Upon receiving this title I realized that I must have read it when it was previously published, but I was happy to revisit the story! Elle Kennedy is one of my favorites for sports romance and this didn't disappoint. The new cover art makes it fresh for a new audience and I appreciated the depth given to the characters by giving them "real life" struggles.

this one fell flat for me. i enjoyed the beginning but then i just got bored. i don’t think im a fan of one night stands turn into relationships…because then all the magic is kinda gone!

what i liked:
~the steamy scenes were really good. they were different than the normal ones and were kinda kinky too so that was interesting for sure.
~i liked Hayden’s personality she just seemed chill and i wasn’t annoyed by her or anything.
~the epilogue gave me more a look into their relationship and i enjoyed it the most out of the book!

what i didn’t like:
~did not care for Brody Croft. he felt like every other male character there was just nothing different about him that made him unique.
~too much discussion about it being “just a fling” it got too repetitive
~i didn’t feel a connection between the two characters! it felt like they only connected sexually. i didn’t see that connection until the epilogue.

you should read this if…
~you need a quick read
~like the one night stand trope
~enjoy good/kinda kinky steamy scenes (bondage)
~love hockey romance or elle kennedy!

I was in a reading slump when I picked up Elle Kennedy’s Body Check—she is my go-to author when I need a winner, and Body Check was a hit. Hayden Houston is taking time to figure out her future by visiting her dad. She’s determined to just have a fling, but hockey star Brody Croft knows there’s something more between them. But her dad owns the team, and scandal has hit the team, and Hayden isn’t sure she can handle the complicated chemisty between her and Brody. To be honest, this isn’t close to my favorite Elle Kennedy. Don’t get me wrong, the banter and steam and all her signature things are there, but I feel like what’s missing is some of the color she paints in her worlds. This one feels a little more narrow-focused, and maybe it’s because it’s an adult romance rather than a college setting that I was thrown off. Still, I liked the complexity of the characters. I was able to predict some of the scandal pieces early, but I still had a lot of fun. I do wish there were more moments of vulnerability between the two since it felt like their relationship relied heavily on the steamy parts. It is a spicy romcom with great characters and I loved the friendships and the romance throughout. Brody is such an alpha and he is cocky and genuine and I love how much he wants more with Hayden. And Hayden is so relatable and genuine. Their romance builds really nicely and it is a really fun read.

Hayley have a one night stand during her break with her boyfriend. But Brady become more than one night. He’s also a hockey player in her dad’s team, which is under investigation.
It was a quick read, nice but not a deep story. Perfect for someone who wants to go back into reading.

A spicy, fun read! Although I’m not a huge sports fan, Elle Kennedy always keeps me interested!! I may have read this in its original form.

The way I would do anything to get back into Elle Kennedy hockey romances? And this one was no exception. I had so much fun getting into this series and meeting these new characters! I love that this book really shows off the progression that Elle has made as a writer but also the queen of hockey romances.

Body Check was spicy, steamy, and so much fun to read. I literally couldn't put this book down. I love it so much & will definitely be picking it up again during playoff season!

Thank you NetGalley for an eARC!

Thank you, Net Galley and the publisher, for an ARC of the rerelease of Body Check by Elle Kennedy. Based on the author's preface, I believe she has made some changes to the book, although I never read the first edition, so I’m not sure.

In the preface, Kennedy mentioned that this was her first book in the romance genre. I’ve read several of her other romance books, and I am thrilled she has continued this journey.

A few storylines were going on that intertwined. I loved the love story between Hayden and Brody. The playboy who wants to settle down and the woman looking for a serious relationship who is currently ‘on a break’ (all I could think about was Friends with that one and Ross yelling, “We were on a break!”). Their chemistry was hot, as were their steamy sex scenes. The storyline surrounding the craziness going on with Hayden’s father wasn’t as well developed as the love story, but it was still in the background.

Elle Kennedy is a wonderful author, and I can’t wait to read more of her books!

After a childhood spent being dragged around the country by her hockey coach father, Hayden Houston intends to take some time to figure out her future. Whether that future will include her currently off-again boyfriend remains to be seen. What it certainly won’t include is the for-one-night-only guy she just met at a bar.

It seems hockey star Brody Croft did not get the memo about being temporary. Big, bold and driven, he’s dedicated in everything he does. Up till now, that’s been his team—the one owned by Hayden’s dad. But his night with Hayden has sparked something he didn’t expect. The two of them are good together. Really good. There’s a connection he’s never experienced before, one he knows they’d be wrong to ignore. Even with a game-fixing scandal testing both their loyalties—to teammates, to friends…to family. Part of Hayden wants to turn tail and run. A complicated relationship with a bad boy hockey player is exactly what she never wanted. But when it comes to Brody, Hayden is realizing that people can be so much more than what they seem.

The queen of hockey romances strikes again! For the most part, I enjoyed this story. I enjoyed the chemistry between Hayden and Brody, and thought the contrived plot was fun. For me, this was just another hockey romance, though. Quick, enjoyable read!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced digital reader's copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you to NetGalley, Elle Kennedy, and the publisher for sending this arc in exchange for an honest review.

Body Check follows Hayden, daughter of an NHL coach, and Brody, NHL player. The two spark quite the interest in one another after a hook up, but Hayden isn’t giving into the idea of more with Brody. Hayden and Brody quickly learn that they have a connection through Hayden’s dad, which brings some tension. Also bringing tension is Hayden’s dad’s divorce and some serious allegations.

I liked this. It’s not my favorite book by Elle Kennedy, but it was still good. I liked the added tension with Hayden’s relationship with her dad, but also with herself and her love life.

I found myself feeling like it was unnecessarily long. I probably wouldn’t re read it, but I did enjoy it.

Elle Kennedy readers will NOT be disappointed, and those new to Elle will love this book as well. Something Elle always nails on the head is chemistry and for this book it is off the charts. Definitely recommended for romance lovers

It's always fun to go back and read how an author started out. Elle Kennedy just shines through and through. Her books are sporty, spicy and enjoyable. Revisiting body check was nostalgic but some new upgrades too. Thanks NetGalley!

This was the perfect fast easy romcom with a side of spice for the sports romance fan. This was a typical Elle Kennedy book. Super cute, super spicy, and a great storyline. Her characters always have a lot of depth to them which makes them easier to like. I highly recommend checking this one out!

A special thank you to NetGalley, Elle Kennedy, and Harlequin-Romance for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

A perfect fun, quick, heated sports romance. The spice level is off the charts. I absolutely loved the epilogue!

Rating: ★★★★★

"Body Check" by Elle Kennedy is an exhilarating and captivating romance novel that scores a perfect five-star rating. This book skillfully combines the thrill of professional hockey with a sizzling romance that will leave readers breathless.

The story follows Brody and Hayden, two characters with undeniable chemistry and strong personalities. Brody is a talented and charming hockey player with a larger-than-life presence, while Hayden is a determined and passionate individual with a fiercely independent spirit. Their dynamic relationship keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, as their love story unfolds with passion, humor, and heartfelt moments.

Elle Kennedy's writing is sharp, engaging, and refreshingly honest. Her deep understanding of the sports world adds an authentic layer to the story, making the hockey scenes exciting and vivid. The romance between Brody and Hayden is intense and well-paced, with both characters undergoing personal growth as their relationship develops.

What sets "Body Check" apart is its balance of romance and real-world challenges. The book touches on important themes such as career ambitions, personal sacrifices, and the pursuit of dreams. The characters' struggles and triumphs make the story relatable and emotionally resonant.

In conclusion, "Body Check" is a must-read for fans of sports romance and Elle Kennedy's captivating storytelling. It's a thrilling, heartwarming, and steamy novel that will leave readers eager for more. A definite five-star read!

My first Elle Kennedy book and it was SPICCCCCYYYY. I loved it. It was the perfect balance of romance and spice with the added bonus of sports [romance]. As a huge hockey fan it’s interesting to see how authors portray hockey players in spicy novels. Elle did it RIGHT.

From page one I was HOOKED. Starting a story with “I really need to get laid,” absolutely sets the tone and vibe of the story. For me that’s a big green flag! The story is incredibly fast paced and I loved following Hayden and Brody’s relationship throughout the book. I also found myself very invested in her relationship with her father. It was a side plot I wasn’t expecting.

Knowing Elle Kennedy released this book almost 20 years ago and reading it as if it were another one of today’s spicy novels really alludes to Elle’s talent as a writer for me as my guest of hers.

Thanks so much NetGalley and Harlequin for the eARC!

Hayden decides to do something out of the ordinary for herself and ends up picking a man up in a bar. Brody takes her up on her offer to have a one night stand and the two of them end up back at her place. The night is amazing, but Hayden isn't looking to have a long-term relationship. Brody on the other hand is looking for someone to settle down with and thinks Hayden might be right for him.

Besides the love story in the book, there's a mystery as to whether or not Hayden's father bribed the players on his hockey team to lose some games. One of his players is Brody. I enjoyed that part giving a little more meat to the story and not just the heat and fluff. Interesting to think this is actually the first book Kennedy actually wrote but only brought it forward now.

Overall it was a good story with lots of twists, heat and love!

Thank you, Harlequin - Romance and Net Galley, for the early re-release copy!

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Elle Kennedy delivers a winning goal with "Body Check," a steamy and captivating sports romance that hits all the right marks for fans of the genre. Set against the high-stakes world of professional hockey, this novel scores big with its sizzling chemistry, compelling characters, and pulse-pounding romance.

At the story's center is Corey Callahan, a fiercely independent sports reporter determined to prove herself in a male-dominated industry. When she's assigned to shadow the talented and enigmatic hockey star Reed Olson, sparks fly as they navigate the highs and lows of the game and their burgeoning attraction.

One of the standout aspects of "Body Check" is the electric chemistry between Corey and Reed. Their banter is witty, their tension palpable, and their connection undeniable, making for a romance that sizzles off the pages. Elle Kennedy excels at building anticipation and heat, keeping readers eagerly turning the pages to see where their relationship will lead.

Beyond the romance, "Body Check" offers an engaging glimpse into the world of professional hockey, complete with thrilling game scenes and behind-the-scenes drama. Elle Kennedy's attention to detail and authentic portrayal of the sport adds depth and richness to the story, immersing readers in the excitement and intensity of the game.

While the focus of the novel is primarily on Corey and Reed's romance, the supporting cast of characters adds depth and dimension to the story. From teammates to rivals to meddling family members, each character brings their own unique dynamics to the narrative, enhancing the overall experience.

"Body Check" is a winning combination of steamy romance and thrilling sports action that is sure to delight fans of the genre. With its compelling characters, sizzling chemistry, and pulse-pounding excitement, it's a must-read for anyone who loves a good love story set against the backdrop of the game.

LOVE Elle Kennedy but third person makes me want to cry and sadly this was third person. Still a beautiful book.

Sport romance, where the thing I least liked was the behavior of the two main characters, for whom the other person suddenly becomes important when they want nothing to do with them. I found that a little sad. But the plot is quite varied and somehow makes up for the fact that Brody and Hayden were not my favorites in the book, I prefer Trudi by far.

Sport romance, dove la cosa che meno mi é piaciuta é il comportamento dei due personaggi principali, per i quali l'altra persona diventa improvvisamente importante quando non vuole avere niente a che fare con loro. L'ho trovata un po' triste come cosa. Peró la trama é piuttosto varia e in qualche modo supplisce al fatto che Brody e Hayden non erano i miei preferiti nel libro, preferisco Trudi di gran lunga.

I received from the PUblisher a complimentary advanced digital review copy in exchange for a honest review.

First of all, love the cover change.
Second of all, love the tropes in this book! Coach's daughter, forbidden romance, sports romance, one-night stand, YES to all!
Third of all, love Elle Kennedy's easy to read writing style - it makes you feel like you aren't reading and what's better than that?
Fourth of all, love the relationship between our FMC Hayden and MMC Brody. I love when there's a bad boy who is just trying to prove themselves as worthy and shows the girl another side to him that no one usually sees.

After reading the Off-Campus series by Elle Kennedy, I was so excited to read more books by her. Thank you NetGalley, Harlequin, and Elle Kennedy for early access to Body Check!