Dalton Downs - Present Day

Raphael "Rafe" Santiago is curious about the new horse trainer, Elena Caulfield. A lot more curious than he should be. Something about the woman fascinates him, and it's driving him nuts. She's nothing like the polished ladies he usually has on his arm, but that doesn't seem to stop his body from wanting her. Rafe finds himself asking for riding lessons from the quiet but cautious beauty, just so he can be near her and learn more about her. When she receives a phone call that upsets her greatly, Rafe follows her, only to discover it's partially his fault for checking into her past. Just exactly what is the lady hiding and why?

Elena Caulfield chose Dalton Downs because it seemed like the perfect place for her pregnant mare, Springer, to get the calm and quiet she needed to foal. Of course, another reason she likes it here is because she needs to stay under the radar, lest somebody decide she is responsible for an incident that she had nothing to do with. Everything is going along fine until the sharp-dressed Rafe Santiago starts snooping into her past. Suddenly, Elena finds the past coming back to haunt her and no one to trust or turn to. That is, until Rafe offers his services as friend, protector, and soon-to-be lover. Can she trust him?

Second up in her Men of Trinity series, THE BLACK SHEEP AND THE HIDDEN BEAUTY is a fascinating and captivating read. Elena doesn't see herself the way others do. All she cares about are the animals she works with. Then Rafe bullies his way into her life and everything changes. He shows her that she is a beauty and a wonderful woman any man would be proud to call his own. Rafe grew up on the tough Bronx streets but turned his life around and made it something to be proud of. He isn't looking for anything permanent, but in the blink of an eye, Elena is under his skin. All he can think about is her. He knows she's hiding something, a life threatening something, and he intends to find out what it is so he can keep her safe. Even if it means keeping her safe from herself. Secondary characters include Kate and Mac (see THE BLACK SHEEP AND THE PRINCESS), and Kenny, Elena's vet friend. There is also a bad guy or two, and a secret that, once it's revealed, could change a lot of lives.

Mystery, romance, danger, passion...these are all elements found in Donna Kauffman's latest release, THE BLACK SHEEP AND THE HIDDEN BEAUTY.

Sinclair Reid