Todd Lewis's fatherly fury was explosive enough to make steel girders tremble. How dare some tight-tipped schoolmarm call his little boy disruptive! Prepared to do battle with the formidable Elizabeth Gentry, he was jolted when brainy, beautiful Liz stormed his construction site with the passion of a she-cat defending her cub... and with womanly curves suggestive of very adult education. The brawny builder's intelligence was obvious, his innuendos...

On leave from the army, Nick Colter heads to a quiet Alberta ranch to fulfill a promise. His buddy left behind a pregnant wife in need of protection and friendship that only Nick can provide. Despite years in combat, he isn't prepared for the battle to earn wary Beth Carruthers's trust. There is more than grief in her beautiful blue eyes, and caring for her becomes more than an act of duty. He wants to bring a smile to her face…and restore faith...

"Riley Palmer needs a fresh start, and managing Echo Springs Ranch is the break she's been waiting for. There's only one problem. Her new boss, Quintin Avenaco, thinks he hired a man. Riley's confident she can handle the job. But convincing Quintin? With only three weeks to prove her case, it won't be easy. Single mom to four-year-old twin daughters, Riley can't afford to risk everything for a flirtation with Quintin. Even if he does make her heart...