Growing up in a secluded area of Alaska has its perks, but the ability to find a mate isn't one of them. Bear shifter Jake is convinced a dude ranch in Wyoming that caters to shapeshifters is the perfect place to start looking. Though his plan to find his match is a success, things don't go as he'd expected. Instead of welcoming him into her arms and her heart, Fred, the most beautiful fox he's ever seen, does everything possible to avoid him. Circumstances in Fred's life forced her into a life of hiding. When she takes a job cooking at the Crescent Canyon Ranch, she never expected the three sisters who owned the place to welcome her into their family and encourage her to stay. Discovering that one of the guests is Fred's true mate complicates things even more. No matter how badly she is drawn to the annoying, persistent, and ruggedly handsome male, she knows keeping Jake at a distance is for the best. When a danger from Fred's past threatens to ruin everything she cares about, she discovers that Jake will do whatever it takes to prove he's the mate she needs and to keep her safe.