Wounded, scared, broken. Haunted by the death of his friend, John Rathborne is determined to find his former canine partner, Koda, now retired and re-homed. She's the only living being who could love him, even if he failed her. The last place he expects to find her is on a ranch in Montana where he lands a foreman job and a chance at a new start.

Katie Locke just wants the new guy gone. She doesn't need some stranger invading her ranch, no matter how the ranch needs the help. But she can't ignore John's brooding presence, and even her dog shares an uncanny bond with him. When her father suffers a heart attack, Katie has no option but to trust John and put their differences aside.

Only John hasn't told Katie about certain parts of his life--including that he and Koda were once partners. When they discover someone is out to destroy the ranch, and Katie is in their crosshairs, John is determined to protect her at all costs. But can he open his heart enough to save their blossoming relationship?

Falling for the boss's daughter was bad enough, but allowing Katie to see all of him could mean losing everything he's fought for...including Koda.