A Beautiful Distraction

Starred review from March 24, 2014
Leverich’s third Hard Feelings contemporary (after Feel the Rush) introduces two damaged souls trying valiantly for wholeness and love. Burlesque-club owner Fallon Kelly was tossed out by her well-to-do family as a teenager and has fought to succeed ever since—on her own terms. Sgt. Rafe Murano, back from his fourth tour of Afghanistan, is looking to drown the bitter memories in women and alcohol. After Rafe defends one of Fallon’s dancers from an aggressive patron, Fallon takes off with him, determined to get to know the scarred soldier. Soon, the chemistry explodes, but unless they can put aside their painful pasts, they have no shot at a real future together. Deeply emotionally painful in some places, humorous in others, this is a tale that will remain in readers’ minds long after the last page is turned.