"There's something missing from Eli Garrett's life. He loves being the sheriff of Painted Pony Creek, Montana, so it's not his job. He's had the same two best friends since he was a kid and he's grateful for them, so it's not that, either. But ever since his buddy Cord's recent marriage, Eli has a nagging suspicion that he wants what Cord has. And there's a beautiful woman who has caught his eye--someone who's returned to town that he can't get off...

On a dark, lonely stretch of a Midwest interstate highway, Nick Red Shield swerves his pickup and empty horse trailer to avoid a pair of terrified eyes. In the bushes he finds a woman battered, bruised, and barely conscious. Nick may be a scarred loner, but its plain to see that Lauren Davis needs someone she can trust. In the safe haven of his South Dakota ranch, among the magnificent painted horses of western legend, a bond of trust, truth and passion...

Lakota Sioux rancher Dillon Black is slowly working his way back from losing everything he ever cared about. Ultimately, it was the horses that saved him. In his heart, he truly believes in the connection between the wild, majestic breed and the soul of the Lakota people. Now he has a dream--the Mystic Warriors Horse Camp--a place where youth can connect with the Lakota ways. He has the land, the horses, and the history. All he needs is the money....