The story opens with young widow Lily McCourt out in the barn in big trouble. A couple of rank drifters have caught her alone and are planning to rape her. Suddenly, someone comes to her rescue, shoots one assailant, beats the stuffing out of both and calls the sheriff. Her savior turns out to be Troy Hammond, a cowboy she's had her eyes on for years. Lily wants to show Troy she’s ready to give him more than just gratitude for saving her; she craves a lifetime with him. Is the restless Troy too honor-bound to take the pretty young widow up on her offer?

Liza James’ erotic short story, Branded, is one scorching tale. The scenery quickly changes from the barn to the bathtub to the bedroom. There isn’t a whole lot of plot but there sure is plenty of action. Troy loses his hesitation in a hurry once Lily takes the initiative with a hearty scream to bring him running. Despite a brief marriage to an old man, sweet Lily is still quite the innocent between the sheets and Ms. James does a good job describing her heroine’s desire strongly tempered by hesitation. Troy plays true to character as well; hot to trot once he gets the go ahead but even so, he can’t imagine himself sticking around for the long haul. If you’re looking for a quick, steamy read, Branded is sure to fill the bill.