Normally, Rafe Santiago likes his women polished and put together, but there's something about Elena Caulfield that catches his eye. Hard to imagine that the baggy coveralls, dusty boots and the smell of horse could hide a surprising beauty, but Rafe seems to believe it's there somewhere. Unfortunately, he also suspects Elena of withholding information from his business partner -- her new boss.

Elena has felt Rage watching her almost from the start, but recently the heat of his gaze has intensified. She has no idea what Rafe could possibly see in her; she knows she's not his type, but the attraction is unquestionable. Elena can only hope that he keeps his distance, since the last thing she needs is her boss' business partner poking around in her business -- on a personal level or a professional one.

Rafe is determined to figure out what Elena is hiding, and she's equally determined to protect her secret -- the health of her horse depends on it. What neither of them is counting on is the heat they create together, or the danger that finds them. But will Elena's secret tear them apart?

THE BLACK SHEEP AND THE HIDDEN BEAUTY brings to life the world of horse racing and all of its foibles. This is the second novel in Ms. Kauffman's Men of Trinity Inc. series, and it's a good one.