Elaine Lambert, youngest daughter of Iona and Nathan Lambert, has always known her own mind and taken the lead with her boyfriends. But after her fiancé dumps her, she no longer trusts her own judgment when it comes to men.

She embraces a no-dating mantra, and her recently adopted dog, Bandit, seems to agree with her policy. He won't let any man come near her. Except for Cliff Wyecliff, her niece's former kindergarten teacher and seasonal wildfire fighter. Could it be that Bandit knows something she doesn't know?

Cliff seems ready for more than a casual friendship, and Elaine slowly becomes convinced that she might make an exception for the one male her canine companion approves of. But when Cliff realizes their relationship is turning serious, he pulls away. After tragically losing his first love, can he risk losing another?

Elaine and Cliff face a trial by fire, literally—not to mention the disapproval of the Lambert family matriarch. Can their relationship survive or should they go their separate ways?