In these rugged mountains, Cassie thought she'd finally found the small-town welcome she's been looking for her whole life. But after she stops some school bullies, suddenly the rest of this close-knit community isn't acting so friendly. The threats begin, and this schoolteacher has nowhere to turn for help—until a rugged, mysterious rancher steps in. Lincoln Blair has been drawn to Cassie from day one. That's why he's avoiding the too-tempting new teacher—he knows from experience that outsiders get bored and leave. Still, he just can't help wanting to protect Cassie when trouble starts. As her danger grows, Linc realizes it's his heart he's forgotten to safeguard….

A passionate summer romance between a rancher and a social worker is rekindled when they meet again unexpectedly in New York Times bestselling author Rachel Lee's latest addition to her miniseries, Conard County: The Next Generation! "I love you." Ten years ago rancher Cliff Martin said those three little words to Holly Heflin. But all she said was "goodbye." She ran from Conard County fast as a jackrabbit, leaving Cliff with a broken heart. But Cliff never forgot the one that got away.... Now Holly has returned to settle her aunt's estate--and Cliff is the executor. Her matchmaking aunt and his jealous ex-wife are the least of Holly's problems. Everywhere there are memories...and Cliff. But he's still a small-town rancher with roots and she's a big-city girl with a ticket home. She's got two weeks to avoid the hunky cowboy.... But what if she can't?