I haven't read Aly's books beyond the samples I've seen in different books/online, but I wasn't keen on her. Something about her bugged me.

I did the exact same thing as you with PotS, and as a result didn't read it for ages, but when I did I fell in love with them and now they're my favourites. Kel is much more grounded and down to earth than her other heroines, and I recommend giving her more of a chance than just the prologue - after all, it put me off too.

*nodnods* Shiny! :D