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Red Zone Rivals #6
Illegal Formation
When I make the cheerleading team for Seattle’s pro football organization, there are many rules.
Most notably?
Stay away from the football players.
Everyone on my squad takes that warning to heart.
I, on the other hand, take it as a challenge.
Especially after I meet Braden Lock.
With his easy smile, endless patience, and heart-of-gold reputation, the star receiver is everything I’m not — soft where I’m sharp, steady where I’m mayhem. Braden Lock has always played by the rules.
Unfortunately for him, I’m very good at breaking them.
And after one unexpected turn of events leaves me spiraling, I convince the league’s golden boy to indulge in one very forbidden distraction: me.
What starts as secret hookups and harmless fun quickly turns into something far more dangerous — because the more time we spend sneaking around behind closed doors, the harder it becomes to pretend we’re not already in too deep.
But our organization has one ironclad rule: players and cheerleaders are strictly off limits. If anyone finds out about us, Braden’s contract — and my spot on the squad — could disappear overnight.
We knew the risks of our illegal formation. We just didn’t realize the real danger wasn’t getting caught.
It was how badly we’d destroy ourselves trying to hold on.
Most notably?
Stay away from the football players.
Everyone on my squad takes that warning to heart.
I, on the other hand, take it as a challenge.
Especially after I meet Braden Lock.
With his easy smile, endless patience, and heart-of-gold reputation, the star receiver is everything I’m not — soft where I’m sharp, steady where I’m mayhem. Braden Lock has always played by the rules.
Unfortunately for him, I’m very good at breaking them.
And after one unexpected turn of events leaves me spiraling, I convince the league’s golden boy to indulge in one very forbidden distraction: me.
What starts as secret hookups and harmless fun quickly turns into something far more dangerous — because the more time we spend sneaking around behind closed doors, the harder it becomes to pretend we’re not already in too deep.
But our organization has one ironclad rule: players and cheerleaders are strictly off limits. If anyone finds out about us, Braden’s contract — and my spot on the squad — could disappear overnight.
We knew the risks of our illegal formation. We just didn’t realize the real danger wasn’t getting caught.
It was how badly we’d destroy ourselves trying to hold on.
408 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 21, 2026
About the author
Kandi Steiner
111 books15.8k followersKandi Steiner is a USA Today and #1 Amazon Bestselling Author living in Tennessee. Best known for writing “emotional rollercoaster” stories, she loves bringing flawed characters to life and writing about real, raw romance — in all its forms. No two Kandi Steiner books are the same, and if you’re a lover of angsty, emotional, and inspirational reads, she’s your gal.
An alumna of the University of Central Florida, Kandi graduated with a double major in Creative Writing and Advertising/PR with a minor in Women’s Studies. Her love for writing started at the ripe age of 10, and in 6th grade, she wrote and edited her own newspaper and distributed to her classmates. Eventually, the principal caught on and the newspaper was quickly halted, though Kandi tried fighting for her “freedom of press.”
She took particular interest in writing romance after college, as she has always been a hopeless romantic and found herself bursting at the seams with love stories she was eager to tell.
When Kandi isn’t writing, you can find her reading books of all kinds, planning her next adventure, or pole dancing (yes, you read that right). She enjoys live music, traveling, hiking, yoga, spending quality time with her family (fur babies included) and soaking up the sweetness of life.
CONNECT WITH KANDI:
➜ NEWSLETTER: kandisteiner.com/newsletter
➜ FACEBOOK: facebook.com/kandisteiner
➜ FACEBOOK READER GROUP (Kandiland): facebook.com/groups/kandilandks
➜ INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/kandisteiner
➜ TIKTOK: tiktok.com/@authorkandisteiner
➜ PINTEREST: pinterest.com/authorkandisteiner
➜ WEBSITE: www.kandisteiner.com
Kandi Steiner may be coming to a city near you! Check out her “events” tab to see all the signings she’s attending in the near future:
➜ www.kandisteiner.com/events
An alumna of the University of Central Florida, Kandi graduated with a double major in Creative Writing and Advertising/PR with a minor in Women’s Studies. Her love for writing started at the ripe age of 10, and in 6th grade, she wrote and edited her own newspaper and distributed to her classmates. Eventually, the principal caught on and the newspaper was quickly halted, though Kandi tried fighting for her “freedom of press.”
She took particular interest in writing romance after college, as she has always been a hopeless romantic and found herself bursting at the seams with love stories she was eager to tell.
When Kandi isn’t writing, you can find her reading books of all kinds, planning her next adventure, or pole dancing (yes, you read that right). She enjoys live music, traveling, hiking, yoga, spending quality time with her family (fur babies included) and soaking up the sweetness of life.
CONNECT WITH KANDI:
➜ NEWSLETTER: kandisteiner.com/newsletter
➜ FACEBOOK: facebook.com/kandisteiner
➜ FACEBOOK READER GROUP (Kandiland): facebook.com/groups/kandilandks
➜ INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/kandisteiner
➜ TIKTOK: tiktok.com/@authorkandisteiner
➜ PINTEREST: pinterest.com/authorkandisteiner
➜ WEBSITE: www.kandisteiner.com
Kandi Steiner may be coming to a city near you! Check out her “events” tab to see all the signings she’s attending in the near future:
➜ www.kandisteiner.com/events
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 781 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
4 stars
I love Kandi Steiner’s ‘Red Zone Rivals’ series, and I was so excited to get Braden Lock’s book. And I adored his heroine- Emily was a firecracker!
I love a good forbidden romance. Braden and Emily had to sneak around as it was against both of their contracts to be together. Braden is a professional football player, and Emily is a dancer/cheerlaeder for the team. They were so fun together, but it wasn’t all fun and games.
Braden has a lot of responsibility in his family life, and he’s very much a rule follower. Emily has always been a bit of a go-her-own-way, wild child. She was so good for Braden, and Braden was good for her. They balanced each other out perfectly.
I loved this opposites attract/forbidden romance. This couple had such great chemistry, and Kandi’s writing was captivating as always. ‘Illegal Formation’ was a great read for me!
I love Kandi Steiner’s ‘Red Zone Rivals’ series, and I was so excited to get Braden Lock’s book. And I adored his heroine- Emily was a firecracker!
I love a good forbidden romance. Braden and Emily had to sneak around as it was against both of their contracts to be together. Braden is a professional football player, and Emily is a dancer/cheerlaeder for the team. They were so fun together, but it wasn’t all fun and games.
Braden has a lot of responsibility in his family life, and he’s very much a rule follower. Emily has always been a bit of a go-her-own-way, wild child. She was so good for Braden, and Braden was good for her. They balanced each other out perfectly.
I loved this opposites attract/forbidden romance. This couple had such great chemistry, and Kandi’s writing was captivating as always. ‘Illegal Formation’ was a great read for me!
Audio book source: Book Funnel
Story Rating: 4 stars
Narrators: Aaron Donahue & Audrey Obeyn
Narration Rating: 4.5 stars
Genre: Romance
Length: 11h 38m
July 22, 2026
This was a little disappointing. It was incredibly insta-lust which I do NOT like in my books. They had a little bit of emotional depth and connected that way, but then she told her friends all of his business which felt icky to me. And she’s incredibly hyper-sexual to the point where it almost feels like that’s her whole personality. The book wasn’t bad, but it felt really rushed, I wasn’t connected to the characters at all, and I would’ve preferred a little more build up before everything physical started happening. Again, not bad, just not my cup of tea. I think the series should’ve ended at book 3 to be completely honest, because it’s been downhill from there imo.
July 23, 2026
Truly the most insufferable pick me heroine ever.
She was truly obnoxious with the most woe is me attitude ever.
First and foremost, the hero did not reciprocate her advances the first few encounters but she continued to bulldoze her way in. If the situation was reversed I don’t think it would have been charming.
She kept going on and on about how she was so different from the rest of the girls in the team with her tattoos and her age yet she showed zero disregard for the team’s policy and rules (I’m not even talking about hooking up with player).
The blatant flirting when she got accepted into the team IN FRONT of the director? Smoking weed RIGHT OUTSIDE the stadium? Having public sex near the stadium? And we’re supposed to root for her when shit went sideways?? Please. Are we really surprised here?
I especially hated her “woe is me my parents don’t understand me” storyline. You mean her parents who never said anything bad about her choices? Her parents who supported her financially? Her parents who flew in to her and CHEERED her on loudly in the stadium to the point she could hear them? The parents who wanted to stay back to take care of her during her injury? All because of her own internalised, insecurity that she couldn’t live up to her parent’s expectations even though they never said a word? Because of … pauses and loaded glances?
Lastly, she is one selfish brat! Braden told her why he had to work hard and all about his sisters illness ( something that he admitted it took him a long time to even tell his own friends) and she still pursued him even though she knew the stakes and consequences for him. Yes, Braden is a grown man but I would argue that she pursued him relentlessly! Following him to sign autographs even though that was a players only exit (is that supposed to be cute), following him at the gym etc?? And the kicker was she told her friends about them hooking up even though they both promised to keep it down low and she told them about what’s happening with his family?
hard pass.
She was truly obnoxious with the most woe is me attitude ever.
First and foremost, the hero did not reciprocate her advances the first few encounters but she continued to bulldoze her way in. If the situation was reversed I don’t think it would have been charming.
She kept going on and on about how she was so different from the rest of the girls in the team with her tattoos and her age yet she showed zero disregard for the team’s policy and rules (I’m not even talking about hooking up with player).
The blatant flirting when she got accepted into the team IN FRONT of the director? Smoking weed RIGHT OUTSIDE the stadium? Having public sex near the stadium? And we’re supposed to root for her when shit went sideways?? Please. Are we really surprised here?
I especially hated her “woe is me my parents don’t understand me” storyline. You mean her parents who never said anything bad about her choices? Her parents who supported her financially? Her parents who flew in to her and CHEERED her on loudly in the stadium to the point she could hear them? The parents who wanted to stay back to take care of her during her injury? All because of her own internalised, insecurity that she couldn’t live up to her parent’s expectations even though they never said a word? Because of … pauses and loaded glances?
Lastly, she is one selfish brat! Braden told her why he had to work hard and all about his sisters illness ( something that he admitted it took him a long time to even tell his own friends) and she still pursued him even though she knew the stakes and consequences for him. Yes, Braden is a grown man but I would argue that she pursued him relentlessly! Following him to sign autographs even though that was a players only exit (is that supposed to be cute), following him at the gym etc?? And the kicker was she told her friends about them hooking up even though they both promised to keep it down low and she told them about what’s happening with his family?
hard pass.
July 24, 2026
ILLEGAL FORMATION
● Emily (29) & Braden (24)
● Seattle Seahawks dancer / wide receiver for Seahawks
● Braden has a secret from most people in his life
● The Seahawks have no fraternizing with the football players for the cheerleaders
● their connection is strong - these two can’t stay away from each other
● rule breaker (Emily) / rule follower (Braden)
Red Zone Rivals series:
#1 Zeke (18) & Riley (18) - Fair Catch
#2 Clay & Giana - Blind Side
#3 Holden & Julep - Quarterback Sneak
#4 Leo & Mary - Hail Mary
#5 Kyle & Madelyn - False Start
#6 Braden & Emily - Illegal Formation
Audiobook source: Audible
Narrator: Audrey Obeyn & Aaron Donahue
Length: 11h 40m
● Emily (29) & Braden (24)
● Seattle Seahawks dancer / wide receiver for Seahawks
● Braden has a secret from most people in his life
● The Seahawks have no fraternizing with the football players for the cheerleaders
● their connection is strong - these two can’t stay away from each other
● rule breaker (Emily) / rule follower (Braden)
Red Zone Rivals series:
#1 Zeke (18) & Riley (18) - Fair Catch
#2 Clay & Giana - Blind Side
#3 Holden & Julep - Quarterback Sneak
#4 Leo & Mary - Hail Mary
#5 Kyle & Madelyn - False Start
#6 Braden & Emily - Illegal Formation
Audiobook source: Audible
Narrator: Audrey Obeyn & Aaron Donahue
Length: 11h 40m
July 21, 2026
I have had this series on my TBR for so long. And I planned to read the first five books before this one, but just couldn’t fit them in…
Life.
So I’m here to confidently say, this could be a standalone despite being book 6 in the series.
I do want to go back and read the series even more now tho.
Braden & Emily 🏈📣
NFL Football player x Cheerleader
Smash
Love forbidden
And as in usual Kandi Steiner fashion. You can expect both of these two to have emotional depth and backstories that may try and rip your heart apart.
Emily- was “too much” but in the absolute best way. The way she complimented Braden’s “rule following” attitude.
Throw in a sexy bucket list.
Sneaking around.
A reverse age gap…
And you’ve got some heat in the kitchen.
Feeling blessed to be on Kandi’s arc team and getting to read her words prior to release.
Arc review ✨
Life.
So I’m here to confidently say, this could be a standalone despite being book 6 in the series.
I do want to go back and read the series even more now tho.
Braden & Emily 🏈📣
NFL Football player x Cheerleader
Smash
Love forbidden
And as in usual Kandi Steiner fashion. You can expect both of these two to have emotional depth and backstories that may try and rip your heart apart.
Emily- was “too much” but in the absolute best way. The way she complimented Braden’s “rule following” attitude.
Throw in a sexy bucket list.
Sneaking around.
A reverse age gap…
And you’ve got some heat in the kitchen.
Feeling blessed to be on Kandi’s arc team and getting to read her words prior to release.
Arc review ✨
July 19, 2026
Kandi Steiner has done it again! If there's one thing I know, it's that Kandi writes some of the best football romance out there. Her love of the not only the game, but also of her characters shows each and every time. And this one is no different. Be prepared to fall in love with Emily and Braden!
Illegal Formation is the final book in the Red Zone Rivals series and I'm sad that it's all coming to the end. We started with these characters in college and with the last two books, we've followed them to the pros. With the Seattle Seahawks. My team! So this one is even more special to me.
Braden Lock is a man that has put a lot of responsibility on his shoulders from a young age. He has family obligations that take priority over everything, putting himself last. If his family is thriving and happy, then he's met his goals. But living the life of a pro football player should come with some perks, but honestly Braden is just surviving, not truly living.
"What's the best that could happen?"
Emily Huxley is unapologetically herself. She lives out and proud, is beautiful, confident and fun, but also has an unusual relationship with her parents, making a part of herself hold back. Once she makes the Seattle cheer squad, she sets her eyes on Braden Lock even thought it's the last thing she's supposed to do since it's in their contract that they cannot fraternize. She lets it be known she is attracted to him. And while she likes to push his buttons, Emily seems to be the very thing Braden needs to get out of his shell and start actually LIVING and enjoying the life he's built.
'Emily was the kind of girl who sank her claws into your flesh and planted roots.
And she'd certainly broken skin with me.....
She was the kind of girl who broke all the rules, who tested every boundary to see just how much she could get away with.'
I loved this story right from the start. It was all about Emily and the way she was truly herself. Yes, she pushed boundaries, but that made me love her more. The friendships she made with 2 very different fellow dancers endeared me to her. But it was the way she pushed herself into Braden's life, initially with her over the top flirting, then realizing there was much more to Braden than meets the eye. The stakes were high with these two in regards to outside forces and the contracts they signed with the Seahawks that contained the non-fraternization rules, leaving little wiggle room for any sort of relationship, but you could feel the outright sexual tension between them. It was only a matter of time until they crossed the forbidden lines and broke.
"You want to be my undoing, don't you? You want to be the very thing that kills me."
"No...I want to be the very thing that makes you live"
And then the Eff it moment is upon us and we get EVERYTHING!! The explosive chemistry combined with Emily's list and secretly dating made everything electric. You could see so much building between those physical moments. How they opened up to each other and allowed each other in. To see their struggles and their responsibilities. The way the cared for and showed up for each other when they needed it showed all the growth they never saw coming. Their relationship may have started out forbidden and full of "trouble", but it became anything but. It became everything they needed in life.
Steiner gave us a fun and sexy, tension filled story, but don't think for one moment she forgot the angst, the emotional, that pulled us right into the couple's journey. The way the characters grew and their relationship evolved was so well fleshed out and had me not wanting to put the book down. Especially when I was doing an immersive read with the majority of the story. With Audrey Obeyn and Aaron Donahue narrating the audiobook, you could feel the way they brought the story to life. The tones of their voices really captured the emotional roller coaster the characters experienced. From the fun and flirty, to the sexy and forbidden, and then to the emotional filled with love, they feed us the characters on a platter and we get to eat it up!
"You weren't clean or simple or easy. You were everything-messy and chaotic and tempting. You woke me up. You made me want to live outside the lines for the first time. You...You challenged me."
If you are prepared to have some forbidden, tempting and sexy fun all set in the sports romance world with an emotional pull that includes blood family and found family, then Illegal Formation is not to be missed. Emily and Braden balance and bring out the best in one another and it is such a joy to watch. And if you're an audiobook listener, the duet narration is chef's kiss! Although I'm sad to see this world come to an end, I'm glad we got to see glimpses of the past couples, giving us one big Red Zone Rivals HEA!
Illegal Formation is the final book in the Red Zone Rivals series and I'm sad that it's all coming to the end. We started with these characters in college and with the last two books, we've followed them to the pros. With the Seattle Seahawks. My team! So this one is even more special to me.
Braden Lock is a man that has put a lot of responsibility on his shoulders from a young age. He has family obligations that take priority over everything, putting himself last. If his family is thriving and happy, then he's met his goals. But living the life of a pro football player should come with some perks, but honestly Braden is just surviving, not truly living.
"What's the best that could happen?"
Emily Huxley is unapologetically herself. She lives out and proud, is beautiful, confident and fun, but also has an unusual relationship with her parents, making a part of herself hold back. Once she makes the Seattle cheer squad, she sets her eyes on Braden Lock even thought it's the last thing she's supposed to do since it's in their contract that they cannot fraternize. She lets it be known she is attracted to him. And while she likes to push his buttons, Emily seems to be the very thing Braden needs to get out of his shell and start actually LIVING and enjoying the life he's built.
'Emily was the kind of girl who sank her claws into your flesh and planted roots.
And she'd certainly broken skin with me.....
She was the kind of girl who broke all the rules, who tested every boundary to see just how much she could get away with.'
I loved this story right from the start. It was all about Emily and the way she was truly herself. Yes, she pushed boundaries, but that made me love her more. The friendships she made with 2 very different fellow dancers endeared me to her. But it was the way she pushed herself into Braden's life, initially with her over the top flirting, then realizing there was much more to Braden than meets the eye. The stakes were high with these two in regards to outside forces and the contracts they signed with the Seahawks that contained the non-fraternization rules, leaving little wiggle room for any sort of relationship, but you could feel the outright sexual tension between them. It was only a matter of time until they crossed the forbidden lines and broke.
"You want to be my undoing, don't you? You want to be the very thing that kills me."
"No...I want to be the very thing that makes you live"
And then the Eff it moment is upon us and we get EVERYTHING!! The explosive chemistry combined with Emily's list and secretly dating made everything electric. You could see so much building between those physical moments. How they opened up to each other and allowed each other in. To see their struggles and their responsibilities. The way the cared for and showed up for each other when they needed it showed all the growth they never saw coming. Their relationship may have started out forbidden and full of "trouble", but it became anything but. It became everything they needed in life.
Steiner gave us a fun and sexy, tension filled story, but don't think for one moment she forgot the angst, the emotional, that pulled us right into the couple's journey. The way the characters grew and their relationship evolved was so well fleshed out and had me not wanting to put the book down. Especially when I was doing an immersive read with the majority of the story. With Audrey Obeyn and Aaron Donahue narrating the audiobook, you could feel the way they brought the story to life. The tones of their voices really captured the emotional roller coaster the characters experienced. From the fun and flirty, to the sexy and forbidden, and then to the emotional filled with love, they feed us the characters on a platter and we get to eat it up!
"You weren't clean or simple or easy. You were everything-messy and chaotic and tempting. You woke me up. You made me want to live outside the lines for the first time. You...You challenged me."
If you are prepared to have some forbidden, tempting and sexy fun all set in the sports romance world with an emotional pull that includes blood family and found family, then Illegal Formation is not to be missed. Emily and Braden balance and bring out the best in one another and it is such a joy to watch. And if you're an audiobook listener, the duet narration is chef's kiss! Although I'm sad to see this world come to an end, I'm glad we got to see glimpses of the past couples, giving us one big Red Zone Rivals HEA!
July 10, 2026
While this is book 6 of the Red Zone Rivals, it is an interconnected standalone and this was my first book of this series. But you better believe I already downloaded all the other audios and will be listening all summer long!
The playful and flirty banter between these two is literally so freaking good! I was already kicking my feet from their first few encounters and it just kept getting better! But I also loved how they both shared some of their more vulnerable thoughts as they got to know each other - those moments are also so sweet and perfect.
The audiobook for this is performed in duet by Audrey Obeyn & Aaron Donahue and I DEVOURED this audio! These two really brought Em & Brayden to life and I could not stop listening!
What to expect:
🤍football player x cheerleader
🤍workplace romance
🤍forbidden
🤍she’s got a spicy bucket list
🤍opposites attract
🤍caretaker hero
Thank you so much to Kandi Steiner for letting me read/listen to an early copy! All opinions are my own!
The playful and flirty banter between these two is literally so freaking good! I was already kicking my feet from their first few encounters and it just kept getting better! But I also loved how they both shared some of their more vulnerable thoughts as they got to know each other - those moments are also so sweet and perfect.
The audiobook for this is performed in duet by Audrey Obeyn & Aaron Donahue and I DEVOURED this audio! These two really brought Em & Brayden to life and I could not stop listening!
What to expect:
🤍football player x cheerleader
🤍workplace romance
🤍forbidden
🤍she’s got a spicy bucket list
🤍opposites attract
🤍caretaker hero
Thank you so much to Kandi Steiner for letting me read/listen to an early copy! All opinions are my own!
July 21, 2026
#Review: *Illegal Formation* - Kandi Steiner - ARC/ALC [18+]
5/5✨
3.5/5🌶️
Emily's passion for dance was everything to her and succeeding to be part of the cheerleader team for Seattle pro football team, made her dream come true. But this gig came with many rules and one of them was no fraternization with the football players. There was a tiny little problem there, because of Braden Lock's charms, which instantly captured Emily's attention. He wanted to go by the rules and ignore everything that was sizzling between them, but Emily's determination and bluntness made it so hard for him to ignore her. Starting something forbidden and secret was definitely not in their plans, but being together felt way too good to leave it behind. But could they continue on this dangerous road when their careers, for which they've worked so hard for, might be at risk?
Arggghhh!!!😩 I simply adoooored this book!💗 The complexity of this story was so, so good, focusing on the characters as individuals as well besides their intense and forbidden romance. Of course that I instantly fell in love with the witty banter between Emily and Braden, their completely opposite personalities being such a delight thing to follow. I really liked how straightforward Emily was and her determination on making Braden accept to be more, in spite of everything that could happen if they were caught. That forbidden felling enhanced the angst of this story, loving it so much because of the unknown and because it made their connection even more powerful and all consuming.
This book was more profound thanks to the amazing performance by Audrey Obeyn and Aaron Donahue, who were simply incredible and made me feel that angst so, so heavy. They exuded so much emotion and I loved both of them, even if it was my first encounter with something narrated by them. I was instantly hooked by them and by how well and fast they succeeded in getting me immersed in this story.
I'm definitely adding this book to the list of my favorites by Kandi, loving that mutual pining, the angst, the forbidden and the insanely great chemistry between the characters. You must read this book if you are a fan of any of those things!🥰 It can also be read as a standalone, even if it's the sixth book from "The Red Zone" series.
Super grateful for being part of Kandi Steiner's ARC team and I must thank her and the team for sending me this e-ARC and ALC.🤗
✨Tropes
▫️Forbidden Love
▫️Secret Hookups
▫️Opposites Attract
▫️Angst
▫️Workplace Romance
▫️Caretaker Hero
▫️Witty Banter
▫️Sports Romance
▫️Football Player
▫️Cheerleader
5/5✨
3.5/5🌶️
Emily's passion for dance was everything to her and succeeding to be part of the cheerleader team for Seattle pro football team, made her dream come true. But this gig came with many rules and one of them was no fraternization with the football players. There was a tiny little problem there, because of Braden Lock's charms, which instantly captured Emily's attention. He wanted to go by the rules and ignore everything that was sizzling between them, but Emily's determination and bluntness made it so hard for him to ignore her. Starting something forbidden and secret was definitely not in their plans, but being together felt way too good to leave it behind. But could they continue on this dangerous road when their careers, for which they've worked so hard for, might be at risk?
Arggghhh!!!😩 I simply adoooored this book!💗 The complexity of this story was so, so good, focusing on the characters as individuals as well besides their intense and forbidden romance. Of course that I instantly fell in love with the witty banter between Emily and Braden, their completely opposite personalities being such a delight thing to follow. I really liked how straightforward Emily was and her determination on making Braden accept to be more, in spite of everything that could happen if they were caught. That forbidden felling enhanced the angst of this story, loving it so much because of the unknown and because it made their connection even more powerful and all consuming.
This book was more profound thanks to the amazing performance by Audrey Obeyn and Aaron Donahue, who were simply incredible and made me feel that angst so, so heavy. They exuded so much emotion and I loved both of them, even if it was my first encounter with something narrated by them. I was instantly hooked by them and by how well and fast they succeeded in getting me immersed in this story.
I'm definitely adding this book to the list of my favorites by Kandi, loving that mutual pining, the angst, the forbidden and the insanely great chemistry between the characters. You must read this book if you are a fan of any of those things!🥰 It can also be read as a standalone, even if it's the sixth book from "The Red Zone" series.
Super grateful for being part of Kandi Steiner's ARC team and I must thank her and the team for sending me this e-ARC and ALC.🤗
✨Tropes
▫️Forbidden Love
▫️Secret Hookups
▫️Opposites Attract
▫️Angst
▫️Workplace Romance
▫️Caretaker Hero
▫️Witty Banter
▫️Sports Romance
▫️Football Player
▫️Cheerleader
July 29, 2026
Ужас. Пълен ужас. Лицемерието в романтичния жанр в последно време адски много проличава тук. Защото роптаем за разбрани, емпатични, зрели, проактивни мъже, създаваме си ги във всички нюанси под небето в любимия ни жанр и в същото време величаем и симпатизираме на главни героини като Емили, която беше най-егоистичното, инфантилно, себично, просташко НЕЩО ever. Ако мъж се държеше по начина, по който тя се държи - сексуална агресия включително - ще му пожелаем целия целибат на земята и ще си изберем мечката с охота. Но понеже е жена трябва да сме girl's girls и да подкрепяме no matter what. Wtf? Как може някой да напише такава героиня? С такава малоумна "травма". Която създава толкова много проблеми от чиста проба егоцентризъм. И не стига това ми и да се намират някви хора, които да ѝ симпатизират. Да се припознават в нея. Ако случая е такъв honey, you need to take a good long hard look at yourself and make some vital changes. Jesus...
Финална оценка: 1,5⭐ закръглени на две заради Брейдън и факта, че все пак я изкретах докрай... Колкото и зле да беше.
Red Zone Rivals трябваше да си остане само от 4 книги. Петата и тази са само грозно говняно петно на иначе една много, много добра поредица от спортни любовни романи.
Финална оценка: 1,5⭐ закръглени на две заради Брейдън и факта, че все пак я изкретах докрай... Колкото и зле да беше.
Red Zone Rivals трябваше да си остане само от 4 книги. Петата и тази са само грозно говняно петно на иначе една много, много добра поредица от спортни любовни романи.
July 31, 2026
4.5⭐️
Kandi just knows how to write tension and “just pure entertainment sports romance” that hits you with these deep in the feels scenes.
The audiobook def enhanced my reading experience!
Audio duration: 11h38min (so quite long for my latest preferences but while listening it didn’t feel like overly long one!), narrated in duet by Audrey Obeyn and Aaron Donahue. Both narrators were new to me and both did magnificent job bringing these characters to life!
It’s the only book of this series I read and I can confirm it works well as a standalone.
As someone who pays way too much attention to how other couples are written into not-theirs-book, Kandi does it so well!!! There is just enough info about other characters to make you aware of them having their own books, but not to overshadow the main couple’s story.
I loved the little side plot of Marcus and the whole little dancers friends group dynamics.
Ok, that’s it for now, I might come back on release day and add couple more sentences to my review.
Thank you Kandi for ARC+ALC 💛💛💛
Trying to write something more:
I just loved it. It was my first read in this series but I will certainly be catching up with previous books! Kandi just knows how to write sports romance that are fun, hot, with depth and feels.
I was there for small reverse age gap and I loooooved how Emily was a bit (or more than a bit) of a menace and Braden was serious and focused. They brought the best in each other and fit so well together.
I was a bit scared of the forbidden trope, I feared it will be executed in a very cliche way, but I ended up loving how it was done at the end.
If you’re into audiobooks, go listen to this one (or do immersive reading) cause the audio is SO GOOD 🔥
TROPES:
Sports Romance
Forbidden
Secret Hookups
Workplace Romance (football player x cheerleader)
Opposites Attract
Caretaker Hero
High Stakes Relationship
Sneaking Around
Kandi just knows how to write tension and “just pure entertainment sports romance” that hits you with these deep in the feels scenes.
The audiobook def enhanced my reading experience!
Audio duration: 11h38min (so quite long for my latest preferences but while listening it didn’t feel like overly long one!), narrated in duet by Audrey Obeyn and Aaron Donahue. Both narrators were new to me and both did magnificent job bringing these characters to life!
It’s the only book of this series I read and I can confirm it works well as a standalone.
As someone who pays way too much attention to how other couples are written into not-theirs-book, Kandi does it so well!!! There is just enough info about other characters to make you aware of them having their own books, but not to overshadow the main couple’s story.
I loved the little side plot of Marcus and the whole little dancers friends group dynamics.
Ok, that’s it for now, I might come back on release day and add couple more sentences to my review.
Thank you Kandi for ARC+ALC 💛💛💛
Trying to write something more:
I just loved it. It was my first read in this series but I will certainly be catching up with previous books! Kandi just knows how to write sports romance that are fun, hot, with depth and feels.
I was there for small reverse age gap and I loooooved how Emily was a bit (or more than a bit) of a menace and Braden was serious and focused. They brought the best in each other and fit so well together.
I was a bit scared of the forbidden trope, I feared it will be executed in a very cliche way, but I ended up loving how it was done at the end.
If you’re into audiobooks, go listen to this one (or do immersive reading) cause the audio is SO GOOD 🔥
TROPES:
Sports Romance
Forbidden
Secret Hookups
Workplace Romance (football player x cheerleader)
Opposites Attract
Caretaker Hero
High Stakes Relationship
Sneaking Around
Read
July 21, 20264.5⭐️
If you’ve been following me awhile you know I’m a sucker for a Kandi book! She just seems to write stories & characters that suck you in & steal your heart. This one was no different!!
I absolutely love a forbidden romance. Emily & Braden gave me so much chemistry, banter, steam, & tension with this story!! The emotional depth & aspects in this book took me for a ride & I loved watching their story play out.
Against all odds these two were exactly what each other needed, pushing past their own struggles, & creating something so beautiful! This is definitely one you are going to want to add to your TBR!
Thank you Kandi for this early arc opportunity!
If you’ve been following me awhile you know I’m a sucker for a Kandi book! She just seems to write stories & characters that suck you in & steal your heart. This one was no different!!
I absolutely love a forbidden romance. Emily & Braden gave me so much chemistry, banter, steam, & tension with this story!! The emotional depth & aspects in this book took me for a ride & I loved watching their story play out.
Against all odds these two were exactly what each other needed, pushing past their own struggles, & creating something so beautiful! This is definitely one you are going to want to add to your TBR!
Thank you Kandi for this early arc opportunity!
July 17, 2026
Almost a 5 star!! Probably my favorite Kandi book!!!
CRIS — ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I genuinely have no idea what Kandi Steiner put in this book because I was OBSESSED. 😵💫
I told myself I'd read "just a few chapters"... yeah, that turned into me completely bingeing Illegal Formation because there was absolutely no way I was putting it down.
The chemistry?? INSANE. The tension?? Had me screaming. And don't even get me started on the emotional damage. 😭
I was fighting the urge to give this 5 stars the entire time... and then I finished it.
Safe to say this one has been living rent-free in my
CRIS — ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I genuinely have no idea what Kandi Steiner put in this book because I was OBSESSED. 😵💫
I told myself I'd read "just a few chapters"... yeah, that turned into me completely bingeing Illegal Formation because there was absolutely no way I was putting it down.
The chemistry?? INSANE. The tension?? Had me screaming. And don't even get me started on the emotional damage. 😭
I was fighting the urge to give this 5 stars the entire time... and then I finished it.
Safe to say this one has been living rent-free in my
July 31, 2026
4 ⭐️, 3 🌶️
As a lover of football (and winner of SEVERAL fantasy football leagues over the years 💁🏽♀️🏆), I LOVE a sports romance 🏈. FMC Emily is a cheerleader for the same Seattle-based football team that MMC Braden plays for, and fraternization is firmly against the team’s code of conduct. Braden is our resident grumpy/sunshine love interest who is busy taking care of his family and focusing on his career, while Emily has a lot of spunk and takes great joy in getting under Braden’s skin 🤭.
My favorite parts of the book were the slow burn of their relationship. I enjoyed watching their friendship blossom and really leaned in to the push and pull of their attraction for one another. I also enjoyed the intrigue of them sneaking around off the field and wondering if they were going to get caught 🫣. Emily speaking up for wage increases for the cheerleaders was a very important and timely plot point. I have watched the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader’s reality show since it’s inception, and the subject of wage increase came up during the last season of the show, so it was cool that Kandi included this topic in the book. It played out well in the book (and in real life haha).
You don’t have to be a sports enthusiast to enjoy this story. The pacing was good, the characters were relatable, had the perfect amount of spice (the mirror scene! 😮💨 ❤️🔥), and their relationship ended up being SO sweet. Braden is a top tier book boyfriend 💞.
🎧: this was performed in duet narration by Audrey Obeyn (one of my new favorite narrators!) and Aaron Donahue. They both did a terrific job and I thought they fit the characters perfectly 💫
Thank you to team Kandi for the ARC & ALC! Kandi’s books are always a good time, and this is one has been added to my list of favorites 📚🧡
As a lover of football (and winner of SEVERAL fantasy football leagues over the years 💁🏽♀️🏆), I LOVE a sports romance 🏈. FMC Emily is a cheerleader for the same Seattle-based football team that MMC Braden plays for, and fraternization is firmly against the team’s code of conduct. Braden is our resident grumpy/sunshine love interest who is busy taking care of his family and focusing on his career, while Emily has a lot of spunk and takes great joy in getting under Braden’s skin 🤭.
My favorite parts of the book were the slow burn of their relationship. I enjoyed watching their friendship blossom and really leaned in to the push and pull of their attraction for one another. I also enjoyed the intrigue of them sneaking around off the field and wondering if they were going to get caught 🫣. Emily speaking up for wage increases for the cheerleaders was a very important and timely plot point. I have watched the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader’s reality show since it’s inception, and the subject of wage increase came up during the last season of the show, so it was cool that Kandi included this topic in the book. It played out well in the book (and in real life haha).
You don’t have to be a sports enthusiast to enjoy this story. The pacing was good, the characters were relatable, had the perfect amount of spice (the mirror scene! 😮💨 ❤️🔥), and their relationship ended up being SO sweet. Braden is a top tier book boyfriend 💞.
🎧: this was performed in duet narration by Audrey Obeyn (one of my new favorite narrators!) and Aaron Donahue. They both did a terrific job and I thought they fit the characters perfectly 💫
Thank you to team Kandi for the ARC & ALC! Kandi’s books are always a good time, and this is one has been added to my list of favorites 📚🧡
July 26, 2026
Loved the rest of this series but DNF because I couldn’t stand the FMC and just couldn’t get into it because of that. She came on way too strong and continued to even after Braden shut her down and she just seemed incredibly self centered and selfish. Her “trauma” from her parents seemed exaggerated by her as they still supported her and let her do whatever she wanted even though she hardly gave them the time of day. I liked Braden though.
July 26, 2026
Football Player x Cheerleader ✔️ Opposites Attract ✔️ Forbidden ✔️ Secret Hook-Ups ✔️ Spicy Bucket List ✔️ Spicy mirror Scene ✔️ Mask Scene ✔️ Beautiful Ending to the series ✔️
Ahhhh Kandi has done it again, a beautifully intimate, moving story wrapped up in a forbidden, tension filled, squealing and kicking your feet bow. Highly recommend immersive reading this one, or checking out the audio if you haven’t already, because Audrey Obeyn and Aaron Donahue did such a fantastic job of making these two characters come to life, it made my reading experience levels above what was already an incredible eyeball read.
Braden & Emily’s story was everything. Their chemistry was INSANE, the way she pushed him, joked with him and forced him to put himself first for once. And Braden had me head over heels for him the way he believed in Emily, the way he made her see she wasn’t the failure she thought she was, that she could do incredible things and should follow her dreams. These two were fire and ice, but they worked so well together, each giving what the other was missing, the push and pull and the longing meant it led to some of the hottest spicy scenes (which I should have known Kandi would deliver) and and then some of the most heartbreaking emotional damage that I’m not sure I’m fully recovered from yet.
Both characters had insecurities and things from their family life that made them feel a level of responsibility or shame, Braden’s story in particular pulled at my emotions but I could relate hard to Emily too. That feeling of not being good enough, of being the disappointment, of not being able to stick to one thing… I got that on a soul deep level and to see her be loved and cheered for at the end was everything.
Now, as a series finale, it was everything I needed. I fell in love with the whole Red Zone Rivals gang all over again. There was just enough of everyone else to make it feel like we got to say a proper goodbye without it taking away from Emily and Braden.
I’m so sad to say goodbye to this series, the series that introduced me to Kandi’s writing, but what a way to go. All the stars and forehead kisses for you.
Just incredible. Go read it.
Ahhhh Kandi has done it again, a beautifully intimate, moving story wrapped up in a forbidden, tension filled, squealing and kicking your feet bow. Highly recommend immersive reading this one, or checking out the audio if you haven’t already, because Audrey Obeyn and Aaron Donahue did such a fantastic job of making these two characters come to life, it made my reading experience levels above what was already an incredible eyeball read.
Braden & Emily’s story was everything. Their chemistry was INSANE, the way she pushed him, joked with him and forced him to put himself first for once. And Braden had me head over heels for him the way he believed in Emily, the way he made her see she wasn’t the failure she thought she was, that she could do incredible things and should follow her dreams. These two were fire and ice, but they worked so well together, each giving what the other was missing, the push and pull and the longing meant it led to some of the hottest spicy scenes (which I should have known Kandi would deliver) and and then some of the most heartbreaking emotional damage that I’m not sure I’m fully recovered from yet.
Both characters had insecurities and things from their family life that made them feel a level of responsibility or shame, Braden’s story in particular pulled at my emotions but I could relate hard to Emily too. That feeling of not being good enough, of being the disappointment, of not being able to stick to one thing… I got that on a soul deep level and to see her be loved and cheered for at the end was everything.
Now, as a series finale, it was everything I needed. I fell in love with the whole Red Zone Rivals gang all over again. There was just enough of everyone else to make it feel like we got to say a proper goodbye without it taking away from Emily and Braden.
I’m so sad to say goodbye to this series, the series that introduced me to Kandi’s writing, but what a way to go. All the stars and forehead kisses for you.
Just incredible. Go read it.
Review of advance copy
Review of ARC & ALC 🎧📙
There are some characters you enjoy while you’re reading… and then there are the ones that quietly stay with you long after you close the book. Braden was that character for me💛
What I loved most about him wasn’t just the romance, it was the way he loved. His loyalty to his family. His unwavering devotion to his friends. The way he carried the weight of everyone he cared about without ever making it feel performative. Every time Emily called him “Boss,” I couldn’t help but smile because somehow that nickname perfectly captured who he was.
And then there’s Emily.
She is absolute chaos in the best possible way. Wild, unapologetic, stubborn, hilarious, and full of fire🔥 Her sass balanced Braden’s steady nature so well, and watching those two challenge each other made every chapter impossible to put down.
But my favorite moments weren’t necessarily the big ones.
They were the quiet conversations.
The scene where Braden sits on the floor with Emily, teaching her to meditate and gently teaching her how to let go… that one hit me harder than I expected. It was simple, but it said so much about who he was!
And then when Steiner wrote about people coming into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.
That’s something we actually say in my family, so seeing those words on the page completely caught me off guard. I had one of those little eureka moments where a book suddenly feels like it was meant to find you at exactly the right time. It reminded me why I love reading in the first place. Sometimes stories don’t just entertain us, they quietly hand us something we needed to hear🎧
Kandi has such a gift for writing emotionally rich characters who feel like real people. The chemistry was there, the banter was AMAZING, the emotional depth hit exactly when it needed to, and I found myself highlighting far more than I expected.
This one earned a solid ⭐⭐⭐⭐ from me. Not because it was perfect, but because it made me feel. And for me, that’s what makes a story memorable.
There are some characters you enjoy while you’re reading… and then there are the ones that quietly stay with you long after you close the book. Braden was that character for me💛
What I loved most about him wasn’t just the romance, it was the way he loved. His loyalty to his family. His unwavering devotion to his friends. The way he carried the weight of everyone he cared about without ever making it feel performative. Every time Emily called him “Boss,” I couldn’t help but smile because somehow that nickname perfectly captured who he was.
And then there’s Emily.
She is absolute chaos in the best possible way. Wild, unapologetic, stubborn, hilarious, and full of fire🔥 Her sass balanced Braden’s steady nature so well, and watching those two challenge each other made every chapter impossible to put down.
But my favorite moments weren’t necessarily the big ones.
They were the quiet conversations.
The scene where Braden sits on the floor with Emily, teaching her to meditate and gently teaching her how to let go… that one hit me harder than I expected. It was simple, but it said so much about who he was!
And then when Steiner wrote about people coming into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.
That’s something we actually say in my family, so seeing those words on the page completely caught me off guard. I had one of those little eureka moments where a book suddenly feels like it was meant to find you at exactly the right time. It reminded me why I love reading in the first place. Sometimes stories don’t just entertain us, they quietly hand us something we needed to hear🎧
Kandi has such a gift for writing emotionally rich characters who feel like real people. The chemistry was there, the banter was AMAZING, the emotional depth hit exactly when it needed to, and I found myself highlighting far more than I expected.
This one earned a solid ⭐⭐⭐⭐ from me. Not because it was perfect, but because it made me feel. And for me, that’s what makes a story memorable.
![Profile Image for Sara J [saras kindle era].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1780832356i/159607381._UX200_CR0,0,200,200_.jpg)
July 14, 2026
Full review to come, but I LOVED EMILY & BRADEN🥹😍
--------------------------------------------
The Red Zone Rivals is one one of my favorite series of all time, & this is the perfect addition to this interconnected standalone series. The stories are all fantastic, & the audios are GREAT!
Audio: This audio is narrated in duet by Audrey Obeyn and Aaron Donahue, and they are PERFECT for Emily & Braden! Audrey brings Emily's fire & passion to life so well, & Aaron does a fantastic job with Braden & his more cautious approach to things. The banter & chemistry are palpable with them, & it made for such a fun listening experience! Highly recommend the audio along with the book!
Story: I love a forbidden romance, and Kandi delivered a top tier one with this story! Football player and the cheerleader? A cautious rule follower and a fiery dancer who tests his boundaries? GIMMIE! Their instant chemistry from their first meeting, the friendship they develop, the way Emily teases Braden relentlessly, their banter, the mutual yearning for each other, the "we can't", "just get it out of our system",,,,AHHH IT IS SO GOOD!
When they give in, hold onto your panties y'all because it is deliciously hot!! Emily's list? GIRL. GIIIIIRL! The mask scene?! I ABOUT FELL OUT! Again, SO HOT!
The way they develop is just perfect, how they share their vulnerabilities, their fears, & the heavy life things. How Braden has the world on his shoulders, how Emily NEVER gives up on him, gah I bawled!
Mkay, if you can't tell, I am obsessed with them and could ramble forever about them. If you take nothing else from this, take that you NEED this book & audio in your life! Pleeease!
**Thank you Kandi for the ARC/ALC opportunity!**
--------------------------------------------
The Red Zone Rivals is one one of my favorite series of all time, & this is the perfect addition to this interconnected standalone series. The stories are all fantastic, & the audios are GREAT!
Audio: This audio is narrated in duet by Audrey Obeyn and Aaron Donahue, and they are PERFECT for Emily & Braden! Audrey brings Emily's fire & passion to life so well, & Aaron does a fantastic job with Braden & his more cautious approach to things. The banter & chemistry are palpable with them, & it made for such a fun listening experience! Highly recommend the audio along with the book!
Story: I love a forbidden romance, and Kandi delivered a top tier one with this story! Football player and the cheerleader? A cautious rule follower and a fiery dancer who tests his boundaries? GIMMIE! Their instant chemistry from their first meeting, the friendship they develop, the way Emily teases Braden relentlessly, their banter, the mutual yearning for each other, the "we can't", "just get it out of our system",,,,AHHH IT IS SO GOOD!
When they give in, hold onto your panties y'all because it is deliciously hot!! Emily's list? GIRL. GIIIIIRL! The mask scene?! I ABOUT FELL OUT! Again, SO HOT!
The way they develop is just perfect, how they share their vulnerabilities, their fears, & the heavy life things. How Braden has the world on his shoulders, how Emily NEVER gives up on him, gah I bawled!
Mkay, if you can't tell, I am obsessed with them and could ramble forever about them. If you take nothing else from this, take that you NEED this book & audio in your life! Pleeease!
**Thank you Kandi for the ARC/ALC opportunity!**
July 27, 2026
Nope!
Emily is such an obnoxious person. Her way or no way. There were consequences to getting involved with Braden (for both of them), yet she didn’t give a flip. She wanted him and to heck if Braden ended up paying the price by putting his career in jeopardy. She knew why he had to obey the rules because of his family needs. Yet, she was selfish and got what she wanted. To be honest I didn’t finish the book. I got to the part where she finally got him in bed. I’m sure the book had a happy ending but I had enough of the poor little girl who pouted and twisted until she got what she wanted. Poor reading!
Emily is such an obnoxious person. Her way or no way. There were consequences to getting involved with Braden (for both of them), yet she didn’t give a flip. She wanted him and to heck if Braden ended up paying the price by putting his career in jeopardy. She knew why he had to obey the rules because of his family needs. Yet, she was selfish and got what she wanted. To be honest I didn’t finish the book. I got to the part where she finally got him in bed. I’m sure the book had a happy ending but I had enough of the poor little girl who pouted and twisted until she got what she wanted. Poor reading!
July 21, 2026
“Hey, it was fun, right?” she said, [...] “Our little secret.”
It was ✨FUN✨ indeed!! 😈 HOH.
“You’re trouble,” he said, shaking his head as he took a step back to put space between us.
“Who, me?” I drew a halo over my head.
Emily IS trouble, a spitfire.
Braden is serious, dependable, pragmatic (with some pretty damn big family responsibility too).
She's the cheerleader, and he's the football player.
Their contracts require NO FRATERNIZATION.
Yeah, well... 😅🤷♀️ You can imagine how that went...
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🤣🤣🤣
The deliciously forbidden, sneaking around element was ON POINT, y'all. With the added bonus of a fun "naughty bucket list"... 😏✨
There were ofc emotional moments, and consequences had to be paid. But the best part of it all, is that they end up being the best thing that could have ever happened to both MMCs 🥰💕
“You shook up my life, and I brought stillness to yours,” he said with a smile, and then he tipped my chin, his lips hovering over mine. “Maybe we’re what the other has been missing all along.”
The best part of the book - the part that imo stood out the most - is how the conflict was handled. I think Emily REALLY shined in the last part of the book. She displayed real maturity and growth, patience and communication skills. I truly felt she was the perfect partner for Braden. Someone who knew how to respect his responsibilities, but also show him how to have fun and LIVE, alongside those responsibilities 🫶
On a side note, I really enjoyed seeing cameos of the EPIC friend group (especially Giana, Clay, Leo, Mary and Kyle 😍). I will miss everyone dearly 😭
The 🎧audiobook🎧 is in duet narration, and tho I was not familiar with the narrators, I was very pleased with their performances. I feel like their voices were very well matched to the characters - I personally love to do immersive reading 🥰
Anyways.... if you're looking for a fun, light read, with great spice, lots of heart, and NO DUMB MISCOMMUNICATIONS, this is it!! 🫶
*^*^*
“Okay, this feels echoey,” I said, suspicious. “Are we in a warehouse? Is this where you kill me? I knew you were too good to be true. Golden retriever, my ass.”
“Says the one who wanted to fuck wearing murder masks on Halloween.”
🤣🤷♀️😜🔥😘
It was ✨FUN✨ indeed!! 😈 HOH.
“You’re trouble,” he said, shaking his head as he took a step back to put space between us.
“Who, me?” I drew a halo over my head.
Emily IS trouble, a spitfire.
Braden is serious, dependable, pragmatic (with some pretty damn big family responsibility too).
She's the cheerleader, and he's the football player.
Their contracts require NO FRATERNIZATION.
Yeah, well... 😅🤷♀️ You can imagine how that went...
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🤣🤣🤣
The deliciously forbidden, sneaking around element was ON POINT, y'all. With the added bonus of a fun "naughty bucket list"... 😏✨
There were ofc emotional moments, and consequences had to be paid. But the best part of it all, is that they end up being the best thing that could have ever happened to both MMCs 🥰💕
“You shook up my life, and I brought stillness to yours,” he said with a smile, and then he tipped my chin, his lips hovering over mine. “Maybe we’re what the other has been missing all along.”
The best part of the book - the part that imo stood out the most - is how the conflict was handled. I think Emily REALLY shined in the last part of the book. She displayed real maturity and growth, patience and communication skills. I truly felt she was the perfect partner for Braden. Someone who knew how to respect his responsibilities, but also show him how to have fun and LIVE, alongside those responsibilities 🫶
On a side note, I really enjoyed seeing cameos of the EPIC friend group (especially Giana, Clay, Leo, Mary and Kyle 😍). I will miss everyone dearly 😭
The 🎧audiobook🎧 is in duet narration, and tho I was not familiar with the narrators, I was very pleased with their performances. I feel like their voices were very well matched to the characters - I personally love to do immersive reading 🥰
Anyways.... if you're looking for a fun, light read, with great spice, lots of heart, and NO DUMB MISCOMMUNICATIONS, this is it!! 🫶
*^*^*
“Okay, this feels echoey,” I said, suspicious. “Are we in a warehouse? Is this where you kill me? I knew you were too good to be true. Golden retriever, my ass.”
“Says the one who wanted to fuck wearing murder masks on Halloween.”
🤣🤷♀️😜🔥😘
August 4, 2026
Babes... I adored this book and it was the perfect farewell to the Red Zone Rivals world.
Emily and Braden couldn't be more different.
While Emily is bold, chaotic, unapologetically herself, and completely unafraid to challenge every rule thrown her way. Braden is the definition of dependable. He carries the weight of everyone else's happiness on his shoulders constantly putting himself last because that's all he's ever known.
Emily starts shamelessly flirting with Seattle's golden boy receiver trying to get him out of his shell. I fell in love with watching Braden slowly learn that it's okay to choose himself. This man has one of the biggest hearts I've ever read. He's patient, protective, and caring. Emily works overtime slowly pulling him out of his comfort zone and reminding him that life is meant to be lived not just managed. She was exactly what Braden needed.
She challenged him, believed in him, and reminded him that happiness isn't selfish.
Then Braden returned that same love tenfold by constantly reminding Emily that she was never "too much." That she was enough. Exactly as she was.🥹🥹🥹
The player x cheerleader trope added SO much delicious tension because every hidden kiss and every stolen moment carried real consequences. They weren't just risking heartbreak...They were risking both of their dreams.
Kandi never writes romance that's only romance.
She gives us characters carrying family expectations, self doubt, responsibility, and fears they've buried for years. Watching Emily and Braden become each other's safe place felt so beautiful. Then sprinkle in the sizzling chemistry...
If you've been waiting to start Red Zone Rivals, this is your sign. Trust me...
You're going to fall for every single one of them.
Read if you love 🏈 Football Player x Cheerleader ❤️ Forbidden Romance 🤫 Secret Relationship ⚡ Opposites Attract 💚 Ultimate Green Flag Hero 🥹 Caretaker MMC 😂 Witty Banter 🔥 Explosive Chemistry 🏈 Sports Romance ✨ Found Family
Emily and Braden couldn't be more different.
While Emily is bold, chaotic, unapologetically herself, and completely unafraid to challenge every rule thrown her way. Braden is the definition of dependable. He carries the weight of everyone else's happiness on his shoulders constantly putting himself last because that's all he's ever known.
Emily starts shamelessly flirting with Seattle's golden boy receiver trying to get him out of his shell. I fell in love with watching Braden slowly learn that it's okay to choose himself. This man has one of the biggest hearts I've ever read. He's patient, protective, and caring. Emily works overtime slowly pulling him out of his comfort zone and reminding him that life is meant to be lived not just managed. She was exactly what Braden needed.
She challenged him, believed in him, and reminded him that happiness isn't selfish.
Then Braden returned that same love tenfold by constantly reminding Emily that she was never "too much." That she was enough. Exactly as she was.🥹🥹🥹
The player x cheerleader trope added SO much delicious tension because every hidden kiss and every stolen moment carried real consequences. They weren't just risking heartbreak...They were risking both of their dreams.
Kandi never writes romance that's only romance.
She gives us characters carrying family expectations, self doubt, responsibility, and fears they've buried for years. Watching Emily and Braden become each other's safe place felt so beautiful. Then sprinkle in the sizzling chemistry...
If you've been waiting to start Red Zone Rivals, this is your sign. Trust me...
You're going to fall for every single one of them.
Read if you love 🏈 Football Player x Cheerleader ❤️ Forbidden Romance 🤫 Secret Relationship ⚡ Opposites Attract 💚 Ultimate Green Flag Hero 🥹 Caretaker MMC 😂 Witty Banter 🔥 Explosive Chemistry 🏈 Sports Romance ✨ Found Family
July 23, 2026
Illegal Formation is the sixth book in the Red Zone Rivals standalone series.
When 29 year-old Emily makes it onto the Seattle Seahawks dance team, she is as surprised as anyone. She doesn't exactly fit the mold - she is older than the other dancers and she doesn't filter herself. When she meets Seahawks receiver Braden Lock, she makes flirts with him unabashedly, despite the organization's no fraternization policy. Emily and Braden eventually fall into a friendship and that friendship turns into more.
I love forbidden romances and this one had all the things I love about forbidden romances. The tension, the will-they/won't they, the sneaking around. All of that made for a very sexy situation in this book and I enjoyed it!
How could I not fall in love with Braden? He was a man who always put his family first, even at the cost to his own happiness. I loved that he adored his family and would do anything for him. I also loved that Emily made him see that he could do things that made himself happy while also taking care of his family. It didn't have to be a this or that situation - he could have both.
Kandi Steiner brought the heat in this one! Emily and Braden had insane chemistry and the steamy scenes in this book were HOT!!! Emily's list of all the things she wanted to do made it fun and exciting.
Pick this one up for a sexy forbidden sports romance that will leave you hot and bothered!
Steam level: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½
When 29 year-old Emily makes it onto the Seattle Seahawks dance team, she is as surprised as anyone. She doesn't exactly fit the mold - she is older than the other dancers and she doesn't filter herself. When she meets Seahawks receiver Braden Lock, she makes flirts with him unabashedly, despite the organization's no fraternization policy. Emily and Braden eventually fall into a friendship and that friendship turns into more.
I love forbidden romances and this one had all the things I love about forbidden romances. The tension, the will-they/won't they, the sneaking around. All of that made for a very sexy situation in this book and I enjoyed it!
How could I not fall in love with Braden? He was a man who always put his family first, even at the cost to his own happiness. I loved that he adored his family and would do anything for him. I also loved that Emily made him see that he could do things that made himself happy while also taking care of his family. It didn't have to be a this or that situation - he could have both.
Kandi Steiner brought the heat in this one! Emily and Braden had insane chemistry and the steamy scenes in this book were HOT!!! Emily's list of all the things she wanted to do made it fun and exciting.
Pick this one up for a sexy forbidden sports romance that will leave you hot and bothered!
Steam level: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½
August 3, 2026
5/5 ⭐️
4/5 🌶️
Braden Lock is a newer football player who has to play with his A game to get a more set in stone contract. Emily is a new cheerleader for the team and they both signed a contract that specifically states that fraternization can’t occur between players and dancers. However, they feel an instant chemistry that Emily wants to pursue, but Braden doesn’t want to jeopardize his career and his family’s future. Braden can’t seem to get her out of his head though so he decides to make a decision for himself for once, consequences be damned.
I am not normally one for an insta-lust, but I really loved this book. I immersive read/listened to the book which I think made it 10 times better as well. I loved the witty banter between the two main MMCs. Emily loved pushing Braden’s buttons and it was so funny. Also the filthy mouth on Braden was so unexpected because of his golden boy persona, but WOAH I was steamed a few times. Kandi knows how to write the most swoony, steamy book boyfriends. The two narrators were chosen so well for this book also and weren’t just bland/monotoned. Overall, I really loved the audio and how easy of a read this book was. If you need a steamy, sweet sports romance, this is the one for you!!
Tropes:
✨ Forbidden Romance
✨ Kinky Bucket List
✨ Workplace Romance
✨ Opposites Attract
I was sent this ARC/ALC by the author and publisher. Thank you so so much for allowing me to read this amazing book and provide my honest feedback.
4/5 🌶️
Braden Lock is a newer football player who has to play with his A game to get a more set in stone contract. Emily is a new cheerleader for the team and they both signed a contract that specifically states that fraternization can’t occur between players and dancers. However, they feel an instant chemistry that Emily wants to pursue, but Braden doesn’t want to jeopardize his career and his family’s future. Braden can’t seem to get her out of his head though so he decides to make a decision for himself for once, consequences be damned.
I am not normally one for an insta-lust, but I really loved this book. I immersive read/listened to the book which I think made it 10 times better as well. I loved the witty banter between the two main MMCs. Emily loved pushing Braden’s buttons and it was so funny. Also the filthy mouth on Braden was so unexpected because of his golden boy persona, but WOAH I was steamed a few times. Kandi knows how to write the most swoony, steamy book boyfriends. The two narrators were chosen so well for this book also and weren’t just bland/monotoned. Overall, I really loved the audio and how easy of a read this book was. If you need a steamy, sweet sports romance, this is the one for you!!
Tropes:
✨ Forbidden Romance
✨ Kinky Bucket List
✨ Workplace Romance
✨ Opposites Attract
I was sent this ARC/ALC by the author and publisher. Thank you so so much for allowing me to read this amazing book and provide my honest feedback.
July 18, 2026
4⭐️
ARC Review
Red Zone Rivals is the series that introduced me to Kandi Steiner's books. So reading the final installment was absolutely heartbreaking because I genuinely fell in love with every character and every story.
A forbidden romance? Oh, I love that. A football player and a cheerleader? Yes, please. An age gap where the heroine is older? YESSS. It was everything I wanted: exciting, emotional, and incredibly swoon-worthy. I loved that the attraction between Braden and Emily was there from the very beginning. The longing, the tension, and the constant pull they felt toward each other lasted until the very end. Watching Emily find every possible excuse to flirt with Braden while he tried so hard not to give in was so much fun. But their chemistry was so strong that resisting each other became almost impossible.
And that's not even the best part! Braden helps Emily complete everything on her list, and I loved every second of it, haha. Some of the things on her list completely caught me off guard. They were hot, hilarious, and so much fun to read.
My love for the found family trope is endless, and this series is one of my favorite examples of it. I adore these characters and the incredible family they built by finding friendship, trust, and unconditional support in one another. It made me so happy to see Emily become part of that family and receive the love and acceptance she deserved.
Saying goodbye to this series wasn't easy. Kandi created a world and a group of characters that felt like home, and I'll truly miss them. Red Zone Rivals will always have a special place in my heart, and I already know it's a series I'll want to reread someday.
ARC Review
Red Zone Rivals is the series that introduced me to Kandi Steiner's books. So reading the final installment was absolutely heartbreaking because I genuinely fell in love with every character and every story.
A forbidden romance? Oh, I love that. A football player and a cheerleader? Yes, please. An age gap where the heroine is older? YESSS. It was everything I wanted: exciting, emotional, and incredibly swoon-worthy. I loved that the attraction between Braden and Emily was there from the very beginning. The longing, the tension, and the constant pull they felt toward each other lasted until the very end. Watching Emily find every possible excuse to flirt with Braden while he tried so hard not to give in was so much fun. But their chemistry was so strong that resisting each other became almost impossible.
And that's not even the best part! Braden helps Emily complete everything on her list, and I loved every second of it, haha. Some of the things on her list completely caught me off guard. They were hot, hilarious, and so much fun to read.
My love for the found family trope is endless, and this series is one of my favorite examples of it. I adore these characters and the incredible family they built by finding friendship, trust, and unconditional support in one another. It made me so happy to see Emily become part of that family and receive the love and acceptance she deserved.
Saying goodbye to this series wasn't easy. Kandi created a world and a group of characters that felt like home, and I'll truly miss them. Red Zone Rivals will always have a special place in my heart, and I already know it's a series I'll want to reread someday.
July 10, 2026
I highly recommend picking this series up! Braden and Emily's love story was so sweet. The care they had and the sacrifices they were willing to make for one another were perfect. Their banter was incredible, and the tension before they finally gave into each other was top notch. Their chemistry was so so good, and I couldn't put this book down!
Kandi delivered her usual emotion-filled happily ever after with Emily and Braden. It absolutely did not disappoint and was the perfect way to wrap up this series. I hold a special place in my heart for this series and these characters, as it was the first series I picked up when I got into romance reading! It was bittersweet seeing how much each of these couples grew and evolved beyond their happily-ever-afters in their own books.
I highly recommend picking up this series and all of Kandi's books; they never disappoint!
Special thank you to Kandi Steiner and her team for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.
Kandi delivered her usual emotion-filled happily ever after with Emily and Braden. It absolutely did not disappoint and was the perfect way to wrap up this series. I hold a special place in my heart for this series and these characters, as it was the first series I picked up when I got into romance reading! It was bittersweet seeing how much each of these couples grew and evolved beyond their happily-ever-afters in their own books.
I highly recommend picking up this series and all of Kandi's books; they never disappoint!
Special thank you to Kandi Steiner and her team for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 24, 2026
Arc review ~ 3.75 been so busy forgot to write a review on this one but omg my heart hurts saying goodbye to my favourite football series for the second time but this hurts more because it is the end end now and like done for reals :(
I loved this story it was so cute and Emily and braden were so cute and the perfect match, she was the chaos to his calm and bought him out his shell and made him realise there was more to life than what he had. Emily stole the show for me I just loved her and as girl in her mid-twenties all the talk and fear of turning 30 and having nothing much to show for it or a plan set in stone made me feel so scene and a lot better about myself, I loved her.
I wish this book took a little longer to explore the relationship more at the beginning cos to me it felt a little insta lovey like i wish we got a little more yearning and pining bjt either way i still ate it up and it worked with the story and their chemistry still flowed like we never lost any of that it was their from the get go me personally just wanted a tiny bit more.
Seeing the crumbs of all the other couples and seeing my family all together as a 12 was so heartwarming and the fact this book ended with the 12 of them all together wt Christmas was the cherry on top I just loved it and will miss them forever, what an end.
I loved this story it was so cute and Emily and braden were so cute and the perfect match, she was the chaos to his calm and bought him out his shell and made him realise there was more to life than what he had. Emily stole the show for me I just loved her and as girl in her mid-twenties all the talk and fear of turning 30 and having nothing much to show for it or a plan set in stone made me feel so scene and a lot better about myself, I loved her.
I wish this book took a little longer to explore the relationship more at the beginning cos to me it felt a little insta lovey like i wish we got a little more yearning and pining bjt either way i still ate it up and it worked with the story and their chemistry still flowed like we never lost any of that it was their from the get go me personally just wanted a tiny bit more.
Seeing the crumbs of all the other couples and seeing my family all together as a 12 was so heartwarming and the fact this book ended with the 12 of them all together wt Christmas was the cherry on top I just loved it and will miss them forever, what an end.
July 21, 2026
Illegal Formation by Kandi Steiner was pure magic! I couldn't love Braden and Emily more!!
It really was complicated. Their relationship was forbidden from the start. The moment Emily became a cheerleader for the team it was in their contracts that they couldn't be together.
The spice was everything. You could feel the tension, the longing. Even in those little moments where they would tease and banter back and forth. No matter how much they fought it, they couldn't stay away.
Listened to the audiobook and Audrey Obeyn and Aaron Donahue were perfect in their performances. Especially Audrey in her portrayal of Emily. She brought the fun, sassy side but also the hurt and pain 😭. I loved these two together.
It's bittersweet saying goodbye to this beloved series. This book was the perfect piece to close this chapter. Bravo Kandi 👏🏼!
Thank you so much Kandi and Team for the ALC and ARC copies ✨
It really was complicated. Their relationship was forbidden from the start. The moment Emily became a cheerleader for the team it was in their contracts that they couldn't be together.
The spice was everything. You could feel the tension, the longing. Even in those little moments where they would tease and banter back and forth. No matter how much they fought it, they couldn't stay away.
Listened to the audiobook and Audrey Obeyn and Aaron Donahue were perfect in their performances. Especially Audrey in her portrayal of Emily. She brought the fun, sassy side but also the hurt and pain 😭. I loved these two together.
It's bittersweet saying goodbye to this beloved series. This book was the perfect piece to close this chapter. Bravo Kandi 👏🏼!
Thank you so much Kandi and Team for the ALC and ARC copies ✨
July 25, 2026
3.75✨
Gostei muito do mmc! Acho que a história dele foi muito bem desenvolvida e trabalhada, ajudou imenso a trazer profundidade para esta personagem.
A fmc surpreendeu-me também pela sua representatividade e força.
O romance entre eles foi o que me fez dar menos de 4 estrelas, acho que não senti a relação deles tanto quanto queria!
De qualquer forma, o livro é ótimo para se ler numa tarde e a escrita da Kandi é sempre incrível
Gostei muito do mmc! Acho que a história dele foi muito bem desenvolvida e trabalhada, ajudou imenso a trazer profundidade para esta personagem.
A fmc surpreendeu-me também pela sua representatividade e força.
O romance entre eles foi o que me fez dar menos de 4 estrelas, acho que não senti a relação deles tanto quanto queria!
De qualquer forma, o livro é ótimo para se ler numa tarde e a escrita da Kandi é sempre incrível
July 31, 2026
This as ridiculously cute.
While it was a very basic story with an incredibly forgettable plot, it had all the right elements to make it a great read.
The chemistry, the tension between the characters, was executed perfectly. The banter, the found family vibe, the spice, the emotional conversations that could save someone an hour of therapy… it was all there and I loved it.
While it was a very basic story with an incredibly forgettable plot, it had all the right elements to make it a great read.
The chemistry, the tension between the characters, was executed perfectly. The banter, the found family vibe, the spice, the emotional conversations that could save someone an hour of therapy… it was all there and I loved it.
July 24, 2026
Full series out now & Free on Kindle Unlimited!
🎧Narrated in DUET by Aubrey Obeyn & Aaron Donahue.
When 29-year-old dancer, Emily Huxley, tries out for the Seattle Seahawks cheerleading team, sparks fly between her and wide receiver Braden Lock at first sight, but relationships between players and dancers are forbidden! Emily doesn't mind breaking the rules, but Braden has everything to lose.
When she convinces him to help her with a sexy bucket list, they go from a friends with benefits situation to something that starts to feel like a lot more than either of them bargained for.
I loved Emily! She was real, she was raw, and she was pretty punk rock for a cheerleader/dancer with her tattoos, piercings, and her rulebreaker attitude. And I LOVE that she's almost 30 and rocking it!
Braden was such a golden boy goody two shoes, but everything he did, he did to help his family. He lived for everyone but himself, but For the first time ever, he's tempted to take a risk and do something that's just for him.
These two were so hot together, but they were also so sweet and supportive of each other.
PS-Braden is the king of acts of service!
TROPES:
Sports Romance
Forbidden
Secret Hookups
Workplace Romance (football player x cheerleader)
Opposites Attract
Caretaker Hero
High Stakes Relationship
Sneaking Around
🎧Narrated in DUET by Aubrey Obeyn & Aaron Donahue. Aubrey's performance blew it out of the water-- she was emotive, passionate, and overall outstanding! Unfortunately, I felt that Aaron's performance fell flat in comparison.
4.75⭐ 3🌶️
🎧Narrated in DUET by Aubrey Obeyn & Aaron Donahue.
When 29-year-old dancer, Emily Huxley, tries out for the Seattle Seahawks cheerleading team, sparks fly between her and wide receiver Braden Lock at first sight, but relationships between players and dancers are forbidden! Emily doesn't mind breaking the rules, but Braden has everything to lose.
When she convinces him to help her with a sexy bucket list, they go from a friends with benefits situation to something that starts to feel like a lot more than either of them bargained for.
I loved Emily! She was real, she was raw, and she was pretty punk rock for a cheerleader/dancer with her tattoos, piercings, and her rulebreaker attitude. And I LOVE that she's almost 30 and rocking it!
Braden was such a golden boy goody two shoes, but everything he did, he did to help his family. He lived for everyone but himself, but For the first time ever, he's tempted to take a risk and do something that's just for him.
These two were so hot together, but they were also so sweet and supportive of each other.
PS-Braden is the king of acts of service!
TROPES:
Sports Romance
Forbidden
Secret Hookups
Workplace Romance (football player x cheerleader)
Opposites Attract
Caretaker Hero
High Stakes Relationship
Sneaking Around
🎧Narrated in DUET by Aubrey Obeyn & Aaron Donahue. Aubrey's performance blew it out of the water-- she was emotive, passionate, and overall outstanding! Unfortunately, I felt that Aaron's performance fell flat in comparison.
4.75⭐ 3🌶️
July 25, 2026
- arc review -
RZR is officially over for real this time and I’m not ready to say goodbye but Braden and Emily did it so wonderfully.
These two are the definition of perfect. Braden needed Emily to show him how to have fun and Emily needed Braden to show her what she deserves. I loved their love.
Seeing Emily fit in perfectly with the group in the final Christmas scene was everything. This series will always be a comfort to me.
- football, cheerleading
- forbidden
- workplace
- opposites attract
- sneaking around / secret relationship
RZR is officially over for real this time and I’m not ready to say goodbye but Braden and Emily did it so wonderfully.
These two are the definition of perfect. Braden needed Emily to show him how to have fun and Emily needed Braden to show her what she deserves. I loved their love.
Seeing Emily fit in perfectly with the group in the final Christmas scene was everything. This series will always be a comfort to me.
- football, cheerleading
- forbidden
- workplace
- opposites attract
- sneaking around / secret relationship
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