Red Card by Maren Moore Book Review

Rating: 3 Stars

Release Date: Aug 12 2025

Format: Audiobook

Publisher: Hachette Audio | Forever

Enjoyed the plot, but the narration is what kicks this book over the try line.

Picture this: You settle in for a juicy sports romance—rugby, college charm, “friend-zone escape,” and all—and what catches you off guard isn’t the fake-dating trope or the brooding “Kill”; it’s the voices delivering the story.

Narrators: Matt Sykes & Stella Hunter – Steal the Show

Red Card’s audiobook is brought to life by Matt Sykes and Stella Hunter—and honestly, they deserve their own MVP trophies. Their delivery transforms what could be a predictable “She’s All That meets She’s the Man” plot into a cartwheel of charming accents and swoony inflections.

Matt Sykes handles Kill’s brooding and banter with just the right blend of British edge and reluctant charm. While, Stella Hunter captures Rory’s wit and warmth, delivering the coach’s-daughter sass like it’s rugby tackle of the heart.

Together, they add sparkle and chemistry; it’s like the audiobook version of a perfectly executed backflip:

• Voice Chemistry: Dual narration done right—each voice distinct, perfectly suited to their character.

• Humor & Delivery: Timing, tone, and comedic flair . . . especially in the awkward-flirt scenes? Chef’s kiss.

• Emotional Resonance: When Kill lets slip the grief beneath his tough exterior, and Rory’s defenses crack—those moments land because of vocal nuance, not just the words.

Without Sykes and Hunter’s performances, this would be a very average romance. Their voices seriously ping the fun factor up a notch.

🌶️ Spice Meter 🌶️ : 3 out of 5 Peppers

Final Thoughts:

Narration: 5 / 5 – Stellar dual voices; comedy and emotion land spectacularly.

Characters & Chemistry: 4 / 5 – Fun dynamic, especially when paired with voice delivery.

Plot & Originality: 3 / 5 – Cute, familiar, effective—but not revolutionary.

Disclaimer: Thank you, Netgalley and Hachette Audio | Forever for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.