They say the red zone is the hardest place to score.But for me, those last twenty yards were my sweet spot.They didn’t call me Lukas “Last Minute Lucy” Callihan for nothing.I was at the top of my game…until life sacked me harder than any linebacker ever could.Losing my mom was devastating and left me as the sole person responsible for my little sister.Taking care of Ella and juggling my career … Ella and juggling my career was like playing the hardest game of my life.
My only saving grace was Scarlett Knox, Ella’s sexy, red-headed, no-nonsense teacher.
She loved Ella. She hated me.
She thought I sucked at this parenting thing, and she wasn’t wrong.
But whenever she was around I got the same earth-shattering, heart-stopping feeling I did when I was only twenty yards from the goal line.
She made me feel like I was back in the red zone, a place I’d never fumbled.
Until now.
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OMG! Amie Knight is a new writer so I didn’t know what to expect from this story. I had heard great things about it from other readers so my expectations were a little high. But the last thing that I expected was that this story would be so sweet, emotional and funny all at the same time! It really made me feel a lot of things throughout the story but it was always in a light, never dark way. How the writer did it, I don’t know but she played with my emotions in every chapter and I loved every minute of it!
The story was told in both POV’s and I loved the fact that the writer shared with us how young Scarlett and young Lukas met. The beginning of their friendship (and the end). That gave us more information about their past and their feelings now. And another thing that I loved about this story is that Lukas may be a quarterback but he was no playboy!!! His whole focus was on his little sister Ella, (his mother in the past) and football. I loved that about him. He was so sweet and sensitive but still strong (more beta than alpha). He was just the perfect brother and boyfriend. And Scarlett, she’s a wonderful character too! I loved her feisty character, her clumsiness and her big and kind heart. Scarlett and Lukas were really a fantastic pair.
And then you have Ella, special and unique Ella. She has down syndrome and the writer really showed us the many sides of it.
I’m so, so happy that I decided to read this story and I will certainly read more books from this writer.
Lukas Callihan is at the height of his career, playing his best game on the field, having major success in the post season. Then the unthinkable happens, he gets a call from home, his mother has passed, and it’s up to him to step-up and become his sister’s sole guardian. Which means he must give up his position with his current team, and request a trade to a lesser known team a little closer to home, so he can be there for his sister.
Which means he must return to a place that he hasn’t been in ten years, and try to embrace this new life that has been unexpectedly dropped in his lap. This new life is also about to put him on the path of a woman from his past that is determined to challenge him at every turn… and he thought taking hits from big linebackers on the field was tough!
The Red Zone introduces readers to a handsome football star, and the two charismatic women in his life that are about to challenge him more than any opponent he has ever faced on the field. He knew stepping in and taking over guardianship of his sister was going to be a big adjustment, but nothing could have prepared him for her special education teacher Scarlett. That woman is a force to be reckoned with, she waltzes into his world and knocks him on his butt! She adores his sister Ella, and when she sees him struggling with his new parenting duties, she can’t help but want to get involved. But Lukas isn’t so eager to let her come in and take over the reigns, or lend a hand, it takes some serious convincing on her part. These two battle at every turn, and with each battle comes more tension and heat, they stir up some serious chemistry amongst the pages. I loved this story so much, it had moments to curl the toes, moments that stirred up some happy tears, and tons of moments that squeezed my heart in all the right places. Definitely one of my favorites from Ms. Knight to date, nobody does feel good stories quite like her, and this one promises to have your heart singing it’s praises!
I requested an advanced copy of this title, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
This book will not disappoint you. You get a little bit of everything, but most of all, a wonderful second chance story.
Great read, 4 & a half stars!! Wonderful characters
5 Star review of The Red Zone by Amie Knight
Amie Knight is a new author to me and I have no idea why that is.
Where do I start? This was a beautifully written second chance at love story that was at times an emotional roller coaster of a read.
Scarlett Taylor Knox, aka Ms Lettie, teaches special needs students. One of her students Ella is the younger sister of Lukas Callihan, someone Scarlett knew when she was a teenager.
I really liked Scarlett, she was feisty, caring and a woman I could see as a friend. Lukas was swoon worthy and the chemistry between them was electric.
There was humour and some fun moments that enhanced the story, particularly with Ella who is a great character.
I adored the relationship between Lukas and Ella when he becomes her guardian. You could feel his anxiety as he struggles to care for Ella. Mason as a secondary character was great and I would love for him to have his own book.
The situations and feelings were realistic and I was totally invested in the story that Ms. Knight wove.
When time permits I will be looking for more books from Amie Knight.
5 stars
So much yes! Yes to everything about this book and it’s a forever yes to anything Amie Knight!! I’ve read everything by this exceptional author and she just keeps raising the bar. No one else has the ability to tear my heart out and put it back together again so effortlessly. Ms. Knight’s stories are an incredible gift of humanity, humor, resiliency and devotion; the Red Zone being no exception.
Rather than go into a review extolling all I loved about this book, I’ll simply ask…If you haven’t read Amie Knight, what are you waiting for? Seriously, you will fall as deeply in love as I have. For those of you familiar with her writing, The Red Zone could never disappoint!
AnnMarie – Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
5 Stars
Review by Sasha
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog
Everything about The Red Zone by Aime Knight is RED HOT! Holy Moly, there are too many good things in this book that it’s slightly hard to contain the excitement around it. I hadn’t read anything by Aime Knight before this, but I am now a definite fan.
Lukas Callahan is a rising star in the NFL and living out his absolute dream. He has everything that he could possibly dream of right at his fingertips. His career is about to reach new heights, his team is Super Bowl bound with him leading the charge. He’s also got the support of the two most important women in his life: his mom and little sister.
One phone call is all it takes to pull the rug out from under Lukas and he finds himself moving back to Alabama to take care of his little sister. With his Super Bowl dreams in the rear-view mirror, an old flame from the past suddenly shows up.
Scarlet Knox, now a special needs teacher for children, was the last person he expected to run into again after high school. With this unexpected return home, Lukas and Scarlett find an unexpected balance with each other.
Scarlett and Lukas’s relationship melted my heart from the moment they reconnected. They have a strong foundation from when they were friends and you can tell that there were small spark of love and lust forming. It was refreshing to not have a character act hostile towards the other for following their dreams and then reappearing.
I loved that Scarlett was more interested in reminiscing about her past with Lukas and how he’s suddenly reappeared once again. They both unknowingly pined for the other at some point in their lives, which makes you almost yearn for them to get together quicker. It’s a beautifully written relationship that grows out of friendship and respect. Knight had me swooning with every line.
It was just one of those books that gave me all of the feels and didn’t let up. You have Lukas who you just seem to know is a good person and want to give him a hug for his desperate need to make sure his sister is well taken care of. Then Scarlett is this fierce, sincere, powerful woman who makes you want to just scream and idolize a bit. This book put a massive smile on my face from the very beginning and stayed long after the book was over.
Once again, Amie Knight has blown me away with her engaging, poignant, thoughtful storytelling. She’s written another heart-wrenching, heart-warming tale of love, in all its forms, and the lengths that two people will go to for it. Witty, vividly detailed and rich in emotion, Knight’s writing style is also punctuated with endearing, relatable characters. Hers are exactly the kind of romances that I just sink into and get lost in, and The Red Zone was an addictively endearing, second-chance romance.
Lukas and Scarlett meet at what was, unfortunately, the wrong time in their young lives. Fast forward ten years, and Lukas finds his life completely upended in the blink of an eye. Unquestionably devoted to his sweet, special needs little sister, Ella, Lukas has no choice but to leave his dreams behind to return home and care for her. Imagine his shock when he learns that the only girl he ever cared about, the one he hasn’t spoken to in ten years, is his beloved sister’s teacher. Gone is the cute, shy, nerdy girl he remembered, and a feisty, confident red-headed bombshell is in her place. Scarlett hasn’t forgotten the broken heart Lukas left her with all those years ago, though, and she does not give in easily to him. I was absorbed in these wonderful characters’ bittersweet story. Lukas never once complained about his responsibility to Ella or the sacrifices he made for her, and his devotion to her melted my heart.
A moving and memorable tale, The Red Zone is pure Amie Knight. She’s at the top of her game, doing what she does best, telling a larger-than-life, grandly romantic Southern-rooted love story bursting with heart, heat, humor and hope. Five smooches from me for The Red Zone by Amie Knight!
~Danielle Palumbo, Red Cheeks Reads
This was my first Amie Knight book, and I was asked to read it for a book box subscription to see if it’s something readers would want in their box….YES, yes it is! This book has you reading about Scarlett and Lukas from their teen years up through their re connection as adults. I loved that Lukas is being a responsible brother and caring for his special needs sister, Ella. Ella was a beautiful character to read about and gave this book some great humor. The heat between Lukas and Scarlett was burning through the pages. Just an all around great feel book novel! I can’t wait to read more of Amie’s work.
Am I ever kicking my own butt. . . I held off reading this book even though I’ve loved others from this author because “sport” romances are low on my genre list. Was I ever a fool. This story is so much more. Yes Lucas plays football but that is only a part of the story. I was brought to tears more than once and honestly the couple is great but that wasn’t what did it. Ella a character I never saw coming stole my freaking heart. LOVED this read.
The Red Zone is the heartwarming story following a professional football player, Lukas, who returns to his hometown to raise his younger sister after the unexpected death of their mother. Soon after returning home, he runs into the only woman that he has ever cared for, Scarlet, and he is determined to win her heart.
This novel is full of wonderful characters, including Lukas’ younger sister, Ella, who has Down Syndrome. Amie Knight’s writing shows that although someone may be different, they are special and unique in their own ways. Lukas is a kindhearted man that will do anything to win over his fiery redhead, Scarlet. Together these characters make for a great romantic comedy.
(I voluntarily reviewed an advance complimentary copy of this book.)
Amazing! This is a Must Read!
This is a wonderful friend to lovers story. I found myself laughing, and crying while reading this book. Wonderful characters, real emotions, and a genuine story. I could read this multiple times.
Oh my goodness Amie Knight has done it again with this new one of hot baseball player, Lukas Callihan. I loved that he is more than a player but devoted brother and now temporary parent. The love he has for his sister is so beautiful and seeing him reconnect with Scarlett was hot. This is more than two loves reconnecting but a friendship grow stronger than ever. Loved seeing Lukas be what he used to be before tragedy but becoming what he is supposed to be. Loved it.
“I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own.”
I fell in love with everything about this book. The characters, places and dialogue was on point. Lukas suffered devastating news after winning the Super Bowl for his team and left immediately to head back to his hometown. His little sister, Ella, has Down Syndrome and now he’s her guardian. He feels overwhelmed and is scared that he’s failing at everything especially when it comes to Ella. Cue in Ella’s school teacher who has a connection to both of them. Scarlett has a past with Lucas as she used to tutor him when he was a senior in high school. For her he was her first crush and the first kiss she ever got was from him. Now Ella is one of her students and her attempts of a conference has been ignored. Little does Lukas know that he’s about to come face to face with the only red head that heated his blood as he’s never forgotten about Scarlett.
The banter between the characters were witty and realistic. I laughed out loud and snorted a couple of times. I even clapped my hands over my mouth and eyes when I was embarrassed for Scarlett over her mishaps. My emotions were taken on a roller coaster filled with sadness and empathy. All the feel goods were pulled out for this novel and I was not disappointed about anything. It cast a light on children with disabilities, the ups and downs they and their loved ones encounter daily. Lukas was such a loving, faithful and protective brother. Gosh he melted me worse than chocolate left sitting in the sun. Scarlett was no slouch as her brain and mouth misfired constantly. Loved her quirks and acceptance of herself as not being perfect. Her love for Ella and support she constantly provided was given without thought of payback. The way the author wrote this pulls at your heartstrings as the characters become book friends and gets deeply embedded in your mind. Loved this.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
A heartwarming story that will make you cry happy tears. Scarlett was a fourteen year old freshman when she is asked to tutor Mr. Quarterback senior Luk Lucy. Scarlett is a skinny red headed braces and a little nerdy and Luk is destined to play in the NFL . During the tutoring secession these two develop a friendly relationship and days before graduation Luk steels Scarlett’s first kiss and walks away. 10 years later Luk returns to take care of his sister Ella a petite little teen with special needs. A grownup Scarlett is Ella’s teacher. It’s here the story unfolds as Luk and Ella deal with death, love, emptiness and the beautiful grown up Scarlett becomes more than a old dream but an undeniable part of their story. This is truly a five star plus read as Amie beautifully address difficult subject of parental death, special needs children, autism, and downs syndrome with grace, faith, hope, football and love. You won’t want this one to end.
This second chance story had me swooning from the beginning. Lukas was truly a man who knew what he wanted and Scarlett was hurt in the past. Fate really did throw these two together at every turn. A beautiful love story. Strong and gorgeous H & h and don’t forget the beautifully written character of Ella!!
This is the absolute best book I’ve read this year!
The Red Zone is a beautifully written, emotional and sweet Second Chance romance, the perfect lazy afternoon read. The main characters, Lukas and Scarlett, start off as young, innocent teens in high school and they reconnect years later, recalling they have unfinished business. You’re going to love the secondary character, Ella; her innocence had me laughing out loud at times, when I wasn’t getting teary eyed, feeling her pain. The interaction between Ella and her brother proved how strong the bonds are between siblings and the meaning of unconditional love, and not second guessing the sacrifices you make for the ones you love.
Scarlett ‘Lettie’ Knox was fourteen when she was asked to tutor a senior who was having trouble with French. Thinking Luk, the football star athlete, was a dumb jock, Lettie soon realized there was more to him than what she thought, especially when she met his little baby sister, Ella, and saw how much he loved and cared for her. When Luk gave Lettie her first kiss, she fell head over heels in love with him. But it wasn’t meant to be, and she was left heartbroken; he apparently regretted having kissed her, and as soon as he left for college without even saying goodbye, Lettie was convinced he forgot about her.
“You may have been just barely a teenager, but your love for your family was bigger than the sky, even then. You’re just so good in that way, Lukas.”
Lukas Callihan was seventeen when he met Scarlett and soon came to admire, like and feel so much more for the smart and pretty French tutor. Luk knew it was a mistake to pursue something with her, he was going off to college and she still had years of school ahead of her. So despite his attraction, Luk decided to forget about her. But that all changed ten years later when he was called home due to a tragedy that changed his and his sister’s lives.
Scarlett became a Special Ed teacher and still lived in her hometown; she had decided early on this was what she wanted to do when she grew up. And Luk had become a player for one of the more successful NFL teams, after graduating college. They were both doing what they loved, but when Luk decided to move back home he had to quit the team and look for a position on a team closer to home. Soon it seemed Fate had a hand in reconnecting them.
“She owned me. Heart. Body. And soul. She just didn’t know it yet and I was done waiting on her to realize it.”
Ten years ago, senior, Lukas Callihan, wanted to call ‘dibs’ on his freshman French tutor, Scarlett Knox. But it wasn’t meant to be at that time. She was still a teenager who had three more years of high school and a whole lot of growing and learning to do, and he was headed to college to play football and hopefully become a professional football player. But regardless of their poor timing, it was clear that their connection was something they both felt and something they both wished would have worked all those years ago.
Fast forward a decade and Lukas has a chance to finally call ‘dibs’ on his red hair beauty, and this time, he isn’t willing to let her go, determined to prove to Scarlett that he’s worth the risk, which means that despite the fact that Scarlett only offers friendship to him because she’s Ella’s teacher and she doesn’t want to get her heartbroken again, the friend zone is not a place Lukas wants to be when it comes to Scarlett and their relationship. He would much rather be in the Red Zone, which while technically a sport’s term, is easily applied to exactly where he sees his second chance with Scarlett going. And regardless of how much she makes him work for it…how much she tries to fight their pull towards each other – a pull that’s been there since she was 14 and he was 18 – he’ll fight like hell and pull some trick plays if he needs to in order to reach his end game…in order to reach the zone where Scarlett’s his and he finally feels like he’s won it all.
Lukas is at his best when the game is on the line, and when it comes to his relationship with Scarlett and with his sister, Ella, there’s nothing he wouldn’t do to prove to them that he has what it takes to make them happy, to protect them, and to let them know day in and day out that his greatest victory…his biggest win is being able to love them like they deserve and feel their love for him, and in his estimation, winning their love and their trust, is even better than reaching the red zone of a football field because life’s red zone is something that will be there long after his football career is over.
The Red Zone was my first book by Amie Knight, and I really enjoyed it. Lukas and Scarlett are extremely likable characters and it’s easy to see just how strong their feelings are for each other even though they haven’t seen one another for ten years. Lukas’ sister, Ella, is definitely the scene stealer of the book, which more than makes sense because it’s their respective affection for Ella that provides these two with a second chance to truly see what they can build together as a couple and as a family. I do have to admit that I felt like the end was a bit rushed,
considering the number of life changing events that happen in such a short amount of pages, but the fact that Lukas and Scarlett’s love for each other was already established made it easier to accept how quickly their lives changed when they finally admitted their true feelings for each other. And the way everything ended up seemed fitting for this family of three because they knew exactly what it meant to have each other’s backs at all costs.
4.5 Poison Apples
I love Amie Knight and everything I’ve read by her and I knew The Red Zone would be amazing too. I love sports romances and Amie Knight delivered a great one!! I love that Luk was handed blow after blow but always adapted to what he was dealt. He has a special needs sister who he has to take care of. This was the first time I’ve read a romance book with a special needs character and Amie Knight wrote her beautifully. I’m glad that Luk and Scarlett got their 2nd chance and their HEA. Another great book by Amie Knight!