Can a proper lady coax a rugged cowboy into surrendering his heart in this delightful historical romance? Prim and proper Jessica Stanbridge is a brilliant woman who hides her beauty behind a pair of thick, wire-framed spectacles. She travels to the Wild West in search of historical artifacts, but instead finds an ornery--but gorgeous--cowboy who agrees to serve as her guide. Rory Burnett hides his passion in his secret poetry, but he can't disguise his growing desire for the determined young beauty . . . or his fear that Jessica's quest might lead her into deadly danger. As the spark of passion between them flares into an irresistible flame beneath the sizzling kiss of the desert sun, Rory and Jessica must decide if the promises of the past are going to lead them to destruction . . . or to a future in each other's arms . . . Jill Marie Landis is the New York Times bestselling author of Past Promises, Until Tomorrow, The Orchid Hunter , and Jade .