Fox is a woman as feisty as they come. Once the most sought-after scout west of the Rockies, she led folks through wild, unexplored terrain-until a gunshot wound ended her guiding career. She's living a calmer life when a handsome stranger appears with an urgent request to take him to Denver immediately. The gold coins he offers catch Fox's eye-and so do his sharp good looks. Fox can't resist the chance to guide again, and can't ignore the fire that burns in her body whenever she sees this oh-so tempting man.

Matthew Tanner has received a startling telegraph: His father is being held for ransom in Denver. With time running out, Matthew must find the best scout money can buy. When the best turns out to be a woman with gritty good looks and a wild mane of red hair, Matthew is both shocked and intrigued. Can Matthew and Fox's mutual desire and growing love survive the perils of their journey, or will their secrets destroy each other?