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Showgirls #1
Skintight
Bright lights. Big lies. And two people taking the biggest gamble of their lives.
Treena McCall is a showgirl just trying to hang onto her job. Jax Gallagher is a professional gambler with a private agenda. He’s not the man she thinks he is. She’s not the woman he expected. Can the deception that brought them together ever be replaced by trust?
Treena McCall is a showgirl just trying to hang onto her job. Jax Gallagher is a professional gambler with a private agenda. He’s not the man she thinks he is. She’s not the woman he expected. Can the deception that brought them together ever be replaced by trust?
377 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 1, 2005
37 people are currently reading
1079 people want to read
About the author
Susan Andersen
104 books1,275 followersI grew up in a household with two brothers, a daddy, and my grandfather. Too many men, in other words. They diluted M'ma's influence by diverting my attention to things like the danger of answering nature's call in the dead of the night. I've got a hint for those of you raised in a less spit-and-scratch world: check before you sit, because chances are that seat is gonna be up. And they don't even have the grace to be embarrassed about it. According to my sweet baby boy, if you're the minority sex in the household, you oughtta be putting it up for them. Sigh.
Having brothers was a mixed bag. When anybody messed with me they were always quick with an offer to beat them up. That was sorta nice, although I personally believe it had more to do with the fact that guys just like to fight than with any towering concern for my welfare. You might think that's cynical but guess who the target was if no one else was around and they were tired of fighting each other? I must've spent half my childhood locked in the bathroom, screaming, "Dad's gonna get you when he gets home." I know, I know, nobody likes a stoolie. But it was either that or have my block knocked off on a regular basis, and trust me, Daddy was the best deterrent going.
A smart woman probably would've gone away to an all-girl school or moved in with some girlfriends at the first opportunity. Me, I got married to my high school sweetie. And the tradition continues. Our only kid (who hasn't been a kid for quite some time now) is the aforementioned sweet baby boy, and except for an Irish setter we had for eleven years a long time ago, even our pets have all been male. I just try to stay afloat whenever I find myself in the deep end of the testosterone pool, and if you don't think that isn't a trial sometimes, I'm here to tell you- it can be hell.
Then again, it can also be heaven. In fact, it mostly is. But listen, don't tell my guys I 'fessed up to that, okay? Trust me, it's difficult enough already, just trying to stay one step ahead of the game.
Having brothers was a mixed bag. When anybody messed with me they were always quick with an offer to beat them up. That was sorta nice, although I personally believe it had more to do with the fact that guys just like to fight than with any towering concern for my welfare. You might think that's cynical but guess who the target was if no one else was around and they were tired of fighting each other? I must've spent half my childhood locked in the bathroom, screaming, "Dad's gonna get you when he gets home." I know, I know, nobody likes a stoolie. But it was either that or have my block knocked off on a regular basis, and trust me, Daddy was the best deterrent going.
A smart woman probably would've gone away to an all-girl school or moved in with some girlfriends at the first opportunity. Me, I got married to my high school sweetie. And the tradition continues. Our only kid (who hasn't been a kid for quite some time now) is the aforementioned sweet baby boy, and except for an Irish setter we had for eleven years a long time ago, even our pets have all been male. I just try to stay afloat whenever I find myself in the deep end of the testosterone pool, and if you don't think that isn't a trial sometimes, I'm here to tell you- it can be hell.
Then again, it can also be heaven. In fact, it mostly is. But listen, don't tell my guys I 'fessed up to that, okay? Trust me, it's difficult enough already, just trying to stay one step ahead of the game.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
December 10, 2010
4.5
This was a fantastic contemporary romance.
Treena McCall is a dancer in the show la Stravaganza on the Strip in Vegas. She has recently been widowed, but her husband Big Jim had been sick, so the year they'd been married had been taking care of him.
Jax Gallagher is a professional poker player whose father Big Jim married a Las Vegas showgirl. As if that didn't strain his already strained relationship with his father even more, he found out 2 months after his father's death that Big Jim had died. The night he found out, he got drunk and ended up wagering and losing a World Series signed baseball to a Russian mobster. Unfortunately that ball was now in the hands of his father's gold-digging widow.
So Jax has a plan-he will sweep into the showgirl's life, offer her money and a place in his bed, and then find the ball and give it to Elvis wannabe Sergei. But his plans go to crap when it turns out that Treena is not only not a slutty, gold-digging Showgirl, but she is actually a sweet, generous caring person, and OOPS! Jax kinda likes her.
One thing I really loved about this book was that Jax and Treena were real. They weren't the steroetypes of a showgirl and a gambler. I live in Vegas so it was great for me to see local places featured, but more than that it was nice to see Treena and Jax do nice normal things off-Strip. Their tour of the dam cracked me up.
I also loved how Jax figured out that Treena wasn't a gold-digger just by getting to know her, and her friends. I absolutely loved Treena. And when she found out that Jax was actually her late husband's son, she was as betrayed and hurt as I would have been. When she asked him how long he'd known who she was and he told her since before he met her, and then told her his whole plan. Oh man, she kicked him out and curled up on the floor and cried til she had nothing left. I think anyone who has had her heart broken knows what that feels like.
And when Jax apologized and gave her back the baseball, the speech he gave? Even I'd have taken him back after that! But when he left her? Oh, I felt everything Treena felt. What a great couple. And I think that anyone who wants a great contemporary romance will really enjoy this one.
My favorite line: He could wait...He wanted her to come first; then, like the Marines, he was going in.
http://www.demonloversbooksandmore.co...
This was a fantastic contemporary romance.
Treena McCall is a dancer in the show la Stravaganza on the Strip in Vegas. She has recently been widowed, but her husband Big Jim had been sick, so the year they'd been married had been taking care of him.
Jax Gallagher is a professional poker player whose father Big Jim married a Las Vegas showgirl. As if that didn't strain his already strained relationship with his father even more, he found out 2 months after his father's death that Big Jim had died. The night he found out, he got drunk and ended up wagering and losing a World Series signed baseball to a Russian mobster. Unfortunately that ball was now in the hands of his father's gold-digging widow.
So Jax has a plan-he will sweep into the showgirl's life, offer her money and a place in his bed, and then find the ball and give it to Elvis wannabe Sergei. But his plans go to crap when it turns out that Treena is not only not a slutty, gold-digging Showgirl, but she is actually a sweet, generous caring person, and OOPS! Jax kinda likes her.
One thing I really loved about this book was that Jax and Treena were real. They weren't the steroetypes of a showgirl and a gambler. I live in Vegas so it was great for me to see local places featured, but more than that it was nice to see Treena and Jax do nice normal things off-Strip. Their tour of the dam cracked me up.
I also loved how Jax figured out that Treena wasn't a gold-digger just by getting to know her, and her friends. I absolutely loved Treena. And when she found out that Jax was actually her late husband's son, she was as betrayed and hurt as I would have been. When she asked him how long he'd known who she was and he told her since before he met her, and then told her his whole plan. Oh man, she kicked him out and curled up on the floor and cried til she had nothing left. I think anyone who has had her heart broken knows what that feels like.
And when Jax apologized and gave her back the baseball, the speech he gave? Even I'd have taken him back after that! But when he left her? Oh, I felt everything Treena felt. What a great couple. And I think that anyone who wants a great contemporary romance will really enjoy this one.
My favorite line: He could wait...He wanted her to come first; then, like the Marines, he was going in.
http://www.demonloversbooksandmore.co...
April 29, 2011
Post Listen Review: First the plot summary-- This pro poker player needs to get the first 1927 homerun ball that Babe Ruth himself hit in order to keep his fingers from being broken. (Never mind the fact that there is no way that a Vegas showgirl owns it, nor that it is signed by all of Murderer's row, the heart of the Yankees line-up that year). The problem is that his father who owned it died and it has passed to his wife. The father's wife is a Vegas showgirl that he had been married to for four months. So in the worst decision ever the poker player decides to seduce the showgirl that was once married to his father. Well, sex happens, truth is revealed, everyone gets mad at each other, everyone does something brave or kind and everyone forgives everyone and the showgirl and gambler go away in true love.
But we have a treat! I have actually been able to interview the characters from this story. They are all a little quirky though so be forewarned.
Me: So Jax Gallagher (main character who is a pro poker player) did you really think it was a good idea to seduce what amounted to your stepmother?
Jax: They never did the nasty. If they never did the nasty cause he died of prostate cancer before they did the nasty, it's ok.
Me: Right, ok. So you play pro poker, sitting down for hours on end, drinking sometimes and taking advantage of free casino food yet you are described as muscular and attractive. How come you are not fat and scraggy?
Jax: I buy jackets that make me look hot. See this jacket. It makes me hot. I hate baseball.
Me: Your father did seem to be a bit harsh at your practices when you were eight. Is that why you wanted to seduce your stepmother?
Jax: They never did the nasty. I am good at math. I hate baseball.
Me: So you could inherit one of the most valuable and rare items in all of baseball history and rather than just go personally ask for it you seduced your stepmother. Can I just say, that's messed up?
Jax: She's hot. Like my jacket.
Me: Any last words for anyone?
Jax: As I said to my honey-plumb in the book, "Foreplay is our friend"
Me: Ok moving on, let's talk to Treena, the showgirl with the kind heart caught up in lies and intrigue but who really just wants to open a dance studio. When did you realize that you truly loved Jax?
Treena: About the time he said to me, "I love you more than I love my Mother."
Me: Isn't that kind of an odd comment?
Treena: Just because I am a showgirl doesn't mean I am for sale.
Me: I never said you were for sale. You live in Las Vegas and perfom a topless show once a night but you are somehow surprised when you meet a professional gambler. Are you sure you know what goes on in Vegas at all?
Treena: I wear leotards to practice, not skimpy clothes.
Me: Right. As Jax mentioned you married his father but never "did the nasty". The real question here is why you married a super old guy to begin with because we all know it wasn't for the money at all. Are you just into Octegenarians?
Treena: I want to open a dance studio.
Me: Ok well get your poker player dude to buy you one or whatever. Any last words from you?
Treena: I didn't like sex til I met Jax. Then I did like it with him. That's true love. Just because I am a showgirl doesn't mean I am for sale.
Me: Ok, next guest. Mac you are one half of the inevitable friend couple that gets together before the end of the book. You fell in love with Ellen who you describe as an earthy woman. What advice do you have for men out there looking for love?
Mac: Well, as I said to my Ellen, "I like my sex straight up."
Me: Gross. Let's move on. Ellen, you got to be the friend that was taken shopping in the story so you could hook up with the guy that seemed like he hated you but of course was really into you instead. Don't you think this gets a bit predictable in these romance novels?
Ellen: My salt and pepper hair is dynamic, I am a librarian and how dare you talk to me that way young man. Do you think this chartruse blouse is becoming on me?
Me: Yeah, really brings out the dynamic hair. You also seem to really be into Mac but couldn't really get together until you wore a little less black. Should that really be a factor in a relationship?
Ellen: I went and had prime rib with him and he was a gentleman and the showgirls made me buy clothes with color and I am a librarian so everything works out.
Me: It sure does. Now for sequel potential time. Here is Carly, the showgirl friend that lives near Treena and supports her but has yet to find love of her own. Carly, you watched the rocky road to love for Jax and Treena and Mac and Ellen. It seems that you were the only one left out. What's in store for you?
Carly: I hate my neighbor. He made fun of my dogs. He even called my dog Rufus, Dufus. I hate him. He has a sexy butt.
Me: I think we all know exactly where that's going.
Carly: Even vanilla style missionary sex sounds good to me right now.
Me: Yes in the book you mentioned that. I am compelled to point out that you are a showgirl in Vegas so if you just want that then I am pretty sure you can get it.
Carly: What I really want is a "nookie man"
Me: I am sure that will show up in the next book. God I hope I don't have to listen to it.
Pre-Listen Guess: Yet another horrid romance to get through I am sure. And bonus sleaziness because it takes place in Vegas.
But we have a treat! I have actually been able to interview the characters from this story. They are all a little quirky though so be forewarned.
Me: So Jax Gallagher (main character who is a pro poker player) did you really think it was a good idea to seduce what amounted to your stepmother?
Jax: They never did the nasty. If they never did the nasty cause he died of prostate cancer before they did the nasty, it's ok.
Me: Right, ok. So you play pro poker, sitting down for hours on end, drinking sometimes and taking advantage of free casino food yet you are described as muscular and attractive. How come you are not fat and scraggy?
Jax: I buy jackets that make me look hot. See this jacket. It makes me hot. I hate baseball.
Me: Your father did seem to be a bit harsh at your practices when you were eight. Is that why you wanted to seduce your stepmother?
Jax: They never did the nasty. I am good at math. I hate baseball.
Me: So you could inherit one of the most valuable and rare items in all of baseball history and rather than just go personally ask for it you seduced your stepmother. Can I just say, that's messed up?
Jax: She's hot. Like my jacket.
Me: Any last words for anyone?
Jax: As I said to my honey-plumb in the book, "Foreplay is our friend"
Me: Ok moving on, let's talk to Treena, the showgirl with the kind heart caught up in lies and intrigue but who really just wants to open a dance studio. When did you realize that you truly loved Jax?
Treena: About the time he said to me, "I love you more than I love my Mother."
Me: Isn't that kind of an odd comment?
Treena: Just because I am a showgirl doesn't mean I am for sale.
Me: I never said you were for sale. You live in Las Vegas and perfom a topless show once a night but you are somehow surprised when you meet a professional gambler. Are you sure you know what goes on in Vegas at all?
Treena: I wear leotards to practice, not skimpy clothes.
Me: Right. As Jax mentioned you married his father but never "did the nasty". The real question here is why you married a super old guy to begin with because we all know it wasn't for the money at all. Are you just into Octegenarians?
Treena: I want to open a dance studio.
Me: Ok well get your poker player dude to buy you one or whatever. Any last words from you?
Treena: I didn't like sex til I met Jax. Then I did like it with him. That's true love. Just because I am a showgirl doesn't mean I am for sale.
Me: Ok, next guest. Mac you are one half of the inevitable friend couple that gets together before the end of the book. You fell in love with Ellen who you describe as an earthy woman. What advice do you have for men out there looking for love?
Mac: Well, as I said to my Ellen, "I like my sex straight up."
Me: Gross. Let's move on. Ellen, you got to be the friend that was taken shopping in the story so you could hook up with the guy that seemed like he hated you but of course was really into you instead. Don't you think this gets a bit predictable in these romance novels?
Ellen: My salt and pepper hair is dynamic, I am a librarian and how dare you talk to me that way young man. Do you think this chartruse blouse is becoming on me?
Me: Yeah, really brings out the dynamic hair. You also seem to really be into Mac but couldn't really get together until you wore a little less black. Should that really be a factor in a relationship?
Ellen: I went and had prime rib with him and he was a gentleman and the showgirls made me buy clothes with color and I am a librarian so everything works out.
Me: It sure does. Now for sequel potential time. Here is Carly, the showgirl friend that lives near Treena and supports her but has yet to find love of her own. Carly, you watched the rocky road to love for Jax and Treena and Mac and Ellen. It seems that you were the only one left out. What's in store for you?
Carly: I hate my neighbor. He made fun of my dogs. He even called my dog Rufus, Dufus. I hate him. He has a sexy butt.
Me: I think we all know exactly where that's going.
Carly: Even vanilla style missionary sex sounds good to me right now.
Me: Yes in the book you mentioned that. I am compelled to point out that you are a showgirl in Vegas so if you just want that then I am pretty sure you can get it.
Carly: What I really want is a "nookie man"
Me: I am sure that will show up in the next book. God I hope I don't have to listen to it.
Pre-Listen Guess: Yet another horrid romance to get through I am sure. And bonus sleaziness because it takes place in Vegas.
September 29, 2021
Reread 2021
August 5, 2010
Showgirl Treena McCall is a sweet woman who had big dreams of opening up her own dance studio. Her dream is derailed when she takes care of her dying husband. She used up all of his fortune and her savings to care for him but she’s not complaining. After his death, she is back in the dance troupe and she just wants to do the one thing she has always loved.
Jax Gallagher is a professional gambler who makes a bet and loses his father’s World Series baseball. The problem is that the ball is in possession of his father’s young, gold digging wife, Treena McCall. Jax comes up with a plan to seduce his way into Treena’s house in search of the ball because the goons who he has lost the bet to, threatens to break his fingers.
Of course, Jax finds out that Treena is not the gold digger he had thought she was, but she is a down to earth woman that he is slowly falling in love with. Once he realizes his emotions, he has to find a way to tell Treena that he is really Jackson McCall. When the truth is revealed, Jax learns that Treena was planning to give the ball to him all along.
I am a fan of contemporary romance stories and I wanted to rate this book higher but Jax’s stubbornness prevented me from doing so. His inner dialogue and complaining about his relationship with his father was tiring. After years of overcoming his awkwardness, he should have been more confident but instead his insecurities were shown. After a while, I just wanted him to get over it.
The ending was also a bit disappointing. The so-called bad guys’ actions were unbelievable at the climax of the story. They were suppose to be big and bad but one of them was a big Elvis impersonator and I’m not sure if that was suppose to be humorous but it missed the mark. The action was severing lacking and they end up walking away.
The conflict is strong and the tension throughout the book provides enough angst to the story. Secondary characters provide for entertainingly, laugh out loud addition.
I look forward to Carly’s story, which Andersen nicely sets up at the end of the book.
Jax Gallagher is a professional gambler who makes a bet and loses his father’s World Series baseball. The problem is that the ball is in possession of his father’s young, gold digging wife, Treena McCall. Jax comes up with a plan to seduce his way into Treena’s house in search of the ball because the goons who he has lost the bet to, threatens to break his fingers.
Of course, Jax finds out that Treena is not the gold digger he had thought she was, but she is a down to earth woman that he is slowly falling in love with. Once he realizes his emotions, he has to find a way to tell Treena that he is really Jackson McCall. When the truth is revealed, Jax learns that Treena was planning to give the ball to him all along.
I am a fan of contemporary romance stories and I wanted to rate this book higher but Jax’s stubbornness prevented me from doing so. His inner dialogue and complaining about his relationship with his father was tiring. After years of overcoming his awkwardness, he should have been more confident but instead his insecurities were shown. After a while, I just wanted him to get over it.
The ending was also a bit disappointing. The so-called bad guys’ actions were unbelievable at the climax of the story. They were suppose to be big and bad but one of them was a big Elvis impersonator and I’m not sure if that was suppose to be humorous but it missed the mark. The action was severing lacking and they end up walking away.
The conflict is strong and the tension throughout the book provides enough angst to the story. Secondary characters provide for entertainingly, laugh out loud addition.
I look forward to Carly’s story, which Andersen nicely sets up at the end of the book.
August 18, 2010
This was a very pleasant surprise. I've never really enjoyed stories where the hero/heroine start out with a mission to use the other. I dislike the lies and the misleading. I decided to put that aside for this book, and I am very glad that I did.
Treena is a great character. She's strong, she has a great sense of values. She's a great judge of character. Her friends are loyal to her and she to them. I want to be her when I grow up!
Jax.....He's where my button was pushed. I hate lies. I hate deceit. BUT he made it work. The more I read the more I understood his motivations and his sense of ethics. It's hard to type but in all honesty, he is an honorable man, despite the planned seduction.
The side characters made me so happy! I love the refined and elegant librarian, Ellen. She reminds me of someone (I wonder who that could be... *coughmecough*). Carly and her babies (her dogs/pets) were wonderful as well. I love her dopey dog Rufus! I really think that these characters helped make the story what it was. These people showed the type of character Treena's was.
I loved reading about Vegas, even if it was superficial. The Mr. and I got married there, and this brought back some happy memories. I am definitely wanting to go back (it's been over 5 years) and I would definitely hit up a show with some showgirls.
I'm going to be on the lookout for the next book, Just for Kicks, because Carly's story was alluded to. A hunky security guy? Sign me up!
Who do I recommend to? If you love a good contemporary, if you're looking for a really fun beach read, or dreamed of being a dancer!
Treena is a great character. She's strong, she has a great sense of values. She's a great judge of character. Her friends are loyal to her and she to them. I want to be her when I grow up!
Jax.....He's where my button was pushed. I hate lies. I hate deceit. BUT he made it work. The more I read the more I understood his motivations and his sense of ethics. It's hard to type but in all honesty, he is an honorable man, despite the planned seduction.
The side characters made me so happy! I love the refined and elegant librarian, Ellen. She reminds me of someone (I wonder who that could be... *coughmecough*). Carly and her babies (her dogs/pets) were wonderful as well. I love her dopey dog Rufus! I really think that these characters helped make the story what it was. These people showed the type of character Treena's was.
I loved reading about Vegas, even if it was superficial. The Mr. and I got married there, and this brought back some happy memories. I am definitely wanting to go back (it's been over 5 years) and I would definitely hit up a show with some showgirls.
I'm going to be on the lookout for the next book, Just for Kicks, because Carly's story was alluded to. A hunky security guy? Sign me up!
Who do I recommend to? If you love a good contemporary, if you're looking for a really fun beach read, or dreamed of being a dancer!
December 7, 2012
Did not like this book. Did not like this series. It's one thing to feature Vegas as a "setting" for a book it is quite another to write a story around central characters who rely on Sin City for their livelihoods.
Jax's was nothing special and IMO chosing gambling as a profession is just shy of douche. Then he had a dislike of Treena soley on the basis of her being his Dad's younger wife, that was not really sold but when he boffed her in the book it just came across as skeezy given his inital dislike early in the book. Treena was portrayed as this heart of gold working girl and I liked her character much more than Jax and she would have been more of a standout in a different setting. Unfortunately because Jax was such a little mealy mouth whiner he was not memorable or redeemable and took Treena down with him.
Susan Andersen has done much better work than this and she would benefit from moving leaving any future storylines in Vegas.
Jax's was nothing special and IMO chosing gambling as a profession is just shy of douche. Then he had a dislike of Treena soley on the basis of her being his Dad's younger wife, that was not really sold but when he boffed her in the book it just came across as skeezy given his inital dislike early in the book. Treena was portrayed as this heart of gold working girl and I liked her character much more than Jax and she would have been more of a standout in a different setting. Unfortunately because Jax was such a little mealy mouth whiner he was not memorable or redeemable and took Treena down with him.
Susan Andersen has done much better work than this and she would benefit from moving leaving any future storylines in Vegas.
September 6, 2010
Jax Gallagher is a professional poker player but he lost to another guy one night and promised him that he would give him his father's baseball that has a signature of a famous baseball player on it. The problem is that the ball is in the hands of his father's late wife sine Jax's father died a few months ago. Now his plan is to make Treena, the widow, fall in love with hom and he takes the ball. It sounds easy but when Jax finally meets Treena, he realize that leaving her won't be easy. This book is really intense, it grabs the reader by the neck and won't let go until the last page. Many ups and downs and surprises that make this book fun and interesting to read.
August 12, 2009
this one was pretty horrendous. This is my second book from this author, and the first one was pretty good so I'm surprised with my reaction to this one.
I thought the storyline was pretty mundane and not that interesting. Worst of all it was pretty predictable and from the first few pages I pretty much figured out the relationship aspect. The "action" part of the storyline was pitiful, and the "bad" character in the book who was threatening to break someone's hand if they didn't hand over a baseball, just sort of said "Ohh you've got a great girl there" and then walked away. What a waste.
I thought the storyline was pretty mundane and not that interesting. Worst of all it was pretty predictable and from the first few pages I pretty much figured out the relationship aspect. The "action" part of the storyline was pitiful, and the "bad" character in the book who was threatening to break someone's hand if they didn't hand over a baseball, just sort of said "Ohh you've got a great girl there" and then walked away. What a waste.
December 11, 2016
I enjoyed this sweet, fluffy romance. The set-up is somewhat worn - the guy wants a baseball that the girl has and romances her to get it and ends up falling for her - but it is well-done and you really end up rooting for Jax and Treena. The backdrop is Vegas - and she's a dancer while he's a professional poker player. I love the supporting cast - the friends and neighbors that add to the tale. There's even a romance between 2 older characters that prove that seniors can be hot, too. I will definitely be looking forward to the 2nd novel to complete the story.
August 31, 2023
Okay - I actually liked the book - but there's a little "ick" factor here as the main character falls in love with both a father and his son (unknowingly - but still - she sleeps with them both). And the son - well, he meant to have sex with his dead father's widow. Definitely ick. That said, Treena is a great character - her friendships and the way she looks at aging as a 35-year-old Las Vegas showgirl are fun and realistic. I felt sorry for her because she was obviously falling in love with Jax - not realizing who he was (they had never met) - and he was planning to steal from her. The fact that he fell in love with her and then couldn't steal from her seemed only somewhat realistic, because Jax seemed pretty cold-blooded until the last few chapters. Still - it ranks as an entertaining read.
March 29, 2018
Very enjoyable read about Jax Gallagher, a professional poker player, and Treena McCall, a Las Vegas showgirl.
I often have a hard time with books where one or the other character is lying to the other, and in this case, Jax is definitely misrepresenting himself to Treena. But Susan Andersen's story hooked me, and her cast of supporting characters won my heart as well. Treena's not the gold-digger Jax originally suspects, and her warm-heartedness means she's surrounded by loving if quirky friends.
Looking forward to the others in the series now!
I often have a hard time with books where one or the other character is lying to the other, and in this case, Jax is definitely misrepresenting himself to Treena. But Susan Andersen's story hooked me, and her cast of supporting characters won my heart as well. Treena's not the gold-digger Jax originally suspects, and her warm-heartedness means she's surrounded by loving if quirky friends.
Looking forward to the others in the series now!
December 9, 2021
Reading this seems outdated with phrases that might have been common in the 80s or early 90s. Jax is a poker player out to steal a prized possession from Treena by "meeting" her and sweet talking his way into her home to look for said possession. There are two older generation couple who are the parental figures and "wiser" adulting-adults. A fellow LV show girl who is supposed to be the comic relief and overprotective bff. It took me MONTHS to get through this book. I found it uninteresting.
July 17, 2018
Another new author for me for 2018. Read 2 of her series in June. all fast reads, fun, romance, chicklit, action, suspense, some humor. Just keeps you right involved with the story and wanting more. I read these in between my paranormal and other books I enjoy for a change of pace, which really worked. I really enjoyed the books.
November 15, 2017
The romance was hot, the characters colorful, and the storyline unique.
March 17, 2020
It was a good read.
April 22, 2020
Complicated plot, interesting story and characters.
October 31, 2020
I gave up at 25% in, because I really do not like these people. DNF.
February 3, 2022
quiero decir que amo mucho a Treena que es muy bonita y se merece el cielo, solo eso 😭
August 6, 2023
Not my best book this year but not my worst either. It had its moments. Her friends are ok, too fairytale perhaps
October 27, 2016
Not my normal read.
March 9, 2017
libro facil de leer, pero que pasa sin pena ni gloria... me esperaba mucho mas
mi nota 6
October 5, 2010
Narrated by Johanna Parker = Narration 5*s
I was already a fan of Skintight by Susan Andersen when I discovered it in audio with Johanna Parker narrating and she kicked it up another notch with her superb skills adding just the right touches of emotion and feeling where needed along with excellent voicing for all the characters.
The set up for Jax and Treena's romance in Skintight has "big misunderstanding" written all over it which generally sends me running the other way but as a Susan Andersen fan I stuck it out. While I was dreading the hidden identity reveal for a good portion of the book it actually added an 'on the edge of my seat' feel to the story in a good way in the end because I was pleasantly surprised to see how Ms Andersen handled that portion. I found the reactions believable while at the same time she kept the flow of the story moving without overdoing the drama. The secondary romance between an older couple who are both friends of Treena's and live in the same apartment complex she does is just as entertaining as the core tale.
I was already a fan of Skintight by Susan Andersen when I discovered it in audio with Johanna Parker narrating and she kicked it up another notch with her superb skills adding just the right touches of emotion and feeling where needed along with excellent voicing for all the characters.
The set up for Jax and Treena's romance in Skintight has "big misunderstanding" written all over it which generally sends me running the other way but as a Susan Andersen fan I stuck it out. While I was dreading the hidden identity reveal for a good portion of the book it actually added an 'on the edge of my seat' feel to the story in a good way in the end because I was pleasantly surprised to see how Ms Andersen handled that portion. I found the reactions believable while at the same time she kept the flow of the story moving without overdoing the drama. The secondary romance between an older couple who are both friends of Treena's and live in the same apartment complex she does is just as entertaining as the core tale.
November 2, 2011
This is essentially a story of mistaken identity. We're led to believe that professional gambler Jax Gallagher plans a ruthless seduction of Vegas showgirl Treena McCall because his father's gold-digging widow refuses to give him the family heirloom he was promised on his father's death. But we quickly learn that Treena's actually a good girl who treasures her friends who have become a second family to her and Jax is still the awkward kid who never fit in any anywhere after his mother died when he was a child and he was left with his often absent father who didn't know how to interact with his nerdy son who was not the natural athlete he was.
It was good but not great. I was of course a sucker for the family aspect, and Treena and Jax were the right mix of hot and adorable together, but little things were off. Not enough to put me off the story, but enough that I'll have no need to reread this one.
It was good but not great. I was of course a sucker for the family aspect, and Treena and Jax were the right mix of hot and adorable together, but little things were off. Not enough to put me off the story, but enough that I'll have no need to reread this one.
January 24, 2012
This book was ok. Yeah it was cute.... It really had a good concept.
Jax is a professional poker player. Jax's father had a World Series baseball that Jax bet in a hand and now Jax will do anything to get it to pay off the debt. Including seduce his fathers widow. Treena is a Vegas showgirl. She married Big Jim even though he was older and sick. Alot of people think it was for his money but he left her with nothing except a baseball that could fetch a pretty penny.
The problem is I never really fell for Jax. Yeah he had his moments but I just never took to him. And while Treena is sweet I really didn't care for her much either. It was a pretty good story so of course I stuck with it but I would have been ok with it being 50+ pages shorter. However I will say that there is a 2nd book in the series and I will read it (getting it from the library) and I usually love Andersen's books so don't judge the author just from this book.
Jax is a professional poker player. Jax's father had a World Series baseball that Jax bet in a hand and now Jax will do anything to get it to pay off the debt. Including seduce his fathers widow. Treena is a Vegas showgirl. She married Big Jim even though he was older and sick. Alot of people think it was for his money but he left her with nothing except a baseball that could fetch a pretty penny.
The problem is I never really fell for Jax. Yeah he had his moments but I just never took to him. And while Treena is sweet I really didn't care for her much either. It was a pretty good story so of course I stuck with it but I would have been ok with it being 50+ pages shorter. However I will say that there is a 2nd book in the series and I will read it (getting it from the library) and I usually love Andersen's books so don't judge the author just from this book.
August 19, 2009
This is my first book from Anderson and wasn't too impressed. This is a story about a math genius, poker playing, hot gambler who had a troubled childhood. Jax has finally come home to Las Vegas to collect a treasured baseball that his dead father has left in the hands of his widow. Treena Mchall is an unsuspecting showgirl who doesn't know Jax is actually the son of her late husband. She also doesn't know that he has secretly conspired to steal this family heirloom from her. What they both don't know is that are a fit for each other.
Though the storyline is typical of another hot romance book out there, the storyline was still cute and interesting. However, the flow of the book did not keep me intrigued and I found myself skimming more than I should have. I have already purchased the second book to this series and I am hoping it will be better than this one.
Though the storyline is typical of another hot romance book out there, the storyline was still cute and interesting. However, the flow of the book did not keep me intrigued and I found myself skimming more than I should have. I have already purchased the second book to this series and I am hoping it will be better than this one.
June 22, 2010
Treena McCall seems to be your typical Las Vegas Showgirl, what I liked is that this books takes you into a look behind the curtain (so to speak) and gives you a glimpse of how life can be for a showgirl. Jax seems to be your typical bad boy who was estranged from his father, even after his father’s death. A professional gambler, he ends up betting an item that isn’t his and has to secure a way to get this item from his father’s widow, who just happens to be Treena. The character’s are well written so that I couldn’t wait to find out what happens next. There are a few other characters to add to the mix, Carly, Treena’s neighbor and best friend since starting in the business, Ellen, an ex-librarian neighbor, and Mack the handyman. Good laughs, great story. I can’t wait to read more of her work!!
July 30, 2010
Treena McCall is a widow showgirl in Vegas. Four months ago her husband lost his battle to cancer. The battle took more than his life, it wiped out all their savings and now her dream of owning a dance studio is even further away.
Jax Gallagher is returning home to his father's wife to collect the family heirloom collectible baseball. He figures it won't be that hard to seduce her and then find it at her place. His plans didn't take in to account how easy it is to fall in love...
Why I picked it up: It's hard to make both a professional gambler and showgirl sympathetic. And I was wondering how Andersen would work around the ick factor of Treena dating father and son.
Why I finished it: Quirky characters and snappy dialog.
Who I would recommend it to: Kasha, who is writing a story and came to me for advice on how to "talk dirty."
Jax Gallagher is returning home to his father's wife to collect the family heirloom collectible baseball. He figures it won't be that hard to seduce her and then find it at her place. His plans didn't take in to account how easy it is to fall in love...
Why I picked it up: It's hard to make both a professional gambler and showgirl sympathetic. And I was wondering how Andersen would work around the ick factor of Treena dating father and son.
Why I finished it: Quirky characters and snappy dialog.
Who I would recommend it to: Kasha, who is writing a story and came to me for advice on how to "talk dirty."
July 24, 2011
Oh yeah, the rating says it all but hear me out anyway. I read chicklit from time to time and thus, happen to encounter certain chicklits I wouldn't mind passing by in the first place. But I pick them up for the hope that they might offer something more than well, the clichéd chicklit. But this? This was an exception.
A time pass read, it proved to be way too twisted for such a fun book from the synopsis. I mean technically, the relationship was based on incest. That is worthy of making anyone puke; widowed ex-stepmother or not.
So yeah, I liked the guy's character but I so did not like the whole Russian mafia thing with the baseball. At the end, it was just a futile attempt at a chicklit cross action combination. This was my second book by Susan Andersen and the jury's still out on her 'cause she could do way better.
A time pass read, it proved to be way too twisted for such a fun book from the synopsis. I mean technically, the relationship was based on incest. That is worthy of making anyone puke; widowed ex-stepmother or not.
So yeah, I liked the guy's character but I so did not like the whole Russian mafia thing with the baseball. At the end, it was just a futile attempt at a chicklit cross action combination. This was my second book by Susan Andersen and the jury's still out on her 'cause she could do way better.
d-n-f
October 6, 2013Seduce your step-mother in order to rob her? No. No. No. No. No. No. Nooooo. Nonononono. No.
I need to look up blurbs and reviews before I start reading these e-books. I get a little ways in and I start to get suspicious... something isn't right here. And I don't mean hints that somebody is hiding something. Somebody is always hiding something. But I mean like, suspicious activity or thoughts that make me think one of the characters is so messed up that their behavior should only be enjoyed in the thriller/mystery genre.
This is icky for me, so I'm shutting it down. I can't even find it in me to put it on the 'last-resorts' shelf for when the reckoning comes and YA is the only genre anyone will publish ever again.
I need to look up blurbs and reviews before I start reading these e-books. I get a little ways in and I start to get suspicious... something isn't right here. And I don't mean hints that somebody is hiding something. Somebody is always hiding something. But I mean like, suspicious activity or thoughts that make me think one of the characters is so messed up that their behavior should only be enjoyed in the thriller/mystery genre.
This is icky for me, so I'm shutting it down. I can't even find it in me to put it on the 'last-resorts' shelf for when the reckoning comes and YA is the only genre anyone will publish ever again.
September 1, 2011
Eh, it was ok. I found myself getting bored and wondering if I should bother finishing it. I guess because it was pretty much predictable and I wasn't that invested in the characters. Maybe I just wasn't in the mood for a bouncy little beach read. I don't think there was anything particularly wrong with the story, it was fine, hence the three stars. Although I did find it kind of creepy that heroine was married to the hero's dad first. Ewwww.
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