Books like Nine Lives by Sharon Sala

Cat Dupree first survived death at thirteen, and the second time left her orphaned and scarred. Haunted by the man who left her for dead and watched him murder her father, she channels her fury into bounty hunting. Every job is a step toward tracking the tattooed villain in the criminal underworld. Her latest assignment leads deep into Mexico’s rugged, lawless desert, where she hopes to find and confront the man who ruined her life. Unknown to Cat, bondsman Wilson McKay is on the same trail, and following her could be the quickest way to locate the target. He is eager to share resources—and a share of the reward—especially if it means getting to know the hardened woman beneath Cat’s tough, no‑prisoners exterior. Life has taught Cat that the safest path is to work alone, but Wilson might be the partner who changes her mind.

First publish date: 2006