4.25 - 4.5 Stars

We all remember sports agent Matt from the first book.

He's a bit high-strung, he seems old for his age of only 30 years. His job is very hard - trying to keep all those famous athletes in check.

Enter his sister Willow. The one person to make his life even harder. Even though her wanting to join his agency should make life easier for him. But not when she moves into his house - and she's not alone.

Parker. She's a soccer wunderkind who got blacklisted with the league after she hit her coach on live TV. But all is definitely not what it seems with her past.

Matt is fascinated and extremely attracted - but he doesn't date clients!
Plus she's his little sister's friend. And she lives in his house!!!!

What will happen with Parker & Matt?
WILL THERE BE A HAPPILY EVER AFTER???
BUY THE BOOK TO FIND OUT!

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LOL!

Poor Matt. Living with only his sister would've been enough to give him ulcers. But now here's this beautiful girl sharing a bathroom with him?! How will he survive these next few months!

And she's not a nice and sweet houseguest either. She's constantly fighting and arguing with him. And he hates it. Loves it. Grrr. LOL! ☺ He was kind of ready to finally settle down with the right woman. He longs for someone to come home to every night. And now he has two (way too young) someones at home and both are driving him crazy! LOLLL!

I really loved reading it this story!

It was funny and bantery and soccery. We have so many sparks between our darlings. We have adorable family moments and hilarious moments with Matt's other clients aka Jagger and Slade! And lots of sexy moments. But we also have very serious and sad moments from Parker's past. Her coach wasn't a nice man.... and he's not given up yet!

GREAT ROMANCE!
Funny, adorable, sporty, sexy, heartbreaking.
I LOVED READING IT!

I wouldn't mind if Netflix came along and made something out of this series!!

The only things that bothered me ... first ... the cover! I like the pink color, but the guy is not Matt. Matt is blond and doesn't have any tattoos. I like it better when the people on the cover fit the story - it doesn't make any sense if they just put random people on covers! This cover looks a bit like a ..? Biker mafia metal rock romance? ☺

Then the conversations were sometimes so weird for my brain. There were two or four people in the room and I had no idea who was saying what. There were not enough 'stage directions' for me to get it. But that's probably just me. Rachel's writing is not 100% my thing.

And then the one thing that will always take away half a star from my ratings .... nothing to do with the story, but the author. Rachel's first thank you in the acknowledgements? She thanks god. I just can't deal with that in my romances. If I wanted to read christian romances, I'd buy them. Which I never in a million years would do. And before I go on another anti-religion rant, I will stop this here.

► KICKIN' IT was a really adorable & funny & emotional sports romance!
Run to your nearest amazon for your own Matt - this one is MINE!!!!

Parker's dream is to be a professional soccer player, but she made headlines in her last year of college for all the wrong reasons: she punched her coach in front of the press. Now no teams will touch her, unless she can find an agent who will fix her image and get her back in shape. Luckily, her friend, Willow, offered her a place to stay at her brother's house, and he just happens to be a sports agent. Except Matt doesn't appreciate the giant chip Parker has on her shoulder about men in general, and he's extra annoyed that he's so attracted to her that he can't think straight. When Matt finds out that Parker has as secret, he'll go to any lengths to protect her...even tear down the walls around his heart. Will they risk their professional goals for a chance at winning the game of love?

This is the first book I've read by this author, and I really enjoyed it! It's the second entry in a series, but it absolutely works as a stand-alone. You won't be lost if you haven't read the first one (though now I can't wait to go back and read it to see more of these characters!). Van Dyken writes good banter, and the characters are charming and well-developed. It was impossible not to sympathize with Parker and want a happily ever after for her. Matt was strong and willing to admit when he was wrong, plus he's got a great sense of humor which I always appreciate. The only issues I had were with the transitions between scenes. Things were a little choppy in places, but that could very easily have been because this was an early copy that hasn't been fully edited.

I'm hoping there are more books to come in this fun series, and in the meantime, I'll be checking out some of Van Dyken's other work!

**Thanks to NetGalley and Skyscape for the ARC!**

Matt and Parker are my favorite RVD couple! Matt and his “old” grumpy ways has his world imploded by not only his sassy sister but her best friend Parker! Their attraction was instant but their journey was a battle because Parker had demons that she didn’t know what to do with!

I loved this beautiful story and all the emotions it brought out! I will admit I didn’t like Willow at first haha and felt bad for Matt because my gosh his sister was crazy but she won me over because I get it . I’m an older sibling I’m also a younger sibling so I get the crazy we give to them plus she was an awesome sister in the end. I loved revisiting with Jagger and Slade and I HOPE this isn’t the end of the series because once grown to love this group of crazy people because they are so unapologetically themselves!

Love, love, love this book. This is the second in the RedCard series. I love Matt and Parker. You find yourself wanting to find a Matt. You feel for Parker and her story hits close to home on much of society today. I can imagine the turmoil she is going through because I have heard some stories about the topic and how women feel. I recommend this book because you laugh, you cry and you root for them to get together. You can’t help but love Willow and Jagger and want to know their story.

When Matt agrees to let his sister intern with his sports agency he gets more than he bargained for when she moves in with her friend Parker. Rising female soccer star with a chip on her shoulder Parker is trying to get a position on a team but the drama from her past is keeping her from her goal. But once Matt sees just how much talent she has and decides to help her land a try out, he also realizes she has a huge skeleton in her closet that she has hid from everyone. Can she overcome her past? Will she become even stronger with Matt by her side? I loved these characters. Matt started off as a stuffed suit but ended up with his heart on his sleeve and Parker is so broken you just want to hug her. Throw in great supporting characters and this was a perfect read.

Would like to start this review with a HUGE Content Warning : Includes details and depression on rape.

I really enjoyed the romance and building of the story in this book. As a fan of the author I knew it would be sweet and steamy but it is so much more than that. It focuses on learning to consent and understand what makes a good relationship. It does focus a lot on past hurts and pain and growing as well as facing it. This could be potentionally triggering for some readers and should be noted early on in the synopsis or front of book.

This was a good book that was slow for me to get into actually. I am glad that I kept going with it to finish the book. The writing was as always good and enjoyable. I just had trouble getting into the characters and story this time round. The characters were ultimately enjoyable.

I really enjoy books by Rachel Van Dyken. But, I will admit I picked this book first because of the cover!!

This book is sweet, dreamy, romantic, and even emotional. I really enjoyed Parker and Matt! I would definitely recommend his book. I think readers would easily fall in love with Matt and Parker too.

Kickin It was a great follow up to Risky Play. I loved Slade’s book and wondered if Matt would get a woman of his own to chill his attitude and party boy ways. Parker is a great match for him and I loved her strength and compatibility with Matt.
I look forward to any RVD book now that I’ve finally started reading and loving her books!

I want to marry Matt Kingston! This book has everything! Humor, romance, great side characters and the perfect guy that makes you just melt in the best ways.

Rachel Van Dyken is my favorite author for contemporary romance! She's an auto buy author for me because every book that I've read from her has been absolutely amazing, she never disappoints no matter what genre she writes. I have a bunch of reviews of her books on my blog. She has a style of writing that makes the story feel real, like a friend telling you a story or like you're in the story yourself. She makes you feel for the characters and it's like you're part of the world and that's how all of her books feel.

I am super excited to share this review!

Warning! *I want to point out that this book deals with a sensitive subject which is sexual assault, that is a trigger warning that I should let you know before anyone reads this book.

I really enjoyed this book. As all of Rachel's books have the same feel, this one was no exception. As this book deals with a strong subject, I think it was done very well and respectful to the feelings of a person that was abused. As it was not the focus point of the story, I'm very grateful for the fact that there other aspects to the story. Parker is a soccer player in search for an agent, and her best friend's brother is the one that she wants. As her past seems to haunt and taunt her we see that Parker is a strong woman and doesn't let other people's actions define her. She had a horrible traumatic experience that changed her into a shell of a person that she was but she persevered through the dark times and chased her dreams not letting anything stop her. I admired her bravery for standing up for what she believed in, and even though she knew she would be judged she needed to be an example for others in hopes that what happened to her didn't happen to anyone else.

I really appreciate how the story was written, even though it was a serious subject that needs to be talked about, it wasn't something that defined Parker or her future. She was trying to forget her bad memories, instead she's trying to move on with her life in hopes of making her dreams come true. I loved her passion for soccer, how she trained until she was sore and couldn't feel her legs. I could tell she really loved the sport but her talent could only get her so far. Ever since Parker punched her coach on national television her career took a nosedive, she needs Matt's help as an agent to get her on the right team. And Matt did something he doesn't ever do, he coaches her, so if she can survive his torture (I mean coaching) she can ace any teams tryout.

Another aspect that I love from Rachel is the way she writes humor in her books, it seems so natural and seamless. It always makes me laugh out loud. The story was fast paced and perfect length for me, straight to the point without any filler scenes. I was engaged in the story, I cared for the characters, and a bit of hilarity sprinkled in, it's the recipe for a great book.

This is the first book I've read from this series and I loved the characters so I can't wait to read more about them.

**I have scheduled my review to be up on my blog for June 10th. I will add my review to Goodreads when the title becomes available and also Amazon.

I accidentally went on a Rachel Van Dyken mini-binge this week when my audio of The Matchmaker’s Replacement overlapped with my read of Kickin’ It, and if there’s one thing I can say for certain? It’s that Ms. Van Dyken is a banter master.

Seriously.

Banter is one of my favorite displays of chemistry in romance and it is so on point in this book. I loved the spirited antagonism at the beginning and how – even as it mellowed (or perhaps melted) into something more tender and emotional – it never truly went away. Matt and Parker were smart, funny, fiery characters and they were perfectly suited for each other.

I loved the dynamic among the little tribe that formed in this book. The bromance was satisfying and funny, and I liked the way they all took turns at coaching Parker: both in soccer and in life. There’s a lightness to this story, even though it’s layered with a decidedly more traumatic and heavier secondary story. I loved how Ms. Van Dyken addressed the issues, lifting Parker up, empowering her, and showing her as a remarkably strong heroine with flaws. That’s relatable. That’s lovable. And in the end, it’s what held me captive to this highly addictive story.

Well, that and the chemistry. Did I mention the chemistry? I loved the chemistry!

I loved a lot about this book, actually. The easy storytelling, the smart writing, the wonderful characters – it was a pretty fantastic package for me and I definitely recommend! ~ 4.5 Stars

The familial bond between the characters is portrayed so well. Usually I cannot get into the sports genre, but I was hooked right away. Matt was a nice guy and genuinely caring boyfriend, which was refreshing. I'm so used to the raging jocks I typically encounter in books where the major theme is sports.

A good quick romance. Soccer player Parker, goes to stay for a time with her best friend's brother Matt, who just happens to be a coach/agent for many professional male players. Sparks and banter fly, and overall I did enjoy this one. Echos of the sexual abuse seen by the gymnastic doctor recently is reflected in the story line, which is sad. Wrapped up a little fast, and could have used a bit more development there, but otherwise I highly recommend this story/

Kickin It was a great read for me. Once again RVD brings out all the emotions in you with this heartfelt love story. (The title really does go with this story as well)
Once I met Parker, immediately I got the vibe from the whole gymnastics coach abuse scandal. Matt and Parker’s story was just not all romance and I loved that it centered on this topic. This was something different and I could not wait to dive in. It goes to show that everything is not all roses and rainbows in the sports industry. Matt’s protectiveness was absolutely showcased. He wanted to see Parker achieve her goal and she just had this vulnerability about her that screamed I need someone on my side. We also get to see Parker’s tenacity to strive and not let this person have control over her life or career. It took Parker a while to get to that point but in the end she did with the help of Matt.
There were some funny moments of course as well. The banter between Matt, Parker, Willow and Jagger is enough to make the book not quite as such a heavy read. The push and pull with Matt and Parker had me on the edge of my seat. Parker was a pit bull with her words and attitude but you could tell she had this vulnerability. I just wanted Matt to just hurry up and love her, to stop worrying about the agent/player dynamic! Once he got there, what a sweet romance they had.
I can’t wait to see what RVD has in store for us next with Jagger and Willow’s story.
Arc was provided by publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Aah, a lovely sweet forbidden romance following Sports Agent Matt Kingston as he decides whether to take on female soccer player Parker Speedman. There are however a few complications. She’s his sister’s best friend, she’s going to be living in his house for the next 3 months, she also seems to be breaking down his client/agent barriers, and she’s hot as hell. Parker on the other hand has issues with men, she doesn’t trust them, and she has good reason. Matt needs to earn her trust and get her to open up if he’s going to get her a contract. Book 2 in the Red Card series and it’s just as wonderfully addictive as the first book. Sports romance is one of my favourite genres, add in great writing and characters (dual POV) and it’s a winner for me. Thoroughly enjoyable, easy read. I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is my honest review.

RDV did it again! She is one of my favourite authors and she proved again why!
I haven't read the first one but I really want to. You don't need to have read it to understand what's going on. Kickin' It has some heavy heavy topics but RDV treats it with respect for the victims and shows that they are survivors. Parker is a badass and I love her. She is a soccer player with a sad past. Willow her best friend (I want a Willow) tricks her brother, Matt, to stay at his home and become her agent.
Matt is strict with his routine and needs a wild card like his sister and her best friend.
There is a slight age gap but you don't really feel it.
I definitively recommend it!

This was a typical girl meets boy and boy instantly falls for the girl even though he has no clue why. I wish the plot line were more developed and there was a little more depth to their romance. Overall it was a decent read with an ending that tied up loose ends nicely.

I love Rachel Van Dyken’s books. Seriously. Which is why I hated that Kickin’ It felt so short! It seriously didn’t feel long enough. Matt was a babe. Parker was a bad ass. I just wish this was longer. I seriously hope the next book is Jagger’s. I loved him in Risky Play and in Kickin’ it. Basically, I’m just here patiently waiting for her next book.

I love love love Rachel and again she sucked me into Matt and Parker’s story!!! I couldn’t put it down! Matt being a former athlete and had gotten injured now just trains other athletes! Willow his sister he raised since their parents died is wanting to move near him and help him run his business. So when he agrees for her to move In with him during the summer he doesn’t realize until too late that someone else was moving In also. Willows best friend and soccer player with a lot of bad press right now and needing help to get signed onto a team. Love love love these two. Matt instead of showing his attraction to her is rude to her but Parker gives it right back. Learning to shield herself with anger and smart remarks has these two going at it! But until they can drop their defenses and really trust each other and the whole truth comes out can they move forward and come out on the other side! But will it work or will they both get burned? Book given to me by author on netgalley