When Laurie Spencer said "I do", she never realized she'd be trading one pair of shackles for another - until her husband's unexpected death leaves her with an opportunity to escape her controlling family for good. Determined to be independent, Laurie approaches sexy rancher Jared Smith with an offer she hopes he can't refuse.

Colby Blaine has been a loner his whole life. And he isn't about to change now. But that doesn't mean he can ignore people in trouble. When he rides up to an inexperienced wagon train under attack, he doesn't hesitate to jump into the fray. Naomi Kessling is certainly grateful to Colby for saving her family and agreeing to lead their train to safer territory.

As the sheriff of Sycamore Flats, Hen Randolph has seen just about everything this lawless land has to offer. Quick in the saddle and quicker on the draw, he's cultivated a reputation for being a ruthless sharpshooter - and an unapologetic loner. Hen's had more than his fair share of complications and is happiest keeping his distance from the world. The trouble is, sometimes the world refuses to keep its distance from him.

Zac Randolph is a gambling man. One of seven infamous brothers, he kicked the Texas dust off his boots and found his new home in the Little Corner of Heaven Saloon in San Francisco's notorious Barbary Coast. Running a saloon is exactly the kind of work he's best suited for, and he's happiest keeping the rough men who frequent his halls in line. But then a figure from his past comes calling, and his whole world is flipped upside down.

Monty Randolph has always bristled under his eldest brother's tight rein. He's his own man, and he's determined to prove it - and himself - whatever the cost. Getting out of Texas has always been the plan, and now he's got the perfect excuse: driving herd to Wyoming where he can put down new stakes. It's dangerous, brutal, backbreaking work, but he's more than ready for the challenge. There's just one problem. Iris Richmond has been a thorn in the Randolph boys' side since she was a little girl. She's vowed to save her ranch by driving her own herd up the long and dusty trail....