At 17, Lady Viola met the love of her life. Three months later, she'd worn her brother down with her strong will and married Viscount Hammond. Within months, her fairy tale marriage ended, leaving her life in shambles. Viola's brother had been correct on all counts. John married her for her fortune and was a womanizer. She locked her bedroom door and within a month, they separated. For eight years, Viola endures the pain of watching John with his endless mistresses. Now, after all these years, he arrives on her doorstep with a request.

After the death of a cousin, John needs an heir. He hasn't been this desperate since he inherited his title and discovered the neglect and poverty his father had left the estate. If history is any indication, reconciling with Viola will be a battle and a test of wills, but he must win. John remembers the passion and fun at the beginning of their marriage. The marriage died a fast death when John tumbled off the pedestal Viola put him on. She could never forgive him for being a mere mortal with flaws.

Using his legendary charm, John attempts seducing Viola back to the marriage bed. Still susceptible to him, Viola realizes she can only win if she can teach John how to love.

THE MARRIAGE BED is a romance with deep emotional intensity. Ms. Guhrke successfully draws readers into John and Viola's lives as they take the tortuous road defining themselves, their marriage and looking inward into their hearts. She'll leave not a dry eye among readers with this beautifully penned tale.