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Hard Feelings #1
The Valentine's Arrangement
THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
The “emotional, spicy-hot story” (Belle’s Book Bag) that propelled Kelsie Leverich to the New York Times bestseller list!
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 mid-tour 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 razor-tongued, gorgeous woman who is hell bent against love, winning her heart could be the toughest battle he has ever fought.
The “emotional, spicy-hot story” (Belle’s Book Bag) that propelled Kelsie Leverich to the New York Times bestseller list!
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 mid-tour 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 razor-tongued, gorgeous woman who is hell bent against love, winning her heart could be the toughest battle he has ever fought.
150 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
50 people are currently reading
4517 people want to read
About the author
Kelsie Leverich
8 books668 followersNew York Times bestselling author, Kelsie Leverich, lives in Indiana where she spends her days behind the chair at her salon helping women feel beautiful, and spends her nights, (once the kids are fast asleep and her hunky boyfriend is binging Netflix) dreaming up Happily-Ever-After’s.
Kelsie’s busy life is fueled by coffee and Cabernet, and she embraces her chaos with day-dreams and romance novels as allies. She is most definitely not a morning person, has a soft spot for animals, loves musicals, hates seafood, and thinks laundry is the source of all evil.
Kelsie writes emotional, gritty, toe-curling love stories, but she also writes playful, lighthearted, sexy love stories as well. Either way, you can always find passion at the heart of her books, and her life.
Kelsie’s busy life is fueled by coffee and Cabernet, and she embraces her chaos with day-dreams and romance novels as allies. She is most definitely not a morning person, has a soft spot for animals, loves musicals, hates seafood, and thinks laundry is the source of all evil.
Kelsie writes emotional, gritty, toe-curling love stories, but she also writes playful, lighthearted, sexy love stories as well. Either way, you can always find passion at the heart of her books, and her life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 511 reviews
January 6, 2013
4 stars
Ronnie "...female tattoo artist with a thing for fictional heroes,"
meets Sergeant First Class Kale Emerson "a fuckingly handsome Captain America impersonator."
What a pair, right!?! I was totally hooked. Ronnie was a stubborn-ball busting-feisty-Bitch, and I Loved Her, even though she made me want to slap her at times. She was such a strong character so you knew that the man to break through had to be stronger. Kale did not disappoint with all mind fuckery, "he loved that he made this hard ass woman beg for him."
Ronnie is pissed, her ex-fiance cheated on her while he was deployed and is waiting for him to return so that she can sell their home and move on. Ronnie was referred to Kale to get a commemorative tattoo, for his fallen brothers. "Casual sex was Kale's forte. He didn't do relationships or commitment, just sex." There is an instant spark and Kale makes a chip in Ronnie's wall, and proposes a just sex arrangement for the remainder of his R&R leave.
Ronnie stubbornness holds her back
and Kale is on unchartered ground by wanting more, wanting it all.
Ronnie get's a wake-up call and knows it's up to her to make it right
I wish it was longer, I wish there was an epilogue but I'm happy ... I guess I'll have to use my imagination for what comes next for these two.
Ronnie "...female tattoo artist with a thing for fictional heroes,"
meets Sergeant First Class Kale Emerson "a fuckingly handsome Captain America impersonator."
What a pair, right!?! I was totally hooked. Ronnie was a stubborn-ball busting-feisty-Bitch, and I Loved Her, even though she made me want to slap her at times. She was such a strong character so you knew that the man to break through had to be stronger. Kale did not disappoint with all mind fuckery, "he loved that he made this hard ass woman beg for him."
Ronnie is pissed, her ex-fiance cheated on her while he was deployed and is waiting for him to return so that she can sell their home and move on. Ronnie was referred to Kale to get a commemorative tattoo, for his fallen brothers. "Casual sex was Kale's forte. He didn't do relationships or commitment, just sex." There is an instant spark and Kale makes a chip in Ronnie's wall, and proposes a just sex arrangement for the remainder of his R&R leave.
Ronnie stubbornness holds her back
He was a picture perfect reminder of what she didn't want, what she shouldn't want, and what she wanted regardless of it all."
and Kale is on unchartered ground by wanting more, wanting it all.
Ronnie get's a wake-up call and knows it's up to her to make it right
"...they fit together like lock and key. Two pieces that need each other to work."
I wish it was longer, I wish there was an epilogue but I'm happy ... I guess I'll have to use my imagination for what comes next for these two.
April 20, 2015
Three more days and this hearts and flowers shit would be over.
Ronnie, a tattoo artist living in a military town is counting the days until Valentine’s Day is over. She is not into flowers, chocolate, love, romance, any of it. Not anymore. Not since her fiance cheated on her while he was deployed. Now she is stuck in this town, waiting until she can sell the house she owns with her ex and get out of this town.
Kale Emerson ‘soldier’ is home for a short break from a tour over seas. He’s only got a few days left and then he’s back to Iraq. Kale’s never had a relationship. He’s married to the military. While on leave, he decides to get a memorial tattoo on his back and goes to a highly recommended artist, Ronnie, to get it done. When he meets Ronnie he is surprised to see an attractive, sarcastic woman in heels ready to tattoo him.
He can’t get Ronnie out of his mind, and she is having trouble forgetting this soldier. The last thing Ronnie wants is a relationship- especially with a soldier. Kale isn’t looking for anything serious in this point in his life, he has his career. An arrangement with just sex, thats something they both can agree to- especially with sparks flying between them... after spending time together, they find it hard to reel in the very real feelings they are starting to feel for each other.
My Kale and Ronnie:
A fuckingly handsome Captain America impersonator.
“I’m a female tattoo artist with a thing for fictional heroes, you caught me.”
I loved Ronnie’s attitude. She was funny, snarky and doesn’t take anyones crap.
“Can’t these guys get a fucking clue and leave us the fuck alone? For fucks sake.” She plopped down on the bar stool next to Cameron where he sat holding down the fort. He laughed and pulled Jordan onto his lap. “Can you say fuck anymore in one sentence?” “Yes, I fucking can.”
Kale was great. He was a really sweet and all around good guy. Impossible not to love him!
“Would you like me to come in so you can undress me with your hands instead of your eyes?”
This was a sweet and sexy romance. I really pulled for both of the main characters and enjoyed their stories. It had some emotional moments, and some funny moments. It was a little short, but a great debut novel! The cover is beautiful. If you are looking for a quick, steamy read with a good story this one is for you!
Ronnie, a tattoo artist living in a military town is counting the days until Valentine’s Day is over. She is not into flowers, chocolate, love, romance, any of it. Not anymore. Not since her fiance cheated on her while he was deployed. Now she is stuck in this town, waiting until she can sell the house she owns with her ex and get out of this town.
Kale Emerson ‘soldier’ is home for a short break from a tour over seas. He’s only got a few days left and then he’s back to Iraq. Kale’s never had a relationship. He’s married to the military. While on leave, he decides to get a memorial tattoo on his back and goes to a highly recommended artist, Ronnie, to get it done. When he meets Ronnie he is surprised to see an attractive, sarcastic woman in heels ready to tattoo him.
He can’t get Ronnie out of his mind, and she is having trouble forgetting this soldier. The last thing Ronnie wants is a relationship- especially with a soldier. Kale isn’t looking for anything serious in this point in his life, he has his career. An arrangement with just sex, thats something they both can agree to- especially with sparks flying between them... after spending time together, they find it hard to reel in the very real feelings they are starting to feel for each other.
My Kale and Ronnie:
A fuckingly handsome Captain America impersonator.
“I’m a female tattoo artist with a thing for fictional heroes, you caught me.”
I loved Ronnie’s attitude. She was funny, snarky and doesn’t take anyones crap.
“Can’t these guys get a fucking clue and leave us the fuck alone? For fucks sake.” She plopped down on the bar stool next to Cameron where he sat holding down the fort. He laughed and pulled Jordan onto his lap. “Can you say fuck anymore in one sentence?” “Yes, I fucking can.”
Kale was great. He was a really sweet and all around good guy. Impossible not to love him!
“Would you like me to come in so you can undress me with your hands instead of your eyes?”
This was a sweet and sexy romance. I really pulled for both of the main characters and enjoyed their stories. It had some emotional moments, and some funny moments. It was a little short, but a great debut novel! The cover is beautiful. If you are looking for a quick, steamy read with a good story this one is for you!
January 6, 2013
Three Stars
"You can stop mind fucking me now."
Kale's eyes came close to popping out of his head. "Excuse me?"
Ronnie rolled her eyes. "Let's get this straight, Soldier. I'm not sleeping with you. You can get it out of your pretty little head, and I suggest you do so before I stick a needle to your skin."
I saw this book on Facebook, thought the cover was beautiful, the blurb interesting and the next thing I knew, I had to have it. Maybe it was the kind of day I was having or if I was just in one of those moods where the cover was too pretty to say no to, but I had to start reading it immediately. I hate to say it, but this story didn't wow me.
”I don’t have a problem with pain, baby. Touch me wherever your little heart desires,” he whispered as his mouth reached her ear.
Holy fucking…he was driving her body insane.
Ronnie is a very talented tattoo artist who broke up with her ex-fiancé after finding out he cheated on her while he was deployed in Afghanistan. Men are just cheating bastards. With Valentines Day just around the corner, the last thing she needs is to meet a man like Kale. He’s a soldier and is sex on a stick. It’s pure lust at first site for both Kale and Ronnie. Both aren’t looking for a relationship, but both agree to just a physical relationship. I mean, he’ll be leaving soon again anyway, right? No strings attached, just sex.
Well obviously we all know where the story goes from here. I did find Kale sexy and hot, though Ronnie did annoy me a little. I didn’t mind the predictability and the steam factor is very hot, but there was just something missing. I can’t really pinpoint it, but it’s the reason for the three star rating.
"You can stop mind fucking me now."
Kale's eyes came close to popping out of his head. "Excuse me?"
Ronnie rolled her eyes. "Let's get this straight, Soldier. I'm not sleeping with you. You can get it out of your pretty little head, and I suggest you do so before I stick a needle to your skin."
I saw this book on Facebook, thought the cover was beautiful, the blurb interesting and the next thing I knew, I had to have it. Maybe it was the kind of day I was having or if I was just in one of those moods where the cover was too pretty to say no to, but I had to start reading it immediately. I hate to say it, but this story didn't wow me.
”I don’t have a problem with pain, baby. Touch me wherever your little heart desires,” he whispered as his mouth reached her ear.
Holy fucking…he was driving her body insane.
Ronnie is a very talented tattoo artist who broke up with her ex-fiancé after finding out he cheated on her while he was deployed in Afghanistan. Men are just cheating bastards. With Valentines Day just around the corner, the last thing she needs is to meet a man like Kale. He’s a soldier and is sex on a stick. It’s pure lust at first site for both Kale and Ronnie. Both aren’t looking for a relationship, but both agree to just a physical relationship. I mean, he’ll be leaving soon again anyway, right? No strings attached, just sex.
Well obviously we all know where the story goes from here. I did find Kale sexy and hot, though Ronnie did annoy me a little. I didn’t mind the predictability and the steam factor is very hot, but there was just something missing. I can’t really pinpoint it, but it’s the reason for the three star rating.
December 31, 2012
I was lucky to have the author ask if I would like to review her upcoming book, which also happens to be her first! Well to say I hit the jackpot is an understatement! I literally felt like this when reading this one......
Ronnie is a sought after tattoo artist who is in high demand! Especially with the military guys! She is coming off a break up with her ex-fiancee and she hates Valentine's Day.. like really hates the cards, candy, flowers, the whole kit and kaboodle that surrounds the Holiday.
SFC Kale Emerson is the epitome of a military man. He leads his troops with an iron fist but you know he loves his guys. He is single, freaking hot and coming in to Ronnie to get his first tattoo. Well, I forgot to mention that Ronnie is no longer keen on military boys either. When she gets her first look at Kale she is totally like this...
Yep, Ronnie don't play that! She is badass! If it was me and I got that first look at Kale like she did I would totally do this....
Kale is home on leave and he gets a look at our Ronnie and he thinks she would look mighty fine underneath him! I loved the dance these two played with each other and the attraction Ronnie was fighting and well, Kale he didn't do serious committments so they came to another arrangement, one both thought would work really well for the short duration Kale was home.. yep, it's what you're thinking!
Well, they really tried to keep it just a beneficial situation of two people getting their "needs" met and Ronnie with her....
attitude was quite impressive! It was irritating as you may think it just worked for the two of them. I adored the faux relationship these two shared along with the complexitiese that went along with a relationship such as theirs and what it would mean to both if things became serious.
I ran the gamut of emotions with this one! Hell, I don't know how you couldn't! It was freaking hot, sexy, amazing read and on the flip side there was real emotion and depth behind Ronnie & Kale that I felt I was really living the story at times. HOLY WOW!
This is a 5 freaking star read for me from this first time author. I'm telling you it was great! The issues that one faces while being either a military spouse/girlfriend or the servicemember were in the book and it's really a book that you can take notice of the behind the scenes and a small glimpse of what each faces! Kudos to men & women that serve our country and to their families too! The sacrifices they all make are tremendous and it's nice to read a book that brought it back in the forefront for me!
I was totally.........
I was dancing around like a fool at the end with my big ass grin and fist pumping that this author asked me to read her book? HA I'll be buying the book IT's FREAKING FANTASTIC!!! I can't wait to read more from Kelsie Leverich!
This comes out on January 1, 2013 I highly recommend you buy it :) Don't you love the cover too :) Yep, fangirling I love it all!!!!
Ronnie is a sought after tattoo artist who is in high demand! Especially with the military guys! She is coming off a break up with her ex-fiancee and she hates Valentine's Day.. like really hates the cards, candy, flowers, the whole kit and kaboodle that surrounds the Holiday.
SFC Kale Emerson is the epitome of a military man. He leads his troops with an iron fist but you know he loves his guys. He is single, freaking hot and coming in to Ronnie to get his first tattoo. Well, I forgot to mention that Ronnie is no longer keen on military boys either. When she gets her first look at Kale she is totally like this...
Yep, Ronnie don't play that! She is badass! If it was me and I got that first look at Kale like she did I would totally do this....
Kale is home on leave and he gets a look at our Ronnie and he thinks she would look mighty fine underneath him! I loved the dance these two played with each other and the attraction Ronnie was fighting and well, Kale he didn't do serious committments so they came to another arrangement, one both thought would work really well for the short duration Kale was home.. yep, it's what you're thinking!
Well, they really tried to keep it just a beneficial situation of two people getting their "needs" met and Ronnie with her....
attitude was quite impressive! It was irritating as you may think it just worked for the two of them. I adored the faux relationship these two shared along with the complexitiese that went along with a relationship such as theirs and what it would mean to both if things became serious.
I ran the gamut of emotions with this one! Hell, I don't know how you couldn't! It was freaking hot, sexy, amazing read and on the flip side there was real emotion and depth behind Ronnie & Kale that I felt I was really living the story at times. HOLY WOW!
This is a 5 freaking star read for me from this first time author. I'm telling you it was great! The issues that one faces while being either a military spouse/girlfriend or the servicemember were in the book and it's really a book that you can take notice of the behind the scenes and a small glimpse of what each faces! Kudos to men & women that serve our country and to their families too! The sacrifices they all make are tremendous and it's nice to read a book that brought it back in the forefront for me!
I was totally.........
I was dancing around like a fool at the end with my big ass grin and fist pumping that this author asked me to read her book? HA I'll be buying the book IT's FREAKING FANTASTIC!!! I can't wait to read more from Kelsie Leverich!
This comes out on January 1, 2013 I highly recommend you buy it :) Don't you love the cover too :) Yep, fangirling I love it all!!!!
January 1, 2013
There is absolutely nothing bad I can say about this book. NOTHING! I loved the plot, it flowed completely through out the whole book and I adored all of the characters. Every single "main" character was likable. Ronnie was freaking awesome! Kelsie did a kick ass job writing her. She was sexy, snarky, quick with the one liners and a tattoo artist to boot. I'm a tattoo freak so Kelsie had me at tattoo. The whole story line was different than anything I've read as of late.
Kale, oh handsome hot Kale... In the book Ronnie refers to Kale as Captain America. Guess what ladies? So did I. In the book that is how I kept picturing him. I absolutely fell in love with him.
Ronnie has been hurt by an ex fiance who happens to be a soldier. In walks Kale who just happens to also be a soldier, to have a tattoo done by the "best". Man, isn't Kale surprised to find that Ronnie is not a he but a she. Pleasantly surprised at that. I think myself it's the snarkiness of Ronnie that intrigues him at first not to mention she's very easy on the eyes to look at. Sparks ignite even if Ronnie doesn't want them too.
This isn't your average boy meets girl book. For me this is a book about letting your guard down and seeing things for what they actually are and were. Being able to open yourself up to the possibility of love and moving on even if it means getting yourself hurt in the process...
I could feel the sizzle in the pages and I am not ready to let Kale and Ronnie go as a couple. I'm needing more. Bring on a book 2 Kelsie Leverich... Yes, I liked it that much...
Kale, oh handsome hot Kale... In the book Ronnie refers to Kale as Captain America. Guess what ladies? So did I. In the book that is how I kept picturing him. I absolutely fell in love with him.
Ronnie has been hurt by an ex fiance who happens to be a soldier. In walks Kale who just happens to also be a soldier, to have a tattoo done by the "best". Man, isn't Kale surprised to find that Ronnie is not a he but a she. Pleasantly surprised at that. I think myself it's the snarkiness of Ronnie that intrigues him at first not to mention she's very easy on the eyes to look at. Sparks ignite even if Ronnie doesn't want them too.
This isn't your average boy meets girl book. For me this is a book about letting your guard down and seeing things for what they actually are and were. Being able to open yourself up to the possibility of love and moving on even if it means getting yourself hurt in the process...
I could feel the sizzle in the pages and I am not ready to let Kale and Ronnie go as a couple. I'm needing more. Bring on a book 2 Kelsie Leverich... Yes, I liked it that much...
February 21, 2018
3,5. Entretenido y de fácil lectura, tiene como protagonistas a dos personajes que hasta ahora no han sido demasiado habituales en mis lecturas: una tatuadora de armas tomar y un soldado muy parecido al Capitán América. Hay insta-lust, casi insta-love y le falta profundizar en determinadas situaciones (sobre todo al final), pero es una buena lectura para pasar el rato.
January 7, 2013
This book was a MAJOR LET DOWN
When I saw this book, I thought it was going to be a good read it wasnt.
This book featured good characters which could have made a good story line but it seriously lacked content! Majority of the book took place in a span of a few days then they fell in love! (SERIOUSLY, are these people for real???)
Ronnie was is a beautiful and sexy tatoo artist whose heart was broken when he fiancee who is in the army cheats on her. She decided to cut off men and love from her life as it just hurts at the end.
Emerson is a HOTT soldier who is also in the millitary and he comes home for a few days leave and decides to get a tattoo in remembrance of his fellow friends who got killed at war.
He meets Ronnie and there is an instant chemistry between them.
They flirt with each other and Ronnie's friends advise her to have a casual relationship with him with no strings attached.
They spend the next few days together and open up to each other then suddenly the one wants more out of the relationship as they develop feelings.
LIKE SERIOUSLY! this is so stupid! How can you know someone for less than a week then suddenly want to be with them forever?
Then Emerson leaves and she goes to the airport to say goodbye and he tells her he wants more...
She tries to forget him and moves on but he writes her emails and sends flowers etc but shes not interested.
Then she finds out he got hurt at war and is back and she rushes to him.
Typically its all hearts and flowers (as quoted in the book- totally stealing lines from Fifty Shades of Grey) and she wants more. He is so hurt that he cant walk but she has sex with him!!!!!!!!!!
Agggggggghhhhhhhhhhhh!!!! REALLY!!! THE MAN JUST GOT HURT FROM WAR!!!
Then he asks her to move in! WHATEVER!
Anyway, this wasnt such a good story line besides the few Steamy scenes in the book. You could anticipate what was going to happen.
The book was MUCH too short and hurried.
Only two stars and its mainly because he is so hot and because of the steamy scenes.
When I saw this book, I thought it was going to be a good read it wasnt.
This book featured good characters which could have made a good story line but it seriously lacked content! Majority of the book took place in a span of a few days then they fell in love! (SERIOUSLY, are these people for real???)
Ronnie was is a beautiful and sexy tatoo artist whose heart was broken when he fiancee who is in the army cheats on her. She decided to cut off men and love from her life as it just hurts at the end.
Emerson is a HOTT soldier who is also in the millitary and he comes home for a few days leave and decides to get a tattoo in remembrance of his fellow friends who got killed at war.
He meets Ronnie and there is an instant chemistry between them.
They flirt with each other and Ronnie's friends advise her to have a casual relationship with him with no strings attached.
They spend the next few days together and open up to each other then suddenly the one wants more out of the relationship as they develop feelings.
LIKE SERIOUSLY! this is so stupid! How can you know someone for less than a week then suddenly want to be with them forever?
Then Emerson leaves and she goes to the airport to say goodbye and he tells her he wants more...
She tries to forget him and moves on but he writes her emails and sends flowers etc but shes not interested.
Then she finds out he got hurt at war and is back and she rushes to him.
Typically its all hearts and flowers (as quoted in the book- totally stealing lines from Fifty Shades of Grey) and she wants more. He is so hurt that he cant walk but she has sex with him!!!!!!!!!!
Agggggggghhhhhhhhhhhh!!!! REALLY!!! THE MAN JUST GOT HURT FROM WAR!!!
Then he asks her to move in! WHATEVER!
Anyway, this wasnt such a good story line besides the few Steamy scenes in the book. You could anticipate what was going to happen.
The book was MUCH too short and hurried.
Only two stars and its mainly because he is so hot and because of the steamy scenes.
December 30, 2012
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
I read the debut novella, The Valentine’s Arrangement and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Ronnie is a heroine that you absolutely fall in love with because she’s not a damsel in distress. She knows what she wants and she knows how to handle her issues but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t feel the betrayal of what life can bring. And then there’s Kale. What’s not to love about a man in uniform who looks like Captain America?? I will take Captain America any day of the week!!!
I think the concern I had with this book is that it was too short and I suppose that’s what a novella is…it’s a short story. For me, everything moved too quickly and the core issues of the plot could have been explored a bit more. This book deals with the challenges of being the girlfriend of someone in the military and I wanted to learn more about those complexities. However, the story still moved at a good pace, there was a pinch of angst and the attraction between Ronnie and Kale was perfect. Kelsie’s ability to write a fluid story is solid despite my concerns about it being too short or rushed. Make no mistake, this is an enjoyable read.
My final two cents: this is a fabulous debut novella by Kelsie Leverich and I look forward to reading more of her books!!
I read the debut novella, The Valentine’s Arrangement and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Ronnie is a heroine that you absolutely fall in love with because she’s not a damsel in distress. She knows what she wants and she knows how to handle her issues but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t feel the betrayal of what life can bring. And then there’s Kale. What’s not to love about a man in uniform who looks like Captain America?? I will take Captain America any day of the week!!!
I think the concern I had with this book is that it was too short and I suppose that’s what a novella is…it’s a short story. For me, everything moved too quickly and the core issues of the plot could have been explored a bit more. This book deals with the challenges of being the girlfriend of someone in the military and I wanted to learn more about those complexities. However, the story still moved at a good pace, there was a pinch of angst and the attraction between Ronnie and Kale was perfect. Kelsie’s ability to write a fluid story is solid despite my concerns about it being too short or rushed. Make no mistake, this is an enjoyable read.
My final two cents: this is a fabulous debut novella by Kelsie Leverich and I look forward to reading more of her books!!
February 22, 2013
How can you not love a girl who is a Tattoo artist? And who hates Valentine's Day? I do. Ronnie doesn't do romance since finding out her fiancé cheated on her while deployed and she vowed never to fall in love again, especially with a soldier. But guess what...
Meet Sergeant First Class Kale Emerson. Home from Iraq, but wanting to return. He too isn't interested in relationships.
Perfect match right?
In Ronnie, Cale meets his match. Both wanting casual until he changes his mind. Sit back, relax, and read on for a fun romance novel. You won't be disappointed! The hero will win your heart!
Meet Sergeant First Class Kale Emerson. Home from Iraq, but wanting to return. He too isn't interested in relationships.
Perfect match right?
In Ronnie, Cale meets his match. Both wanting casual until he changes his mind. Sit back, relax, and read on for a fun romance novel. You won't be disappointed! The hero will win your heart!
January 2, 2013
After seeing my blog Kelsie contacted me asking if I'd be interested in reading her book, she said she thought I'd love her heroine and SHE WAS RIGHT!!! After she sent me the synopsis I knew Ronnie and I would become BFF!
Ronnie is a sarcastic, snarky, take no BS, get to the point straight shooter very much like myself...and like me she HATES Valentines day (or as I like to call it "singles awareness day") because to Ronnie
"It's excuse for women to whine and dote and bat their eyelashes for glittery gifts
in the hopeful forms of diamonds. It's an excuse for men to have an opening for sex"
I mean really now, why people go batshit crazy on Valentine's day is beyond me what about the other 364 days a year? Right? Because nothing says I love You like getting one of these singing Wild Thing!
So yea I can relate to Ronnie's view on V-Day...mind you these were her feelings BEFORE she found out her fiance (who's been deployed in Afghanistan for the past six months) has been sticking it to his squads female medic for the past three months so now she's just too through with love and soldiers she's just throwing herself into her work; she's a sought after tattoo artist waiting till she can get the hell outta Fort Drum and put the Army & soldiers behind her because done with soldiers...until...one night a Captain America looking tall, built, and all kinds of sexy SFC Kale Emerson comes in to meet with the BEST tattoo artist around, Ronnie Clark. Yea Kale's buddies thought it would be funny to leave out the part that Ronnie was a smokin hot WOMAN...the minute these two lay eyes on each other you can feel the sparks fly! Just one problem, remember, Ronnie is done with "fu*king soldiers" and Kale doesn't do relationships,
"just casual sex for him. Casual is simple, sex is simple to Kale relationships were hard enough and then to throw in field time, late nights, and overseas deployment"
Now like I said the sparks were flying from the start so they decide, on Valentine's Day that for the rest of Kale's R & R leave it'll be just sex between them till he heads back overseas BUT someone starts to have more than just sex feelings for the other...
Kelsie did a great job conveying both Ronnie and Kale's feelings, you could feel Ronnie's fear, hesitation and reluctance for dealing with a soldier again and you felt Kale's confusion at the feelings he was having towards Ronnie. It was great seeing these two deal and work out the feelings they were having towards the other; the writing was honest and real and the sex between these two was hot plus it was nice seeing Kale work so hard to chip away at the ice surrounding Ronnie's heart, he was like a man on a mission lol! I like how we also got a glimpse into what relationships are like for those in the military, what it feels like for the deployed soldier and for the loved one back home (I give military spouses SO much respect and credit because I don't think I could handle deployments and what could come from them) I liked everything about The Valentine's Arrangement but I do wish it was a little bit longer but I say that about most books I like lol...maybe we'll get a part two someday *hint hint Kelsie :-D*
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Ronnie is a sarcastic, snarky, take no BS, get to the point straight shooter very much like myself...and like me she HATES Valentines day (or as I like to call it "singles awareness day") because to Ronnie
"It's excuse for women to whine and dote and bat their eyelashes for glittery gifts
in the hopeful forms of diamonds. It's an excuse for men to have an opening for sex"
I mean really now, why people go batshit crazy on Valentine's day is beyond me what about the other 364 days a year? Right? Because nothing says I love You like getting one of these singing Wild Thing!
So yea I can relate to Ronnie's view on V-Day...mind you these were her feelings BEFORE she found out her fiance (who's been deployed in Afghanistan for the past six months) has been sticking it to his squads female medic for the past three months so now she's just too through with love and soldiers she's just throwing herself into her work; she's a sought after tattoo artist waiting till she can get the hell outta Fort Drum and put the Army & soldiers behind her because done with soldiers...until...one night a Captain America looking tall, built, and all kinds of sexy SFC Kale Emerson comes in to meet with the BEST tattoo artist around, Ronnie Clark. Yea Kale's buddies thought it would be funny to leave out the part that Ronnie was a smokin hot WOMAN...the minute these two lay eyes on each other you can feel the sparks fly! Just one problem, remember, Ronnie is done with "fu*king soldiers" and Kale doesn't do relationships,
"just casual sex for him. Casual is simple, sex is simple to Kale relationships were hard enough and then to throw in field time, late nights, and overseas deployment"
Now like I said the sparks were flying from the start so they decide, on Valentine's Day that for the rest of Kale's R & R leave it'll be just sex between them till he heads back overseas BUT someone starts to have more than just sex feelings for the other...
Kelsie did a great job conveying both Ronnie and Kale's feelings, you could feel Ronnie's fear, hesitation and reluctance for dealing with a soldier again and you felt Kale's confusion at the feelings he was having towards Ronnie. It was great seeing these two deal and work out the feelings they were having towards the other; the writing was honest and real and the sex between these two was hot plus it was nice seeing Kale work so hard to chip away at the ice surrounding Ronnie's heart, he was like a man on a mission lol! I like how we also got a glimpse into what relationships are like for those in the military, what it feels like for the deployed soldier and for the loved one back home (I give military spouses SO much respect and credit because I don't think I could handle deployments and what could come from them) I liked everything about The Valentine's Arrangement but I do wish it was a little bit longer but I say that about most books I like lol...maybe we'll get a part two someday *hint hint Kelsie :-D*
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
January 3, 2013
First of all...this was a novella? Well it didn't feel like one to me (and that isn't because it took me three days to read it, I was busy lol). It's because it was a full story. I did not feel like it was lacking anything. There was enough back story on Ronnie and Kale for you to "get" them. There was the perfect amount of story in general. You really get to know the main characters as well as the secondary characters. It was a very well-developed story to be so short.
Also, I loved how the book was written in alternating POV in third person. And it was done flawlessly. It read smoothly from Ronnie to Kale and back to Ronnie. It was a nice break from first person (which I have read a lot of lately).
Then the story line itself was really entertaining. No lie, I was hooked the minute Kale was compared to Captain America (I have a serious crush on Captain America). And Ronnie is a tattoo artist, how cool is that? There was enough chemistry between the two for the story to be believable and enjoyable.
This was a very well written debut from Kelsie Leverich. If I didn't know better, I would never have guessed this was her first book. I definitely can't wait to read what she comes out with next!
Also, I loved how the book was written in alternating POV in third person. And it was done flawlessly. It read smoothly from Ronnie to Kale and back to Ronnie. It was a nice break from first person (which I have read a lot of lately).
Then the story line itself was really entertaining. No lie, I was hooked the minute Kale was compared to Captain America (I have a serious crush on Captain America). And Ronnie is a tattoo artist, how cool is that? There was enough chemistry between the two for the story to be believable and enjoyable.
This was a very well written debut from Kelsie Leverich. If I didn't know better, I would never have guessed this was her first book. I definitely can't wait to read what she comes out with next!
January 9, 2013
****4.5 stars**** I really enjoyed Kelsie Leverich's first book! I absolutely LOVE Kale Emerson (fanning myself)...damn. Ronnie was great as well. I loved her strong tough exterior and her personality. It was enjoyable watching her transform somewhat during this story and seeing her icy exterior melt and her heart open up for Kale. It was steamy, sexy, funny, and flowed well.
He leaned down and ran his nose up the side of her neck and she stilled. "Well as of right now, I'm finding it extremely difficult not to push you up against this bar and put my mouth on your body; you're tempting me and i just might do it. So, you can either dance with me and let me attempt to get the image of you squirming beneath me out of my head, or you can leave with me now and we can replay that image in real time"
I look forward to reading more from Kelsie as I've heard there is a book 2 in the works :-)
He leaned down and ran his nose up the side of her neck and she stilled. "Well as of right now, I'm finding it extremely difficult not to push you up against this bar and put my mouth on your body; you're tempting me and i just might do it. So, you can either dance with me and let me attempt to get the image of you squirming beneath me out of my head, or you can leave with me now and we can replay that image in real time"
I look forward to reading more from Kelsie as I've heard there is a book 2 in the works :-)
January 17, 2013
This book had me at Ronnie's description of Kale as "a f*ckingly handsome Captain America impersonator". I laughed out loud.
Ronnie is a tattoo artist living near an army base who is waiting for her soldier ex-fiance to return from overseas so she can sell their house and move away from his cheating a**.
What she doesn't count on is having Kale Emerson walk into the shop asking for a back tattoo.
I loved this story from start to finish. At no stage did I feel that the story had stalled. It had a nice flow. I loved Ronnie's sass and hold no punches sarcasm. She says it as she sees it and doesn't take any crap.
Kale knew what he wanted and kept pushing until he got it.
Would love to know what happens after the story finishes, we'll just have to wait and see.
Fantastic first book from Kelsie :)
Ronnie is a tattoo artist living near an army base who is waiting for her soldier ex-fiance to return from overseas so she can sell their house and move away from his cheating a**.
What she doesn't count on is having Kale Emerson walk into the shop asking for a back tattoo.
I loved this story from start to finish. At no stage did I feel that the story had stalled. It had a nice flow. I loved Ronnie's sass and hold no punches sarcasm. She says it as she sees it and doesn't take any crap.
Kale knew what he wanted and kept pushing until he got it.
Would love to know what happens after the story finishes, we'll just have to wait and see.
Fantastic first book from Kelsie :)
December 20, 2012
4 stars
Mature Content
*I was sent this book by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Sexy, steamy, and enjoyable. Kelsie did, in my opinion, a great job with her first book. She created a steamy read, which was fun, quick and enjoyable. Did I mention steamy?? Yes, this book was hot! It was a great romance for the mature crowd. And one I am so glad I got to read.
Kelsie was a joy to talk to, so when she asked me to read and review this book, I jumped on it! Why? Well, the synopsis she sent me had my toes curling and my interest captured. Getting to know her and her book was a pleasure, and then when she showed me the cover , dear Lord, I knew I had to read The Valentine’s Arrangement!!
I also have to mention another reason why I wanted to read this book, it’s because I’m a military wife. Since her book deals with the aspects of the military, I just had to read it! I just had to see what Kelsie’s story was all about. I knew that I would be able to understand a lot with this book, and I was right.
‘Needless to say, Ronnie was not a fan of the lovey, dovey mushy shit; in fact, that was putting it graciously.'
Ronnie does not and will never fall for all of that Valentine mushy crap. It’s a date that is meaningless, and very pointless to her. She’s experienced ‘love’ and she wants nothing to do with it. She’s a girl covered in tattoos with an attitude you don’t want to mess with. Plus, she doesn't sugarcoat anything. And she wants nothing to do with military men. Never will she fall in love with one…again. She’s learned her lesson.
SFC Kale Emerson will do anything for his men. They are the very reason he does what he does. Nothing comes before them. With no family and no relationships, all he has is his men. He doesn't need a relationship; he has seen what it can do to a person. Kale just needs someone to keep his bed warm while he is home in the States for some rest, before he heads back to combat.
When Kale goes to get a tattoo from a tattoo artist who is said to be amazing, he never expected this person to be a snarky, sexy woman with cherry lips, dark hair and red heels. Ronnie, as Kale soon discovers is a woman with passion and a mouth.
To Ronnie, Kale is just another sexy soldier she needs to avoid.
But when these two are together, intense passion is all they can find. Sparks fly whenever they are near.
Kale doesn't do relationships or commitment.
Ronnie doesn't do Valentine’s Day or soldiers.
All Kale needs is someone to keep his bed warm for a few days, Ronnie just wants to forget someone. So, together they make a deal.
But can they make it to the end?
"I'm no lady."
The Valentine’s Arrangement does have some very intense and passionate sex scenes, but it was definitely more than that. It was a short but very captivating read. The characters were amazing, definitely had their own personalities. The story, yes a bit fast paced, but still a joy to read. It had is intense moments, steamy moments; moments that brought tears to my eyes, and had me in quite a few giggling fits.
It had some things that I was expecting, but still enjoyable nonetheless. The relationship with the characters did happen fast, but this is a short novel, so that was to be expected. The relationship didn't really feel forced, so that was a big plus. The story also flowed decently; again, it’s a short book, so a lot happened in only 131 pages. But with that length it didn't feel too crammed.
Both Kale and Ronnie where amazing characters, I enjoyed them both. I especially loved Ronnie. She has such an attitude and doesn't give crap about others. Kale is just sexy. What can I say!?!! You can tell they feel something for each other the minute they meet. But as their deal progresses they realize something about each other. They both get under each other’s skin. I loved reading about that!
Kelsie did create a very nice and sexy read. One you can curl up with for the evening. Her writing was nice, and the book did flow decently. All in all I really enjoyed The Valentine’s Arrangement, and if you are looking for something fast, but racy I suggest you give this book a try!
Mature Content
*I was sent this book by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Sexy, steamy, and enjoyable. Kelsie did, in my opinion, a great job with her first book. She created a steamy read, which was fun, quick and enjoyable. Did I mention steamy?? Yes, this book was hot! It was a great romance for the mature crowd. And one I am so glad I got to read.
Kelsie was a joy to talk to, so when she asked me to read and review this book, I jumped on it! Why? Well, the synopsis she sent me had my toes curling and my interest captured. Getting to know her and her book was a pleasure, and then when she showed me the cover , dear Lord, I knew I had to read The Valentine’s Arrangement!!
I also have to mention another reason why I wanted to read this book, it’s because I’m a military wife. Since her book deals with the aspects of the military, I just had to read it! I just had to see what Kelsie’s story was all about. I knew that I would be able to understand a lot with this book, and I was right.
‘Needless to say, Ronnie was not a fan of the lovey, dovey mushy shit; in fact, that was putting it graciously.'
Ronnie does not and will never fall for all of that Valentine mushy crap. It’s a date that is meaningless, and very pointless to her. She’s experienced ‘love’ and she wants nothing to do with it. She’s a girl covered in tattoos with an attitude you don’t want to mess with. Plus, she doesn't sugarcoat anything. And she wants nothing to do with military men. Never will she fall in love with one…again. She’s learned her lesson.
SFC Kale Emerson will do anything for his men. They are the very reason he does what he does. Nothing comes before them. With no family and no relationships, all he has is his men. He doesn't need a relationship; he has seen what it can do to a person. Kale just needs someone to keep his bed warm while he is home in the States for some rest, before he heads back to combat.
When Kale goes to get a tattoo from a tattoo artist who is said to be amazing, he never expected this person to be a snarky, sexy woman with cherry lips, dark hair and red heels. Ronnie, as Kale soon discovers is a woman with passion and a mouth.
To Ronnie, Kale is just another sexy soldier she needs to avoid.
But when these two are together, intense passion is all they can find. Sparks fly whenever they are near.
Kale doesn't do relationships or commitment.
Ronnie doesn't do Valentine’s Day or soldiers.
All Kale needs is someone to keep his bed warm for a few days, Ronnie just wants to forget someone. So, together they make a deal.
But can they make it to the end?
"I'm no lady."
The Valentine’s Arrangement does have some very intense and passionate sex scenes, but it was definitely more than that. It was a short but very captivating read. The characters were amazing, definitely had their own personalities. The story, yes a bit fast paced, but still a joy to read. It had is intense moments, steamy moments; moments that brought tears to my eyes, and had me in quite a few giggling fits.
It had some things that I was expecting, but still enjoyable nonetheless. The relationship with the characters did happen fast, but this is a short novel, so that was to be expected. The relationship didn't really feel forced, so that was a big plus. The story also flowed decently; again, it’s a short book, so a lot happened in only 131 pages. But with that length it didn't feel too crammed.
Both Kale and Ronnie where amazing characters, I enjoyed them both. I especially loved Ronnie. She has such an attitude and doesn't give crap about others. Kale is just sexy. What can I say!?!! You can tell they feel something for each other the minute they meet. But as their deal progresses they realize something about each other. They both get under each other’s skin. I loved reading about that!
Kelsie did create a very nice and sexy read. One you can curl up with for the evening. Her writing was nice, and the book did flow decently. All in all I really enjoyed The Valentine’s Arrangement, and if you are looking for something fast, but racy I suggest you give this book a try!
March 25, 2016
3.5
-Me pareció una historia super entretenida, la interacion de los personajes me hizo recordar un poco a Kora y Rome de Marked Men. Como libro me pareció super corto y ligero, me hubiera gustado un poco mas, como que falto un pilin mas para que realmente me vendan que están enamorados.
-Me encantó la lectura, fue muy sencilla y un poco predecible, pero estuvo muy buena. Esa una historia muy bien desarrollada para ser tan corta. Me encanto poder leer las perspectivas de cada uno de los protagonistas.Es un buen libro, es ligero y fácil de leer, es gracioso y sus personajes me agradaron, ame a Kale y a Ronnie. Necesito un soldado así♥
-Esta es una historia rápida de leer, en mi opinión es buena aunque se quedo un poquito corta. ¿Por qué se quedo un poco corta? Bueno quizás con un par de capítulos más hubiese sido suficiente, el final fue un poco abrupto… ella dijo que si quería mas y se acabo la historia. Siendo ella una mujer tan dura y decida fue como muy fácil.
-La verdad es que la historia es entretenida, ligera y se lee fácil, aunque esperaba mas de ella. Esperaba un poco mas de la historia y tampoco se puede saber mas de estos dos puesto que la serie se quedo sin traducir..
-Esta historia es corta y muy ligera...En fin, la historia me gustó, no lo voy a negar, pero esperaba un poco más.
-Es una historia corta sí, pero a mi gusto, suceden muchas cosas en tan pocas páginas, por lo que ni siquiera me daba tiempo de sentir todo lo que estaba pasando. A pesar de todo esto, es un buen libro para pasar un rato agradable. Se lee super rápido, por qué es ligero y de pocas páginas.
-Esta lectura fue muy ligera, la leí super rápido y me gusto PERO no llego a tocar ese nervio que hace que ame los libros. Kale, bueno si me gusto pero aún le faltaba algo, siento que no me estaba dando todo lo que podía o la autora me lo dejo a medias sin embargo lo disfrute tanto como pude.
-Primero que todo me gusto la lectura, es facil de seguir y no aburre en lo absoluto a pesar de que desde un principio se sabe cómo termina. La historia permite ver como Ronnie y Kale se juntan y empiezan a crecer como pareja a pesar de que su relación no se base justamente en eso, pero lo interesante de ver es como cada uno pelea con sus propios intereses para estar con la otra persona al final y darse una oportunidad, lo que tuvo que pasar por supuesto después de que Kale se lastimara, pero al final tuvieron su final feliz.
-En general me gusto mucho el libro. No fue amor a primera vista ni nada romantico, tuvierln que pelear ambos por separado y juntos para lograr tener una buena relacion y eso fue lo que a mi me gustó.
-Es una historia algo difícil de asimilar al principio, lógica atracción a primera vista, recelos a la historia un típica chica despechada, pero al avanzar la rama como siempre engancho Kale me gano no fue e típico chico pedante, arrogante, si no un hombre respetuoso seguro de sí mismo, Rommi logro expresar por que el miedo a al amor...
-Me gustó bastante, una lectura rápida y sencilla. Tal vez se le hubiera podido dar más fondo a la historia, pero así como está es linda.
-Me pareció una historia super entretenida, la interacion de los personajes me hizo recordar un poco a Kora y Rome de Marked Men. Como libro me pareció super corto y ligero, me hubiera gustado un poco mas, como que falto un pilin mas para que realmente me vendan que están enamorados.
-Me encantó la lectura, fue muy sencilla y un poco predecible, pero estuvo muy buena. Esa una historia muy bien desarrollada para ser tan corta. Me encanto poder leer las perspectivas de cada uno de los protagonistas.Es un buen libro, es ligero y fácil de leer, es gracioso y sus personajes me agradaron, ame a Kale y a Ronnie. Necesito un soldado así♥
-Esta es una historia rápida de leer, en mi opinión es buena aunque se quedo un poquito corta. ¿Por qué se quedo un poco corta? Bueno quizás con un par de capítulos más hubiese sido suficiente, el final fue un poco abrupto… ella dijo que si quería mas y se acabo la historia. Siendo ella una mujer tan dura y decida fue como muy fácil.
-La verdad es que la historia es entretenida, ligera y se lee fácil, aunque esperaba mas de ella. Esperaba un poco mas de la historia y tampoco se puede saber mas de estos dos puesto que la serie se quedo sin traducir..
-Esta historia es corta y muy ligera...En fin, la historia me gustó, no lo voy a negar, pero esperaba un poco más.
-Es una historia corta sí, pero a mi gusto, suceden muchas cosas en tan pocas páginas, por lo que ni siquiera me daba tiempo de sentir todo lo que estaba pasando. A pesar de todo esto, es un buen libro para pasar un rato agradable. Se lee super rápido, por qué es ligero y de pocas páginas.
-Esta lectura fue muy ligera, la leí super rápido y me gusto PERO no llego a tocar ese nervio que hace que ame los libros. Kale, bueno si me gusto pero aún le faltaba algo, siento que no me estaba dando todo lo que podía o la autora me lo dejo a medias sin embargo lo disfrute tanto como pude.
-Primero que todo me gusto la lectura, es facil de seguir y no aburre en lo absoluto a pesar de que desde un principio se sabe cómo termina. La historia permite ver como Ronnie y Kale se juntan y empiezan a crecer como pareja a pesar de que su relación no se base justamente en eso, pero lo interesante de ver es como cada uno pelea con sus propios intereses para estar con la otra persona al final y darse una oportunidad, lo que tuvo que pasar por supuesto después de que Kale se lastimara, pero al final tuvieron su final feliz.
-En general me gusto mucho el libro. No fue amor a primera vista ni nada romantico, tuvierln que pelear ambos por separado y juntos para lograr tener una buena relacion y eso fue lo que a mi me gustó.
-Es una historia algo difícil de asimilar al principio, lógica atracción a primera vista, recelos a la historia un típica chica despechada, pero al avanzar la rama como siempre engancho Kale me gano no fue e típico chico pedante, arrogante, si no un hombre respetuoso seguro de sí mismo, Rommi logro expresar por que el miedo a al amor...
-Me gustó bastante, una lectura rápida y sencilla. Tal vez se le hubiera podido dar más fondo a la historia, pero así como está es linda.
January 21, 2013
3,5 Stars
“Didn’t your momma ever tell you it’s not polite to ask a lady her age?”
“My mother died when I was little, and besides, I didn’t think you were a lady.”
Ronnie Clark, an edgy tattoo artist....
She's not a fan of lovey dovey mushy thing, doesn't do flowers and dates, and just had a broken heart from her sleeping-around fiancé. She vowed not to fall in love especially with soldier.
Kale Emerson
Or Sergeant First Class Emerson... He is a handsome Captain America impersonator with sandy brown hair and blue eyes who prefers casual sex for a relationship.
When they met the sparks fly... She always has a thing for comic heroes and he realizes he met his match, a blunt snarky bombshell who is sexy as hell. Then they made The Valentine Arrangement which consist of casual sex and no strings attached.
But sometime sex is just ain't enough......
“I want the fluff. I want to give you the flowers and the chocolates. I want to take you out to fancy dinners and buy you gifts.”
My thought......
Well I really love this sweet story... I like Ronnie, she's a kick ass heroine character on book. She know what she wants even though it means that she became a not friendly woman. She's beautiful, sexy and takes no prisoners kind of woman. Kale Emerson is also a character hard to resist. A handsome alpha male which is protective enough but not annoying. The plot is so sweet... A cheesy sweet but I'm in a really good mood for reading right now so it's good to me.
The problem is it is a short book. By short means I need more development of the story. Their relationship moved so fast and could have been better if I get more depth in it. I feel like everything is in a rush and I don't really get the connection between their supposed to be love life.
But that would be my problem since this book is a novela that means it is short. Please don't get me wrong, this is actually an enjoyable read. So I give half the stars for a sweet short story of a soldier and a tattoo artist.
“Didn’t your momma ever tell you it’s not polite to ask a lady her age?”
“My mother died when I was little, and besides, I didn’t think you were a lady.”
Ronnie Clark, an edgy tattoo artist....
She's not a fan of lovey dovey mushy thing, doesn't do flowers and dates, and just had a broken heart from her sleeping-around fiancé. She vowed not to fall in love especially with soldier.
Kale Emerson
Or Sergeant First Class Emerson... He is a handsome Captain America impersonator with sandy brown hair and blue eyes who prefers casual sex for a relationship.
When they met the sparks fly... She always has a thing for comic heroes and he realizes he met his match, a blunt snarky bombshell who is sexy as hell. Then they made The Valentine Arrangement which consist of casual sex and no strings attached.
But sometime sex is just ain't enough......
“I want the fluff. I want to give you the flowers and the chocolates. I want to take you out to fancy dinners and buy you gifts.”
My thought......
Well I really love this sweet story... I like Ronnie, she's a kick ass heroine character on book. She know what she wants even though it means that she became a not friendly woman. She's beautiful, sexy and takes no prisoners kind of woman. Kale Emerson is also a character hard to resist. A handsome alpha male which is protective enough but not annoying. The plot is so sweet... A cheesy sweet but I'm in a really good mood for reading right now so it's good to me.
The problem is it is a short book. By short means I need more development of the story. Their relationship moved so fast and could have been better if I get more depth in it. I feel like everything is in a rush and I don't really get the connection between their supposed to be love life.
But that would be my problem since this book is a novela that means it is short. Please don't get me wrong, this is actually an enjoyable read. So I give half the stars for a sweet short story of a soldier and a tattoo artist.
January 8, 2013
Kale *sigh*
OMG...I absolutely LOVED LOVED LOVED this book!! It was everything that I look for in a read and more and I fell in love with Kale and Ronnie instantly.
Ronnie was such a great character-just loved everything about her, from her tattoos~to her high heels~to her attitude. I loved the way she interacted with Mic, Jordan and especially Kale~loved her witty comebacks!! Her attitude was so harsh but she could be sweet and funny also. I felt bad for her because of how she grew up and what happened with Brandon. I so wanted her to kick him in his junk!! lol She definitely deserved someone like Kale!! Oh...Kale...sexy smile, Captain America(so funny), gorgeous, awesome tattoo, alone, sweet, protective, caring, fierce and loyal. I couldn't help but fall for his character~the meaning of the tattoo on his back, the way he acted towards his soldiers and their families, and how he went to see his grandmom!! *sigh* Definitely hero material! I loved the scene where Kale and Ronnie first met. What brought Ronnie to Kale in the end nearly broke my heart and to find out why and where he was when he sent her the flowers~just about did me in!! lol
I have a thing for soldiers but especially when they are alone with no family and Kale's character just made me want to wrap him up in my arms. Actually I wanted to wrap both Kale and Ronnie up in my arms. The sex was definitely HOT between these two from the start!! I wanted their HEA so bad!! The ending was so good but I wasn't ready to leave them and I was left wanting so much more. So I was so excited to learn that there will be a book#2 for Kale and Ronnie!! Woo-Hoo!! :) I am one happy girl!!
Such a well written, fun, emotional, spicy~hot story that had me from the start. This was another book that I had so much fun reading and didn't want it to end. I did shed a few tears and I thought Kelsie wrote the struggle and the affect war and the military in general have on soldiers and their families so well. I loved the small look into Kale as a soldier and how hard it was for him to leave Ronnie, but at the same time how much he loved his job and fellow soldiers.
I have quickly become a HUGE fan of Kelsie Leverich and cannot wait for more from her. The Valentine's Arrangement is definitely a keeper to be reread and I highly recommend it.
Best of the Best rating!!
***ARC provided by Kelsie Leverich~Thank you so much!! :)
OMG...I absolutely LOVED LOVED LOVED this book!! It was everything that I look for in a read and more and I fell in love with Kale and Ronnie instantly.
Ronnie was such a great character-just loved everything about her, from her tattoos~to her high heels~to her attitude. I loved the way she interacted with Mic, Jordan and especially Kale~loved her witty comebacks!! Her attitude was so harsh but she could be sweet and funny also. I felt bad for her because of how she grew up and what happened with Brandon. I so wanted her to kick him in his junk!! lol She definitely deserved someone like Kale!! Oh...Kale...sexy smile, Captain America(so funny), gorgeous, awesome tattoo, alone, sweet, protective, caring, fierce and loyal. I couldn't help but fall for his character~the meaning of the tattoo on his back, the way he acted towards his soldiers and their families, and how he went to see his grandmom!! *sigh* Definitely hero material! I loved the scene where Kale and Ronnie first met. What brought Ronnie to Kale in the end nearly broke my heart and to find out why and where he was when he sent her the flowers~just about did me in!! lol
I have a thing for soldiers but especially when they are alone with no family and Kale's character just made me want to wrap him up in my arms. Actually I wanted to wrap both Kale and Ronnie up in my arms. The sex was definitely HOT between these two from the start!! I wanted their HEA so bad!! The ending was so good but I wasn't ready to leave them and I was left wanting so much more. So I was so excited to learn that there will be a book#2 for Kale and Ronnie!! Woo-Hoo!! :) I am one happy girl!!
Such a well written, fun, emotional, spicy~hot story that had me from the start. This was another book that I had so much fun reading and didn't want it to end. I did shed a few tears and I thought Kelsie wrote the struggle and the affect war and the military in general have on soldiers and their families so well. I loved the small look into Kale as a soldier and how hard it was for him to leave Ronnie, but at the same time how much he loved his job and fellow soldiers.
I have quickly become a HUGE fan of Kelsie Leverich and cannot wait for more from her. The Valentine's Arrangement is definitely a keeper to be reread and I highly recommend it.
Best of the Best rating!!
***ARC provided by Kelsie Leverich~Thank you so much!! :)
January 1, 2013
Let me start out by saying I NEVER read novellas......not a fan at all, they are way to short and always leave me wanting more but I was intrigued by Kelsie's book. The first thing that caught my eye was the kick ass cover and then the story line, I hadn't read a book with a soldier in it since Dear John by Nicolas Sparks so I was really interested in ready this one and I was not disappointed!
This is the story of Ronnie a sexy, smart-mouthed, ball-busting tattoo artist who has been burned by her ex fiance, who just happens to be a soldier. Enter Kale who is a hot, pretty boy (compared to Captain America) and who also happens to be a soldier. Kale and Ronnie are enthralled with each other but Ronnie has her guard up and Kale has his work cut out for him to win this no-nonsense, take-charge girl over.....and man do I love a good chase!
This is a great debut novel for Kelsie. I just loved this story about moving forward, following your heart, and leaving yourself wide open.....you never know what possibilities may lie ahead. Oh....and I hear it on good authority that we may be seeing more of Ronnie and Kale and that makes me very, very, happy!
P.S. - Since reading Kelsie's novella I've read 2 more novella's so it looks like she's opened my eyes and changed my opinion about novella's.
This is the story of Ronnie a sexy, smart-mouthed, ball-busting tattoo artist who has been burned by her ex fiance, who just happens to be a soldier. Enter Kale who is a hot, pretty boy (compared to Captain America) and who also happens to be a soldier. Kale and Ronnie are enthralled with each other but Ronnie has her guard up and Kale has his work cut out for him to win this no-nonsense, take-charge girl over.....and man do I love a good chase!
This is a great debut novel for Kelsie. I just loved this story about moving forward, following your heart, and leaving yourself wide open.....you never know what possibilities may lie ahead. Oh....and I hear it on good authority that we may be seeing more of Ronnie and Kale and that makes me very, very, happy!
P.S. - Since reading Kelsie's novella I've read 2 more novella's so it looks like she's opened my eyes and changed my opinion about novella's.
January 7, 2013
2.5 Stars...... I'm not sure why, but I really struggled to finish this book. It had all of the elements the I look for in a book. Hot sexy guy (Kale), strong heroine (Ronnie), and lots and lots of steam. Again, all of the elements, but it never grabbed me.
I wasn't crazy about Ronnie to begin with. She was pretty rough around the edges and I personally don't understand why Kale would even be attracted to her, considering the attitude she had. Kale is a sweet, sexy guy that is in the army and on R &R for a few days. He wants a tatoo to remember his fallen soldiers and goes to Ronnie to get it because she is the best tattoo artist around.
Ronnie is one bitter, scorned woman and doesn't have anything nice to say to anyone. Her ex-fiancé (Brandon) cheated on her and she has it out for all men, especially soldiers, since Brandon is a soldier and cheated on her with a medic he met while he was away.
Kale is attracted to Ronnie at first sight and works really hard to get her attention. They eventually hook up with the understanding that it will be a very casual-only sex kind of thing. Both say they are not looking for a relationship.
Again, maybe it was just me, but I struggled with this book. The chemistry just wasn't there for me so I never really sunk my teeth into it.
I wasn't crazy about Ronnie to begin with. She was pretty rough around the edges and I personally don't understand why Kale would even be attracted to her, considering the attitude she had. Kale is a sweet, sexy guy that is in the army and on R &R for a few days. He wants a tatoo to remember his fallen soldiers and goes to Ronnie to get it because she is the best tattoo artist around.
Ronnie is one bitter, scorned woman and doesn't have anything nice to say to anyone. Her ex-fiancé (Brandon) cheated on her and she has it out for all men, especially soldiers, since Brandon is a soldier and cheated on her with a medic he met while he was away.
Kale is attracted to Ronnie at first sight and works really hard to get her attention. They eventually hook up with the understanding that it will be a very casual-only sex kind of thing. Both say they are not looking for a relationship.
Again, maybe it was just me, but I struggled with this book. The chemistry just wasn't there for me so I never really sunk my teeth into it.
December 26, 2012
I received this as an ARC. Thank you Kelsie for giving me the chance to read your wonderful story!
Captain America eat your heart out! There is a new hero in town and his name is SFC Kale Emerson! *sigh* I want a Kale of my own! <3
The author delivers a story that will make you smile, tug at your heartstrings, and make you swoon so make sure your sitting down while reading it ;-)
Ronnie is a badass who doesn't take crap from anybody. She had her heart broken by her now ex-fiancé and trusts no one. It will take someone as equally badass to break through the walls Ronnie has erected around her heart.
Enter Kale Emerson, a soldier who is home for a week on some R&R before he returns to Iraq.
Ronnie doesn't do hearts and flowers and candy. Kale doesn't do committed relationships. Can these 2 put everything aside and have a sex-only arrangement? Well read the book and find out! ;-) i know what a tease! But seriously i love this book! Both characters are strong, independent, and often stubborn but you can't help but to fall for both of them!!
Ronnie and Kales story made me laugh, cry, and as i said earlier swoon!! It's a book that
I'm definitely going to recommend everyone to read!! 5 really big stars!!
I can't wait to see what the future holds for this amazing author!!
Captain America eat your heart out! There is a new hero in town and his name is SFC Kale Emerson! *sigh* I want a Kale of my own! <3
The author delivers a story that will make you smile, tug at your heartstrings, and make you swoon so make sure your sitting down while reading it ;-)
Ronnie is a badass who doesn't take crap from anybody. She had her heart broken by her now ex-fiancé and trusts no one. It will take someone as equally badass to break through the walls Ronnie has erected around her heart.
Enter Kale Emerson, a soldier who is home for a week on some R&R before he returns to Iraq.
Ronnie doesn't do hearts and flowers and candy. Kale doesn't do committed relationships. Can these 2 put everything aside and have a sex-only arrangement? Well read the book and find out! ;-) i know what a tease! But seriously i love this book! Both characters are strong, independent, and often stubborn but you can't help but to fall for both of them!!
Ronnie and Kales story made me laugh, cry, and as i said earlier swoon!! It's a book that
I'm definitely going to recommend everyone to read!! 5 really big stars!!
I can't wait to see what the future holds for this amazing author!!
March 16, 2013
First of all this is the perfect book for me. LOVED it! The two main characters Ronnie and Kale are dreamy. She is the tattoo artist with the attitude and he is Sergeant First Class Kale Emerson. Home from Iraq for a few weeks and excited about the return. He isn't interested in relationships, she was cheated on. He goes to get his first tatoo being a memorial piece for his Iraq brothers. First and secondary characters were well developed and likable.
The book is written between the characters and a third person's POV. So overall if you like chicklit and romance with an edge this is for you. Lots of drama, feelings, past and future dreams with a little bit of stalker fear. The story line was very entertaining. No lie, I was hooked the minute Kale came in to get a tatoo.
So I was swooning and can not wait to see what Kelsie Leverich comes out with next. Bravo on a wonderful debut
January 4, 2013
I have an interview that I did with Ronnie, Kale, and Kelsie along with a GIVEAWAY on my blog Momma's Books
Here is my review :)
This one was special for me for many reasons. I enjoyed it because I LOVE me a kick ass girl! I am and never have been the type to be pushed around so reading about a girl who is a no bullshit kinda girl I instantly fell in love with the girl! I absolutely love that she is hot and has tattoos. It is usually the guys that are covered in them and are hot! My husband was in the Marine Corps for 8 years so when I find a book that has to deal with the military it usually finds a special place in my heart. This one specially had that place! There were a few things that hit home for me so I immediately made a connection.
If you are looking for a book that has a kick ass heroin and a hot military guy who both try and fight what is destined to happen then this is for you!
I knew the instant I saw her dedication. I was going to enjoy this read.
To Military Spouses
Because you get it.
I love so much about this book I cannot just pick one thing in particular. It was a sweet story that kept me drawn in even though I had an idea of where things were going I just love how things worked out. I can not wait for the next one to see where things go from where this one left off.
When Ronnie and Kale met for the first time I couldn’t help but laugh at the banter between the two of them. They are walking back to the design room for him to go over the tat he wants and he stops at the door and tells her ‘Ladies first’.
Ronnie’s thick black eyebrows arched up and her full lips curved in a sexy ass smirk. “I’m no Lady”
Then after talking over the design for the tat she lets him know it will be good to go the next day. He tells her that is fine. Then my all time favorite part… which I knew immediately I had a huge girl crush on Ronnie! haha
“Okay.” She narrowed her big brown eyes at Kale, confusing the hell out of him. Ronnie walked back to the door and stopped, turning around with a hand on her hip. “You can stop mind fucking me now.”
Then she needs to make her point:
“Lets get this straight, Soldier. I’m not sleeping with you. you can get it out of your pretty little head, and I suggest you do so before I stick a needle to your skin.”
I mean I can go on and on and quote so many different parts of the book because there are so many good parts and I always enjoy a book that makes me giggle. She just has to jab at him and I LOVE it!
“I’m sure the girls just line up for the chance to jump into bed with the real life Captain America”
“Captain America, huh?” Kale laughed
“Don’t flatter yourself. I’m more of a Hulk fan myself.”
It didn’t take me long to absolutely fall in love with this girl! She is absolutely the kind of girl I would SO have a good time hanging around! She has a foul mouth and takes no ones bullshit!
Kale is the sweetheart and you just fall in love with this guy instantly! He is the gentleman, which adds to his appeal. never mind the looking like Captain America thing! haha but I have to say that when these words came out of his mouth ohhh lawd…
“I don’t have a problem with pain baby.”
I think at that moment I fell in love. My mind went to all kinds of dirty places. haha
I enjoyed the few turn of events and how things worked out, I am excited to know more and will be keeping an eye out for when the next book come is set to come out! I have had fun searching with her for the characters and when she completely agreed that the guy I sent to her was Kale I wanted to do a happy dance. I LOVE when I can picture someone from a book but even more happy when the author agrees with my pick!!
This one will pull anyone who is looking for a great book that has a very strong heroine and a hot hero mixed in with some military lifestyle which adds some emotion to it that many who have been there know exactly what the feelings are because you have been there. The cover is hot and I loved that immediately I know they say dont judge a book by its cover but when they are beautiful like this one is it doesn’t hurt.
Here is my review :)
This one was special for me for many reasons. I enjoyed it because I LOVE me a kick ass girl! I am and never have been the type to be pushed around so reading about a girl who is a no bullshit kinda girl I instantly fell in love with the girl! I absolutely love that she is hot and has tattoos. It is usually the guys that are covered in them and are hot! My husband was in the Marine Corps for 8 years so when I find a book that has to deal with the military it usually finds a special place in my heart. This one specially had that place! There were a few things that hit home for me so I immediately made a connection.
If you are looking for a book that has a kick ass heroin and a hot military guy who both try and fight what is destined to happen then this is for you!
I knew the instant I saw her dedication. I was going to enjoy this read.
To Military Spouses
Because you get it.
I love so much about this book I cannot just pick one thing in particular. It was a sweet story that kept me drawn in even though I had an idea of where things were going I just love how things worked out. I can not wait for the next one to see where things go from where this one left off.
When Ronnie and Kale met for the first time I couldn’t help but laugh at the banter between the two of them. They are walking back to the design room for him to go over the tat he wants and he stops at the door and tells her ‘Ladies first’.
Ronnie’s thick black eyebrows arched up and her full lips curved in a sexy ass smirk. “I’m no Lady”
Then after talking over the design for the tat she lets him know it will be good to go the next day. He tells her that is fine. Then my all time favorite part… which I knew immediately I had a huge girl crush on Ronnie! haha
“Okay.” She narrowed her big brown eyes at Kale, confusing the hell out of him. Ronnie walked back to the door and stopped, turning around with a hand on her hip. “You can stop mind fucking me now.”
Then she needs to make her point:
“Lets get this straight, Soldier. I’m not sleeping with you. you can get it out of your pretty little head, and I suggest you do so before I stick a needle to your skin.”
I mean I can go on and on and quote so many different parts of the book because there are so many good parts and I always enjoy a book that makes me giggle. She just has to jab at him and I LOVE it!
“I’m sure the girls just line up for the chance to jump into bed with the real life Captain America”
“Captain America, huh?” Kale laughed
“Don’t flatter yourself. I’m more of a Hulk fan myself.”
It didn’t take me long to absolutely fall in love with this girl! She is absolutely the kind of girl I would SO have a good time hanging around! She has a foul mouth and takes no ones bullshit!
Kale is the sweetheart and you just fall in love with this guy instantly! He is the gentleman, which adds to his appeal. never mind the looking like Captain America thing! haha but I have to say that when these words came out of his mouth ohhh lawd…
“I don’t have a problem with pain baby.”
I think at that moment I fell in love. My mind went to all kinds of dirty places. haha
I enjoyed the few turn of events and how things worked out, I am excited to know more and will be keeping an eye out for when the next book come is set to come out! I have had fun searching with her for the characters and when she completely agreed that the guy I sent to her was Kale I wanted to do a happy dance. I LOVE when I can picture someone from a book but even more happy when the author agrees with my pick!!
This one will pull anyone who is looking for a great book that has a very strong heroine and a hot hero mixed in with some military lifestyle which adds some emotion to it that many who have been there know exactly what the feelings are because you have been there. The cover is hot and I loved that immediately I know they say dont judge a book by its cover but when they are beautiful like this one is it doesn’t hurt.
January 1, 2013
When I started reading this story, I was instantly drawn to Ronnie’s dry wit and no filter to tell it how things are. She would definitely be the kind of girl I would knock back drinks with at the bar. She has a serious issue with Valentine’s Day given that her fiancé so generously decided to share himself with other women while he was over in Iraq. With bitterness in her heart and wanting to get as far away from where she and her fiancé have built a life together. The only problem is she has to wait for him to get home so that they can sell their home, so she is working in a tattoo parlor, saving up money and tattooing men’s names on women’s hips.
“Alright Kara, I’m almost done with this locket. Are you sure you want me to put Craig’s name under it? Names are not fun to cover up and I charge double to do it. I’m giving you your chance now,” she said as she wiped the ink on Kara’s hip, smearing it across the Celtic locket. Branding was not Ronnie’s thing, but in this town, she was lucky if she went an entire work week without getting stuck doing at least one.”
After Ronnie is done with her branding, she has a sketch consult with a man by the name of Kale Emerson. When she walks to the waiting room to call him back she is struck dumb by how attractive he is.
“Kale Emerson?” Ronnie said, scanning the waiting room. There were only two people there, one was Harold’s intern who was waiting to do his nightly bitch work, and the other one was a fuckingly handsome Captain America impersonator.”
Can I just say, Kelsie Leverich, had me at Captain America impersonator. If any of you have ever seen The Avengers and have seen the part where Captain America is punching away and it zooms in on his awesome derriere, Hello Kale! However, as I was already guessing Kale’s handsome face and rockin body are not enough to sway Ronnie with her bitter heart.
Kale is instantly attracted to Ronnie and is surprised by the fact that he has never been attracted to woman with tattoos.
“It had been eight months since he had been in the States, and it had been eight months since he has had sex. Casual sex was Kale’s forte. He didn’t do relationships or commitment, just sex. Kale didn’t have time to worry about putting someone else ahead of him; hell, he didn’t even have time to put himself ahead of him. His soldiers came first, they always have. He loved his country and he loved his job, and for him, a woman just didn’t quite fit into that equation. No woman he has ever been with has been able to change his opinion, but that didn’t stop him from needing a woman to get underneath him from time to time. Now was one of those times and he wanted Ronnie to be that woman.”
Given Kale is only states bound for eight more days; he isn’t one to give up on his pursuit of Ronnie. Their close proximity while doing the tattoo causes Ronnie to wonder what Kale would be like in bed but she resists his charm, just barely. One night while finishing up his tattoo she crumbles and gives in to him, what leads to only foreplay before they are interrupted, Leaves Ronnie running and Kale chasing after her. Eventually, Kale's pursuits end with a Valentine’s Arrangement, five days of sex and Kale leaves, no emotional attachments or ties. Or at least that’s what they tell themselves.
I don’t want to go into much more detail about what happens in this story. Kale and Ronnie’s walls begin to crumble and emotions run high. This story is only about 190 pages long and Kelsie Leverich used every page perfectly. Her writing is mesmerizing and I loved how she wrote from both POVs giving the reader insight into each person’s mind. I am looking forward to more of her writing.
http://thesubclubbooks.com/
http://thesubclubbooks.com/?p=4173
“Alright Kara, I’m almost done with this locket. Are you sure you want me to put Craig’s name under it? Names are not fun to cover up and I charge double to do it. I’m giving you your chance now,” she said as she wiped the ink on Kara’s hip, smearing it across the Celtic locket. Branding was not Ronnie’s thing, but in this town, she was lucky if she went an entire work week without getting stuck doing at least one.”
After Ronnie is done with her branding, she has a sketch consult with a man by the name of Kale Emerson. When she walks to the waiting room to call him back she is struck dumb by how attractive he is.
“Kale Emerson?” Ronnie said, scanning the waiting room. There were only two people there, one was Harold’s intern who was waiting to do his nightly bitch work, and the other one was a fuckingly handsome Captain America impersonator.”
Can I just say, Kelsie Leverich, had me at Captain America impersonator. If any of you have ever seen The Avengers and have seen the part where Captain America is punching away and it zooms in on his awesome derriere, Hello Kale! However, as I was already guessing Kale’s handsome face and rockin body are not enough to sway Ronnie with her bitter heart.
Kale is instantly attracted to Ronnie and is surprised by the fact that he has never been attracted to woman with tattoos.
“It had been eight months since he had been in the States, and it had been eight months since he has had sex. Casual sex was Kale’s forte. He didn’t do relationships or commitment, just sex. Kale didn’t have time to worry about putting someone else ahead of him; hell, he didn’t even have time to put himself ahead of him. His soldiers came first, they always have. He loved his country and he loved his job, and for him, a woman just didn’t quite fit into that equation. No woman he has ever been with has been able to change his opinion, but that didn’t stop him from needing a woman to get underneath him from time to time. Now was one of those times and he wanted Ronnie to be that woman.”
Given Kale is only states bound for eight more days; he isn’t one to give up on his pursuit of Ronnie. Their close proximity while doing the tattoo causes Ronnie to wonder what Kale would be like in bed but she resists his charm, just barely. One night while finishing up his tattoo she crumbles and gives in to him, what leads to only foreplay before they are interrupted, Leaves Ronnie running and Kale chasing after her. Eventually, Kale's pursuits end with a Valentine’s Arrangement, five days of sex and Kale leaves, no emotional attachments or ties. Or at least that’s what they tell themselves.
I don’t want to go into much more detail about what happens in this story. Kale and Ronnie’s walls begin to crumble and emotions run high. This story is only about 190 pages long and Kelsie Leverich used every page perfectly. Her writing is mesmerizing and I loved how she wrote from both POVs giving the reader insight into each person’s mind. I am looking forward to more of her writing.
http://thesubclubbooks.com/
http://thesubclubbooks.com/?p=4173
December 22, 2012
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This is Kelsie Leverich's first book andI think she did a great job with it. This book was hot and sexy. You felt the chemistry and sexual tension between the two main characters. And I found myself rooting for these two to have more than just a sexual relationship.
Ronnie isa tattoo artist who is strong, confident in what she does and is one tough cookie. She says what she wants and doesn't care what anyone thinks. Ronnie was never a fan of Valentine's Day. She doesn't do mushy, she doesn't do flowers, dates and certainly does not do love. At least not any more, after getting burned by the one guy she loved, trusted and felt safe with. She has sworn off love and soldiers. With Valentine's day only a few days away Ronnie wants nothing more than to forget the holiday that she never liked.
Kale Emerson....Oh how I loved and enjoyed Kale Emerson. He is a soldier on leave for a week. He is sexy and charming. He is looking to get a tattoo in memory of his fallen men. So while home on leave he books an appointment with the best tattoo artist in town. But when he walks in the shop for his appointment asking for Ronnie, he has no idea what he is going to get....a beautiful, woman in sexy red heels.
The chemistry between the two of them is instant. And while Ronnie is very attracted to Kale, she tries her best to pretend that she has no interest. After all he is a soldier and she doesn't date. Even though Kale doesn't do relationships, he knows one thing...that he will do everything he can to spend time with this woman before he has to leave. She puts up a hard fight but he is determined determined to prove to her that she wants him just as much as he wants her. But Ronnie cannot resist him for too long.
Kale doesn't do relationships and Ronnie doesn't do dates. So they make an arrangement that suits both of them. Nothing but sex. But what happens when both start feeling more than they expected and what happens when Kale leaves at the end of the week? will they be able to say goodbye and leave it at that.
You will have to wait until 1/1/2013 to find out!
Ronnie has a very hard shell that is tough to get through. and I must say that Kale as a sweet charming side to him. I loved these two together. I loved the chemistry, and the steamy sex scenes. But I also loved that Kale knew how to get through her tough side, make her smile, make her feel things that she may not have wanted to feel. She was able to open up to him in ways she didn't think she could. I loved reading their story. This was a a fun, sexy, quick read. I cannot wait to read more of Kelsie's books in the future.
This is Kelsie Leverich's first book andI think she did a great job with it. This book was hot and sexy. You felt the chemistry and sexual tension between the two main characters. And I found myself rooting for these two to have more than just a sexual relationship.
Ronnie isa tattoo artist who is strong, confident in what she does and is one tough cookie. She says what she wants and doesn't care what anyone thinks. Ronnie was never a fan of Valentine's Day. She doesn't do mushy, she doesn't do flowers, dates and certainly does not do love. At least not any more, after getting burned by the one guy she loved, trusted and felt safe with. She has sworn off love and soldiers. With Valentine's day only a few days away Ronnie wants nothing more than to forget the holiday that she never liked.
Kale Emerson....Oh how I loved and enjoyed Kale Emerson. He is a soldier on leave for a week. He is sexy and charming. He is looking to get a tattoo in memory of his fallen men. So while home on leave he books an appointment with the best tattoo artist in town. But when he walks in the shop for his appointment asking for Ronnie, he has no idea what he is going to get....a beautiful, woman in sexy red heels.
The chemistry between the two of them is instant. And while Ronnie is very attracted to Kale, she tries her best to pretend that she has no interest. After all he is a soldier and she doesn't date. Even though Kale doesn't do relationships, he knows one thing...that he will do everything he can to spend time with this woman before he has to leave. She puts up a hard fight but he is determined determined to prove to her that she wants him just as much as he wants her. But Ronnie cannot resist him for too long.
Kale doesn't do relationships and Ronnie doesn't do dates. So they make an arrangement that suits both of them. Nothing but sex. But what happens when both start feeling more than they expected and what happens when Kale leaves at the end of the week? will they be able to say goodbye and leave it at that.
You will have to wait until 1/1/2013 to find out!
Ronnie has a very hard shell that is tough to get through. and I must say that Kale as a sweet charming side to him. I loved these two together. I loved the chemistry, and the steamy sex scenes. But I also loved that Kale knew how to get through her tough side, make her smile, make her feel things that she may not have wanted to feel. She was able to open up to him in ways she didn't think she could. I loved reading their story. This was a a fun, sexy, quick read. I cannot wait to read more of Kelsie's books in the future.
September 25, 2015
I was in the mood for a military-themed romance and saw that I had this one in my audiobook library. This book was entertaining, but overall I just thought it was okay.
Ronnie Clark is a sassy tattoo artist who doesn't do relationships. After her last boyfriend broke her heart, she has sworn off men. I liked that she didn't take crap from anyone, including a hot soldier named Kale in her tattoo chair. Kale is home on leave from Iraq and he is looking for a lady for a good time, not thing serious. But this fiery, spirited, sharp-tongued woman left Kale wanting more and Ronnie rethinking her ban on men.
I struggled with the latter part of the book. Just as Kale goes off to war, he confesses that he wants more from their arrangement. It's not until Kale gets hurt that she runs to him and says she wants more too. Oh and then his leg is all injured enough to where he can't walk but not hurt enough for them to have sex. What?
This one had that sort of hate-to-love vibe to it. Ronnie is rough and takes every chance to insult and sass Kale. And she enjoyed ruffling his fathers (and so did Kale). This novella is your classic "no strings sex" to something more, which I enjoy reading. But I didn't think this it really brought anything new to the table.
2 stars
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January 28, 2013
Oh how I loved this story! The mighty hot soldier, Kale (need I say anymore? the man is a soldier) and the spitfire, hell on wheels, tattoo artist, Ronnie come together in the Valentine's Arrangement and sparks fly!!
Ms. Leverich wrote a very sexy story here with great characters, awesome sexual chemistry and dialogue that you will enjoy.
Ronnie is a tattoo artist and has been burned by her ex fiance, Brandon who is also in the military. She hates Valentine's Day, the candy, the flowers, the balloons, all of it and stands her ground when it comes to men, especially military men, that is until Kale walks into her design studio to get a tattoo!
Kale is nothing but hot and he likes Ronnie's spunky, very forward, attitude and even her high heel shoes! He is only home for a short time and doesn't want anything serious and never has until Ronnie puts her hands on him! He isn't offended by her throwing the F word around or her feisty ways in the least, in fact he really really likes it and gives it back in just the right way!
“For the record Sweetheart, I wasn’t mind f**king you, but thank you for putting that image in my head.”
They are both attracted to each other but Ronnie is guarded and with good reason. She knows the lifestyle that comes along with getting involved with a service member but will that stand in the way? Their first encounter was hot and I don't mean when he first walked in to get his tattoo either ;0) but after that it made Ronnie back off. Kale wasn't having any parts of that though.
“What the hell do you want, Kale?”
“You.” That was all he said before he closed the small gap of space between them, slid his hand around her neck and gently pulled her into his arms.
As the two of them spent time together things were completely undeniable on both parts but as you know there always comes a time when a soldier has to leave....
I loved their story! It was sexy as hell and very very real. An awesome first book for Kelsie, I highly recommend it and I am honored that she let me read and review it! Thank you Kelsie!! I can't wait for her future books!!
January 16, 2013
A tattoo brought them together.
An arrangement was made and broken between the two of them.
His injury brought them back together.
They realized that they "fit together like lock and key"
Tattoo artist & soldier finding love
SERIES:
Novella
An arrangement was made and broken between the two of them.
His injury brought them back together.
They realized that they "fit together like lock and key"
Tattoo artist & soldier finding love
SERIES:
Novella
March 21, 2013
I devoured this book. It was an easy read, and being that it centered around a military man, well I had to eat it up. My husband wouldn't be too happy knowing that I fell for an Army man (he's a Marine).
Kale was great... but at times, a little too great. I thought he was an amazing guy and I guess, to make the story a bit more interesting, he had to be the polar opposite of Ronnie. I wanted him to be a bit edgier and not so perfect. I guess that would be my only complaint with him.
Now Ronnie... she was a bit over the top and unlikeable at times. I do enjoy a kick ass female, but she was too much. I wanted her to soften, just a bit, but it seems it just isn't in her nature. I understand she had her heartbroken by another soldier, but her hate for soldiers was extreme. At times I wondered why a nice guy like Kale would subject himself to such harsh treatment.
Overall, I liked the storyline line and was very entertained by the story. If the author had taken a bit of the edge away from Ronnie and given it to Kale, this would have been a 5 STAR read for me.
Kale was great... but at times, a little too great. I thought he was an amazing guy and I guess, to make the story a bit more interesting, he had to be the polar opposite of Ronnie. I wanted him to be a bit edgier and not so perfect. I guess that would be my only complaint with him.
Now Ronnie... she was a bit over the top and unlikeable at times. I do enjoy a kick ass female, but she was too much. I wanted her to soften, just a bit, but it seems it just isn't in her nature. I understand she had her heartbroken by another soldier, but her hate for soldiers was extreme. At times I wondered why a nice guy like Kale would subject himself to such harsh treatment.
Overall, I liked the storyline line and was very entertained by the story. If the author had taken a bit of the edge away from Ronnie and given it to Kale, this would have been a 5 STAR read for me.
July 2, 2016
No esta mal. Me gustó mucho más de lo que esperaba y eso que la protagonista me fastidio en una que otra ocasión y más de una vez me salté párrafos.
Ronnie me gustó -la mayor parte del tiempo- porque no es falsa, dice las cosas tal cual las piensas, no se esta con tonterías y sus sentimientos por el día de San Valentín son demasiado parecidos a los míos, lo que no me gustó de ella es su intento de hacerse la dura, cuando en realidad la mujer es más suave que unos ositos de goma. Cayó súper rápido por Kal, aunque claro, con un hombre como ese quien no...
Kale es una cuchitura de hombre, romántico, divertido y completamente entregado a su trabajo. Me gustó su relación con Ronnie, el amor que sentía por su abuela, el compromiso que sentía hacia su pelotón y las familias de estos.
Aunque me quedé un poco insatisfecha con el final, no es malo... es solo que pienso que fue demasiado apresurado. Digo, ellos solo se conocieron por una semana...
Ronnie me gustó -la mayor parte del tiempo- porque no es falsa, dice las cosas tal cual las piensas, no se esta con tonterías y sus sentimientos por el día de San Valentín son demasiado parecidos a los míos, lo que no me gustó de ella es su intento de hacerse la dura, cuando en realidad la mujer es más suave que unos ositos de goma. Cayó súper rápido por Kal, aunque claro, con un hombre como ese quien no...
Kale es una cuchitura de hombre, romántico, divertido y completamente entregado a su trabajo. Me gustó su relación con Ronnie, el amor que sentía por su abuela, el compromiso que sentía hacia su pelotón y las familias de estos.
Aunque me quedé un poco insatisfecha con el final, no es malo... es solo que pienso que fue demasiado apresurado. Digo, ellos solo se conocieron por una semana...
January 2, 2013
3.5 - 4 stars!
First I have to say that if Ronnie weren't a fictional character she would totally be my new bff. I love her sassy mouth. Bitch is fun! lol
Now Kale, awww........talk about "Captain America" manlyness. Gotta love that shit!
I'm rating this book between a 3.5 and 4 because there were definitely parts I could have gone without, but wanted more of a get-to-know-you from them. Also, and this may sound ridiculously cheesy, but I want to read/hear the "I love you" and there wasn't one. I know it was said by Kale in so many ways, but the words weren't there and I need them. Otherwise, I really liked this book.
Can't wait to see what more Kelsie Leverich can bring us.
First I have to say that if Ronnie weren't a fictional character she would totally be my new bff. I love her sassy mouth. Bitch is fun! lol
Now Kale, awww........talk about "Captain America" manlyness. Gotta love that shit!
I'm rating this book between a 3.5 and 4 because there were definitely parts I could have gone without, but wanted more of a get-to-know-you from them. Also, and this may sound ridiculously cheesy, but I want to read/hear the "I love you" and there wasn't one. I know it was said by Kale in so many ways, but the words weren't there and I need them. Otherwise, I really liked this book.
Can't wait to see what more Kelsie Leverich can bring us.
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