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littlebookreader_'s review against another edition
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.
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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.
profromance's review against another edition
5.0
Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I have actually been sitting on this review for a week or so. Or rather, I’ve been mulling Rachel Van Dyken’s newest book, Kickin’ It, since I finished reading it a week ago. From the time I started it until I finished it (which, by the way, happened to be one day), I was engrossed in the story from its outset.
In the world of #metoo and the push for equality between the sexes, this book is necessary in the romance world. Let’s be honest. There are so many moments when romance readers must suspend their disbelief over the treatment of a woman in a story. I am a personal fan of BDSM and dark romance books because they allow me to live in a world that, I’m fairly certain, I will never exist. For a small time, I can imagine it, but it never becomes my reality. However, there are many instances when women are treated like possessions or worse in romance books. And we accept it because it is fiction.
Yet, there is a bigger reality in our world and in our time. Women are taken advantage of by people of power, most oftentimes, men. This is wrong and dangerous and disgusting. Van Dyken’s newest book gives voice to this problem in a way that gives me hope for our future, for change.
Parker is a graduated college soccer player who is looking for her big break on a professional team. Unfortunately, the “buzz” surrounding her suggests she’s a “problem” player. She’s been accused of erratic behavior, which makes her a liability to any team. Thankfully, her roommate’s, brother, Matt, is a seasoned, well-known sports agent, and Willow (her roommate) has promised Parker that she will ask Matt to represent Parker to find her the best contract with a pro team.
Matt lives a comfortable life at the top of his game as an agent. At first sight, he’s unimpressed with Parker, believing her to be a problem client. She is brash and outspoken. Even more problematic, he is instantly attracted to her which causes problems for their living arrangement and representation. However, he suppresses his interest in her and begins to work for her. Very quickly, Matt comes to realize that Parker harbors a secret, one she hides carefully from everyone (including Willow). When he finds out her secret, will this end their work relationship, or will he believe her and protect her at all costs?
There is so much I want to say about this book, and I struggle to find all the words to say it. For one, Parker is one of my favorite heroines to date. She’s strong and capable and tragic and sensual in a way that is understated. She’s incredibly athletic, and her strength on the field matches her inner strength to persevere. She has been taken gross advantage of, and she should be devastated. Instead, she utilizes tenacity to stand in the face of fear. I loved her from the beginning through the middle to the end of this story, and she’s a necessary heroine today.
Similarly, Matt is the quintessential hero. In this book, important people in Parker’s life have let her down. They’ve betrayed her trust in them, and it’s damaged her. Matt is the first male in this book to truly “see” her. I have to admit. That is always one of my favorite parts in a romance. In Van Dyken’s book, it made me cry because I knew it was necessary that Parker be seen, especially by a male. He is stalwart, aggressive when necessary, thoughtful, and compassionate, all the qualities men need today to bring about change in our society. To be honest, it isn’t surprising within the realm of this story and Van Dyken’s former book, Risky Play, where Matt plays a large part in bringing the H and h together. Yet, he is fairly neurotic and set in his ways, so I was initially worried that he couldn’t be strong enough for Parker. And I was wrong, thankfully.
For all of the angst of this story, it is also incredibly funny. Matt’s chemistry with his clients/friends, Jagger and Slade, are some of the best interactions in the book. His sister, Willow, also lends humor to the story, which is a refreshing break from the headiness of the book’s story. This book is equal parts funny, serious, and sweet, the reasons I could not put it down.
I really cannot say enough about Rachel Van Dyken’s book, Kickin’ It. I know my personal preference is romances with serious topics that force readers to ponder on the gravity of life’s complications. Van Dyken’s book adds more voices to these necessary discussions. If you love sports romance with a little “meat” to its story, then you definitely will want to read Kickin’ It.
I have actually been sitting on this review for a week or so. Or rather, I’ve been mulling Rachel Van Dyken’s newest book, Kickin’ It, since I finished reading it a week ago. From the time I started it until I finished it (which, by the way, happened to be one day), I was engrossed in the story from its outset.
In the world of #metoo and the push for equality between the sexes, this book is necessary in the romance world. Let’s be honest. There are so many moments when romance readers must suspend their disbelief over the treatment of a woman in a story. I am a personal fan of BDSM and dark romance books because they allow me to live in a world that, I’m fairly certain, I will never exist. For a small time, I can imagine it, but it never becomes my reality. However, there are many instances when women are treated like possessions or worse in romance books. And we accept it because it is fiction.
Yet, there is a bigger reality in our world and in our time. Women are taken advantage of by people of power, most oftentimes, men. This is wrong and dangerous and disgusting. Van Dyken’s newest book gives voice to this problem in a way that gives me hope for our future, for change.
Parker is a graduated college soccer player who is looking for her big break on a professional team. Unfortunately, the “buzz” surrounding her suggests she’s a “problem” player. She’s been accused of erratic behavior, which makes her a liability to any team. Thankfully, her roommate’s, brother, Matt, is a seasoned, well-known sports agent, and Willow (her roommate) has promised Parker that she will ask Matt to represent Parker to find her the best contract with a pro team.
Matt lives a comfortable life at the top of his game as an agent. At first sight, he’s unimpressed with Parker, believing her to be a problem client. She is brash and outspoken. Even more problematic, he is instantly attracted to her which causes problems for their living arrangement and representation. However, he suppresses his interest in her and begins to work for her. Very quickly, Matt comes to realize that Parker harbors a secret, one she hides carefully from everyone (including Willow). When he finds out her secret, will this end their work relationship, or will he believe her and protect her at all costs?
There is so much I want to say about this book, and I struggle to find all the words to say it. For one, Parker is one of my favorite heroines to date. She’s strong and capable and tragic and sensual in a way that is understated. She’s incredibly athletic, and her strength on the field matches her inner strength to persevere. She has been taken gross advantage of, and she should be devastated. Instead, she utilizes tenacity to stand in the face of fear. I loved her from the beginning through the middle to the end of this story, and she’s a necessary heroine today.
Similarly, Matt is the quintessential hero. In this book, important people in Parker’s life have let her down. They’ve betrayed her trust in them, and it’s damaged her. Matt is the first male in this book to truly “see” her. I have to admit. That is always one of my favorite parts in a romance. In Van Dyken’s book, it made me cry because I knew it was necessary that Parker be seen, especially by a male. He is stalwart, aggressive when necessary, thoughtful, and compassionate, all the qualities men need today to bring about change in our society. To be honest, it isn’t surprising within the realm of this story and Van Dyken’s former book, Risky Play, where Matt plays a large part in bringing the H and h together. Yet, he is fairly neurotic and set in his ways, so I was initially worried that he couldn’t be strong enough for Parker. And I was wrong, thankfully.
For all of the angst of this story, it is also incredibly funny. Matt’s chemistry with his clients/friends, Jagger and Slade, are some of the best interactions in the book. His sister, Willow, also lends humor to the story, which is a refreshing break from the headiness of the book’s story. This book is equal parts funny, serious, and sweet, the reasons I could not put it down.
I really cannot say enough about Rachel Van Dyken’s book, Kickin’ It. I know my personal preference is romances with serious topics that force readers to ponder on the gravity of life’s complications. Van Dyken’s book adds more voices to these necessary discussions. If you love sports romance with a little “meat” to its story, then you definitely will want to read Kickin’ It.
low_vely's review against another edition
5.0
Fun and quick read!
The is the second in the Red Card series and was what I come to expect from Van Dyken’s books- funny throughout, smart and sassy main female character, plenty of smoking hot scenes, and a happy ending! I especially love the audio versions of her book. This is a perfect summer read!
The is the second in the Red Card series and was what I come to expect from Van Dyken’s books- funny throughout, smart and sassy main female character, plenty of smoking hot scenes, and a happy ending! I especially love the audio versions of her book. This is a perfect summer read!
cassire's review against another edition
3.0
I had so much fun reading this book until 70 something percent. It started to drag. I skipped a couple chapters and read the end. The beginning really hooked me. The heroine is an athlete. That’s not something that is totally common. The hero is a sports agent. I loved seeing his relationship with his sister and clients. I loved many of the secondary characters. They had such great personalities. Up until that point, I was having a good time. Maybe it has more to do with me than the book.
I voluntarily read an early copy.
I voluntarily read an early copy.
jsmitch23's review against another edition
5.0
One of the best books I have read in awhile. I loved Matt and Parker. I’m still smiling at their story.
heatherjane86's review against another edition
5.0
I love this book so much. The chemistry is insane between the two characters, and I love Matt. I want to be his best friend/client in real life. Rachel brought something that is happening currently in the world into a book in such a way that it wasn't sketchy or sleazy. Another 5 star amazing must read book from this goddess.
kidisitor's review against another edition
5.0
Hard to put down and was hooked from the very beginning. This kinda had an insta-attraction, but they both kept that feeling hidden. It also kinda had a enemies to lovers vibe, though they weren't exactly enemies. Plenty of sexual tension. Some laughs (mostly due to the side characters shenanigans.) There is some angst, and while you just get some glimpses into it, there is a bit of darkness surrounding her. While that secret darkness is slowly revealed, it isn't exposed entirely until the end. (And may be a trigger for some readers.) The characters themselves are fun. Once they acknowledge their attraction, he does everything in his power to push it away. She is forbidden after all. While she has her weakness, she is a strong character and ready to fight for her dreams. The side characters are hilarious. This is book two if the series, but reads as a stand alone. Same world, different couple, so you'll recognize many of the characters. There is some sexual content, but it isn't the core of the book, and limited in it's action.
*I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.
*I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.
kidisitor's review against another edition
5.0
Hard to put down and was hooked from the very beginning. This kinda had an insta-attraction, but they both kept that feeling hidden. It also kinda had a enemies to lovers vibe, though they weren't exactly enemies. Plenty of sexual tension. Some laughs (mostly due to the side characters shenanigans.) There is some angst, and while you just get some glimpses into it, there is a bit of darkness surrounding her. While that secret darkness is slowly revealed, it isn't exposed entirely until the end. (And may be a trigger for some readers.) The characters themselves are fun. Once they acknowledge their attraction, he does everything in his power to push it away. She is forbidden after all. While she has her weakness, she is a strong character and ready to fight for her dreams. The side characters are hilarious. This is book two if the series, but reads as a stand alone. Same world, different couple, so you'll recognize many of the characters. There is some sexual content, but it isn't the core of the book, and limited in it's action.
*I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.
*I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.
anisa_akeya's review against another edition
2.0
I just did not believe there romance. I didn't like Matt, I didn't find him endearing. I do not believe he earned parkers trust that fast. It felt like. I think she's hot, she's a good soccer player, and then he found out she was an assault victim and suddenly he's in love
clem_mathieu's review
4.0
I loved Parker's character and I liked the conflict within her concerning her past. I also loved Matt's character and how he handled Parker. Willow and Jagger felt a bit more like caricatures and stereotypes, but they were lovable anyway. A good ending to this duology.