What do you think?
Rate this book
Body Movers #6.5
6 1/2 Body Parts
Carlotta Wren has always wondered what her life would've been like if her parents hadn't fled town and left her to raise her younger brother Wesley...but through a twist of fate, she's about to find out!
100 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 23, 2012
259 people are currently reading
1285 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Bond
266 books1,784 followersUSA TODAY bestselling author Stephanie Bond was seven years deep into a systems engineering career and pursuing an MBA at night when an instructor remarked that she had a flair for writing and suggested that she submit to academic journals. But Stephanie, a voracious reader, was only interested in writing fiction–more specifically, romantic fiction.
Upon completing her master’s degree and with no formal training in writing (her undergraduate degree is in computer programming), she started writing a romance novel in her spare time. Two years later in 1995 she sold her first manuscript, a romantic comedy, to Harlequin Books.
In 1997, with ten sales under her belt to two publishers, Stephanie left her corporate job to write women’s romantic fiction full-time. In 2011,
Stephanie launched a self-publishing business. Since that time, she has sold more than 1 million copies of her own books. To-date, Stephanie has published over 70 novels and has over 6 million copies of her work in worldwide distribution in numerous languages and formats.
Upon completing her master’s degree and with no formal training in writing (her undergraduate degree is in computer programming), she started writing a romance novel in her spare time. Two years later in 1995 she sold her first manuscript, a romantic comedy, to Harlequin Books.
In 1997, with ten sales under her belt to two publishers, Stephanie left her corporate job to write women’s romantic fiction full-time. In 2011,
Stephanie launched a self-publishing business. Since that time, she has sold more than 1 million copies of her own books. To-date, Stephanie has published over 70 novels and has over 6 million copies of her work in worldwide distribution in numerous languages and formats.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
March 13, 2022
As Carlotta Wren finds out: Be careful what you wish for - you just might get it. Carlotta is a little mopey and wonders what her life would have been like if her parents hadn't skipped town ten years ago leaving her near perfect life in shambles and her little brother to raise. The fates have granted her wish.
As it just so happens, I lost track of this series after book 6. This novella hit all the high, or low, points of the series up to this point and gave me a thought provoking look at what Carlotta's life could have been. Was she better or worse for her parent's disappearance? That's a tough call. I'm definitely going to pick the series back up.
As it just so happens, I lost track of this series after book 6. This novella hit all the high, or low, points of the series up to this point and gave me a thought provoking look at what Carlotta's life could have been. Was she better or worse for her parent's disappearance? That's a tough call. I'm definitely going to pick the series back up.
October 23, 2025
Hmmm. Not sure what to think of this novella.
June 16, 2020
Back to the future
If you ever wondered what might have happened if you life has taken a different path then you will love this book. Short but good
If you ever wondered what might have happened if you life has taken a different path then you will love this book. Short but good
March 14, 2012
As much as I have been looking forward to the release of a new Body Movers book, I have to say this one was a bit of a disappointment.
The whole story line basically revolves around Carlotta having a dream that her parents never left and what her life would have been like.
Shocker of all shockers, of course Carlotta finds that she wouldn't have liked her life.
By the end of the book we get nothing new in the story line and a girl who is learning to appreciate the life that she has while awaiting her father's newest trial/court proceedings.
But at least now we can rest assured that more Body Movers books are on the way.
The whole story line basically revolves around Carlotta having a dream that her parents never left and what her life would have been like.
Shocker of all shockers, of course Carlotta finds that she wouldn't have liked her life.
By the end of the book we get nothing new in the story line and a girl who is learning to appreciate the life that she has while awaiting her father's newest trial/court proceedings.
But at least now we can rest assured that more Body Movers books are on the way.
March 20, 2012
3-1/2 stars: I have a hard time giving a lot of stars to short stories because there just isn't enough time for much to happen, so 3-1/2 stars is pretty darn good in my opinion. It was nice to see Carlotta and friends again, but it definitely left me wanting more. This short story doesn't progress the story arc of the series at all; it's more like an off-shoot. Carlotta has always wondered what her life would have been like if her father had not been arrested and then run off with her mother. In this short story, Bond gives Carlotta exactly what she has wished for. And, as you would expect, all is not as rosy as she would have thought. In this "alternate" universe, we see all the regular characters again-- Cooper, Jack, Wesley, Hannah, Peter and others-- but they are not exactly the same. So, it was an interesting and short little visit for me, but nothing near as good as the regular books in the series. I am so glad to see that book 7 will be out later this year. Now THAT I'm really excited for. Love this series and highly recommend it.
March 27, 2012
I almost wish she would've just added this to the beginning of the next Body Movers novel. It was intriguing, and definitely left me wanting more, but it's almost too much of a tease. Just my two cents.
November 25, 2012
Cute short story of what her life would've been like if her dad hadn't been accused and lost his job and went on the run! It was funny, because her 2 other "guys" Jack and Coop, had deja vu, which was pretty funny, and yeah, can't wait for book 7!
October 30, 2015
A weird little side story in which Carlotta dreams of an alternate reality. It is the whole "road not taken" parallel universe of her life if her parents never left. I've always thought her parents were shitty. So, not surprisingly her future wouldn't have been that awesome even if they stayed.
April 26, 2012
Kinda boring, I am ready for #7!
Read
November 8, 2021I read books 1 - 6 years ago, unaware the series continued passed that point.
To be honest, I can't remember much about the series, and this didn't help any. I was annoyed that despite not having anything to do with Jack and Coop in this "dream", they still apparently felt something for her.
Maybe it's the idea of stories like this, I've never been fond of the whole 'what if' concept (to the point I have never and will never watch It's a Wonderful Life), because I just don't see the point.
I understand having those thoughts - I have them often enough myself about various things - but there was no need to bring up important people from No Parents life versus With Parents life. Her father is still an ass, her mother still an alcoholic...is there any reason why Carlotta and Wes' lives would be better with them around?
We know things are different right away when she realizes how things are with her brother, parents, and Peter. But to then go and drag everybody else into it was a bit extreme. Obviously she won't have been around dead people or lawbreakers in this life, so no need for a cop or coroner. She'd be running in the same circle of people With Parents, so she'd have no reason to be fraternizing or working with the little people like No Parents Carly does. Maybe the point was to show that regardless, the same people would be in her life? I don't know.
And to bring Peter's dead wife into it, by mentioning her being a call girl and legal troubles...why? Just don't mention her at all, since we know the plan was for Carly to marry Peter ASAP, which means there would've been no time for Angela and Peter to date. Why bring up the idea of him cheating? Yes, I get his pining for Carly is what screwed up the marriage in the No Parents timeline, but it's not like her and Angela are interchangeable. Just because the NP timeline turned out one way, doesn't automatically mean the opposite happens in the WP timeline: Carly dead or divorced and Peter living happily with Angela.
...for a 3 hours and something short story about a series I barely remember, I certainly have a strong opinion.
I don't know if I'll go back to the series, to be honest. I don't want to start from the beginning, and two guys panting over a woman is bad enough; three is just obnoxious, and I don't know how many books of that I can handle.
I'd likely be more excited for the rest of the series if I had known about and read them sooner. As it is, I think I'll pass, and wish the author good luck on her career. She has some really good ideas and is a solid writer; this series just isn't for me any longer.
To be honest, I can't remember much about the series, and this didn't help any. I was annoyed that despite not having anything to do with Jack and Coop in this "dream", they still apparently felt something for her.
Maybe it's the idea of stories like this, I've never been fond of the whole 'what if' concept (to the point I have never and will never watch It's a Wonderful Life), because I just don't see the point.
I understand having those thoughts - I have them often enough myself about various things - but there was no need to bring up important people from No Parents life versus With Parents life. Her father is still an ass, her mother still an alcoholic...is there any reason why Carlotta and Wes' lives would be better with them around?
We know things are different right away when she realizes how things are with her brother, parents, and Peter. But to then go and drag everybody else into it was a bit extreme. Obviously she won't have been around dead people or lawbreakers in this life, so no need for a cop or coroner. She'd be running in the same circle of people With Parents, so she'd have no reason to be fraternizing or working with the little people like No Parents Carly does. Maybe the point was to show that regardless, the same people would be in her life? I don't know.
And to bring Peter's dead wife into it, by mentioning her being a call girl and legal troubles...why? Just don't mention her at all, since we know the plan was for Carly to marry Peter ASAP, which means there would've been no time for Angela and Peter to date. Why bring up the idea of him cheating? Yes, I get his pining for Carly is what screwed up the marriage in the No Parents timeline, but it's not like her and Angela are interchangeable. Just because the NP timeline turned out one way, doesn't automatically mean the opposite happens in the WP timeline: Carly dead or divorced and Peter living happily with Angela.
...for a 3 hours and something short story about a series I barely remember, I certainly have a strong opinion.
I don't know if I'll go back to the series, to be honest. I don't want to start from the beginning, and two guys panting over a woman is bad enough; three is just obnoxious, and I don't know how many books of that I can handle.
I'd likely be more excited for the rest of the series if I had known about and read them sooner. As it is, I think I'll pass, and wish the author good luck on her career. She has some really good ideas and is a solid writer; this series just isn't for me any longer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2018
#6.5 Body Movers Mystery series
Eh. Body Movers was my #1 Favorite Series, funny mysteries with a lot of suspense and romance. From 2009's book 6, we waited YEARS for this "short" (pub. date 2012) in which not one single thing happened.
The ".5's" purpose seems to be to remind readers what's gone on in the previous six books. For me, this little "short" was a complete waste of time.
IIRC, author Stephanie Bond's original publisher was not willing to continue publishing this series, which is a monumental shame imo, being a super fan. I've read most of the author's other books, and she is one of my top all time favorite authors. Her fun romantic suspense books are superb.
I read this "short" just prior to her book 7 (looks like she self-published in 2015), 7 Brides for 7 Bodies. (G/R's "insert book/author" is not working right now.)
Eh. Body Movers was my #1 Favorite Series, funny mysteries with a lot of suspense and romance. From 2009's book 6, we waited YEARS for this "short" (pub. date 2012) in which not one single thing happened.
The ".5's" purpose seems to be to remind readers what's gone on in the previous six books. For me, this little "short" was a complete waste of time.
IIRC, author Stephanie Bond's original publisher was not willing to continue publishing this series, which is a monumental shame imo, being a super fan. I've read most of the author's other books, and she is one of my top all time favorite authors. Her fun romantic suspense books are superb.
I read this "short" just prior to her book 7 (looks like she self-published in 2015), 7 Brides for 7 Bodies. (G/R's "insert book/author" is not working right now.)
May 28, 2023
This novella was short and sweet! I really enjoyed the twists that’s the story took. The main characters of Carlotta and her brother, Wes, are usually more unlikeable due to their individual flaws, but in this story you can’t help but cheer for them.
Carlotta’s choices and behavior are so frustrating. In real life, she and Wes would have been killed many times over by now. So this story was pure entertainment. It was fun to see the same characters in an altered reality. If you liked the Back To The Future movie, and don’t mind a trip into a parallel universe, then give this story a try. But you really need to have read the other 6 books first.
Nice job Stephanie, you put a smile on my face with this one!
Carlotta’s choices and behavior are so frustrating. In real life, she and Wes would have been killed many times over by now. So this story was pure entertainment. It was fun to see the same characters in an altered reality. If you liked the Back To The Future movie, and don’t mind a trip into a parallel universe, then give this story a try. But you really need to have read the other 6 books first.
Nice job Stephanie, you put a smile on my face with this one!
October 25, 2025
A very good story a real page turner with a twist!!! At 18 Carlotta Wren had her future all planned. She was going to attend college then marry her sweetheart Peter Ashford. But she hadn't expected her parents to skip town on a white-collar crime charge and leave her no resources to raise her younger brother Wesley. For the past ten years they have scraped by without their fugitive parents but along the way everyone Carlotta trusted abandoned her, including Peter. Carlottas wondered a million times what her life would've been like if her parents hadn't hijacked her future. If things would have been allowed to unfold as they should have. And now with a twist of fate, she is about to find out....
May 2, 2023
I haven't read any of this series in years, but I will definitely be re-reading the earlier books after reading this novella. I don't remember any of the characters, but now I want to hear more about them and their lives.
In this book, Carlotta is sent to an alternate reality where her parents did not leave her to raise her brother and she gets to see what things would have been like if she had been able to continue on the path she was in high school. It was a great story and I enjoyed her renewed relationship with her brother and the other people she only knew in her "real life". Highly recommended.
In this book, Carlotta is sent to an alternate reality where her parents did not leave her to raise her brother and she gets to see what things would have been like if she had been able to continue on the path she was in high school. It was a great story and I enjoyed her renewed relationship with her brother and the other people she only knew in her "real life". Highly recommended.
February 23, 2024
One star is too generous for this book. There was some 80s tv show where one episode ended up being a dream and that's the same thing that happens here, 100 pages of the main character dreaming about what would have happened if her parent's didn't become fugitives. Characters were already insufferable, and here was more of the same if not a little bit worse. Don't ask why I keep trudging along with a series that should have already been put out of its misery as the only explanation I can come up with is that a hate read every now and then is fun.
October 17, 2021
I haven't read any of the other books in this series (if I did I don't remember them) and I probably won't read anymore in this series. It was okay, but just that. The characters all seemed rather blase, the editing was okay, the plot moved along, and the most excitement is finding her car. What jerk would sell something that he knew meant so much to the one he supposedly loved? Blah. I just didn't get into the story.
February 20, 2017
I have the benefit of reading these novels several years after they've been published, so I don't have to wait in between novels. After the exciting ending of the 6th novel, I immediately started reading this one. I was very disappointed to discover that this "in between" novel is basically one long dream sequence.
May 14, 2017
I have loved this series for a long time. I was happy when I saw there was another book. This was a cute 'what if' story to tide me over and also catch me up to speed to what had happened to these characters I loved so much. Carlotta finally gets to find out the answer to this question we all wonder about sometimes. Now I'm ready to read the next books.
December 5, 2017
A good quick read. I had forgotten about the Body Movers series and was so pleased to find the series continue after being let down after book 6 and no book7 in sight. This was a nice recap of the characters and story along with a short “daydream” letting Carlotta explore the “what if’s”. It made me excited for the next books!
March 5, 2024
I’m glad I didn’t have to wait years for this. I would have been VERY disappointed if I did. Taken at face value, the story was okay, but with the years-long wait between books 6 and 7, this would have been a bummer.
(Actually, I read books 1-6 back when they first came out, and I gave up on the series before this one was released, but I’ve been rereading the series now that it’s complete.)
(Actually, I read books 1-6 back when they first came out, and I gave up on the series before this one was released, but I’ve been rereading the series now that it’s complete.)
July 21, 2018
Enjoyed
Good to relax a little after The Charmed Killer intensity. Also liked that now Carly realizes she's been a decent surrogate parent to Wes. As messed up as her life seems, it's not so bad after all.
Good to relax a little after The Charmed Killer intensity. Also liked that now Carly realizes she's been a decent surrogate parent to Wes. As messed up as her life seems, it's not so bad after all.
December 29, 2019
Amazing
I’m so impressed with Bond’s ability to weave a tale and create memorable characters. It’s been several years since I read 6 and I had no trouble re-connecting with this series’ fabulous world ( both of them).
I’m so impressed with Bond’s ability to weave a tale and create memorable characters. It’s been several years since I read 6 and I had no trouble re-connecting with this series’ fabulous world ( both of them).
November 27, 2023
I enjoyed this short novel. It has a definite "It's a Wonderful Life" vibe that is perfect for the upcoming holiday season. It's well-written and easy to read - the perfect escape when life gets hectic.
February 22, 2017
I was surprised by how the story line was tied into the regular series, it wasn't exactly what I was expecting.
May 14, 2017
it was ok. it took a while for me to get into which is unusal as I normally really like these.
March 27, 2018
I like how Stephanie wrote about the alternate life for the Wrens, and how just because the family was together didn't mean that everything was sunshine and flowers.
July 15, 2018
I think this was an interesting way on giving Carly some perspective on her own personality. It also allowed her to realize the intangible things she gained when she lost all the tangible things.
January 2, 2019
Great read
March 11, 2019
Didn't care for this one, but she needed something to move the story forward, and this did the trick.
September 24, 2019
Love it!
What a great little addition to the series. It was fun to read. Always a pleasure visiting the Wrens. Wonderful!
What a great little addition to the series. It was fun to read. Always a pleasure visiting the Wrens. Wonderful!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews