She's on the verge of greatness. He's a self-proclaimed black sheep. When a slaying brings them together, getting locked up could tear them apart...

San Francisco, 1872. Susannah Carterton yearns to be accepted as a serious artist. But family comes first, and she accompanies her adored adopted niece back to the guardianship of an unsuitable biological uncle. But when an estranged friend is found murdered and she stands accused, the panicked painter swallows her pride to ask help of the man who loathes her in kind.

Jack Cabot is ecstatic to have his youngest relative back home. Determined to be all that she needs, the likable reprobate could do without her striking shrew of an aunt. But when the beautiful busybody desperately requires his aid, he jumps into action to shore up her defense.

Grappling with the idea of someone setting her up for jail time, Susannah fears her chance at winning a prestigious exhibition is about to end in a shocking society scandal. And as Jack starts to see the warmth underneath the woman's cold exterior, he vows to uncover the villain before she's charged with the crime.

Can these enemies-turned-allies call a truce and save everything they love?