It's kind of hard to figure out who's afraid of whom when Harrison Rowland meets Willa Banks. Each was definitely gun shy in the trust department. Willa had just escaped meeting a pretty certain violent end or facing an equally brutal future with a man who was desperate for her hand in marriage. There was a lot at stake for the cruel butcher of Skagway (no pun intended) who had the town totally duped into believing him as a rather benevolent gent. Using her wits and fierceness she found her way to Eagle Cliff and talked herself into a job as bartender at Harrison's new tavern. Harrison was determined to not give an inch when it came to Willa especially as a new albeit temporary employee. Last thing he needed was trouble and she had it written all over her from her disheveled hair to her torn wedding gown. But try as he did he just couldn't set her on her own when it was pretty obvious she needed a safe haven. He was also clearly aware of an unsought of attraction to her. Being in close proximity with her behind the bar was going to test his resolve to remain uninvolved since he was acutely aware of every rustle of her clothing and every smile she doled out to customers. Not to mention his acquiescence to Willa's request to stay on as a boarder in his tavern which meant rather close sleeping quarters too. Something about her instantly made him take on the role of protector. And as her past caught up with her it became apparent she wasn't the only one facing danger. Harrison, a widower, had demons of his own to face but when push came to shove there was no question where his loyalty was. He certainly wasn't looking for love but this time it seems to have arrived uninvited at his very door.

Kate Bridges once again brings us to an uncertain time in the development of Alaska and its many towns. People came to Alaska for various reasons, some looking for a prosperous future in gold and some escaping bad times. She writes multi-dimensional characters with equal amounts of angst, humor and flaws. In ALASKA BRIDE ON THE RUN, you will also meet up with some folks from previous books--another good book for summer reading. Enjoy