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Showgirls #2
Just for Kicks
Las Vegas showgirl Carly Jacobsen keeps finding out the hard way that her idea of fun differs radically from that of her neighbor Wolfgang Jones. Sure, he looks incredible, and he seems to have a thing for her legs, but the man’s a robot. So what’s with their chemistry?
Wolf has noticed Carly’s legs, because they’re always tangled up in leashes attached to her ridiculous assortment of pets. She’s a pain, she’s wacky, she’s always in the way and yet for some reason he can’t keep her out of his thoughts.
When a moment of weakness leads to some serious sheet-scorching sex, the two discover at least one area where they do both have fun. But outside the bedroom the stakes are getting higher, and love might come down to a roll of the dice…
Wolf has noticed Carly’s legs, because they’re always tangled up in leashes attached to her ridiculous assortment of pets. She’s a pain, she’s wacky, she’s always in the way and yet for some reason he can’t keep her out of his thoughts.
When a moment of weakness leads to some serious sheet-scorching sex, the two discover at least one area where they do both have fun. But outside the bedroom the stakes are getting higher, and love might come down to a roll of the dice…
379 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
42 people are currently reading
794 people want to read
About the author
Susan Andersen
104 books1,272 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 84 reviews
May 11, 2010
I loved this one. A fast read, I thoroughly enjoyed it. With JFK , Andersen continues the Showgirl series that she started with Skintight. For me, the second in the series outshines the original- not that I didn't like Skintight too!
At first, showgirl with a heart of gold Carly can't stand her uptight neighbor Wolfgang Jones. Opposites in many ways they are like fire and water. But chemistry can be a fickle thing sometimes and they quickly find themselves making out in her condo foyer with all her babies(her beloved pets)running for cover! (Carly, the heroine, has a soft spot for pets, and they have their time in the story just like many of the side characters!)
I loved both Wolf and Carly- he's the kind of romance book hero I adore. Stoic, strong, passionate, sexy, helpless with his attraction to his woman, with a sense of humor that pops up at just the right time.
Carly is just as likable. She comes off as a ditz, especially around Wolf, but she is of course way more intelligent then he guesses.
There is, of course, a psycho stalker to add the outside conflict, and though I'm getting tired of that old schtick, it didn't bother me so much because the nutball wasn't so prominent.
The scene where Carly finally gets confronted by her stalker is more of a tool to reveal more of Carly and Wolf's true selves- and more about their relationship- then it is about the stalkage. To me she got away fairly easy BUT, as I said before, the scene really wasn't about the psycho- it was all about Carly and Wolf.
All through the book we find again the characters first revealed in Skintight, which was fun naturally, and Wolf's nephew Nicklaus gets added to the mix, who also helped to reveal to the reader what all was going on in the heroes head. At 16, the nephew wasn't as annoying as some kids can be in a romance book, but I did feel he was bit too unbelievable in his actions. I felt like Wolf got off a little too easily considering the kids past ... but, considering the fast pace of the book, it worked.
In the end, Carly and Wolf find out that, on the inside, they are not as unalike as they first thought and the story of discovery ends up to be quite entertaining!
4.5 out of 5!
At first, showgirl with a heart of gold Carly can't stand her uptight neighbor Wolfgang Jones. Opposites in many ways they are like fire and water. But chemistry can be a fickle thing sometimes and they quickly find themselves making out in her condo foyer with all her babies(her beloved pets)running for cover! (Carly, the heroine, has a soft spot for pets, and they have their time in the story just like many of the side characters!)
I loved both Wolf and Carly- he's the kind of romance book hero I adore. Stoic, strong, passionate, sexy, helpless with his attraction to his woman, with a sense of humor that pops up at just the right time.
Carly is just as likable. She comes off as a ditz, especially around Wolf, but she is of course way more intelligent then he guesses.
There is, of course, a psycho stalker to add the outside conflict, and though I'm getting tired of that old schtick, it didn't bother me so much because the nutball wasn't so prominent.
The scene where Carly finally gets confronted by her stalker is more of a tool to reveal more of Carly and Wolf's true selves- and more about their relationship- then it is about the stalkage. To me she got away fairly easy BUT, as I said before, the scene really wasn't about the psycho- it was all about Carly and Wolf.
All through the book we find again the characters first revealed in Skintight, which was fun naturally, and Wolf's nephew Nicklaus gets added to the mix, who also helped to reveal to the reader what all was going on in the heroes head. At 16, the nephew wasn't as annoying as some kids can be in a romance book, but I did feel he was bit too unbelievable in his actions. I felt like Wolf got off a little too easily considering the kids past ... but, considering the fast pace of the book, it worked.
In the end, Carly and Wolf find out that, on the inside, they are not as unalike as they first thought and the story of discovery ends up to be quite entertaining!
4.5 out of 5!
March 21, 2019
I remember this book being a fun one and after rereading it, I like it even more. The chemistry between the MC was funny, explosive and hot and the Vegas background was an interesting one.
Carly Jacobsen is a Las Vegas showgirl who rescue pets and volunteer at the oncology department to bring a little joy to sick children. She have a big heart, but also a backbone so when the second in command at security where she work act like a grumpy bear, she's not intimidated and doesn't hesitate to answer back when he grumble about her pets, because you see, Wolfgang Jones is also her new neighbor. They rub each other up the wrong way, so why can't she stop thinking about him ? Could it be because she have too much fun bickering with him ?
Wolf didn't always have a choice growing up when it comes to moving out with his parents and relocating. So now his plan is clear : find a steady position as the top-dog in security, even if it means relocating once again and find a wife who'll suit him, one classy and who will agree with him. But two thing will ruin his plan :
1- His mom ask him to temporary take care of his 16 year-old nephew
2-Carly Jacobsen
The woman drive him nuts and would never fit in his plan at all. But it's getting difficult to deny she exercise a magnetic attraction on him. How can a guy like Wolf who have no social life, is work focused and who is uptight become a man who house a teenager and meet with a group of neighbors ?
Like I said, the romance between Carly and Wolf was sexy and oh so satisfying. And the fact that the author made me fall in love with a hot-tempered, moody and sometimes rude hero is a proof of talent, in my book ;p Because he was more than the stern man we met at first. Wolf doesn't know anything about kids and he was not ready for the new responsibility because he didn't see himself as a good influence on Nik, but he tried anyway and committed to make things easier for his nephew. He really cared. What I especially liked about the heroine, beside her heart of gold, is that she wasn't waiting for prince charming. She was confident and she speak her mind when something bother her and that she didn't wait for the hero to save her (because there's also a little danger in this story, but nothing too elaborated).
When I reread a book I own, I decide afterwards if I'm still keeping it or giving it. To be totally honest, I planned on giving this one when I began but now I can't. Just for Kicks is definitively a keeper for me.
Carly Jacobsen is a Las Vegas showgirl who rescue pets and volunteer at the oncology department to bring a little joy to sick children. She have a big heart, but also a backbone so when the second in command at security where she work act like a grumpy bear, she's not intimidated and doesn't hesitate to answer back when he grumble about her pets, because you see, Wolfgang Jones is also her new neighbor. They rub each other up the wrong way, so why can't she stop thinking about him ? Could it be because she have too much fun bickering with him ?
Wolf didn't always have a choice growing up when it comes to moving out with his parents and relocating. So now his plan is clear : find a steady position as the top-dog in security, even if it means relocating once again and find a wife who'll suit him, one classy and who will agree with him. But two thing will ruin his plan :
1- His mom ask him to temporary take care of his 16 year-old nephew
2-Carly Jacobsen
The woman drive him nuts and would never fit in his plan at all. But it's getting difficult to deny she exercise a magnetic attraction on him. How can a guy like Wolf who have no social life, is work focused and who is uptight become a man who house a teenager and meet with a group of neighbors ?
Like I said, the romance between Carly and Wolf was sexy and oh so satisfying. And the fact that the author made me fall in love with a hot-tempered, moody and sometimes rude hero is a proof of talent, in my book ;p Because he was more than the stern man we met at first. Wolf doesn't know anything about kids and he was not ready for the new responsibility because he didn't see himself as a good influence on Nik, but he tried anyway and committed to make things easier for his nephew. He really cared. What I especially liked about the heroine, beside her heart of gold, is that she wasn't waiting for prince charming. She was confident and she speak her mind when something bother her and that she didn't wait for the hero to save her (because there's also a little danger in this story, but nothing too elaborated).
When I reread a book I own, I decide afterwards if I'm still keeping it or giving it. To be totally honest, I planned on giving this one when I began but now I can't. Just for Kicks is definitively a keeper for me.
May 5, 2017
2.5 stars
April 6, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyable, kept me up way past my bedtime. I don’t read a lot of romance that’s older than a decade, but I think I should start. This felt like it had a more unique voice than a lot of what I’ve read lately, and I’m wondering now if the recent explosion in ebooks has resulted in so many clones that they all sort of slither together in feel.
Warm and cozy found family/friend group, great banter between the MCs, unique setting. I’m not sure I’ve ever read a romance that also included a teenager’s POV (as well as both MCs and the villain) but it was intriguing.
I’m going to have to see if those German dog commands work on my two yappy mongrels.
Warm and cozy found family/friend group, great banter between the MCs, unique setting. I’m not sure I’ve ever read a romance that also included a teenager’s POV (as well as both MCs and the villain) but it was intriguing.
I’m going to have to see if those German dog commands work on my two yappy mongrels.
April 25, 2019
Four and a half stars.
Been waiting ages to read this, ever since I finished the previous book, Skintight. Just for Kicks is Susan Andersen's sequel, about Las Vegas showgirl Carly Jacobsen, and security specialist Wolfgang Jones. They couldn't be more dissimilar.
Carly's a big-hearted animal lover, choosing rescues from the local shelter and bringing them on regular supervised visits at the local children's hospital. Sure, her apartment occasionally gets a little messy, but that can be expected when she's exceeded the stated pet limit. Fortunately most of her neighbors are charmed, and are willing turn a blind eye as well as occasionally help with walks and so on when her schedule gets out of hand. Except for the possible exception of Wolfgang...
Wolfgang's got a long-term life plan. Pets and Vegas showgirls definitely aren't on that list. He's dealt with a lot of uncertainty and moving constantly growing up, and he's sure he doesn't want that any longer. When he ends up being his teen nephew's new guardian, he has even more reason to focus on being settled.
But life has a way of shaking us up, and sometimes opposites totally attract. Ms Andersen's story is warm and entertaining. A satisfying and delightful read all around.
Been waiting ages to read this, ever since I finished the previous book, Skintight. Just for Kicks is Susan Andersen's sequel, about Las Vegas showgirl Carly Jacobsen, and security specialist Wolfgang Jones. They couldn't be more dissimilar.
Carly's a big-hearted animal lover, choosing rescues from the local shelter and bringing them on regular supervised visits at the local children's hospital. Sure, her apartment occasionally gets a little messy, but that can be expected when she's exceeded the stated pet limit. Fortunately most of her neighbors are charmed, and are willing turn a blind eye as well as occasionally help with walks and so on when her schedule gets out of hand. Except for the possible exception of Wolfgang...
Wolfgang's got a long-term life plan. Pets and Vegas showgirls definitely aren't on that list. He's dealt with a lot of uncertainty and moving constantly growing up, and he's sure he doesn't want that any longer. When he ends up being his teen nephew's new guardian, he has even more reason to focus on being settled.
But life has a way of shaking us up, and sometimes opposites totally attract. Ms Andersen's story is warm and entertaining. A satisfying and delightful read all around.
March 19, 2010
Just ForKicks (Susan Andersen)
It stared out a bit slow (for my liking) about half way through the book it did pick up with interesting sub plots.
But to me it was a bit predictable. I really Liked the Charaters, Carly was a likable Show girl, and "Wolf" Wolfgang was also a character to grow on you.
Carly is a "quirky" Showgirl, beautiful , sexy and smart. She loves animals and is a bit carefree, but she knows what she wants out of life. Her neighbor Wolfgang drives her crazy with his stoic face, and plans in life.
Wolfgang is the complete opposite. Serious, and has a set agenda in life. Carly drives him crazy with her house full of animals, which she just can't seem to keep in control. But he does find her attractive and sexy. The two have a love/ hate relationship with each other, and soon find they are becoming friends. Add Wolf's 16 year old nephew who was dropped on his doorstep, and the adventures begin.
It stared out a bit slow (for my liking) about half way through the book it did pick up with interesting sub plots.
But to me it was a bit predictable. I really Liked the Charaters, Carly was a likable Show girl, and "Wolf" Wolfgang was also a character to grow on you.
Carly is a "quirky" Showgirl, beautiful , sexy and smart. She loves animals and is a bit carefree, but she knows what she wants out of life. Her neighbor Wolfgang drives her crazy with his stoic face, and plans in life.
Wolfgang is the complete opposite. Serious, and has a set agenda in life. Carly drives him crazy with her house full of animals, which she just can't seem to keep in control. But he does find her attractive and sexy. The two have a love/ hate relationship with each other, and soon find they are becoming friends. Add Wolf's 16 year old nephew who was dropped on his doorstep, and the adventures begin.
March 17, 2014
Carly is a Vegas showgirl living in a condo with her babies—two cats and two dogs. Her next door neighbor not only hates her barking dogs, but is also one of the big security officers in the casino where she works. While she can barely stand to be around the Ice Man next door, she can’t deny the growing chemistry between them.
Wolfgang (Yes, for real. More on the name later.), is as serious about his job as he is about everything in his life. People see him as robotic and cold, but he sees himself as focused on a larger plan for his life. Two things that definitely was not in his plan was to become guardian of his sixteen year old nephew, Nik, or falling for his irresponsible showgirl neighbor.
Okay, this was a fun story. It was sexy & steamy and the characters were likable. That being said, I had a really hard time staying in the moment with a lead male named Wolfgang. So not sexy! There is a line where Carly is introducing him to some friends and she says, “Come meet my Wolf.” For realz! It’s like she is showing off her dog. I get that he is an American born of a German mother, but there are sooooo many sexier German names to pick from. I probably could have over looked it if this were a period piece, but in a contemporary setting—it didn’t do it for me.
Aside from the distracting name and the fact that Carly calls everyone “toots,” I actually liked the characters. Wolfgang actually was sexy in a powerful way. Once his icy exterior begins to thaw and we can see what lies beneath, he’s wonderful! I loved the relationship between him and his nephew Nik. Carly is fun and sexy, without being over the top. Under the Vegas glitz and glam, there is a real person with a big heart. She and Wolfgang work well together.
I can’t wrap this up without discussing Nik a bit. I love this kid! He is sullen and sulky like a typical teen one minute and a fun dynamic person the next. He felt so real to me. Nik was a perfect addition to the Wolfgang character. I don’t know that the character would have warmed up to Carly in a believable way had it not been for Nik.
Overall, I give Just For Kicks…
Plot – 2 ½ bookmarks
Character Development – 3 ½ bookmarks
Love Story – 3 ½ bookmarks
Suspense Storyline – 1 ½ bookmarks
Dream Cast (otherwise known as who I pictured while reading) – Alexander Skarsgard (Wolfgang), Agyness Deyn (Carly), Matt Lanter (Nik)
Wolfgang (Yes, for real. More on the name later.), is as serious about his job as he is about everything in his life. People see him as robotic and cold, but he sees himself as focused on a larger plan for his life. Two things that definitely was not in his plan was to become guardian of his sixteen year old nephew, Nik, or falling for his irresponsible showgirl neighbor.
Okay, this was a fun story. It was sexy & steamy and the characters were likable. That being said, I had a really hard time staying in the moment with a lead male named Wolfgang. So not sexy! There is a line where Carly is introducing him to some friends and she says, “Come meet my Wolf.” For realz! It’s like she is showing off her dog. I get that he is an American born of a German mother, but there are sooooo many sexier German names to pick from. I probably could have over looked it if this were a period piece, but in a contemporary setting—it didn’t do it for me.
Aside from the distracting name and the fact that Carly calls everyone “toots,” I actually liked the characters. Wolfgang actually was sexy in a powerful way. Once his icy exterior begins to thaw and we can see what lies beneath, he’s wonderful! I loved the relationship between him and his nephew Nik. Carly is fun and sexy, without being over the top. Under the Vegas glitz and glam, there is a real person with a big heart. She and Wolfgang work well together.
I can’t wrap this up without discussing Nik a bit. I love this kid! He is sullen and sulky like a typical teen one minute and a fun dynamic person the next. He felt so real to me. Nik was a perfect addition to the Wolfgang character. I don’t know that the character would have warmed up to Carly in a believable way had it not been for Nik.
Overall, I give Just For Kicks…
Plot – 2 ½ bookmarks
Character Development – 3 ½ bookmarks
Love Story – 3 ½ bookmarks
Suspense Storyline – 1 ½ bookmarks
Dream Cast (otherwise known as who I pictured while reading) – Alexander Skarsgard (Wolfgang), Agyness Deyn (Carly), Matt Lanter (Nik)
August 13, 2016
Cute book... great not really but cute.
Carly is a showgirl who like animals more than people. Wolfgang is security at the same casino. And when they end up being neighbors life gets really interesting. Wolfgang has a life mission that does not include staying in Vegas or being involved with a showgirl and than when his nephew comes to live with him his mission goes up in smoke.
Don't judge Susan Andersen only on this book but then if you are a fan already this will still be a good book just not one of her best.
Carly is a showgirl who like animals more than people. Wolfgang is security at the same casino. And when they end up being neighbors life gets really interesting. Wolfgang has a life mission that does not include staying in Vegas or being involved with a showgirl and than when his nephew comes to live with him his mission goes up in smoke.
Don't judge Susan Andersen only on this book but then if you are a fan already this will still be a good book just not one of her best.
December 16, 2008
This was a cute book. It reads a lot like a Carly Phillips novel, in fact, that's who I kept thinking that the author was! I liked the setting in Vegas and I loved that the heroine was a spunky showgirl who'd actually left teaching to be a dancer. It was a fun book, but it could have done without the car accident or the janitor storyline, I think.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2020
This started out fairly fun and eminently forgettable; I ended up DNF'ing when it's revealed that the hero has a FWB relationship with a hooker he kicked out of the casino (where he's security) before. She offered him a "freebie," he didn't take it because he's Just That Noble, and then later they met up and she offered the FWB relationship because he's Just That Hot. It feels uncomfortably exploitative regardless, and it also reads like a way to give the hero an ongoing sexual relationship where the reader doesn't have to feel bad for the other woman - obviously, she's a hooker, so the hero can't be leading her on in any emotional way! Ick. I get that this may not be an issue for other readers, but it was for me, and there was nothing else about the novel that made me feel compelled to keep reading.
Read
February 27, 2023There were some very weird moments in this book.
The teens were oddly sexualized like why were people asking Niklaus if he was dating Carly and it was just a normal thought for them??
Wolf had some very skewed views of women and we kinda just let that slide.
And there were moments where you can blatantly tell an old white lady wrote this, i am the opposite demographic so some parts i was like how did i get here??
However I actually enjoyed this book, it wasn’t anything special but a cute quick read.
Niklaus was adorable. I warmed up to Wolf and he had some banger lines, and Carly could do no wrong.
The teens were oddly sexualized like why were people asking Niklaus if he was dating Carly and it was just a normal thought for them??
Wolf had some very skewed views of women and we kinda just let that slide.
And there were moments where you can blatantly tell an old white lady wrote this, i am the opposite demographic so some parts i was like how did i get here??
However I actually enjoyed this book, it wasn’t anything special but a cute quick read.
Niklaus was adorable. I warmed up to Wolf and he had some banger lines, and Carly could do no wrong.
May 31, 2019
Carly was a fun character (with all her pet babies) but Wolf was quite the jerk. Almost to a point where he was unattractive. I mean, he took in his nephew (because he really didn't have a choice) but the whole stern "I have a plan...this doesn't fit in my plan..." was a little overbearing.
It was ok, but not great. It didn't need the POV of the nephew and the stalker plot line seemed a little forced.
It was ok, but not great. It didn't need the POV of the nephew and the stalker plot line seemed a little forced.
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.
July 2, 2025
crazy but cosy, adorable
hell knows i don't romanticise jobs in the service or entertainment industry.
A showgirl and a security guy? Not my ideals.
the author writes such a cosy family feel with warm characters we don't care
..
it's kinda an everyday man/woman romance.
With spice.
hell knows i don't romanticise jobs in the service or entertainment industry.
A showgirl and a security guy? Not my ideals.
the author writes such a cosy family feel with warm characters we don't care
..
it's kinda an everyday man/woman romance.
With spice.
November 16, 2017
This story should have been steamy hot, but after it had it's hot scene, it went all goody-two-shoes on the romance.
The characters were great and the storyline entertaining, but I had to score this one down for falling flat.
The characters were great and the storyline entertaining, but I had to score this one down for falling flat.
September 18, 2023
super cute 3.75 stars
April 4, 2025
Great book
I love the chemistry between Carly and Wolf . I couldn’t put this book down. So glad everyone got there happy ending.
I love the chemistry between Carly and Wolf . I couldn’t put this book down. So glad everyone got there happy ending.
March 9, 2017
este libro es muchisimo mejor que el anterior de la saga, me encanta la atraccion de los protagonitas. Tambien tiene un poco de intriga por el tema del acosador. Y el que mas me ha gustado ha sido Nik
mi nota... 8
April 27, 2011
Growing up, Wolfgang Jones' family moved from embassy to embassy and he resented the class distinctions each new home brought him. Now that he's grown up, he has a plan and that is to become the head of security in the private sector in Middle America and marry the perfect woman. But he doesn't count on becoming entangled in the life of his annoying, yet oh so sexy Showgirl neighbor Carly Jacobsen. Between her yapping dogs and the nephew who's recently moved in with him though, Wolfgang is forced into spending more time with Carly and the two of them soon embark on a friends with benefits relationship. The relationship is supposed to end once he gets offered his dream job, but when a stalker threatens Carly's life Wolfgang's plans for the future no longer seem so clear and the woman he once thought inappropriate for him now seems perfect.
This is a reissue of an early Susan Andersen book and the second installment in her Showgirls series. The first book in the series is Skintight and it's not necessary to have read it to become enthralled by this story. The characters are likable with believable fears and emotions in a story that flows along beautifully.
Wolfgang Jones is a character that evolves as the story goes along and I became greatly invested in his character seeing the affect Carly has on him and how open he becomes. He learned at an early age to keep to himself so he wouldn't be hurt and Carly drags him out into the world to get him involved in people's lives. You can see their love forming early on through these moments in public where he relies on her and she makes sure he's a part of things. Before long he's relying on her for even more and for a man who's always dealt with things on his own it becomes a subtle declaration of love.
Another large change in Wolfgang's life that brings him out of his shell is his nephew Niklaus moving in. Niklaus is the teenage version of Wolfgang and it made me cry seeing him give Niklaus the time and attention he should've had as a teen. Their relationship brings out the tender side of Wolfgang and you can see why Carly falls in love with him. Niklaus too is an interesting character that a lot of the story revolved around. I enjoyed his character so much that I'd love to see him as an adult in a story of his own. Are you listening Ms. Andersen?
Carly is a strong-willed woman who can take care of herself and a character you can't help but root for. She loves animals, spends time with terminally-ill children, and has lots of wonderfully colorful friends. She has her own family baggage but has put it behind her and you can tell from the moment she comes on the scene that she's exactly what Wolfgang needs to be happy. She's a wonderful character who you'd love to know in real life.
The only disappointing aspect of this book, and it's a very small criticism, is that we know the identity of the stalker very early on. This doesn't at all lessen the enjoyment of the story since this part of the story doesn't play a large part in the overall storyline. It's merely the moment when Wolfgang finally realizes just how important Carly is to him. Except for that one small flaw this is a wonderful book with witty dialogue, memorable secondary characters, and is just as enjoyable to read this time around as when it was first released.
This is a reissue of an early Susan Andersen book and the second installment in her Showgirls series. The first book in the series is Skintight and it's not necessary to have read it to become enthralled by this story. The characters are likable with believable fears and emotions in a story that flows along beautifully.
Wolfgang Jones is a character that evolves as the story goes along and I became greatly invested in his character seeing the affect Carly has on him and how open he becomes. He learned at an early age to keep to himself so he wouldn't be hurt and Carly drags him out into the world to get him involved in people's lives. You can see their love forming early on through these moments in public where he relies on her and she makes sure he's a part of things. Before long he's relying on her for even more and for a man who's always dealt with things on his own it becomes a subtle declaration of love.
Another large change in Wolfgang's life that brings him out of his shell is his nephew Niklaus moving in. Niklaus is the teenage version of Wolfgang and it made me cry seeing him give Niklaus the time and attention he should've had as a teen. Their relationship brings out the tender side of Wolfgang and you can see why Carly falls in love with him. Niklaus too is an interesting character that a lot of the story revolved around. I enjoyed his character so much that I'd love to see him as an adult in a story of his own. Are you listening Ms. Andersen?
Carly is a strong-willed woman who can take care of herself and a character you can't help but root for. She loves animals, spends time with terminally-ill children, and has lots of wonderfully colorful friends. She has her own family baggage but has put it behind her and you can tell from the moment she comes on the scene that she's exactly what Wolfgang needs to be happy. She's a wonderful character who you'd love to know in real life.
The only disappointing aspect of this book, and it's a very small criticism, is that we know the identity of the stalker very early on. This doesn't at all lessen the enjoyment of the story since this part of the story doesn't play a large part in the overall storyline. It's merely the moment when Wolfgang finally realizes just how important Carly is to him. Except for that one small flaw this is a wonderful book with witty dialogue, memorable secondary characters, and is just as enjoyable to read this time around as when it was first released.
December 19, 2012
Susan Andersen takes us back to the world of Las Vegas showgirls, where Treena McCall and Jax Gallagher last met and fell in love. This story is about Treena’s best friend, co-worker, and neighbor, Carly Jacobsen. Carly is tall, blonde, beautiful, and built, and she’s also big-hearted and fun-loving. Like the other characters, Carly has wounds from her past and had felt herself a misfit until realizing she fit in right where she was, and made a family with similar people who also built their lives in Sin City. Carly doesn’t expect to add her uptight neighbor, security expert Wolfgang Jones, to the group because they detest each other. Carly tends to live in the moment while Wolf doesn’t do anything he hasn’t planned as carefully as a chess move, including his sex life. That all changes one day when they accidentally land in each other’s arms and all but go up in flames. Intense animosity becomes red hot lust, and they find themselves sucked inexorably into an all-consuming affair. At the same time, Wolf’s nephew Niklaus lands on his doorstep after nearly 17 years of being dragged from place to place by his flighty mother. Wolf, who had always found it safest to be solitary, suddenly finds himself a parent with a lover and burgeoning friendships. Nik, prepared to hate everyone and keep his distance from his rigid uncle, instead finds himself with a group of friends and a girl, as well as developing love and respect for his uncle.
Though there was only one very long, very well-written sex scene, this book is nevertheless very hot as it details not only the lust but the budding of very important, very deep feelings that can sometimes go with it. It doesn’t stop there, though. It also dealt lightly with a teenage romance from the boy’s point of view, and showed how the warmth of the love of friends can create a surrogate family for people whose lives have been fractured in one way or another. Wolf is an especially endearing character as he opens up from his “solitary is safe” stance to becoming a good parent to Nik and tumbling head over heels for Carly.
The focus of this book is very different from Andersen’s last, “Skintight,” which detailed a lot of the work that goes into being a showgirl. This one was more about cracking open wounded hearts and the healing power of many kinds of love, from burning romance to the bond with man’s best friend. Susan Andersen has always written excellent modern romance, and this book really shows her stuff. She brings us her familiar sense of humor while humanizing larger than life characters. These people have flaws and vulnerabilities, and are so real you can almost touch them. I can’t wait to see where the imagination of Susan Andersen will take me next.
Though there was only one very long, very well-written sex scene, this book is nevertheless very hot as it details not only the lust but the budding of very important, very deep feelings that can sometimes go with it. It doesn’t stop there, though. It also dealt lightly with a teenage romance from the boy’s point of view, and showed how the warmth of the love of friends can create a surrogate family for people whose lives have been fractured in one way or another. Wolf is an especially endearing character as he opens up from his “solitary is safe” stance to becoming a good parent to Nik and tumbling head over heels for Carly.
The focus of this book is very different from Andersen’s last, “Skintight,” which detailed a lot of the work that goes into being a showgirl. This one was more about cracking open wounded hearts and the healing power of many kinds of love, from burning romance to the bond with man’s best friend. Susan Andersen has always written excellent modern romance, and this book really shows her stuff. She brings us her familiar sense of humor while humanizing larger than life characters. These people have flaws and vulnerabilities, and are so real you can almost touch them. I can’t wait to see where the imagination of Susan Andersen will take me next.
September 24, 2012
www.laris-buecherkiste.blogspot.de
Erster Satz:
"Ich weiß nicht, was ich noch mit ihm machen soll", klagte Carly Jacobsen.
Meine Meinung:
Buchgestaltung:
Kein außergewöhnliches Cover, aber es passt zum Buch und dessen Inhalt, was bei Frauenromanen ja nicht immer der Fall ist.
Handlung:
Carly ist leidenschaftliche Besitzerin zweier Hunde und zweier Katzen, besonders ihr Neuankömmling Rufus hat ihre ganze Aufmerksamkeit und die ihres kaltherzigen Nachbarn Wolf Jones inne. Denn Jones hasst das alltägliche Gekläffe des Welpen, der sich von Carly nichts sagen lässt, jedoch auf Wolfs deutsche Kommandos reagiert. Dies hat Carly gar nicht gerne. Beide arbeiten zudem noch im selben Hotel/ Kasino: Carly als Showgirl und Wolf als Security Guard. Als dann auch noch Nicholas, Jones' Neffe, bei ihm einzieht, ist das Chaos perfekt. Denn er will seinen Onkel mit seiner Nachbarin verkuppeln, damit Wolf von seinen Zukunftsplänen, die sich alle außerhalb Vegas abspielen, abkommt und er endlich mal in den Genuss eines dauerhaften Wohnsitzes kommt...
Die Handlung ist nichts Neues, man weiß natürlich am Anfang schon wie es am Ende ausgeht, aber das ist ja bei vielen Romanen aus diesem Genre so, deswegen sehe ich darin kein Kritikpunkt, denn es ist etwas für Zwischendurch und kein Buch, dass einem noch Tage danach im Kopf herumspukt. Es ist vor allem sehr witzig und romantisch, aber auch Spannung kommt im Laufe der Geschichte auf, denn immer wieder erhält der Leser Einsicht in die Sichtweise einer anderen Person, die noch ihre Rolle spielen wird.
Charaktere:
Die Personen in diesem Buch haben mir so ziemlich alle sehr gut gefallen. Besondern Nicholas, Jones' pubertierender Neffe, war mein Lieblingscharakter, der ebenfalls manchmal seine eigene Sichtweise erhält. Doch auch die Hauptprotagonisten waren sympathisch und authentisch und man fiebert gerne mit ihnen mit.
Sprache:
Das Buch lässt sich flüssig lesen, Susan Andersens Schreibstil ist sehr angenehm und ich werde auf jeden Fall noch weitere Bücher von ihr lesen! Was mich allerdings bei amerikanischen Autoren, die deutschstämmige Protagonisten haben, stört, ist, dass sie wohl alte deutsche Namen für die typischen halten. Dies war nicht nur hier der Fall (siehe: Wolfgang), aber auch bei einigen anderen Büchern. Vielleicht sollte man die Amis mal aufklären, dass es hier auch ganz normale, moderne Namen gibt, denn ich finde es immer etwas komisch Bücher mit solchen Namen zu lesen...
Mein Fazit:
Ein schöner Frauenroman für Zwischendurch, Romantik und Humor. Tolle Charaktere, jedoch vorherhsehbare Handlung. Ein Buch für die gute Laune :).
Erster Satz:
"Ich weiß nicht, was ich noch mit ihm machen soll", klagte Carly Jacobsen.
Meine Meinung:
Buchgestaltung:
Kein außergewöhnliches Cover, aber es passt zum Buch und dessen Inhalt, was bei Frauenromanen ja nicht immer der Fall ist.
Handlung:
Carly ist leidenschaftliche Besitzerin zweier Hunde und zweier Katzen, besonders ihr Neuankömmling Rufus hat ihre ganze Aufmerksamkeit und die ihres kaltherzigen Nachbarn Wolf Jones inne. Denn Jones hasst das alltägliche Gekläffe des Welpen, der sich von Carly nichts sagen lässt, jedoch auf Wolfs deutsche Kommandos reagiert. Dies hat Carly gar nicht gerne. Beide arbeiten zudem noch im selben Hotel/ Kasino: Carly als Showgirl und Wolf als Security Guard. Als dann auch noch Nicholas, Jones' Neffe, bei ihm einzieht, ist das Chaos perfekt. Denn er will seinen Onkel mit seiner Nachbarin verkuppeln, damit Wolf von seinen Zukunftsplänen, die sich alle außerhalb Vegas abspielen, abkommt und er endlich mal in den Genuss eines dauerhaften Wohnsitzes kommt...
Die Handlung ist nichts Neues, man weiß natürlich am Anfang schon wie es am Ende ausgeht, aber das ist ja bei vielen Romanen aus diesem Genre so, deswegen sehe ich darin kein Kritikpunkt, denn es ist etwas für Zwischendurch und kein Buch, dass einem noch Tage danach im Kopf herumspukt. Es ist vor allem sehr witzig und romantisch, aber auch Spannung kommt im Laufe der Geschichte auf, denn immer wieder erhält der Leser Einsicht in die Sichtweise einer anderen Person, die noch ihre Rolle spielen wird.
Charaktere:
Die Personen in diesem Buch haben mir so ziemlich alle sehr gut gefallen. Besondern Nicholas, Jones' pubertierender Neffe, war mein Lieblingscharakter, der ebenfalls manchmal seine eigene Sichtweise erhält. Doch auch die Hauptprotagonisten waren sympathisch und authentisch und man fiebert gerne mit ihnen mit.
Sprache:
Das Buch lässt sich flüssig lesen, Susan Andersens Schreibstil ist sehr angenehm und ich werde auf jeden Fall noch weitere Bücher von ihr lesen! Was mich allerdings bei amerikanischen Autoren, die deutschstämmige Protagonisten haben, stört, ist, dass sie wohl alte deutsche Namen für die typischen halten. Dies war nicht nur hier der Fall (siehe: Wolfgang), aber auch bei einigen anderen Büchern. Vielleicht sollte man die Amis mal aufklären, dass es hier auch ganz normale, moderne Namen gibt, denn ich finde es immer etwas komisch Bücher mit solchen Namen zu lesen...
Mein Fazit:
Ein schöner Frauenroman für Zwischendurch, Romantik und Humor. Tolle Charaktere, jedoch vorherhsehbare Handlung. Ein Buch für die gute Laune :).
July 31, 2016
Fun little story with some strong characters. Wolfgang Jones is the #2 security guy at a Las Vegas casino and his next door neighbor, Carly Jacobsen is a showgirl. Their personalities clash dramatically. Jones wants out of Vegas, he wants to be in charge of his own security team, and he wants to find a mild, respectable woman for his wife. Carly, on the other hand, enjoys life, her friends, her pets, and doing volunteer work for children with cancer. She thinks Jones is too uptight and Wolfgang thinks Carly is too undisciplined. It isn't until Wolfgang is left in charge of his 16-year-old nephew, who has his own hang-ups about money and being uprooted all the time, that Carly and Wolfgang begin to see the romantic possibilities in each other.
I love how realistic the issues are facing Wolfgang and his nephew, Niklaus. Their interactions, their thoughts, and how they behave seem perfectly understandable given their pasts. Carly's background and how she deals with it, are not as well-developed in the story. She is a great character, nevertheless, with a wonderfully witty and sarcastic personality - but her struggles/issues don't ring as true as those faced by Wolfgang and Nik.
I love how realistic the issues are facing Wolfgang and his nephew, Niklaus. Their interactions, their thoughts, and how they behave seem perfectly understandable given their pasts. Carly's background and how she deals with it, are not as well-developed in the story. She is a great character, nevertheless, with a wonderfully witty and sarcastic personality - but her struggles/issues don't ring as true as those faced by Wolfgang and Nik.
December 8, 2011
This installment was way better than her first offering in the Vegas series but not by too much. This story features the bland hero of "Wolfgang" (I kid you not) and Carly. Carly loves life and will do anything for her friends. Wolfgang is a pretty buttoned down security specialist at the place where Carly works and even though he can appreciate her physical form. For him she has trouble written all over her and all he wants is a quite, steady life, with a secure job, a nice wife and a white picket fence. Everything about Carly rubs him the wrong way and then insult to his injury is they live in the same complex.
This book was interesting in that the man is the one who wants to "put a ring on it" while the girl would be happy with rolling along in her life because she is pretty content. This is not to say this is a bad book it is just that Ms. Andersen has written some great stuff that has made her an auto-buy for me and after reading the first book in the series I was leery and I did not rush out to get this one but I am glad some of the Andersen form is back... Just a bit.
This book was interesting in that the man is the one who wants to "put a ring on it" while the girl would be happy with rolling along in her life because she is pretty content. This is not to say this is a bad book it is just that Ms. Andersen has written some great stuff that has made her an auto-buy for me and after reading the first book in the series I was leery and I did not rush out to get this one but I am glad some of the Andersen form is back... Just a bit.
June 14, 2010
I really liked the characters in this book. I enjoyed the storyline and would definitely read this one again.
Las Vegas showgirl Carly Jacobsen keeps finding out the hard way that her idea of fun differs radically from that of her neighbor Wolfgang Jones. Sure, he looks incredible, and he seems to have a thing for her legs, but the man's a robot. So what's with their chemistry?
Wolf has noticed Carly's legs, because they're always tangled up in leashes attached to her ridiculous assortment of pets. She's a pain, she's wacky, she's always in the way and yet for some reason he can't keep her out of his thoughts.
When a moment of weakness leads to some serious sheet-scorching sex, the two discover at least one area where they do both have fun. But outside the bedroom the stakes are getting higher, and love might come down to a roll of the dice…
Las Vegas showgirl Carly Jacobsen keeps finding out the hard way that her idea of fun differs radically from that of her neighbor Wolfgang Jones. Sure, he looks incredible, and he seems to have a thing for her legs, but the man's a robot. So what's with their chemistry?
Wolf has noticed Carly's legs, because they're always tangled up in leashes attached to her ridiculous assortment of pets. She's a pain, she's wacky, she's always in the way and yet for some reason he can't keep her out of his thoughts.
When a moment of weakness leads to some serious sheet-scorching sex, the two discover at least one area where they do both have fun. But outside the bedroom the stakes are getting higher, and love might come down to a roll of the dice…
May 2, 2014
Quando vado all'Ipercoop sguscio sempre al reparto libri, perché è ben fornito per la Harmony. Quindi, quando ho sbirciato la trama di questo libro - premetto che non ho mai letto niente della Andersen - ho pensato: benissimo, una donna che balla per sedurre, proprio il libro che mi ci vuole! Ma va... Niente ballo :blink: Neanche una volta! Insomma... Carly è una showgirl: io volevo sapere tutto su quel mondo :woot: Fregata alla grande <_< Sì, Wolf è un gran fico e, Dio mi è testimone, vorrei essere baciata da lui con ogni fibra del mio essere... Ma la storia non mi ha entusiasmato. C'erano le basi per un romance/suspense in stile Beth Kery, con lo stalker, invece l'autrice si è persa raccontando fatti di cui non me ne fregava niente e concedendo spazio anche ai personaggi secondari. Odio quando lo fanno -_- Vabbè, che devo dire? Altro errore d'acquisto. Imparerò mai? >.<
March 30, 2015
It wasn't until 200 pages in that Wolfgang got his much needed personality transplant. That's 2/3rds of the way in. A long wait for a story to get interesting.
This was my first Susan Andersen book. She's been around for some time; that might be why she employed every tired trick there is to writing a romance. Like if a book has a hot guy behind the bar you can be sure he's more than a guy who pours drinks. He's the owner or a millionaire doing a favor for a friend. And so Andersen's showgirl turns out to be more than a dancer with well placed jewels. And then there is the rescuer-of-animals trick.
I will admit to finding some fun dialogue near the end. And I got a laugh at the cover. Really? That's a showgirl wearing a bathing suit with a skirt? hahaha
Nothing new or extraordinary in this book. The story left a lot to be desired.
This was my first Susan Andersen book. She's been around for some time; that might be why she employed every tired trick there is to writing a romance. Like if a book has a hot guy behind the bar you can be sure he's more than a guy who pours drinks. He's the owner or a millionaire doing a favor for a friend. And so Andersen's showgirl turns out to be more than a dancer with well placed jewels. And then there is the rescuer-of-animals trick.
I will admit to finding some fun dialogue near the end. And I got a laugh at the cover. Really? That's a showgirl wearing a bathing suit with a skirt? hahaha
Nothing new or extraordinary in this book. The story left a lot to be desired.
August 24, 2009
Being biased and not too impressed with the first book of this series, I found myself scannng this book at times as well. (it became obvious as to what Anderson was trying to say, so I skimmed.) Nonetheless, I did find the book to keep enticing me to the end of the book.
The story continues with Las Vegas showgirl, Carly Jacobsen falling for her irritating, overbearning, non-emotional neighbor, Wolfgang. Wolfgang, has as master plan in his life that he concocted since the age of 16. Unfortunately, for Carly she isn't a part of her hunky neighbors plan.
A cute story that was filled with obstacles that the perky Carly had to overcome and obstacles for Wolfgang to get through to find his happy place. I would rate this story 3.5.
The story continues with Las Vegas showgirl, Carly Jacobsen falling for her irritating, overbearning, non-emotional neighbor, Wolfgang. Wolfgang, has as master plan in his life that he concocted since the age of 16. Unfortunately, for Carly she isn't a part of her hunky neighbors plan.
A cute story that was filled with obstacles that the perky Carly had to overcome and obstacles for Wolfgang to get through to find his happy place. I would rate this story 3.5.
May 22, 2011
gave it 3 stars, because i MOSTLY liked it. i was sorta into the whole vegas thing - when you're there as a tourist, the people who actually work there - showgirls, etc. - seem make believe. so its interesting to see the inner life of one. unfortunately, heroine doesn't have much of an inner life. quirky, because that's necessary for a contemporary romance. adopts stray animals. whoopee. so do i. crazy ass hot body - ok, now we're talking....
but as a pp has said - the over use of the word 'toots' is totally grating. and although i did like the hero, the barely there brush with his father - he who has made hero think the way he does - seems so contrived.
would i recommend? sure. if you love the author, you won't be disappointed.
but as a pp has said - the over use of the word 'toots' is totally grating. and although i did like the hero, the barely there brush with his father - he who has made hero think the way he does - seems so contrived.
would i recommend? sure. if you love the author, you won't be disappointed.
January 8, 2014
A fun contemporary romance that managed to have a bit of a point. Carly and Wolfgang grew on me as characters (talk about opposites!), and I liked seeing a side of Vegas that didn't involve mobsters for a change. I would have liked to have seen more of Carly's rescue dog work -- it seemed to be really important to her but didn't have much time compared to her work as a showgirl.
Carly loves her dogs and cats, but her noisy new dog is bothering her uptight next-door neighbor, Wolfgang. Wolfgang has a Plan for his life, and it doesn't involve Carly or babysitting his 16-year-old nephew Niklaus. Niklaus bonds with Carly and conspires to bring Wolfgang and Carly together to foil Wolfgang's Plan.
Carly loves her dogs and cats, but her noisy new dog is bothering her uptight next-door neighbor, Wolfgang. Wolfgang has a Plan for his life, and it doesn't involve Carly or babysitting his 16-year-old nephew Niklaus. Niklaus bonds with Carly and conspires to bring Wolfgang and Carly together to foil Wolfgang's Plan.
December 25, 2015
Very nice! Wolf and Carly had an actual relationship and more going on between them but just sex (and the sex was very nice). I do wish he had spoken more German though - and said something besides just Gott. There are some great endearments in German, although the body part translations were fun.
At first I thought the nephew was a bit too much as a plot device - especially since if he wanted to play soccer where could be better than Germany? He added a lot to the story and to their relationship though. I liked the way Carly and Nic interacted - she was his friend without trying to be his new mom or take over for Wolf.
Another great book from Susan Anderson;I'm working my way through everything of hers in my library system. :-)
At first I thought the nephew was a bit too much as a plot device - especially since if he wanted to play soccer where could be better than Germany? He added a lot to the story and to their relationship though. I liked the way Carly and Nic interacted - she was his friend without trying to be his new mom or take over for Wolf.
Another great book from Susan Anderson;I'm working my way through everything of hers in my library system. :-)
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