Kickin' It is a fast paced read, I easily read it all in one sitting. Despite the tough topic I did enjoy it. I especially appreciated Matt's character development from slight obnoxious jerk to good guy in realizing how his behavior effected Parker (and other women as well). I could strongly feel Parker's struggles, especially in her talk or don't talk moments.

Matt and Parker were a cute couple, played off each other well and made each other stronger. I also enjoyed the secondary romance in the book between Matt's sister Willow and Jagger (I would have read a whole book about them). I don't know a ton about soccer, but I enjoyed those bits a lot. There was enough soccer in Kickin' It to make it known, but not so much that if you don't like soccer it would take away from the book. A good balance.

My only struggle with the book are spoilery so I hesitate to discuss them in a review. I had a tough time with a decision at the end that I feel Parker was forced into. While I 100% agree that that is the thing that needs to be done, I also strongly believe that she needs to come to that conclusion on her own.

This is the second book in the Red Car series and is the story of a talent agent that falls for his little sister's best friend and potential new client. Matt knows he should not fall for Parker but the heart can't be stopped. While you can appreciate it as a standalone novel, you will understand Matt's character and the banter with his friends much better if you read the first book. Overall this book was good, the characters were solid and well-written while moving at a great pace. However, this book needs a trigger warning as not all of us can get through the story without needing to stop and gather our thoughts. I didn't feel the resolution to Parker's story was sensitive either as it felt rushed just to wrap up the story with a happy ending. So for those reasons, I am giving this 3.5 chilli peppers of hotness.

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.

I received a copy of this from Netgalley and Skyscape. What an awesome story. I loved Matt and Parker. I finished this in one day and couldn’t put it down. I even loved Jagger’s story.
My only complaint....
Right in the middle of a very dramatic scene, several pages were missing. I missed some very important stuff on pages 247-248. I tried everything but the pages just weren’t there. It went from her sending a text to being in the middle of a very important situation. I hope this is fixed soon.
Another amazing book by Rachel!!!!!!

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 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.

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 good❣️Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and RVD for my advanced copy for which I leave my honest review💕

*Received an ARC for an honest review* All the feels, this book. After reading Risky Play, and getting glimpses of Matt in that book, I was really looking forward to his book, and Mrs. Van Dyken did not disappoint. I absolutely loved Parker. I loved her determination and her perseverance despite what she had experienced, and much respect to Rachel Van Dyken for tackling such a real topic in this book as she did so it in tasteful, real and truthful manner. I loved that once Matt dug deep, he was always in her corner, being what she needed him to be. The humor interspersed with the byplay between Mat, Slade, Mackenzie, and the rest of the gang made this book a great read.

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.

Kickin' It was emotional, highly entertaining, and overall a very enjoyable read. Matt and Parker are alike in a lot of ways which leads to hilarious bantering and arguing. They're much more than that though. I love how sweet and caring Matt is with Parker and how he just wants her to succeed and be happy. They can be really adorable together. The storyline was often emotional, but it keeps you interested. I feel for Parker and what she's been through, no one should have to go through that. She's a strong girl and just needs to find a better outlet than anger, and that's where Matt helps. Slade, Jagger, and Willow were hilarious throughout the book as well. I am a little sad that Jagger didn't get his own book and we didn't get more of that storyline from the book. I am happy that he's happy though.

What can I say? I loved this book! Meeting Matt in Rachel’s first Red Card series, I was excited to get his story.
Matt who is a successful sports agent for a rowdy bunch of soccer players, met his match with Parker in this story. While Matt may groan and complain about his players, he is ruthless when it comes to protecting them.
Parker is dedicated to the one thing she loves, soccer, and wants nothing but to play professionally. But it is going to take a village to make her dream come true.
The banter between Matt and Parker - and all the characters actually - were funny and witty. Rachel is an excellent writer bringing her books to like with humor and seriousness with lots of romance (including steamy scenes). Definitely a recommended read.

**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!

4 stars
This is a forbidden, client-agent, little-sister's-best-friend romance plus more. It also has a darker edge to the story due to her painful past and is a story or empowerment.

But it begins as more of a feisty, flirty rom com with a grumpy, stressed out agent, Max. His outgoing and impulsive sister, Willow, and her angry, best friend Parker are invading his home. Parker is a soccer player who has had a bad year and needs an agent to try to repair her reputation and score her a pro contract. And his sister is doing an internship with him to try to convince him to let her work for him as a sports agent.

There is antagonistic banter edged in flirting, an unexpected and forbidden attraction, and several reasons not to act on it. And no matter how they feel, a relationship would not be professional.

He is all about control. She is chaos. But together they are fire. Matt has a big heart and good sense of humor under that overwhelmed and gruff exterior. Parker has a fragile core, but puts on a strong front. She is trying to deal with her issues as best she can, but her past still affects her and it is hard to outrun. But Matt pushes her to be the best and eventually breaks down her walls and learns more about her issues.

What happens when following one dream could prevent her from realizing another?

Despite the somewhat heavier topics underlying this story, it was also funny, sweet, and sexy. It was not as angsty and the first book. There was some bigger drama towards the end and I thought it might have been a bit much, but it did not bother me too much. But the topic is current and and relevant.

This can be read as a total stand alone, but it does bring back Slade, Mackenzie, and Jagger from Risky Play as supporting characters. They along with Willow they are quite a wild and outspoken group. They add the comic relief and sometimes the drama, making Matt want to pull his hair out. But at the core of it are friendships and new relationships building that have enriched all of their lives despite the challenges. And it also has good messages of empowerment and the importance of good female role models.

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 the

Gah. Perfection. (Clapping hands and bouncing in my seat)
I absolutely binge read this in 1 day.
Matt and Parker were perfect for each other.
My heart broke for Parker and the things she went through.
Matt was the perfect partner for her.
Ugh! I loved Willow!!!
And I got way too excited about that Police Chief!!!
Ok, I’m going and buying a whistle now.
Another amazing read by RVD.

Another amazing book by Rachel VanDyken! She is such a great writer. The characters are strong. The book is well written. . I give this book 4.5 stars and a strong recommendation.

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.

We met Matt in Risky Play, the high-strung sports agent. I enjoyed his character in that book and was really looking forward to his story and I wasn't disappointed. I loved his character even more in his own story!

Matt's sister, Willow, comes to stay with him as she wants to be a sports agent, too. Along with her comes her best friend, Parker. Parker is a soccer superstar who has been known as the player who punched her coach. With the help from Matt as her new agent, she gets a tryout with the Seattle team. The chemistry with Matt and Parker is apparent from the beginning as he agrees to train her for her upcoming tryout.

The banter in this story is on point--if it's between Matt and Parker, Matt and Jagger or Slade or Matt and Willow. It was a fun read, but had a serious undertone as we learn why Parker punched her coach.

Thank you to NetGalley and Skyscape Romance for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is the second book in the series but can be read as a complete standalone. This is a sports romance and it has its light-hearted moments, but just be warned it does deal with some touchy subjects. Rachel does this in a very respectful way and she just pulls your heart into the story and what Parker had to deal with in her past. It was just amazing how Rachel addressed the subject. This book is not all tears and sorrow. Don't worry! It was such a great book I just couldn't put it down. It was the perfect slow burn trying to resist the slightly forbidden romance. I loved how sassy Parker was and it was funny to see Matt trying restrain himself and be proper. The secondary characters were great. I loved Willow and Jagger were frickin hilarious!

And as a side note for any of Rachel's fans. You will find some Easter eggs relating to her other series that will make you squeal! Be prepared, do not throw your book or kindle in excitement!