Judith of Redmore loves her home fiercely, but she knows the only choice she has left is to surrender her castle to Tristram de Brunne, hoping he would show her people mercy. It is not mercy that she expects for herself. After all, she and Tristram were married for a while until she petitioned the Church for an annulment, and Judith knows he feels enraged by her betrayal. Yet, Tristram proclaims himself merciful, and deigns to let Judith know they are still married, in spite of her efforts to sever their bond. Instead of banishing her to a convent, he is prepared to keep her as his wife and as the lady of Redmore. But the harsh lesson in discipline he teaches Judith in front of all to see feels less like mercy and more like revenge to her. Judith cannot bring herself to leave her beloved home, so she is forced to choose life by the side of a stern husband who plainly hates her. And she attempts to hate him in return, although she used to love him madly once, when things between them were far different. This is book three in the Her Stern Husband series and can be enjoyed independently. Publisher's Note: This historical second-chance romance contains elements of mystery, suspense, danger, sensual scenes, power exchange, and a happily ever after. If any of these offend you, please do not purchase.