A young woman disguises herself as a widowed cook and takes a job in the kitchen of a grumpy earl with delicious results in this Regency romance.

After critiquing the poor fare at a soirée, Miss Nicole Beaufort's cousins wager her to do better. The daughter of an English noblewoman and a French chef, Nicole is confident she can win the challenge. But she will have to secure a position in a gentleman's kitchen—and keep it for at least six weeks . . .

Disguising herself as a widowed cook, Nicole finds work at a nearby estate, where the health of her new employer depends on her pleasing his palate. Wounded at Waterloo, the handsome but ornery Earl of Thornwood refuses to eat. But while Nicole fully expects to tempt his appetite, she doesn't expect to tempt his heart as well . . .