Paper Rose

• Abridged

Archaeologist Cecily Petersen has loved Tate Winthrop since she was a teen, but the handsome Native American refuses to consider a mixed marriage. Instead, he becomes her white knight, protecting her from an abusive stepfather and arranging college grants and housing. But when Cecily discovers that the "grants" were actually outright gifts from Tate, she's furious. Her anger shifts their relationship from friends to lovers and forces them both to confront deeply held convictions and fears. When Cecily learns of a political scandal that could threaten Tate, she's determined to shield him, even though she knows it's likely that he'll never forgive her for the necessary deception. With political scandal in D.C., nefarious shenanigans on the reservation, and sizzling passion between the hero and heroine, Paper Rose delivers everything Palmer's readers have come to expect and more. --Lois Faye Dyer