Lizbeth Newman is a freelance writer in Santa Fe, New Mexico, whose father's passing changes her life in more ways than one. Anthony Fox Newman was a best-selling author whose novels, set in the badlands of Indian country in New Mexico, generally hit the New York Times bestseller list within a week of their release. Prior to his untimely death, he negotiated a lucrative contract with his publisher and a sizeable six-figure advance. Lizbeth soon learns that the publisher is demanding the remaining half of the manuscript be delivered within six months. If not, they will require repayment of the advance, which Lizbeth knows will bankrupt her father's estate and void the charitable bequests made in his Last Will and Testament. Lizbeth soon finds her efforts are being secretly derailed by a handsome fellow who comes into her life with the intent of monopolizing her time to keep her from completing the manuscript. As the deadline looms Lizbeth finds herself in a quandary of huge proportions.