A first installment in a Calder series spin-off is set in the late 1800s and follows the experiences of a vengeful cowboy and an aspiring doctor whose respective ambitions are complicated by past demons and an illegitimate child.

1891. Ambition drove Joe Dollarhide. He was determined to have a spread every bit as vast and impressive as that of his employer-- and revenge against Benteen Calder, the cattle boss he used to worship, the man who'd left him for dead after a wild stampede. With just five dollars to her name, Sarah Foxworth was traveling the dusty rails when Joe rescued her from a violent attack, then won her heart as a cowboy in need of redemption. Her dreams of becoming a doctor are dashed when she gives birth to an illegitimate baby. Years later Sarah walks into Joe's world-- and there's no denying that her son is his own. Now a prosperous rancher, he yearns to make a home with Sarah and their boy. But life has also shown Joe that nothing worth having ever comes easy. -- adapted from jacket