Short-Straw Bride - Karen Witemeyer

Summary from GoodReads: No one steps on Archer land. Not if they value their life. But when Meredith Hayes overhears a lethal plot to burn the Archer brothers off their ranch, a twelve-year-old debt compels her to take the risk.

Fourteen years of constant vigilance hardens a man. Yet when Travis Archer confronts a female trespasser with the same vivid blue eyes as the courageous young girl he once aided, he can't bring himself to send her away. And when an act of sacrifice leaves her injured and her reputation in shreds, gratitude and guilt send him riding to her rescue once again.

Four brothers. Four straws. One bride. Despite the fact that Travis is no longer the gallant youth Meredith once dreamed about, she determines to stand by his side against the enemy that threatens them both. But will love ever be hers? Or will Travis always see her merely as a short-straw bride?

Meredith Hayes warns the Archers of impending danger to their property.  When her uncle discovers that she is there due to an injury she incurred, he insists that one of the Archer men must marry her to save her reputation.  The Archer men have only been living on their property since their father passed away and do not leave it, ever.  So as rugged men would make a decision, they draw straws to see how marries her.  Meredith has been in love with Travis since he rescued her back when she was younger.  It would be a dream come true to marry him.  Will she marry Travis?  Will he grow to love her the way that she loves him?  Will this ever become a real marriage?

I totally enjoyed this book by Karen Witemeyer!  The characters are well defined and believable.  I could feel the emotions of Meredith and could not help but fall for Travis myself!  According to Karen, this is not the last we have seen of the Archer family.  I am looking forward to reading more about them, especially of Crockett and Jim and Cassie!  Thanks Karen for a very enjoyable read!