I’m going to be honest, I loved this book.

I really loved Rory. I liked the fact that she was such a huge Rugby fan. Her dad is the coach at her college and I loved the relationship she had with the guys on the team. She had me cracking up with her attempts at flirting and the way she would interact with the players. She was super sweet and willing to help those who needed it.

I really liked Cillian. He’s a grump and doesn’t care about anyone besides his sister. I loved his relationship with her and how he really tried to take care of her and protect her. I like how Cillian and Rory started as friends and slowly became something more. My heart hurt for him after finding out about his past and his grief.

I really loved these two together. I thought they were super cute. I also loved the other guys on the team and how they were such good friends to Rory and how, after some time, they accepted Cillian.

While there were parts that were a bit emotional, this book was mainly light-hearted. There was a conflict but it was resolved fairly quickly, which I really enjoyed. While there wasn’t much rugby in this book and the focus was mainly on the relationship between Rory and Cillian, it was very entertaining and it was exactly what I needed.

I loved the narrators for this audiobook. Matt Sykes and Stella Hunter were perfect for Rory and Cillian. They really brought the characters to life and they really made my listening experience more enjoyable.

I’d recommend this book, especially if you’re in the mood for a light-hearted, low-drama, spicy, romcom, forbidden romance.

Thank you Maren Moore, Hachette Audio, Forever and NetGalley for the ARC and ALC for an honest review

Big thank you to Hachette Audio & NetGalley for the advanced listeners copy!

A sports romance with the MMC being from London!? Yes please. The dual narration was fantastic.

The emphasis on the team, family, and friendship being just as important throughout the book as the love story was refreshing. Sometimes fake dating/forbidden lovers can be ick but this was enjoyable and comical all the same. My favorite part? No 3rd act breakup. Thank you to Maren for that! After reading some of this author's holiday novellas, I'm excited for more from this series!

This was a super cute college sports romance where the bad boy transfer falls for the coach’s daughter. The best part is the Killian isn’t really a bad boy anymore and just wants to get his life back on track. Rory is obsessed with sports and is hopeless with romance. Killian is perfect solution for the team and for Rory. There is drama and spice and friends and teammates who step up when it matters.
The narrators did a great job and felt right for their characters. The voice acting was great and the story was made better by their narration.

This was cute!! I had a great time listening to this audiobook. I have read a novella from Maren Moore before but I felt like now I got the full experience and will definitely be reading more. I thought this was a great mix of sports, funny moments, spice, and definitely some heart there in the end.

Rugby is definitely a sport I don't read about a ton so I thought it was cool to have here! I thought it worked really well that Killian was from the UK and it was fun to see his thoughts on America haha. I adored his relationship with his sister and how he grew to be a part of the team. Some of it was a little cheesy haha but seeing his friendships grow was so sweet. And of course our girl Rory was a huge part of that!

Rory was such a fun FMC. I honestly could see myself in parts of her, both good and bad haha. It was a funny take on the spicy lessons trope that she couldn't stop talking about sports. I loved how Killian helped her get out of her head and they truly just felt so natural together. I loved seeing them for a friendship and then more. But also Killian in bed?! The mouth on him! Hot. There were definitely some great spicy scenes here haha.

I alluded to it earlier but I will say that there were some parts that seemed a little too cutesy/cheesy to me. But also given the cover, I did expect more of a rom com vibe so I think that fit. And I was expecting a little more forbiddenness with the coach's daughter thing, but overall it turned out to be pretty low stakes/angst.

All in all, this was just a very enjoyable listen - audiobook was great, and I am excited to read more from Maren Moore! Always need more sports romances in my life.

Thank you so much to Maren Moore and Hachette Audio for the advanced audio!

Have found Maren Moores books to be hit or miss for me, but Red Card was a big hit!

I loved the dynamic between these characters and the team. It was a rough start but, I loved how Rory so desperately wanted Cillian to mesh with the team and how the team ended up coming around and supporting Cillian in the end! It was such a great full circle moment.

I really loved Cillian's character development and showing the dichotomy between how he is with his sister vs how he is around the team in the beginning.

I don't always love the dating/sexy lessons trope, but I loved the way Moore used it in this one.

The narrator's did a great job of bringing the characters to life. It's pretty much exactly what I would imagine these characters sounded like!

Thank you to Hachette audio for the ALC!

im not sure if its the timing of my reading this, as i’ve been really picky and slumpy lately in a way where it is insanely hit or miss on if i will like something or not. regardless of what it may be i simply cannot get into this book, ive picked up the physical a few different times when the audio wasnt hitting right for me. i think my biggest issue lies with the FMC rory, i think she is a bit too “pick me” and “im not like other girls for my liking, i find myself constantly cringing and i just cant get through it currently. i do think i will try it again in the future as id love to love this one but it just isnt happening right now.

Audiobook listen ...Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.
Spice Level is a 4.
Red Card: A Game of Love and Rugby Red Card by Maren Moore is a new adult sports romance novel set to be released on August 12, 2025. The story combines elements of "She's All That" and "She's the Man," creating a unique and engaging narrative. It revolves around a British rugby player starting over in America and finding an unexpected connection with the coach's daughter. The protagonist, Cillian "Kill" Cairney, is portrayed as a "British bad boy" known for his ruthless behavior on the rugby field. After receiving a permanent red card from his London team, Cillian's career takes him to an Ivy League school in New Hampshire. However, his fresh start is met with challenges: his new teammates dislike him, the coach doesn't trust him, and his starting position is jeopardized by the coach's daughter, Rory. Rory St. James, the coach's daughter, is deeply involved in the world of rugby. However, she's frustrated with being stuck in the "friend-zone" and desires a romantic relationship. To achieve this, she seeks Cillian's help, leading to a proposition that could benefit them both. As Cillian and Rory spend more time together, the lines between friendship and romance begin to blur. Their growing connection raises questions about trust and loyalty, leaving readers to wonder who will emerge as the winner in this game of love and rugby. Will their love story end with a "red card?". Red Card explores themes of second chances, overcoming adversity, and finding love in unexpected places. Cillian's journey from a disgraced player to someone striving for redemption resonates with readers, while Rory's desire to break free from the friend-zone adds a relatable element to the story. The novel is described as a "steamy friends-to-lovers sports romance" with "swoony chemistry, heartfelt emotion, and a rugby team full of lovable chaos". The audiobook version is narrated by Matt Sykes and Stella Hunter.

I was able to listen to an advance copy of the audio book and it was soo good! The narrators did an amazing job really showing the emotion and bringing out the story. Maren Moore nailed it once again! Bad boy rugby player and witty banter? Say less

4 1/2 Stars

This book was such a blast! I think it might’ve been my first time reading a rugby romance, even though there wasn't a lot of it played out on the pages in the book. It's a fun college sports romance that combines heart, emotion, and just the right amount of steam.

Rory is the assistant coach on her dad’s college rugby team and has always been “one of the guys,” which makes dating feel awkward, especially around guys she finds attractive. Cue Cillian: the brooding British bad boy with a mysterious past who transfers in and immediately stirs up drama. The team isn’t thrilled about him, but Rory sees his potential and needs him to stick around. Their friendship starts out as a mutual deal; she’ll help smooth things over with the team, and he’ll coach her on flirting and dating. Of course, it quickly turns into something way deeper, especially with Cillian quietly catching feelings while giving her advice on how to charm other guys. That trope? Forever obsessed.

Their friendship felt genuine, and I loved the way it slowly turned into something more. Also, the fact that he calls her “St. James” just melted me. The story was easy to follow without being overcomplicated, and the way grief was woven into the narrative added a thoughtful layer without dragging down the vibe.

🎧Audiobook Review🎧
Stella Hunter and Matt Sykes absolutely nailed it. Stella is always on point with emotion and delivery—she’s one of my favorite narrators for a reason. And Matt’s British accent? Perfection. When his voice dipped low and emotional… it felt real. He’s not my fave when voicing female characters, but overall, the narration was solid and really brought the story to life.

If you love sports romance, witty banter, and a little emotional depth, Red Card is a great listen.

Thank you to NetGalley, author Maren Moore and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for this digital advanced reader’s copy in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you for the opportunity to review.
Honestly, while this would not be my first choice typically, it was a fun listen. The characters were well written and the plot was believable.

Absolutely in love and not at all surprised. Cillian and Rory were so great! I loved Cillian’s “bad boy” persona and loved getting to see him open up to not only Rory, but his team as well. He is trying to escape the grief and accomplish so much with his time in America and getting to see that vulnerable side of him was everything!
I loved Rory and her relationship with her dad’s team. She’s the equipment manager for the team and has adopted all of the guys as best friends- so I love seeing that dynamic between them and seeing how much they respect her!
Rory and Cillian’s deal to help each other was so fun to watch. I enjoyed getting to see Cillian realize that he didn’t actually want to help her date and would rather date her himself!
As always with Maren books, there’s plenty of spice and dirt talk, but just as much emotional pull to have your heart breaking for the characters!

The physical read was amazing! But the audio for this one.. boy oh boy did these narrators really do this story justice! They worked well to bring Rory and Cillian to life and I’m just so happy I was able to listen!

This was such a fun and heartwarming read! Rory—better known as St. James, thanks to Cillian—was a total spitfire, keeping all the boys on their toes in the best way. Her personality lit up every scene she was in, and the dynamic she shared with her dad and the rugby team was both endearing and empowering.

Cillian was moodier and more reserved, but given everything he was going through—grieving the loss of his mother, adjusting to a new country, and trying to support his sister—it made complete sense. His bond with his sister was one of my favorite aspects of the book: tender, protective, and full of unspoken understanding.

I also really appreciated the lovable side characters, who added so much charm and depth to the story. If anything, I wish there had been a bit more on-page rugby action, especially since I’m not super familiar with the sport. But even with that, it was such a joy getting to know these characters and watching their relationships grow.

Cillian "Kill" Cairney is the bad boy of rugby. After being permanently kicked off of his home team in London, he finds refuge with the only team that will accept him, Prescott University in New Hampshire. The only issue? Everyone hates him. Rory St. James is the coaches daughter and is absolutely sick of being "one of the boys" due to her lack of game. When Rory approaches Cillian to teach her how to be flirtatious, he sees the perfect opportunity to get in with the team. But they begin connecting in a very unexpected way that could ruin everything.

✨rugby player
✨British bad boy x good girl
✨coaches daughter x player
✨forbidden
✨🌶️🌶️.5

Give me a rugby book with a broody man who has an accent and i am SAT. This was so fun & a great palate cleanser. I loved Cillian, and he & Rory had great chemistry. I did find Rory a bit of a pick me girlie at times, but I really found their relationship to be sweet & quite spicy! The side characters are really fun, and I am looking forward to seeing more from this series! The audiobook performance was great! I love when one or both of the main characters has an accent, and I felt totally immersed in this story. A super fun & quick read that I recommend!

Thank you so much to Hatchett Audio, NetGalley & Maren Moore for an ALC 🫶🏼

If you’re a fan of She’s All That meets She’s the Man, the Red Card audiobook delivers all the swoony tension, angst, and open-door spice in a format that pulls you right into the story. With college-aged leads, rugby drama, and an opposites-attract romance, this New Adult sports story comes alive in audio.

British bad boy Cillian “Kill” Cairney is sent across the pond to restart his rugby career after a permanent red card ends his time in London. Now at an Ivy League school in New Hampshire, he’s working to win over his new team, his skeptical coach, and, most challenging of all, Rory, the coach’s fiercely off-limits, rugby-obsessed daughter.

The audiobook brings their dynamic to life with strong narration that captures Cillian’s intensity and Rory’s determination. When Rory enlists Kill to help her win over her longtime crush, neither expects just how fast fake will start to feel real. As sparks fly and lines blur, Red Card explores themes of trust, loyalty, and unexpected connection.

This is a perfect listen for anyone craving a spicy, heartfelt sports romance with a strong audio performance that enhances every emotional beat.

Thank you to Forever for the advance reader copy and to Hachette Audio and LibroFM for the complimentary audiobook. These opinions are my own.

Cillian has one last chance to play rugby by transferring in the middle of the school year to Prescott University. The team doesn't want him anymore than he wanted to be forced with them. And Rory, the coach's daughter may be his one chance to bond with the team and keep his spot on the roster.

Reading this, I learned a bunch about rugby and how much it relies on trust and communication within the team. And it makes me want more rugby romances. And maybe I will have to join the author in getting a bit lost on rugby social media.

There were times as I read that I wondered at the pacing or felt that important issues had been forgotten too easily. But then I was impressed by how the various strings were tied together at the end. I also appreciated the care with which Cillian's grief over his mother's death was portrayed. As someone who recently lost her own mother, his pain and reactions resonated for me.

And I especially appreciated Rory. I'm always here for a woman who breaks stereotypes and understands sports as well as any man. Her relationship with the whole team was fantastic and helped to provide insight into all of the men and what I hope will be many more books about the team.

I appreciated Stella Hunter's narration. Matt Sykes did great with Cillian's voice, but his voicing of Rory was less strong. I think this could have been better in duet narration.

Thank you to Hachette Audio, Forever, and NetGalley for providing me with an audio review copy and kindle copy of this title to read and give my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
I love a good sports romance. I haven't read anything with rugby in it before so I was excited to be introduced to a new sport and watch the romance bloom. Unfortunately, it just wasn't for me.
Rory St. James's father is the coach of the Prescott University rugby team. She's close with all the players as she's been helping the team since she started at Prescott. She is accepted as one of the boys but wants to be able to be more than that. Cillian Carnie is the British bad boy who has joined the team mid-season after his bad boy image forced him to move across the pond in order to continue with his rugby career. The team has no intention of bringing him into the fold. But in order for the team to succeed, Cillian must make his teammates accept him and what better way to do that than to take pointers from Rory who is close with all the team members. In order to have this happen, Cillian and Rory come to an agreement to help each other.
I started this book off on audio. I love Stella Hunter (she narrates all of Amy Award's books in the Cocky Kingsmans series) and Matt Sykes is a new narrator for me. I enjoyed Stella's narration for the most part. Matt's not so much. I think the British accents don't do it for me. So, while others may love them, I just think it was not for me. I know it was necessary, since the character is British, but it was hard for me to listen to it.
The romance in this book seemed very forces. Like, you knew the two would be attracted to each other and something would happen but it just didn't seem like the attraction I was being told about was truly there. There was zero depth to their relationship.
On top of the lack of chemistry, there was a lack of plot. Even by 68% in I was forcing myself to read because I thought something had to happen to make the book worth it. The whole point of the book is for Cillian to be accepted by the team and help them win. But we barely see him with the team on the pitch. What is the point of a sports romance if you don't include the sport? Nothing happened outside of the relationship between Rory and Cillian. He didn't bond with his teammates or build any type of report with them.
On top of me feeling just stuck in the book with nothing to move me forward, the editing was pretty poor. Yes, I know it's an early copy of a book but it was more than that. Often times the characters were using the same word over and over again in subsequent sentences. It was really bothering me that an editor couldn't see that and possible replace the words with a synonym or in some cases even leave the word out because it was not needed.
After reading this book, I don't have any better grip on the sport of rugby or how it works. And I don't feel like Cillian and Rory really were a couple. I'm sure others will enjoy this book but it just did not live up to what the blurb gave me to go on.

🏉💋Red Card by Maren Moore💋🏉

Red Card is equal parts sizzling romance and heartfelt self-discovery, with a delightfully messy duo at its centre. From the moment Cillian “Kill” Cairney lands in New Hampshire, nursing a bruised reputation and an ego as big as his accent, it’s clear we’re in for a stormy, hilarious, and completely irresistible ride. Rory is more than the girl-next-door with a rugby obsession. Her determination to take control of her romantic life makes her endearing, and her vulnerability makes her real.

Kill and Rory’s chemistry is off the charts. Think witty banter, forbidden training sessions, and a slow burn that finally ignites in the most satisfying way. The supporting characters add texture, the pacing never drags, and the dialogue is whip-smart. Signature Maren never disappoints! She does a fabulous job exploring themes of identity, loyalty, and personal growth without ever losing sight of the story’s emotional core.

The narration of the audiobook also added to the overall enjoyment of the book and I loved how the characters were brought to life.

I devoured this book and can’t wait for the next book in the Prescott University series.

Thank you so much to @authormarenmoore @readforeverpub @hachetteaudio and @netgalley for sending me an audio and ebook arc to review - I am beyond grateful! 🙏🏻

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I would give this book 3 stars, it was a fun, spicy, and easy to read sports romance. The story between Cillian and Rory was cute and sweet. However, I felt like the story lacked depth, and a few things were missing for me to really enjoy it. I wanted more things to happen outside of Rory and Cillian's relationship, like Cillian building trust and rapport with the team or Rory's friendships with the boys. I read this book but didn't feel this book.

*Sports Romance (Rugby)
*Coach's daughter
*Forced Proximity
*Teach Me

Thank you to #NetGalley and #HachetteAudio for an advance listening copy of #RedCard. British bad boy rugby player tries to restart his career in America while falling for the coach's daughter. 4 stars.

- College romance
- Sports romance
- Bad boy
- Friendzoned girl
- Close proximity
- Teach me

First of all, I am so proud of Maren for her first traditionally published book. I have been a fan of hers for years and she so deserves this! Second, Maren writes cayenne infused books like no other and I always know I'm in for a heated read!

This book was an absolute joy to read. I found myself cackling many times (especially when Cillian finds Rory's "self-care" device) and found myself swooning more times than I can count. I loved both characters so much and could relate to Rory and her awkward self-consciousness!

Cillian has come to the States as his very last chance to play rugby at the collegiate level. He desperately wants to go pro, but needs to be SEEN to do that. After losing his mum, he made some unfortunate choices that burned most of his bridges in England. He isn't at Prescott to make friends, which is good since no one on the team likes him. But when that animosity could get him booted from the team, he decides to take Rory up on a proposition she made...

Rory has been continually friendzoned. She is awkward around anyone NOT on the rugby team her father coaches and is tired of being alone. She asks the oh so grumpy Cillian to help her learn how to flirt in exchange for getting the team to accept him...and to her surprise and delight, he accepts.

Now that Rory and Cillian are starting to spend time together, Rory has to remind herself that he is only TEACHING her, not that he actually LIKES her. But the way he looks at her has her dreaming of a different outcome....

This book has such great banter and a compelling plot. I could not stop reading (or listening) to it. The audio book is #chefskiss.