In this tale set in the 1800s, Clayton Weston is a man with a past and his reputation precedes him wherever he goes. A black-clad figure of some notoriety, his exploits have received more than their share of publicity, for he gunned down the men who killed his family. By the time he was twenty, his draw and accuracy were next to none, with 16 dead men to prove it. But now at twenty-seven, he wants to put the past firmly behind him. He has the opportunity to take over his father's ranch and make a fresh start - and who better to start afresh with than the beautiful and spirited saloon girl, Amanda Dalton. He comes to her aid when the horses pulling her carriage veer out of control, and quickly becomes smitten. But sassy and sometimes sarcastic Amanda is a girl who always likes to have the last word, and it isn't long before Clay follows through on his threat of a spanking. This is a whole new experience for Amanda, and one that despite her protests she isn't exactly averse to! Their relationship develops, but Amanda's feisty nature earns her a few well placed spanks. The two become close and Clay learns about Amanda's tragic past, and her dalliance with Vance Hankenson. So when Hankenson turns up in the saloon, his presence heralds trouble. Clay has every intention of asking Amanda to be his wife, but first, there is a mystery to unravel...