Rosanne Bittner

On the run from the law for a crime she didn't commit, Elizabeth Wainwright flees to the West, and finds herself under the unwanted protection of Montana lawman Mitch Brady.

Desperate Hearts

"One of the most powerful voices in western romance returns with a gritty, earthly, moving love story that captures the true spirit of the West." RT Book Reviews, review for Paradise Valley SHE'S A WOMAN WITH A SECRET Elizabeth Wainwright is on the run. Accused of a murder she didn't commit, she has no choice but to cut ties with her old life and flee West. The last thing she wants is attention, but when her stagecoach is attacked, she suddenly finds herself under the fierce protection of one of Montana's famed vigilantes...whether she likes it or not. HE'S A MAN WITH A CODE Lawman Mitch Brady is sworn to uphold justice in the wild lands of 1860's Montana. He's never met a man he's feared, and he's never met a woman more desperately in need of his help. Something's shaken the secretive Elizabeth, but as he gets to know the beautiful city belle, he finds the only thing he wants more than her safety...is her trust.

Lynn Braden

Elizabeth Wainright has gone west to escape her abusive stepfather.  When the stagecoach in which she is riding is attacked, she is saved by local sheriff and vigilante, Mitch Brady.  Mitch takes Elizabeth to the town of Alder and begins to spend more and more time with her, but she has a secret that she is not willing to share with anyone, especially a man.  After her experience with her stepfather, she knows she can never trust a man again, but Mitch is attentive and kind.  He also promises to keep her safe in a town known for its lawlessness.  

Desperate Hearts is a very straight forward western historical romance.  It is clear early in the story who the good guys and bad guys are.  The love between the two main characters seems to happen very quickly and without much difficulty as most of the conflict is more internal than external.  Much of the drama is over the top and the characters are not well developed, but the story is an easy, quick read with a satisfying outcome.  Overall, Desperate Hearts is an average western historical.