Kickin' It (Red Card, #2) by Rachel Van Dyken

Jun 06, 2019 Jenny••Steamy Reads Blog•• rated it really liked it

Shelves: arc-to-review

Have I ever mentioned how I love RVD!!!! Gahhhhh her writing, I can't get enough!

And this series, oh so good. If you haven't got to enjoy the first book, do it!!! Although this one can be read as a standalone, this series is just yummy😜 We are introduced to Matt in book 1, so I couldn't wait to get his story.

You get the feels in this book. Its packed full of stuff. Stuff that I overly enjoyed. I am a bit behind on reviews, so read this over a week ago, and yep, I am still smiling!! This author ...more

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May 30, 2019 Natalie The Biblioholic rated it really liked it

Shelves: besties-brother, 2019, arc, dual-pov, sports

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 ...more

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May 09, 2019 Corina☞BookTwinsReviews rated it liked it

Shelves: sports-romance

3.5 stars

The couple, Matt and Parker gave me all kinds of aweseome feelings. As Parker’s agent/coach, Matt was all kinds of yummy. His concern towards Parker, her future and mental health was adorable and just wonderful for such a savvy and by the book business man. He really fell head over heels for her and their interactions and banter were right up my alley. With one word – they clicked.

Parker was such a strong woman, especially after what she went through. Her struggles felt genuine, and mad ...more

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May 31, 2019 Sabrina rated it really liked it

Shelves: arc-edelweiss-netgalley, sports-jocks-fighters

NOW LIVE!
Amazon US * Amazon UK

Kickin' It is book two of the Red Card series but can be read as a standalone if you haven't enjoyed the previous book yet. This book gives you everything; forbidden client-agent romance, best-friends-older-brother, sexual tension galore, and so many sweet moments you'll be swooning all over the place.

Matt and Parker were amazing together and I loved the mix of Matt's grumpy old man behavior with Parker's sass. Parker was definitely more reserved and quite at time ...more

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May 06, 2019 Tracy C rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I loved Matt and Parker! We met Matt in Risky Play, and here he has met his match. Parker is lashing out because of something in her past, but Matt can see the true Parker. He tries to stay away, but Slade, Mackenzie, Jagger and Willow have other ideas for them. With her usual wit and humor, Van Dyken gives us a wonderful love story, some steamy sexy times and great banter. Plus there is a bonus love story mixed in!

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Apr 26, 2019 Bookgasms Book Blog rated it it was amazing

Shelves: ratula, shelly

I have been a longtime fan of Rachel Van Dyken and could not jump on Kickin' It fast enough. I absolutely love love loveeee soccer stories and am borderline obsessed with coach and player stories (thank you Kulti!) We saw Matt and his clients/friends from the first book in this (standalone) series, Risky Play, but I am officially obsessed with him after this book. Matt and Parker were so delicious and he was just so sweet. I think he made me swoon and melt more times than I could count!

I just lo I have been a longtime fan of Rachel Van Dyken and could not jump on Kickin' It fast enough. I absolutely love love loveeee soccer stories and am borderline obsessed with coach and player stories (thank you Kulti!) We saw Matt and his clients/friends from the first book in this (standalone) series, Risky Play, but I am officially obsessed with him after this book. Matt and Parker were so delicious and he was just so sweet. I think he made me swoon and melt more times than I could count!

I just loved this story! I loved how the author successfully balanced current sensitive issues prevalent today with an amazing love story filled with fiery sexual chemistry, friendship and protectiveness. Matt was just perfect. He was strong and assertive without being overbearing and everything Parker was used to from her former coach. I loved that Parker made him feel again and be excited not only for the sport but the idea of love and committment.

Likewise, Parker was so damn strong. She is one of my favorite RVD heroines to date. She had a hard exterior but an even softer and more vulnerable interior. She was betrayed and hurt by someone in power and it took an even stronger man and friend to instill that trust back in her. I loved everything about this story!! Bravo! 5 stars! ~Ratula

***

I accidentally went on a Rachel Van Dyken mini-binge this week when my audio of The Matchmaker’s Replacement overlapped with my read of Kickin’ It, and if there’s one thing I can say for certain? It’s that Ms. Van Dyken is a banter master.

Seriously.

Banter is one of my favorite displays of chemistry in romance and it is so on point in this book. I loved the spirited antagonism at the beginning and how – even as it mellowed (or perhaps melted) into something more tender and emotional – it never truly went away. Matt and Parker were smart, funny, fiery characters and they were perfectly suited for each other.

I loved the dynamic among the little tribe that formed in this book. The bromance was satisfying and funny, and I liked the way they all took turns at coaching Parker: both in soccer and in life. There’s a lightness to this story, even though it’s layered with a decidedly more traumatic and heavier secondary story. I loved how Ms. Van Dyken addressed the issues, lifting Parker up, empowering her, and showing her as a remarkably strong heroine with flaws. That’s relatable. That’s lovable. And in the end, it’s what held me captive to this highly addictive story.

Well, that and the chemistry. Did I mention the chemistry? I loved the chemistry!

I loved a lot about this book, actually. The easy storytelling, the smart writing, the wonderful characters – it was a pretty fantastic package for me and I definitely recommend! ~ Shelly, 4.5 Stars ...more

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Jun 12, 2019 Karina Halle added it

Love breaks the offside rule in New York Times bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken’s irresistibly sexy Red Card romance.

FREE IN KINDLE UNLIMITED

Amazon

Amazon Universal

Successful, high-profile sports agent Matt Kingston thinks he can handle anything. Then soccer player Parker Speedman shows up at his door. She is young and gorgeous, has natural talent, and is looking for a team. She’s also a hothead with a punchy past who floored her last coach on live TV. Despite his misgivings, Matt agrees to be ...more

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Jun 15, 2019 maggieandteddy rated it really liked it

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 about 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 cons 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 about 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 book. 1/2 audio & 1/2 read on on kindle.
This is on KU 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. ...more

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Apr 09, 2019 Nina rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2019, arc

*ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

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 awes ...more

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May 20, 2019 Kim rated it really liked it

Shelves: 4-stars

This is a forbidden, client-agent, little-sister's-best-friend romance plus more. It also has a darker edge to the story due to her painful past and is a story or empowerment.

But it begins as more of a feisty, flirty rom com with a grumpy, stressed out agent, Max. His outgoing and impulsive sister, Willow, and her angry, best friend Parker are invading his home. Parker is a soccer player who has had a bad year and needs an agent to try to repair her reputation and score her a pro contract. And h This is a forbidden, client-agent, little-sister's-best-friend romance plus more. It also has a darker edge to the story due to her painful past and is a story or empowerment.

But it begins as more of a feisty, flirty rom com with a grumpy, stressed out agent, Max. His outgoing and impulsive sister, Willow, and her angry, best friend Parker are invading his home. Parker is a soccer player who has had a bad year and needs an agent to try to repair her reputation and score her a pro contract. And his sister is doing an internship with him to try to convince him to let her work for him as a sports agent.

There is antagonistic banter edged in flirting, an unexpected and forbidden attraction, and several reasons not to act on it. And no matter how they feel, a relationship would not be professional.

He is all about control. She is chaos. But together they are fire. Matt has a big heart and good sense of humor under that overwhelmed and gruff exterior. Parker has a fragile core, but puts on a strong front. She is trying to deal with her issues as best she can, but her past still affects her and it is hard to outrun. But Matt pushes her to be the best and eventually breaks down her walls and learns more about her issues.

What happens when following one dream could prevent her from realizing another?

Despite the somewhat heavier topics underlying this story, it was also funny, sweet, and sexy. It was not as angsty and the first book. There was some bigger drama towards the end and I thought it might have been a bit much, but it did not bother me too much. But the topic is current and and relevant.

This can be read as a total stand alone, but it does bring back Slade, Mackenzie, and Jagger from Risky Play as supporting characters. They along with Willow they are quite a wild and outspoken group. They add the comic relief and sometimes the drama, making Matt want to pull his hair out. But at the core of it are friendships and new relationships building that have enriched all of their lives despite the challenges. And it also has good messages of empowerment and the importance of good female role models.

I received this book for free from netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Follow Me: Reviews by Tammy & Kim (Rachel and Jay) | Facebook | Twitter

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Jun 11, 2019 Ilsa Madden-Mills added it

Love breaks the offside rule in New York Times bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken’s irresistibly sexy Red Card romance.

FREE IN KINDLE UNLIMITED

Amazon

Amazon Universal

Successful, high-profile sports agent Matt Kingston thinks he can handle anything. Then soccer player Parker Speedman shows up at his door. She is young and gorgeous, has natural talent, and is looking for a team. She’s also a hothead with a punchy past who floored her last coach on live TV. Despite his misgivings, Matt agrees to be ...more

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May 16, 2019 ✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰Janeane ✰ rated it really liked it

Shelves: favourite-authors, arcs-read-and-reviewed, sports-stars

Copy received via Netgalley for an honest review

You don't need to have read Risky Play before picking up Kickin' It, but why would you want to miss any of the action?

We met our leading man Matt in the first book, and I was very eager to get his story. And I have not been disappointed.

I love the snark and banter between Matt and Parker from their very first meeting. You can't help but laugh out loud at some of their conversations.

There are also some darker, more emotional elements to this story t ...more

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Jun 10, 2019 Carrie Ryan added it

Love breaks the offside rule in New York Times bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken’s irresistibly sexy Red Card romance.

FREE IN KINDLE UNLIMITED

Amazon

Amazon Universal

Successful, high-profile sports agent Matt Kingston thinks he can handle anything. Then soccer player Parker Speedman shows up at his door. She is young and gorgeous, has natural talent, and is looking for a team. She’s also a hothead with a punchy past who floored her last coach on live TV. Despite his misgivings, Matt agrees to be ...more

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Apr 09, 2019 Jean rated it really liked it

Great follow-up to Risky Play. I was curious to read Matt's story because I really liked him in Book 1.

We start off with his sister, Willow, basically pulling one over on him by moving into his place temporarily with her friend, Parker. Little did Matt know, Parker sort of had ulterior motives. She was looking to go professional as a soccer player and hoping Matt would be the one to steer her in the right direction. But, she was also running from a traumatic event in her past.

Initially, Matt was ...more

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Jun 01, 2019 Escape into a Booksite rated it it was amazing

Shelves: kindle

*5 Stars*

ARC kindly received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I have yet to read an RVD book that I didn't like. I sped through this one so fast, and I loved every second of it. Parker and Matt are awesome main characters, and I really liked getting to know them.

Parker has been through some things in her past that no woman should have to experience, and once she finally lets it out, to Matt of all people, who she hates at the start, things start to progress and she starts makin ...more

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May 10, 2019 Becca rated it it was amazing

I don't know what it is about RVD's Duets - but the couples in the second book always appeal to me the most. And Matt and Parker - OH MY WORD... How I loved them so much.

Rachel has a way of writing strong women who can show their vulnerable sides in a way that makes them real. The chemistry between Matt and Parker is through the roof for the moment these two meet and as always the secondary characters in the book lend a bucket full of comedy to keep you turning page after page. The only thing wr ...more

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Apr 04, 2019 NiCoLeTa E. rated it really liked it

Shelves: athlets, arc, romance-young-adult-etc

***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 clas ...more

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Apr 06, 2019 Heather andrews rated it it was amazing

Matt is just full of so much charm, “dresses have fabric. They cover things that need to stay covered. That’s a long tank top that should have been thrown out when you grew boobs in the eighth grade.” He shook his head and paled then mumbled awkwardly, “Not that I’m looking at your boobs.” Matt tries to be real threatening, but the man isn't all that, “leaving.” And then he turned one last time. “Walk in on me again, and I’m brushing my teeth while you pee, got it?” Matt is overly sensitive abou ...more

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Jun 02, 2019 Dali rated it really liked it

Shelves: arc-read, forbidden-romance, sports, contemporary-romance, published-2019, tortured-heroine, series, standalone

Rachel Van Dyken continues her Red Card series with Kickin’ It, this time turning her attention to Matt Kingston, doting big brother, former professional soccer player, currently the best sports agent in America.

When his sister unexpectedly moves in with her best friend, he never expected he’d also become Parker Speedman’s agent, coach, and mentor. Which shouldn’t be a problem since she is incredibly talented. But she’s also too young, too beautiful and too angry. Besides being his client, Matt Rachel Van Dyken continues her Red Card series with Kickin’ It, this time turning her attention to Matt Kingston, doting big brother, former professional soccer player, currently the best sports agent in America.

When his sister unexpectedly moves in with her best friend, he never expected he’d also become Parker Speedman’s agent, coach, and mentor. Which shouldn’t be a problem since she is incredibly talented. But she’s also too young, too beautiful and too angry. Besides being his client, Matt knows Parker is vulnerable, won’t trust easily and has had a rough year. Crossing lines is off limits for both of them, but the attraction between is just too powerful to ignore.

As is with all of the Rachel Van Dyken books I’ve read so far, Kickin’ It was a fun and gratifying read with a wonderful mix of sizzling chemistry that fuels the back and forth between the characters, poignant instances in which the reader can sympathize with the heroine, and emotional moments that move the romance forward. I enjoyed this witty, steamy story very much and can’t wait to read more.

Both Matt and Parker are wonderful characters. I loved how even though they were attracted from the moment the laid eyes on each other Matt refused to let her down and was genuinely concerned about her wellbeing in thus fought their attraction tooth and nail which was fun to experience. Parker was resilient and strong and she loved to push Matt’s buttons. Together they made an unlikely but perfect couple.

Adding another delightful layer to the story are the secondary characters, in particular Matt’s little sister and Jagger one of his clients who I hope get their own book or novella. They added hilarity while helping Matt and Parker’s romance move in the right direction.

Kickin’ It is book #2 of the Red Card series by Rachel Van Dyken. It is a sweet, fun and sexy forbidden, sports romance told from both points of view, and has a happy ending.

Amazon -> https://amzn.to/2EOXNTn

* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via NetGalley. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. *
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Jun 04, 2019 Dali rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Rachel Van Dyken continues her Red Card series with Kickin’ It, this time turning her attention to Matt Kingston, doting big brother, former professional soccer player, currently the best sports agent in America.

When his sister unexpectedly moves in with her best friend, he never expected he’d also become Parker Speedman’s agent, coach, and mentor. Which shouldn’t be a problem since she is incredibly talented. But she’s also too young, too beautiful and too angry. Besides being his client, Matt ...more

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May 29, 2019 Kittykat ~ in between spines. rated it liked it

Shelves: steamy, sequels, angst-galore, romance, switches-pov, teacher, enemies-to-lovers, forbidden-love, sport

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

Kickin’ It is a fun, wild, novel about a struggling female football player and an uber rich and successful sports agent that mixes forbidden love with a huge hit of sports romance.

Matt Kingston doesn’t want to help Parker, he doesn’t want to be drawn to her, her gorgeous looks, her crazy talent, or her broken spirit. But he is. Parker doesn’t want to fall for Matt and his charms as she knows all too well what can happen when you relinquish that kind of power to a Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

Kickin’ It is a fun, wild, novel about a struggling female football player and an uber rich and successful sports agent that mixes forbidden love with a huge hit of sports romance.

Matt Kingston doesn’t want to help Parker, he doesn’t want to be drawn to her, her gorgeous looks, her crazy talent, or her broken spirit. But he is. Parker doesn’t want to fall for Matt and his charms as she knows all too well what can happen when you relinquish that kind of power to a superior.

Kickin’ It is full of crazy energy and loads of drama. Parker is pretty clearly absolutely broken by past trauma which is apparent from the beginning. They both struggle for a long time with their growing feelings and the result is a hell of a lot of angst. If that’s your jam, you’ll love Kickin’ It. They’re loud, and surrounded by just as loud crazy friends making for a wild and high emotion ride, is it hate, is it love, is it both?

Unfortunately for me angst isn’t totally my jam so whilst I enjoyed the story I did find the craziness a bit hard to deal with by the end of the book. Matt and Parker were pretty level with each other most of the time which was great and enjoyable to read, but when things kicked off (especially as they were getting to know each other) they kicked off. For this reason the side characters also felt pretty one dimensionally crazy loud annoying trope characters for me so that distracted from the main story in my case.

Matt also took so long to clue into the fact that Parker was clearly suffering from a recent traumatic experience and it left me feeling like he was a bit blinded by her looks. Though when he worked it out he was so sweet.

Things came together with both Matt and Parker fighting for each others, happiness and dreams and I loved the resolution to their wild ride of a story.

If you’re one for angst, then high recommendation and even if you aren’t like me I’d still give it a shot! - nice soccer pun for the end there ;).

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Jun 08, 2019 Kate R rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: arcs

Kickin’ It is the second book in the Red Card series. I actually liked this one better than the first. It’s a sports romance, with the main characters being an agent and a soccer player. It also hit on the roommates and enemies tropes. Their banter was fantastic! The writing and pace of the book were impeccable.

All the characters from the previous book were seen in this one and I loved that. Matt was kind of a jerk in the beginning of this one, but then his true personality came out, and he was ...more

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Apr 07, 2019 Paula White rated it really liked it

Loved the second book in the series. This group of friends are so close - have great banter and support each other all the way.
Matt and Parker together were sigh.... Parker had been through something not nice and the way Matt supported her made him a dream book boyfriend. I liked there was no unnecessary angst or split - they talked and worked things out - a nice refreshing change.

Thank you to NetGalley for the copy.

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May 28, 2019 TheGuideToRomanceNovels rated it it was amazing

THE GUIDE TO ROMANCE NOVELS

↪ R E V I E W ↩

Not my first read, RVD is one of my top favorite authors! I also have read Book #1 in this series!!

Matt is a high profile sports agent and Parker a reckless and wild soccer player. Professionally they are put together to co-exist. One does one thing and the other, well she does whatever she wants to do, after last year and the drama she is not ready to trust or play nice again. THE SEXUAL TENSION in this, i mean fine line between going crazy and being cr ...more

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May 20, 2019 Clare rated it it was amazing

Shelves: sports-romance, adult-romance, romance, arc, conquer-my-tbr-in-2019

After reading Risky play I couldn't wait to read Matt's book and Rachel did an awesome job with there story, as with most of her books she knows how to add humor into her stories while also writing about tough subjects, This was so well written and I really enjoyed getting to know Parker and Matt.

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Jun 17, 2019 Lynsey A rated it really liked it

Shelves: kindle-owners-lending-library-book, triggers, heroine-raped, 2019-reads, sports-romance

I liked this one but not as well as the first one. Good story. A bit emotional.

(view spoiler)

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Jun 13, 2019 Susan (susayq ~) rated it really liked it

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.

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May 06, 2019 Kara rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I was very excited to read this book after reading Risky Play (they are both stand alones but contain the same group of friends). I loved Matt and Parker. Parker is the best friend of Matt’s sister Willow and in need of a sports agent to try to get a professional soccer deal. On the surface, she seems angry, but we learn there is a reason behind her outbursts. The interaction with Matt, Slade and especially Jagger are laugh out loud funny but this book has a very important underlying message. I ...more

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Apr 06, 2019 Alison rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2019-read, annoying-siblings, sports-romance, work-romance, insta-love, secret-relationship, abusive-ex, banging-the-boss, best-friend-s-little-sister, billionaire

Three and a half stars.

Matt Kingston is a former soccer player turned agent, a multimillionaire, approaching 40, and big brother to his much younger sister Willow. When Willow phones him at the crack of dawn trying to get him to agree to her apprenticing to him he as an agent is distracted by a lack of caffeine and a busy schedule so he has no idea what he eventually agreed to ... until Willow's friend Parker Speedman turns up at his door saying he has agreed to let her and Willow stay in his LA ...more

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