A Whisper of Claws by Jennie Lynn Roberts

Knight Captain Luka has two problems: an assassin trying to start a war… and Izabel. He already knows which one of them is going to break his heart.

Luka keeps castle security, and his life, under strict control. He gave up the right to happiness when his actions led to his best friend—Izabel’s brother—dying alone. He could never ask for forgiveness, especially not from Izabel, no matter how much he wanted her. So, he pushed her away instead. But now there’s a dead body on the side of their ancient holy mountain, Izabel has been drawn into hunting for the killer, and having her close enough to touch is driving his beast insane.

Izabel has a new home and a flourishing apothecary well away from the castle… and well away from the man whose cold rejection still haunts her. But something sinister is happening, and it feels all too similar to how her brother died. When the prince asks her to help investigate, Izzy can’t refuse. Not with war threatening everyone she loves—and the chance to finally learn the truth—on the line.

Forced to work together, Luka and Izzy find the pull between them burning hotter with every shared moment. With enemies already inside the gates, they must decide exactly how far they’re willing to go— for their kingdom, and for each other.

A Whisper of Claws (book 1 of The Steel Vanguard) is a steamy dragon shifter romance with tons of action. Expect chosen mates, forced proximity, off-limits (he thinks so anyway), found family, second chances, protective hero, fierce heroine, court intrigue, inner beasts with sharp claws and sharper attitudes… and a hard-won happily ever after.