The Runaway Brides of Darling Creek Series by Abby Knox

Olivia. I have no plan, and I don't know where I'm going. I just know I need to get away from the cult where I'm being forced to marry against my will. I soon find out the clothes on my back are not enough to keep me warm through the night. Luckily, I manage to find shelter for the night, as long as whoever owns this ranch doesn't catch me sleeping in this empty stall. Wylie. When I find a sick and shivering Olivia hiding on my ranch, I know I have to help her... moreOlivia. I have no plan, and I don't know where I'm going. I just know I need to get away from the cult where I'm being forced to marry against my will. I soon find out the clothes on my back are not enough to keep me warm through the night. Luckily, I manage to find shelter for the night, as long as whoever owns this ranch doesn't catch me sleeping in this empty stall. Wylie. When I find a sick and shivering Olivia hiding on my ranch, I know I have to help her. I won't have anyone sleeping in a barn on my watch. Not when I've got a warm, empty house all to myself. This runaway brings with her a heap of trouble, but I've never backed down from trouble before. Olivia is staying with me, and that's that. Content notes (POSSIBLE SPOILERS): Non-graphic descriptions of darker themes including past religious trauma and neglect done by the villains; Use of firearms. less

Ellis. I have a lot of work to do around the property, and I don't have time to train the new farmhand, Louisa. But she's clearly underfed and clueless about how the world works. What's more, I can't take my eyes off her for a second. I know she said she just needs some pocket money so she can embark on her adventure see the world. But I can't shake the feeling that there's more to her story than what she's telling me. Louisa... moreEllis. I have a lot of work to do around the property, and I don't have time to train the new farmhand, Louisa. But she's clearly underfed and clueless about how the world works. What's more, I can't take my eyes off her for a second. I know she said she just needs some pocket money so she can embark on her adventure see the world. But I can't shake the feeling that there's more to her story than what she's telling me. Louisa. This job is the only way I can earn some money while staying under the radar. As soon as I have enough cash in my pocket, I'll disappear forever and the cult leaders I escaped from will never be able to find me. The more I get to know my boss, Ellis, though, the more I'm having second thoughts about my plan to leave Montana. But any hesitation to keep running will surely put this good man in danger. less

Barrett. When I come home after a long, backbreaking day, all I want to do is stuff my face and fall asleep in front of a roaring fire. Alone. However, that plan comes to a screeching halt when I discover that someone's been sleeping in my bed, eating my food, and burning my firewood. No one is supposed to know about this place. I get pretty grumpy when I find a strange blonde woman rifling through my things... moreBarrett. When I come home after a long, backbreaking day, all I want to do is stuff my face and fall asleep in front of a roaring fire. Alone. However, that plan comes to a screeching halt when I discover that someone's been sleeping in my bed, eating my food, and burning my firewood. No one is supposed to know about this place. I get pretty grumpy when I find a strange blonde woman rifling through my things. But then the intruder, Goldie, spins a wild yarn about her imprisonment and the men who are after her. If she's telling the truth, sending her away is unthinkable. Goldie. I took a huge risk when I fled the cult's compound and backpacked into the mountains. That risk pays off when I find an empty vacation cabin stocked with the basics. I can rest up for a few days and come up with a plan to start a new life. After I rest a little longer than intended, I try to make a quick getaway before the owner of the cabin catches me. I soon find out that nothing escapes the growly Barrett. Before I can stop myself, I'm spilling the whole, sordid tale to him. I can't help myself, and I kind of like the grumpy faces he makes when I talk too much. less