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.

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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.”

Let me just start off by saying, even as someone who doesn’t usually gravitate towards sports romances, this book was soooooo amazing! It is the perfect balance of romance, sports, and also a serious issue that Parker has to face. Kickin’ It addresses the topic of sexual abuse, specifically in an athletic environment. It’s the unfortunate and sad truth that this stuff happens and I love Parker so much for being so brave and standing up for herself and all the other men and women who are hurt by these tragedies. This book is a light in the darkness to remind us all that we are not alone, and there is support out there for everyone.

Now on to the happier parts! This book is so fun! I seriously was laughing out loud. I fell in love with Matts hilarious convos between the guys in Risky Play and this book did not disappoint with giving me more of that! I hope Jagger gets his own book next. And also I think now I need to go reread Slades book. I love these characters so much and I know you will too!

Also, I may or may not have squealed like a 13 year old at the EE surprise mention!! :P

Oh my gosh I just love Matt! He’s like the brother/father everyone needs in their life. He gets you out of a jam, keeps you in line (sorta) and has a love for his crew like no other! He’s the guy that needs a woman but is always too busy picking up the pieces for everyone else good thing his sister needs a place to stay and so does her friend so she just happens to fall into his lap. She just so happens so be his ideal woman athletic, beautiful without knowing it, strong, and attitude to go with it. This is a must read i couldn’t put down.

This book was good. It definitely falls into the sweet romance category compared to Rachel’s mafia books.

I liked watching Parker grow and learn to come out of her shell. I loved the strength she had. She fought hard to learn to stand and fight for what she knew was right!

Matt the old man. Lol. I loved him. I love the support he offered Parker. I love that he was there and was a shoulder for her. I don’t know if she would have gained all her strength back without him. He taught her what a real man is!!!

I loved watching Matt and Parker fall.

*blows whistle* 5 whistle while you work stars!!

This was such an incredible read! From start to finish the push and pull kept me on the edge of my seat. We’re immediately pulled into it, when our heroin Parker lands on Matt’s doorstep. From the very beginning I wanted to know who or what was haunting Parker as she let’s thoughts loose. Thanks to Matt’s sister and Parker’s BFF, he agree to be her agent as she is looking to move pro teams. The simmer of attraction is there, and both are fighting it for different reasons. This is definitely worth your time to read, go on an adventure with them, and let them tell you how it ends!

**As a prayer Incase RVD reads this I want to hear more about Willow & Jaggers HEA too please :)

Kickin’ It by Rachel Van Dyken is the second book in her Red Card series and gives us Matt Kingston’s story, who we first met in Risky Play. Though this can be read as a standalone, Risky Play is so worth the read as well. This sports romance had a bit of a forbidden romance and was sweet and fun to read.

I loved Matt when we first met him, but here we really get to know him better. A successful sports agent who was sexy and charming. Parker Speedman just had quite the year. She was shaken but determined to move forward and Matt was just the man to help her. As his client, she should be off limits, but as they spend time together, there is just no denying what they feel! I loved their interactions and banter so much fun. Kickin’ It by Rachel Van Dyken was such a fun sports romance with great characters.

Happy reading!

This is the second book in the Red Card series. It is a complete stand alone. So if you haven’t read the first book, it’s okay. But just a warning, you will get sucked in and want to read it asap.

Trust me.

Rachel did an amazing job writing Parker’s story. What she was going through, and went through, is gut wrenching.

I cried for her, and with her.

She’s a survivor.

She’s a fighter, literally.

Matt is an amazing man, coach, agent, friend, and brother.

The writing and story telling is just as awesome as the characters are.

I’ve been in a reading funk for the last month. Nothing was completely capturing me, until this.

Loved it.

You can’t go wrong with a one-click of this story.

Kickin' It is a fun and flirty sports romance with a twist! Too-old-for-his-age Matt and spunky Parker make a great couple. I love their flirty banter. Parker is a strong but vulnerable girl who has been through the worst ordeal. Matt is the big brother figure/agent/coach who becomes her biggest supporter. There's a great cast of secondary characters that often steal the show (Jagger and Willow totally need their own book), and I loved catching up with Slade and Mac from the first book in the series. I love it when authors throw in little nuggets of goodness from their other books, and the mention of a certain Italian family brought a big smile to my face. Kickin It is the perfect summer beach read!

RVD’s Kickin’It right in the net – score! What a wonderful, well-written sports romance. Not only is it a sports romance, it’s got the best friend’s older brother, forbidden agent-athlete romance theme.

I will admit, though, it took me a minute for my love of Matt to take hold. He was a bit brash in the beginning, but yes, I did fall for him, and HARD. I loved Parker’s sass and attitude. She didn’t take anything lying down and it was AWESOME! The banter with Matt and Parker and all of the secondary characters was freaking hilarious!!

Rachael Van Dyken did an outstanding job with Parker’s story and what she suffered, one that is unfortunately all too real. My heart broker for her, and everyone who has had this happen to them. I loved how Matt helped Parker find the strength to find her voice, to tell her story.

Wonderful job RVD!!

5 Stars

Absolutely amazing, another fantastic read from RVD!
Matt and Parker...WOW their chemistry, just perfect. I loved their banter and everything in between. Having Slade and Mack and then Jaggar and Matt’s sister Willow also just the this story everything. If you haven’t read it, well what are waiting for...go read it, now!

I absolutely loved Matt in Risky Play (book one of the Red Card series). His interactions with his "clients/friends" is always absolutely hilarious to read. Some of the best banter ever. Matt is everything a woman is looking for, smart, successful, fit and handsome as heck. He might have been a player at one time but doesn't come across as one...at least not to me. Parker is an unforeseen consequence of Matt's inability to say no to his sister as well as not actually listening to her, but he is stuck with her in his home for the foreseeable future. What he doesn't count on is that something she seems to have that draws him in completely. But Parker has demons and Matt will have to dig deep in order to get to those and convince her that she is worthy of a future both with love and with her career. While the banter is not as entertaining as it is with his boys, it is still fun and witty and just...sigh...swoon-worthy.

Another amazing book by Rachel! I really loved Matt and Parker! I especially loved that when Parker met Matt she was scared and lashed out to perfect herself. But Matt made her see that she can he strong and brave and stand up for yourself and what's right!

Matt's sister needs a place to stay and convinces Matt to let her stay for a couple of months but Willow wants to bring her friend because she would be homeless. So Willow and Parker move in and immediately sparks fly. But Parker thinks that everyone is the same and won't let anyone in!

Can Matt see past is grumpy old self to see that there's a beautiful talented woman standing in front of him and can parker forget her past and focus what's in front of her?

I hope this series continues with Jagger I'd love to see him get his happy ever after!

Oh my, all the yesssssss to this series! Matt has definitely become my favorite in this series so far. He's looming and demanding as an agent, a friend, and even a coach. But he's good at what he does. And seeing him trying to avoid crossing that blurry line between him and Parker was an absolute sight.

Everything about these two was intriguing. Parker definitely has a story to tell, but it isn't an easy one. Her character development was something that I was eager to read about. The pain she has endured, she's doing everything she can to move on with her life. But the only way she be able to move on is to face what happened to her.

Matthew was such the perfect person to have in her corner. Despite these two being like oil and water in the beginning, there was always this simmering layer underneath all of that. I just loved how fierce and protective he became of Parker almost instantly. And I can respect a man that changes his tune when he knows he was wrong about something.

We got the see more of the bromance between Matt, Slade and Jagger. And it's just the absolute best, can these 3 go on a boys trip. I would love to read about it. Their banter alone could seriously be it's own book.

Overall, just a solid read with real issues that need to be brought forward more and more. Parker was so bold and strong by the end, and I just admired her so much. And Matt was just EVERYTHING!

Loved this book so much and everyone in it!