Rio OBannon was known for her rational nature but to save an innocent man, expediency forced her to wed a stranger standing on the gallows. Now all she had to do was to keep this business arrangement amicable for one year. Passion and emotion were not in the agreement. Her new husband is not making it easy though. He is exasperating and far too handsome making Rios well hidden temper reappear along with a painful childhood secret. If she can just keep her mind off his sensuous mouth and strong arms, the year would be fine. Nick Pearson was just passing through town when fate landed him on the gallows. To stay alive he needed to play the gentleman until he could break his parole and escape the watchful eyes of the town of Bear Valley Colorado to return to his gamblers life. Rios shy demeanor hides a tempting woman of passion that is beginning to put that plan in jeopardy. Shes making him believe that his past doesnt matter and its worth taking the biggest gamble of his life for the ultimate prize - love.