7 Brides for 7 Bodies

Body Movers #7

by Stephanie Bond

Carlotta Wren's life has taken a startling turn — she's not sure what's going to happen next. So when her retail job temporarily plants her in the world of wedding planning, she's happy for the distraction — at first. Because the happily-ever-after setting only heightens the stress surrounding the decisions she faces about her romantic life. The three hot men vying for her attention aren’t going to wait forever for her answer.

On the other hand, at least the bridal show gets her away from body moving for a while, right? Wrong. Because when grooms all over Atlanta start dropping like flies, once again, Carlotta finds herself square in the middle of a murder mystery!

Genres: Mystery, Romance, Chick Lit, Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Audiobook, Humor

308 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 17, 2015

About the author

USA 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.

Reviews

[Stephanie Bond]

7 BRIDES FOR 7 BODIES!

It's release day for the latest book in the BODY MOVERS series. Save $2 with the introductory price of $4.99, but only for a limited time: http://bit.ly/7Brides7Bodies

[K T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mixed Feelings

Spoiler Alert
Well, I have some mixed feelings about this book. I really enjoyed it right up until the end. I have to say I am definitely in camp Jack and needless to say I am supper bummed how the book ended. This book progressed pretty quickly, you can feel that some of the long standing questions that have popped up throughout the series are leading up to be answered. There was less Peter time which I was grateful for. I know he is a good guy and who I should be rooting for but it just feel like Carlotta would be settling for him. I love Coop and I am glad to see that if Carlotta and him are not going to end up together that he may be moving on and they can continue as friends. I love June and would be happy to see more of her story as well. I gave this 5 stars because I love the story and it flows quickly, obviously my only complaint is where the story is headed with Jack. I am a sucker for happy endings and just can't see that happening with the 2 of them at this point. Can't wait to see what's in store for book 8!!!

[Books_at_Tiffany’s · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blah, blah, blah...them BAM!

For about 75% to 90% of the book I was so frustrated and disappointed.
No info on Randolph.
No lovin' with any of the guys, and Coop was barely in this book.
Wesley is the same immature self, and I am really starting to hate his character.
Carlotta is still struggling with a low self-esteem and guilt issues and letting Tracy Tully and others disrespect her.
We got to see Hannah's double life, that's about all the "revealing" we got.

Then towards the last 25% to 10% of the book it gets good.
Carlotta is finally getting her props and got some love from Jack. Then we started having some real revelations about the things that keep me reading these books and what I really care about.
- One guy is neatly (maybe) out of the picture and I hope this "Johnson" guy next door doesn't take his place.
- Carlotta started feeling good about herself. - We learned a little bit about Randolph. But just a tiny little bit.

So, maybe I'm being too harsh, because I waited so long for book 7, but because we did wait so long I feel like we should have gotten MUCH MORE than we did.

Still love Steph!

And I'm still holding out for Coop!!! To me Coop is the ONLY one out of the three guys that totally accepts Carlotta. He tells her she is smart and a good puzzle solver: that it is her gift and to keep it up. He may not believe all of her therories, but he doesn't disapprove either, like Peter & Jack. He doesn't put any pressure on her and I she can be her natural self around him.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I lost track of this series a few years ago and recently rediscovered it. I have fond memories of the first six books and loved the basic structure of the series. This one is not as humorous as I remember, and Carlotta and Westly's problems just seem so insurmountable that it drags the story down.

Carlotta Wren seems to attract dead bodies and not long ago one of those bodies could have been hers except for the timely intervention of her on the lamb father, Randolph. After ten years on the run Randolph shows up in time to save Carlotta's life, gets arrested and throws more turmoil into her life.

With three men all vying for her, Carlotta has called a time out from all of them. Peter is the wealthy guy who dumped her when her father took off. He wants a second chance. Coop, the ex-coroner now a body mover, is a good friend who could be more. Jack is a cop who broke Carlotta's heart when he arrested her father, but really seems to care about her.

Since she has so much going on, Carlotta wants to work and is assigned to the Neiman's exhibit at the huge bridal expo where a soon-to-be groom drops dead on the runway during the big fashion show. Then another soon-to-be groom is a body Carlotta is tasked with moving. Then another. You seeing a pattern? Carlotta did, but no one else did, until another soon-to-be groom dies.

All the dead soon-to-be grooms are a great distraction for Carlotta from her father not wanting to see her and Wes, from the mess of her love life, from the mess of Wes's life, just from a very real, very messy life. 3 1/2-Stars

[Kaitlyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love this series.

But when this book ended all I could think was the characters are all in the same place as the ending of the last book. And that is frustrating to me!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth the wait tenfold!!!!

First I just have to say that this book was definitely worth the wait!! My head is still spinning from all the plot twists.

******************SPOILER ALERT********************

Grrrr just when Carlotta FINALLY admits her true feelings for Jack a monkey wrench gets thrown in! I literally started cursing out my kindle! And finally some background information on Hannah! I NEVER seen it coming! I truly missed every single character in this series and am so happy (grinning like a loon as I write this review) that they are back. And begrudgingly I will even admit that I missed Peter. I have always been team Jack but after rereading the series im starting to lean towards Coop. My only complaint is that I keep waiting g for Carlotta to tell off Tracey and it still has not happened. Please please I beg you, just once can Carlotta not be the better woman and let that flake have it?!?!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was happy to see this series continued. I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters have big personalities. This makes for an entertaining read. I can’t wait to read the next.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series!

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book – and thought it was worth the wait. (especially considering I just finished the rest of the series 2 weeks ago-lol) I found myself laughing out loud at things that a couple of the characters said, and I look forward to reading number eight!!

[Kirstin Denholm]

Sooooo... What's the hold up? Is this book EVER going to be released?

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED IT!!!

I, along with many others, have waited an awfully long time for this book. And why did we hold on, never giving up? Because this is a bloody fantastic series and lucky us, Stephanie Bond once again gives her readers a solid and well-written novel from beginning to end, full of drama, romance, and mystery, and with a little humour thrown in. This new installment is so good you almost forget how long you had to wait to read it as the story picks up right where we left off in book six, “Killer Bodies,” with all the main and supporting characters returning. So caught up in the story, I was soon disappointed as I’d quickly reached the end. And talk about endings; one that I didn’t’ see coming a mile away. I’m not going to ruin it for anyone so I’ll leave it at that. All I can tell you is I love Carlotta. More and more keeps getting dumped on her plate and for someone who deserves so much more in life, she still smiles, always hoping for the best. Her heart is so full of love for those who at times really don’t deserve it.

So was this worth the wait? Honestly, the waiting sucked. I mean we waited years for this one. However, Bond makes up for it as this is absolutely terrific. All I ask of her is to please, please, please, don’t make us wait that long ever again. Seriously folks, this is a series I recommend to all. Don’t miss out on this gem of a series.

My thoughts with respect to her parents. No matter what, there’s no excuse in the world for the way her parents abandoned both her and her brother. She gave up her education to raise her younger brother, trying to fill in as both mom and dad. She struggled to make ends meet as all the money her parents had, the house they lived in, everything they owned, all of it was gone. She also had to endure the humility, embarrassment, outrage, and disgust by everyone. Those who not only lost their money but were betrayed by her parents, as well as the rest of the world as this followed her wherever she went. I don’t care if it turns out her parents were accused falsely. Their actions towards their children is disgusting. There’s no excuse for it. Agree? Disagree? Like I said, my thoughts.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

What a disappointment. Book #6 was very exciting, ending with a surprise; then there was a long wait for #7. The possibilities were endless...so why did this book feel like a "placeholder" for the real thing? First of all, there was a lot of backstory. If you haven't read #1-6, start there. Anyone who hasn't read #1-6 won't "get" all of the dynamics, so why bore your loyal fans with what they already know? Second, most of things that did happen in this book were entirely predictable. (I won't spoil this for other readers, but I'm betting many will feel the same.) Finally, the underlying mystery wasn't very interesting or personal and the mystery that I DID want to delve into was barely examined until the very end, pretty much leaving me in the same place I was at the end of Book #6. I'll also add that I roll my eyes every time Peter Ashford comes into the scene. LOL.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book that had me hooked from page one. I love this series! I have been waiting for this book and it was well worth the wait. It was great to catch up with all the characters. I love Carlotta and Wes. Between the two of them there is always some sort of trouble going on. Will things ever go their way? Can't wait until the next book to see what trouble they find.

The Body Movers is a great series that I have enjoyed from the beginning. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys a sweet romantic cozy mystery.

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my all-time favorite series! So glad we finally got another book to add to it, and already I cannot wait for the next installment! The humor, drama, and head-spinning mystery definitely keeps my interest in these books. Carlotta's life just continues to run in the same circles as a lot of bad people, and just when things seem to be getting better, it's like our favorite sleuth's life takes a GIANT step backward. I wish these books were longer, but I will wait (impatiently) until I can get my hands on what happens next!!

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was worth every second of the wait! Well done with great character development and insight, a well plotted mystery and great continuation of the overarching series mystery of Randolph Wren and his wife. For me, it was a page turner and while I was on board with the groom slayer from almost the beginning I did get surprised at the actual "whodunnit".

Recommend to all fans of Ms. Bond's books and this series.

[Mariko Tsubaki · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this book. I have been waiting for what seems like forever. But, I was underwhelmed and frustrated. I have as many unanswered questions as before and do not even get me started on Jack. I hope the next book will be released in a timely fashion without years between books.

[Jeannette G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just cannot get enough of this series, I absolutely adore Body Movers Series. It is clever, well writing and I cannot stop reading the story. I highly recommend these series and all other Stephanie Bond Books. She is jus a creative and smart writer. I love her books.

[Leslie · Rating 2 out of 5]

After seven books you'd think there would be closure on something. Anything.

The characters haven't grown much it changed and it's getting to be the same old same old. Also worst narrator I've ever heard for the audiobook version.

[Linda Quick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series! It was a long wait, but well worth it - I'm already looking forward to book 8! This has some great twists and a wrench that I never saw coming.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked the progression of the series overall. I'm not team Peter, so the things Carlotta had to do for Peter did not make me angry. I liked how the chapters alternated between Carlotta and Wes. However, I listened to this on audible and did not care for the narrator. If you weren't Carlotta you either sounded like a high strung valley girl or an elderly woman, no matter the gender. And it's gArage. Not grage.

[Pirouette · Rating 4 out of 5]

One question in the whole series is, why is Wes always sweating so much? Even now that he's clean, we get all the descriptions of his sweaty neck and back (and again in 8 Bodies...)

I liked the rhythm and the revelations about Hannah.

I still don't think Peter has anything going for him apart from money.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun! :)

[Plumsexy · Rating 4 out of 5]

the usual good read and great updates!

4 1/2 stars. This review will contain spoilers for this book and others. I've the need to say a bit before I begin. I was so trepidatious of the change over to self publishing, I've seen it before in other authors. Bond handled the changeover well. I would have liked to have seen around 300 pages instead of 147 but to her credit the pages were all good. I was also hesitant because of the year long publishing delay. All I can say is I'd like more updates as a fan but as a fan she brought back the story in its usual story context adding in new but familiar elements like couture fashion. She kept it fresh with lighter details, again I do miss the longer books but I enjoyed less detail on Wes because he was attempting to stay out of trouble. I enjoyed the less technical detail with Jack as I'm a Team Coop fan. The ending won't be what Jack fans are looking for and I'll admit I was saddened because it was painful for Carlotta. However I love that it will open the door for Peter and hopefully, eventually Coop. I was kinda bummed about Coop possibly having a relationship with another girl, and kinda bummed that Carlotta wasn't more upset about it. I do highly appreciate the kiss. Read it its a great addition to the series and makes you want much much more! Looking foward to book 8!

[Cooper · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rice cakes. That's the only description I can give this book. Rice cakes. They're food substance but bland. No one I know says, 'oh can you grab me some rice cakes when you're at the store.' And I'd have to say the same with this book. It is a book, but it's bland.

By page 10 I knew I was in trouble. Carlotta Wren's life is nothing but drama. It seems like she can't even go to a store without drama happening. Her baby brother is an ungrateful sod and her best friend (Hannah) is a clichéd character from countless TV shows I've seen. In fact, the story line of Carlotta's fugitive father coming back to save her (that's where the book starts...I'm assuming book 6 ended with it) was like an ode to the season of Bones where her father came back to save her and her brother.

By page 100 I just started flipping through to see who the murderer was. Unfortunately the mystery never really took off and my interest was never piqued. Ms. Bond’s writing style is what kept me reading. If only the story and plot could have been as good as her writing.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed this series and have even started to look into some of the fan fiction that's out there to have something to read between Body Movers books. I checked the author's site and it said she's only about 1% done with book 8, so...hope there's some really great fan fiction out there!

I took a short break from this book after starting it because the first few chapters had several minor errors/typos and while it probably shouldn't bother me, it was bothering me and I wanted to savor this book that would likely be the end of the series for another year or two...or three.

As far as the content of book 7, I don't do spoilers, but lots of things (finally) start happening in this one. I didn't love the flashbacks to book 6.5 that took place in an alternate dream universe, but I enjoyed the rest of the story. Looking forward to Vegas!

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really have enjoyed this series, but...this book just didn't live up to any of the others. What keeps this book a float is the tension...between all the men in her life. I don't love the direction she went with Coop. I somewhat understand the reason she went with him that she did, BUT....I still didn't like it. Peter is a freaking sissy fried tweety bird and too mushy gushy for my liking. I like Jack but he is trouble waiting to happen, which is fitting for Carlotta, but he screwed that one up. I felt like we had to wait so long for this book to come out...and it was really disappointing.

[Short, Sweet and Cozy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great, fast-moving mystery!

This is book 7 in the Body Movers series and you really need to read them in order. Carlotta is working for Neiman Marcus at Wedding World Expo for a week. Detective Jack Terry is on Security. Hannah is working at her family's booth. A male model dies during an event. Carlotta and Hannah also do a couple of morgue runs. Very exciting mystery and I did not guess the culprit. These books have it all: interesting characters, romance, and an intriguing mystery! Can't wait for the next book!

[Jenn Dirosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth the wait.

I have waited a long time for this book to come out. It was worth the wait though. I hope Carlotta and Wes finally get theirs answer. I wanted Carlotta be with a certain man but looks like it won't turn out that way. I hope us readers who have read all the Body movers series don't have to wait long for the next book. Anybody who hasn't read this series you need to. . It is a series you can't put down.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

while I have really enjoyed this series, I am getting a bit tired of Wesley ALWAYS making the wrong choices.
I think Carlotta needs to get with Coop and stay with him as Jack is just too me the man you the woman kind of guy. Peter is just out and Carlotta needs to quit using him.
Whith the series being called "Body Movers" I kind of expect ed Carlotta to be more involved in that aspect of the books.
In all, a good series to read .

[Tina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Carlotta needs to make up her mind. She's been pining after three different men, had sex (or tried to) with all of them, and knows that one of them plans to give her a ring. In addition, there are so many storylines within this book I'm feeling overwhelmed. Wes and Liz, Wes and Meg, Wes and Mouse, Jack and Carlotta, Jack and Liz, Hannah, Chance, Patricia, and dozens of characters related to the Wedding Expo that Carlotta is involved with.