REVIEW: The Valentine's Arrangement by Kelsie Leverich

Title: The Valentine's Arrangement (Hero for the Holidays #1)
Author: Kelsie Leverich
Publisher: Penguin Group
Publication Date: January 31, 2013
Format: ebook, 150 pages
Rating: 4.5/5
Get it: Amazon | B&N 

Ronnie Clark, an edgy tattoo artist with hopes of high tailing it out of the forsaken Military town she followed her now ex-fiancé to, is counting down 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. After her fiancé slept with a female solider while deployed, she has vowed never to fall in love again, especially with a soldier.

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 deployment to finish leading his soldiers on their mission. The last thing he wants is a relationship, but casual sex, that’s a different story. And when he meets the renowned tattoo artist Ronnie Clark, a snarky, blunt, takes no prisoners kind of woman, that seems to be all he can think about.

But when Kale realizes he has met his match with a bombshell woman who is hell bent against love, will just sex be enough? And if it’s not, will he be able to convince Ronnie that the proverbial hearts and flowers aren’t so bad after all, even if he is a soldier?

My thoughts, feelings, and reactions

The Valentine’s Arrangement was a fast-paced, sexy, and enthralling read. 



Ronnie was one tough, bold, and blunt tattoo artist that I totally looked up to and loved so so much. She was strong and confident and just cool in every aspect. Even better was her fierce, snarky, and don’t-give-a-shit attitude. Even though she was this total force to be reckoned with she had a vulnerable side that was there deep down and behind her tough exterior. I loved how she was guarded, yet learned to open her heart in the end. Ronnie was definitely no damsel in distress, she could hold her own and defend herself without a problem. Ronnie was not the type of girl to be messed with and because of her intensity, I may have developed a serious girl crush on her.



Then you have sweet, strong, and super sexy love interest, Kale, who endlessly made me swoon like no other. This man has got game and he definitely brings it. He was not afraid to tease and torment Ronnie at any chance he could get and he was not afraid to stand up to her attitude either! Kale was definitely a hero in my eyes, one who totally made me fall for him instantly. He was so determined to prove Ronnie wrong and to deem himself worthy of Ronnie’s attention and I loved how he never gave up on her even when she continued to push him away relentlessly. 



Leverich does an astounding job of drawing out the sexual tension and feelings between Ronnie and Kale. Even in such a short novel, I never felt that it was rushed or forced in any way. The development of Ronnie and Kale’s relationship felt natural and believable. Add in the funny interactions, clever comebacks that just make you grin and the hot sexy scenes that will make you shiver and you're in for a short and sizzling read. 



Ronnie and Kale are just too irresistible! If you are looking for a quick, easy, and guilty pleasure read, this one is for you!



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Favorite Quotes

All quotes are specifically spoiler-free favorites

"Needless to say, Ronnie was not a fan of the lovey, dovey mushy shit; in fact, that was putting it graciously." Location 47.

"Apparently her fiance had a problem keeping it in his pants while he was gone, and his squad's female medic just so happened to be the lucky one to help him with this little, and she did mean little dilemma." Location 76.

"For the record Sweetheart, I wasn't mind fucking you, but thank you for putting that image in my head." Location 178.

"Why did he have to come in here looking like a walking ad for sexy 'r' us?" Location 222.

"He was all hands and mouth and raw fucking desire; and right now, this was what she wanted." Location 534. 

"I don''t have a problem with pain, baby. Touch me wherever your little heart desires," Location 1113.