In order to get her PhD in environmental sciences, Naomi must spend a year in a small rural town, in order to get to the nature preserve nearby, which harbours the animals she needs to study for her research paper. The small-town life takes some getting used to for this city girl, but perhaps the tall, dark and handsome park ranger get make her stay more enjoyable… Unfortunately, Merrick takes his job as park ranger very seriously, and is immediately suspicious when he finds out about Naomi, mistakenly assuming that, as a scientist, she plans to hurt the animals in his care. But when they discover a large group of poachers in the area, Merrick and Naomi have to put aside their differences, and work together to bring them to justice.