*Book Received In Exchange for Honest Opinion/Review*

I pride myself on writing honest reviews, and there isn't much I don't love about Rachel Van Dyken's books, but this book was an absolute miss for me, and I am devastated. This didn't have the playful charm, or the comedic banter to break up the heaviness of the story. But in addition, I felt so disconnected from these characters that I couldn't feel anything towards them.

So Parker has some heavy drama in her past (i.e. trigger warning type of stuff) that she needs to work through. I think my problem with her as a character is she doesn't grow or go through anything without Matt holding her hand. Matt made her feel better, Matt made her realize her self-worth, Matt yada-yada-yada. You get the idea and this made me mad beyond reason. For a character that is proclaimed to be strong and stubborn essentially use a man as a crutch to move past her trauma was something I couldn't look past. As a soccer player, she was a rock star, as a character, she was fickle and weak.

I really adored Matt in Risky Play so I was excited when I saw that he was getting his own book. But I didn't see the chemistry between Matt and Parker. The bromance between Matt, Slade, and Jagger was that had me in fits of giggles in the first book, was non-existent in this book. And the book needed these moments desperately because it was so dry and serious otherwise. While Willow and Jagger provided glimpses of lighter moods, it wasn't enough to combat the drowning, dense story line.

I my classic nit-pick moments, condoms and protection are only discussed after sex....TWICE. And we all know by now how I feel about that (HATE IT). And the last thing that bothered me was the entire story line was predictable. Rachel is a master at the plot twist and I knew exactly how this story was going to play out at around 30% and to say I was disappointed by the lack of surprise was an understatement. This is not anywhere near Rachel's best work.

I really enjoyed reading this book. Matt and Parker were like oil and water at first. She is a young woman who wants nothing more than to be a professional soccer player, and he is her last hope. He is an agent, and her best friend's brother. When her best friend gets Matt to give her the summer to prover herself working for him, she also talks him into letter her live in his house with her friend.
Parker tries to get him to take her on as a client by baking him cookies, but that doesn't go over well. She is hiding something from her past and doesn't trust easily. He doesn't like liars, and finds something in her bag that makes him think that she is cheating. He agrees to reprsent her, as well as, train her, since she only has a couple of weeks until her tryout.
What Parker went through was horrific, and she feels degraded. She slowly opens up to Matt and realizes that he has a soft, sweet side to him. Matt tries to keep it professional, even when his other clients/friends call him out on the lingering looks. It is a push and pull situation. Once he finally decides to give it a chance, he finds out about her past. He doesn't push her away because of her past, but because he doesn't want to be anything like someone else who hurt her.
Just when they think they might be able to have it all, her past comes back to bite them. How they deal with the situation will either make or break them. I laughed, cried, and gasped while reading this book. I really liked the side characters of his sister and teammate and would love to read a book about their relationship. I adored every page of this book. I recieved an ARC in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.

Matt is a man who appears to have it all. He has the money to purchase whatever he wants, a successful career as a sports agent and the sexy good looks to attract any woman. He had no idea what was missing in his life until his younger sister Willow and her best friend Parker convinced him to let them move in. Now he has his sister wanting to work for him and Parker wanting him to work for her. Let the fun begin!

Once action caught on television could ruin her chance at a soccer career. She may have had her reasons, but she is now in damage control as the press is not about to just let it slide. Matt is the perfect person to help her, but will he?

I really enjoyed these two together. Matt realized that there was much more to Parker than first appeared which caused all his protective instincts to come to life and he wanted to know everything about her. The banter between the characters will have you laughing out loud and they share a hot chemistry, but it is the emotional pull of the story that will stay with you.

Kickin’ It is the second, stand-alone book in the Red Card series, and it’s a unique, emotional, heartwarming and sexy sports romance with the heroine as the professional athlete. I repeat: The heroine is the professional athlete in this story! How awesome is that? Parker is a soccer player, who is fighting for a second chance to play professionally after she was fired for punching her coach, and she needs super-agent and former pro soccer player Matt’s help to make it happen. Here’s wary of working with Parker, but he soon finds himself equally awed, charmed and attracted to her. Rachel Van Dyken takes the sports romance and gives it an inspiring twist while also exploring weighty, relevant issues and delivering a heart-stopping love story.

ARC provided, but this review was voluntarily and honestly written.

While this is the second book in the Red Card series it can be read on a stand alone basis.

I really enjoyed this book. Matt and Parker were a fab couple and just had the best chemistry. The story itself was a real page turner. It was fun and romantic but it had a real emotional kick with a serious edge to one of the storylines. As with all of RVD's books, I just devoured this story and could not put it down. This is a definite recommendation from me.

Matt Kingston is the best sports agent around, but he has his hands full with his athlete clients. So when his little sister Willow asks to work for him and bring her friend along he is not exactly thrilled.
Parker Speedman loves soccer, but has not had the best last year or so. So when her friend Willow says something about her brother possibly being able to help
Parker, she take her up on it.
I really loved reading Kickin It. It was a fun read that had me laughing out loud. The Banter between the characters was great! There was definitely some serious scenes when the characters had serious issues they were dealing with, however it all blended together some smoothly and made an amazing read. There was also a sexy feel throughout the book. I love the determination and drive that Parker and Matt have as well. There was not anything about this book that I did not like, it captivated me the whole time. I would highly recommend this book!!

In quintessential Rachel Van Dyken form - she delivers another excellent book for us all to enjoy. It is emotionally charged with a tough subject matter but, still, laugh out loud funny. The interaction with the different characters will have you wiping tears from your eyes for various reasons.
The story of Matt Kingston a high octane Sports Agent and his sister's friend and Soccor phenom Parker Speedman. At best they tolerate one another - when Matt signs her on as a client he is about to break one of his rules. Don't get involved with the talent!
Parker needs Matt to represent her, especially after the year that she has had. She has to make sure he doesn't dig so much into her past and when he finds out about it all bets are off!
Such an incredible read.

This book has everything from real life situations that unfortunately do happen to you laughing out loud and a strong heroine. Matt, you have met if you read Risky Play, is an agent and a good one at that. Parker is a good soccer player fresh out of college with a reputation because she punched her coach at the championship game. Matt’s sister Willow is friends with Parker and drags her with her to Seattle and turns Matt’s life upside down for many reasons.

If you read Risky Play Slade and Jagger don’t disappoint, Willow has a way with people and convincing everyone she has great plans. And Matt yeah he doesn’t expect to be taken with the girl everyone is leery of in the sports world. This book is a page turner that will keep engaged and wanting to know what happens next to the last page.

Have I mentioned that I'm a huge brother's best friend storyline girl? I totally am and this is now one of my favorites! I loved these two characters. Matt and Parker are so much fun and I really enjoyed getting to see them together. I laughed so much. I can't wait for more from this series. Rachel Van Dyken is definitely a favorite of mine.

This book was absolutely adorable. I really liked the sports themes and hard topics in this book compared to the previous one in the series. I cannot wait until the next book comes out!

Parker and Matt, their story doesn't start as the regular way, Parker a soccer player finds herself living with Matt a successful sport agent, she needs an agent, he finally agrees and sets himself as her coach as well, it should be an off-limits, but the attraction and chemistry between them is not to be ignored. A perfect sport romance where the lines are blurring and your heart just keep on skipping.

Kickin' It is the second book in the Red Card series by the ever talented Rachel Van Dyken. Rachel is one of my favorite authors who can write anything. And I mean anything. I also read everything she writes because I know she will always give me what I need. Fun, sexiness, laughter, lust, love, friendship, a little angst and a happily ever after. We met Matt in Risky Play. He's Slade and Jagger's agent. He's also broody, sexy as sin and really good at his job. When his sister, Willow, shows up on his doorstep for the summer with her gorgeous best friend, Parker things get a little tricky. Parker is a very talented soccer play who needs an agent. Matt. She's also young, pretty and off limits. Matt finds himself offering to coach her for her tryouts and he never does that. Never. Now he has to figure out how to keep his hands off her when he's with her twenty-four-seven. His will power just isn't that strong. In true Slade and Jagger fashion, they tease him about Parker because they know their agent and friend. He wants her and they all know it. Parker plays the game with her heart and soul, but she has a reputation for being a hot head. Matt knows he can represent her, but when his feelings take over will he do what's right for Parker? Will she fight for he career and her happiness? I loved this story! It's fun, sexy and very emotional. Parker has a past she's trying to overcome and Matt is so supportive and willing to do whatever he can to help Parker. He struggles with the line between personal and professional, but he's going to make it all work. He has to. He can't lose the only woman who has ever meant anything to him. Parker is talented, strong, confident and a fighter. Matt is smart, sexy, handsome and just the right amount of jerky. He's also older, which I loved! And we can't forget Jagger. Oh man, thank you for giving us more Jagger like we asked. I love you Rachel!

Once again Rachel nails it. I absolutely loved this book and I found myself reading it any chance I got. The only downfall is it appears Jagger won't be getting a book but I might be wrong. Regardless, I highly recommend this book AND series.

Kickin’ It by Rachel Van Dyken is book two in the Red Card series. Book one followed Mackenzie and Slade’s story, and this book follows Parker and Matt’s story. We first met Matt in Risky Play. He’s a high-powered sports agent who has been around pro soccer players for a long time. He also used to be a pro soccer player. Parker was a college soccer star before she––very publicly––punched her coach, and now, she needs Matt to help her appeal to pro teams and save her fledgling career. Oh...and she’s his little sister’s best friend.

Yes, I am reviewing another Rachel Van Dyken book. What can I say? I have been a huge fan of her writing for over five years now. And Kickin’ It did NOT disappoint! Despite a pretty heavy duty social issue that is addressed in Kickin’ It, in typical Rachel Van Dyken style, there are some hilariously sarcastic comments thrown around in these pages. I’m a fairly sarcastic person, so this aspect of her writing style has always appealed to me. But I do know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. However, there is another aspect of her writing that appeals to me, as well. What I love most about her characters is that she makes them seem pretty superficial at the beginning of each story, but in reality, they are so very complex. Matt and Parker are most definitely very complex characters. Both have been defined by very lonely pasts...despite their accomplishments. At least Matt has had his sister, Willow, in his life. Unfortunately, Parker’s father has never had much to do with her, and she has no siblings, so she feels quite alone in the world. Can these two overcome some pretty giant obstacles in order to be together and have the future they both dream of having...both personally and professionally?

NICUnurse’s Rating: With characters that are deep and complex, a story that will bring you to tears for Parker, and some truly laugh out loud moments with Willow and Jagger, Kickin’ It by Rachel Van Dyken is sure to score big with contemporary sports romance fans! I give this book 4.5 out of 5 stars!

As I always say, Rachel, I love you! You are one of my favorite writers! Every book of yours is perfection, there's no denying it! Simply amazing.
I ate this book up! Strong female characters, amazing alpha male guys, what else can we ask for?!

Matt and Parker's relationship was a bit taboo, but we can't even think about that because their chemistry is incredible!

Parker had something terrible happen to her, she was hurt while in a weak position and now she is scared of letting anyone get too close. She won't be taken advantage of again, even if that means putting up an impenetrable wall around her heart.

She is ready to fight for her future; she is strong and talented, nothing can stop her.

But what happens when the unexpected shows up?

Matt is nothing like she thought he would be, she instantly feels closer to him than any other person in her life. He slowly inches closer to her wall, until he is almost all the way inside her heart, Can she trust him?

Matt's life is a great one, he has all the money he could want, an amazing job he loves and awesome yet annoying friends. But lately he realizes something is missing, he is lonely, and this new addition to his household might be just what he needs.

Can they fight her demons and prove to the rest of the world her truth and their love?

Will being together destroy them both, or is there a way to find their HEA?


PS.: Willow and Jagger (L) OMG! I love them! he has no clue what he is in for :)

I absolutely loved Matt & Parker’s story! I was consumed by these characters & their journey.

I loved how Matt & Parker challenged each other. They brought the best out in each other. Matt & Parker’s journey was not an easy one at all, but it was worth it.

I really hope Willow & Jagger’s story is next!

I voluntarily reviewed this book.

KICKIN’ IT is the second instalment in Rachel Van Dyken’s contemporary, adult RED CARD soccer romance series. This is thirty year old, former professional soccer player turned agent Matt Kingston, and up and coming soccer star Parker Speedman’s story line. KICKIN’IT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary. There is also a relationship developing in the background between Matt’s sister Willow, and his best friend and soccer player Jagger Komokov.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Matt and Parker) KICKIN’ IT follows the building relationship between former professional soccer player turned agent Matt Kingston, and up and coming soccer star Parker Speedman. Matt Kingston’s sister Willow will be spending the summer interning under her brother in the field of professional sports agent. Hoping for a chance at representation Willow brings home her best friend and soccer phenom Parker Speedman, a young woman whose soccer career has been stalled when she punched out her coach on national TV. Not looking to babysit his younger sister, or her angry best friend, Matt is surprised to discover that not all is at is seems with Parker Speedman. What ensues is the building relationship and romance between Parker and Matt, and the potential fall-out as their relationship comes under scrutiny, as well as Parker’s sins of the past.

Matt Kingston is a well-to-do, high profile sports agent and struggles with his attraction to his sister’s best friend, a young woman whose secrets are slowly destroying her sense of well-being and personal worth. Parker Speedman knows that her reputation as a hot-head may have destroyed any hopes of a professional career but having survived the abuse of someone she trusted meant she could survive the threats and innuendo of the people in charge.

Meanwhile, there is a relationship developing between Matt’s sister Willow, and his best friend and soccer player Jagger Komokov. Jagger has a reputation as a bit of a man-wh*re and Matt battles his need to protect the sister he loves.

The relationship between Matt and Parker begins acrimoniously. Matt wants nothing to do with Willow or Parker but suspects there is more to the story than meets the eye. Parker’s outburst shield a broken young woman whose life is slowly spiralling out of control. The $ex sense are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are reintroduced to Slake and Mackenzie Rodriguez (Risky Play #1), Jagger Kozlov as well as Willow Kingston, professional head coach Darius Peters, and college coach Erik Sluvan.

KICKIN’ IT is a story of family, friendship, betrayal and vengeance. The premise is engaging and enlightening; the romance is seductive and sultry; the characters are colorful and energetic. Jagger Komokov’s grandmother, although we never meet her has some of the funniest moments throughout the story.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

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I read a lot of angsty books, darker romance stories, and anything that pushes you outside your comfort zone. When I want a "pallet cleanser" or something to just break up the flow of darker stories - I pick up something lighter. Rachel is great at delivering the lighter, heart-warming, fun romance I'm looking for when I need it.

This is the follow up to Risky Play, which was book 1 in the Red Card series. They are both stand-alone books but reading them both are better in my opinion. I loved getting inside Matt Kingston's head. He was one of my favorites from the first book. The rest of the guys are in this book, and I just love those guys. I really hope we get Jagger's book next.

This is fun, flirty, and sweet. Rachel delivers a book full of her signature banter, swoony moments, and smoking hot chemistry. I thoroughly enjoyed this latest release in the Red Card series.

Kickin' It was just one more reason to be a fan of Rachel Van Dyken. It was one part sports romance, one part sweet and sexy romance, and it was all parts love.

Matt was a former professional soccer player, successful sports agent, and everyone's best friend. He had it all - a beautiful home, fast cars, expense accounts, his own prosperous business, great buddies, connections, fab clothes, and opportunities of a lifetime. He was happy. Or was he? What good is having it all with no one to share it with?

Parker was striving for a soccer career, but one moment may have derailed her future forever. Being best friends with Willow has many perks aside from her being awesome, one of them being that she's the sister of the best agent around. Can Matt save her reputation and secure her the deal of her life? When spending time with Matt has her formidable walls crumbling apart, will he keep her and her fragile heart safe?

I absolutely loved Matt. I became quite fond of Willow and Jagger. And Parker had her moments. I enjoyed the heck out of all of the banter between these characters and I swooned so hard over the many ways that Matt wormed his way into Parker's heart (and mine). I appreciated how the author illustrated Parker's talent and how hard being on top can be. What she suffered is all too common and the author did an amazing job of bringing it to light. I'm so in love with these characters that I now have to go back and read the first book of the series, Risky Play, and I'll definitely be reading the others when they're released. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves stories about first love, friendships, redemption and hope.

Kickin’ It is the second book in the Red Card series by the very talented, Rachel Van Dyken. It can be read as standalone. If you read Risky Play then you have met Slade and Jaggar’s friend and agent Matt Kingston. The most sought after sports agent in the country. And he is about to get a new client, his sister’s best friend, Parker Speedman.

Parker needs an agent. The problem is that nobody will touch her after she punched her college couch on National television. That was until she met Matt Kingston. The agent of all agents and she was living under his roof for the summer thanks to his sister and her best friend, Willow. While Willow interns for Matt, Parker is in training. With Matt. The sexy asshole who could be the man to help her with her dreams of going pro. Soccer is her passion. She plays with mind, body, and soul. She just needed someone to be on her side. To believe in her. What she didn’t expect was to want him so much.

Matt knew she was off-limits. She was not only a client but his sister’s best friend. There is also the age difference. Eight years. She was a very mature twenty-two year old but he was thirty. He wanted her to have everything she worked so hard for but can he keep his hands to himself? Parker was everything he never knew he wanted. She was sassy, beautiful inside and out, and was full of passion. But, is being together worth the risk?

I loved this one! Parker is sassy AF and knows exactly how to push Matt’s button. She always knows how to get the stick out of his ass. She relaxes him. Intrigues him. And he wants her. Badly. And I love Matt! He can be an asshole but a good one. He is also sweet, sexy, and funny. Together, their banter is flirty, sassy, and heat.

Overall...I loved every minute of it. Once I started I didn’t want to stop and really...I didn’t. I had it all. It made me laugh, cry, and swoon. I am excited about what is up next in the series.

Quotes:

Make the world your oyster. And if that doesn’t work? Make it your bitch.

“His neck vein is throbbing,” Willow said in a hushed whisper as she drummed her fingernails across the granite counter. “I would tread carefully.”

“Prove it and I’ll get you everything.”
“That’s a mighty big promise, Matt Kingston.”