Courage under fire

McKenna returns to scenic Wyoming in the fast-paced second Silver Creek romance (after Silver Creek Fire). San Francisco beekeeper Cari Taylor flees home when she learns that her stepbrother, Dirk, a convicted murderer, has escaped from prison and promised to come after her. She interviews for a beekeeping job at Silver Creek, Wyo.'s Three Bars Ranch, though she's reluctant to put anyone else in danger and discloses her fear of her brother to the ranch's handsome owner, Chase Bishop. But Chase, a former Marine sniper, is undaunted and promises to protect Cari for as long as she's in town. As Cari works to rebuild the ranch's hive, Chase is increasingly drawn to her caring and independent nature. When Dirk arrives in Silver Creek, Cari and Chase leave it to local law enforcement to track him while they head out of town to transport a red-tailed hawk to a Southern California raptor center. But danger finds them on the road when Chase and Cari are shot at by drug runners and Chase must employ his survivalist skills to keep them both safe. The slow-building romance is enhanced by the element of danger, the beauty of the land, and the tight bond of Silver Creek's community. Series fans will be thrilled. Agent: Claire Gerus, Claire Gerus Literary.(Mar.)