This book though!!! I have to say Rachel is definitely my top 5 favorite authors. The way she can captivate her audience is astounding. I was lucky enough to get a chance to grab an ARC copy. I will try to be as honest as possible but she's my fav so it may be hard. This book had a little rough ending for me but we will get to that later. It was easy and fun to read. I won't say I hated it but Im not going to say I was 100% in love either. I compare every book I read to Rachels Mafia series and maybe that's not fair. I just can't help it.
Anyway... Risky Play is about two strangers who meet on a plane on their way to a relaxing getaway. With both sides having just went through some big life changes they make a pact with theirselves to have fun and find some adventure. After spending a night together their lives take them in different directions until they come crashing back together a few months later. With Slade being a world famous soccer player and Mackenzie being a famous socialite they are very weary about each others intentions. Through the back and worth of each interaction you see that their ideas of each other shifts closer and closer to what it was that very first night. Of course with being in the spotlight things get misconstrued. However, with this comes issues of trust. Can love get them through the torture of the public eye or will they fall victim to the lies and deception of the press?
Like I said before it was fun to read. I got hooked to it around chapter 5, and next thing I know I'm at 50% into it and it's 3 am. It usually takes me until a few chapters in to decide if I want to continue a book. For me a book needs to draw me in to the point where I lose track of time or I feel like Im actually sitting their with the characters. I will say this book did just that. However my small hesitation to say I was completely in love was the ending. Now I hate a drawn out ending but I also hate a rushed ending. It needs to have that happy medium. This book seemed to rush from tragedy to resolve in 2 short chapters. Again Im use to the twists and turns of the mafia so maybe Im being too hard on the book. I will end with say the book was good. It was fun and light hearted at some parts which made it a good time. The characters are amazing and I truly enjoyed the way everything came together. I can't wait to read the next book in the series to see where she will take these characters.

I loved this story! There are so many different emotions in the story ranging from love, to heartbreak, jealousy and more. The relationships between the characters are deep and well written. Mack and Slade compliment each other well. And Alfie is the best!

Wow, another great book by Rachel Van Dyken, no matter the genre, she crushes it. I loved this book. It had me laughing and sad. I love how it tugged at my emotions. These two had great chemistry and I was rooting for them the whole way. I received this book from Net Galley.

OMG! Slade and Mackenzie! I loved this book. Both suffering from heartache they find themselves having a one night stand. Never wanting to see each other again Slade leaves before she's awake.... imagine his surprise when she show up at his work to begin her job as his assistant. What could go wrong.... This book is sweet and sensual with a big dose of sexiness and heartache. I can't recommend this book enough. You can never go wrong with RVD!!

This book was so much fun! I read the synopsis quite awhile ago, but didn't reread it before I started in on the book. I'm glad I didn't! I love that I didn't know what to expect. I loved Mackenzie...she was the perfect mix of sarcastic, sweet, and vulnerable. Her bantering skills (especially with Slade) were totally on point. Besides Mackenzie and Slade, I really loved Matt! I really hope he gets a book in this series for himself! He had some fantastic one-liners and banter too.
I really loved this book and can't wait to eventually read more in this series!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. I loved this quirky love story! It pulled me straight from the beginning and I could not put it down until I was finished. Yes, the H is a jerk but it's the h that makes this book awesome! She's quirky, smart, not apologetic....I can go on.

Actual Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Risky Play is a cute, fun, quick sports romance read.

Spoiler alert, do not read further if you do not want to know the details.

I wasn't sure what to think of this book in the beginning. Two super rich people on a plane talking about wine. I prefer stories where I can relate to a character. I also didn't think it was believable. You would think a 3o yr old virgin would be shy or timid about her sexual inexperience especially with a totally hot stranger. And a 30 yr old virgin?? She was groomed to marry Alton when they were 5 so why did it take so long for the wedding? Obviously Alton was career motivated so you would think he would marry the billionaire's daughter as soon as possible.

I liked the banter between Mack and Slade which was the redeeming quality of this book. I felt like the enemy turning best friend has been played out in other sports romance books.

All in all, I did enjoy the book and I look forward to reading the next one in the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Skyscape for a copy of Rachel Van Dyken's "Risky Play" in exchange of an honest review.

I've always liked this author's books, but it's been sometime since I've read anything written by her and Risky Play reminded me how much I love her writing! This is an amazing start to another series that has all the traits I love in a rom-com -- alpha hero; smart sassy heroine; funny and well-developed secondary characters (that I hope get their own books) and a fast-paced, enjoyable plot that kept me turning the pages. Definitely recommend if you like contemporary romance with enjoyable, funny moments. I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC for NetGalley.

Need another funny, steamy, sexy, heart throbbing, magnetic read?
The all-round package for this is given to you within Rachel Van Dyken’s new release Risky Play.

Sexy soccer player who is torn between his own feelings and trying to maintain his super cool athlete image: Check!
Slade Rodriguez has just the right amount of cocky and self-confident macho, mixed with a vulnerable soul who cares like no one else about those people he loves.

Actually confident, but currently shaken up and beaten down by life, woman. Check!
Mackenzie Dupont is one of those female characters we all can identify with (even without us having a 62Mio$ trust fund…)

Most adorable dog to ever set foot in a romance novel. Check.
Alfie will win your affection in a heartbeat.

Absolute douchebag you want to strangle several times. Check.
Ok, let’s not get too much into him … pfft.

The ever-present push and pull between the lead characters. Check! Check! Check!

While reading this start of another great series by Rachel I literally laughed so hard sometimes (“Was that high-pitched scream that sounded like a goat getting sacrificed coming from you or did we actually hit a goat on the way down?”) I am sure people around me questioned my sanity.

At the same time, as always, Rachel didn’t disappoint with those sexy times we enjoy so much.

This is a must read for all RVD fans as well as everyone else, because let’s face it: If you’re not a fan already, what are you waiting for??

Two perfect storms collide, what could possibly happen? This book starts off with a bang and doesn't let up. There are tears and wit and full belly laughs. I haven't laughed out loud to a book in a while but this one got me a few times.
If you are looking for a book that has it all, I suggest checking out this one. Be warned you may not do anything else until you finish this book, but don't worry you will be happy you did.

Risky Play is the perfect way to start a new series! This book has all the feels. Mack is the perfect heroine to deal with a broken Slade. She’s a little flawed and a lot strong. Once she decides what she wants there’s no stopping her. Ultimately her strength brings her her HEA.

How do you write a review for a book that consumes you from the beginning all the way to the end? When the words and the characters flow so well together? It's simple really...Mackenzie and Slade are the complete oppsite of each other but yet the same. They draw out the best and worst combinations of each other, that it works. Their pull to each other is undeniable. Without a doubt Rachel bought her A game when writting Risky Play. A page turner, emotional rollercoaster with a hint of sarcasm, laughter and of course love.

I read an advanced copy for an honest review.
Mackenzie and Slade meet while trying to escape embarrassing situations; Mackenzie is stood up at the altar and Slade was dumped by his fiancee. They are both high profile people, who just want to relax and be anonymous for a while.

Since neither has any idea who the other is, them embark on fun an passion, until tragedy strikes Slade's family and he abandons Mackenzie, blaming her for his distraction.

Flash forward a bit and Mackenzie still dwells on her romance with her secret guy until she starts working for him, as his P.A. Slade acts like a total jerk and Mackenzie feelings are crushed.

This is a story about enemies to lovers and the path they need to take to get there. Both characters have trust issues and walls and insecurities. It's a wonderful story about feeling better about the person you are, as well as letting someone close enough to see and love the real you.

There was tenderness, in this story, as well as some humor and a great HEA.

I enjoyed my first Rachel Van Dyken book, Risky Play. The "meet cute" is unique. Having a wild, quick hook up with the man she shared a terrifying moment on the airplane only to wake up alone the next day. Poor Mack. Mackenzie is so not the spoiled princess she could be. She's genuinely sweet and likable. Slade is so hot but in a dark place following the death of his father. Though a bit implausible, Mack ends up as Slade's personal assistant. He's nasty to her from day one because he is desperate to blame someone for not returning his dad's last phone calls. She's hurt but determined to be there for him. She too well understands how hard it is when your money and fame make you question everyone around you's intentions.

Mack's too irresistible and she's soon breaking down Slade's walls.

Watching these two find their way to each other was fun, with moments of joy and sorrow and a lot of hard work to get to the happily ever after.

I love Rachel's books. This is the first 5 start book I've read from her in a while. I like books with strong female characters. This book gives you that with the sass yet compassion you'd want from a female character. There is no cliffhanger and set up what can be a good series with the other players.

A big thank you to the publisher, Netgalley and Rachel for my advanced copy for which I leave my honest review!

Risky play is the first book in a new series by Rachel and it is everything I expect when I read a Van Dyken book! It has chemistry, a wonderful storyline, great well developed characters and moments that make you want to cry as well as laugh😍

Mackenzie decides six months after being jilted at the altar that she is going to take the honeymoon vacation she purchased for herself and her supposed to be husband. When the plane unexpectedly has a motor failure, she turns panicked to the man next to her. Having no idea that he’s a famous soccer player, they kiss to distract themselves from what’s happening around them. Suffice to say they survive and are attached to each other by the hips as they realise that they are both staying at the same hotel, right next door to each other. This leads to MORE......

However, Slade receives a call with regards to a family tragedy and hightails out of the hotel to the U.S, which finds Mack waking up alone😢 Needless to say, they find their way back to each other by way of Mack working for Matt, Slade’s manager as an assistant to Slade. But their path to be together is fraught with interference by others and the media. Will they manage to trust the other to overcome all obstacles?

Definitely a must have story and I’d recommend as a book to anyone who loves second chances❣️

Oh my, this book! It had me from the very beginning, with its emotionally charged, heartbreaking introduction of Mackenzie in the prologue that had me immediately wanting a happily ever after for her, and wanting to see this road of self discovery for her. Followed immediately by a dramatic, action filled first chapter that sets the introduction of Mackenzie and Slade and the beginning of their connection. Then you’ll spend the next half of the book wanting to throw the book at Slade for his 180 behavior change because like Mackenzie, he’s got his own emotional baggage to wade through so they can fight for each other. The comedic gold between Slade and Matt as well as between Slade and Jagger makes up for it. Some of my favorite scene were courtesy of a cute pup named Alfie, that had me laughing till tears leaked out. That’s Ms. Van Dyken’s writing for you. It’s an emotional roller coaster that will have you wanting to throw the book down and wanting to walk away it’s so charged, but you can’t walk away for long because you NEED to know what’s going to happen.

There are so many different relationship dynamics in this book that are interconnected, that weave one amazing story, and it leaves you wanting more and eager to see what happens with the rest of the characters that we’ve been introduced to.

I didn't love this book, and I didn't hate this book. I did enjoy this book however. There were quite a few laugh out loud moments, a lot of witty banter between characters, and a definite attraction between more than one of the leads. It was also one of those quick reads that is perfect for a rainy (or in my case snowy) day.

I'm a little confused about how two people who are supposedly so "well known" that they are featured on the cover of magazines were unable to recognize each other. I guess its more understandable that Slade didn't recognize Mackenzie as she seems to be more or less a "local socialite celebrity", but if he was truly the best in the world, his coming to the states would have been a huge deal, and I find it next to impossible (considering he was going to living/playing in the same area as she lived) that she had no idea who he was. There certainly would have been news coverage. But anyway. Maybe she didn't recognize him. For the sake of the story we will go with that.

I can even understand why he took off immediately after learning the news of his loss. And support to an extent why he blamed her. Grief is a heck of a thing.

What I cannot support is the way he spoke to her and treated her when they were reunited. Some of the things that he said were downright crude and uncalled for. In fact, had I been in her shoes instead of trying to help him, I would have slapped him soundly across the face from the first minute, then told the hiring company I would not work for someone who spoke to me in such a degrading manner. But... she's got some feelings still for the jerk, so she stays. Although, it could be that she's just used to jerks as her ex-fiance speaks to her in much the same way. Honestly, he did her a huge favor when he left her at the altar. Also its worth pointing out that her own father is more prone to taking "the exes sides" over his own daughter.

Then again Mackenzie freaks out a little too hard when the guy whose house she is at calls the guy texting her a "cockblocker". Maybe I'm just jaded myself, but if a guy is offering friendship, but wants you to come to his house at night? Its not exactly friendship he has on his mind.

I feel like there is a bit too much of the "alpha male gone wrong" with this story, at least where Mackenzie is involved. She deserved better. She had the potential after Mexico to be this new version of herself, but I feel like she was so used to taking the crap, that she kept right on taking it.

When it's just the Slade and Jagger or Slade and Matt or even the three of them? The conversations are literally laugh-out-loud. Even Mackenzie manages to earn a few laughs when she's with them. The easy banter between the characters is what makes this book. Now, I understand the point the author was trying to make when it comes to grief (and even lust and jealousy) making people act irrationally, but it felt like sometimes this was taken too far. Kudos to the boys for finally standing up for the girl though.

As is typical with the first book in a new series by this author, while I didn't enjoy this one as much as I thought I would, I have a feeling the next will be better. There will be more focus on the next pairing and not so much of this back and forth third wheel kind of stuff.

Overall, this story I think may still appeal to those who enjoy contemporary romances. What stood out to me may in fact be a product of the way my own cynical mind works. I already know this author will do well no matter what they write - it is a talent of theirs. I would read more from this author.

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

Rachel Van Dyken is back with a brand new series. Risky Play is the first book in the Red Card series. The book starts off with a jolting prologue, with Mackenzie getting left at the altar. She goes to Mexico for a vacation where she meets our hero, Slade, on the plane there. They have an electric first meeting on the plane, and give each other fake names. They have a one night stand and he leaves for personal reasons the next morning. The first 20% of the book was packed with so much going on. The book started out light and fun but got emotional throughout the rest.

They meet again with her becoming his new assistant. It kind of flipped tropes at this point, and became more enemies to lovers. Slade ran hot and cold; it was understandable considering what had happened, but still a bit exhausting. On the other hand, Mackenzie was hard to read in the beginning but then you get to know her, and she is a strong, smart, sweet, caring character. We get some great supporting characters, who I’m sure will get their own books.

I thought this was a great start to a new series, and I anxiously wait for the next book in the series.

* ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

I received this ebook from Skyscape and Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
Another great book by Rachel! Her stories and couples are always adorable and quirky. Mac and Slade were both running from their lives and ran right into each other. Slade was almost too big of a jerk to be redeemable at one point, but she did a great job of doing it. It wasn’t easy, but nothing worth it ever is. My only complaint is that it felt like maybe some pages were missing because some of the pages stopped mid sentence or word and the next page was something different.