With This Ring, I Thee Dread: A Contemporary Romantic Comedy

Ryan Jackson and Elizabeth Valentine have been arch-enemies since high school. Both Ryan's and Elizabeth's parents agree that it is time these two grow up. That is why their parents propose an ultimatum...either get married to each other or be disowned. Their parents believe they are meant for each other. Ryan and Elizabeth agree to get married. Besides their parents said that they only have to stay married for four months and after that time, they can get an annulment. There is a catch. Elizabeth and Ryan will spend the next four months in a secluded cabin, out in the middle of Alaska, miles from anyone. Ryan and Elizabeth figure how hard can living with each other as husband and wife be? Besides it is only for four months. I have read several Ruth Ann Nordin novels now. While I do enjoy them, I do have to say that With This Ring, I Thee Dread is by far my second favorite book, after An Unlikely Place for Love. This story is categorized as a romantic comedy and I totally agree. I couldn't stop laughing. One of the funniest moments had to have been when Ryan and Elizabeth were trying to one up each other by who could gross the other one out the most. For example Ryan knew Elizabeth hated men with mustaches, so he started growing one; where in turn Elizabeth didn't shave her legs. I did think Ryan was a sweetheart. He tried to learn what women want and even read some of Elizabeth's romance novels. Of course through he really only read them for the sex scenes. Last but not least, if you are looking for a romantic comedy then you have to pick up a copy of this book today.

Typically people aren't forced into marriage in this day very often. But that did happen for Ryan and Elizabeth. Their harsh reality of being forced to marry and live together in the Alaskan wilderness for four months is appalling to both parties. Elizabeth hates Ryan for his behavior during grade school. Ryan hates Elizabeth for her coldness toward him. Both learn that there were other forces at work in their relationships and their hatred is replaced by friendship. Of course, it all works out in the end. It wouldn't be a romance novel if that didn't happen! The book is a delight to read! It didn't take me long at all to get caught up in the story, eager to see what would happen with every turn of a page. Ruth Ann Nordin brings to light a rare situation where two people who are forced to be together do come around to like and even love one another. Her style is fun and exciting to read! I can't wait to delve into other works by this fun and exciting author!

This is the first book I have read from Ruth Ann Nordin, and I must say, it left me delighted, inspired, and it provoked my thinking in many ways. "With This Ring, I Thee Dread" is a mulit-faceted romance novel that contains not only love and passion, but the many life lessons that go along with it. This book is labeled as "A Contemporary Romantic Comedy," which is appropriate because there are numerous amusing and downright side-splitting moments. For example: 1. Before Ryan marries Elizabeth, his friends set him up with a model named Cindy. She is the pinnacle of superficiality and airheadedness. When Cindy excuses herself to see if her hair extensions are in place, I laughed very hard. 2. Shortly after Ryan and Elizabeth have married and are at the Alaskan cabin, Elizabeth has a hard time coping with Ryan's lack of cleaning skills. One day, he eats a sandwich and the crumbs fall on his chest. In frustration, Elizabeth takes a handheld vacuum and sucks them right up. 3. All the antics with the moose. There are many more amusing events! At its core, "With This Ring, I Thee Dread" is a love story. Ryan and Elizabeth are not too fond of each other, mostly due to a long-standing series of manipulations instigated by Ryan's lifelong chums, Ben and Zack. But Ryan and Elizabeth's parents see potential for them as a couple. Therefore, these adorable well-meaning, but presumptuous parents tell them that they must get married or lose their jobs and livelihoods. They reluctantly agree, then go off to Elizabeth's parents cabin in Alaska for a four month honeymoon. I won't disclose what happens from there, but it's fun reading how everything turns out. The description of the Alaskan scenery was very appealing to me. This book is also about achieving confidence, maturity, and a sense of self. Both Ryan and Elizabeth gain these qualities as the story ensues. Finally, this book instills the importance of waiting for true love and indulging in a gradual, yet gratifying romance. I got a lot out of this book and I highly recommend it to others. Next, I plan to read Ruth Ann Nordin's "The Cold Wife!" Denise C. Floyd, author of "Tales from the Boudoir" and "The Shaga Blageek Poetry Packet" Falling In Love With Her Husband: A North Dakota Historical Romance Romancing Adrienne An Unlikely Place for Love: The Disguises of Kate Tanner The Cold Wife An Inconvenient Marriage: The Keeping of Jake Mitchell Tales from the Boudoir The Shaga Blageek Poetry Packet: Selected Poems: 2001-2008