THE MARRIAGE BARGAIN

Author: Diane Perkins ISBN: 0446614386 10/2005 HISTORICAL Publisher: WARNER FOREVER
Time Period: 1816 Regency

The Wife I, Emma Chambers, have only myself to blame. To avoid an unwanted marriage, I agreed to be wed in name only to Spenser Keenan, a dashing, devilishly handsome soldier. But he fled to war and adventure, leaving me to care for his crumbling estate. Now my so-called husband is home. And however attentive his behavior, I will not be fooled twice. The Husband I, Spenser Keenan, cannot believe it. The timid girl I married is now a beautiful, captivating woman who has kept her part of our marriage bargain through the most trying of circumstances. Worse, she believes I ignored her pleas for help. But I intend to set things right, not only because it is my duty, but because Emma's fiery spirit is seducing me in ways I never thought possible. More than anything, I long to take her to my bed tonight—and make her heart mine forever.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

THE MARRIAGE BARGAIN has got it all—a beautiful, strong heroine, a strong, handsome hero, a wonderful plot and excellent secondary characters.

Spence Keenan has been gone to war, touring the continents for three long years and leaving behind a lovesick wife and an estate that is falling apart. He is haunted by old nightmares and wants nothing more than to get away from his family home as soon as possible, and stay away for as long as he can. When he finally comes home, he finds that his wife is still just as beautiful as when he left, if not more so. He also finds that things weren't what they seemed while he was away.

Emma Chambers is a beautiful character. She is a fighter and will do whatever it takes to support the people she loves. I can imagine how heavy her shoulders must be after all the years of taking care of things on her own, while her husband is away pretending not to have a care in the world. I loved watching Emma slowly come out of her shell, seeing her world with Spence in it and her reaction to that adjustment.

Ms. Perkins characters are extremely well rounded; they leave you wanting nothing at all except maybe another story about them. THE MARRIAGE BARGAIN is a perfect read that will transport you back to this time and place and make you wish that you never had to leave.

Kristal Gorman