On a silvery silent night, Sunnie Begay, a young Navajo woman, stalks the Navajo Wolf to kill him with a shot from her rifle. She hopes to end the misery her people have suffered at his hands. The Navajo Wolf is the leader of the Skinwalkers, those who have the ability to transform their human form into animal. When the SUV is in sight and the shot taken, Sunnie is surprised to find that she's hit a stranger. Guilt causes her to take responsibility for the injured person, Cisco Santiago, a very handsome man who creates a fire in her and stirs her blood.

Cisco, a bounty hunter, does not reveal that he's also part Navajo and is searching for the father who left him and his mother years ago, and who he believed was dead. Finding him is a promise he gave his mother on her deathbed and one he intends to keep. He also learned that he has two step- brothers.

When a Skinwalker is near, Sunnie hears a faint buzz. Using her ability, she and Cisco join forces and travel Dinetah territory in search of the Navajo Wolf. Both become aware of the sharp attraction they hold for each other, and hot, fiery sex becomes a primal force between them. When Sunnie's friend, Tory, is held captive in the Navajo Wolf's mansion in the hills, it's discovered that this Skinwalker is also Cisco's father. Along with the Brotherhood and both of his brothers, Cisco rescues Tory and watches as his father transforms to a wolf form as he dies.

Cisco, refusing to believe he can fit into Sunnie's life, leaves Dinetah. However, he's compelled to return when he realizes he loves her and cannot live without her. Together they begin their life by creating a miracle -- their new son.

I loved the excitement and action throughout the story. Sunnie is a unique character and the fire that builds between her and Cisco sizzles. I can't wait to read the rest of the Night Guardians series (SHADOW FORCE, 4/06; SHADOW WATCH, 5/06; SHADOW HUNTER, 1/07; SHADOW SURRENDER, 3/07 and SHADOW WARRIOR, 5/07), as well as any other books written by Linda Conrad. They are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Book Summary

A huntress determined to save her people:

A panther stalking her prey, Sunnie Began knew when to raise her rifle...and fire. But instead of shooting her enemy, she stared into the face of a stranger.

A hunter on a mission

Cisco Santiago had come to the desert seeking answers about his father’s death. Now he’d almost been killed by a woman on a deadly mission of her own.

A passion too powerful to resist

Navajo-born Sunnie wasn’t who she seemed. Neither was the bounty hunter who awoke dangerous desire. Together, could Cisco and Sunnie right the wrongs of the past?

Night Guardians: The Navajo brotherhood keeps watch in the night at any cost