Vaquero — D'Ann Lindun

When Cordero Ybarra and Aspen O'Hare meet, there is an immediate attraction. But he holds his secrets close, refusing to open up about the night racial prejudice almost killed him. Aspen refuses to trust Cord--or any man. She's been abandoned one too many times. When another woman lies and says Cord wouldn't take responsibility for a child they created together, Aspen believes Cord is a deadbeat just like her father. It is only after she uncovers the truth that Aspen realizes Cord is nothing like the men who've deserted her before. When an immigrant worker is hanged by the same two crazies who branded him, Cord sees the truth. The shame he's carried about being the victim of a hate crime is going to cost him the woman he loves if he can't let go of his past.