Emma Keenan is struggling to keep her husband's estate afloat with little money and a scant few servants. It's been three years since the blighter took off to spend his days as a gentleman soldier in the English army. For Emma, it's been three years of lonely, stressful growing up, but she's survived and succeeded where few others would have.

Spenser Keenan loves his life as a soldier, but deep down he feels some remorse at leaving his young, newly wedded wife for the exploits of war on the continent. Now back in England, he runs afoul of the law and fights a silly young man in an illegal sport. When the fight turns deadly, Spenser's friends whisk him back to his estate, and find Emma has little need of their assistance.

For Emma, the return of her husband sparks unknown feelings; however, he's not the man she once knew and perhaps fancied herself in love with. For Spenser, the return to his childhood home sparks bitter memories that he must come to terms with or they will shatter any hope of a life with the woman he now finds he's inexplicably drawn to.

Once again Perkins has created a rich cast of characters, a superb plot and emotional ups and downs that swept me through the book. From beginning to end, THE MARRIAGE BARGAIN is difficult to put down. A highly recommended read.