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.

Mackenzie and Slade, two people who are getting away from heartbreak. A chance meeting and false names gives them memories to hold on to. But circumstances separate them. That is until another chance meeting brings them together. Each has to deal with hurt and trust issues before they can see the love they have for each other. I cried and laughed. No spoilers here. But Rachel Van Dyken does it again. This is a stand alone but I can't wait for the next book.

This book was amazing! So amazing I read in one sitting!!! I really could not put down! This book made me laugh and cry! I totally felt like Mack, I did not know if I wanted to punch or kiss Slade though this whole book. I can't wait for the next one!!

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.

Wow! What a hot read this was! This was by far the best book I have read by this author, and I love all her books! It was wonderfully angsty and naughty too, just what I’ve come to expect and love from Ms. Van Dyken! Straight to my favorites shelf! Well done!

I really enjoyed this book as I’m a firm believer in things happen for a reason, even though the reason maybe extremely hard to see as some situations are devastating, but eventually, they all work out the way they are suppose to.. and let’s not forget that this is one of those books where you instantly fall in love with the characters and really hope for the best..

**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**

Oh how I love Rachel Van Dyken! This book is just another example of this versatile author's awesomeness. This book had me from the first chapter, hence the fact I read it in nearly one sitting.

Mackenzie Dupont endures every woman's nightmare - she's left at the alter. Not only is she left at the alter, but every bit of it happens in front of a huge socialite crowd and it ends up on the front pages of gossip magazines as well. When Mack reaches her breaking point, she decides to take matters into her own hands and do something for herself - she goes on the honeymoon meant for her and Alton, solo.

Slade Rodriguez has a lot of change happening in his life at the moment. He caught his fiancee cheating with his former best friend and to top it off, she's pregnant with the friend's child. Not only that, but he's made the decision to leave his European soccer team to come play in the US, near his mother in Seattle.

When Slade and Mack initially meet on the plane, and then realize they are staying at the same hotel, they give each other fake names, Hugo and Ashley, thinking that this way the other will be none the wiser about their social statuses. The chemistry is there immediately and after a hot and steamy night together, Slade up and vanishes before Mack wakes up. This spells the end of them, right? Nope, think again.

Back in Seattle they encounter one another again and the chemistry is still there, but there are a lot of factors working against them. Alton, Mack's former fiance, isn't done with tormenting her and Slade's nemesis and new teammate, Jagger, causes problems when he makes a play for Mack. Will these two be able to trust one another and their feelings in order to really make a go of things?

I absolutely loved this book. It was everything we've come to love about RVD books; wonderful characters, a fantastic storyline and great sub-characters as well. I also got really invested in these characters and what was going to happen to them. I felt their anguish, pain, victories and elation. I can't wait to see who else gets a book in the Red Card series, because there are certainly some great candidates with both Jagger and Matt! I highly recommend picking up this awesome title!

Risky Play was such an incredible new start to the Red Card series!! I loved the characters and I cannot wait to get romances from them all.

Mackenzie Dupont was left at the alter by her life long best friend and she is devastated. Actually, I think I would describe her as lost. Mack thought she knew how her life should be all laid out but now she needs to find herself and her new normal. It's something that excites and terrifies her.

It's this drive to move her life forward that brings Slade Rodriguez into her orbit. Their chance meeting changes everything for both of them and it leads to a connection is both passionate and fun. And together they are toe curling hot.

Overall, I thought both characters are well developed and dynamic - they felt real to me as a reader. They have strengths and flaws which carry the storyline forward at a nice pace. I never wanted to put the book down and I actually finished it in one reading.

Bottom line - I absolutely adored this book and highly recommend Risk Play to others. Fans of Rachel Van Dyken will be pleased that it has her usual quick wit and sense of humor as well as a vibrant love story. If this is your first book by the author, it will make you a RVD book junkie.

Rachel Van Dyken writes sexy, funny, swoon worthy romance that will leave you begging for more. Has for me. Can’t wait for more by this very talented author. Love her books and loved this one. Definitely a top 5 of my favourites by her. Absolutely recommend

Look, I love some passionate repartee but Slade was honestly a jackass. And while I could read Risky Play and enjoy many elements of it, I didn't really care if they got together or not. I am definitely interested in reading subsequent titles as I felt the secondary characters had more heart.

Oh my me! A brand new series from Rachel Van Dyken? Yes, please!

Risky Play is book one of the Red Card Series.  This is a great introduction and fantastic story of Mackenzie and Slade.

Mackenzie is recovering from a devastating incident and decides to run away and be someone else for a few days.  To unburden herself from her current situation and be her true self.

Slade is running too, he is running from a bad situation and wants to be left alone.

Slade and Mackenzie meet during a turbulent time.  They don't reveal their true identities and have a magical evening.  Until they don't.  True life gets in their way and separates them.

I admired Mackenzie's strength to try to get her family to "see" her and be on her side. I admired her strength to stay the course even when everyone seemed to be against her.

Slade was struggling to overcome his loss.  I could empathize with him and I loved how he did come through that.  I also loved how he stood up for Mackenzie when no one else seemed to.

The secondary characters are phenomenal and I can't wait to see who Ms. Van Dyken writes about next!  She has a magic to her words that will draw you into her stories and not let go.