Daughter of a wealthy duke, Blaze Flambeau has no shortage of gentlemen vying for her hand in marriage - yet all she desires is her independence. She'd much rather devote her energies to caring for her prized thoroughbred than to the fortune hunters who knock down her door. But her father is ready to see her wed, so he makes her a bargain : she may participate in the racing season only if she gives each suitor a fighting chance at her heart. One man, however, makes Blaze a far more scandalous proposition : her reputation or his bed! For Ross MacArthur, Marquis of Awe, knows something that could ruin her, and he will not hesitate to use it to win her. Blaze cannot let the Scottish rogue have his way - or her innocence - but never in her life has she been so tempted. Perhaps the Marquis's scheme doesn't pose such a dilemma after all ...