Short-Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer

 About Short-Straw Bride:

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?

My Review:
5 STARS +++

LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this book!!! I have already been a huge fan of Karen Witemeyer but this one has got to be my favorite of hers!!  This book is jammed with yummy chemistry and tension that had me devouring the book in a day!! I thought it would take me a few days to read but I HAD to read it in one setting!!

Meredith has always held a place in her heart for Travis Archer, the young man that saved her when she was younger from an injury on his property.  She will never forget how handsome he was and the tender way he cared for her.  Now when she hears someone is set out to hurt him she can't let it go.  She has to go warn Travis and seeing him one more time will be the bonus!! Things don't go according to plan and the next thing you know Meredith is caught in a compromising position and forced in to a marriage with one of the Archer men, which brother drew the short straw to loose or win that debate?

I loved the characters in this book.   Karen always writes characters that I love but man oh man I can't get enough of those Archer boys! They are great, I loved them all.  They put on this big show of how tough they are but they have a soft side.  And Meredith is a hoot! She is feisty, passionate and romantic.  There is mention of God and faith but it is not overbearing and it adds just the right touch to the story.  I strongly recommend Short-Straw Bride to all fans of Witemeyer or Historical romance fans!!

I received this book free from Bethany House and was not required to give a positive review, all opinions are my own!

About Karen Witemeyer:

CBA bestselling author, Karen Witemeyer, writes historical romance fiction for Bethany House, believing that the world needs more happily-ever-afters. In 2011, her debut novel, A Tailor-Made Bride, was a finalist in the Best First Book categories for both the prestigious RITA® award and the National Reader's Choice Award. Karen holds a master's degree in Psychology from Abilene Christian University and is a member of ACFW, RWA, and her local writers' guild. She is an avid cross-stitcher, shower singer, and bakes a mean apple cobbler. Karen makes her home in Abilene, TX with her husband and three children.