Destined for Love by Alexa Aston

A widow who seeks to protect her unborn child. A knight willing to shield her from harm. A journey where two souls come together—and a destined love is born . . .

A lazy, jealous brother banished Sir Drake Harcourt from his home once their parents died. Drake comes to Mallowbourne, home to the Baron and Baroness of Gaynesford, and makes his mark with superb combat skills and a kind heart.
Lady Faylinn d’Albert wed her father’s close friend, a man more than three decades older. After ten years of marriage, her husband dies—and Faylinn finds herself with child. Her bitter stepdaughter shoves Faylinn down the stairs, hoping it will kill her and the babe, so she can offer herself to the king as a bride for the new baron and remain in her beloved home.

Drake finds the injured Faylinn and learns of the threat she faces, nursing her with skills learned from his mother, an exceptional healer. Faylinn pretends she doesn’t remember the attempt on her life, trying to buy herself time. But when her stepdaughter poisons Faylinn’s wine and Drake prevents her from drinking it, he knows her life is in danger and spirits her away.
On the journey to her brother’s estate, the pair fall in love but their future is uncertain. If Faylinn births a daughter, she is free. If she delivers a son, she must return to Mallowbourne and raise the next baron—and wed a man of the king’s choice. Their fate hangs in the balance, even as new threats appear.

Will Faylinn and Drake find happiness—or will they be torn apart forever?