About the Book
Book: Ambush of the Heart
Author: Mary Connealy
Genre: Historical Romance
Release Date: February 3, 2026
When bandits strike in the wilderness, can love and faith overcome the shadows of danger?
As Owen Riley and his fellow Marshals escort Delaney Bridger, her brother, and an escaped prisoner to Fort Russell, a gang of outlaws ambushes them, bringing death and devastation to their party. With their lives on the line and the outlaws in pursuit, Owen directs the rest of his battered group to temporarily seek hiding at a remote ranch.
After the attack leaves her brother seriously injured, Delaney helps Owen, nursing him and a wounded Marshal back to health while danger looms ever closer. Despite the threat at their heels, romance sparks between Owen and Delaney as they fight for survival on their perilous trek to the fort. Can they overcome the obstacles and find a future together?
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Lucie's Review:
US Marshall Owen Riley is finds himself escorting Delaney Bridger and her brother, to their father in Fort Russell, with a prisoner in tow, while they try to stay one step ahead of the outlaws on their trail.
The first in a brand new series set in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado territory. A full cast of characters, with three main plots that converge, and set up for the next book in the series. An engaging western read, full of action and faith. I liked that Delaney and Owen worked together to get their group safely to the fort, bonding over their shared faith. There is a lot going on, with the story being told from multiple viewpoints.
An action packed read that was hard to put down, as they travel across the mountains. I admired their determination and perseverance, pushing towards their destination against the odds. I'm excited to find out what happens next to Stella and Tex! Hard to put down, page turning adventure. Highly recommend!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
About the Author
Mary Connealy writes “romantic comedies with cowboys” and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has sold more than 1.5 million books and is the author of the popular series A Western Light, Wyoming Sunrise, and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero.
More from Mary
Two things drove my interest in The Rocky Mountain Marshals Series. In book #1, Ambush of the Heart, I got to begin that adventure.
The first thing: U.S. Marshals. I did a bit of research and just began discovering how much I didn’t know. I mean…what are U.S. Marshals? The only one I could think of was Rooster Cogburn in True Grit. But my research was confusing. Yes, there were lawmen out hunting for outlaws. But a lot of that was because Oklahoma Territory back then was Indian territory and thus, had no law beyond tribal law. And, because of that, outlaws had gotten to running into Oklahoma and treating it like they’d reached base in a game of tag.
Because it was federal, the government came up with a federal solution. The U.S. Marshals Service already existed. But chasing outlaws into a place with no law…that was new. I went to Fort Smith, Arkansas, known back in the past as the gateway to Indian territory. So many outlaws passed through there that, a part of my research led me to the brand-new U.S. Marshals Museum in Fort Smith.
I could write an entire series about Bass Reeves alone, a former slave who became a U.S. Marshal. Some of my reading suggests he was in part the inspiration for the Lone Ranger and it’s said in his 32 year career as a marshal he arrested 3000 outlaws. He has a TV Series on Paramount+ TV. A network I don’t have.
I found so much of this out because I went on a research trip. (I don’t do that often) Very fun and I learned a LOT.
My second driving interest was…just how lost could someone get in the wilds of the Rocky Mountains? I’ve read so much about Pathfinders…Kit Carson, John Colter, James Beckwourth, John Mullen (a guy I’d never heard of who is so interesting he deserves his own book!). I definitely count Sacagawea among them. These bold, adventurous explorers who went out in the wilderness and found their way through. It was NOT easy.
One thing I found really interesting (all those pathfinders are interesting!) was talk about The Donner Party. That Donner Pass cut 400 miles off the trip to California on the California trail. That might sound ridiculous to us, but back then, in a wagon train, especially in rugged country, that 400 miles was a huge lure. Of course they tried it. People were always trying to find a shorter way through those treacherous mountains.
So, my hero Owen, is transporting a federal prisoner who escaped jail, from Denver to Fort Russell near Cheyenne, Wyoming—where he’s due to hang.
An attempt to break him free by his gang drives the escorts and those with them—including beautiful Delaney, into the Rockies and whoa…they didn’t know how to get out…especially one pair who got separated from the main party.
One other twist is, my three heroes…the guys (the women are heroes, too of course) but the men, Owen, Morgan and Tex, all appeared in the book Marshaling Her Heart, book three in my Wyoming Sunrise series. Writing that book awakened my interest in U.S. Marshals. And I loved those tough men and wanted to … ahem … well, maybe tame them just a little.
So come and join me as my travelers, including the bold and brave Owen Riley and the beautiful and trail savvy Delaney Bridger, are chased from behind and more lost with every step they take ahead. They fight the outlaws, the Rockies and their growing attraction, to find their way home.
Blog Stops
Texas Book-aholic, February 18
Holly’s Book Corner, February 19
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 19
For Him and My Family, February 20
Betti Mace, February 21
Devoted To Hope, February 22
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 23
Pause for Tales, February 23
lakesidelivingsite, February 24
She Lives To Read, February 25
Labor Not in Vain, February 26
Jeanette’s Thoughts, February 26
Books You Can Feel Good About, February 27
Lyssa Loves Books, February 27
Locks, Hooks and Books, February 28
Cover Lover Book Review, March 1
Bizwings Blog, March 2
Jodie Wolfe, March 2
Little Homeschool on the Prairie, March 2
Connie’s History Classroom, March 3
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Mary is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Bookshop.org gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://gleam.io/3eYes/ambush-of-the-heart-celebration-tour-giveaway
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