Leader of the Pack — Roxanne St. Claire

Very few things ruffle K-9 trainer Liam Kilcannon. Stoic and steady, he has the patience and skill to transform a harmless puppy into a highly protective “schutzhund,” and the quiet strength to lead his five younger siblings through the storms of life. A former Marine who doesn't waste words or squander emotions, Liam is also a man who very much wanted to spend his life with one special woman by his side. He found her… and lost her. And Liam won't ever let himself slide down the Andi Rivers Slippery Slope to Misery again. But when his father tells him Andi's house has been broken into, he doesn't hesitate to offer her his beloved protection dog, a decision that will put them in close and constant contact.

Architect and single mom Andi Rivers knows nothing in life is certain, having first-hand experience with unexpected changes and tragedies that upended her world. Determined to protect her deeply shy little boy from another heartache, she's vowed to stay single and unattached no matter how long and lonely her nights might be. Hesitant to take Liam's dog at first, she soon changes her mind when an estranged relative launches a campaign to take custody of little Christian. A dog won't be enough…Andi needs a family to protect her son. When the Kilcannon clan moves into action, the solution they offer is drastic but perfect. Liam and Jag are there to protect Andi's home and child…but what will protect their hearts from the risk of falling in love -- and failing -- one last time?