Christopher Matthew Chambers, the eldest son of a wealthy New York family, shows little interest in the family business, preferring to do his own thing much to the disappointment of his father. When a relative of his mother dies and the family inherit 10,000 acres of prime real estate known as Sutter's Ridge, situated in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Christopher is sent to attend to the funeral arrangements and clear up any remaining legalities.

During his visit, however, the weather takes a turn for the worse and he finds himself in the middle of a snow storm. While driving back down the mountain he is forced to swerve to avoid a stray elk - his truck ends up stranded in a ditch and his leg is injured. After a couple of hours with no help in sight, Christopher sets off on foot in search of somewhere to hole up until the storm passes. Fortunately, he stumbles across the house of Samantha Fremont, a sexy but feisty young woman with whom he feels an instant attraction. A passionate romance quickly blossoms but Samantha's fiery temper and stubbornness make for some turbulent times. The sex between them is great but Samantha is headstrong and not inclined to listen to advice, even when it's in her own interest. When she goes too far, Christopher has no hesitation in putting her across his knee for a well deserved spanking but he soon discovers that rather than being chastised, she actually enjoys it.

Chris feels that the inherited property at Sutter's Ridge is too beautiful to be sold off and is intent on persuading his family that it should be preserved. He invites them to come over and take a look at it and introduces Sam to his family. It's not long before his sister, Kimmie, has started seeing Sam's brother, Seth. Their relationship deepens, they fall in love and some months later Seth asks her to marry him. Unfortunately for Chris, Sam's behaviour hasn't improved and with a heavy heart he acknowledges her blatant disregard for his wishes and feelings and decides that the relationship can't continue. For a while, it seems as if a happy ever after ending may not be on the cards but then destiny takes a hand...