Audrey Sheridan is in trouble. The corrupt sheriff of Defiance is threatening to kill, one by one, the orphans in her care if she doesn’t help him bring down Julian McCaid, the sheep rancher who Sheriff Kemp has discerned has an interest in Audrey. Determined to do whatever it takes to keep her ragtag family alive, she agrees to keep Julian’s attention focused anywhere but on the shenanigans going on in Defiance.

Julian McCaid has been coveting Audrey Sheridan from afar ever since he saw her in Defiance a year ago. Now back from his eastern business to oversee the summer operations of his sheep ranch, he’s looking for a way to exorcise the lust that comes over him every time he sees her. When he catches her picking his pocket, having her work off the debt by cooking for him and his men may give him that opportunity.  Julian soon realizes he’s playing with fire where Miss Sheridan is concerned. She’s not the woman he thought she was—she’s so much more. And getting her into his bed is proving more difficult than he imagined.

How long can Audrey keep Julian at bay—and does she really want to? There’s no future possible for a woman like her with a man like him. Julian has been upfront about his plans to marry a southern belle back East and has promised her nothing more than the summer, should she succumb to his considerable charm. Audrey wants more, but resisting him is taking all her will power. When violence breaks out, more than willpower will be tested.

Ms. Levine has created two complex and sympathetic characters for this absorbing and sensuous romance. The taut and vibrant sexual tension between Julian and Audrey keeps the story moving and those pages turning. Ms. Levine is also adept at providing delightfully telling details of character and place. Compelling, romantic and highly recommended.