Rivalries

Lila Culhane's life is in turmoil. As if coping with the murder of her husband isn't enough, now the glamorous young widow has Frank's even younger mistress to contend with. His pregnant mistress. Crystal. But Lila hasn't got time for more heartache. With everyone grasping to profit from Frank's death, including fighting for possession of her beloved ranch, she needs leverage for the battle.

As it turns out, Crystal may be carrying just the edge Lila requires: an heir. Crystal offers to let Lila adopt Frank's baby--for a price. Lila is willing to consider it--pending a paternity test. Until then, she'll focus on her role in the upcoming high-stakes Run for a Million reining competition, and her ranch manager--and lover--Roper McKenna.

Rugged, hardworking, and talented, Roper is finally getting his dream to ride in the prized competition. Lila expects he'll choose the Culhane's legendary stallion, One in a Million, as his mount. But when he considers other offers, she finds herself questioning his loyalty . . .

Meanwhile, Detective Sam Rafferty's list of suspects in Frank's murder is growing. Besides Roper and Lila, Frank's bitter first wife and his sparring extended family, there are adversarial neighbors, ex-lovers, and perhaps even the woman Sam loves--Frank's own pampered daughter, Jasmine. And as the surprises multiply, a killer remains free to strike again--if these rivals don't kill each other first . . .