Body Check

As a huge fan of Elle Kennedy’s contemporary hockey romances, it was a delight to discover that "Body Check" was not just her first contemporary romance, but also her first hockey romance—where it all began. Although "Body Check" is currently a standalone, the material is ripe for additional books, even 15 years later! While I’m not certain how the original book fared, this extended version with added content and sporadic rewrites is definitely the Elle Kennedy we know and love!

Hayden was supposed to come to Chicago, support her father, and then return to her simple, easygoing life in California. Instead, she found herself at a bar with her best friend Darcy, looking to scratch an itch that her boyfriend of two months had no show more intention of addressing. Having asked Doug for a break, Darcy convinces Hayden to “get it out of her system” with a one-night stand, so she can focus on her father and be all the happier (and calmer). Not quite her style, Hayden decides to give in to temptation in the form of a gorgeous gentleman currently playing pool across the room.

Brody was done with casual hookups and one-night stands. As a left-winger for the Warriors, he had his share of puck bunnies and just wanted a woman who could see past the uniform. He had no interest in taking anyone home that night, not until the unexpected goddess approached him at the pool table. She didn’t seem to recognize him, which could easily be faked, but the fact that she swept the floor with him at the pool table was very real! Intrigued and aroused, Brody agrees to join Hayden for a “nightcap.” What he didn’t agree to, as Hayden quickly learns, is to never see her again the morning after. Not realizing the pure determination of a man who always gets what he wants, Hayden gives in to Brody’s relentless pursuit, setting ground rules for their fling that has a clear expiration date. Unfortunately, her heart didn’t get the same memo. As Hayden’s world starts to turn upside down, she has to decide if the life she wants, the future she needs, is more important than the opportunity standing in front of her.

One thing I have always loved about Kennedy’s writing is her ability to make you feel like you are on the ice in one of her hockey stories. This one was no exception. The Warriors were in the playoffs, and each time Brody hit the ice, you were right there! I also love her ability to create the perfect blend in her male protagonists. Brody is the ideal mix of arrogant, confident, romantic, and sweet. His continuous pursuit of Hayden for all the right reasons just makes you fall in love with him even more. When Kennedy dives into the insecurities of Brody and Hayden's past, you find characters you can identify with on an emotional level.

Another thing I admire is Kennedy's artistic way of approaching a spicy scene. She has never shied away from the spice in her books, but what I love most is how she can morph it from just plain raw, animalistic intensity to a sensual, intimate connection as the protagonists begin to fall for each other. You feel the shift and know the moment the heart becomes just as entangled as everything else.

While the budding romance between Hayden and Brody was the overall arc of the story, the subplot of the potential Warrior scandal had a life of its own.

Kennedy also takes a moment to project the perspectives of Brody and Hayden onto secondary characters, giving them just as important a role as the primary ones.

While Brody and Hayden were characters to admire, my favorite character was Darcy! She was the most unapologetic woman who lived her life by her rules. I would love to see how her story pans out. Kennedy set this up perfectly to be a series if she decided to revisit this universe.

Providing an array of emotions from beginning to end, "Body Check" is yet another triumph of Elle Kennedy’s talent. From moments that have you laughing despite yourself to tears you didn’t anticipate, Hayden and Brody’s story will capture you and leave you hoping against hope that this is only the beginning. show less

Phew, this book dove right in! Was not expecting all that so fast...but I didn't mind it one bit.

The Plot:
Hayden is on a break from her boyfriend when she decides that she needs a one-night stand. She sees Brody across the pool table and goes in for the kill. Hayden learns shortly after that Brody is a hockey player for the team that her father manages, rather poorly. The team has an investigation against them for bribes and throwing games and Hayden's dad is dealing with a divorce during all of it.

I enjoyed the chemistry between Hayden and Brody. I could tell it was genuine and it's always a great time to read as a man realizes he's falling in love. I also enjoyed that we saw more of Hayden's dad's struggles instead of being told what show more they were.

On the downside, I didn't like that Hayden didn't break it off with her previous boyfriend first. They were on a break, but they should have set boundaries because it seemed like the ex was caught off guard by the news of Brody.

Overall, I liked this book a lot and will be reading more by this author! show less

I love hockey and I liked Elle Kennedy's Samhain offerings, so I figured the odds were good for this book.

Hayden Houston is a professor of art history at UC-Berkley in Chicago to support her father through an acrimonious divorce. While in town, she meets a friend at a bar and together they scheme to get her a one-night stand.

Brody Croft is a pro hockey player shooting pool, minding his own business, when Hayden hit on him and surprises him with an invite back to her place. Surprised and delighted that she's not only not a hockey groupie, but utterly ignorant of hockey entirely, he's immediately smitten. After all, a woman after the man and not the player is a rare find.

But Hayden wants it to stay a one-night deal and slips away without show more leaving her number.

This being Romancelandia, it turns out Hayden's father owns the team Brody plays for and Hayden and Brody meet again.

I thought the romance between Hayden and Brody was nice. Brody enjoyed the intelligent conversations he could have with Hayden, and she enjoyed his forthrightness and comfortable sexuality, which contrasts with her reserved art historian boyfriend back home (they were "on a break" so I wouldn't call this cheating, YMMV.) After a childhood traveling constantly with her hockey coach father, I thought her reluctance to forge a meaningful relationship with a ever traveling player was understandable, and so it didn't grate on me like the push away trope can.

I did however find the scandal suspense plot nigh ridiculous and her father's alcoholism treated unrealistically. If only a pouty face and a "I'm disappointed in you" prompted a drunk to acknowledge a problem and sober up. I gather that she didn't want to take up a short book with the realities of alcoholism, but if you're not going to do it right, why bother in the first place? Was it so important her already flawed dad also be an alcoholic?

All told, it was a fun book about hockey and love, but it's ultimately quite forgettable. show less

Hayden Houston is ready to break out of her good-girl shell with a one-night stand, and hockey star Brody Croft is the perfect candidate. Hayden seeks stability after a chaotic upbringing, while Brody is eager to shed his bad-boy ways and settle down. Their night together is unforgettable, and Brody knows Hayden is the one. Despite her initial resistance, Brody's persistence and genuine affection win her over. Amidst a sports betting scandal, their relationship deepens. I enjoyed the chemistry and romantic tension. This steamy hockey romance is light, fun, and engaging. Fans of Elle Kennedy and sports romances will likely appreciate Hayden and Brody's story.

Toooo much sex and corny storyline. Too much back and forth between them about their commitment. Couldn't wait for this to be over.

Hayden meets Brody at a bar and she wants a hot one night stand with a stranger. He wants more and works hard to convince her.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.