Brothers at the Black Dagger Brotherhood training center push recruits to the limit to become faster and stronger than ever before as they prepare for the fight against the Lessening Society. Novo, a resilient survivor who is a bit rough around the edges, has overcome a great deal—including her intense attraction to suave, aristocratic Peyton, with whom she has shared a passionate physical connection. But when Peyton finally admits his true feelings for Novo, she rejects him for a more stable male. Now they must train in close quarters and eventually confront the feelings they still undoubtedly harbor for each other.