!

Kinsley Miller is a wildlife biologist — how cool is that? I absolutely loved her character! Jasper, too, with the way he insists on keeping her safe despite their personal past. Also, I especially loved how he was the one skittish around bats and lizards and creepy-crawlies, and Kinsley was not! (I want to say more, but … spoilers!)

The mystery has excellent twists, and the ending is fantastic. So, if you enjoy romantic suspense, grab yourself a copy!

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I received a complimentary copy of this book.
I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.
Profile Image for Christy.
1,281 reviews68 followers
April 30, 2023
I absolutely loved Tunnel Creek Ambush! It's got almost non-stop action that will keep you turning the pages. I couldn't put it down. The characters are well-written and believable. Kinsley has dealt with so much loss and so much guilt. But throughout the story, she is reminded that when you're a Christian, there's no more condemnation. That's something I have to remind myself of over and over again. It's so easy to let guilt push your peace away. We think that God can't possibly love us because we messed up again. And we keep messing up. But if you're a Christian, when He looks at you and me, He sees us through the blood of Christ. I highly recommend this Christian romantic suspense book!
Profile Image for Kim.
833 reviews1 follower
May 8, 2023
Great characters and lots of action made this book hard to put down. Kinsley Miller is a stubborn and resilient woman. Officer Jasper Holt (her ex from high school) is determined to keep her safe. I loved Jasper’s canine partner Dash and his sweet little son Gabe. Such an action-packed story, it would make a great movie. Loved the epilogue, too.
Profile Image for Monica H (TeaandBooks).
845 reviews85 followers
May 3, 2023
Do you enjoy a suspenseful mystery with a dash of romance thrown in? Tunnel Creek Ambush by Kerry Johnson kept me guessing right up until the end. I had a few suspicions but I did not get this one figured out at all.

Kinsley Miller and Officer Jasper Holt were high school sweethearts. However, after Kinsley's parents died in a car crash, which she was also involved in, she let her guilt and fears drive her away from her home town. For several years she had been working as a biologist with a zoo. Now, she is back in town for her Aunt's funeral. At first, she tries to mix work with her personal life--until she is assaulted while trying to find bats to monitor in a tunnel. Then Jasper comes to her aid. However, things keep going haywire with more crazy assaults on Kinsley leading them both to wonder what type of trouble she is in. As Jasper and Kinsley try to solve the mystery, will they keep their relationship on the back burner or will they look for a way to move forward?

I was surprised at how much Johnson kept the reader guessing in Tunnel Creek Ambush. This is a fast-paced read with an interesting and busy plot. I loved that. I also liked the way that Kinsley and Jasper renewed their relationship. There is also a faith element that I enjoyed. The ending was so good as a lot of loose ends were tied up and my questions were finally answered. I would easily recommend Tunnel Creek Ambush to anyone who enjoys a good suspenseful mystery.

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher through JustRead Tours. All opinions within this review are my own.
Profile Image for June Jacobs.
Author 51 books152 followers
May 6, 2023
A riveting suspense story filled with romance, danger, and faith . . .

This unique story revolves around the mystery of who is trying to get rid of wildlife biologist, Kinsley Miller; and, more importantly—why?

Kinsley returns to her hometown of Tunnel Creek, South Carolina, to attend her Aunt Rhonda's memorial service. She also wants to follow up on a coworker's tip about some rare gray bats being spotted in the Whisper Mountain tunnel.

The action and danger begins on the second page while Kinsley is searching for signs of the bats in the tunnel. Her regret about her aunt's passing and in particular her own choice to stay away from visiting her aunt in the recent past cause Kinsley to be distracted. She realizes someone is following her, but she is caught unaware and the man demands that she give him the 'file.'

Tunnel Creek Police Officer Jasper Holt and his K-9 partner, Dash, are on patrol and become involved with rescuing Kinsley after she's been abandoned by her assailant. From that moment on, this story is filled with non-stop action, twists and turns, and both characters dealing with baggage from the past.

The faith element in this novel is strong and clear. The supporting characters, human and animal, are awesome and they enriched the story greatly for me. The romance thread is realistic and well-written. Another plus for me is that this book was completely clean in language and content.

This book is one of my favorite Christian romantic suspense reads of 2023 so far! Fans of this genre will relish in the tension and excitement the author offers readers from Chapter One until the final chapter of the book. I look forward to reading more of this author's work in the future.

I received a copy of this book from the author through JustRead Publicity Tours. All of my thoughts and opinions shared here are solely my own.

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Profile Image for Suzie Waltner.
Author 13 books148 followers
May 8, 2023
Kinsley and Jasper have gone their separate ways, but when Kinsley returns to Tunnel Creek and is targeted by some dangerous men, her high school sweetheart steps in to protect her.
In Tunnel Creek Ambush, Kerry Johnson kept me guessing as to what exactly was going on throughout the story. I will admit that I figured out who was behind everything, but it did take me a while.

I am a fan of romance where the couple has some history and backstory—even if it was years ago. The fact Kinsley and Jasper have that foundation to build upon in the present makes the story that much sweeter, especially when you also consider all the drama happening around them.

Johnson packed a lot into this little story, which made it hard to put down and walk away from. For me, Tunnel Creek Ambush was the perfect combination of romance and suspense.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive or negative review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Amanda Geaney.
538 reviews341 followers
May 8, 2023
Kerry Johnson's Tunnel Creek Ambush is a Christian romantic suspense novel that offers an engaging and action-packed reading experience. Set in Sumter National Forest, the novel's backdrop is perfect for nature lovers and those who enjoy outdoor adventures.

The novel's plot follows the rekindled romance between Kinsley Miller and Officer Jasper Holt, whose relationship will surely appeal to fans of second-chance romances and those looking for a happily ever after. However, the novel is not limited to romantic themes, as the author skillfully weaves in the themes of guilt, forgiveness, and betrayal to create an emotionally engaging story.

The story's numerous narrow escapes and action-packed sequences will keep readers engaged throughout the novel, with the tidy and satisfying ending delivering closure to more than one mystery. However, some readers may require a suspension of disbelief with the many near-death experiences that the characters face.

Overall, Tunnel Creek Ambush is a quick and enjoyable read that offers a perfect blend of suspense and romance. Kerry Johnson has done a commendable job of creating well-developed characters and an intriguing plot that will keep readers entertained until the end.

I received a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to give a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Jasmine.
1,295 reviews43 followers
May 14, 2023
Are the past and present intertwined?

Betrayal is the name of the game in Tunnel Creek Ambush. No one and nothing are as they first appear and even our hero and heroine hold some secrets. This is my second Love Inspired Suspense read from Kerry Johnson and I must say that it was every bit as good as the first. The danger and intrigue keep the story moving forward lickety-split with never a dull moment. And, most importantly, there is a DOG! You just can't beat story with a working K-9 as an important, and quickly a favorite, character.

Other than one unfortunate statement, I really enjoyed Tunnel Creek Ambush. It had all of the mystery and mayhem and romantic sparks that a good Love Inspired Suspense novel should have. Author Kerry Johnson never gives her wonderful characters more than just a second or two to stop and breathe and, of course, that keeps the reader hurriedly turning those pages to find out who and why.

So, yes, Tunnel Creek Ambush was a good read. The 220+ pages of Love Inspired Suspense fun provided a few hours of entertainment and escape on a cold rainy day and I really appreciated it. I'm just hoping there will be more from Kerry Johnson coming soon because I am now impatiently waiting...

(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
Profile Image for Tara Robinson.
154 reviews19 followers
April 19, 2023
Wildlife biologist Kinsley Miller returned home to plan her late aunt's funeral. While she's at Whisper Mountain Tunnel looking for bats, Kinsley is attacked. Officer Jasper Holt and his dog Dash are driving by the entrance to Whisper Mountain Tunnel when a car speeds out of there nearly hitting Jasper. He spots someone's car in the parking lot and goes to investigate. Jasper finds Kinsley hurt. This is a action packed sitting on the edge of your seat suspense you don't want to miss. A roller coaster of a ride. I very much recommend Tunnel Creek Ambush.
Profile Image for Debra .
453 reviews41 followers
November 10, 2025
Wow! Ms. Johnson wove a wonderful book together with lovable characters, a fabulous K-9 and a sweet lovable little boy. Kinsley comes back to Tunnel Creek to plan a memorial service for her aunt. Little did she know that it would place her in harms way. Losing her parents in a car accident her senior year of high school, her aunt continued to raise her. She loved animals. Wanting to be a biologist was her plans. Now she was up for a promotion at the Atlanta zoo. Join Kinsley as she is joined with her high school sweetheart Officer Jasper Holt as they unravel what is happening as Jasper is determined to keep Kinsley safe.
Profile Image for Hallie (Hallie Reads).
1,656 reviews155 followers
reviewed
May 10, 2023
“Danger lurks in the shadows… and a police dog is keeping watch.” ⁣

Get ready for a non-stop, action-packed story in Tunnel Creek Ambush (Kerry Johnson & Love Inspired Suspense)! As wildlife biologist Kinsley Miller returns home for a family funeral, she is not only in danger of losing her life, but also her heart, as circumstances reunite her with her high school sweetheart, Jasper Holt. Jasper hopes to keep Kinsley safe—along with the help of his K-9 companion—as danger lurks for unknown reasons, but that proves to be a challenge full of twists, turns, and unexpected surprises.⁣

This story kept me on my toes, for sure! I enjoyed getting to know the characters and seeing them face down the obstacles set before them. Fans of romantic suspense are sure to enjoy it all, as well.⁣

(I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.)
Profile Image for Erica Skattebo.
Author 4 books3 followers
May 5, 2023
From the first page, I was captivated by the story, the setting, and the characters. I loved every hair-raising, show-stopping, heart-melting moment. Because I know Kerry personally, I couldn’t help but notice little details of her own story woven throughout. I’m already looking forward to Noah’s story!
3,321 reviews13 followers
April 29, 2023
Quick easy read. Lots happened in this book. Jasper was hit on the head so many times I'm not sure how there were no long term consequences and Kinsley kept getting ambushed but the overall story was good as were the supporting characters.
Profile Image for Becca Kinzer.
Author 7 books599 followers
May 23, 2023
A fun and fast-paced read. Really enjoyed it! Well, really enjoyed it except for a certain slithering character that had me reading the scene with my feet curled up beside me. But Dash, the K-9 cutie, more than made up for that.
Profile Image for Dorel.
4,344 reviews38 followers
May 2, 2024
This is the 1st book I read by Kerry Johnson. I liked this book's storyline. I liked the action in this story. I liked the Christian ✝️ theme in this story. I liked Kinsley's character. I liked Jasper's character. I loved ❤️ Dash 🐕. I loved ❤️ Gabe. I liked the ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Susan Simpson.
Author 24 books96 followers
October 28, 2023
I enjoyed the detailed descriptions. The story moved quickly with some unexpected surprises. I felt like I got to know the characters and was right there with them. Great book!!
Profile Image for Connie Hill.
1,885 reviews46 followers
May 3, 2023

Tunnel Creek Ambush is written by Kerry Johnson. This is part of the Love Inspired Suspense Line and it’s packed full of action and adventure. Kingsley Miller has come back to her home town of Tunnel Creek to make arrangements for her aunts funeral. She also plans to research a colony of bats. She left Tunnel Creek behind and became a wildlife biologist. The last person she expects to run into is her ex boyfriend, high school sweetheart, Jasper Holt.

Jasper finds Kingsley in the Whisper Mountain Tunnel and she’s been attacked. He gets her to safety and tries to figure out who did this to her. When someone makes another attempt on her life he realizes she’s a target and vows to keep her safe. He was heartbroken when Kinsley broke up with him.

Both of our characters have some deep pain and guilt they’ve been carrying around. Jasper is now a single dad and Kinsley has thrown herself into her work. Jasper wants to make sure whoever is behind the attacks is brought to justice. They soon realize that the attacks are connected to something bigger. Will they make it out alive?

Thank you to the author, publisher and Just Read for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Ethelann.
429 reviews
April 27, 2023
Wow! What a story. Action from beginning to end. And what an ending. It totally surprised me. Love Kerry's books.
Profile Image for Kenzathome.
330 reviews29 followers
May 12, 2023
Thanks to JustRead Tours and author Kerry Johnson for allowing me to participate in the book tour for Tunnel Creek Ambush. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. This was a wildly suspenseful Christian second chance romance novel that I really enjoyed. The characters were very likeable and of course I'll love any story that features a dog! I thought this book was so interesting and I was really invested in how it was going to end! I'm glad I read it and I highly recommend it!
Profile Image for Sherry Brown.
926 reviews100 followers
January 8, 2024
Tunnel Creek Ambush is exciting, full of danger, adventure, unexpected surprises, suspense in every chapter, forgiveness , romance and wonderful characters! I couldn’t have read a more thrilling book! It was awesome!!
6 reviews1 follower
March 9, 2023
Fantastic book! Highly recommend to anyone looking for a on edge of your seat adventure! I could see this book made into a movie! Ms Johnson pulls you into the lives of the characters! Loved this story!
Profile Image for Kay Garrett.
600 reviews93 followers
December 20, 2023
TUNNEL CREEEK AMBUSH by Kerry Johnson is the amazing story of Kinsley Miller, wildlife biologist, and Jasper Holt, high school classmate, ex-boyfriend and Tunnel Creek, South Carolina police officer. She’s in danger. His job is to protect. Together they must find answers, stay safe and fight old feelings. It’s a tall order and the odds seem to be stacked against them.

Kinsley took time off from work to return to her hometown. She hadn’t been back since she left shortly after her parent’s car accident that claimed both their lives. An event she blames herself for. At the time, she felt the least she could do would be to honor their wishes. That meant breaking off with the man she loved and going off to college fulfilling her dream of working with animals. In that, she’s succeeded, but her life outside of work was somewhat lonely. She’s come back to tend to the memorial services for her Aunt Rhonda, who fell down some stairs and died from her injuries. Now she’s added the guilt of not coming to see her onto her list. She’ll arrange the memorial for her aunt, settle things at the house taking what she wants to keep and arrange for the rest to be sold including the house. While there, she plans on trying to spot the endangered gray bat that she’d been told was in the Whisper Mountain Tunnel area. Her plans are to get in and out of town without facing Jasper if possible. However, it seems others have different plans for her.

Jasper Holt was heartbroken when Kinsley broke up with him. After a while, he picked the pieces and made a life for himself. That life was to marry the wrong woman, have a fabulous son, named Gabe who is now 6 years old, become a single father and become a police officer in his hometown. In a job-related event that he was injured in, his dear friend Park Ranger Willard Tuttle died. He still holds himself responsible for Willard’s death. All in all, he thought he had the world by the tail. That is until Kinsley shuck things up. Arriving at the scene of a reported attack with Dash, his 75-pound, brindle colored Dutch Shepherd, imagine his surprise in finding the victim to be Kinsley.

Their reunion was less than stellar after Kinsley had been attacked in the Sumter National Forest, but dedication to his job and despite old feelings that try to surface, Jasper will do everything in his power to keep her safe. While searching for answers, he hopes his all is enough. After the attach and then finding her aunt’s house ransacked with no one else to turn to, she places her life in Jasper’s hands. When Kinsley’s attacked for the second time in the same day, he knows in his heart that he will defend her with his life. That was his job – right?

Can Jasper keep Kinsley safe? He feels that whoever is after these “file”, that Kinsley knows nothing about, might eventually give up on capturing her and decide to just eliminate her. And in helping her and having her at the cabin for safety’s sake, is he putting his son and mom in danger? With multiple attempts on their lives, can their bodies take it and can they outwit and out last the never-ending assailants? In the process and the demand to have complete confidence in each other, will it remind them of what was lost all those years ago? Will they find that things are not always as they seem, both in events and people? Along the way, will some mysteries be solved while at the same time prove that things once thought of as fact become a mystery? Will they find out what and why these “files” are so important for someone to put a bullseye target on Kinsley? Is it possible that both Jasper and Kinsley might be able to find peace with the past opening up hopes for a future?

TUNNEL CREEEK AMBUSH is a book you will be compelled to read in one sitting because there’s no way you will be able to put down this book once you start reading it. The suspense and perilous situations will keep you on the edge of your seat as you try to figure out clues alongside Jasper and Kinsley. The sweet rekindled romance while facing such dangers will have you hoping for their safety and for a happily ever after. Kerry Johnson wraps this fabulous story in a wonderful thread of faith that ties it all together in the most amazing way. TUNNEL CREEEK AMBUSH is definitely a FIVE STAR book that I highly recommend to everyone! You will not be disappointed! In fact, I would wager that after reading this book that you will be searching out more books by this author - whose book bring the reader such enjoyment and contentment.

I receive a copy of this book with no requirement or expectations of a review. All opinions are completely my own.

Profile Image for Christi.
1,166 reviews36 followers
May 4, 2023
Tunnel Creek Ambush is a quick read with plenty of suspense that packs quite a punch. There is almost zero romance, with the exception of the epilogue, but there is plenty of clean suspense and quite a bit of action.

Kinsley is a wildlife biologist who has came home to put her aunt to rest and also study some local bats. The last time she was home she had recently lost her parents in a car accident and had broken up with her high school boyfriend, Jasper. She left town for school and never came back. It’s been years, but Jasper is an amazing and forgiving man, so when Kinsley needs his help he is right there by her side.

There was one random fact that stuck out to me in Tunnel Creek Ambush, and that’s all of the vehicles that were harmed or vandalized in this story, to the point that I actually felt bad! I told you...very random...

It’s been awhile since I’ve actually audibly squealed at something I’m reading, but this actually happened at one particular scene near the end of the story that involves a snake. I don’t do well with snakes in general, but the detail in this part had literal chills running down my spine. Great writing!

The ending was a little too quick for me, but it ends on a super sweet and happy note, so I’m not upset about it. I just wish there was more! This was a quick read that packs quite a punch in its pages, and I enjoyed every suspenseful moment.

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.
Profile Image for Erin.
2,117 reviews18 followers
May 5, 2023
I love a good suspense novel. And this one is definitely one of those! It starts out with Kinsley getting attacked and the suspense keeps going from there. Add in that Kinsley and Jasper were once a couple and that adds a layer of complication. The extra layer is that they still find each other attractive and might still love each other.

So, why did they split up in the first place? Because Kinsley’s parents wanted her to go somewhere and be something and chase her dreams. Even though they died she obeyed their wishes and broke up with Jasper and went off to college. Even though her aunt had taken her in when her parents died she never came back to see her even.

But now Kinsley is back because her aunt has died. And Kinsley is immediately attacked. Someone wants a file that they think she has, one that she knows nothing about. They ransack her vehicle and her house after leaving her beaten on a trail.

This is a wonderful suspense novel that you’re going to love. Oh, and the dog is sweet too. We’ve got several dogs similar to him with our German Shepherd, King Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois/German Shepherd mix. You’re going to love this book! It’s also got some romance added to the suspense.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through JustRead Publicity Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews

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