A country in turmoil, a family awash in greed, and lovers enthralled by an unexpected yet undeniable attraction—will the Fates find a way to unite these two reluctant hearts?

Recently freed from a cruel marriage, Lady Adele de Guildfry vows never to chain herself to another heartless man. Now that she is lady of the strategic port of Guildfry, she is determined to rebuild the estate and forge her own path. Her ruthless family, however, will stop at nothing to increase their power and influence, including plotting to force Adele into another unwanted marriage to take control of her lands.

Kevin Blakeslee's mind is in a spin after his king commands him to woo the widow de Guildfry to keep the estate from falling into rebel hands. As the king's champion, he has gladly sworn to fight any battle, storm any castle, take any risk for king and country, no matter the danger . . . but surrender his freedom and marry the widow? He thinks not!