I have been a longtime fan of Rachel Van Dyken and could not jump on Kickin' It fast enough. I absolutely love love loveeee soccer stories and am borderline obsessed with coach and player stories (thank you Kulti!) We saw Matt and his clients/friends from the first book in this (standalone) series, Risky Play, but I am officially obsessed with him after this book. Matt and Parker were so delicious and he was just so sweet. I think he made me swoon and melt more times than I could count!

I just loved this story! I loved how the author successfully balanced current sensitive issues prevalent today with an amazing love story filled with fiery sexual chemistry, friendship and protectiveness. Matt was just perfect. He was strong and assertive without being overbearing and everything Parker was used to from her former coach. I loved that Parker made him feel again and be excited not only for the sport but the idea of love and committment. 

Likewise, Parker was so damn strong. She is one of my favorite RVD heroines to date. She had a hard exterior but an even softer and more vulnerable interior. She was betrayed and hurt by someone in power and it took an even stronger man and friend to instill that trust back in her. I loved everything about this story!! Bravo! 5 stars! ~Ratula

In “Kickin' It” (Red Card #2) by Rachel Van Dyken we are thrown back into the professional soccer world. Overstressed sports agent Matt Kingston has his sister and her best friend, Parker, as temporary housemates. Parker is looking to get on a team but her reputation for being a hotheaded diva seems to be getting in the way. But Matt seems to see through her hard exterior and as he breaks through the layers, he likes what he sees. But will Parker confide in him about her fears or will her defenses and her past be too much.

The characters from “Risky Play” are back – including Slate and Jagger which add to the fun banter and make the uptight Matt seem like a human being.

Another hit and a definite read. I received this book through Net Galley and this is my honest review.

Matt is a hot, young agent for various sports superstars. Parker is an even younger hot soccer player who is looking for a second chance to break into the big leagues. Matt's sister, Willow, moves in with him to learn the ropes of being an agent and brings along her friend, Parker. From the minute that Matt lays eyes on Parker, he realizes that things just got a lot more complicated. And once Parker got a look at Matt's abs - well, let's just say things get really interesting and I was just glad I was along for the ride.

I LOVED the vulnerability that Parker had and loved watching her overcome the things that happened in her past to become a stronger version of herself. I really felt like her vulnerability and the idea that someone who had it all could have it taken away so abruptly really drew me to her character. I loved that Matt pushed her to be the best on the field, but then, once he knew the truth, pushed her again to make her realize that she is stronger than she thinks. The chemistry between the two of them was burning up the pages and made me keep turning each and every page - which I did until 2 am when I finally finished it.

One of the best parts of the book was that characters from the previous book were brought into the storyline. I had forgotten how much I had missed them and really enjoyed reading as the guys continued to egg on "Matty". The three friends definitely draw you in and make it feel like you are visiting old friends. I also loved the addition of Willow to the picture. I definitely hope that Willow and Jagger get their own book -- or books?

As always, Rachel Van Dyken delivers a great story with enough steam to keep you very interested in turning that page. When you get to the end, you can't wait for the next one!

Author Rachel Van Dyken has become one of my favourite authors, her books always have that special quality that grabs hold of you & doesn’t let go. This story was no different with the past hanging over Parker’s head as she tries to make a dream come true. Matt struggling with his conscience between his duty to Parker as her agent & his feelings for her as a lover. There was also some matchmaking going on from Matt’s sister Willow, as well as the comedy of Jagger & Slade Matt’s friends & clients. The drama surrounding Parker was sad but the chemistry between her & Matt was so hot it was off the charts. Kickin’ It had me laughing, crying, swooning & cheering throughout. I’m hoping there’s a book three coming. Definitely recommend.

I found myself really liking this book! Told in dual perspectives we get to know Matt and Parker. Matt is a sports agent and Parker is a soccer player as well as his little sisters best friend. Parker is in need of an agent and a place to stay so Matt’s sister, Willow, invites her to stay at his house. Sounds like a fun experience right?
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While this is a fun romance it also has an important aspect presented in the book. Parker was taken advantage of by her previous coach so she is weary of men. She becomes known as the person who punched her coach. While Parker and Matt to head to head a few times, they slowly see that they have a connection. But can he have a relationship with her is he’s her agent? Will she speak up about her previous experience with her old coach?
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This is the second book in the series but I was still able to enjoy it without reading the first book. I really enjoyed the the dynamic they had with their friends!
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Thank you to Skyscape and NetGalley for my review copy. It will be available June 11th.

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.

Kickin' It is the second book in the Red Card series by Rachel Van Dyken. It is currently scheduled for release on June 11 2019. Each of the books can be read on its own, but there are returning characters so it is simply more fun to read as a series.

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 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 defense 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.

Kickin' It has some great laughs, and some very hard moments, which balance the book. I love the banter and spark, not just between Parker and Matt, but with the entire group of friends and family that make up the main characters. I liked the set up, and simply love Willow and the way Jagger and Slade offer their own quips through the story. I think that the support offered to Parker through the entire book was fabulous, and I thought that her anxiety and self doubt were very realistic and sadly something that many will be able to relate to. I think her battle and strength will help readers that have been in similar situations embrace their own inner strength and stand up for themselves and others. More importantly, it might show someone who needs to know it that they are not alone, and that it is certainly not their fault no matter what. I enjoyed getting to know Matt and Parker's characters more, and getting to see them find happiness and peace.

Kickin' It is the second book I have read from this author, but it will not be the last. She delivers contemporary romance with heart and tackles some tough topics.

**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.**
I love these older brother/ younger sisters best friend books. This one is different in that they did not grow up together.
The characters and story are well written. A serious subject is handled in a realistic way. I did not read the first book in the series but don’t feel like I missed anything related to these characters.
Parker had a horrible experience and then her reaction was used against her. She’s pissed and scared. Her prickliness keeps people away.
Matt is a workaholic. He’s great at his job but is not prepared for his sister and her friend to disrupt his life.
These two have problems that have to be discussed. They don’t just go away like magic. There is the potential if fall out for both.
I’m not sure that Willow and Jagger were necessary but they didn’t detract from the story.
I look forward to reading more books in this series.

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!