Short-Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer

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?

This is the first book in the Archer Brothers series, and it is a great start! All the characters are ones you fall in love with at the beginning. Humor was woven into the story in perfect ways. The story pulls you in and makes it difficult to put the book down, so warning: if you don't have a lot of time to read, don't pick up this book! I have read this book twice (so far!). I am a fan of Karen Witemeyer, and I am so glad she did not disappoint with this book, either. Highly recommended!