Hostage Bride at Christmas — Susannah Calloway

When Deryn Kavanaugh's father and stepmother announce that she is to marry a wealthy attorney in Rutger Creek, Arkansas, Deryn is both devastated and terrified. Upon arriving in Arkansas, her worst fears are realized when she discovers that Rex Gilbert, her fiancé, is not an attorney at all, but a ruthless saloon keeper. She is put to work waiting on drunks and men who mistreat her. When the aggressive behavior goes too far, Deryn is injured. Wes Branson, a local bounty hunter, and the local sheriff witness it, and Wes takes Deryn home to his family. Though Deryn has escaped potential marriage to Gilbert, she has little choice but to go back to work for him. As time goes on, she and Wes fall in love. But Wes must continue chasing down outlaws if he is to buy the ranch of his dreams. How can he marry now? Meanwhile, Gilbert is not finished with Deryn and will have her for his own-and Wes Branson better not get in his way.