Kickin’ It (Red Card #2)

Van Dyken follows Risky Play with a boisterous contemporary that pairs sports agent Matt Kingston with fireball soccer player Parker Speedman. When Matt agreed to let his younger sister, Willow, intern at his Seattle sports agency, he didn’t realize he was setting himself up to become the agent—and landlord—for her spunky friend, Parker. Matt is used to troublesome clients, but none of them is built like the luscious Parker. Hitting her coach on live TV has earned her a bad reputation, but as Matt spends more time with her, he realizes there’s more than pure attitude at the base of her anger. After dealing with an unsupportive father and an abusive coach, Parker doesn’t trust men, but Matt’s unique mixture of sensitivity and seriousness leaves her more breathless than the intense workouts he puts her through. Matt’s friends Slade and Jagger bring a lot of comedy and loyalty to the story as testosterone and estrogen battle for the field. As Parker gradually allows herself to talk to Matt about having been sexually assaulted, Van Dyken proceeds with care. This story is well balanced will be adored by romance readers and sports fans alike. Agent: Erica Spellman-Silverman, Trident Media Group. (June)