The Bartered Bridegroom

the long version

A Desperate Wager Katherine Oakes is a beautiful woman with a forbidden passion for all things equine. One day she sneaks into the stables to say good-bye to her favorite horse--and encounters the animal's new owner, the notorious Benjamin Whitbury! Although Katherine's spunky demeanor intrigues him, Benjamin resolves to avoid her at all costs. But then Katherine's secret fiance threatens to destroy what's left of Benjamin's reputation unless Benjamin agrees to take the troublesome bride-to-be off his hands. To save Katherine from her treacherous suitor and himself from social perdition, Benjamin proposes a temporary betrothal--and discovers that all bets are off in affairs of the heart....