Reviews

Kickin' It by Rachel Van Dyken

rellimreads's review against another edition

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5.0

Audio. 5 stars. At the time of this review, you can borrow both the ebook & Audiobook via Kindle Unlimited. Alternatively, the ebook is $4.99 and you can add the Audible to the purchase for $1.99, so that's less than the cost of a credit.

I'll admit that I'm a huge RVD fan. However, this audiobook may be one of my absolute favorites. I wasn't familiar with either narrator, but I still opted to buy this the day it was released as her books are ones that I'll consistently listen to over & over again. I don't regret it at all.

While this is the second book of the series, it was definitely a stand alone. Slade & MacKenzie from Risky Play make some appearances, but you don't need their story to fully enjoy this one. Parker is a recent college grad seeking out a professional soccer career. Her bestie, Willow is moving to Seattle to live with Willow's older brother, Matt, and brings Parker along. We met Matt in Risky Play as the slightly-paternalistic (despite being 31) agent to several off the rails professional athletes. In Kickin' It, he agrees to be Parker's agent despite her hitting her college coach and a variety of other rumors threatening to sink her career before it even gets off the ground.

Van Dyken tackles some tough issues in this book with an authenticity that led me to tears several times. Matt is incredibly endearing and his relationship with Parker becomes a thing of beauty. As with all RVD, there are definitely some light moments (generally starring Jagger) and I found myself laughing almost as much as crying. The ending was *slightly* over the top for me, but this is fiction and I went with it. The epilogue was was uniquely Matt & Parker and a lovely finish.

kirbyj_'s review against another edition

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5.0

parker and matt broke my heart in the best way. i loved watching matt fold like piece of paper whilst trying not to.

beckyrendon's review against another edition

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5.0

Rachel Van Dyken held no punches (or should I say kicks) in this book. Kickin' It is number 2 in this series by its already #1 in my mind. It's hard not to fan girl when you see faces from the past and other stories visiting. I absolutely squealed at the realization of who was in this book. Some surprising new faces I hope we learn a lot more about in the future too!

Crazed screaming aside, Kickin' It has everything in its pages. complete with:
* A tension filled, list swirling relationship.
* A secret that crushes its owner.
* A big brother with protector complex.
* A sexy vixen with a mouthy attitude and quick wit.
* A best friend more than worth her weight in gold.
* Real men. Not those cowards who pretend to be men.

Sorry my mouthy attitude is starting to come out! Rachel Van Dyken takes a sensitive subjects and nails it's balls to the wall in a totally badass way. She shines a light on a topic that, while it gets its own sound bites, can't be said enough. I want to make her a tiara for her words and the way she makes a heroine into a hero.

Parker is a badass. She's mouthy, stubborn and the kind of girl you want in your corner. She just needs the right people in hers. Kicking' It gives her and the reader that and more.

bookboyfriendandhusbandmake3's review

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5.0

I loved this so much.

I loved this so much. It was beautifully written. I loved the banter between the characters and the chemistry was off the charts from the moment they met

nicki_theoverflowingbookcase's review against another edition

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5.0

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.

ldooten's review against another edition

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4.0

This was a really good read! The writing flowed well, and I loved Matt and Parker together. They had great chemistry, and I felt like they were good for each other. Parker was a lot stand offish in the beginning, but it wasn't long before we find out why. Although that situation gets resolved in the end, I would have loved for Parker to stand up for herself before then. Matt was a great guy, and he was always looking out for Parker. There were funny moments, although not quite as many as the first book had. Slade and Jagger make appearances in this one as well. The ending was perfect for Matt and Parker, although I'm really hoping that situation with Jagger is explained in the next book!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.

anaelements's review against another edition

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4.0

better than i expected

rinasreadsnz's review against another edition

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5.0

Wow...
That was an emotional story to listen to.

I absolutely loved Matt and Parker (plus the side of Willow and Jagger).
Their connection was inspiring, refreshing and so damn potent it was practically jumping from the speakers into my ears.
Their journey was rough, shrouded with doubt and past hurts and worry - but it was oh so delicious. And sexy, and sweet, and just... gah! I loved them.

The hurt, insecurity and fear were evident in the way Laurie narrated Parker's story.
Supported by William, they made this book one that will stay with me for a long time.
Amazing job narrating you two!

fsmeurinne's review against another edition

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5.0

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.

littlebookreader_'s review against another edition

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4.0

I really loved this book. It made me laugh (Matt's friends are hilarious) It made me cry. (I love Parker) I was in a book slump and I can always count on RVD to bring me out of it. At the beginning I was a little worried I would not like Matt because he seemed too aggressive for my taste. But he softened and then I warmed up to him.
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trigger warning (spoilers) see below.
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If descriptions or flash backs of assault or rape bother you, that is in this book. Just a heads up. I know I appreciate it when I am warned before reading.