Review and Giveaway: Feel the Rush

Feel the Rush (Hard Feelings - Book 2) by Kelsie Leverich

Publication Date: 03/04/2014
Publisher: Penguin Group
Imprint: Signet Eclipse
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 416
ISBN-10: 0451466667
ISBN-13: 978-0451466662

(Received for an honest review from Signet Eclipse)

Purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, Indiebound

Kelsie Leverich on the WEB: website, blog, twitter, facebook, goodreads

Books in the series: 

Hard Feelings

1. The Valentine's Arrangement
2. Feel the Rush

Coverart: Click the Image for a larger, clearer view of the covers in this series.

Excerpt from, Feel the Rush, courtesy of Amazon's Look Inside feature.

Synopsis:

The New York Times bestselling author of The Valentine’s Arrangement continues her sizzling series with a new novel of a plan that goes awry—in the arms of a soldier....
 
Picking the wrong men is a talent Meagan Mitchell has perfected. She’s sweet, confident, beautiful— and single. With her thirtieth birthday sneaking up on her, she needs a new plan. No more Mr. Wrongs or Mr. Bads. It’s time to find Mr. Safe....
 
Army captain Reed Porter lives for the thrill—an Airborne Jumpmaster with a rush addiction. He’s sexy and playful, and he quickly tempts Meagan with his rich Southern drawl and sinful looks. But slowing down and settling down are not on his agenda, making him exactly the type of man Meagan wants to avoid.…
 
As their undeniable attraction heats up, Meagan has to decide if she’s willing to risk everything on a chance at love with a reckless charmer. Is she brave enough to bet her future—and her heart—on Mr. Thrill?  Or will Reed finally learn that the feeling of a safe landing is just as addicting as the rush of the fall?

Thoughts:

Kelsie Leverich continues her Hard Feelings series, with the second book, Feel the Rush. Most readers can identify with the idea that life doesn't always turn out the way we think it will or want it to and this book takes that idea and runs with it. The main character is reaching a milestone in her life and realizes that life isn't how she wants it to be. She decides it's time for a change and readers are taken along for the ride. Leverich does a spectacular job of wringing emotion from the reader, whether it's happiness or sadness or longing, this author knows how to draw it out of you! A great addition to the series.

What I liked:

I will have to say that I wasn't sure going into this book whether I would like it or not. The Valentine's Arrangement was a good book, but perhaps not a favorite of mine. The heroine was a bit too feisty and used a lot of unnecessary language and that sort of thing. I'm happy to say that Leverich has turned it down a little bit with Feel the Rush. I liked this one much better than the first book. Meagan is a great heroine, who is sweet and kind and just wants change in her life. I felt like I identified much better with her and really enjoyed this book. 

Meagan is turning thirty and realizes that life isn't going the way she imagined it. She has been going from one failed relationship to the next, always ending up with the wrong kind of guy. The one who only wants one night or the one who has no interest in settling down. And now she wants more. I think a lot of readers can identify with that. She wants a fresh start and she gets it by moving to Georgia, but she also comes into contact with a man from her past, Reed, who was a former one night stand and totally not the kind of guy she is looking for now. Leverich portrays Meagan as woman on a mission. She is independent but she doesn't want to be. She wants to settle down and have the perfect life she dreams about. I totally get that and I thought she was a perfect character.

Reed is the epitome of Mr. Wrong where Meagan is concerned. He's an Army Jumpmaster. A thrill seeker. He lives on the edge and has no intention of changing his trajectory until he and Meagan re-establish a relationship. He doesn't even remember her. That was kind of ego-busting, but it worked. Leverich knows how to write a sexy male lead. He has all the qualities that women like, but doesn't want to settle down. He's strong and capable. He has a love for his friends and his country. He is handsome... but he isn't looking for a stable relationship, or so he thinks. I liked seeing him change his idea of what he wanted out of life. Not necessarily because of Meagan but because of the changes she brings about in his life.

One of my favorite parts of this book, was the blending of Meagan and Reed's friends. The chemistry between this couple is phenomenal and they may be opposites, but the attraction is palpable. What was interesting was how Leverich took Reed's Army buddies and Meagan's friends and used them to bring these two together. They created a family for both characters that helped the book to flow and move at a good pace. I look forward to possibly seeing some of these characters get their own stories. 

What I didn't like:

The build up to an actual relationship between these two characters, was a slow process. The love scenes were hot and spicy and readers get to see them together physically a lot, before their emotions kick in. I know that's generally how it goes in real life, but I wanted a more soulful connection between these two early on. However, when it did come, it was amazing so, I can't say I have much to complain about.

Bottom Line:

Leverich has a knack for bringing the reader to tears, both of joy and of pain. There is a lot more going on in this book, than just your typical love story. I don't cry often where books are concerned because I am a bit jaded and think I've read it all. Kelsie Leverich proved that I hadn't. A very good book!

Feel the Rush is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.

I'm giving this one 5 out of 5 apples from my book bag!

About the Author:

Kelsie Leverich lives in Indiana with her husband and two adorable monsters that are better known as her kids. Her life revolves around her family (to include three dogs and a cat) and most of the time, actually all of the time, it's a crazy mess--but that's the way she loves it! When Kelsie's not writing, you can usually find her snuggling on the couch with her kids and a good book or out on the lake with friends and family. Kelsie is not a morning person, has a soft spot for animals, loves musicals, hates seafood, and thinks laundry is the source of all evil.

Kelsie loves stories that can make you fall in love, break your heart, and heal your soul.

Giveaway Details:

The publisher is sponsoring a giveaway for one copy of Feel the Rush by Kelsie Leverich.

~ You must be an email subscriber to participate.
~ US addresses only.
~ The deadline to enter this giveaway is Midnight EST, April 9th.

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