REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY: A BEAUTIFUL DISTRACTION by KELSIE LEVERICH

Welcome to the blog tour for A Beautiful Distraction! I have a review and giveaway to share with you; thanks for stopping by! 

Series: Hard Feelings #3

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: NAL Trade

Publication Date: 5/6/14
Format: Paperback
Pages: 360
Source: Publisher
Rating: 5 stars

A brand new novel in the New York Times bestselling Hard Feelings series—where nothing’s more dangerous than a bad boy with a broken heart…

First Sergeant Rafe Murano did everything to the extreme. He trained harder, he fought harder, and, unfortunately, he loved harder. And falling for the wrong woman nearly destroyed him.

Home from a deployment, and without his missions to consume him, Murano is ravaged by memories of his heartbreak. So he drinks until he’s numb and drowns himself in meaningless one-night stands. But they only take the edge off…

Until he meets Fallon.

Haunted by her past, Fallon Kelly knows all too well about the desperate desire for an escape. So when she sees the tatted-up bad boy who’s one punch away from a ride in the back of a squad car, she offers a distraction—one that quickly becomes an addiction.

Little does she know, this bad boy can love so hard, it can break her…

"I know you, babe. I've memorized you. And if you'd let me, I'd memorize your heart. I know how to make it beat a little faster. Just tell me how to make it mine."

I've been so anxious to read A Beautiful Distraction since the moment Rafe Murano came on the page, in Feel the Rush, as one of Reed's fellow soldiers. Rafe was an intense guy, and it was clear that something heavy was eating away at him. When I found out what that was, I was initially put off. But gosh, when you see how torn up he is by the situation, it was quickly easy easy to cut the guy some slack. In A Beautiful Distraction, we've moved forward a few years with Rafe stationed in Colorado, home from his fourth deployment. Now that he no longer has the distractions that come with being 

deployed, Rafe is still trying to move on from the woman who destroyed his heart, and in the way of many dumb guys, he does this by booze and women. It's a solid plan that never fails, right? No. But don't worry, Rafe Murano's world is completely flipped when he lays eyes on Fallon Kelly.

Fallon is a real departure from the other women in the series. And you know, I appreciate that each of Leverich's leading ladies are dynamic and engaging. She's not an open, friendly person like Megan (Feel the Rush) or covered in hard edges like Roni (The Valentine's Arrangement), but she does have her own heavy issues. Fallon is a closed book, for sure, and it's not exactly clear what's put here there, besides the fact her parents were image-obsessed jerks who threw her out when she was seventeen. It is implied, though, that something much heavier weighs on Fallon, and helped contribute to the controlled woman she's become. The past has left Fallon with no desire to become close to anyone, but Rafe is not just anyone. He's the man who crumbles her walls with dark eyes and a crooked smile.

A Beautiful Distraction. The title of this book is absolutely perfect. Rafe and Fallon tentatively become involved because they are desperately attracted to each other, but also because they are each desperate for a distraction. From the past, the emptiness of the present. Rafe and Fallon simply fit, and I love how they acknowledge that, and don't fight the attraction, even if they fear the future. I love the honesty between them, the acceptance, and the strength. Especially when old, awful faces show back up. It was dramatic and draining and it was awesome. I loved every moment of this story, the ways in which Rafe and Fallon changed one another for the better, by simply loving each other. The story left me smiling, wiping away tears, and completely fulfilled.

And can I just say, the Murano family is just begging for a spin-off!

I have to say, Kelsie Leverich is such a talented writer. I enjoyed The Valentine's Arrangement very much, Feel the Rush even more, and in this book, her talent is stronger than ever. The prose is very well-written, focused, but also has a beauty that caused me to sometimes pause, then re-read a paragraph multiple times because it's just that good. Leverich has a secured me as a devoted reader.

The Hard Feelings series is one of intense, fast-moving relationships. Relationships between characters who aren't necessarily searching for more, or who may be searching for an ideal that they just haven't found yet. The relationships don't start our destined for forever, simply right now, but it's
inevitable. Leverich also gives respect and tribute to those in the Armed Services, and their family. I've really come to love this series. It's passionate, sexy, heartfelt, and delicious. I highly recommend
it.

 

Favorite Quotes

  He moaned into her mouth again, and the sound vibrated against her lips, numbing them and warming them at the same time. "I needed to taste you," he whispered, his lips still lingering over hers. "Had I known you would taste so good, I would have kissed you the moment you were in my reach." Then he kissed her again.

  Brushing his thumb over her bottom lip, he smiled. That one dexterous touch melted her. Her body warmed from the inside out. 

  "I want you," he whispered, his voice dripping with a desirous hunger as his lips tenderly swept over her jaw. When he raised his head back to look at her, his velvet eyes swam with a heady list that forced every nerve, every sense to sharpen and bind to him.

The Hard Feelings Series

     

(covers lead to GoodReads pages)

 

My Reviews

The Valentine's Arrangement | Feel the Rush

Purchase Links

  Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble

GIVEAWAY

I have one copy of A Beautiful Distraction up for grabs, courtesy of the publisher.

Must be 18+ years of age; open to US only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the author

Kelsie Leverich grew up in the small town of St. Joseph Illinois before getting married and following her husband from one Army post to another. After eight years, they finally settled down in Avon, Indiana with two adorable knuckleheads that are better known as her kids. Kelsie's life revolves around her family (to include two dogs and a cat) and most of the time, actually all of the time, it’s a crazy mess—but that’s the way she loves it! When Kelsie’s not writing, you can usually find her snuggling on the couch with her kids and a good book or out on the lake with family and friends. Kelsie is not a morning person, has a soft spot for animals, loves musicals, hates seafood, and thinks laundry is the source of all evil.


Website  |  Twitter  |  Facebook  |  Pinterest  |  GoodReads

TEASER TUESDAY: A BEAUTIFUL DISTRACTION by KELSIE LEVERICH

 

 Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along, just do as following:

·Grab your current read

·Open to a random page

·Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page

·Be careful not to include any spoilers so as not to ruin the book for others.

Make sure to share the title and the author so other TT participants can add the book to their TBR piles.


 

Series: Hard Feelings #3

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: NAL Trade

Publication Date: 5/6/14

 

A brand new novel in the New York Times bestselling Hard Feelings series—where nothing’s more dangerous than a bad boy with a broken heart…

First Sergeant Rafe Murano did everything to the extreme. He trained harder, he fought harder, and, unfortunately, he loved harder. And falling for the wrong woman nearly destroyed him.

Home from a deployment, and without his missions to consume him, Murano is ravaged by memories of his heartbreak. So he drinks until he’s numb and drowns himself in meaningless one-night stands. But they only take the edge off…

Until he meets Fallon.

Haunted by her past, Fallon Kelly knows all too well about the desperate desire for an escape. So when she sees the tatted-up bad boy who’s one punch away from a ride in the back of a squad car, she offers a distraction—one that quickly becomes an addiction.

Little does she know, this bad boy can love so hard, it can break her…

 

 

 

My Teaser ~

 

 

  Lifting her hand to his mouth, he carefully and slowly brushed his lips against the inside of her wrist, undulating a shiver that coursed through her entire body. It was as if that thin spot had a direct line to every sensitive, feminine part of her that was begging to come alive.

 "I can do this for you too. I can be your distraction."

 

 

I loved this book! My review posts on Thursday.

 

 

WAITING ON WEDNESDAY: A BEAUTIFUL DISTRACTION by KELSIE LEVERICH

Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine,that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.


This week's WoW selection is...

Series: Hard Feelings #3

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: NAL Trade

Publication Date: 5/6/14

A brand new novel in the New York Times bestselling Hard Feelings series—where nothing’s more dangerous than a bad boy with a broken heart…

First Sergeant Rafe Murano did everything to the extreme. He trained harder, he fought harder, and, unfortunately, he loved harder. And falling for the wrong woman nearly destroyed him.

Home from a deployment, and without his missions to consume him, Murano is ravaged by memories of his heartbreak. So he drinks until he’s numb and drowns himself in meaningless one-night stands. But they only take the edge off…

Until he meets Fallon.

Haunted by her past, Fallon Kelly knows all too well about the desperate desire for an escape. So when she sees the tatted-up bad boy who’s one punch away from a ride in the back of a squad car, she offers a distraction—one that quickly becomes an addiction.

Little does she know, this bad boy can love so hard, it can break her…

Why I'm Waiting ... Funny enough, the paperback just arrived and I'm reading this right now! I love the Hard Feelings series. The writing is great, the stories are consuming and the covers are gorgeous. I can't wait for Murano's book!

What are you waiting on this week? Leave me a comment, and I will come check out your selection.

SEXY SATURDAYS: FEEL THE RUSH by KELSIE LEVERICH

 

Sexy Saturdays with Andrea and Autumn is a weekly meme created to spread the word about spicy reads. 

Participating blogs:

The Autumn Review

The Bookish Babe

 

Series: Hard Feelings #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Intermix
Publication Date: 8/20/13
Format: eARC
Pages: 292
Source: Publisher
Rating:  4 stars

The New York Times bestselling author of The Valentine’s Arrangement continues her sizzling series with a new novel of a plan that goes awry—in the arms of a soldier…

Picking the wrong men is a talent Meagan Mitchell has perfected. She’s sweet, confident, beautiful—and single. With her thirtieth birthday sneaking up on her, she needs a new plan. No more Mr. Wrongs or Mr. Bads, it’s time to find Mr. Safe…

Army Captain, Reed Porter, lives for the thrill—he’s an Airborne Jumpmaster with a rush addiction. He’s sexy and playful, and he quickly tempts Meagan with his rich Southern drawl and sinful looks. But slowing down and settling down are not in his agenda, making him exactly the type of man Meagan wants to avoid…

As their undeniable attraction heats up, Meagan has to decide if she’s willing to risk everything on a chance at love with a reckless charmer. Is she brave enough to bet her future—and her heart—on Mr. Thrill? Or will Reed finally learn that the feeling of a safe landing is just as addicting as the rush of the fall?

 

 

 

"Sometimes, the things we're afraid of...the things that scare us the most, are the things that give us the biggest rush."

In The Valentine's Arrangement, Megan Mitchell lost the guy. The guy she didn't even realize she wanted to be hers until he was gone. Now she's facing down the fact she's turning thirty soon, and her life isn't where she thought it would be at this point. She wants a family, the husband and kids and a happy, safe life. When the opportunity comes for her to make a big change, Megan takes the risk, bringing her front-and-center with a face from the past, Reed Porter.

Reed is a daredevil. He's an Army Jumpmaster, a thrill seeker who lives for the moments on the edge. While it may seem that he's in it for the fun, a tragedy has pushed Reed to seek all those moments, whether it's white water rafting, paragliding, or even wing walking (excuse me...NO.) So while Megan is looking for the fairy tale happy ending, Reed is just looking for a happy ending. He'll give Megan right now, but won't promise forever.

Feel the Rush is a really good second chance romance. Though the premise isn't a new one, Leverich really made it work. Her characterizations of Megan and Reed were very in-depth, so I always knew exactly where they were coming from, and why. Megan's longing to have it all was palpable; her understanding for Reed's feelings was admirable. She never pushed him for what he wouldn't give, but she didn't settle for less than what she deserved. Reed's reluctance could've made him seem like an ass, but he was just so nice and so honest that even though he frustrating, I just got it. Throughout the story, especially on the back end, the two do begin to learn some lessons about life and love, particularly about expectations and letting go of what holds you back.

And the attraction between these two? Good lord, it was hot. Reed played Megan's body like a prized instrument.

He spoke in time with the pleasure he was giving her body, telling her word for word what he was doing, and it was the hottest thing a man had ever done to her. But when that lush, thick voice was combined with his mouth and his hands and his body--all on her, all at once--it made for a combination that not only created shivers that shook her to her core, but it made her not want to slip and fall, it made her want to jump. He was taking her someplace she couldn't reach, but when she got there, she would definitely jump.

I liked Feel the Rush so much, even more than book one. This one had a lot of heart, a lot of steam, and a couple of moments that had me tearing up. I love nothing more than a good romance that has me invested in the happy ever after. There's good set up for the next novella and novel in the series. I'm finding myself enjoying the Hard Feelings series so much, and am more than happy to recommend it.


Favorite Quotes:

  "So what's the game plan? Revenge sex? Best friend revenge sex?"
  Megan laughed. Leave it to Eva to start scheming. "No, I'm not plotting anything."
  "You're no fun. Come on, let's at least torture him a little. You need to get him all hot and bothered again and then shut him down. You said he was checking you out Play with him a little Give me some fun."
  "You're cruel--you know that?"
  "Guilty. But seriously, you need to tease him until his memory comes back in full swing."
  "That's not really my style, Eva.
  "I know, but it's my style and I need to love vicariously through you."


  In the very next breath his mouth connected with hers, his teeth pulling her bottom lip into his mouth. She felt like she was strapped on a roller coaster, her feet dangling over the edge. It's that fear, that feeling as if you're click, click, clicking up to the top. It was that feeling that had you begging to get off, wondering why in the world you climbed on in the first place. Then when you reached the top, there was that split second of pause, that one flash of a moment where you could see the ground below and you'd think, "This is it."
  This was it.

The Hard Feelings Series

     

 

 

Purchase Links

 

Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble  |  iBooks

About the author

Kelsie Leverich grew up in the small town of St. Joseph Illinois before getting married and following her husband from one Army post to another. After eight years, they finally settled down in Avon, Indiana with two adorable knuckleheads that are better known as her kids. Kelsie's life revolves around her family (to include two dogs and a cat) and most of the time, actually all of the time, it’s a crazy mess—but that’s the way she loves it! When Kelsie’s not writing, you can usually find her snuggling on the couch with her kids and a good book or out on the lake with family and friends. Kelsie is not a morning person, has a soft spot for animals, loves musicals, hates seafood, and thinks laundry is the source of all evil.

Website  |  Twitter  |  Facebook  |  Pinterest  |  GoodReads


 

SEXY SATURDAYS WITH ANDREA AND AUTUMN: THE VALENTINE'S ARRANGEMENT by KELSIE LEVERICH

Sexy Saturdays with Andrea and Autumn is a weekly meme created to spread the word about spicy reads. 

Participating blogs:

The Autumn Review

The Bookish Babe

 

**If you would like to participate, let us know and we will happily add you on.**

Series: Hard Feelings #1
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Intermix
Publication Date: 12/31/13
Format: eARC
Pages: 194
Source: Publisher
Rating:  4 stars

Tattoo artist Ronnie Clark is counting the days until Valentine’s Day is over. Ronnie doesn’t do romance. She doesn’t do flowers or dates, and she sure as hell doesn’t do love—not anymore.  Love leads to heartbreak, and she’s vowed never to let herself get hurt again.

Sergeant First Class Kale Emerson is home on his midtour leave from Iraq, but he only has one thing on his mind—returning to his soldiers to finish leading their mission. He’s dedicated to his men and to his country, and he’s not interested in getting wrapped up in a distracting relationship…but casual sex, that’s a different story. From the moment he sees Ronnie, he wants her. And he agrees to her terms: no romance, no fluff—just passion.

But as their sexual chemistry ignites, the lines of their arrangement get blurry, and Ronnie starts to push Kale away. And when Kale realizes he’s found his match in this gorgeous razor-tongued woman who is hell-bent against love, winning her heart could be the toughest battle he has ever fought.

  

First Impression ....I love a good novella. And I wish I had that chick's eyebrows.

The Story... Home on leave, Kale Emerson wants a tattoo to honor his fallen comrades. Well, he gets that tattoo, alright, created by the badass bombshell Ronnie Clark. Kale wants to make a connection with Ronnie while he's home, Ronnie is interested but intent on avoiding commitment. A short-term arrangement-no feelings involved-is what they set out to experience, but will the fire keep burning when their time is up?

The Characters ... The Valentine's Arrangement only had two characters with significant presence. Ronnie was completely rude, abrupt, and a little vicious. I loved that. I can see how a lot of readers might not connect with or enjoy her, but I did, a lot. She was hard core, a true badass who was quick to hand out a verbal beat down if the notion struck. Ronnie had her reasons for the tough exterior, but even if she hadn't, I still would have liked her.

Kale Emerson was perfect. A dedicated soldier who's job means everything to him, Kale has never been in love or had a significant relationship. I liked that the author allowed him to be a decidedly commitment-free guy without making him a jerk. Kale doesn't dick women around or recklessly break hearts. He just is who he is.

The two characters together were sexy and practically combustible. Ronnie is a compulsive ball-buster, but instead of being annoyed or intimidated, Kale gets off on it. Her fiery temperament amuses him. And turns him on. I liked seeing these two go into their situation believing they can control their feelings, but quickly realizing logic will not trump love.

The Writing .... was really good. I appreciate dual point-of-view in my romances, allowing me to know both characters thoughts and motivations, which reduces my book rage moments significantly.

Novellas are so hard to get just right. We need enough detail to form a strong connection, but too much can drag it down. Leverich found the perfect balance in my opinion.

The only nit-picky item for me was the "bad guy" who comes looking for trouble with Kale and Ronnie. Maybe I'm naive, but I just didn't get why he went through so much effort. But, he was arrogant and stupid, so it probably does make sense. Stupid dudes...I'll never understand them.

The Heat ... The Valentine's Arrangement was sexy, but not consumed in the only in physical act. That's not to say that Ronnie and Kale didn't get down. They did, and they did it well. But the chemistry and anticipation between them was just as hot. The foreplay, the intense build-up, was so hot and totally worth the wait.

Could I Put The Valentine's Arrangement Down? ... Throughout the first half, yeah, I could. I was really enjoying it, but not overwhelmed. The second half, specifically the last twenty-five percent, really grabbed me hard. With Kale pushing Ronnie for me as he was heading back to Iraq, and what happens next, I was definitely consumed. I basically sat in the middle of Red Lobster and ignored my family so I could finish. Any story that can make me miss out on Garlic-Cheddar Biscuits is worth a read.

In the End ... The Valentine's Arrangement was a very good novella. I would recommend it to fans of very well-developed novellas, such as Laura Kaye's Hearts in Darkness.


Favorite Quotes:

  She turned around, her impassive expression turning irritated. "All right, soldier, you just gonna stand there and waste my time or do you want to get some ink?"
  Kale put his head down and smirked as he started after her. He couldn't help liking her bad attitude. It was refreshing. She was feisty and quite possibly going to be a huge pain in the ass, but it turned him on. Oh, yes, this was going to be fun.   ~eARC, 6%


  She froze, letting every nerve ending fire to life as Kale's fingers traced over the lines of her tattoo. The softness of his touch was so light, so careful, it was if she was feeling the light pressure of a needle pressing ink into her skin. It was like he was tattooing her body all over again with the tip of his finger, and the feeling was addictive. She wanted more, and she wanted it everywhere.   ~eARC, 53%

 

 

 

The Hard Feelings Series

     

 

 

 

Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble

About the author
Kelsie Leverich grew up in the small town of St. Joseph Illinois before getting married and following her husband from one Army post to another. After eight years, they finally settled down in Avon, Indiana with two adorable knuckleheads that are better known as her kids. Kelsie's life revolves around her family (to include two dogs and a cat) and most of the time, actually all of the time, it’s a crazy mess—but that’s the way she loves it! When Kelsie’s not writing, you can usually find her snuggling on the couch with her kids and a good book or out on the lake with family and friends. Kelsie is not a morning person, has a soft spot for animals, loves musicals, hates seafood, and thinks laundry is the source of all evil.


Website  |  Twitter  |  Facebook  |  Pinterest  |  GoodReads