Seventeen-year-old Emma Chambers and former
soldier, Spencer Keenan, have struck a marriage agreement. Marriage to Spencer is not what Emma thought it would be, as the
he proceeds to leave her in exchange for an adventurous lifestyle. For three long years Emma is forced to maintain the Keenan
estate, on her own, and by any means.
Years later, in London Spencer is accused
of card cheating by a young gambler named, Esmund. Spencer reveals no fear of death although he doesn’t want to settle
the dispute with an illegal duel or cause harm to the young Esmund.
Spencer fires, purposely missing. But a
terrified and trembling Esmund aims, hitting Spencer directly in the chest. Childhood friends, Blake and Wolfe, whisk the
body back to his estate for burial. Emma demands to see the body before it is buried. The coffin is opened and everyone is
blown away when Spencer reaches out, grabbing Emma, gasping for water.
Emma is determined not to let her feelings
of despise intervene in caring for her husband over the following days. Spencer begins to feel remorse and love for his exquisite
bride, as he tries desperately to overcome guilt and neglect, regaining her love. Emma wants nothing more to do with him,
other than a baby as promised, and is determined to make him keep his part of their marriage bargain.
The Marriage Bargain is a terrific romance novel filled with an extremely rich cast of characters, suspense,
excellent plot and a roller coaster of emotions that will keep readers attention from beginning to end!
Reviewed by Betsie
