A review by smutwalks
Red Card by Maren Moore

4.5

Cillian was sacked from his rugby team in London for bad behavior. His absolute last shot at a future career takes him across the pond to an Ivy League university in New Hampshire where the team could not be less pleased to welcome him. Despite being hugely talented, he does not have the trust or respect of his coach, his teammates, or the one person whose opinion seems to sway all others--the coach's daughter Rory. Rory was practically raised on the rugby pitch by her single dad, so she's a permanent fixture on the Prescott University rugby team. Unfortunately this has given her a "one of the guys" reputation that's doing absolutely nothing for her dating life. Neither is the fact that she becomes an awkward, babbling mess who cannot shut up about sports when she makes any attempt to flirt. When she notices the new guy, Cillian, could use a little assistance with his transition into team culture, she makes a proposal he really cannot turn down: help her practice how to become a desirable and dateable girly pop, and she will help him assimilate and make friends with the rest of his team. 

College sports romance isn't always my thing, but Maren Moore always hits the mark for me so I went into Red Card with high expectations. The beginning felt just a *tiny* bit slow, but once that primary plot was set up the pace took off and did not disappoint! I was a little nervous that a traditional publisher would require Moore to tamp down her signature level of spice, and am happy to report that my nerves were unwarranted. Not only does this one deliver the heat, you really get to exercise the full spectrum of your emotions. She's just so good at writing characters sorting through complicated grief who end up finding family in their community. I didn't really learn enough about rugby in this novel to confidently say I'm a full blown rugby gal now, but you bet your ass I'm at least rugby curious and will be eagerly awaiting the next installment.

4.5/5 stars

Thank you to @readforeverpub for a copy of this ARC! All opinions are honest and my own.