The Widow and the Warrior by Juniper Kerry

A woman with a secret. A reclusive alien determined to save her. Together they will form an unbreakable bond that no murder plot can destroy.

Genevieve is relieved when she learns of her husband’s death. Even if she has to live in constant pain, life as a Widow has to be better than life with a power-hungry and abusive monster, doesn’t it? But when Genevieve unveils the secret of her husband’s murder and a plot to overthrow an alien empire, her quiet life as a Widow comes to an abrupt end. Now she finds herself on a new planet with a new husband who seems hell-bent on winning her heart. For his own sake, Genevieve can’t let that happen… even as she feels herself falling for him.
Kaok never wanted a wife, though he knows he will be expected to take one. Which is why, when his friend asks him to protect Genevieve, he doesn’t protest too much. Especially after he meets her, and finds himself deeply drawn to her. But winning her over proves more difficult than he expected, especially since she seems determined to resist his protection at every turn.
***Trigger warning: this book contains memories of a rape that took place before the characters met each other.