Love breaks the offside rule in New York Times bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken’s irresistibly sexy Red Card romance. Successful, high-profile sports agent Matt Kingston thinks he can handle anything. Then soccer player Parker Speedman shows up at his door. She is young and gorgeous, has natural talent, and is looking for a team. She’s also a hothead with a punchy past who floored her last … who floored her last coach on live TV. Despite his misgivings, Matt agrees to be both her agent and her coach. Professional common sense says she’s off-limits. But what can he say about the raw attraction between them?
Parker plays soccer with her heart and soul. But after the events of the last year, she’s shaken. She’s already seen what a powerful man can do to a female athlete’s career. And her beloved dream is in the hands of a sexy, gorgeous man with the uncanny ability to slip past her defenses…and into her heart.
Now Matt and Parker are about to learn that when it comes to love, the only way to win is by breaking every rule they know. And by playing nice. Real nice.
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Matt and Parker deliver a sexy, compelling and fun road to love. Matt is agent extraordinaire and Parker is in desperate need of his kind of help to repair her reputation and get signed with a soccer team. When Matt’s little sister calls and needs a place to stay, he never expects Parker to be part of the deal. From their first meeting, the sparks and snark fly showing that these two definitely have the chemistry. But Matt is all professional as he does decide to help Parker as he sees her true passion for the sport. Parker is battling many demons as she tries to cope with all the challenges of the past year. She shows amazing strength and true grit as she pushes through to ensure her dream doesn’t fade away. I was very surprised with the timeliness of this story with today’s issues and felt every heart-breaking moment Parker endured. I loved how well this issue was delivered and handled, allowing me to feel all the pain that someone might ensure in a similar situation. But most of all, I love how Parker, someone who has been alone for so long has found a family to support her. It started with one amazing friend, Willow, Matt’s younger sister, shoe shopper extraordinaire and soon to be amazing agent in her own right, I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
Another winner by Rachel Van Dyken with great lead and supporting characters. Was so excited to see Jagger and Slade again. Willow just made me smile.
Loved watching Matt and Parker open up to each other. This book was full of sweet, sexy and sassy moments. I liked how a serious subject matter was dealt with in a way that didn’t feel forced.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC received via NetGalley
Red Card, Book Two…
One of the eleventy billion reasons why I love Rachel Van Dyken’s stories is how she can take a hot button, relative issue and make it resonate with everyone.
Another reason? I am so glad you asked! It’s the humor she brings to her romance. I absolutely flove to laugh out loud when I am reading a story and Kickin’ It does just that!
This is Matt and Parker’s story. And I absolutely fell in love with the both of them. What Parker went through was horrible and tragic. How she tried to overcome that, and how everyone let her down before, just made me want to hug her and stand behind her. Just like Matt did.
I also enjoyed the realistic approach that both Matt and Parker had with their relationship. They knew what had to happen to make it work and that’s what they did.
The dialogue was witty, fresh and hysterical! The smexy times were just gahhhh melt my heart into a puddle why don’t ya.
Even though sports romances aren’t usually my jive, you cannot go wrong with this story! It’s about so much more than just the world of soccer! I absolutely love Rachel’s stories and cannot wait to see what comes from her brilliant mind next!
Kickin’ It by Rachel van Dyken
Since being introduced to the world of Rachel van Dyken and her incredible story telling abilities I have devoured everything she writes! Kickin’ It is book two in the Red Card series and can be read as a stand-alone, but why would you want to when everything Van Dyken writes is worth 5-stars. Once again, this book is over the top swoon worthy. The story has great characters with some steamy romance and not only sports action but a little criminal mystery to go with it. This is a must read for your summer book list, which I highly suggest you put at the very top. Worthy of 5 points, I mean stars, Kickin’ It is a game winning book for Rachel Van Dyken.
Parker Speedman has graduated college and is now looking for her big break into the pro soccer world. With her best Willow, Parker moves to Seattle where she will be staying with Willow and Willow’s brother Matt Kingston. Matt just happens to be a sports agent and Willow is going to intern with his company for the summer, while Parker hopes to get Matt to represent her. Matt will have his work cut out for him because not only does he feel an immediate pull towards his unwanted houseguest, but Parker has an anger management issue and a reputation for being violent and loudmouth with her coaches. After just a few weeks with Parker, Matt can see there is more to her story then just having a diva’s attitude, somewhere under her tough exterior Parker has been broken. Parker starts to slowly trust Matt and now that she has let her guard down, she hopes on Kickin’ It on a new soccer team and hopefully in a new relationship?
Everyone has their secrets, even if it is just hiding how you truly feel about someone. Kickin’ It explores the discovery of finding your strength in yourself and where it can take you.
Romance novels with a message, you can’t go wrong with this book. Another amazing book, by Rachel Van Dyken. Someday I would love to be in a room with some of her characters!
I recieved an advanced reader copy of this book with the agreement of providing an honest review.
Kickin’ It is such a great story that will make you laugh out loud, make you angry,and make you love again kinda book. Rachel scores big with this book. This is a sports romance I totally loved and recommend you to read.!
It’s time for the second half
Round 2 for the “Red Card Series”.
Kickin It is the second book in this series and in my humble opinion is even better than the first (which also already was amazing, btw).
Matt Kingston is a successful sports agent who ends up with his little sister Willow talking her way into his business and dragging along her best friend, Parker Speedman, who also happens to be an upcoming soccer star.
He soon agrees to be not only Parker’s agent but also her coach for upcoming try-outs, cause, let’s face it, he immediately knows he is not letting anyone getting near her enough to touch her.
The chemistry between Matt and Parker is sizzling right from the beginning. Especially as both of them try to fight it due to professional reasons as well as a not so small difference in age.
On top of that Parker is still dealing with the remnants of her last soccer team and what forced her to leave and start new all over.
Also we get to meet again those lovable characters from the previous book and believe me you will fall in love with them all over again (or will make you hungry for more and get back to the start to find out how it all began).
I just love Rachels writing and that she is not afraid to go into some touchy topics which she is handling with such care are emotions.
The playful banter á la Rachel between Matt and Parker is as always hilarious.
Don’t miss out on another this great read by Rachel. It’s really Kickin’ It
This is the second book in the Red Card series by this author and can be read as a standalone, but I would suggest reading the first book to get the full enjoyment out of the entire cast of characters – and they are a cast of characters! I loved the first book and this one was just as much fun to read–steamy, sexy, tons of chemistry, but funny as well. I loved Matt’s character after meeting him in Risky Play, but we get to really know him in this read and I loved him! I’m not usually a fan of the “forbidden, little sister” genre, but this is more than that. There’s a heavier secondary storyline that is very well done. I’m looking forward to reading Jagger’s story–I’m sure it’ll be an interesting one! I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I really liked Matt in Risky Play so I was excited to read his book. This one is a little more heavier subject wise than the last one, but it was still an enjoyable read.
If you’ve read Risky Play you may remember Matt Kingston, who was Slade and Jagger’s manager. Of course, Kickin’ It can be read as a complete standalone.
Parker Speedman was a soccer star until she punched her coach, for well deserved reasons might I add. She needs a change and she needs to get her career going again. Of course, her best friend Willow is there to save the day. Parker and Willow, who also happens to be Matt’s baby sister, show up in Seattle to stay with him. Matt reluctantly agrees to be Parkers agent and coach.
Parker, that poor girl, my heart broke for her. She has struggled through a lot, she was wrongfully judged by the public, but she is definitely a fighter. I absolutely loved her character. Matt, I loved him from the very first moment he was introduced in Risky Play and it was nice to get another side to him. He is protective and caring, especially when it comes down to his sister and Parker. Their chemistry was undeniable.
I loved that we got some more of Slade and Jagger throughout the story, especially their friendship with Matt. The three of them together are truly like brothers. I found myself laughing quite a few times at their scenes.
I love all the characters in this story and I really hope that we get more of them in the future, especially a certain couple (if you’ve read it I’m sure you can guess who I am referring to).
This is another fantastic book by RVD and a MUST READ.
You need this book
I absolutely loved this story….it was fast paced with great characters and a really fabulous storyline
Matt is one of the best sports agents around, but there is one person who can manipulate him like no other and that is his sister Willow. It’s probably because he raised her after their parents died and her responsibility fell on his shoulders. When Parker arrives on his doorstep he’s confused as to why she is there until Willow confirms that he said she could bring a friend to stay with them for the summer while she interns for him.
Parker is trying to get an agent and a contract to play soccer and wants it more than her next breath. That is until she is confronted with Matt and their verbal sparring turns into foreplay Matt starts training with her and they get to know each other better….but her past is about to come nipping at her heels Will Matt be like everyone else or will he support her through everything?
An absolutely not to be missed story by RVD! If you can get your hands on the first story, it is just as goodThank you to Netgalley, the publisher and RVD for my advanced copy for which I leave my honest review
There’s a difference between being happy and being content. And with Parker’s arrival Matt will learn that difference. Besides being a romance the story concentrates on power abuse, trust, fear, care and confidence, among other things. From the moment they get close, Matt’s purpose is to show Parker that not all men are monsters. Even when she doesn’t make it easy for him. They are both so stubborn that their bickering becomes another sport for them. But it makes them bond. It makes them feel fulfilled and at home. The treatment she gets from not just Matt. but from all the guys is touching. It solidifies that she has a family in them like she deserves but did’t experienced until she moved in with Matt. Plus I love that you get like a secondary story on the back with Jagger and Willow. They really are the touch needed to give this book some lightness. Those two make the book fun. So with this story you get fun moments, romantic ones, sad and most importantly proud ones. Because one by one all the characters reach a level of maturity and responsibility that will make you proud.
I read an Advanced Copy for an honest review.
Matt Kingston ssems to have it all. He’s a billionaire, has friends, a mansion, yet for all the hype, his life feels as empty as the house he is renovating.
Parker Speedman arrives at his door (literally). She’s his sister’s best friend, who was invited by her, to stay at his house for the summer. She’s a soccer player who wants to go pro, but has a rep for being a troublemaker.
Matt reluctently agrees to to represent her as her Agent. He senses she is hiding something from him and wonders if her secret will make or break both their careers. Add on top of tthat the sexual tension, you can cut with a knife!
I really enjoyed this story. I loved all the secodary characters, who almost seemed like they were ther for comic relief. I loved the “Easter Egg” of “The Family” from her other stories addded to the mix.
I loved that Parker had to be vulnerable but more importantly BRAVE to share with first Matt and then the rest of the world, why she seemed to have a chip on her shoulder.
I loved the HEA
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Oh how I love any RVD book! I was so excited to get my hands on the second book in the Red Card series. We met Matt Kingston in book one and I for one was anxious to see what happened when the right woman finally found her way into his life!
Matt is a sports agent and he works hard to make sure his athletes get the best from him every single day. His younger sister, Willow, wants a job with his agency, which in reality should make him happy and make his life easier, but when she decides to move in, and bring her friend Parker, with her, things get mighty interesting!
Parker Speedman has always wanted to play professional soccer. She’s an amazing player, but during her college career she found herself blacklisted after she punched her coach. You know what they say though, what you see on the surface isn’t necessarily the whole story and that is definitely the case where Parker is concerned.
When Matt signs on as Parker’s agent, that is all that he intends to be, but when he realizes her talent, he decides to train her, and then there is that little issue of the chemistry the two seem to have in spades! Matt is between a rock and a hard place because he wants to help Parker succeed on the field in any way he can, but personally he has finally found someone that interests him romantically. What Matt nor Parker realize at first is that Matt is the person that Parker has needed in her life for many reasons and he might just be the first person to fight for her.
I absolutely loved this book. There is no doubt it was realistic and the issues that were dealt with in this book are no doubt something that go on every single day in our world. The fear, the anger, the doubt, all of it is justifiable and also sad because people should be believed when they speak up.
Also, I LOVED the supporting characters in this book. Between Willow and Matt’s clients, Slade and Jagger it is just a great group. If you haven’t picked up the first book in this series, you should and then enjoy this one right along with it! You won’t be sorry!
Aww my heart! This was such a sad yet beautiful story! Parker was such a strong, brave and amazing woman and it broke my heart to learn about her past. It’s tragic yet it’s a reality in our world that plays out over and over again. Matt was a sweet, sensitive, kind and just an all around great guy. His protectiveness over Parker and her trauma was heartwarming. Seeing the two of them bicker and banter back an forth while trying to hide their feelings was hilarious. They are a beautiful fun couple! I loved seeing their journey. I also loved willow’s sassy and bold attitude and how much grief she gives Matt! Lol Her and Jagger had me laughing out loud! This was an awesome book and I hope we get more for these characters!
This was an unputdownable story that had my emotions all over the place. There was so much witty banter that made me laugh out loud and I just loved the way the characters were.
There was so much about Matt and Parkers story to love.
Parker was an incredible young woman, strong when it came to soccer but when it came to other things, she struggled and my heart was angry, I just wanted to give her a big hug and tell her it will all be ok. Matt, when he saw her struggle was a very welcome support for Parker and I really liked how he helped her. However he had to resist temptation or can he?? I also loved Slade and Jagger and their friendship with Matt! But also the protective side of Matt! That was rather hot!! Hehe!
There was definitely some difficult parts but the author has written this book with so much heart, she should be incredibly proud.
This book is so heartfelt, so touching with some humor and sizzling tension that made it absolutely amazing. A definite must read, add it to your TBR list. Kickin’ It – Kicked It! Nailed It!!
Matt doesn’t know what to do with himself when Parker storms into his life with his sister. Matt is attracted to Parker but tries to ignore it. The banter that these two have is good but there is a secret that Parker is holding on too which is making here lash out. She is a wonderful soccer player trying to find a team to play for. Once her secret is out to Matt, he does everything in his power to get her to tell her story. I really like this story and the fact that you get a side story with Willow and Jagger as well.
Copy received via Netgalley for an honest review
You don’t need to have read Risky Play before picking up Kickin’ It, but why would you want to miss any of the action?
We met our leading man Matt in the first book, and I was very eager to get his story. And I have not been disappointed.
I love the snark and banter between Matt and Parker from their very first meeting. You can’t help but laugh out loud at some of their conversations.
There are also some darker, more emotional elements to this story that will have your heart hurting – but with a good partner, these things can be overcome.
Matt’s sister Willow absolutely stole the show at times, and I am jealous of Parker, because I want her to be my friend!
It was wonderful to see more of Slade and Mack from the first book, Jagger just had me in fits of laughter at times, and I need more of all of their lives.
Wonderful story that I didn’t want to put down at all, I can’t wait to see what Ms Van Dyken brings us next.
Kickin’ it was such a beautiful sport romance. So very Rachel van Dyken. Her stories are easy to read and her wicked mastermind and writing worth every spent cent.
I love sports romance. It’s always fun to read about athletes, especially soccer player. And let me tell you the Red Card series are unique. It show us that age difference between two people who fall in love doesn’t matter. If it feels right, one should just go for it bc nothing is granted.
Parker is one very talented soccer player who has to leave her dream after punching the coach on national television. She’s got anxiety issues which should be dealt with but she needs to start trust someone first. She feels the pull toward her agent and newly stated coach.
Matt Kingston takes her under his wings but the attraction he feels toward her is insanely strong and although to hook up seems to be the wrong thing they cannot help themselves.
When finally some teams are interested in her skills, the past she though she left behind strikes right into her present.
I loved every single word of this amazing book.
Another fantastic read by Rachel Van Dyken. I absolutely loved the chemistry and banter between Matt and Parker. An enemies to lovers romance with a sensitive subject matter woven in and done well. I was definitely hooked from beginning to end and as usual loved the supporting cast and how they add to the story. I highly recommend this book!