Andrea Kane

Nicole Aldridge, daughter of England's most acclaimed jockey, Nick Aldridge, whisks her father into hiding to protect him from blackmailers who have threatened his life for refusing to throw a race. Desperate to keep her father safe and the two of them fed, Nicole dresses as a boy and answers an ad addressed to her father by the Marquis of Tyreham. As Nick's "protégé," she wins the position of jockey, hired by the marquis to run the race of a lifetime: the celebrated Epsom Derby.

Dustin Kingsley, Marquis of Tyreham, renowned as a thoroughbred breeder and the ton's most sought-after bachelor, is restless, empty-until he meets the beautiful stranger sitting by the Thames. Determined to win Nicole's heart, Dustin plunges headlong into the ominous mystery eclipsing their future, hell-bent on convincing Nicole that he's the only man for her.

An impossible masquerade, a never-to-be-forgotten Derby, and a cherished wishing locket propel Nicole and Dustin toward a climactic finish, where danger threatens a love destined-by wishes and fate-to prevail.

Nicole shifted in the study chair, wondering where the mysterious Marquis of Tyreham was and wishing he'd hurry and make an appearance. The apprehension was almost more than she could bear.

Her disguise was flawless. She knew that. Her garb was that of a stable boy; every last hair swept up into a rigid knot beneath her cap, every sign of femininity concealed, as the binding around her breasts-- which rivaled her corset in discomfort-- could attest. Clutching her father's note, she mentally rehearsed the speech she had prepared, reminding herself to further her cause by keeping her movements to a minimum during this, the sole one-on-one meeting she'd likely have to suffer with the man she meant to work for. After today, she'd be with the horses, training, and he'd be in his mansion doing whatever it was a marquis did. But she wasn't leaving Tyreham without that job.

Behind her, a door swung open and she came slowly to her feet, unfolding from her chair like a man. It was time to convince him. She had to convince him. For her father's sake-- and her own.

She turned to face her challenge.

"Mr. Stoddard? I'm the Marquis of Tyreham. I understand you wish to see me."

My God, it was Dustin.