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Players Game #2

Infraction

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New York Times bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken proves that everyone scores to win. But off the field, a fumble can change the entire game.

Pro footballer Miller Quinton would do anything for his best friend and teammate—including “fake dating” his friend’s sister. What no one knows is that seven months ago in Vegas, Miller and Kinsey did a whole lot more than just kiss. Miller knows that this cheerleader is off-limits to him and any guy on the team. Still, he can’t stop himself.

Kinsey’s whole world is on the verge of crumbling. Her dad has cancer. Her overprotective brother is falling apart. Dating Miller may be a fake-out, but he’s the one guy who can make her forget about everything—including all the reasons she stayed away from football players. With each heated moment, Miller feels more like a safe place…even though he’s not safe at all.

Now temptation is testing every rule in the game of love. But how long can they go on playing when winning is a harder goal than either of them imagined?

286 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 9, 2018

867 people are currently reading
2814 people want to read

About the author

Rachel Van Dyken

177 books18.5k followers
Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of mafia and contemporary romances.

Hey guys I'm rarely on Goodreads, if you need to reach me feel free to email!
EMAIL ME: rachelvandykenauthor@gmail.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rachel-...

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 691 reviews
Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].
3,029 reviews25.3k followers
January 7, 2018
Infraction is book two in the Players Game series by Rachel Van Dyken. I fell madly in love with the first book in this series, Fraternize so I was sure that I couldn’t love this second book as much. Well, I was wrong. I might even love it more. This series is amazing. Infraction is the perfect blend of laugh out loud funny and hug your teddy bear heart breaking. You will not only get Miller and Kinsey’s story, but also Jax and Harley’s story at the same time. Plus, getting updates on Sanchez and Emerson from the first book. What more could you ask for?

'The Body' of a Football player

Quinton Miller plays tight end for the Bellevue Bucks football team. We knew something was brewing between he and Kinsey Romonov in the previous book and we know something happened between them at the end of that book. Well, now, its seven months later. Kinsey has been out of the country at the insistence of her brother, Jax, and also Miller. But now she’s back. Miller has done his best to avoid her since she came back but when Jax asks him to be his sister’s fake boyfriend to help to keep a crazy ex of Kinsey’s away from her, they are again thrown together. And even if he is supposed to be faking his feelings for her, the feelings he is having are anything but fake.

“My heart wasn’t whole. So how was it fair of me to even attempt to give something that wasn’t even functioning properly to a girl who had the biggest heart I’d ever seen?”

infraction rachel van dyken

Jax Romonov has spent his lifetime protecting his little sister. That’s what big brother’s do, right? But when her ex-boyfriend, Anderson Harris, hurt her, he hadn’t protected her. Now Anderson is trying out for their team and Jax doesn’t want him anywhere near his sister. So he asks his best friend to be her fake boyfriend. He trusts Miller would never touch his sister. If he did, he knows he would kill him. Jax and Kinsey’s father is sick with cancer so here is another thing he can’t protect his sister from, the pain of losing their father. With the preseason almost ready to start, Jax has to get his head on straight. It’s not enough that he’s worrying about his sister and Dad, then Harley walks into his life and throws him into a complete tailspin. She teases him, challenges him, makes fun of him, and he can’t think of anything else but her.

pro football players

Kinsey Romonov is a cheerleader for the Bucks. She is sick and tired of her overprotective brother trying to run her life. And then he has the nerve to force her into a fake relationship with Miller. Seven months ago Miller turned his back on her after their night together. He even helped to put her on the plane to send her out of the country. But she can’t help herself. As soon as she sees him again, it’s all still there. That crazy attraction, that pull between them.

Kinsey and Miller agree to be friends only but that doesn’t last long. The chemistry between them is crazy strong. And Miller finds himself wanting more from her, more of her. Jax, though, would literally put him in a grave somewhere if he knew what happened all those months ago in Vegas. And if he knew what he was thinking now!



As Kinsey and Jax’s father gets increasingly ill, the bonds between both Kinsey and Miller, and Jax and Harley, strengthen. There are so many laugh out loud moments in this book. I fell completely in love with Kinsey and Jax’s family. They were crazy and hilarious and so full of love for one another it made my throat ache. But don’t get me wrong, there are also plenty of heart breaking moments as secrets from the past are revealed, and as their father worsens. I feel like I watched Miller literally grow up in this book. He had events from his past crippling him emotionally. But Kinsey made him want more, to take the risk and give her his heart in hopes that she would give him hers as well.

“I had beautiful women surrounding me on a daily basis, but for some reason, this one, this off-limits little firecracker – had me. And I was powerless.”



I fell in love with Quinton Miller in the first book of this series and didn’t think it was possible to love him more but I was wrong. This man melted me into a puddle of goo. I loved he and Kinsey together. And Jax with all his over the top protectiveness was still perfect. Add in heaps of hilarity from Sanchez. I don’t remember him being so hilarious. This series is a must read. I loved both books with all my heart. There is a scene towards the end of this book that made my eyes leak. I’m not saying what it was, you’ll know when you get there. I hope you get a chance to give this series a go. I can’t say enough how much I loved them.

Profile Image for Christy.
4,542 reviews35.9k followers
November 26, 2017
4 stars!

description

Infraction is the second book in Rachel Van Dyken’s ‘Players Game’ series and since it’s about Miller, who was my favorite character of the first book, I was so excited to get to it! When I got approved for an arc on Netgalley I jumped in straight away. I enjoyed this book lots! Miller is still a favorite of mine, but I also adored Jax in this one! I’m hoping we get his story next!

Miller has it bad for Kinsey, and she likes him as well, but there is one big problem… that big problem is Jax, Kinsey’s older and very overprotective brother who is also Miller’s teammate. Jax has his reasons being as protective as he is, and it really helped getting his POV so we could see that. I understood him and ended up loving him by the end, because I got it, and I respected him for it.
“Jax.” I cupped his face. “You can’t save the world.”
“I can try.”

Back to Miller and Kinsey… these two have a connection, attraction, and friendship. They can have fun together and seem like a perfect pair. They both realize that, but things with Jax make it complicated between them. Miller is supposed to be looking after Kinsey for Jax, and if Jax knew the kind of feelings Miller had for his little sister, it wouldn’t be good. This results in the two of them hiding their feelings, and then, hiding their relationship… you can guess how that turns out!

Most of this story truly was a joy to read. Toward the end… well, lets just say I cried for a solid 20 minutes reading. I didn’t expect for this book to make me cry, but there were some emotional parts at the end that really got to me. Most of the book, however, was a lot of fun and much lighter.

I love the banter, the steamy and swoony moments, the friendship, the family, and all the emotion. Infraction is an entertaining read and a solid 4 stars! If you’re looking for a heartwarming story that will make you laugh and make you cry, I highly recommend! 
Profile Image for Shelby *trains flying monkeys*.
1,748 reviews6,569 followers
November 15, 2017
After Miller wasn't included in the threesome that I totally wanted in Fraternize, he ends up in bed with his best friend's sister Kinsey while drunk in Vegas.


*A threesome was never hinted at but a girl can dream*

Things never go that easy in romanceland so Kinsey ends up leaving and Miller goes on with his life. Until the next football season is upon us.

Miller is told by Kinsey's brother Jax to 'pretend date' his sister to keep her exes hands off her. So Miller gets ready for the job.


The thing is...Kinsey and her older brother Jax have a weird relationship. He is OVERLY protective to the point where I think I was grossed out.
Even after the story took a different turn and Jax had his own bang time..It just still felt kinda off in my head and interrupted my sexy time thinking.


Then we have Kinsey's character. Who everyone keeps saying is such a strong woman. Then every other page I felt like someone was having to protect her or her feelings.


The crazy thing is? I actually kinda liked the book.



Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review.
Profile Image for Maria✦❋Steamy Reads Blog❋✦.
662 reviews2,785 followers
January 10, 2018

➦I enjoyed this NA read very much. Fake relationship trope + overprotective big brother. Except in this case it's that said brother who asks his best friend to fake date his baby sister. Because, check it, he thinks his friend is the only one in the whole world who wouldn't touch his sister in THAT way.


➦But what he doesn't know is that his sister and best friend have actually had a one night stand in the past.


➦I know you know where I'm going with this. Will bones be broken? Does this fake relationship have a chance to transform into a real one?


➦I looooove reading about the cheerleaders and football players. It felt like this book was a little bit less "sporty" than the last one. There were, however, some real nice scenes of the boys during game play. I always get super emo during those.


➦One thing I find consistent in these installments is 3 POVs. And now I suddenly see where Rachel Van Dyken is going with this. She throws in a POV of the guy who will star in the next book of the series. It's different and interesting. I felt a little bit like it was too much, however. I do prefer to get a little mention of "things to come" but having to read scenes about other couple sort of took me out of this particular story at times.

➦Recommended to anyone who loves NA, football romances, fake relationship tropes and brother's best friend tropes in their love stories. Sealed.

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Profile Image for Kelly (and the Book Boar).
2,819 reviews9,512 followers
November 1, 2017
Find all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/

“God bless football, and God bless the V.”

Y’all know what the “V” is, right????



Did you look? I’m not sorry. Here’s a lil’ summin’ to make it up to you . . . .



When we last left our players we were in Vegas where there was a surprise guest in someone’s bed . . . .



Deciding the old adage “what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas” are words to live by, Miller and Kinsey agreed to tell no one and Miller promptly shoved Kinsey on the nearest plane to Europe for the summer. It turns out that absence may indeed make the heart grow fonder and when Miller is requested by his teammate/Kinsey’s overprotective brother to “fake date” her upon her return, things start heating up . . . .

“You’re familiar with the kind of rides I give, and when this whole friendship thing goes to hell and you actually ask me to kiss you – to touch you – you’re going to need to buckle up, sweetheart, because it’s going to be rough.”



I’m going to address the pink elephant in the room real quick because I am nothing but brutally honest at all times. Jax, the brother??? I got less of a “overprotective” vibe and more of a . . . .



And believe me when I say the big reveal didn’t make things better. That being said, Jax and Harley’s story being thrown in was an unexpected treat and it helped reduce my squicky reaction. Miller and Kinsey were just as adorable as Emerson and Sanchez were in Fraternize, the angst (brother lovin’ aside) was real life shit people should be angsty about and when we finally reached the halfway mark and got down to bidness?????



It was guuuuuuuuuud.

I’ve somehow managed to stalk work my way up to an auto-approval for this publisher and for that I say . . .



If Rachel Van Dyken keeps writing, I’ll keep reading ‘em. I am a superfan.
Profile Image for Sabrina.
4,284 reviews2,388 followers
January 9, 2018
NOW LIVE!
Amazon US * Amazon UK
Giveaway HERE



After reading Fraternize I didn't think this series could get any better, but boy was I wrong. In Infraction we get to delve into the forbidden romance between Kinsey and Miller, and their relationship was one I will be re-reading quite a lot.

Kinsey and Miller were amazing to read about and I loved their friendly back and forth with one another. Theirs wasn't a super angsty read which I really liked, instead we got to see the funny and witty banter between them that had me cracking a smile multiple times. It was just a really fun book to read even though there were times it had me reaching for the tissues. Those funny moments made the sad ones worth it and I really liked that there was a good balance between the two.

I also loved that we got the bonus of a little side romance between Jax and Harley. I usually wouldn't be a fan of someone else getting so many POV's but this author of course wrote it so well that Jax's POV blended perfectly with Kinsey and Miller's and it actually added a lot to the overall story.

Bottom line, if your a fan of the brother-best-friend trope like I am then this is your next book. I would even say that you could read it as a standalone if you weren't easily curious about side characters that are mentioned in books.

ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Dali.
2,087 reviews591 followers
December 19, 2017
The latest in Rachel Van Dyken’s Players Game series is a romantic comedy with sorrowful undertones. I laughed so hard that I cried, and as the story progressed and I cried for the characters that became friends and went through difficult times. In the end though I had a huge smile that signaled a great read.

When Miller Quinton accepted his best friend and teammate’s request to fake date his little sister, he did so with some personal doubt because he’s already capitulated to her once. Pretending to be in a relationship with her to keep her abusive ex at bay won’t be a problem. The tricky part will be to feign detachment for the sake of his best, but mostly his damaged heart.

Kinsey’s life is coming undone. Her overprotective brother Jax, not only revealed the fact that their father has cancer but that her ex is being considered to join the team. Going along with the rouse to date Miller to keep her brother from worrying is a bad idea because she’d already fallen for Miller once without anyone knowing. Can she risk her heart a second time while hiding her feelings?

I’ve read many of Van Dyken’s creations and have enjoyed all of them. Infraction is a wonderful brew of fun and sexiness, heartbreak and joy that produced a great deal of smiles, laughs along with some tears I didn’t expect but certainly appreciated because nothing beats that great combo: laugh, cry, smile and swoon.

There were many elements I liked about this story. Jax and Kinsey’s mom and dad, and Miller’s grandma were a lovely example of what parents should be like, loving, understanding and with a sense of humor. The friendship between the players was also showcased. And then there were the main characters and Jax. Yes, Jax got several chapters with his own point of view which were not only insightful to the man with the hero complex but also a great guy who deserved his own love story. I suspect we’ll be getting more of Jax and Harley in future installments or a story of their own.

Kinsey and Miller were already friends but they blurred that line one night in Vegas several backs prior. The connection and attraction is still there though and being forced to be in close proximity to each other on a daily basis only makes matters worse. Both were likeable characters I was happily on board with. I loved the push and pull between the, as well as their witty banter and all the heat between them.

Rachel Van Dyken creates a story as heartfelt as it is hilarious, a tribute to living life at its fullest. Infraction is book #2 of the Players Game series. It is standalone contemporary sports romance. It’s a friends to lovers, forbidden brother-best-friend story. Told from several points of view and has a happy ending.

* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via NetGalley. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. *

Amazon -> http://amzn.to/2Bc6XJV

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Profile Image for Deborah Obida.
701 reviews696 followers
November 21, 2017
Thanks to netgalley for providing this book in exchange for an honest review

That went well, this book was exactly how I thought it'll be, nothing more, even at that I still love it. The book is written in first person multiple POV of Kinsey,Miller and Jax, the MCs. I really love the writing style a lot, it has lots of funny dialogue and the internal monologue didn't make me cringe, okay I cringed a little its a romance book. The book is so addicting that I could not put it down till I finished it.

The relationship between the characters is my favourite thing in this book, they love each other so much and will be there for each other, even though the guys always make fun of each other in public.I find Jax's over protectiveness unhealthy, its a good thing the author rectified that situation.

The plot is not unique but its so well portrayed you won't mind, Its cheesy and has lots of tropes and cliches but the characters are so original and has really cool personalities and also they are not one dimensional.
Profile Image for Sentranced Jem.
1,228 reviews610 followers
January 3, 2018
FOR GOODREADS

infraction
Title: Infraction (Players Game #2)
Author: Rachel Van Dyken
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Sports
Publication Date: January 9, 2018



First of all, HAPPY NEW YEAR!
It's a new year... a new beginning and what better way than to start of with a book written by one of my favourite author Rachel Van Dyken!
I am not ashamed to say that I actually squealed  when I got the ARC for this book (Didn't help that I was in the middle of a restaurant! hahaha).

Ok..Time for honestly here right? I loved Fraternize (Review Here) but I admit Miller stole a piece of my heart. And Kinsey was the BFF I never had. I loved these two characters from the beginning and it ate my soul apart, especially after the way Fraternize ended.
I wasn't totally sold on to Miller and Kinsey being a couple yet at the same time I wanted to see what RVD would cook up for us. She didn't disappoint people! Infraction was such a fun read! The word Fun may trivialize things but I swear..this book packs a punch! The banter between these two are hilarious yet comforting, the chemistry is bloody off-the-charts and don't even get me started on the emotional moments in this book- I wept...ugly cried along with Miller (you'll know what I'm talking about when you read the book). I laughed my ass off at Sanchez's antics and I felt a sense of nostalgia whenever Miller and Emerson talked.
We FINALLY find out the reason for Kinsey's older brother Jax's over-the-top protectiveness towards Kinsey. Plus, we even get a glimpse into Mr.Perfect aka Jax's life. FYI Thank your lucky stars Ladies and Gentlemen...This man is naughty naughty naughty. hahaha!

I loved this book and I highly recommend it!

4-stars

 

For more reviews and giveaways follow my blog at www.jemimajamir.com
Profile Image for Nina.
966 reviews325 followers
December 23, 2017
*Thanks again to Skyscape for sending me an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

I still remember how much I enjoyed “Fraternize”, the first book in this series, which is why I was super excited for “Infraction” but also had quite high expectations for this book. Unfortunately though, “Infraction” didn’t live up to my expectations and I personally think, it couldn’t match up to “Fraternize”.

I liked the plot of the book and think it was an interesting and quick read, so I definitely enjoyed the book. I just think it still had a lot of room for improvement. For one, I still remember how much I loved Rachel van Dyken’s writing style when reading “Fraternize” which made me so excited to pick up more of her books. The writing in “Infraction” though, was somehow different and nowhere near as good as the writing in the first book. Sometimes her writing just felt very rushed and flat which was quite disappointing.

Another thing that bothered me was the fact that the book was written from three different POVs. “Fraternize” was written from two different POVs, the male love interest’s and the female love interest’s, as well, so I expected it to be the same in this book. But this time around, it also included the female love interest’s brother’s POV.
I do partly understand why the author did this. Her brother is very protective of her and wants to protect her from everyone which is why he plays a big role in the main characters’ relationship. And I think it would’ve been fine if a few short chapters which were written from his POV would’ve been included in the book. But towards the end, his chapters just kept getting longer and longer and included his whole life story and how he slowly started getting into a new relationship as well which I think, should’ve been put into a book just about him and his love interest. I felt like I was just skipping back and forth between two completely different stories which really disrupted my reading flow.

But all things considered, this was still a book I enjoyed reading which is why I’m giving it 3 out of 5 stars. I especially loved reading more about some of the characters from the first book. So, if you’ve read and enjoyed “Fraternize”, I definitely recommend you pick up “Infraction” as well.
Profile Image for h o l l i s .
2,723 reviews2,306 followers
December 20, 2017
Book two in Van Dyken's Players Game series was one I was greatly anticipating because of the delightful match-up between Kinsey, the overprotected firecracker sister of the QB, and Miller, the third part of book one's triangle who obviously did not get his happily ever after. But where the set-up, and the characters, in the first installment were delightful and fun, in INFRACTION the story itself kinda felt loosely strung together and just all over the place, and the characters went from being charming to almost manic.

The guy literally told me that he would poison any guy from the team who dated her, and when I called his bluff, he showed me the search history on his phone for graphic ways to get away with murder. The guy was either psychotic or just really took his sister's sex life way too seriously -- or both.

I still don't think I'm really used to Van Dyken's style. I don't know if it's just for this particular series or in general but one of my pet peeves in books is poor transitioning. Whether that be scenes or actions and it happened a lot. In addition the story felt a little jumbly and jumped around a lot and wasn't helped by one too many conflicts and emotional elements that quickly became overwhelming to the point that halfway through I just didn't really care anymore.

"I'm moving out."
"What? Over this? Over me protecting you?"
"That's all you do! You're an overbearing pain in my ass! How about you focus on living your own life, instead of trying to keep me from living mine!"

And that lack of caring is a damn shame because there was one emotional moment in particular that was really beautiful, really well done, and really hit home for me. But there was just too much in and around it; too much to solve, too much to overcome, too much to reveal. Had everything been pared down a bit, and had we been given the time to focus on one or two issues instead of four or five, it would've made more of an impact, I think.

"She wouldn't.. would she?"
"I may have encouraged all sexual advances. You were the one who said he needed to get laid."
"Not during dinner!"

As for the chemistry and connection, sadly, that was lacking, too. Because there was just too much distraction with a secondary love plot, not to mention the flip flopping with Miller due to his own emotional baggage, for me to believe in them. There were too many random jokes slipped in, too much of that over the top silliness from book one but without a strong enough foundation to balance it out like the first time. And the weirdly glossed over sex scenes didn't do it for me either. They felt as out of focus as the relationships themselves.

"What relationship doesn't need a little spice?"
"A little spice is a sex shop. Jax's version of spice is a machete."

I don't know where the series is going after this, or if this was the last one, but instead of being excited for more, I would hesitate to read on at this juncture. I haven't yet written this author off, I still intend to try her other series, but unfortunately my high hopes for INFRACTION just didn't pan out.

2.5 "you make me sound like a psychopath / if the blood-caked stiletto fits.." stars


** I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
Profile Image for Mindy Lou's Book Review.
3,001 reviews798 followers
January 3, 2018
As Emerson and Sanchez fall more in love, Miller and Kinsey fumble their way through their residual feelings for them and the new feelings for each other. In book one, it was hard to see these two hurting and I wanted them to get their own happily ever after. As to be expected, it was quite the bumpy road.

Miller has so many unresolved emotions from losing his mom at a young age to losing the girl he thought was his forever, that he doesn't want to open himself to more hurt no matter how much the pull to Kinsey is.

Kinsey seemed like the happy go lucky girl in the first book who had the overprotective brother to deal with. What we learn in this book is why Jax is so overprotective and that Kinsey has a lot to deal with in her life that she is still trying to overcome. It doesn't help when Jax won't let her move on.

Then there is Jax. The overprotective brother that was constantly blocking Miller and Kinsey's way to each other. To try to distract Jax, Kinsey introduces him to Harley, the athletic gear model. It was like getting a bonus story within the main story. Who doesn't fall for the overprotective male? This couple was cute and you just want to root for Jax finding his happily ever after as well.

Rachel Van Dyken really does a good job of bringing out the best in her characters. You get to see the serious but also the the fun side to each of them. The easy camaraderie they all have and how much you would like to be apart of the group as if they are real. I love this group of people and can't wait to see who is next! ARC provided by Netgalley.
Profile Image for Christine (Shh Moms Reading).
1,453 reviews569 followers
December 26, 2017
It pains me to say this because I LOVE RVD books and Fraternize was one of my top reads of 2017. That being said, Infraction was just ok.

I loved all of the emotional, heart wrenching moments especially with Kinsey's dad as his plight is something that we have suffered recently in my family and the scenes with him were so realistic that it broke my heart over and over again. I felt the pain and anguish of this dreaded disease taking someone so young with so much life still left to live.

To be honest, I didn't really connect with Kinsey or Miller as a couple. Yes, there was the intensely hot physical attraction but for some reason something was just missing for me between them emotionally. I think for me it was Kinsey's relationship with her brother Jax which made me uncomfortable at times with how protective he was of her. Learning the reason why made it more understandable but it seemed over the top for me at times... I guess you can say it was a bit of a distraction.

Also in books I like reading multiple POVs... I guess I didn't understand why we were getting Jax's POV when this was Kinsey and Miller's book... I hope he will get his own book soon as I would love to read his story but I would have preferred to not hear his voice in this one so that I could have focused more on his sister and Miller.

Overall, Infraction was an ok read for me. I am a HUGE RVD fan but this one wasn't my fave from her.

Profile Image for Carvanz.
2,379 reviews897 followers
January 9, 2018
Kinsey was hurt when after one night with Miller he encourages her to leave the country. During their separation his actions and non-actions only add to the pain he inflicted. Now she’s returned and if it’s not bad enough that her ex is going to be trying out for the team, her brother, Jax, has decided in order to protect her, Miller and her should pretend to be in a relationship.

Miller has never wanted anyone the way he wants Kinsey. However, there is something holding him back, making him afraid to reach for the prize. He can’t do relationships. He can’t fall in love. He isn’t even sure if he has a heart anymore. But he wants her even if she is his best friend’s sister. And everyone knows that Jax will kill any man that so much as looks at Kinsey with lust in their eyes.

I was a bit nervous going into this one because Miller had been in love with Emerson for so long. I have a hard time with stories where the hero has loved another and in this case, I felt like Miller would never be able to truly get beyond what he felt for Em. I was thrilled to see that that was not the case. Yes, Miller had feelings for her but that was not the root of his issues when it came to his relationship with Kinsey.

As all good pretend boyfriend tropes have, there is scorching chemistry between the two. And of course it becomes more than pretend. But this book was so much more than that or the struggle of dating the best friend’s sister. I digs into familial relationships, friendships and fighting for the right to stand strong. I absolutely loved all the layers this author built into this story. My heart caved when we were introduced to Marco and when we meet him again I sobbed. Such a small amount of the book and yet it was huge.

This book will definitely go down as my most favorite to date by Ms. Van Dyken. Definitely the one you want to read if you’re looking for something stronger than your normal sports rom com.

This is an honest review of an advanced copy provided by NetGalley and Skyscape.

Dual POV
Possible Trigger –
Safety Gang -
Profile Image for Jean.
802 reviews51 followers
November 12, 2017
This was a quick read for me and that's because it was so good!

I loved the first book and was totally torn between both guys! I love them both! I felt so bad for the H who was left behind (don't want to mention any names so as not to spoil it for those who haven't read book 1 yet). And the H that did get the girl in book 1, well he just makes me smile like all the time! Grinning like crazy.....like a big idiot! Lol!

The h in this book was perfectly capable of handling this H I loved how it all played out.

Seriously, these people are real and I love their football "family"! When they would all get together, their reactions and comments made me laugh! I could picture sitting in the room with them it was so reall!

Great series.... and SOOOO LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT ONE!

I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley for an honest review.
Profile Image for Rejane.
1,366 reviews62 followers
not-interested
January 10, 2018
According to reviews I read, heroine’s brother played a big part in this book with his ott protectiveness of her to the point he had his own pov what took away form main mcs story. I don’t like this kind of behavior from brothers because it feels more like “something else”. And that’s creepy
What a big turn off

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Profile Image for Michelle.
2,103 reviews1,414 followers
January 9, 2018
ARC provided by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review

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Infraction by Rachel Van Dyken was one sweet, sexy and beautiful romance done right. Van Dyken truly captured the connection between Miller and Kinsey. Their chemistry was tangible and palpable but Miller is very well aware that they must keep their relationship a secret from Jax, who is Kinsey’s older brother. And so when Miller and Kinsey have to keep their relationship a secret, what happens when the truth is revealed?

Fun, sexy, heartwarming and had an emotional pull to keep readers entertained and drawn to RVD’s writing and characters. Infraction is an example of best-friends little sister romance done right with all the feels to keep you smiling and wanting more.


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Profile Image for Lauren ♡.
210 reviews38 followers
December 20, 2020
2.5 STARS

Infraction is the second book in the Players Game series and follows Miller (who played an integral part in book 1) & Kinsey (who is Jax's sister).

This book can be read as a standalone. However, I recommend reading Fraternize first to know about Miller's dynamic with Em and his past. Even though he is the main H in this book, his past is not discussed much in this book.

Story Plot:
This book picks up somewhat were book one left in the sense that we know something happened between Kinsey and Miller. That something being they slept together in Vegas. She is basically shipped off to Europe due to undisclosed reasons from her brother and now months later is back. They have done their best to avoid each other but then they are brought together because Jax asks Miller to be his sister’s fake boyfriend to help to keep Kinsey’s ex away from her. Although he is supposed to be faking his feelings for her, the feelings between them is anything but fake.

MAIN CHARACTERS

🏈 Kinsey (h)

She is a cheerleader for the Bucks. She was bubbly, fun; yet, quick witted. Unfortunately, I would say she was weak as a main heroine. They kept saying she was so strong but she was quite dependent on others to make decisions and help her through difficult times. Kins was sick and tired of her overprotective brother trying to run her life YET she barely grew a backbone to live her own life. Like yes, she finally snapped and called Jax out on it which I was all for but then it just seemed that it quickly resolved. It happened then quickly it was "I'm-sorry-let's-hug-it-out"and all is right again. I wanted more I guess discussion about it and to see Jax grovel 'cause the decisions he made for Kins took time away from her dying father, exposed her secrets (which THEY WERE NOT HIS TO TELL), and caused her some great heartache.

I am glad things worked in the ended and she got time with her dad, it just seemed like a potential for the h to have a backbone fell flat on many occasions & was rushed.

🏈 Miller (H)

He did not start off as a main H I would like since I already had a persona for him since Fraternize. However, he was still hard to warm up in this book because he was such a coward. I mean he literally shattered Kins heart all within the prologue. Then it took him until ~25% into the book to apologize to Kins for how he treated her after they slept together. Once again, a case of Kins having no backbone as she forgave Miller so quickly...



Lastly, Miller never coped with tragedy in his life rather he just stuck a "band-aid" on it and kept moving forward. He ran from his problems and when faced with feelings for someone else he ran from Kins multiple times due to the heartbreak he experienced over Emerson. He kept running from his feelings even ~65% into the book. Feeling an attraction to Kins also came at the price of pissing off and betraying his best friend Jax. It was rather predictable that they would hook up again and not tell Jax for awhile. I felt Miller should of manned up sooner and laid it out to both Kins and Jax.

🏈 Jax

Honestly, it felt like I was reading two books that were squeezed into one book. This book basically tied up both Kins and Jax love life in a pretty bow. I felt that Jax's POV/finding love should of been a novella or separate book because it took away from the development of Miller and Kins relationship.

He is Kins big brother which I loved that he was protective over her, it's just that it could be overbearing. He was always Kinsey's hero as at a young age he saved her. Jax was controlling, as well as had a big ego and huge hero complex which were ultimately a downfall to his character.

I did feel though his relationship with Harley moved way too quickly and was the typical instalove trope, which I really do loathe and just feel lacks development.

OM/OW Drama

OW: This book kicks off with Miller sleeping with two other chicks while Kins was away. She finds out and he feels sorta guilty for it but it is nbd 'cause Kins forgave him quickly.



OM: I am not a big one for OM/OW drama but I felt this drama just did not really play a huge effect to the story. I feel that in several areas this book lacked and some of the plots were placed for forced drama, specifically this plot. Anderson (who is Kinsey's ex) was shown as a problem randomly throughout the book. I honestly forgot about him at times until he was mentioned again. Basically, it had some potential in the beginning then ultimately fell flat and I felt it was added for an extra drama effect.

Overall~

This was ehh, okay read for me! Some of the plots were OTT that I found hard to believe and some drama was forced. Lastly, this book has some serious moments in it but it was generally a light read and there was nothing too memorable about the characters or plot.

Players Game Series
#1 Fraternize ➳3 stars
#2 Infraction ➳ 2.5 stars
Profile Image for SzarlottaSzott.
354 reviews64 followers
April 29, 2021
I’m hesitating between 3 and 4 stars. I still enjoyed it, but it didn’t beat the first part and I was not as invested in the story as I was before.

I guess I expected to see a gradual change of Millers’ heart from loving one girl to another, but there was not that much connection with the previous storyline. The couple had feelings towards each other from the very beginning which made it less entertaining. Also the fake-dating trope ruined it for me - it was completely unnecessary.
Profile Image for Kim.
2,848 reviews177 followers
January 1, 2018
4.5 stars
This review contains spoilers to the first book, Fraternize.

Quinton Miller was the man left rejected by his best friend, Emerson when she fell for his team mate, Sanchez. But they all remain friends and work together for the same NFL team.

But when tight end, Miller hooks up with their quarterback's little sister, Kinsey, that has even more potential for damage. Miller finds it easier to bail when things get complicated, so he pushes Kinsey away after their hot night. But things get more challenging when the season begins again and as a team cheerleader she is front and center tempting him everywhere. Especially when her brother asks him to fake date her to protect her from other guys.

Miller is a good guy, but he's broken and afraid of more loss in his life. So it is much easier to try to stay detached and avoid real feelings. But immersed in this situation, he's feeling guilt, loss, fear, and drowning in lies. And also becoming more attached than she should be.

Kinsey's got secrets about her past too...several of them. They shaped her life and made her parents and brother overprotective. But she is resilient, sassy, sweet, and just wants to live her own life. However her life seems to be full for crises.

Lines become blurred between what is fake and what is real. And all along they are lying to those they care about especially her brother/his friend and team mate. The potential for anger and hurt feelings is very high.

This also features Emerson and Sanchez from Fraternize, and her brother, Jax. His story is also a big part of this one including him getting a love interest. I was just as involved with them and I was with the main couple and it added more depth to this story.

This has humor and sexy times, but is also full of emotional situations. There are some twists and surprises. It is told in Miller, Kinsey, and Jax's points of view.

I actually liked this one better than the first book. I enjoyed the characters more now that I am more attached to them. It is a forbidden-friends-little-sister-love story that is sweet, sexy, and at times sad. But it also inspires you to embrace life and surround yourself with those you love and have each other's back.

I was gifted a copy through netgalley
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Profile Image for ✰  BJ's Book Blog ✰Janeane ✰.
3,028 reviews12 followers
December 31, 2017
ARC received via Netgalley for an honest review

If you have read my reviews, you know that I had my problems with the first book in this series, Fraternize.

I am very happy to say I didn't have those problems with Infraction.

This story was kind of set up in the first book, and Miller and Kinsey did not disappoint.

Secrets, exes that make you want to scream at your kindle, overprotective siblings, family dramas. this book has a bit of everything.

I adore Miller and Kinsey trying to figure out what their relationship is, especially trying to work it out whilst keeping things secret.

I am not going to lie. Kinsey's brogher Jax is a complete jerk for about 90% of the story. His over protectiveness could be sweet, but it isn't. It is so OTT that is makes him come across as an arse most of the time. He did get better towards the end of the book but boy he tested me!

There is also some darker things through this book than just Miller and Kinsey's relationship, but I don't want to spoil anything by talking about them. Just know that they are there.

I really did enjoy this book so much better than book 1. I am a big fan of Ms Van Dyken and have read many of her different series (boy does she write different genres well).

I hope we get more of these characters in the future.


Smokin Hot Book Blog Email
Profile Image for Tessa.
513 reviews41 followers
November 9, 2017
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for my honest review.

I'm going to start by saying I LOVED the H here. I loved him in Fraternize and I loved him here. Does he need to have someone slap him upside the head? Yes. But isn't that one of the things we love in our heroes, their imperfections? Yes!

I also liked the h. She's fun, sassy, and definitely someone who works well for the H. Honestly, she's more patient than I would have been. They both have issues that need to be worked through, and their history is fun now that they have to deal with the repercussions from the first book.

However, when I compare it to Fraternize, I prefer the first one. That one touched me more, and that's more subjective. It has nothing to do with this book being worse, just the other one was more identifiable and emotional for me.

So, wonderful plot, great characters, tons of giggles and angst. Everything I love in a book.
4.5 stars
Profile Image for Ambur.
848 reviews512 followers
January 12, 2018
Wowzers! I have been eagerly waiting for INFRACTION since the moment I finished FRATERNIZE...actually probably since the moment that the two lead characters met previously in FRATERNIZE! I couldn't wait for them to get together, and I was seriously counting the days until I could read INFRACTION...and you guys, it was sooooo good! It was absolutely everything that I could've possibly hoped for and I'm just full of so many feelings now that I'm finished!

I loved the characters, I loved the story, I loved the romance, and I loved getting to see Em and Sanchez....sigh, Sachez. ;) I loved seeing more of Miller, too, and I absolutely adored him with Kinsey! And Jax! I really like Jax, and I loved getting his bits in this story, too...I'm crossing my fingers that we get another book in the Players Game series surronding Jax! I want more of him! ;D

These books are quickly becoming some of my favourite sports romances and Rachel Van Dyken continues to cement herself as one of my absolute favourite authors! I love her more and more with every book that I read! I can't recommend this series enough! They're sweet, sometimes cheesy, funny, and most of all, they're full of heart...and they're definitely sexy, too!

Full review to come!
Profile Image for NiCoLeTa E. {Addicted To Books}.
1,554 reviews82 followers
April 24, 2018
***4 "Chicken & Waffles" stars***

And this was the second book in the "Players Game" series.... and it was just like the first one...
Funny and sentimental at the same time...
I had moments that i was laughing my ass out and some other times that i was smiling sad...
But this ride was too so enjoyable...

This time we had a fake relationship (or not?), an overprotecting brother and forbidden romance, since the girl was his best friend's sister.... and of course, this was a sports romance!!!!
So, put your belt on and enjoy the ride!!!

“Sometimes, all the heart needs to feel better is a reminder that somewhere else, other hearts are still beating despite being mishandled, broken, abused—sometimes, you just need to experience love in its purest form . . . even if that does sound like the most jackass thing to say.”

Well, it was about time for Miller to find his HEA, since in the first book he lost the girl...
But in the end of the previous book, he found a new girl and he lost it on purpose because of his fear...
Now, he is forced to fake date this said girl with the blessings of her brother....
Hmmm, not good choice, Jax!!!! Bahahaha

"Kinsey. The one girl that was off-limits - the one girl I couldn't seem to get enough of.
The type of woman that made a man feel at his best -even when he was at his worst."


Kinsey's biggest problem is her overprotecting brother, Jax, who doesn't live her alone at all...
But recently, life added a new problem in her path and that problem have the name: Quinton Miller.
The hot football player who is best friends with her brother and who recently lost the girl he loved for most of his life...
Miller slept with her before many months and then, he made her leave and she is quite mad with him, even though that she had the hots for him...
Now, they are forced to fake date and the things are getting complicated...

"What was it about him that felt that way?
He was genuine.
Loyal.
But definitely not safe. Not safe by a long shot.
No, the way he felt was very different from the reality of what he was -a dangerous man, one I was stupidly falling for more and more even though I'd been twice burned by him."


Kinsey wants more of Miller, but she knows that if she'll give in his charm, she will end up heartbroken...
And Miller even though that he liked very much Kinsey, he is afraid to let her in, because all the women in his life went away...
So, what will happen with those two???
Will the past break them apart??? Or Jax will have the honor???

"So yeah, I felt guilty. Guilty that I was lying, yet confused as to why it felt like I was lying to myself more." {Miller}

"Life is full of selfish choices.
Quinton Miller was mine."
{Kinsey}

Well, i liked very much how Kinsey and Miller were between them... They were so right for each other... But both of them were having their issues...
Also, these two weren't the only couple in this book...
Jax had a part in there too and guess what???
There was a girl for him too!!! And i loved how they were together...

For once again, i laughed very much with Kinsey, Miller, Jax, Santchez and Em...
This bunch was amazing!!! I had such a great time with them...
And i loved how close they were between them...

***ARC kindly provided via NetGalley for the exchange of an honest review***
Profile Image for Jae Mod.
1,719 reviews220 followers
January 5, 2018
**ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**

Infraction by Rachel Van Dyken is a quick read in her Players Game series. This heartwarming story will make you laugh and cry and has all the emotions that make an good friends to lovers romance. Rachel excels at showcasing sweet actions, humorous banter and tearful expressions throughout the novel. Bringing friends together in a heartfelt journey.

The story’s main focus is the relationship between Kinsey and Miller, a cheerleader and a football player. Kinsey’s overprotective brother, Jax, is the quarterback of the football team and is in need of his good friend to help watch over his sister. Jax asks Miller to fake-date his sister to protect her from Anderson, her ex, because he knows he can trust his good friend Miller to keep his hands off his little sister. However, the fake-dating quickly becomes real and Miller and Kinsey hit it off fast, but both must face Jax and relay their feelings to him. Meanwhile, Jax is struggling himself with his dad’s illness, leading the team, and keeping his sister safe.

Sweet moments are shed and tough decisions are made. Jax, Miller and Kinsey go through self discovery and inner turmoil to find their happiness.

One of my favorite moments within Infraction is when some of the team members volunteer at the hospital and Miller meets the young patient, Marco. I loved the scenes between Miller and Marco, extremely touching and the scenes were very well-written and tears were shed. As well as the solidarity of the team is shown when the whole team goes to the hospital to support Jax when his dad is admitted.

I only wish Rachel included more backstory with Kinsey’s history with her ex- Anderson, Kinsey’s childhood, Miller’s family and the relationship between Kinsey and her dad. I really wanted to know all these relationships better, more fully and I felt that I didn’t encompass it wholeheartedly. The story hinted at more meaty topics but didn’t fully expose them, keeping them a secret from the reader. With all that said, Rachel Van Dyken is an amazing writer and her stories are entertaining and I can’t wait to see what she has instore next. Overall, this second book in her series was a joy to read.

4 Stars
Profile Image for Meegz Reads.
1,529 reviews128 followers
March 13, 2018
*5 Stars*

ARC kindly received in exchange for an honest review.

Holy moly. This book. I was sooooo keen for it after reading the first one not too long ago, and I sure as hell was not disappointed. I wanted to get to know more about Miller and for him to get his HEA, so I wanted this book to be awesome. I sped through it in one day.

Miller and Kinsey are so similar but it takes them a while to realise it. There’s also a whole lot of secret stuff going on in this book that I was desperate to find out the answers to. I was emotional during this read, a hell of a lot, but I also laughed and swooned too.

I really love both main characters, they’re both so strong yet so afraid of being hurt. They’re also both more open to it than they realise, and they have a friendship to build on. I loved their banter,and they fit so well together.

Jax, Kinsey’s brother, also has a big part in this book, even having a few chapters with his own POV. He’s Kinsey’s hero, her big brother, and we see him being very OTT protective of her. I really want to learn more about him.

There’s emotion in this book, but not its not in an angsty way. I cried, I will admit that, because oh man, there are feels in this book. And over a few things too.

This book is really about accepting who you are, accepting your past and learning that you can’t control everything. Life happens. And you should Rawr like a Lion.

I really can’t wait for more in this series, and I’m hoping the next book is about Jax.

Well done Rachel, can’t wait for book 3!

Review also on my blog - Infraction - Rachel Van Dyken

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Profile Image for Beyond The Covers Blog.
2,518 reviews91 followers
January 2, 2018
Kinsey Romonov has an overprotective big brother, and that is to put it mildly.  Locking her in a closet so she couldn’t go to her prom was just one of the many things Jax has done to keep his little sister “safe”.  Keeping her from dating other pro-football players is the other way.  With mounting pressure on his already burdened shoulders Jax turns to his best friend and team mate Quinton Miller to help watch out for his sister when an ex-boyfriend of hers comes back into town and is too close for comfort.  Jax throws Miller and Kinsey into a ‘fake’ relationship to deter the ex and keep him anyway.  Miller is all too willing to help his friend and swears to keep his hands to himself, something he’s not sure he can do.  Little does Jax’s know that sparks have already flown and been ignited between the fake couple and pushing them together will only fan those flames higher.  Hopefully they can will walk away without anyone getting burned.

 

Rachel Van Dyken has once again written a wonderful rom-com that was both funny and heart wrenching.  There were times while reading that I laughed out loud and then the next page wanted to cry.  Infraction is a moving story of coming to terms with life, death, love, friendship and the ability to let go.  I sat down and read Infraction in one sitting and loved every page.  I give Infraction by Rachel Van Dyken 5 stars.

 
Profile Image for XxTainaxX Curvy and Nerdy.
1,563 reviews507 followers
July 10, 2025
Still vividly remember Miller and Kinsey. Rachel knows how to write characters that stay on your mind. I was in my sports romance era and this was the perfect addition to the repetoire.
Profile Image for Princess.
420 reviews93 followers
August 25, 2019
Not quite as good as the first but amazing. It was hard hitting with some of the emotions at the end. It gives all of our favorites a wonderful ending. I hate to leave this world!
Profile Image for Brandi.
1,159 reviews147 followers
April 23, 2018
So, I couldn't leave this world that Rachel Van Dyken created. I wasn't ready. When I finished Fraternize I thought I would just go back to the other books I have on my tbr.

Well, I thought wrong. I couldn't even concentrate on those other books--trust me, I tried. I have commitments and obligations and none of those were fulfilled.

I caved.

I downloaded Infraction.

I got sucked in.

Let's be honest, I'm a sucker for a best friend's little sister romance. I'm a sucker for football. And after the way RVD blew me away with Emerson's story, I just had to see what she had in store for Kinsey.

Had. To.

And that leads us to now. To the fact that I sat down on my couch after a day with my sister, and picked up this book. This Infraction. This book by Rachel Van Dyken. This world of football and cheerleaders and characters that wouldn't let me go.

I sat down on my couch.

And never got back up.

Not to eat or take a bathroom break. I didn't grab a drink or let the dogs out or look at my children (I'm pretty sure they destroyed the house). I sat on my couch, kindle held firmly in my hand, and my eyes glued to the screen.

And now, a few hours later, I am frozen. I am shocked. I don't have the words (you know, except all the crap I'm spewing here). I wanted light and fun and rom-com. I wanted best friend's little sister and football and, did I mention, fun?!

And what do I have?

This weird wet stuff dripping from my eyeballs. I don't cry. I had zero desire to cry. But here I am, blubbering like a hot mess because RVD just ripped my content little heart out and fed it to me.

I told myself with the Fraternize that RVD had the power to flip the script on me. She had the power to do the unexpected and catch me off-guard. I should have prepared for this. I should have expected her to do something crazy this time around, too. But my silly, silly brain ignored the warning signs. It ignored the fact that she had pulled the rug out from under me once before and that she was more than capable of doing so again.

And who was I to think I was safe in getting some fun football action? Who was I to assume that best friend's little sister wouldn't leave me with tears? Who was I to believe in something like the unwritten rules of romance and love and tropes.

She fooled me once, shame on her. But damn, she fooled me twice. Totally shame on me.

But it was worth it. Every single laugh--because I laughed out loud on numerous occasions--every single tear, every single gasp and pause and bit of heartache was worth it. Because in the end, it was perfect.
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