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Kick Back
Sophia Lindstrom plays football for South Melbourne. She’s tall, focused, intense, and has some major trust issues, which she’s currently ignoring. Sophia just wants her life to stay exactly the same, which means playing AFL, running the boutique fine foods and wine store with her brother, and volunteering at the homeless shelter. The same.
Cameron Weathers is smart, sassy, also has some major trust issues, and knows she is a great reporter if only she was given the chance to shine. Her sexist editor assigns her the job of shadowing some of the players from this season’s women’s Australian Rules Football League so she can write fluffy stories for the lifestyle page. Not exactly hard-hitting journalism.
When Cam and Sophia meet, there’s instant chemistry, which is immediately put on hold when their everyday lives are shattered by misogyny, media manipulation, and tragedy. Cam, Sophia, and the other players discover that football games are not the only contests they need to win. Now they’re fighting for the entire league, their professional status, and even their lives. Sophia and Cam attempt to expose the sinister activities, come to terms with their mutual attraction, and eventually discover that kicking back at those who seek to destroy can open the door to love.
Cameron Weathers is smart, sassy, also has some major trust issues, and knows she is a great reporter if only she was given the chance to shine. Her sexist editor assigns her the job of shadowing some of the players from this season’s women’s Australian Rules Football League so she can write fluffy stories for the lifestyle page. Not exactly hard-hitting journalism.
When Cam and Sophia meet, there’s instant chemistry, which is immediately put on hold when their everyday lives are shattered by misogyny, media manipulation, and tragedy. Cam, Sophia, and the other players discover that football games are not the only contests they need to win. Now they’re fighting for the entire league, their professional status, and even their lives. Sophia and Cam attempt to expose the sinister activities, come to terms with their mutual attraction, and eventually discover that kicking back at those who seek to destroy can open the door to love.
308 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2020
99 people are currently reading
351 people want to read
About the author
K.J .
12 books416 followersBest-selling author KJ lives in Bendigo, Australia with her wife, their son, three cats and a dog. She started writing interesting observations of life, literary articles, poetry, creative non-fiction, and personal essays, and eventually they were all sort of smooshed together in a giant author-y blender and out popped a book. Then another. The blender is currently in use for KJ’s next novel. Her books are best-sellers, with all either finalists or winners in the Goldie Awards, IHeartSapphic, eLit Awards and LesFic Bard awards. KJ also writes novels under her other pen name: K.J. Wrights
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
February 29, 2020
Okay, this is another book I’m happily overrating a little. It’s definitely not perfect but what it made me feel completely warrants those 5 stars. I want to be friends with KJ’s books, they’re sweet, endearing, vulnerable and all-around charming.
After losing her mother at fourteen and her father at thirty, Sophia Lindstrom is convinced everyone leaves at some point (despite her twin brother and his girlfriend always being there for her) and is scared of getting too close to anyone. When she’s not working with her brother in their boutique food store or volunteering at the homeless shelter, she’s playing in the Australian Football League’s first women competition. At the beginning of the second season, the AFL brings in a reporter to write fluff pieces on the players, in an effort, officially, to advertise the sport, but not the way Sophia would like it to be advertised. Cam Weathers, the reporter, agrees with Sophia but has no other choice than to do the job she’s being paid for. Yet as they get to know each other, she realises there’s another story worth writing – although not for her employer –, a story of misogyny, manipulation and big bucks, a story that might put an end to everything Sophia loves while making Cam’s career. Cam, who has been hurt by her first girlfriend and is having a hard time not seeing all athletes in a bad light, despite the huge chemistry pulling her towards Sophia.
I could relate with both MCs on a personal level for two different reasons: Sophia’s anxiety and Cam’s job as a journalist, even though, luckily for me, I never had to work in the kind of newspaper she works at. They’re both wonderful characters, and the secondary characters are substantial too.
Regardless of how fantastic the characters are, how sweet the story, what I like most about KJ’s books, however – and this one is no exception –, is the writing style and the tone. It’s a little too flowery sometimes, a little over the top, but I don’t care, I love it anyhow. There’s a spirit to KJ’s writing that I find utterly enjoyable and energising.
It’s not so much that this book is good (which it is), it’s how full of life it is. I almost wrote that it was a breath of fresh air, but it’s more than that, it’s like it’s giving you oxygen. Despite addressing delicate themes such as anxiety, grief, sexism, it shines bright and joyful.
I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
After losing her mother at fourteen and her father at thirty, Sophia Lindstrom is convinced everyone leaves at some point (despite her twin brother and his girlfriend always being there for her) and is scared of getting too close to anyone. When she’s not working with her brother in their boutique food store or volunteering at the homeless shelter, she’s playing in the Australian Football League’s first women competition. At the beginning of the second season, the AFL brings in a reporter to write fluff pieces on the players, in an effort, officially, to advertise the sport, but not the way Sophia would like it to be advertised. Cam Weathers, the reporter, agrees with Sophia but has no other choice than to do the job she’s being paid for. Yet as they get to know each other, she realises there’s another story worth writing – although not for her employer –, a story of misogyny, manipulation and big bucks, a story that might put an end to everything Sophia loves while making Cam’s career. Cam, who has been hurt by her first girlfriend and is having a hard time not seeing all athletes in a bad light, despite the huge chemistry pulling her towards Sophia.
I could relate with both MCs on a personal level for two different reasons: Sophia’s anxiety and Cam’s job as a journalist, even though, luckily for me, I never had to work in the kind of newspaper she works at. They’re both wonderful characters, and the secondary characters are substantial too.
Regardless of how fantastic the characters are, how sweet the story, what I like most about KJ’s books, however – and this one is no exception –, is the writing style and the tone. It’s a little too flowery sometimes, a little over the top, but I don’t care, I love it anyhow. There’s a spirit to KJ’s writing that I find utterly enjoyable and energising.
It’s not so much that this book is good (which it is), it’s how full of life it is. I almost wrote that it was a breath of fresh air, but it’s more than that, it’s like it’s giving you oxygen. Despite addressing delicate themes such as anxiety, grief, sexism, it shines bright and joyful.
I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 9, 2021
This story makes you feel. And I absolutely love it when a story touches me so strongly. I laughed, I cried, I was devastated and angry, and I loved. KJ has a way to bring all the emotions to life. After «Coming Home», this is my second book by this author, and she is already one of my favorite ones.
Sophia Lindstrom, 34, has already lost her mother and her father. She is afraid of falling in love, so she doesn’t do relationships, because you know, everybody is leaving. She volunteers at a shelter for homeless teens and, together with her twin brother Ben, she has her own business. She is also a passionate Australian football player for South Melbourne. And like almost everywhere else, when women play a sport that men do, it doesn't get much attention. When the announcement comes that the AFL wants to promote the women's league, Sophia is all in. But it quickly turns out that something is not right here, but what the hell is going on there?
Cam Weathers, 29, is a journalist, but her new assignment, writing fluffy stories about AFL players to hypocritically promote the women's league, isn't really what she wants to write. She aches to write important stories, and she hates her sexist boss. The more she learns about the players and the environment, the more her journalistic curiosity pushes her to look more closely and find and write the really important story.
I absolutely loved the romance. Both MCs are wonderful women, inside and out. Sophia is reserved and timid when it comes to love, but she likes to flirt. She can't resist Cam slowly but irresistibly creeping into her heart. She makes her face her fear of commitment. And Cam realizes that, unlike her ex-girlfriend, not every athlete is a self-absorbed egoist. Although sparks fly from the start, it's more of a slow-burn love story that culminates in a very beautiful and special love scene.
And many of you already know, I am a sports fan, so it was not a question if I will read the book, just when (don’t know why I waited that long). You don’t have to be a sports fanatic to enjoy this book, there is only a little time spent on the field. But the sports part of the story isn’t just about the game, it's about manipulation and misogyny, as always about the big money, it’s about dreams and there is a drama nobody wants to happen ever again.
KJ's writing is so emotive, sometimes a bit fluffy, but that only enhances the emotions. Her characters are real, vulnerable, strong, compassionate, and fun to spend time with. You want them as friends in your own life. The secondary characters are always important too, which adds depth to the story. Btw I would like to get to know more about Bianca, the mysterious friend of Cam.
Highly recommended romance with parts of mystery and drama.
My rating 5 stars
Sophia Lindstrom, 34, has already lost her mother and her father. She is afraid of falling in love, so she doesn’t do relationships, because you know, everybody is leaving. She volunteers at a shelter for homeless teens and, together with her twin brother Ben, she has her own business. She is also a passionate Australian football player for South Melbourne. And like almost everywhere else, when women play a sport that men do, it doesn't get much attention. When the announcement comes that the AFL wants to promote the women's league, Sophia is all in. But it quickly turns out that something is not right here, but what the hell is going on there?
Cam Weathers, 29, is a journalist, but her new assignment, writing fluffy stories about AFL players to hypocritically promote the women's league, isn't really what she wants to write. She aches to write important stories, and she hates her sexist boss. The more she learns about the players and the environment, the more her journalistic curiosity pushes her to look more closely and find and write the really important story.
I absolutely loved the romance. Both MCs are wonderful women, inside and out. Sophia is reserved and timid when it comes to love, but she likes to flirt. She can't resist Cam slowly but irresistibly creeping into her heart. She makes her face her fear of commitment. And Cam realizes that, unlike her ex-girlfriend, not every athlete is a self-absorbed egoist. Although sparks fly from the start, it's more of a slow-burn love story that culminates in a very beautiful and special love scene.
And many of you already know, I am a sports fan, so it was not a question if I will read the book, just when (don’t know why I waited that long). You don’t have to be a sports fanatic to enjoy this book, there is only a little time spent on the field. But the sports part of the story isn’t just about the game, it's about manipulation and misogyny, as always about the big money, it’s about dreams and there is a drama nobody wants to happen ever again.
KJ's writing is so emotive, sometimes a bit fluffy, but that only enhances the emotions. Her characters are real, vulnerable, strong, compassionate, and fun to spend time with. You want them as friends in your own life. The secondary characters are always important too, which adds depth to the story. Btw I would like to get to know more about Bianca, the mysterious friend of Cam.
Highly recommended romance with parts of mystery and drama.
My rating 5 stars
March 15, 2020
Wow. This is a must-read book. So right and so interesting on so many aspects. KJ is definitely a rising star in lesbian fiction.
February 27, 2020
The more books I read penned by Australian authors, the more enamored I become. Aussies have a unique style all their own. Their style is a bit different from that of my favorite American or European authors and I am charmed by these differences. I’m not saying that American and European lesfic authors don’t produce wonderful books, because they do. That’s not debatable. It’s just that the Aussies see and describe things a bit differently than the Americans and Europeans. They have a way of using words in interesting ways. I love this. When words are used in creative and refreshing ways, it makes reading fun.
I walked into this novel not knowing much about the author or her writing style. However, after just a few pages, I immediately got comfy with her prose and composition. The story settled around me and captivated me. I knew nothing about the AFL before I picked up this book, but I enjoyed the hell out of this story anyway. KJ gently educated me on the ins and outs of Australian football as she entertained me with a well developed story arc.
The two main characters are very engaging and quite likable, especially Cam. I enjoyed watching how she interacts others; she’s tough and no nonsense, but yet at the same time soft and kind. She seems to get people, especially Sophia. She is able to bring out the best in her and encourage her to take risks, even when no one else can seem to break through her walls. Cam just has a gentle and accepting nature and it works so well against Sophia’s intensity. The two of them together are charming and I couldn’t help but cheer for them to progress from flirting to dating.
Kick Back has a little bit of everything in it. Though it’s sport themed in nature, it has elements of mystery, intrigue, crime, drama and romance. KJ packs a wallop in this book, but is able to tie it all together very nicely. The result is a wonderfully executed novel. I recommend Kick Back and look forward to reading more books by KJ.
I walked into this novel not knowing much about the author or her writing style. However, after just a few pages, I immediately got comfy with her prose and composition. The story settled around me and captivated me. I knew nothing about the AFL before I picked up this book, but I enjoyed the hell out of this story anyway. KJ gently educated me on the ins and outs of Australian football as she entertained me with a well developed story arc.
The two main characters are very engaging and quite likable, especially Cam. I enjoyed watching how she interacts others; she’s tough and no nonsense, but yet at the same time soft and kind. She seems to get people, especially Sophia. She is able to bring out the best in her and encourage her to take risks, even when no one else can seem to break through her walls. Cam just has a gentle and accepting nature and it works so well against Sophia’s intensity. The two of them together are charming and I couldn’t help but cheer for them to progress from flirting to dating.
Kick Back has a little bit of everything in it. Though it’s sport themed in nature, it has elements of mystery, intrigue, crime, drama and romance. KJ packs a wallop in this book, but is able to tie it all together very nicely. The result is a wonderfully executed novel. I recommend Kick Back and look forward to reading more books by KJ.
February 23, 2020
WOW!
Sophia is thirty four, tall, strong in mind, body and spirit, and plays football for South Melbourne. She mentors homeless teens, runs a successful business with her brother and has a lot going for her. Cam is sassy and an idealist. She is a journalist with a newspaper that’s more than a bit of a rag. Her boss is a sexist jerk and she is desperate to find another job. Cam is assigned to write fluff pieces about the Australian Rules Football League which is under new management. When Cam and Sophia meet they clash but there is chemistry too. As the season goes on, not all is as it seems and soon they are uncovering a mystery that’s bigger than both of them!
OH MY! This is another hit book for KJ! She has written an amazing, well thought out and wonderful story! The characters are so loveable. They both are powerful but have weaknesses and self-doubts. They long to do better and be better but they will come to learn and trust. The mystery is suspenseful and I was so worried that something bad would happen to the MCs but everything turned out the way it should… I loved watching the romance unfold and each of the women grow. They are so sweet and believable and just…awww. There were humorous parts of the book too and that helped balance things out. Oh and there is a BIG ole twist that made me laugh and also made me so curious!! I REALLY want another book based on Bianca, she’s is oddly mysterious herself and full of quirks!!! You will love this book every bit as much as I did and will rush to read the other offerings by this author!
Sophia is thirty four, tall, strong in mind, body and spirit, and plays football for South Melbourne. She mentors homeless teens, runs a successful business with her brother and has a lot going for her. Cam is sassy and an idealist. She is a journalist with a newspaper that’s more than a bit of a rag. Her boss is a sexist jerk and she is desperate to find another job. Cam is assigned to write fluff pieces about the Australian Rules Football League which is under new management. When Cam and Sophia meet they clash but there is chemistry too. As the season goes on, not all is as it seems and soon they are uncovering a mystery that’s bigger than both of them!
OH MY! This is another hit book for KJ! She has written an amazing, well thought out and wonderful story! The characters are so loveable. They both are powerful but have weaknesses and self-doubts. They long to do better and be better but they will come to learn and trust. The mystery is suspenseful and I was so worried that something bad would happen to the MCs but everything turned out the way it should… I loved watching the romance unfold and each of the women grow. They are so sweet and believable and just…awww. There were humorous parts of the book too and that helped balance things out. Oh and there is a BIG ole twist that made me laugh and also made me so curious!! I REALLY want another book based on Bianca, she’s is oddly mysterious herself and full of quirks!!! You will love this book every bit as much as I did and will rush to read the other offerings by this author!
March 3, 2020
Another great read by this author. I loved the main characters of Cam and Sophia but my favourite has to be Soph. She has a heart of gold. Great story line, great characters, good pacing. All in all an excellent read.
K J, if you read this I would love to learn more about Bianca. Is there any chance of reading her story in the future?
Highly recommend giving this one a read. You will not be disappointed.
K J, if you read this I would love to learn more about Bianca. Is there any chance of reading her story in the future?
Highly recommend giving this one a read. You will not be disappointed.
April 8, 2020
Overall I like the storyline and the characters. I found myself rooting for Cam and Sophia and really like Ben and Lin. The problem I had was it was way too wordy even though the pace of the book was good, I found it to be a tad bit boring. This is the problem I have with most slow burns, they are too slow with way to many extra words and inner thoughts/dialogue that I become bored. For those who are into slow burns, you will probably enjoy this.
3.25 stars for me
3.25 stars for me
January 16, 2021
4.5 stars. This was a great book!
I really liked the writing style, as always for KJ, as well as the topic of misogyny woven into the storyline. I get bored quite easily with a story especially if it drags on and on, but this wasn‘t the case at all.
We have two very likeable main characters here, whose personalities enfold with time. I also really liked their relationship, how it wasn‘t what it seemed in the beginning, but that it was pretty slow burn after all although they do hit it off pretty soon. This was done wuite beautifully.
We have a setting of sports here, and it‘s really well done even for readers who are not into sports at all. I understood it all so well, the passion and the sacrifices it took for Sophia, but also for Cal. (As for the topic, it reminded me a bit of “Romancing the kicker” by Catherine Lane, which had some similar topics and dynamic, but was much lighter overall.) Also, as a feminist, I really felt for Sophia and Cal and all the other women. It was all so unfair, as misogyny in sports must be a million times worse than elsewhere, and we see it so clearly in what happened to Louise. I think this was really well done how it came all together and also how it was “resolved”.
Some minor things that I didn‘t like to much: Why do the mains always have to be overly pretty? Like, magazine pretty? And, I didn‘t really understand what Sophia‘s part was in running the business with her brother. To me it seemed that Ben did all the work, and Sophia had her sport. And lastly, I didn‘t much care about the sex in the book. There was nothing wrong with how it was done and it sure was very fitting, but personally I’m not a big fan of a story ending with sex scene. I just isn‘t interesting to me anymore at that point, and after all, I needed closure and wanted to know about Bianca and was all focused on that (I found my closure in the epilogue, thank you KJ).
After all, a great book! Very much looking foreard to the author‘snext book(s).
I really liked the writing style, as always for KJ, as well as the topic of misogyny woven into the storyline. I get bored quite easily with a story especially if it drags on and on, but this wasn‘t the case at all.
We have two very likeable main characters here, whose personalities enfold with time. I also really liked their relationship, how it wasn‘t what it seemed in the beginning, but that it was pretty slow burn after all although they do hit it off pretty soon. This was done wuite beautifully.
We have a setting of sports here, and it‘s really well done even for readers who are not into sports at all. I understood it all so well, the passion and the sacrifices it took for Sophia, but also for Cal. (As for the topic, it reminded me a bit of “Romancing the kicker” by Catherine Lane, which had some similar topics and dynamic, but was much lighter overall.) Also, as a feminist, I really felt for Sophia and Cal and all the other women. It was all so unfair, as misogyny in sports must be a million times worse than elsewhere, and we see it so clearly in what happened to Louise. I think this was really well done how it came all together and also how it was “resolved”.
Some minor things that I didn‘t like to much: Why do the mains always have to be overly pretty? Like, magazine pretty? And, I didn‘t really understand what Sophia‘s part was in running the business with her brother. To me it seemed that Ben did all the work, and Sophia had her sport. And lastly, I didn‘t much care about the sex in the book. There was nothing wrong with how it was done and it sure was very fitting, but personally I’m not a big fan of a story ending with sex scene. I just isn‘t interesting to me anymore at that point, and after all, I needed closure and wanted to know about Bianca and was all focused on that (I found my closure in the epilogue, thank you KJ).
After all, a great book! Very much looking foreard to the author‘snext book(s).
March 1, 2021
Even though I'm an Aussie through and through, I know little about AFL, let alone AFLW. I really enjoyed reading this as an expansion of my understanding and to gain a greater appreciation of AFLW. I liked Sophia and Cam as characters, but the constant push-pull dynamic between them was exhausting. I really liked the plotline surrounding the rookie players and for me, this was the driving aspect of the novel.
I'm definitely keen to read more of Bianca - fingers crossed she gets a standalone.
I'm definitely keen to read more of Bianca - fingers crossed she gets a standalone.
April 14, 2021
3.25 stars.
This was a really nice story overall and I liked the two main characters Sophia and Cam a lot, as well as Sophia's brother Ben and his partner Lin who was very straightforward. It was also interesting to learn something about the AFL.
What bothered me was that it was too wordy and the story dragged a bit.
This was a really nice story overall and I liked the two main characters Sophia and Cam a lot, as well as Sophia's brother Ben and his partner Lin who was very straightforward. It was also interesting to learn something about the AFL.
What bothered me was that it was too wordy and the story dragged a bit.
July 5, 2022
I read this book alternating between a goofy arse smile on my face, wanting to kick someone in the shins, and wondering how I am enjoying a sports book with this much sport detail in it. I struggled a little at the start, but again see comment about sports and infer what you can. Despite my antisportness, once I sunk my teeth in, there was no going back.
A few sections I got major A League of Their Own vibes which was both fabulous and mortifying when I thought about how we have not come nearly far enough since then. Ridiculously similar issues that Sophia and the other player have to face.
The writing has the trademark long flowy sentences and chuckle worthy internal thoughts and banter evident in all of KJ’s writing.
There is a damn fine and 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 sex scene, that is well worth the read in and of itself.
Cam is my new spirit animal. Two examples why:
1.
“Will bears be chasing you?”
“No?”
“Then there is absolutely no need to be running,”
2.
“Oh, please. It’s instant and the only resemblance it has to actual coffee is that it’s brown.”
*brushes hands of dust* my work here is done.
A few sections I got major A League of Their Own vibes which was both fabulous and mortifying when I thought about how we have not come nearly far enough since then. Ridiculously similar issues that Sophia and the other player have to face.
The writing has the trademark long flowy sentences and chuckle worthy internal thoughts and banter evident in all of KJ’s writing.
There is a damn fine and 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 sex scene, that is well worth the read in and of itself.
Cam is my new spirit animal. Two examples why:
1.
“Will bears be chasing you?”
“No?”
“Then there is absolutely no need to be running,”
2.
“Oh, please. It’s instant and the only resemblance it has to actual coffee is that it’s brown.”
*brushes hands of dust* my work here is done.
March 4, 2021
This is my first book from the author and I loved it! The chemistry between the main characters is amazing. There were many pointsI found myself waiting to find out how Sophia would flirt with Cam next. This just kept me wanting more. I used this for Jae’s reading challenge. I will definitely check out other books from the author.
March 30, 2020
Bloody brilliant!
The mystery, the characters... the effing feels. This book got me SO good!
The mystery, the characters... the effing feels. This book got me SO good!
August 13, 2022
This book isn’t perfect, neither are the characters but they are so perfectly flawed, you just have to love it.
Be aware, this is a sports romance. The sport is also one you don’t hear about often, or at all really. Unless you are in Australia. I’ve watched a couple of these Aussie Rules football matches in person and it intense. I loved how this intensity translated to this book as well. Sophia is the “star” athlete who struggles with anxiety. Her coping mechanisms are also recognisable to me. I don’t struggle with anxiety like she does, it’s more a defensive mechanism to keep the walls upright and in tact. Cam calls her out and it’s just lovely to read about breaking down the walls, building something solid. The relationship is fun, the “mystery” and sports is what kept me really engaged.
I enjoyed learning more about AFL, hated reading about the misogyny even though it’s fictional I can only imagine what it must be really like. Yet again good character work by KJ and a cool appearance of Tal. This author knows how to tie books together without you having to read those, although I can recommend reading them. KJ’s writing is wonderful.
Be aware, this is a sports romance. The sport is also one you don’t hear about often, or at all really. Unless you are in Australia. I’ve watched a couple of these Aussie Rules football matches in person and it intense. I loved how this intensity translated to this book as well. Sophia is the “star” athlete who struggles with anxiety. Her coping mechanisms are also recognisable to me. I don’t struggle with anxiety like she does, it’s more a defensive mechanism to keep the walls upright and in tact. Cam calls her out and it’s just lovely to read about breaking down the walls, building something solid. The relationship is fun, the “mystery” and sports is what kept me really engaged.
I enjoyed learning more about AFL, hated reading about the misogyny even though it’s fictional I can only imagine what it must be really like. Yet again good character work by KJ and a cool appearance of Tal. This author knows how to tie books together without you having to read those, although I can recommend reading them. KJ’s writing is wonderful.
October 22, 2024
This is another gem from my TBR shelves! I absolutely love this book. I learned a lot about the football that's not soccer in Australia. The two MCs Sophia and Cameron are more than likeable, you'll fall in love with them. Through all their imperfections. You'll laugh, cry get incensedbut through it all, you'll love the book. 5 stars!
April 12, 2020
Only third "Love it!" this year (after Holly Stratimore and Max Ellendale.) And it has to be my favourite book of this year - oh! Sport, tears, laughter, wonderful quotes (The now constant argument between her libido and common sense was becoming tiring, and common sense just needed to toughen up, for heaven’s sake.) & I'm gone. True Class. Thank you.
January 8, 2021
This one felt so much longer than it was; the story dragged and dragged for me. Didn't feel any chemistry between the leads and the plot just seemed too scattered for me. The "big bad" of the book didn't even get started until the half way point. Not the best way to start the year off.
March 5, 2021
4.5 stars.
This was infuriating, sweet, outrageous and touching.
I love the characters, and the writing is funny and balanced and descriptive but not too much. It made me stay awake for hours, sitting on the edge of my chair anxious to get to the end. In the best way possible.
This was infuriating, sweet, outrageous and touching.
I love the characters, and the writing is funny and balanced and descriptive but not too much. It made me stay awake for hours, sitting on the edge of my chair anxious to get to the end. In the best way possible.
September 21, 2022
Kick Back
KJ is an amazing author. I love all of her books. She brings such intensity in the relationships of her MCs with minimal angst. This was well worth the read as I truly enjoyed reading it. I look forward to more in the future.
KJ is an amazing author. I love all of her books. She brings such intensity in the relationships of her MCs with minimal angst. This was well worth the read as I truly enjoyed reading it. I look forward to more in the future.
March 4, 2020
Fantastic and passionate!!!
Sophia is a football player in the AFL, and she meets Cameron who has been appointed to write up a few reports during the season. Instantly there is tension when it’s obvious to Sophia that Cameron knows nothing about the sport and her articles aren’t about it either. Outraged but attracted to one another, Sophia and Cameron survive the tension to form a friendship when they realise things weren’t as they both first assumed, and that something else is afoot within the league. Together they strive for the truth, and to perhaps finally get that relationship they have been sure they could never have.
I loved how diverse this story was, not only focusing on the relationship and romance of the main characters, but involving the sport, and media side of things to really reflect something that is an issue in the world. By highlighting the downfalls of the sports world and the media industry, KJ has done a fantastic job of highlighting all the issues that sit behind women’s sports and their promotion and push to the mainstream, as well as how unfair the industry is when it is compared to men’s. I also adored how KJ used the media to highlight how the two work hand in hand to falsely report and paint an image of something that has been sexualised or diminished past how it should be professionally promoted. It was a real eye-opener and very insightful into the workings of corporations many of us don’t see, or may not be aware of, that’s just how powerful they are.
A very insightful story about standing up for what’s right, fighting the big corporations in the name of fairness, and learning about your morals, those of your friends and colleagues, and that you shouldn’t make assumptions about someone based on a first impression. A very realistic, heartfelt and important story that highlights a lot of modern day issues and promotes fighting for truth, happiness, and equality. I highly recommend this book.
Sophia is a football player in the AFL, and she meets Cameron who has been appointed to write up a few reports during the season. Instantly there is tension when it’s obvious to Sophia that Cameron knows nothing about the sport and her articles aren’t about it either. Outraged but attracted to one another, Sophia and Cameron survive the tension to form a friendship when they realise things weren’t as they both first assumed, and that something else is afoot within the league. Together they strive for the truth, and to perhaps finally get that relationship they have been sure they could never have.
I loved how diverse this story was, not only focusing on the relationship and romance of the main characters, but involving the sport, and media side of things to really reflect something that is an issue in the world. By highlighting the downfalls of the sports world and the media industry, KJ has done a fantastic job of highlighting all the issues that sit behind women’s sports and their promotion and push to the mainstream, as well as how unfair the industry is when it is compared to men’s. I also adored how KJ used the media to highlight how the two work hand in hand to falsely report and paint an image of something that has been sexualised or diminished past how it should be professionally promoted. It was a real eye-opener and very insightful into the workings of corporations many of us don’t see, or may not be aware of, that’s just how powerful they are.
A very insightful story about standing up for what’s right, fighting the big corporations in the name of fairness, and learning about your morals, those of your friends and colleagues, and that you shouldn’t make assumptions about someone based on a first impression. A very realistic, heartfelt and important story that highlights a lot of modern day issues and promotes fighting for truth, happiness, and equality. I highly recommend this book.
February 1, 2021
At thirty-four, Sophia Lindstrom is one of the veterans of South Melbourne women’s Australian Football League (AFL) team. She has something of a protector-nurturer instinct so she is a kind of big sister/mentor to the rookies of her team and she also volunteers at a shelter for homeless. Personally, she has an issue with getting into a close romantic relationship because she’s convinced that everyone leaves. A conviction that has come from having lost her mother at fourteen and father at thirty.
Cam Weathers is a junior reporter in a paper that she doesn’t like and is headed by someone who is rather misogynist. Cam would love to write for a publication with a heart, soul and conscience but that paper seldom has openings. So she’s stuck with doing summaries and putting up content on the website. Can gets an unexpected break when she is assigned to do profiles of the ladies in the South Melbourne AFL team while the competition is on. The assignment comes with a rider – she’s expected to write fluffy pieces that just sex up the athletes or present them as bimbos.
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
Cam Weathers is a junior reporter in a paper that she doesn’t like and is headed by someone who is rather misogynist. Cam would love to write for a publication with a heart, soul and conscience but that paper seldom has openings. So she’s stuck with doing summaries and putting up content on the website. Can gets an unexpected break when she is assigned to do profiles of the ladies in the South Melbourne AFL team while the competition is on. The assignment comes with a rider – she’s expected to write fluffy pieces that just sex up the athletes or present them as bimbos.
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
March 5, 2020
The world and our life is often not as it seems.
What a truely incredible story. The dialogue was both wity and full of banter. The characters had such an emotionally charged kind of connection. Cam and Sophia had some creative ways to hurdle relationship issues.The AFL and all it ment to these women was so poignantly written I found myself angry at its leaders often. While just a story, the powers of this world often manipulate so much that the loss is unbearable. Bianca/Rebecca was such a great thread through the story. I just loved this story and the delicious way the main characters slowly fell for each other. The story, the relationships, the very real emotionally charged moments make this a book so heart filling. Thanks KJ for another awesome read.
What a truely incredible story. The dialogue was both wity and full of banter. The characters had such an emotionally charged kind of connection. Cam and Sophia had some creative ways to hurdle relationship issues.The AFL and all it ment to these women was so poignantly written I found myself angry at its leaders often. While just a story, the powers of this world often manipulate so much that the loss is unbearable. Bianca/Rebecca was such a great thread through the story. I just loved this story and the delicious way the main characters slowly fell for each other. The story, the relationships, the very real emotionally charged moments make this a book so heart filling. Thanks KJ for another awesome read.
March 10, 2020
Kick Back is a really good read. Great characters, fantastic original story line and some very interesting turns and twist and one of them I did not see coming at all. I’m hoping that little twist may pop up in a later book.
K.J has pushed her way into my favourite authors category. Each book K.J has written has been well crafted and grabbed my interest and I have thoroughly enjoyed.
Can’t wait for more
K.J has pushed her way into my favourite authors category. Each book K.J has written has been well crafted and grabbed my interest and I have thoroughly enjoyed.
Can’t wait for more
May 17, 2022
As a 36-year old woman who plays women’s football (locally - unfortunately I don’t have Sophia’s skill to make it in the AFLW) I really enjoyed reading this novel. It had a captivating storyline and the sporting aspect of it was written so well. I also love Cam’s spunk and the way she made Sophia a better person. I was rooting for their relationship all the way. Ben and Lin were fabulous side characters!
May 19, 2021
It’s the story and the characters that make a novel stand out and I love KJ’s damaged yet strong characters in Kick Back. Not only is it an entertaining read, it tells an important story and is a good reminder that we still have a lot of work to do in ensuring equality for all.
This is the first novel I’ve read by KJ, but I am looking forward to reading more.
This is the first novel I’ve read by KJ, but I am looking forward to reading more.
November 20, 2022
4,75 ⭐ Leitura simples e fluída, de um assunto que eu amo. Eu senti um pouco de dificuldade em ler as partes que retratam a misoginia que as personagens sofrem (e que é uma realidade no esporte, infelizmente) mas no geral eu gostei muito.
Pergunta: Livro 2 com a Bianca m4tando geral... quando??
Pergunta: Livro 2 com a Bianca m4tando geral... quando??
September 15, 2020
Interesting to learn about Australian rules footie. The sports thing is just now working for me though- no reflection on the author and well written book.
March 9, 2020
Read it...trust me and read it!
This book is amazing, but all of KJ’s books are great. If you haven’t read her other books then stop now and go get them, don’t hesitate or read the reviews just click “buy now”. Back to Kick Back, I love both of the MC’s Sophia and Cam. The love story is great with all of the appropriate angst some steamy love scenes, but there is so much more. I loved learning about the AFL and I am now desperate to watch some games (not the easiest task here in America...thank goodness for YouTube) and I loved the intrigue. Also, if you have read any of her previous books, you’ll notice a few familiar faces popping up in the book. The only negative thing I have to say is that I was so engrossed in the book that I neglected to do anything but read. So while my house looks a little rough, my heart is full and satisfied. I’m now rereading it so that I can see if I missed anything the first time around.
This book is amazing, but all of KJ’s books are great. If you haven’t read her other books then stop now and go get them, don’t hesitate or read the reviews just click “buy now”. Back to Kick Back, I love both of the MC’s Sophia and Cam. The love story is great with all of the appropriate angst some steamy love scenes, but there is so much more. I loved learning about the AFL and I am now desperate to watch some games (not the easiest task here in America...thank goodness for YouTube) and I loved the intrigue. Also, if you have read any of her previous books, you’ll notice a few familiar faces popping up in the book. The only negative thing I have to say is that I was so engrossed in the book that I neglected to do anything but read. So while my house looks a little rough, my heart is full and satisfied. I’m now rereading it so that I can see if I missed anything the first time around.
March 10, 2020
An excellent read.
Set in the same place as her previous book, Kick Back follows Sophia and Cam. Not the instalove that I was expecting and I loved it for that. The flirting and overall banter between the two mains was endearing as well as those with the supporting character, I was left wishing I had roommates like that. I am eagerly waiting to hear about Beatrice cause damn that assassin needs one! The battles they have with their anxiety was believable and that they had someone to understand and be there for them was great. The drama fit in and really hurt my heart to read as Sophia struggled with that. All in all I loved it and highly recommend.
Set in the same place as her previous book, Kick Back follows Sophia and Cam. Not the instalove that I was expecting and I loved it for that. The flirting and overall banter between the two mains was endearing as well as those with the supporting character, I was left wishing I had roommates like that. I am eagerly waiting to hear about Beatrice cause damn that assassin needs one! The battles they have with their anxiety was believable and that they had someone to understand and be there for them was great. The drama fit in and really hurt my heart to read as Sophia struggled with that. All in all I loved it and highly recommend.
September 15, 2020
Wow, that’s all I’ve got. A phrase from this book that would already be the perfect summary for this amazing book. But I would like to say a bit more. I was totally drawn into the story and I think it made me feel all the feelings there exist. It made me cry, smile and laugh out loud. I could relate so much to this kind of fear that Sophia is suffering from. To overcome this and take risks is so difficult. Last but not least, that love scene was another wow. I think this was the most beautiful one I‘ve ever read. There was so much love in it. Thank you KJ for this story and all your other works. You‘re definitely on my list of my most favorite authors.
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