Just For Kicks

I told ya, I've been a reading fool lately! This makes four posts in a row for me and I still have several more to go, AND I'm going to the mall in a nearby town tomorrow, and this mall has a book store, so I will have many more reviews coming up! I also see that our stat counter is going up, up, UP, yet comments are still sparse. Drop us a line, wouldya? That way we know what you think. Let us know how we can improve and if there is a book you'd like to see our thoughts on. We love comments here! So don't be shy and jump right in!!!

I also want to give a big THANK YOU! to author R.L. LaFevers , she is the wonderful one that made it possible for us to run our first ever contest , for her generous donation of two sets of her Lowthar's Blade Trilogy for my schools library! I have already told the librarians and they are super excited! We have over 1,000 kids in our school this year, and unfortunately, our library is seriously outdated and in need of books. The kids are so totally gonna dig these books!

And now, without further ado.......

Just For Kicks by Susan Andersen
(Back Cover Copy)

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 is 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...

I just want to know who the hell wrote that dribble? First of all, Wolf never, NOT ONCE, in the entire book runs into Carly as she is walking her dogs. Second of all, the only unruly dog she has would be Rufus, and his main problem is barking. Third of all, I can, in all honesty say, that I don't remember Wolf being that obsessed with Carly's legs. He's a guy, so yeah, he mentions them some, but give me a break, she's a SHOW GIRL, of course he's gonna notice those legs!

Also, in this book Wolf finds himself the guardian of his nephew - and I want you to listen up you BCC writers - THIS PLAYS A BIG PART IN THE BOOK!!!! If I were new to Andersen's books, I probably would not have given this one a second glance. And that would have been YOUR fault! It also would have been a shame, because this book is really, really very good.

At the start of every book, Anderson writes the reader a little note telling us about the book. THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN ON THE BACK COVER! She describes the book so well. She captures the essence of what it is all about. FAMILY. Believe it or not. This book is more about family than not. Wolf and his nephew. Carly and the family of friends she has assembled.

Anderson has a way with the pen, dear blog reader. She has a knack for capturing your heart and heating your blood all at the same time. Carly is a kind hearted show girl working in an up-scale Vegas casino. Wolf is a hard ass Security Specialist working at the same casino. They also happen to be neighbors.

Carly has a soft spot for animals, especially those that have no where else to go. Her menagerie is a lovable lot, and you find yourself wishing you had all of these great animals. The main source of Carly and Wolf's tension is her one barking dog, and I have to say, I can relate. Our neighbors have a dog that barks ALL DAMN NIGHT. Drives me up a wall some nights.

Wolf has no soft spots. Well, that's what you think when you first meet him. This doesn't make him unlikeable though. In fact, it sort of made me feel sorry for him. He has a plan and he has been focusing on that plan since he was 16. He was an army brat, and being uprooted from city to city, country to country, and embassy to embassy, he wants nothing more than to accomplish his goals and find the stability he craves.

When Wolf's parents show up to leave his nephew with him, Wolf's life is turned upside down. By this point he has already discovered he shares physical chemistry with Carly, but it is his nephew, Nik, that helps to bring him and Carly together even more.

I loved that Andersen gave Nik a voice in this book. Seeing things from his POV was a real eye opener, and she wrote him so very well. I don't think every one could write a 17 year old boy better than she did.

Combine all of the above with some seriously hot and steamy scenes and a stalker and you have an excellent book. Just For Kicks is the follow up book to Skintight so we get to see some of the characters from that one in this. Andersen stayed true to those characters and I cannot thank her enough for that. This is a stand alone though, so don't worry if you haven't read Skintight you don't need to in order to follow along. It is just nice to see old friends again.

I love all of Andersen's books, but I think this one may have kicked her book Hot & Bothered to the number 2 slot for me. Both books are incredibly touching and did I mention HOT!!!!

Take Care