Risky Play by Rachel Van Dyken should be a play on words. Wait...is it a play on words? Who knows! What I do know is that this book was FABULOUS. So out and out funny and jam-packed with all the feels! It was hard to put it down! From Mackenzie trying to get away from a disastrous botched wedding day to Slade trying to get over a bad break-up. Ms. Van Dyken just packed it in. I really enjoyed reading this book. The chemistry between the main characters was awesome. The witty banter and one-liners made for great reading. The sub-characters were also enjoyable and fun to get to know in this book. Ms. Van Dyken gives us complex and well-rounded characters that make them easy to love. The book had a good pace and was very quick and easy to read. If this is just book one in Ms. Van Dyken's new series I can't wait to read the others!!

Rachel Van Dyken scores a goal with the launch of her Red Card series and the fun, sexy and witty soccer romance, Risky Play.

Having thoroughly been left at the altar, wine heiress Mackenzie Dupont decides to go on her honeymoon… alone. Thinking that her plane would crash in route to tropical Puerto Vallarta, she impulsively kisses the sexy stranger sitting next to her only to safely land and find out he’s staying in the pent house next her. Throwing caution to the wind she spends a magical night with him only to wake up alone yet again.

Infamous soccer player, Slade Rodriguez wanted to get away before heading to his new team and home, but when tragedy strikes he can’t help but escape and blame the gorgeous stranger who captivated him to distraction. But he’ll only be able to go so far before Mackenzie shows up at his front door announcing she’s his new PA.

His grief and pain fuel his anger but deep down he can’t deny his attraction towards Mack nor the way she patiently sooths his soul. And when an outside force threatens them both, they must learn to trust each other in order for them to overcome the difficulties before them.

I’ve always been a big fan of Rachel Van Dyken’s writing, which is unfailingly a joy a read with a great blend between spark flying moments that fuel the push and pull between the main characters, the emotional instances that drive the romance and the very sought after swoony-ness. I enjoyed every sweet, witty and steamy filled page of Risky Play.

Both Slade and Mack where fantastic characters. I loved the way they were attracted to each other from the very start. It went beyond the physical, they made each other laugh and smile and found an instant ease between them.

Of course that quickly changed and went downhill. Slade went from swoony to douchy when faced with heartbreak. But being in close proximity forced him to do some introspection and truly see beyond the surface, to get to know one another and ultimately fall in love. I loved Mackenzie for her patience and loving heart. I so wanted her to find that what she most wanted, a partner.

Risky Play is a sweet, fun and steamy, fast paced story I had trouble putting down with many shareable bits and a twist I didn’t see coming. I can’t wait to see what’s next in this series.

Risky Play is book #1 of the Red Card series by Rachel Van Dyken. It is told from both points of view, and has a happy ending.

Risky Play by Rachel Van Dyken. I always enjoyed her books that have a spicy storyline and this one hasn't disappointed me. Liked most of the characters and the plot.

Mackenzie DuPont is devastated when her fiancee leaves her at the altar, and in the aftermath she is left feeling lost and alone. On a whim she decides that her best solution is to embark on a solo adventure to find a way to move on... and finally do something just for herself.

Slade Rodriguez is in the midst of moving, leaving his former fiancee, his former team and his former life, all at once. Needing to get away from... getting away from it all, he hops on a plane bound for Mexico... and a much needed vacation. 

Mackenzie and Slade both aren't looking to find someone new, but when circumstances and adrenaline rushes have them crossing paths, taking risks with each other might be their best idea yet... until real life intrudes.

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Risky Play was a highly entertaining story that completely delivered with it's humor and great sex, while still being emotionally relevant. Mackenzie and Slade come together at low points in their lives which keeps the attraction that they share from developing into something more, and pits them against each other in a battle of who will crack first.

After her wedding fiasco, Mackenzie is left feeling inadequate and unable to fit into the mold of her previous life. Meeting Slade and feeling an instant connection to him, she is left even more broken when their fling ends suddenly. Back at home, she takes a temporary job to further her need for space from her ex, and comes face to face with a very different version of the Slade she met back in Mexico.  

Slade is in a downward spiral. After leaving Mexico so abruptly, he has been dealing with a devastating loss and his own highly charged emotions. Finding it easier to blame Mackenzie for his misstep, when she shows up out of the blue, he takes it upon himself to make her suffer for ever taking his attention away from what really matters. 

Whew. Mackenzie and Slade had quite the uphill battle to their HEA. With mistrust and betrayal in both of their pasts, it was way too easy for them to want nothing to do with each other. But, when loneliness and determination win out, their love story becomes one unforgettable journey.

I seriously loved Mackenzie's perseverance and understanding in the face of Slade's surliness and low blows. Both characters were dealing with heartbreak and the rebuilding of their lives, but it isn't until they find a common ground that their healing truly begins. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.

Nothing Risky about reading this book. Was hooked from beginning to end. Amazing characters and the storyline flowed beautifully. Didn’t want it to end! Would definitely recommend

Man what a book, I've said it before and I'll say it again I'm a big fan of Rachel's I cannot get enough of her stories, I loved getting to know Mack and Slade, they were so fun and their story while hard in some place made me laugh so much in others, Mack to me was the perfect mix of funny and strong. And Slade well damn I want one of my own lol

I really enjoyed this book. The blurb had me anxious to get my hands on it and let me tell you Risky Play did not disappoint. Once I started I couldn’t put it down, I ended up staying up late into the night finishing. These characters and their story was perfect.

Mackenzie and Slade are both trying to escape life for a little and go on vacation in Mexico. They met on the airplane and after that they had to spend time together. It was only one day but changed both of their lives. Mackenzie had been left at the alter and was doing something for her. While Slade needed to get away and take a break from his crazy life.

Mac decides to spend the night with Slade and thought it was more than a one night stand. Slade had gotten a terrible phone call in the middle of the night and left. They never expected to see each other again. They didn’t even know each other’s real name. Will they be able to move past Mexico and get back to what they had?

These two characters had great chemistry and you couldn’t help but hope they found their way back to each other. I can’t wait for the next book in this series. This was a fun fast paced read.

I have to be honest and say that this is the first book that I've read from this author! I've known about her for years and met her at a book signing, but I hadn't sat down and read any of her books! I was then sent an email about this book and it sounded like my kind of read and the cover is stunning, so I decided to read it! After reading this book, I can say that I loved it a lot! I was drawn in right from the first chapter and I kept wanting to read on and find out what was going to happen next! I also loved the direction that the plot went in and that there were quite a few seriously hot scenes between the two main characters! This book also only took me a few sittings to read and I really tried to take my time reading it, but I failed lol! There wasn't any action or suspense in the plot, but I was expecting this because it's a contemporary romance book! The characters were also amazing and made this book even better! Mackenzie was the main female character, and in this book she had just been through a messy sort of break-up, and she was left feeling sad and disappointed! Mackenzie then wanted to find someone that really loved her and she definitely found him lol! I loved Mackenzie in this book! She came from a rich family, but didn't flaunt her money and she had a job and looked after herself! Mackenzie was also easy for me to connect with and she never gave up on her love interest, even when he was an ass to her! Slade was the main male character and love interest of Mackenzie! I loved Slade a lot at the beginning of this book! He was seriously hot and it was easy to see that he had feelings for Mackenzie! Slade then went through a horrible loss and this did change him for a time and he was mean to Mackenzie! He then changed again after realising that he was blaming Mackenzie for something that wasn't her fault! It was also easy to see that Mackenzie had changed Slade and it was easy to see how much Slade loved Mackenzie! I loved that this book was written from both Mackenzie and Slade's point of views! I was kinda expecting it to be after I read the synopsis, so I'm really happy that it was! It helped me connect and understand Mackenzie and Slade more and it allowed for more things to happen in the plot, especially as they didn't spend every minute of the book together and they were going through their own situations! I now can't wait to read the next book in this series! I'm assuming that it's going to focus on a secondary character as the ending of this book was left at the perfect place for Mackenzie and Slade! I'm not sure though because I can't find any information on the next book, so I guess I'll have to wait until closer to this book's release date to find out more information about the next booklol! The cover for this book is also absolutely stunning! I loved it as soon as I saw it and it really dew me to the book and made me want to check it out! The cover models are also the perfect Mackenzie and Slade! Big thank you to Rachel, Skyscape and Netgalley for an ARC of Risky Play!

Brilliant! Rachel Van Dyken the most loveable heroine who looks for the positive in life even during the hard times. She fell in love with a Slade Rodriguez who hasn’t always been forthcoming but that doesn’t stop her.

As usual, RVD packs a powerhouse of feels in the most unexpected ways.

This story was pretty good. I did not love it because some of the male characters did some things I did not like. Mackenzie is the female lead and I absolutely LOVED her. She is a strong independant woman who has horrible taste in men. She had been about to marry this guy she knew from her youth, Alton. When he dumps her just before the wedding.

Then the book picks up 6 months later where she decides to go away for a honeymoon for one. That is how she meets Slade/Hugo. They have fun on vacation and have a sexy night when Slade/Hugo disapears on her. She is pretty devastated but goes home.

This is where things get weird. Mac is an heiress but her father owns a winery and he employs Alton. Yes the same Alton that dumped the daughter at the alter. As I said terrible taste in men and it starts with how her father does not have her back in relation to Alton. I absolutely HATED her father.

So Mac leaves her job and gets a job working for Slade. Slade in his real life is a hot, sexy soccer player and he is enemies with Alton's friend Jagger. To be honest I loved Jagger. He is in Mac's corner and he sees how great she is. But she wants Slade so there is a small love triangle thing goin on. Who will she go for? and will her father ever see the light?

This was a wel written story. I love this author but I did not love this story and largely it had to do with Mac's dad and Slade.

I don’t even know where to start, but I won’t spoil anything so...I’ll just say I love Slade and Mackenzie so hard! Their story is beyond amazing, and I can’t wait for more from this series! A definite goal scored with this one!

it was amazing

I wish I could rate this book with more then 5 stars!!!
This book is EVERYTHING!!!! I know I have said this many times, but Rachel just keeps out doing herself.
I loved Mack, im opinion she's just EVERYTHING. yes she's an heiress but the way she acts and treats people you would never know it. She's the perfect example of a world full of Kardashians, be a Lucy.
I am not even going to go into Alton. To me he he was an idiot and that's being nice.
Now Slade and Jagger I loved both men. Professional athletes on and off the field. My favorite scene with them is the camp. And I'll just leave it at that...

Promising start to a new series

Risky Play is the first book in Rachel Van Dyken’s new series Red Card.
I must adjust I loved Mack and Slade’s first meet... but then it went a little downhill for me. I didn’t like how Slade treated Mack back in the states. Or her treatment by some of the other men in her life. That being said it was a quick easy read and if your enjoy sports romance I urge you to try this book for yourself.
I received an advance reader copy via Netgalley.

This book had me hooked from page 1. I loved it!!! With an RVD book, I always know I am going spend hours of enjoyment reading and being drawn into the story!! The story is fantastic as are all of the characters! I was throughly invested in Mack's story and the hopes she would bounce back from that initial kick to the gut she takes in the Prologue. I was truly rooting for her after that!! Then there is Slade. Ooo-la-la. If anyone can make her feel better it is the hottie she meets on the plane. I love their story and where it takes them. It definitely was not always easy as life never is, but it was so worth it!!

Thank you to Netgalley/Publisher for this ARC!!

I absolutely loved this book! I'm a huge RVD fan, and her sports romances have been some of my favorites. This time we get a hot soccer player who is moody, broody, and angry, but playful and sexy at the same time. This book is sexy and fun while being emotional and romantic. A fantastic cast of characters, a cute dog and a fun story make this book one you won't want to miss.

4.5 stars

This was a rather fun and entertaining story that had so much drama, steamy moments and some rivalry too!
I loved the characters. I loved the banter, especially when it was funny!
I really enjoyed the way Mackenzie and Slade got to know each other! Initially with anger which was rather hilarious!
I loved seeing Slades caring side.
I thought the dilemmas they faced and the eventual outcome was fantastic and the whole storyline had me hooked!
Im wondering whose story will be next, if it’s anything as amazing as this book, we have something exciting to look forward to!
A sports romance with so many elements you will fall in love with the characters!!

I am usually a huge fan of Rachel Van Dyken, she is an automatic read for me. But for some reason this book fell flat for me. I could not find myself relating to the characters or rooting for any of them.
It was a struggle for me to finish this book and I highly doubt I will pick the series up. I will put this further back into my kindle and possibly pick it back up because you never know. There have been books I hated at the time and then later on in the year or the following year I absolutely loved. I am a total mood reader. I loved the idea for the story, but it just did not hold up to the hype for me.

Risky Play was the kind of book that made me wonder why I'm not reading more Rachel Van Dyken. I was positively addicted to Mack & Jade's love story, and, having just turned the page, I'm already hungry for more from this new series.

I mean, I was sucked in immediately to this fun, emotional romance. All the magic of romance books is present here: witty banter, sparky chemistry, heartfelt emotion, and strong characters. I will admit to giving a little side-eye to the virgin heroine, but Mack was fantastic. She was that perfect balance of strong yet kind. She had her fair share of insecurities, but they were justified and she didn't dwell on them. She was giving without being a doormat. She was a very nearly perfect heroine and in the end, I could not have adored her more.

Slade wasn't nearly so likable, but for me his heart of gold was always on display even if he often deserved a solid slap in the face. He was surly and rude, but never truly mean, and it probably helped that Mack was no wilting violet. Part of the reward of getting a hero who is not so nice, is getting to see the evolution from closed heart to open heart and, man, there is nothing more rewarding than that. I loved the way Slade slowly came around. I loved the undercurrent of possessiveness and protectiveness even as he was determined to push Mack away. And, in the end, I adored him every bit as much as I did Mack.

In all, this story just felt good to me. It was the perfect escape. My heart leaped on board and fluttered, ached, and soared right in time with the storyline. Even the conflict, when it came, didn't phase me. I was already fully invested in the happily ever after and, when that came? It was perfection. So rewarding. So fun. So so recommended! ~ Shelly, 5 Stars

A one night stand that changed both of their lives. Slade and Mackenzie had experienced despair, heartbreak and the need to be loved. One fateful meeting changed their lives. Encountering one another again must have been fate or life’s attempt at making a joke when everything has gone wrong. He would test her patience and question her sanity. Her faithfulness to slowly heal each of his wounds made her stronger and fulfilled the need to simply be wanted. He would slowly see she was the one he had been looking for all along and life had a greater plan for them. All it required them to,do was take the first jump.

Mackenzie and Slade are both trying to get away for a little bit. After a terrifying incident, they spend the day together. But, after receiving tragic news, Slade leaves her. When the two are each other next, insults and sparks are flying. When the two decide to put their anger aside, what will happen next?

This is a contemporary sports romance book that leaves you wanting more. More Slade, Mackenzie, Jagger, Matt and even Alfie. The humor, the romance, the suspense and the banter between all of the characters just pulls you into the world of the Seattle Sounders soccer team.

Rachel has a way of pulling you into the world's that her books create with no hope of you wanting to leave. From the humor to the romance, this book has a wonderful amount of all the components that make Risky Play a must read.