The sinister Patron of the Rancho filled Courtney's heart with passion and fear. Courtney Keating is young, beautiful and alone in the world. All she has is a letter from her father promising her a share in the rich strike he called "The Queen of Tears." The secret of that legacy is concealed in the somber mansion known as Hawkshadow, the home of the infamous Barrons: Persia Barron Keating Courtney's - Courtney's stepmother, a stunning woman who makes no secret of her scandalous past. She has no intention of sharing anything with Courtney--not her home, nor her wealth, nor her stepsons. Nace Barron - A man of violent contrasts who is known as "The Sinister Falcon." He gives Courtney two choices: marriage or ravishment. Gill Barron - The charming, genial younger brother. He has his own ideas about the Barron line of succession-and his plans include Courtney. Caught in a dangerous drama of greed, jealousy, and revenge, Courtney is afraid to trust anyone-until she gives in to the impulses of her own heart.