Shauna O'Shea, young, pretty, and full of Irish temper, meets ruggedly handsome rancher Jake Austin, a man of deep convictions, determination and drive, who is used to being in command. Shauna, who fights control of any kind, clashes with him instantly, despite the immediate sexual tension between them. Shauna hates the rawness of the silver mining town, and longs for prettier, more civilized places. She is determined to get out of Virginia City, but after meeting Jake, her plans go awry. Jake is tracking down a killer, but his attraction to Shauna throws him off course. Both have hidden agendas that interfere with their mounting passion. While investigating her father's past, Shauna is kidnapped. Jake sets out to rescue her, and after a clash of wills, they end up saving each other and following their hearts.