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Just For Kicks (Showgirls #2)

by Susan Andersen (Goodreads Author)

3.76 · rating details · 547 ratings · 40 reviews

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

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Mass Market Paperbound, 379 pages

Published August 1st 2006 by Mira Books

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May 11, 2010

Zeek rated it

Shelves: favorite-author-all-time, contemp-rom, romance, own

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 ...moreI 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!(less)

like 5 likes

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May 09, 2011

Leah, Wiggle Wiggle Wiggle Wiggle Wiggle Yeah rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: 2-stars, get-on-medication-youre-so-bipolar, secondary-love-plots-make-me-swoon, wheres-the-bonfire, scars-and-tats-and-piercings-oh-my, slap-a-bitch, horrible-heroine-alert, its-all-in-the-accent, book-cover-skank

2.5 stars

I love Susan Andersen. So I really wanted to like this book. I really, really did. I've loved everything else that I've read by Susan Andersen so far, and so I started out confident that I was going to love it. And it started out good, making me laugh. Then it started sucking. And sucking. And sucking. The description on the back cover made this book sound good. And like I said, I really wanted to like this book. Maybe if I had read the first book of the series first, ...more

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Mar 19, 2010

Sheri rated it

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 Wol...more

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Jun 14, 2010

Mom rated it

Shelves: read-during-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 rid...more

· see review

Apr 27, 2011

Jody rated it

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 fo...moreGrowing 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. (less)

· see review

May 22, 2011

gert rated it

· review of another edition

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 w...more

· see review

Aug 23, 2009

Trang Nguyen rated it

Shelves: contemporary-romance, light-reads, read-in-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. ...more

· see review

Sep 19, 2011

Cristina Contilli added it · review of another edition

Un'ora prima Carly avrebbe potuto guardarlo uscire dalla sua vita senza un fremito. Forse le sarebbe potuto dispiacee, ma avrebbe conservato i bei ricordi e sarebbe andata avanti. In quel momento invece il solo pensiero che lui potesse andarsene...
per inseguire il suo lavoro dei sogni le faceva un male del diavolo."

Un romanzo rosa-erotico sugli opposti che si attraggono: Wolf è preciso, organizzato, "impacchettato" (come direbbe una mia amica!!!), mentre C...more

· see review

Feb 03, 2012

Kimberly rated it

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 ...more

· see review

Apr 12, 2011

Tatrd rated it

Wolfgang Jones & Carly Jacobsen
She's a Vegas showgirl who adopts stray pets. He's in security at the same casino who wants to get out of Vegas and head his own security team for corporate middle American and marry a school teacher. He doesn't show any emotion and never smiles. His 16 year old nephew moves in with him. He and Carly have chemistry so they agree to a no-strings-attached physical arrangement since Carly doesn't want to get married and knows Wolf is moving.
Review

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Oct 04, 2011

Shh I'm reading! rated it

I love a good opposites attracts story. Especially when they realize they are as different as they thought. Wolf, an uptight controlling security for a Las Vegas casino, and Carly, the carefree showgirl are neighbors and co-workers. Their instant dislike of each other could only give way to an explosive chemistry that felt genuine and was great to read. The secondary characters were great as well. Definitely an enjoyable book.

· see review

Jul 14, 2010

Mary Lou rated it

That’s what the relationship between the dancer & security man was supposed to be. In the meantime there’s enough sex for me to get in some practice scanning for conversation. His master plan doesn’t include becoming responsible for a teenage nephew. She rescues dogs & cats which she takes to visit the local kids’ cancer unit. There's a bit of a power struggle between them.

· see review

Jun 14, 2011

Bookwormgirl rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: a-z-book-reading-chalange-2011, romance

I loved the dogs. This was a decent story that is perfect for reading by a pool.

I know I would not have put in my re-read pile, but I needed a title for J in the A-Z Book Challenge. Still was entertaining the second time around, due to the fact I had forgotten a large part of the story. (so many books, so many plots...*sigh*..the memory just ain't what it used to be.)

· see review

Jul 20, 2009

Heather rated it

i loved this book! wolfgang is stubborn and hardheaded and i wanted him lolz this book made me want to keep reading it over and over. i loved how everything in the book happened. how carly was getting stalked there are some crazy people out there that are like that...and it was good when they arrested him. and she kicked him in the balls lolz

· see review

Aug 21, 2011

Ashley Deniz rated it

Good book. Very similar to a lot of others but what do you expect with romance novels? I did like the supporting characters, they add a lot of flavor to the book which is nice. This is the 2nd book in this series but I did not feel like I missed anything by not reading the first. Overall, it's a good, easy read for a romance novel.

· see review

Sep 01, 2010

Holly rated it

Shelves: z144-books-in-2010, y-august-2010, y-re-read-in-2010

This was a cute story. I love that with SA the focus of her stories are the couple, not the plot. There's a minor plot here with a stalker guy who's after Carly, but it takes a backseat to the story of Carly and Wolf, which is refreshing. Watching Wolf come undone and Carly settle down was nice. And I liked the nephew, too.

· see review

Nov 15, 2011

Jenna Small rated it

· review of another edition

This was super cute! I wished there was more detail on her job as a showgirl not that the elaboration would've helped or hurt it. The relationship between the main characters was adorable. Every relationship was cute! It wasn't worthy of any bestseller lists, but it was worth a reread when I need a feelgood.

· see review

Aug 16, 2011

R*beth*h Hart rated it

Straightlaced Wolfgang can be unraveled!! Who would have guessed? Certainly not his Las Vegas showgirl neighbor but when his teen nephew shows up and stirs up his world along with that annoyingly wacky girl with a number of noisy pawed friends the ice cracks and in amusing ways by the talented Anderson!

· see review

May 11, 2011

Splage rated it

· review of another edition

3- 3 1/2 star. Enjoyable, pleasant read. Loved heroine, hero grew on me, but I never fell head over heels for him. Lots of good secondary characters. Very predictable, but still cute. Loved the first book in series Skin Tight and all the characters from that book were in this one as well.

· see review

Mar 29, 2010

Justin rated it

Shelves: at-library

Not my favorite Susan Andersen novel so far, but I did enjoy it. I didn't really, truly get into the story until almost half way through, but once I did I couldn't wait to find out if there was a happily ever after for these characters.

· see review

Dec 07, 2011

Jeanette Murray rated it

Shelves: contemporary-romance

I just loved imagining Wolf's voice in my head. Something about the combo of the hair and his voice really did it for me. And how much Carly tied him up in knots. Fun watching him get taken down a peg.

· see review

May 12, 2011

Dawnie rated it

This had all the good elements needed in a romance..comedy and angst. I zipped right through this and liked her friend well enough, that I might go back and read the first book in this series.

· see review

Dec 08, 2011

Malle rated it

This was my first Susan Andersen and I really really liked it. Fun, well-written contemporary romance with real characters.

· see review

Jul 27, 2011

Cathy Yardley rated it

Fun read... I've read a few of Susan's now, and I enjoy them. Light, hits emotional buttons, but ties up neatly.

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Dec 16, 2008

Courtney rated it

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

like 1 like

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Jul 28, 2009

Haylie rated it

Shelves: romance

a fun book to just read on a bad day...make you laugh and appreciate the women who deal with arrogant men.

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Jan 02, 2010

Katie rated it

Steamy. A showgirl is irritated / falls in love with her uptight neighbor/ security guard at work.

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Jan 15, 2010

Gamatst rated it

Shelves: contemporary

A good follow up to Skintight, I always like continuing characters. I enjoyed both books very much

· see review

Aug 10, 2009

Colleen rated it

A great read. Very cute, funny, and entertaining.

· see review

Jul 11, 2011

Carrie rated it

Good summer read. Wish there had been more background on the characters, but evidently this is a companion novel, where some of the other character's had their story before.

A fun, easy read with some romance and action.

· see review

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About Susan Andersen

I 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 ...moreI 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.(less)

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Just For Kicks (Showgirls #2)

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