Body Check

Body Check by Elle Kennedy

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


While not a bad story, I am just not sure the plot was meaty enough to keep my interest or for another re-read. It was a simple story with charming characters. I enjoyed Elle Kennedy’s writing and will probably read other work by her.

I really enjoyed how we were able to read about what the couple did on their dates (in terms of skating, museum, etc.). I thought it was a nice touch and showed how both characters were (though, not admitting to) willing to compromise.

And poor Hayden – I had the hardest time remembering her name. I kept wanting to call her Peyton. I thought that both the name and character of Brody Croft were far more memorable. What a sexy hockey player!

Re-thinking this story: Was Presley’s problems ever rectified? Who did Shelia end up with? Hmm . . . And there was an epilogue, too!

Overall: 3.5 Stars



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Ten Authors You Need to Be Reading

I thought that this club would benefit from exploring the ten authors that I immediately jump at the chance to read when it comes to Contemporary Romance. I think that this list is vast and telling as to what you can expect from the site in terms of content. If you have suggestions for me to read, please feel free to share, as I would love to become more familiar with additional authors.

Contemporary Romance is a very tricky and large genre. If you are a fan, this is a list of ten authors you should be reading. . .

1. Julie James. She is basically the It Girl of contemporary romance at this moment. She had a new book, her fourth, come out earlier this month and it was very good. Her books include Just the Sexiest Man Alive, Practice Makes Perfect, Someone Like You and A Lot Like Love. Her characters are never dumb, which is really refreshing. She writes in the moment and constantly addresses pop culture, which is pretty risky. Her books are now completely dated and that is how they will remain. If you aren’t reading Julie James, you need to be.
2. Pamela Clare. Ms. Clare writes romantic suspense unlike any I have read before. She writes strong characters with missions. All her contemporary stories are connected within her I-Team series. What is really neat about Pamela Clare is the fact that she is an I-Team reporter and uses her novels as a forum to teach about an issue. I actually really enjoy that. Pamela Clare writes really powerful stories, and they don’t leave you for months after you’ve finished reading. She most definitely belongs on everyone’s must buy list!
3. Carly Phillips. Carly Phillips is great for what she is. She writes good romantic fluff. Unfortunately her stories and characters are relatively easy to forget. In the moment when I read them, I am always smiling. Carly Phillips is an author who lifts you when you’re down. She is known for writing short series, and I quite enjoy that. She is fun and light hearted – and I hope she always stays that way. She’s great!
4. Starr Ambrose. Starr Ambrose is a new author for me. She writes fun, kind of suspenseful romances. She has only written three thus far, but I am enjoying her nonetheless. Quirky characters in strange situations make for fun reading – especially when Starr Ambrose writes the prose. I am very much looking forward to her next novel.
5. Rachel Gibson. Prior Julie James, if you asked me who my favorite author was I would have said Rachel Gibson. She has written my favorite series (the Writers Friends one) and my favorite books (Sex, Lies and Online Dating). I find Rachel Gibson’s voice to be fun and refreshing. I am anxiously awaiting the release of her next novel, Any Man of Mine, which is coming out in April!
6. Robin Kaye. If someone asked me who I would like to have a dinner with, I would probably answer with Robin Kaye. She is so amazing and electrifying. She writes like she is talking about her best friend and her sister and her children. She knows what she talking about. I happen to be an Italian New Yorker and I cringed at the idea of reading a romance novel filled with stereotypes and whatnot; however, Robin Kaye managed to make it all work in a sharp and wholesome kind of way. I am looking forward to her next book, and am curious to see what will happen with Gina’s family!
7. Leslie Kelly. If you are looking for cute and charming, look no further than Leslie Kelly. She currently writes for the Harlequin Blaze line, but a few years ago she released a number of novels. Her earlier work, especially She’s Got the Look and She Drives Me Crazy, is particularly enjoyable and must reads.
8. Susan Mallery. Susan Mallery is a hit or miss author who writes about three novels a year. Her best work includes the Buchanan series and Fools Gold series. Her tiresome work includes the Bakery series, the Lone Star Sisters series and the Marcelli series. Even though I may not love all she does, I do buy it all – so that kind of says a lot (whether is says something about me or her, I am not so sure). Susan Mallery, when at her best, writes sexy heros who find love with some of the most charismatic heroines.
9. Christie Ridgway. Funny and awesome are the words that immediately come to mind when I think of Christie Ridgway. She has definitely improved with each one of her novels, and I credit her for making me fall fully in love with romance. She is a must read!
10. Jill Shalvis. Oh my good, Jill! Jill Shalvis is one funny author, who writes stories about my best friends and the people I want to be best friends with. I absolutely loved her Heat series with Wade and Pace. Yum! She writes about every embarrassing moment we have all dreaded when meeting the love of life, but she manages to do it with grace and humor, so that we fall in love with both the hero and the heroine.

This is a list well worth checking out. Bravo to each one of these fabulous authors, I am very much looking forward to reviewing and analyzing all of their work.

Who would you say is your top ten must read authors? I am so curious as to what you will share . . .