Joe Ryan's lion heart is as rocky and impenetrable as the Arizona mountains he protects. Although no one could ever prove that the muscular Sentinel agent was involved in his former partner's death, Ryan's dark reputation - and ferocious cougar form - spells danger to the unwary.

Lyn Maines is a woman on a mission. The dark-eyed shape-shifter has come to root out corruption, but she quickly discovers she's vulnerable to Ryan's leonine power. As they hunt the rocky peaks, seeking proof of Joe's innocence - or guilt - can she trust her instincts about the proud, tawny loner? Especially when her judgment is overwhelmed by the wilder urgings of her heart.