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Red Zone Rivals #6
Illegal Formation
Not yet published
Expected 21 Jul 26When 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.
430 pages, Paperback
Expected publication July 21, 2026
About the author
Kandi Steiner
102 books15.7k 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 72 reviews
Currently Reading
July 9, 2026
July 4, 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 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 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.
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July 9, 2026
Full review to come, but I LOVED EMILY & BRADEN🥹😍
Read
July 10, 2026ARC RTC
Review of advance copy received from Author
“You make me feel like life is worth living, like it’s not just something to survive.”
Illegal Formation brings the Red Zone Rivals series to a close with a story that feels tender, emotional, and beautifully complete. Braden and Emily’s push and pull dynamic is soaked in that delicious slow burn longing this author excels at—the kind that simmers under every glance, every almost touch, every moment they try (and fail) to stay away from each other. Their connection is already electric, but the added layer of forbidden romance—cheerleader and football player, a pairing strictly off limits—raises the stakes in a way that makes every stolen moment feel dangerous and irresistible. It becomes a story about choosing risk, choosing desire, choosing yourself even when the rules say you shouldn’t.
“She just…sparkled, like a whole universe of stars existed inside her and she was the only who couldn’t see it.”
Emily is such a compelling wild card. She’s sharp tongued, funny, and constantly using humor as armor, but Braden sees straight through her from the beginning. He recognizes the vulnerable girl hiding beneath the confident cheerleader persona, and instead of pushing her to be “strong,” he encourages her to actually feel—to let herself be soft, scared, hopeful. Their dynamic is built on this quiet understanding, this sense that they’ve been waiting for someone who truly gets them.
“I didn’t see you coming. I tried to resist you, tried to stay on the path I thought was safest. But being with you, Em…it’s opened me up.”
And Braden…he’s the kind of hero who sneaks up on you. Gentle, selfless, and so devoted to his family that he’s convinced his own wants don’t matter. He’s spent years shrinking himself, prioritizing everyone else, and never believing he’s allowed to want something just for him. Emily challenges that. She nudges him toward joy, toward desire, toward living a life that isn’t just about obligation. She becomes the person who reminds him he’s worthy of more—and he becomes the safe place she didn’t know she needed.
“You make me feel safe. I never thought I’d ever find that. I thought I was meant to live in the unsteady.”
Their chemistry crackles in the flirty banter and secret hookups, but the real magic happens in the quiet moments: the late night conversations where they peel back their fears, the gentle intimacy of Braden braiding her hair, the way they show up for each other without hesitation. Those scenes are where their relationship truly blooms—soft, steady, and deeply emotional.
“You shook up my life, and I brought stillness to yours. Maybe we’re what the other has been missing all along.”
Illegal Formation is a gorgeous, heartfelt finale that celebrates vulnerability, bravery, and choosing to live your life “out loud.” It’s tender, emotional, and full of the kind of love that makes you want to risk everything just to feel seen.
Illegal Formation brings the Red Zone Rivals series to a close with a story that feels tender, emotional, and beautifully complete. Braden and Emily’s push and pull dynamic is soaked in that delicious slow burn longing this author excels at—the kind that simmers under every glance, every almost touch, every moment they try (and fail) to stay away from each other. Their connection is already electric, but the added layer of forbidden romance—cheerleader and football player, a pairing strictly off limits—raises the stakes in a way that makes every stolen moment feel dangerous and irresistible. It becomes a story about choosing risk, choosing desire, choosing yourself even when the rules say you shouldn’t.
“She just…sparkled, like a whole universe of stars existed inside her and she was the only who couldn’t see it.”
Emily is such a compelling wild card. She’s sharp tongued, funny, and constantly using humor as armor, but Braden sees straight through her from the beginning. He recognizes the vulnerable girl hiding beneath the confident cheerleader persona, and instead of pushing her to be “strong,” he encourages her to actually feel—to let herself be soft, scared, hopeful. Their dynamic is built on this quiet understanding, this sense that they’ve been waiting for someone who truly gets them.
“I didn’t see you coming. I tried to resist you, tried to stay on the path I thought was safest. But being with you, Em…it’s opened me up.”
And Braden…he’s the kind of hero who sneaks up on you. Gentle, selfless, and so devoted to his family that he’s convinced his own wants don’t matter. He’s spent years shrinking himself, prioritizing everyone else, and never believing he’s allowed to want something just for him. Emily challenges that. She nudges him toward joy, toward desire, toward living a life that isn’t just about obligation. She becomes the person who reminds him he’s worthy of more—and he becomes the safe place she didn’t know she needed.
“You make me feel safe. I never thought I’d ever find that. I thought I was meant to live in the unsteady.”
Their chemistry crackles in the flirty banter and secret hookups, but the real magic happens in the quiet moments: the late night conversations where they peel back their fears, the gentle intimacy of Braden braiding her hair, the way they show up for each other without hesitation. Those scenes are where their relationship truly blooms—soft, steady, and deeply emotional.
“You shook up my life, and I brought stillness to yours. Maybe we’re what the other has been missing all along.”
Illegal Formation is a gorgeous, heartfelt finale that celebrates vulnerability, bravery, and choosing to live your life “out loud.” It’s tender, emotional, and full of the kind of love that makes you want to risk everything just to feel seen.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️5 Yet another review I write with tears in my eyes. Because NO, I’m not ready for this series to end 😭
The Red Zone Rivals series was my first introduction to both college romance and football romance. I instantly fell in love with them all and Blind Side is still one of my ultimate comfort reads that always brings me out of a slump and gives me that loving, blissed out, ‘I love being a romance reader’ feeling. This one is the PERFECT way to end the series, with seeing how our characters have grown, evolved, and become even better versions of themselves. And Braden? Ugh, this man broke me.
He’s quiet, unassuming, observant, and above all he just wants to protect and provide for his family. His history with his sister’s illness and his complete need to make sure she was taken care of, that his parents had no worries? 😭 Jeez, my heart was in a vice for him. And based on how tentative he was at the start I was hoping but not expecting him to be such a dirty mouthed little horndog!! But man oh MAN did I LOVE IT!!!
And what hurt just as bad? Emily’s own family dynamic. Her view of her parents ‘pause’ when she took it as disappointment? I felt that. Hard. She expected to be letting them down so she decided she was, because she was too afraid to realise her own dreams were just as special as theirs. She felt like a fish out of water, like a blue alien to them - and again, I felt that. I wanted to hug her so bad and tell her just how loved she was.
The way Kandi evokes feelings in me with every book she writes is just the most special kind of magic possible. Her words wrap themselves around my heart and soul every single time and just squeeze out every emotion possible and I thank her SO HARD for it. For giving me that daily escape from life while also making me sob like a baby and silently judge my husband for being normal and not a book boyfriend who would rent out a dance studio full of mirrors to fuck me in 😂😂 Because how dare he, right?!
This book will make you swoon. Make you tear up at multiple points. It will make you fall in love, wanna bash their heads together, bash Braden just a little harder and then rejoice and squeal when he says ‘I can.’ Trust me.
Also, the spice 🥵🥵🥵 The mirror scene especially. The sneaking around. Love, love, LOVE!!!
The Red Zone Rivals series was my first introduction to both college romance and football romance. I instantly fell in love with them all and Blind Side is still one of my ultimate comfort reads that always brings me out of a slump and gives me that loving, blissed out, ‘I love being a romance reader’ feeling. This one is the PERFECT way to end the series, with seeing how our characters have grown, evolved, and become even better versions of themselves. And Braden? Ugh, this man broke me.
He’s quiet, unassuming, observant, and above all he just wants to protect and provide for his family. His history with his sister’s illness and his complete need to make sure she was taken care of, that his parents had no worries? 😭 Jeez, my heart was in a vice for him. And based on how tentative he was at the start I was hoping but not expecting him to be such a dirty mouthed little horndog!! But man oh MAN did I LOVE IT!!!
And what hurt just as bad? Emily’s own family dynamic. Her view of her parents ‘pause’ when she took it as disappointment? I felt that. Hard. She expected to be letting them down so she decided she was, because she was too afraid to realise her own dreams were just as special as theirs. She felt like a fish out of water, like a blue alien to them - and again, I felt that. I wanted to hug her so bad and tell her just how loved she was.
The way Kandi evokes feelings in me with every book she writes is just the most special kind of magic possible. Her words wrap themselves around my heart and soul every single time and just squeeze out every emotion possible and I thank her SO HARD for it. For giving me that daily escape from life while also making me sob like a baby and silently judge my husband for being normal and not a book boyfriend who would rent out a dance studio full of mirrors to fuck me in 😂😂 Because how dare he, right?!
This book will make you swoon. Make you tear up at multiple points. It will make you fall in love, wanna bash their heads together, bash Braden just a little harder and then rejoice and squeal when he says ‘I can.’ Trust me.
Also, the spice 🥵🥵🥵 The mirror scene especially. The sneaking around. Love, love, LOVE!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Have you ever started a story and all of a sudden realize you are beginning a journey of change for yourself as well? Illegal Formation may be fiction, but it hits like reality TV if not stronger. But then, when Kandi Steiner puts pen to paper, what else could I expect?
Braden Lock is the young star everyone loves. Strong, independent and very dedicated to the things and people with meaning in his life. His story will have your heartstrings tightening within the first chapters. Commitment hit’s different with Braden. Caution shouts from within with him, and with all the variables in his life there are no options for change… or so he thinks.
Emily (Em) is magnetism personified. Beautiful, smart, fit and full of life, she brings energy to wherever she is and whatever she is doing. But Em harbors inner battles like many others. While people may see that powerful woman outside, it’s the inner turmoil that could destroy her. But sometimes, a view from outside can give the inside a vision it never expected. There are times the best battles are not only good on paper but good for the soul as well. Em is about to discover that!
We hear about sparks often in stories, but these two … just wow. The push and pull, the back and forth, the inner tormoils, the worry and the unexpected only make this story one you will find hard to put down. The visuals that form in your mind will have you squirming one minute and laughing the next. The growth of both parties will wow you yet have you screaming at the same time. And lastly, the revelations in the end will have you melting. Yes, this story is just that complex!
Illegal Formation is book 6 in the series, and many people have been waiting for Braden’s story.
If you have been following the Red Zone Series every book has been amazing. But after reading this one, I understand why Kandi saved this fella for last. While people may have been waiting for his story, they had no clue about Em, and that makes this story very special. How special?
Illegal Formation now competes with A Love Letter to Whiskey as my favorite story by Kandi Steiner!
I believe you will feel the same when you finish it also. There are not enough stars to rate this book, but definitely above 5-stars for sure.
Great Job Kandi Steiner!
Braden Lock is the young star everyone loves. Strong, independent and very dedicated to the things and people with meaning in his life. His story will have your heartstrings tightening within the first chapters. Commitment hit’s different with Braden. Caution shouts from within with him, and with all the variables in his life there are no options for change… or so he thinks.
Emily (Em) is magnetism personified. Beautiful, smart, fit and full of life, she brings energy to wherever she is and whatever she is doing. But Em harbors inner battles like many others. While people may see that powerful woman outside, it’s the inner turmoil that could destroy her. But sometimes, a view from outside can give the inside a vision it never expected. There are times the best battles are not only good on paper but good for the soul as well. Em is about to discover that!
We hear about sparks often in stories, but these two … just wow. The push and pull, the back and forth, the inner tormoils, the worry and the unexpected only make this story one you will find hard to put down. The visuals that form in your mind will have you squirming one minute and laughing the next. The growth of both parties will wow you yet have you screaming at the same time. And lastly, the revelations in the end will have you melting. Yes, this story is just that complex!
Illegal Formation is book 6 in the series, and many people have been waiting for Braden’s story.
If you have been following the Red Zone Series every book has been amazing. But after reading this one, I understand why Kandi saved this fella for last. While people may have been waiting for his story, they had no clue about Em, and that makes this story very special. How special?
Illegal Formation now competes with A Love Letter to Whiskey as my favorite story by Kandi Steiner!
I believe you will feel the same when you finish it also. There are not enough stars to rate this book, but definitely above 5-stars for sure.
Great Job Kandi Steiner!
Review of advance copy received from Author
🏈 Football Romance
📣 Cheerleader Romance
🚫 Forbidden Romance
🤫 Secret Relationship
🔥 Opposites Attract
💕 Secret Hookups
💛 Golden Boy Hero
🌪️ Wild Card Heroine
🛡️ Protective Hero
🥹 Emotional Romance
💞 Forced Proximity
🌶️ Spicy Romance
✨ Happily Ever After
Star: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Illegal Formation is another addictive and emotional addition to Kandi Steiner’s Red Zone series. This sixth book brings all the tension, chemistry, and heart I love in a forbidden sports romance, with a player and cheerleader relationship that is risky from the very beginning.
Braden Lock is the kind of hero who is impossible not to fall for. He is steady, patient, kind, and has that golden boy energy that makes him feel safe, dependable, and completely swoony. He has always followed the rules, especially when it comes to his career, but meeting Emily changes everything. I loved watching him slowly let go of control and give in to something he knew could cost him everything.
Emily is bold, sharp, and full of chaos in the best way. She does not just test boundaries, she challenges them, and that made her such a fun contrast to Braden’s calm and careful nature. Beneath her confidence and reckless spark is someone dealing with pain, uncertainty, and emotions she does not always know how to handle. Seeing Braden become her safe place made their connection feel even more meaningful.
Their chemistry is instant, but what starts as secret hookups quickly turns into something much deeper. The forbidden element adds so much tension because every stolen moment comes with risk. Their relationship is passionate, messy, emotional, and impossible to look away from. I loved the push and pull between wanting to protect their futures and not being able to walk away from each other.
Kandi Steiner does such a great job balancing the heat with the heart. Illegal Formation is full of secret moments, emotional vulnerability, and that delicious tension of two people falling hard when they know they should not. Braden and Emily had me hooked from start to finish, and their story was the perfect mix of spicy, forbidden, and heartfelt.
📣 Cheerleader Romance
🚫 Forbidden Romance
🤫 Secret Relationship
🔥 Opposites Attract
💕 Secret Hookups
💛 Golden Boy Hero
🌪️ Wild Card Heroine
🛡️ Protective Hero
🥹 Emotional Romance
💞 Forced Proximity
🌶️ Spicy Romance
✨ Happily Ever After
Star: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Illegal Formation is another addictive and emotional addition to Kandi Steiner’s Red Zone series. This sixth book brings all the tension, chemistry, and heart I love in a forbidden sports romance, with a player and cheerleader relationship that is risky from the very beginning.
Braden Lock is the kind of hero who is impossible not to fall for. He is steady, patient, kind, and has that golden boy energy that makes him feel safe, dependable, and completely swoony. He has always followed the rules, especially when it comes to his career, but meeting Emily changes everything. I loved watching him slowly let go of control and give in to something he knew could cost him everything.
Emily is bold, sharp, and full of chaos in the best way. She does not just test boundaries, she challenges them, and that made her such a fun contrast to Braden’s calm and careful nature. Beneath her confidence and reckless spark is someone dealing with pain, uncertainty, and emotions she does not always know how to handle. Seeing Braden become her safe place made their connection feel even more meaningful.
Their chemistry is instant, but what starts as secret hookups quickly turns into something much deeper. The forbidden element adds so much tension because every stolen moment comes with risk. Their relationship is passionate, messy, emotional, and impossible to look away from. I loved the push and pull between wanting to protect their futures and not being able to walk away from each other.
Kandi Steiner does such a great job balancing the heat with the heart. Illegal Formation is full of secret moments, emotional vulnerability, and that delicious tension of two people falling hard when they know they should not. Braden and Emily had me hooked from start to finish, and their story was the perfect mix of spicy, forbidden, and heartfelt.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved that Kandi Steiner brought back Red Zone Rivals for one more ride & this one was a great one to close out this series.
Braden & Emily's story is such a fun time. On paper, they're total opposites. He's steady, thoughtful, & always putting everyone else first. Emily is bold, impulsive, & lights up every room she walks into. But somehow they fit together in a way that never felt forced. Their chemistry is instant, but what I loved most was watching it grow into something so much deeper.
The player & cheerleader dynamic added just the right amount of forbidden tension. Every moment shared felt like they were risking everything, which made it impossible not to root for them. Kandi does such a great job making the romance feel exciting while never losing sight of the emotional heart of the story.
Braden may be one of my favorite Kandi heroes. He carries so much responsibility on his shoulders, yet he's incredibly gentle, patient, & caring. Emily brings out a side of him that he never really allowed himself to embrace, while Braden gives Emily the kind of stability & support she didn't realize she needed. They make each other better without trying to change one another.
As someone whose first football romance series was Red Zone Rivals, this book felt especially bittersweet. It was so much fun getting one last chapter in this world & seeing how everything came full circle. It honestly felt like saying goodbye to old friends.
I also did a tandem read/listen, & I can't recommend the audiobook enough. Aaron Donahue & Audrey Obeyn absolutely nailed Braden & Emily. Their duet narration brought so much emotion, chemistry, humor, & tension to every scene & really made the story come to life.
Illegal Formation is everything I wanted from the finale to this series. It's emotional, swoony, funny, incredibly romantic, & the perfect reminder of why Kandi Steiner's football romances continue to be some of my favorites.
🏈 Pro Football Player x Team Cheerleader
🚫 Forbidden
🧲 Opposites Attract
🤫 Secret Relationship
❤️🩹 Caretaker Hero
✌🏻 Dual POV in Duet Narration
Braden & Emily's story is such a fun time. On paper, they're total opposites. He's steady, thoughtful, & always putting everyone else first. Emily is bold, impulsive, & lights up every room she walks into. But somehow they fit together in a way that never felt forced. Their chemistry is instant, but what I loved most was watching it grow into something so much deeper.
The player & cheerleader dynamic added just the right amount of forbidden tension. Every moment shared felt like they were risking everything, which made it impossible not to root for them. Kandi does such a great job making the romance feel exciting while never losing sight of the emotional heart of the story.
Braden may be one of my favorite Kandi heroes. He carries so much responsibility on his shoulders, yet he's incredibly gentle, patient, & caring. Emily brings out a side of him that he never really allowed himself to embrace, while Braden gives Emily the kind of stability & support she didn't realize she needed. They make each other better without trying to change one another.
As someone whose first football romance series was Red Zone Rivals, this book felt especially bittersweet. It was so much fun getting one last chapter in this world & seeing how everything came full circle. It honestly felt like saying goodbye to old friends.
I also did a tandem read/listen, & I can't recommend the audiobook enough. Aaron Donahue & Audrey Obeyn absolutely nailed Braden & Emily. Their duet narration brought so much emotion, chemistry, humor, & tension to every scene & really made the story come to life.
Illegal Formation is everything I wanted from the finale to this series. It's emotional, swoony, funny, incredibly romantic, & the perfect reminder of why Kandi Steiner's football romances continue to be some of my favorites.
🏈 Pro Football Player x Team Cheerleader
🚫 Forbidden
🧲 Opposites Attract
🤫 Secret Relationship
❤️🩹 Caretaker Hero
✌🏻 Dual POV in Duet Narration
July 7, 2026
“And I should have felt better after. Should have felt like I’d finally scratched the itch, gotten her out of my system, taken the edge off whatever this thing was between us. That’s how it was supposed to work. Instead, it only made it worse. Because now I knew exactly what I was missing. Now I knew how she tasted, how she felt, how easily I could lose myself in her — and there was no pretending it didn’t matter. No pretending she didn’t matter. I wasn’t cured. I was completely, irreversibly f*cked.”
Illegal Formation | Kandi Steiner | Red Zone Rivals #6
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5, 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5
“I didn’t see you coming,” he said next, his voice soft, thumbs still brushing my skin. “I tried to resist you, tried to stay on the path I thought was safest. But being with you, Em… it’s opened me up. It’s made me better on the field. It’s helped me loosen my grip on every day, helped me stop trying to control everything.”
Read this if you love: opposites attract | forbidden | secret hookups | sports romance | football player x cheerleader | steamy bucket list
“You make me feel safe. I never thought I’d ever find that. I thought I was meant to live in the unsteady.” “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.”
Oh my, the tears. This was incredible! The Kandi angst was there, but so was the heart and journey of two people finding themselves and each other. It’s so much more than a sports romance. This one just made me feel warm and fuzzy in the best way. What a way to end this series!
Thank you @kandisteiner for the eARC. I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
Illegal Formation | Kandi Steiner | Red Zone Rivals #6
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5, 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5
“I didn’t see you coming,” he said next, his voice soft, thumbs still brushing my skin. “I tried to resist you, tried to stay on the path I thought was safest. But being with you, Em… it’s opened me up. It’s made me better on the field. It’s helped me loosen my grip on every day, helped me stop trying to control everything.”
Read this if you love: opposites attract | forbidden | secret hookups | sports romance | football player x cheerleader | steamy bucket list
“You make me feel safe. I never thought I’d ever find that. I thought I was meant to live in the unsteady.” “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.”
Oh my, the tears. This was incredible! The Kandi angst was there, but so was the heart and journey of two people finding themselves and each other. It’s so much more than a sports romance. This one just made me feel warm and fuzzy in the best way. What a way to end this series!
Thank you @kandisteiner for the eARC. I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a fantastic read! Just when I think there’s no way Kandi can top her last book, she writes utter perfection. Braden and Emily are utter perfection. These two are the perfect mix of opposites attract, flirty and driven .
Braden is living his dream of playing in the NFL for the Seattle Seahawks. He’s on the other side of his college days at NBU, trying to make a name for himself in the NFL while balancing all his responsibilities to his family. He keeps his head down and is goal oriented not willing to be distracted by anyone, least of all the beautiful, vibrant and dynamic Seattle Seahawks cheerleader, Emily who shines when she dances.
These two have an instant attraction. Emily is like the energizer bunny that won’t stop until she gets Braden where she wants him and Braden puts up walls left and right until he gives into the temptation. These two have to be cautious, because there’s a no fraternization policy. These two must decide if it’s worth the risk… “what’s the best that could happen?”
I found this story to be endearing with so many feels. I laughed, I cried, I cheered, I yelled! Braden and Emily easily became each other’s safe space to land. Within each other, they found home.
“You make me feel safe. I never thought I’d ever find that. I thought I was meant to live in the unsteady.” “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.”
This story has me immersed from the very beginning and that’s what made this an epic read! I loved getting to catch up with some of our favorite couples. Thank you Kandi for an amazing read!
Braden is living his dream of playing in the NFL for the Seattle Seahawks. He’s on the other side of his college days at NBU, trying to make a name for himself in the NFL while balancing all his responsibilities to his family. He keeps his head down and is goal oriented not willing to be distracted by anyone, least of all the beautiful, vibrant and dynamic Seattle Seahawks cheerleader, Emily who shines when she dances.
These two have an instant attraction. Emily is like the energizer bunny that won’t stop until she gets Braden where she wants him and Braden puts up walls left and right until he gives into the temptation. These two have to be cautious, because there’s a no fraternization policy. These two must decide if it’s worth the risk… “what’s the best that could happen?”
I found this story to be endearing with so many feels. I laughed, I cried, I cheered, I yelled! Braden and Emily easily became each other’s safe space to land. Within each other, they found home.
“You make me feel safe. I never thought I’d ever find that. I thought I was meant to live in the unsteady.” “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.”
This story has me immersed from the very beginning and that’s what made this an epic read! I loved getting to catch up with some of our favorite couples. Thank you Kandi for an amazing read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Kandi once again delivered us the most perfect blend of emotional heartbreak, healing and growth, while serving up the most delicious tension and spice at the same time!
The Red Zone Rivals was one of my first series that I binged when I started reading again a couple years ago. It was an immediate favorite, and when Kandi announced that she was taking us back to hang with our old friends -the NBU crew- I knew we were in for a treat.
Braden, the hot as sin football player with a heart of gold and filthy mouth, didn't stand a chance against the quirky lost girl cheerleader Emily were a treat, indeed!
I can't even tell you how many times I cried reading this book. Kandi has a way with writing that makes everything feel real. I cried for Braden and the pressure he put on himself, I cried for over hair braiding and for Ginny, for Emily and her birthday dance, her parents... yep...cried there too, plus so many more times along the way. Not to mention getting to hang with all our favorite NBU found family.
When I wasn't crying I was laughing at the top tier banter, swooning at all the sweet ways they showed up for each other, sweating at the mouths and moves on both of them, and feeling so much happiness at all the healing that went down. This book made me FEEL everything, and is easily one of my favorite reads of the year.
::TLDR:: read this if you love forbidden romance between pro football player and cheerleader and want to go on an emotional ride that will break and then heal your heart, while also making sweat with hot as sin spice and a mirror scene of all mirror scenes!!! ❤️🔥
The Red Zone Rivals was one of my first series that I binged when I started reading again a couple years ago. It was an immediate favorite, and when Kandi announced that she was taking us back to hang with our old friends -the NBU crew- I knew we were in for a treat.
Braden, the hot as sin football player with a heart of gold and filthy mouth, didn't stand a chance against the quirky lost girl cheerleader Emily were a treat, indeed!
I can't even tell you how many times I cried reading this book. Kandi has a way with writing that makes everything feel real. I cried for Braden and the pressure he put on himself, I cried for over hair braiding and for Ginny, for Emily and her birthday dance, her parents... yep...cried there too, plus so many more times along the way. Not to mention getting to hang with all our favorite NBU found family.
When I wasn't crying I was laughing at the top tier banter, swooning at all the sweet ways they showed up for each other, sweating at the mouths and moves on both of them, and feeling so much happiness at all the healing that went down. This book made me FEEL everything, and is easily one of my favorite reads of the year.
::TLDR:: read this if you love forbidden romance between pro football player and cheerleader and want to go on an emotional ride that will break and then heal your heart, while also making sweat with hot as sin spice and a mirror scene of all mirror scenes!!! ❤️🔥
Review of advance copy received from Author
Palpable chemistry between a cheerleader and NFL player but they have a no fraternization policy?! And because it's Kandi, tension doing more work than my waistband on Thanksgiving day...yes please! This is a book with a sassy, fun, and flirty FMC who pushes the boundaries and an MMC who has responsibilities weighing on him and is straight as an arrow. She pushes his comfort level and I loved them.
HE DOES HER HAIR. I could have ended the book there and been happy as can be, but I did enjoy the chaos and drama that ensued after this. Kandi is such a chaos queen and I love it so much, only because you know there will be a HEA. I loved this MMC who loved his family fiercely and this FMC who was still finding herself. This was a couple that balanced each other perfectly. The spice and the sexy bucket list were absolute chef's kiss!
𝗗𝘂𝗲𝘁 𝗡𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗕𝘆: Audrey Obeyn & Aaron Donahue
This was a fun listen and the voices were smooth and enjoyable. I adored Audrey Obeyn as Emily. She brought the character to life perfectly! I like Aaron Donahue as a narrator but didn't love him as Braden. With that said, this is still an audiobook that I enjoyed and would recommend listening to.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦:
🏈Sports Romance
📣Forbidden
🏈Secret Hookups
📣Workplace Romance (football player x cheerleader)
🏈Opposites Attract
📣Caretaker Hero
🏈High Stakes Relationship
📣Sneaking Around
Thank you to the author for this ARC and ALC in exchange for my honest review.
HE DOES HER HAIR. I could have ended the book there and been happy as can be, but I did enjoy the chaos and drama that ensued after this. Kandi is such a chaos queen and I love it so much, only because you know there will be a HEA. I loved this MMC who loved his family fiercely and this FMC who was still finding herself. This was a couple that balanced each other perfectly. The spice and the sexy bucket list were absolute chef's kiss!
𝗗𝘂𝗲𝘁 𝗡𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗕𝘆: Audrey Obeyn & Aaron Donahue
This was a fun listen and the voices were smooth and enjoyable. I adored Audrey Obeyn as Emily. She brought the character to life perfectly! I like Aaron Donahue as a narrator but didn't love him as Braden. With that said, this is still an audiobook that I enjoyed and would recommend listening to.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦:
🏈Sports Romance
📣Forbidden
🏈Secret Hookups
📣Workplace Romance (football player x cheerleader)
🏈Opposites Attract
📣Caretaker Hero
🏈High Stakes Relationship
📣Sneaking Around
Thank you to the author for this ARC and ALC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The slow burn. The small intimate details. The banter. The drama. Looove. LOOOOVE. This book was so good and the most beautiful wrap up to an amazing series.
This book handed me a bucket list and asked, “When was the last time you actually lived?”
Give me forbidden romance with enough tension to make every stolen glance feel like a full conversation.
What I loved the most though is the things hidden in between the pages of romance.
The quiet moments. The braiding of hair. Cooking dinner together. Car shopping. Rented dance studios.
This story doesn’t shy away from real life either. It embraces messy families, difficult choices, heartbreak, healing, and the terrifying question so many of us eventually ask ourselves: Is this really the life I want?
As someone who also just turned 30, I felt this book in ways I wasn’t expecting. Watching Emily question who she was outside of everyone else’s expectations, rediscover herself, and realize that it’s never too late to rewrite your story hit incredibly close to home. Growing up doesn’t mean having it all figured out—it means giving yourself permission to become someone new.
This book handed me a bucket list and asked, “When was the last time you actually lived?”
Give me forbidden romance with enough tension to make every stolen glance feel like a full conversation.
What I loved the most though is the things hidden in between the pages of romance.
The quiet moments. The braiding of hair. Cooking dinner together. Car shopping. Rented dance studios.
This story doesn’t shy away from real life either. It embraces messy families, difficult choices, heartbreak, healing, and the terrifying question so many of us eventually ask ourselves: Is this really the life I want?
As someone who also just turned 30, I felt this book in ways I wasn’t expecting. Watching Emily question who she was outside of everyone else’s expectations, rediscover herself, and realize that it’s never too late to rewrite your story hit incredibly close to home. Growing up doesn’t mean having it all figured out—it means giving yourself permission to become someone new.
Review of advance copy received from Author
He was the typical hotshot football player, he kept his head down and saved his money. He drove an old car, lived modestly…keeping his career was important so that he could continue to support his family, everything he did he did for them. He did not have time for a distraction, most definitely not in the form of the newest member of the cheerleading squad.
She knew she would never live up to her parents expectations so she was determined to do her own thing. She wanted to dance, and what better way to show off her skills than to try out for a cheerleading squad for a major NFL team. She loved football and she knew the stats of the players…and when she received a rose for being accepted to the squad she did not expect to get the flutters when she got up close and personal with Braden.
That rose changed the course of both of their lives. Both Braden and Emily carried some emoitional baggage and they both signed a contract that said they couldn’t be together…which one of them decided that love was more important than the contact, and would that decision come back to bite them?
Drama✅
Angst✅
Smexy🔥
HEA❤️
Family❤️
She knew she would never live up to her parents expectations so she was determined to do her own thing. She wanted to dance, and what better way to show off her skills than to try out for a cheerleading squad for a major NFL team. She loved football and she knew the stats of the players…and when she received a rose for being accepted to the squad she did not expect to get the flutters when she got up close and personal with Braden.
That rose changed the course of both of their lives. Both Braden and Emily carried some emoitional baggage and they both signed a contract that said they couldn’t be together…which one of them decided that love was more important than the contact, and would that decision come back to bite them?
Drama✅
Angst✅
Smexy🔥
HEA❤️
Family❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.25⭐ Emily lands her dream spot on an NFL cheer roster, but during auditions, someone catches her eye. Unfortunately, that someone is Braden, a player for the team she just made and very much off limits according to her contract. Emily is a risk taker, but Braden likes to play by the rules. Will the sparks be strong enough to overcome the rules?
Ok, Emily and Braden are HOT! He is such a simp for her and I loved it so much. He neutralizes some of her chaos, and she breathes life back into his carefully curated plans. They were honestly such a perfect match and their struggle to get together and then stay together was so well done!
As a former cheerleader and someone very familiar with this world, I had high expectations for this one, but it wasn't my favorite in the series. Don't get me wrong, it's still amazing and I loved going back into this universe! Emily just came off a little too strong in the beginning and it felt difficult to connect with her. However, once her and Braden found a way to be together, I started to enjoy the story much more!
Thank you so much, Kandi, for sharing an ARC with me! I'm honored to read the series closer!
Ok, Emily and Braden are HOT! He is such a simp for her and I loved it so much. He neutralizes some of her chaos, and she breathes life back into his carefully curated plans. They were honestly such a perfect match and their struggle to get together and then stay together was so well done!
As a former cheerleader and someone very familiar with this world, I had high expectations for this one, but it wasn't my favorite in the series. Don't get me wrong, it's still amazing and I loved going back into this universe! Emily just came off a little too strong in the beginning and it felt difficult to connect with her. However, once her and Braden found a way to be together, I started to enjoy the story much more!
Thank you so much, Kandi, for sharing an ARC with me! I'm honored to read the series closer!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you Kandi Steiner for an arc read of Illegal Formation.
Summary:
Emily Huxley is a cheerleader for the NFL Seattle Seahawks. She’s always lived her life in the moment but knows dance is a part of who she is. Braden Lock is a wide receiver for the same team and is in the midst of his rookie contract. He lives a careful, well-planned life to ensure he can continue supporting his family. These two drastically different people are brought together by the team and must navigate keeping their relationship a secret due to the no-fraternization clause in their contracts.
Thoughts:
•This was a different kind of romance read. I’m not used to the FMC being as forward as Emily was, but that change of pace made the book even more enjoyable.
•The first half of the story moved at a slower pace, but it really picked up toward the end, rewarding readers with a beautiful love story and a journey of self-discovery.
•I adored Braden’s sister and every single thing about her. She was such a lovable character.
•Definitely a fun sports romance filled with emotion, vulnerability, and characters you can’t help but root for.
Summary:
Emily Huxley is a cheerleader for the NFL Seattle Seahawks. She’s always lived her life in the moment but knows dance is a part of who she is. Braden Lock is a wide receiver for the same team and is in the midst of his rookie contract. He lives a careful, well-planned life to ensure he can continue supporting his family. These two drastically different people are brought together by the team and must navigate keeping their relationship a secret due to the no-fraternization clause in their contracts.
Thoughts:
•This was a different kind of romance read. I’m not used to the FMC being as forward as Emily was, but that change of pace made the book even more enjoyable.
•The first half of the story moved at a slower pace, but it really picked up toward the end, rewarding readers with a beautiful love story and a journey of self-discovery.
•I adored Braden’s sister and every single thing about her. She was such a lovable character.
•Definitely a fun sports romance filled with emotion, vulnerability, and characters you can’t help but root for.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Received the ARC and ALC, this is my honest review.
Audio feedback:
Both narrators were easy to understand. Excellent transition between characters.
Both voices pulled emotion so beautifully. They took the story to another level.
The story:
The humor was delightful.
The pacing was great.
Mention of women's equal pay, and equality of women playing football was cool.
The bestie Marcus was such a fun supporting character, and my favorite.
Loved the playful, flirting and initial resistance between the two characters. Kandi did a great job with building in heartwarming moments between the two that were lighthearted, and at times serious, but helped to establish a connection between them before the spice started.
The FMC Emily is feisty and fun. She does her homework, knows football worked hard to get to where she is, and uses humor to protect herself.
The MMC braden wears his heart on his sleeve and has an emotional connection to his past, which explains his focus, determination, and hesitation.
Both of the characters felt relatable, even though it's a pro football player and a cheerleader.
Overall, this book was such a joy to read. Highly recommend.
Audio feedback:
Both narrators were easy to understand. Excellent transition between characters.
Both voices pulled emotion so beautifully. They took the story to another level.
The story:
The humor was delightful.
The pacing was great.
Mention of women's equal pay, and equality of women playing football was cool.
The bestie Marcus was such a fun supporting character, and my favorite.
Loved the playful, flirting and initial resistance between the two characters. Kandi did a great job with building in heartwarming moments between the two that were lighthearted, and at times serious, but helped to establish a connection between them before the spice started.
The FMC Emily is feisty and fun. She does her homework, knows football worked hard to get to where she is, and uses humor to protect herself.
The MMC braden wears his heart on his sleeve and has an emotional connection to his past, which explains his focus, determination, and hesitation.
Both of the characters felt relatable, even though it's a pro football player and a cheerleader.
Overall, this book was such a joy to read. Highly recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
“You and me, Trouble.”
“You and me.”
“You don’t get to control life. You just…survive it.”
“But I won’t make you choose me. You have to decide if I’m something you’re willing to fight for.”
AHHHHHH hehehe I enjoyed this one a lot! To be honest I have not read many of the other books in the series so I can tell you that you won’t be confused if you just happened to pick up this one.
Emily was SUCH a fun character. I loved her witty, sarcastic, and bold personality. However, I loved her sensitive side more because it felt more real. Braden was a character that you just want to wrap up in a hug. A man that carried so much pressure when he truly didn’t have to. Although these two had an instant connection it truly felt genuine. I loved the way they developed their relationship.
The way this story had its fun moments it also had its serious ones. I felt that there was a lot of miscommunication in different developments of the story. A lot of stress could have been resolved if we all just talked. Overall though a good story!
“You and me.”
“You don’t get to control life. You just…survive it.”
“But I won’t make you choose me. You have to decide if I’m something you’re willing to fight for.”
AHHHHHH hehehe I enjoyed this one a lot! To be honest I have not read many of the other books in the series so I can tell you that you won’t be confused if you just happened to pick up this one.
Emily was SUCH a fun character. I loved her witty, sarcastic, and bold personality. However, I loved her sensitive side more because it felt more real. Braden was a character that you just want to wrap up in a hug. A man that carried so much pressure when he truly didn’t have to. Although these two had an instant connection it truly felt genuine. I loved the way they developed their relationship.
The way this story had its fun moments it also had its serious ones. I felt that there was a lot of miscommunication in different developments of the story. A lot of stress could have been resolved if we all just talked. Overall though a good story!
July 7, 2026
kandi , kandi !! okay i loveeeee branden so much , he was and i repeat my baby boy , i was so happy to see him getting out of his shell .
This book was so. Fun, sexy and different, Em was such a great character, loud, but so much fun. I see myself in here in so many ways. The sexy list was a cherry on top for me, as I do have one of my own too!
I love the way they love each other, how it was so wholesome between them. I love seeing the whole gang together again. This series means so much to me, so seeing everyone happy makes me cry real hard. I finished this book in 4 hours, and I loved every minute. The forbidden part, the fact that she was older ( look at the besties with older woman that change their life), I can't believe it's over; I'm so sad. I want a novella a few years later so I can see them, or a second generation, because I miss the gang. It was the first series I read by Kandi, so it definitely holds a big part of my heart.
Anyway, this book is the perfect read, as always, from Kandi.
This book was so. Fun, sexy and different, Em was such a great character, loud, but so much fun. I see myself in here in so many ways. The sexy list was a cherry on top for me, as I do have one of my own too!
I love the way they love each other, how it was so wholesome between them. I love seeing the whole gang together again. This series means so much to me, so seeing everyone happy makes me cry real hard. I finished this book in 4 hours, and I loved every minute. The forbidden part, the fact that she was older ( look at the besties with older woman that change their life), I can't believe it's over; I'm so sad. I want a novella a few years later so I can see them, or a second generation, because I miss the gang. It was the first series I read by Kandi, so it definitely holds a big part of my heart.
Anyway, this book is the perfect read, as always, from Kandi.
July 10, 2026
The Red Zone Rivals is one of my favourite football romance series and this is the 6th book. Braden plays for an NFL team, and Emily has just started her job as a cheerleader for the team. They’ve both signed contracts with no fraternisation clauses, but they can’t stay away from each other for long. I loved that Emily was the bold flirty one, not afraid to go after what she wanted. And Braden was the rule following, nervous one who was equally obsessed with Emily but his football career meant everything to him. Emily had a spicy bucket list that she wanted Braden’s help with, and boy did he deliver!! Both characters had complex family dynamics which I thought the author handled really well and it took their relationship from just physical to something deeper. There were plenty cameos of the NBU team (Leo and Mary MY BABIES) and I loved that their friendships were still prioritised even though they’ve all moved on from college. I could return to this friend group again and again, so I’m hoping this isn’t the last time!
Review of advance copy received from Author
“What do you think? Want to blow up our contracts, and maybe our worlds, just to be together?”
It’s been two years since we were with the Red Zone Rivals and Braden Lock was worth the wait! I devoured this book in one sitting!
“Braden Lock. What a gentleman. I wanted to lick him like the inside of an Oreo.”
Braden is constantly serious, he is dedicated to supporting his family and to him that means he can’t take any risks. But when the new NFL dancer Emily shows up, he finds that taking a risk is his only option where she is concerned.
“She was a confident and alluring woman. But she was also a menace.”
Emily was such a badass! She is fierce, independent and doesn’t care what people think of her. She just wants to live her life and have some fun. She was exactly what Braden needed! These two were a great pair who were the support the other needed to find their true selves.
🔥: “Eyes open, baby. Watch.”
It’s been two years since we were with the Red Zone Rivals and Braden Lock was worth the wait! I devoured this book in one sitting!
“Braden Lock. What a gentleman. I wanted to lick him like the inside of an Oreo.”
Braden is constantly serious, he is dedicated to supporting his family and to him that means he can’t take any risks. But when the new NFL dancer Emily shows up, he finds that taking a risk is his only option where she is concerned.
“She was a confident and alluring woman. But she was also a menace.”
Emily was such a badass! She is fierce, independent and doesn’t care what people think of her. She just wants to live her life and have some fun. She was exactly what Braden needed! These two were a great pair who were the support the other needed to find their true selves.
🔥: “Eyes open, baby. Watch.”
July 6, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
Thank you to Team Kandi for this ARC 🫶🏻
Braden is a football player who takes care of his parents and sister. Emily becomes a dancer/cheerleader for the Seahawks and believes she’s on borrowed time due to being on the brink of 30. When she and Braden cross paths, she teases him. With the team’s non-fraternization clause, they can’t give into their desires.
Fear and stability for his family cause Braden to not live for himself, but Emily shows him he can! Emily has felt like a let down to her family, but begins to believe in herself with Braden’s support!
A spicy bucket list leads to more connection between them. When secrets are revealed, will their relationship survive the fallout?!
I really enjoyed this forbidden romance! Emily was bold and unfiltered! I’m glad Braden finally began living his own life!
Thank you to Team Kandi for this ARC 🫶🏻
Braden is a football player who takes care of his parents and sister. Emily becomes a dancer/cheerleader for the Seahawks and believes she’s on borrowed time due to being on the brink of 30. When she and Braden cross paths, she teases him. With the team’s non-fraternization clause, they can’t give into their desires.
Fear and stability for his family cause Braden to not live for himself, but Emily shows him he can! Emily has felt like a let down to her family, but begins to believe in herself with Braden’s support!
A spicy bucket list leads to more connection between them. When secrets are revealed, will their relationship survive the fallout?!
I really enjoyed this forbidden romance! Emily was bold and unfiltered! I’m glad Braden finally began living his own life!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have been looking forward to Braden's book for a long time now and let me tell you it did not disappoint! I could not have imagined a more perfect FMC for him than Emily. I was not expecting her but damn I'm obsessed. She is unapologetically herself and I am here for it. Braden has spent so much of his life being responsible and caring for others and Emily allows him to let his guard down, have fun and be a little reckless. Their banter is unmatched! Kandi is also so incredible at representation and I loved the storyline with Braden's sister Ginny and learning about her disability and all that she is still able to do. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did an incredible job with the computer sounding voice that talked for Ginny. The spice was also such a good time! Give me a f*ck it list any day!
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨Forbidden
✨Football player x cheerleader
✨They can't stay away from each other
Kandi does it again!!! I absolutely adored the Red Zone Rivals series & when she announced she was returning to this world, I was THRILLED! It was so lovely to see all of the other couples cameos, but man oh man did Braden & Emily steal the scene. These two are absolutely FIERCE in all aspects of their lives & their loves. All of the family drama was SO real and I was hooked and gasping at every turn. Thank you, Kandi, for creating these characters & giving such a beautiful end to this series.
Thank you to Kandi Steiner for letting me be on her ARC team! The ARC & ALC were both INCREDIBLE. Please pick up the audiobook if you have a chance. The performance blew me away (oh, and did I mention it's performed in duet ;))
✨Football player x cheerleader
✨They can't stay away from each other
Kandi does it again!!! I absolutely adored the Red Zone Rivals series & when she announced she was returning to this world, I was THRILLED! It was so lovely to see all of the other couples cameos, but man oh man did Braden & Emily steal the scene. These two are absolutely FIERCE in all aspects of their lives & their loves. All of the family drama was SO real and I was hooked and gasping at every turn. Thank you, Kandi, for creating these characters & giving such a beautiful end to this series.
Thank you to Kandi Steiner for letting me be on her ARC team! The ARC & ALC were both INCREDIBLE. Please pick up the audiobook if you have a chance. The performance blew me away (oh, and did I mention it's performed in duet ;))
July 9, 2026
4.5 stars
GAHH I can’t believe this series is over 😭 the audiobook was incredible! These narrators were the perfect fit for their characters! And it’s in duet 😍
The forbiddenness of Emily and Braden just brought some much angst and tension!! I loved Emily’s wit and inappropriate humour and how she could just get under Braden’s skin! They were seriously just like magnets with how drawn to each other they were. And man was it spicy 🥵 I loved them together! Each both have their own problems/ traumas and I loved how they helped and showed up for one another.
It was such an addictive read! I could hardly put it down! I loved seeing everyone from the previous books! The found family they have in each other is so beautiful! I love this whole series! Every single book you get something different and amazing! Definitely recommend!!!
GAHH I can’t believe this series is over 😭 the audiobook was incredible! These narrators were the perfect fit for their characters! And it’s in duet 😍
The forbiddenness of Emily and Braden just brought some much angst and tension!! I loved Emily’s wit and inappropriate humour and how she could just get under Braden’s skin! They were seriously just like magnets with how drawn to each other they were. And man was it spicy 🥵 I loved them together! Each both have their own problems/ traumas and I loved how they helped and showed up for one another.
It was such an addictive read! I could hardly put it down! I loved seeing everyone from the previous books! The found family they have in each other is so beautiful! I love this whole series! Every single book you get something different and amazing! Definitely recommend!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a fun end to the Red Zone Rivals series!
Also, if you haven’t read the series that’s fine, it’s standalone interconnected and the other characters from previous books are more in the periphery. Exactly what I expect from Kandi Steiner - fun, full of yearning, and tons of chemistry. Add in some banter and found family in both the football and cheerleading teams and you got yourself a great beach read.
I liked that the core message in this book was about being brave and living the life you want. Both characters are working on this but in different ways - Braden, who doesn’t deviate from the rules as he bares too much self-imposed weight on his shoulders, has to learn to let go of the fear and look at the positive in the unknown. Meanwhile, Emily, who acts like she’s carefree but actually feels judged and misunderstood, learns she is the only one judging herself.
Also, if you haven’t read the series that’s fine, it’s standalone interconnected and the other characters from previous books are more in the periphery. Exactly what I expect from Kandi Steiner - fun, full of yearning, and tons of chemistry. Add in some banter and found family in both the football and cheerleading teams and you got yourself a great beach read.
I liked that the core message in this book was about being brave and living the life you want. Both characters are working on this but in different ways - Braden, who doesn’t deviate from the rules as he bares too much self-imposed weight on his shoulders, has to learn to let go of the fear and look at the positive in the unknown. Meanwhile, Emily, who acts like she’s carefree but actually feels judged and misunderstood, learns she is the only one judging herself.
July 9, 2026
This was the first red zone rivals book I’ve read (despite being #6 in the series, I know I’m behind, I have 400 books on my tbr rn 🥴) so I knew nothing going into this, and it worked amazingly as an interconnected standalone. I didn’t feel like I was missing important information from the past 5 books, but I will definitely be reading them. This is another one of her books that is perfect from start to finish. I did an immersive read, and the narration was top fucking tier. Audrey Obeyn and Aaron Donahue were absolutely incredible as Emily and Braden. I am SO in love with the characters Kandi creates. She gives them so much depth and emotion. The back stories will tug at your heartstrings. The forbidden love, the chemistry between them, the BUCKET LIST?! Safe to say I am obsessed again and highly recommend!!
Thank you so much to Kandi for the arc!!
Thank you so much to Kandi for the arc!!
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