St. Louis Registered Nurse Shannon Johnson desperately needs a break from her hectic job and an unsatisfying long-term love affair. The parcel of Texas land she recently inherited is just the refuge she craves--that is, until fellow landowner Matt Taggart challenges her to prove she has what it takes to work the sprawling ranch. Shannon's pride makes her accept his dare--so does her attraction to the arrogant and utterly irresistible rancher... Engineer Madelyn Taggert was accustomed to going after what she wanted. But she never expected that a chance encounter with family friend Daniel Falcon would lead to a passionate night together--and that after the special moments they'd shared, he would walk away without a single regret. Hurt and angry, Madelyn is making plans to get on with her life and fulfill new dreams, despite the newly awakened desire she denies, but can't resist. Beautiful and wealthy socialite Dominique Falcon appears to have it all. But behind the glamorous image, Dominque feels worthless. After falling for a suave charmer who was only after her money, she vow that her next lover will be richer, more handsome, and higher up on the social ladder. But when a rough-around-the-edges guy from the school of hard knocks, enters her world, she breaks her promise and embarks on a torrid love affair. But can true love flourish between an unlikely pair from opposite ends of the social register?