RVD is one of my favourite go-to authors as she has a way of drawing you in and enjoying her books. She has a way of bringing humour to her writing even when they cover dark subjects but its done in a brilliant way, mixed with her strong addictive characters its the perfect mix.

After reading Risky Play I loved this group of athletes and their sports manager. Their connection, witty banter and over-protective natures was endearing and completely facinating to watch play out. I was intrigued by Matt, their agent in this book but he wasn't my favourite character but he is now.

Kickin' It is Matt and Parkers story and i simply loved these two. The push/pull love/hate realtionship between them was hilarious to watch at the beginning. Matt really did need someone who wasn't going to back down to his bossy ways and he met his match in Parker. Once he gets passed his tough agent persona he finally sees past the protective walls Parker has placed aroung herself and gives her the courage and self-belief she needs.

Another brilliant book from RVD and addition to this series and I am looking forward to seeing what comes next in this series

ARC recieved in exchange from the Author and Netgalley

Second self-contained book of the Red Card series.
Matt and Parker together are perfect: a mix of sweetness, sensuality and romance.
Convincing dialogues and scenes that will make your heart beat for this wonderful Rachel Van Dyken novel.

***4 "Off-limits!!!" stars***

I'm always enjoying RVD's books!!! They're always having the right amount of fun, sexiness, emotional stuff and the stories have that something that are hooking you up from the first page till the last one!!!
I loved the first book in the "Red Card" series, and i felt the same for the second one!!!
And of course, for a change, we had a female athlete in here!!! How refreshing!!!

We have already met Matt in the first book and i really loved the guy!!!
He was a high class sports agent and he was putting up with both Slade and Jagger!!! These guys were driving him crazy, but he was a really good friend and the best agent out there, so he was putting up with the fires that they were starting all the time in their lives!!!
Add into his crazy life, his sister Willow and her best friend, Parker, who are getting into his life and home and turn everything upside down!!!

Parker is a young girl whose life is soccer!!! She is putting her heart and soul in her sport, but last year was a living hell!!!
Everyone are saying that she has anger and behavior problems, since she punched her coach on National TV... And now, her career is trembling down!!!!
She needs Matt, her best friend's big brother and famous sports agent, to help her chasing her dream!!!
But he is an ass, most of the times, and she has a big mouth... So, there are problems between them!!!
Add to that and a fierce attraction that is lying between them!!!

So, what will happen after all with these two???
Parker has many issues to get over... Issues that are holding her back...
Matt wants to help her, but he needs her to open up to him!!!
What about the attraction between them???
Matt has drown an invisible line... Parker is too young, she is his client and she is off limits!!!
End of the story. ... Or not????

Well, I loved both Matt and Parker!!!
Matt seemed a little bit of an ass, but he was such a great guy and very good in his job!!!
Parker had so much anger inside of her, but unfortunately, she was giving hell to the wrong persons!!!
The interactions between them were sexy, steamy and funny!!! I loved witnessing their beautiful story!!!

As for Jagger and Willow???
I would love to have their own book, but the author gave us a secondary story in the background in here!!! And it was also really good, even on the background!!!
I can't wait for RVD's next book!!!!

***ARC kindly provided via NetGalley for the exchange of an honest review***

I love this book. Matt is sexy. Parker is strong and beautiful. Matt and his sister had me cracking up. I had to know what happened to Parker. Through her training, it had me tired with all the stuff she had to do. Matt and Parker's friendship is amazing. Highly recommend this book. I couldn't put this down. Amazing. This book had me at the first page.

I don't know if I've already mentioned this in any of my other reviews of Rachel Van Dyken's books but over the years she's definitely become one of my favourite romance authors. Her books are always so much fun to read and Kickin' It was definitely no exception.

It was so good to see Mack, Slade, Jagger and Matt from Risky Play again in this book and thankfully, the newly introduced characters were all just as awesome as those four. I'm also still absolutely in love with Rachel Van Dyken's writing style and there were so many scenes in Kickin' It that made me laugh out loud. I read this book in pretty much one sitting (with a small break) and loved it so, so much, I just had to give it five out of five stars.

I want to start out by saying that I love Rachel Van Dyken’s writing. I’ve been following her and reading as many as her books as I can and still read other authors. This lady is a machine, lol. I liked Matt in Risky Play, the banter between him, Slade; and Jagger. He didn’t seem to be much of a pushover in Risky Play he definitely gave as good as he got. So when he seemed so stressed and capitulated so quickly to his sister, Slade, Jagger, & Parker several times in this book it bothered me. As for Parker it took me a little bit to connect with her, especially with how quick she was to speak so rudely to Matt. She was hoping for his help and yet she was pretty aggressive at times. Mind you so was Matt at some points but things were throwing me in this book. I’m not 100% sure why, it could be that I got sick while reading this and had to force myself to finish it. I tend to not read when I get sick but I knew I had a deadline which I still didn’t end up meeting because I got so out of it that I missed an entire week of work. I may have to go back in and do a reread with fresh eyes. Because there were parts that had me sympathizing with the characters and also rooting for them but other parts where I just got upset. I want to say that just because I was having a hard time due to me, this in no way reflects on how good of a writer Rachel Van Dyken is. Nine times out of ten she blows it out of the park for, this just may not have been that time.

***5 ‘Red Whistle’ Stars***

No Tea, No Shade.
I thought Risky Play drove me batshitcrazy, but Matt & Parker may not have surpassed the crazy that Slade & Mack put me through (with a little help from Willow), but man did they match it.
For a hot minute there I thought I was going to toss the Kindle into the freezer for a time out, but I kept at it and I absolutely fell in love with both of them while loving Slade and Mack even more and finding myself quite intrigued with all that was going on with Jagger and Willow. All in all, Kickin’ It turned out to be a totally unputdownable page turner and has me wanting more.

Matt and Parker. I ended up loving and adoring these two, I did. But did they make my eyes and head hurt in the beginning. I mean I wanted to grab them both by the ears and put them both in time out. But underneath to asshattery and lashing out are two people who are filled with passion and have really good hearts, it just takes their heads a lot more time to catch up to what’s right in front of their faces.

As for their journey to their HEA. Rocky is an understatement, but they do have a quite a few hurdles to get over, some small, others large enough to be life altering. Thankfully, they do find their groove and I loved watching as they got closer and found that they gave each other exactly what the other never knew they needed or wanted.

This one was a doozy on a lot of levels and there are definite triggers that are apart of the storyline, but I thought they were handled with respect and not in a gratuitous nature. I loved catching up with Slade and Mack and seeing how solid their relationship has become and then there is Jagger and Willow. I’m really interested to see where this is all going, and am crossing my toes that Jagger’s grandma makes an appearance or two in his book, but she promises to be awesome!

~ Copy provided by the publisher & voluntarily reviewed ~

Sexy, thrilling love scenes combine with an intense story about abuse by coaches and female athletes to form a haunting story wrapped up in tender love.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I have to admit, I jumped into this series on the second book but it was SO GOOD!! I loved the character dynamics from the very beginning and seeing the connections grow and story get deeper was awesome. I can't wait to go back and read the first book in the series and for the character's stories to continue!!

I loved this book. It was the perfect mix of sexual tension and angst. I really like that it was relevant and addresses an issue that relates to the “me too” movement.

Matt and Parker are a perfect fit and i caught myself yelling “cmon get together already” Parker is one of my favorite characters. She has been through the unthinkable and yet still finds a way to overcome her fears and open up to Matt. They really are the perfect fit for each other.

Cant wait to see what Rachel Van Dyken comes up with next!

A great RVD read with her trademark sassy characters and witty banter but the message underneath and the path to the end is phenomenal and strong. A great spotlight to a huge issue done in spectacular Rachel fashion!

We get a visit from some characters we adore while falling in love with new ones.

Parker needs Matt but she has no idea how in depth her need will take her until it hits her upside the head like a soccer ball.

Another fabulous hit
5 stars

This book is the second in Van Dyken’s Red Card series. While it does stand alone, there are two main reasons why you should read the first in the series, Risky Play. The first is that Slade, Jagger and Mack appear again in this book (as Matt did in the first - Slade and Mack’s love story). And the second reason is because that book was just as good as this one and well worth a read!

This story features superstar agent, Matt Kingston. Matt is driven, successful, hot and single minded. Oh, and grumpy. That is my crack right there. Love a grumpy hero! Even better that he’s so determined not to fall for, or then act on, his changing feelings for his new houseguest. So that’s grumpy and principled. Mmmm hmmm!

That new houseguest is Parker Speedman - the hottest young soccer player just coming into the leagues. She’s feisty, smart-mouthed and got quite the attitude on her. She’s combative and yet, she’s hugely vulnerable underneath. It’s hard not to love her - or at the very least want her to succeed both professionally and personally.

I loved Matt and Parker together. They rubbed sparks off each other constantly - but for valid reasons rather than just fighting for fighting’s sake. There was a heat and gorgeous chemistry with these two that made me root for them from the get go. And when they finally gave in? Delicious! (And in a wine cellar with fluffy blankets. That is the new dream!)

The real success of this story is that it tackles a delicate and upsetting topic with enough emotion to make you truly care, yet with enough tact to not let it overshadow the romance that we’re all really here for. It actually enhanced that romance and made it all the more deserving when we get our happily ever after. Oh, those feels, man! (With that said, the topic of abuse of power, especially with regards to sexual abuse/rape, may be a trigger for some, even though, as I’ve said, it’s handled very well.)

Van Dyken’s writing is so on point, it pulls you right into the story and makes you care for these characters from the first. And aside from our main love story, she writes male friendships so well. I just love Slade, Matt and Jagger together and their banter. I could probably read a whole book of them just taking shots at each other, bickering and bantering! Jagger and Willow (Matt’s sister) get together in this book but I’m still holding out hope for a full book with Jagger as our hero. That man’s ego is far too massive not to get a whole book dedicated to watching him be floored by love. Fingers crossed!

This is the second book I’ve read by Rachel Van Dyken and the second that I’ve loved. She brings her worlds and her characters to life and I think it’s time for me to go buy and read her backlist as she’s fast becoming a favourite of mine.

A story of second chances, new dreams and finding that someone you can rely on to always have your back.

Parker has some major trust issues to work through and its heartbreaking what she goes through. This book definitely has a more heavy element than the previous book. The vibe here is darker and grittier but it still has two great MCs and Matt shines with his compassion and his adoration of Parker.

Matt was a surly hero in the beginning but I love watching him let his guard down when came to Parker. He surprised me with his caring, understanding and all around protectiveness. They were a power couple but not without some hurdles to overcome.

The issues discussed in Kickin' It can be triggers for some and the tone of the book doesn't lend for a lot of humor or light moments but I felt it was understandable. My only complaint? I could have done with less of Willow. She was not a character I warmed up too and found her too childish and immature. I'm guessing her antics were meant to provide humor to the story but I found her more irritating than anything else. Poor Jagger. I had hoped for a better match for him. #sorrynotsorry

This is my 3rd Rachel VanDyken book. I need to read more.
I've been reading a LOT of guy athlete books. Now it's time (way over due) for me to read a woman athlete.
Parker is a disgraced soccer star. She had a run in with her college coach. It looked really bad for her.
Caught on camera-of course. With several witnesses. It was more than meets the eye. Much more.
Parker is trying to move on. She loves soccer and wants to play professionally. She's just about black balled from being even considered for a try out.
Parker's bff Willow gets her a meeting with her sports agent brother Matt. Matt is stubborn and doesn't put up with Willow's shenanigans. Matt doesn't know what hit him.
Willow is the bubbly younger sister, but Matt has has soft spot for her too.
Parker and Matt don't hit it off very well. Matt is skeptical of Parker. He's heard "the story". Parker is determined to prove that she deserves a chance. Matt's hostility thaws little by little.
I thought that his turn around was a little quick. He did realize that Parker has talent and there may be a reason for her temper/hostility against her former coach.
Parker tries to keep her distance from men. Matt notices this and gets Parker to confide in him.
I've heard about the women athlete (Olympic and college women) being victimized by coaches and sports team staff. I started to see this through Parker's POV- the beginning and near the breaking point. People often wonder: Why do they (victims of assault) wait so long? I had my answer from Parker. It really was an AH HA moment for me. Parker was strong throughout the story. She learned to keep her focus and her eye on the prize.
This is dual 1st person POV. I read the kindle version and also decided to get the audio version too.
Both narrators (Laurie West & William LeRoy) are very good. Laurie's voice reminds me of Carrie Underwood (a little). I listened at 1.25x speed- which was perfect for me.
I give this 4 stars. I really enjoyed this story.
This is on KU- you can read and listen for free (I love this!). Book 1 Slade's story is KU as well. I want to read this one too. I had no trouble reading Kickin' It first.

Absolutely a great book. Rachel’s writing has become my top 3 favourite. I like Matt Kingston and I’m glad Rachel wrote this for him. This book just means my paperback list is getting longer and longer

OMG this was just as wonderful as the first book in the series! Matt and Parker were awesome together. His Mr Grumpy persona and Parker's liveliness made for a great combo. I'm definitely hoping we get more of this series

Oh man. Holy Matt Kingston. I'm not going to lie, I felt like in the first book, Matt was annoying. I can't pinpoint exactly why I felt this, but I didn't care for him much at all. I was so wrong. He is so much more than that annoying agent and I loved every piece of him that we got. Then there was Parker and man was she a spitfire. Definitely one to hold her own, I loved how Parker interacted with everyone. I loved the friendships she formed with all the characters we previously met in the first book. And I was glad that she was the one to bring Matt to his knees. I absolutely loved the back and forth banter between the two of them and I hope we get to see more of it in the future. I don't think Rachel could have done anything else to make this story more amazing than it already is. I can't wait to see what will happen next!

I don’t even know where to begin with my review of Kickin’ It!! I loved every single word of this amazing, funny, serious and kick ass book!!

Rachel Van Dyken writes these wonderful stories that pull me in slowly and then refuses to let go!!! She creates these amazing, relatable and wonderful characters, that you will fall in love with!! Rachel touches on a lot of important issues in this story, that touched my heart in a profound way.

I absolutely loved Parker and her determination to succeed in a very male dominated world of soccer. She trains hard and keeps her secrets close but watching her share her painful past, doubts, and heart with Matt was beautiful! I could feel the insecurity and pain that Parker was hiding and to see her slowly let Matt in and freely give him her heart, soul and trust was love as it should be. Rachel has written a book with serious issues that a lot young women face and blended it with the beauty of sharing your struggles with others and asking for help..

This book had so many emotions and as always Rachel tackles the emotional issues and throws in a little humor along the way!! Kickin’ It was such a great read with familiar characters like Slade, Jagger and Matt and new to the party Willow, Parker and I can’t forget Jagger’s Russian grandmother what a hoot!!

Once again Rachel Van Dyken has poured her heart into this book and given us the perfect mix of love, hate, passion and friendship that never fails!! I highly recommend this book to everyone who likes a little humor, a touch of angst, a dash of passion and a whole lot of friendship & love!!

Kickin’ It a beautiful and powerfully story.

Parker needs help with her soccer career, and moving in with her best friend and her brother could be her best shot.
Matt is the best sports agent around, after promising his little sister that she could move in and apprentice with him, he also get the surprise that he will have another house guest.
Parker is a star soccer player but has gotten a bad rep, if people only knew the truth they would see things differently.
Matt takes Parker under his wing to train and coach her but what happens when he starts to fall for her?
Rachel creates a beautiful story with characters that are real and gripping. The chemistry Matt and Parker is truly beautiful. I could not put this book down and I highly recommend this read!

Matt Kingston is one of the hottest sports agents around, known for scoring big deals for his high-profile clients, there’s nothing he can’t handle. That is until Parker Speedman shows up as his latest houseguest, she’s a super talented soccer player looking for a team. She’s got a smart mouth, doesn’t back down, and is trying to shake the bad reputation she earned after punching her last coach on the field in front of everyone. As crazy as she makes him, Matt agrees to be her agent and temporary coach to help her get ready for tryouts. But Parker quickly gets under his skin and he’s struggling with trying to not cross the line from professional to personal. Parker doesn’t trust men easily after what happened between her and her last coach but she can’t seem to resist Matt’s charms and, for once, thinks she might have found something besides soccer to fight for. Can Matt and Parker find a way to have it all or will making Parker’s professional dreams come true mean that their personal dreams are off the table?

I thought that this was a good follow up to Risky Play. I really liked Matt in that book, he took a lot of crap from Slade and Jagger but he did a lot to hold everything together. It was fun seeing something else shake him up when Parker crashes into his life. I enjoyed the two of them together, I thought they made a good pair. Parker challenged Matt and really kept him on his toes and I think that he helped to ground Parker, he was always there for her and it was really sweet. This book had all of the signature banter that RVD is known for but it also dealt with a pretty heavy, and timely, topic with what Parker had gone through. I thought that this aspect was handled really well, it was believable and actually really creeped me out. There was a little suspense built in as it pertains to this topic and I liked how it all came to a head, even if I thought it was resolved a little quickly. There was a bit of a side story involving Jagger and now I’m wondering if he’ll get a book of his own, a novella perhaps? Either way, I was glad about how everything turned out and I enjoyed returning to these characters!