Review: Nightmarriage by Chad Thomas Johnston

Nightmarriage 

Published by: eLectio Publishing

Whether it’s buying things that are over there, dealing with Dodge’s incapable of surviving 110,000 miles or dealing with the folly of the pity party, Chad Thomas Johnston speaks to the newly married, newly parent-hooded (catch that portmanteau) in everyone.

Nightmarriage is a composition of essay’s, fun anecdotes about Chad’s steps through the world of marriage and becoming a parent. Spoken not as one who knows all the rules, but as someone learning them, the stories of Chad’s journey spark the reminders of similar moments in my relationship with my husband. There’s stories cataloging the silly arguments, the wonderful flaws, and the adventures during the personal journey’s. But Chad’s narration of his tales allows me to remember my own more fondly.

The witticism and refreshing writing style put a smile on my face more than once during the reading. I found myself inspired by the words and encouraged to be aware of the similar challenges I have yet to face in my own relationships.

Nightmarriage serves as a reminder that you need to appreciate the little things because in truth, those moments, are the big things. It’s a great read and every should have a copy. 

You can pick up a copy of this great book at: 

Amazon

eLectio Publishing 

P.S. There are awesome illustrations by several artists, including the amazing Kansas Citian Danny Joe Gibson. 

Review: Heiress Without A Cause by Sara Ramsey

Review: Heiress Without a Cause by Sara Ramsey

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

For back cover blurb and more information about this book visit Sara Ramsey's website here.

He’s been touched… by Mad.

William Ferguson, Duke of Rothwell is my first unconventional hero. Unfortunately, I can’t share why without spoiling the story, but let’s just say that Ramsey knows how to change the rules of the love game. Ferguson was once the most notorious rake of the ton, and his arrival in London is anything but welcome. At the behest of his aunt he needs to secure a chaste, prim chaperone, and he decides on Madeleine Vaillant, spinster in-training.

He called her Mad; his new nickname for the woman hiding the most delicious of secrets. Madeleine is brave and bold for attempting to tread the boards by night and play spinster by day. She thinks she’s done for when Ferguson discovers her secret, but what she doesn’t realize is that his interest has been cemented. He claims his urge to help her finish her acting career, and maintain the façade, is merely a stunt to protect his sisters from certain ruin if Madeleine’s ruse is uncovered. Yet the steps required are scandalous…

Oh, how I love to see a rake fall. It’s a popular trope and for good reason, the bad boy is conquered. Ramsey’s debut is a good read, with villains, subterfuge and a romance one would never suspect. It’s easy to become engaged in the thrill of the forbidden, as Madeleine attempts to navigate the fine lines between propriety, and the freeing world of the demimonde. What made the story enjoyable is that Ramsey didn’t allow her characters to get away with anything; creating a more realistic environment. Plus, there were some secondary characters that I can’t wait to read about, specifically Madeleine’s staid cousin Lord Alex Staunton and Ferguson’s sister, Ellie.

There were a few moments where characters acted a little out of place, and I expected a little more conflict as well. Overall, the plot is buttoned-up, the storyline interesting, and this book is a good read for a rainy day.

Review: A Vision of Sugar Plums by Jennifer Blake

A Vision of Sugar Plums by Jennifer Blake

Rating: 4 out 5 stars

*Re-issue* Cover Blurb and more information about this novel can be found here.

Christmas is a holiday that represents magic, love, and family. For Meghan Castle it’s the worst holiday in existence. She’d rather forget the whole thing, and plans to. Until her eyes spy a baby hiding under a Christmas tree in her shop, and a gorgeous looking man offers to help her take care of the child for the holiday. With no one else to turn to for assistance and a snow storm on the way Meghan accepts the challenge.

Rick Wallman planned on a quiet holiday, until a brown-eyed beauty crosses his path. He doesn’t like lying to Meghan, but can’t seem to help himself. He wants to get to know this woman with pain in her eyes, and believes that he and little orphan Annie are just the pair to cheer her up. Unfortunately, even the smallest lies have a way of revealing themselves, and Rick’s praying he can convince Meghan he’s more than just a devil in disguise.

Blake’s contemporary Christmas novella is a treat; an interesting tale of heartache, loss, and ultimately forgiveness. The story has a good pace, and is a quick read for those who want something that doesn’t take a big time commitment. Dialogue and description are evenly matched, and create the mythical flow that some writer’s strive for.

At first I was a little freaked out by a guy picking up on a woman with a baby, but Rick is a caring guy. Once you get in his head, you can’t help but see he’s the type who would help a stranger in need or haul cars out of ditches. He’s definitely got some secrets and I’m not going to share them. Once I found out about them, I quickly was able to sympathize.

Meghan’s definitely got a lot weighing on her shoulders. Her losses are deep, and she’s been in the dumps for far too long. The appearance of the baby and Rick set her on edge, but I liked how she was able to relax and open up to the possibilities. She’s definitely a strong character, and how she gets her HEA is surprising; yet heartfelt.

My only issue with this story is that a couple of situations were not realistic. The situations are based on some of the romance, and the reality of the plot. These issues were easily overcome because I’m a sucker for the hero, and at Christmas just about anything can happen.

Overall, a sweet tale and a good read. Especially if you need to be reminded of why lying doesn’t get you anywhere, and how forgiveness is one of the greatest gifts we have. I will caution readers that this novella was originally released in 1996, so some of the settings and technological mentions may not be current with today. If you love Jennifer Blake and a good Christmas story then this one should be a purchase.

Review: Spoil of War by Phoenix Sullivan

Independent Publication Review
Spoil of War by Phoenix Sullivan
ATTENTION: This review is SPOILER FREE. For a more detailed description on the book go to Spoil of War. Personally, I recommend not reading the detailed virtual back cover on Sullivan’s website, and enjoy this book without prior influence.

Spoil of War is gripping, an exceptional story that breathes new life to Arthurian Canon.

Elsbeth, a Celtic noblewoman, finds herself in a dangerous situation when her father starts a small war with the neighboring stronghold of Cameliard, and its newly crowned ruler Leodegrance. War is a way of life for Elsbeth’s father and other lords scattered across Britain. When her father’s quest for victory takes a deadly turn Elsbeth becomes tossed in with the spoils. Not just any spoil, but Leodegrance’s.

One would think a spoil’s only trial is the singular attention, said spoil, must bestow on her captor, though Elsbeth quickly discovers that life is not as simplistic as it seems. The loss of her home and the life she lived disappear like a thief in the night, replaced by warring emotions, political squabbles, and the danger of once more losing another place called home.

The story and Elsbeth’s trials of being a spoil are poignant. The entire story is told from Elsbeth’s perspective, which is exciting and leaves more to be discovered. One of my favorite scenes is shortly after Elsbeth's arrival in Cameliard and she finds that Leodegrance has a queen:

Already he seemed to have forgotten about her, though. She watched the crowd part again as he and his queen, hand in hand, left her with his war steed and moved off toward the inner keep.
Dismounting, Ector's men followed them, the crowd swarming behind them, cutting off Elsbeth's view of the king's retreating back.
She felt a touch on her shoulder. Spinning around, she found Ector at her side, looking at her, amused. "He didn't tell you, did he?"
For some reason Elsbeth blushed. She knew perfectly well what Ector meant, but some demon made her ask, "Tell me what?"
"That there was already a queen."
"What makes you think I even entertained the idea that he was taking me to be his queen?"
"You're a woman. What woman would not want power?"
Too True. "But at what price?"
"It seems to me you've already sacrificed your chastity. What else have you left to lose?"
"Honor. Pride." Myself.
"Those are men's sacrifices, not women's. He left you with nothing, didn't he, save the one vain hope that you could win yourself a king." 
"Maybe a Roman would dream of marrying the man who warred against her father and burned her home, but I'm no Roman. It would do you -- and your king -- well to remember that."
"As you will, my Lady." The knight smiled easily.

Readers will find moments to cry, scream, and even rage while reading. The detailed descriptions of life in an era where women were properties, merely to be traded or used in any fashion devised, are emotional, but worth the experience. There is something for everyone: battles, romance, conflict, and the unmitigated courage of a woman who refuses to back down in defeat.

Spoil of War is by far the largest book I have ever read in 24 hours. The story grabbed me by the eyes, and wouldn’t let go! As a fan of Arthur and Camelot, I found Spoil of War unique, but not damaging to Arthurian Canon. I found the historical element and period information on practices, beliefs, and even politics fascinating. This book is graphic at times, but the scenes portray the reality of life in early Britain. Absence of such scenes would have marred the story, in my opinion, and created more of a fairytale versus a work of fiction that truly entertains through facts. Overall the book was refreshing, real, and will easily engross readers.

Spoil of War is available on Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Amazon UK, and Smashwords. The retail price for this glorious novel is $0.99. That's right $0.99 thru June 30th. So I recommend you spend the small fortune now on getting yourself a copy, your brother, your best friend, and everyone you know!

Carolyn Jewel's My Dangerous Pleasure Review

Greetings readers, for today I bring you a review for the upcoming novel from Carolyn Jewel, My Dangerous Pleasure.

I have to say that this was my first paranormal romance from Carolyn Jewel and I got a little excited. Hope everyone gets a chance to read this and definitely check out the release. Plus Carolyn is running a contest over at her blog and you can read the first couple chapters. Check it out here: http://carolynjewel.com/wordpress/

Now for the review:
Rating: 9

Carolyn Jewel’s latest paranormal romance is a wild ride right from the start; filled with action, steamy encounters, and a story that screams ‘More! Please, more!’


Iskander Philippikos, a demon sworn to fealty to the Warlord Nikodemus, is still recovering from his near deadly breakup with a fellow demon, Fen. He dispels sorrow with a different woman each night, until Paisley. Iskander thought his hot and sexy tenant was just a plain human. When he finds Paisley writhing on the floor of her apartment, magic radiating from her, he feels obligated to save her. The attacks on Paisley continue and Iskander is drawn to protect her and bed her if possible.

Paisley Nichols is an independent, southern woman, bound to a 5-year financial success plan for her bakery store. Dedicated to the job and with little time for anything else, she is suddenly thrown into a world of demons (the kin) and magic, by a single touch from an insane mage. Her smokin’ hot, tattooed landlord, Iskander, comes to the rescue and with it the knowledge that Paisley can no longer live the normal life. The magic gives Paisley the power to release demon souls trapped by mages, making her desirable to the kin and a threat to mages.

Neither Paisley nor Iskander really understand the full depth of their attraction to each other, and both seem hesitant to admit publicly that it exists. Their respectful and distant nature toward one another is erased when Paisley is finally immersed in the magic world; the boiling desire between them too hard to deny.

Paisley is a beautiful, tough woman, which fits Iskander’s needs and wants. She has no trouble accepting Iskander for who he is, in and out of the bed. While most women would probably be turned off at intimate relations with a demon, Carolyn Jewel weaves the characters and story in such a way that acceptance is natural.

Iskander is not only heartbreakingly attractive, but a dangerous assassin not afraid to take someone out. You cannot help but fall in love with Iskander’s bad boy nature and attitude, even if he kills few demons here and there. His loyalty to Paisley and desire to show her his love ultimately win over any reader’s devotion.

Both hero and heroine find themselves in precarious situations with witches and mages alike, that bring them closer to each other than what is safe, and ultimately face to face with the villain that drove them together. Can Iskander protect Paisley from the threat? And how will they stop the attacks from mages and witches alike? These questions, coupled with passionate encounters, keep the pages turning.

My Dangerous Pleasure is the fourth book in Jewel’s series, and contains a scrumptious story of love and intimacy blossoming from unexpected places. The additional story lines provide readers with only a guess at which character’s story will be told next. Ultimately this book is magic action, unbridled desire, and a taste for the wild side packaged up tight and delicious.