A thorn in his side, or the woman of his dreams?

Henrietta Redford wishes she were a boy—after all, boys are masters of their own fate. Casting her dolls aside, she climbs trees, plays at swordfighting, and indulges in practical jokes.

Once she's had her come-out, Henrietta has promised her father that she'll settle down and marry. Any eligible man might do, but it certainly won't be Giles Thorpe—the older boy from the estate next door, whose arrogant disdain of her tomboyish ways only increased as he grew into a man.

Until they share a passionate kiss . . .

After inheriting an earldom when his profligate father died, Giles understands the dangers of irresponsibility. The infuriating tomboy next door is the epitome of recklessness and the last woman he should associate with—no matter how fast his heart beats at the sight of her delectable form.

When scandal threatens to ruin the Thorpe family name, Henrietta, unbeknown to Giles, is his best hope for salvation. But Henrietta will have to sacrifice everything—including the man she's grown to love.

Contains mature themes.