4.5 stars

Mackenzie Dupont needed a break. After being left at the altar and facing her ex-fiance at work every day, she needs a break where she doesn’t have to be the jilted woman. She already had the honeymoon planned and booked, so it seemed the perfect opportunity to take some time for herself.

Slade Rodriguez wants a few days to unwind before reporting to his new team in Seattle. Having ended his European soccer career earlier than some would have liked, he has his own reasons for being ready to play stateside.

Their meeting was serendipitous. Two people looking for a short period of anonymity. Using fake names, their time together is intense and has both craving more time together, until Slade finds himself needing to leave suddenly and without time to notify Mackenzie. When they meet again, neither expects what they find in the other, and Slade is still dealing with the events that had him fleeing Mexico.

I loved watching the two of them circle around each other when they meet again. Mackenzie’s new role in Slade’s life was exactly what she needed to find her feet again, but also gave them a series of uncomfortable encounters that force them to face what was developing between them in Mexico.

Mackenzie was a well rounded character and I enjoyed getting to know her. She just wanted to get out of the rut her life had become, a rut she hadn’t recognized until her ill-fated wedding day. The changes in her life, though unexpected and shocking to her family, were exactly what she needed to find herself again. Despite the rocky start with Slade, and then the rocky reintroduction to him, she held herself high, kept moving forward, and maintained her search for herself.

There were times it was hard to like Slade though. He is avoiding the emotions that sent him running in Mexico and hasn’t taken the time to work through them. When he finds himself face to face with Mackenzie again, those emotions come back full force and he doesn’t know how to deal with them. He turns into a massive jerk for a time, though his friends (and rivals) try to warn Mackenzie that it really is his problem not hers. I had a hard time during those jerkface moments, but had already fallen in love with the man we met in Mexico so gave him a pass to figure out his baggage.

This was a sexy, fun read filled with fantastic tension and conflict as they work through the baggage they are each carrying from previous situations. The side characters were a great addition to the story (with the exception of Alton, who it was entirely too easy to dislike) and they provided some great pushes and encouragement for both main characters. I look forward to more from this group of characters, especially the always exasperated Matt.

I received a copy for free from the author and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

I love books that cause me to completely lose track of time as I’m reading. Risky Play did that for me. From the moment I met Mackenzie and was shocked by her circumstances, I wanted to know how this woman would pull herself together and tackle the challenge life tossed her way. When she decides to embrace adventure, she meets Slade and boldly shows the confident woman she truly is. Slade is that cocky athlete but when he meets Mackenzie, he is shocked she doesn’t recognize him but is glad at the same time. He has just uprooted his life following a betrayal so these two have something in common. Their chemistry is electric as they both throw caution to the wind and embrace the attraction that they both feel. Mackenzie takes another blow when Slade disappears. Now, when these two reconnect, well, it’s funny and heart-breaking. Slade is shattered and mean but Mackenzie is compassionate and strong as she does her job to take care of him. I love the vulnerability we get to see from Slade as he works through his grief. There is a scene with a boy that is absolutely breath-taking as he helps the boy deal with his own loss. The journey Slade takes to cope and realize that Mackenzie is one of a kind had me captivated and needing to know if he could redeem himself. I loved that Mackenzie stuck to her guns and true to herself as they worked toward something deeper. I was sad when the story ended but so glad I took a chance on this couple. I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.

This book was such a pleasure to read. RVD sure knows how to draw you in and keep you captive long after you've read the very last word.

Mack was jilted at the alter but still has to work along side the man who ruined her life. She needs an escape and she plans to get it in Mexico on her own damn honeymoon. Pro soccer player Slade needs an escape from everything going wrong in his life. That's why he's disappearing off to Mexico without even a good bye. When these two cross paths, fake names abound and one hot and steamy night turns into anger on both accounts. But imagine both their surprises when they end up working together. No amount of NDA's can stop the sizzling attraction but they must get their anger out to find what's in front of them.

OMG this book, this couple, absolutely amazing!!!! I cannot wait to become immersed in the Red Card world again. I will be eagerly awaiting the next installment.

**Received ARC through NetGalley. Voluntarily reviewed**

Slade and Mackenzie are both dedicated. Both with very legitimate reasons to not trust others, specially the opposite sex. Both the best in their own field. So of course they make a great match! It just takes them a lot of work to get to that trusting point. Specially since he has a lot of anger and guilt he needs to work through. The book pulled at my heartstrings a little with what happens to Slade. I felt like he needed a true friend, someone that would genuinely care for him. But the trick is that it needed to be someone of his choosing, that one person he would let in. And I loved that it was Mackenzie because in return she needed a warrior. Someone that would make her a priority and would not lie to her. And that is exactly what he becomes. Not just because he is loyal, despite the public thinking the contrary calling him a bad boy, but because he admires her. Even when his impulsive temper causes him to mess up constantly, he truly has the best intentions, he believes she is the best and treats her like it. They are equals. It's a nice fun story for these characters. Very eye opening for them where in a short amount of time they realize that they just click. They feel right for each other.

Risky Play was an emotionally heartfelt story that started out with a bang. It had everything I've come to love in a Rachel Van Dyken book. Characters that felt real, a story-line that pulled at my heart and scorching hot scenes that made me fan my face. But there was also a strong hate to love vibe that made this story such a winner. If you're a fan of sports romances, Rachel Van Dyken or hate to love romances then definitely pick this one up!

“More champagne?” He pointed to my hand still clutching the champagne with a vise-like grip.
“Yeah,” I croaked.
“Are you by yourself?” he asked a few seconds later.
“Yes.” Don’t cry. Don’t cry. Don’t cry.
“Do you want to be?” he asked softly.
I shook my head, no…
Just then he hopped over the partition, swept me into his arms, and lowered his head.


Six months after we watched Mackenzie be ditched at the altar, she treated herself to her honeymoon. Alone. She met a man named Slade on the airplane and I absolutely loved how their time together progressed, eeks! With fake names, a whirlwind day of fun and a night that was steamy and romantic, it was absolutely addicting watching them be together. But that next morning, Slade left without a word. While they never thought they would see each other again, one month later Mackenzie ended up being Slade's assistant. And it definitely wasn't a warm and fuzzy reunion.

He was barely touching me, and my body hummed to life.
I stepped away.
I had to.
I didn’t trust him.
I couldn’t.


While Mackenzie was the heiress to one of the largest wine brands, she was completely down to earth and I easily connected with her. She was kind, patient and I loved that she took risks and was brave. But my heart hurt for her. Mackenzie had been burned by men and never seemed to be enough for them. So when Slade started using Mackenzie as an emotional punching bag, she held nothing back and stood her ground. She didn't understand why she was now hated. But she'd much rather spend her time with Slade, instead of going back to the winery. Where she would have be around the man who left her at the alter.

“You’re making this harder than it should be.” I crossed my arms.
“And you make me harder than I should be. And yet, here I am.” He crossed his arms.
Don’t look down. Do not. Look. Down.
I gulped.
His smile broke out into a huge grin. “You were saying?”


Oh Slade. He was such a complex man. And one that I absolutely loved. He was the number one soccer player in the world, but his trust was definitely jaded from his past and his fame. But thankfully we got to see his softer side in the beginning. When he was in Mexico with Mackenzie, Slade was charming, seductive and fun. But when we saw him a month later, he was cold and callous. He could be so mean and hurtful to Mackenzie, it hurt to watch. Since we alternated between Slade and Mackenzie, you'll find out why he is the way he is. He was so bad, but I also knew just how amazing he could be.

I had to convince myself that the man in Puerto Vallarta didn’t exist.
Because if he did?
I wouldn’t let him go.


As Mackenzie invaded Slade's life, doing her job, I was so proud that she would continually throw Slade's attitude back in his face. She never took it lying down. And probably the most amazing thing about Mackenzie is that she took a bad situation and found a way to be positive about it. I absolutely loved her! As the story progressed, I loved seeing peeks of the old Slade. The one I fell so hard for. When his charming or seductive side would come out, I couldn't stop the smiles. But best of all I loved watching the moments when Slade was fiercely protective of those he cared for. It was crazy hot!

Her hands dug into me, clung to me like I was going to let her go, and it broke my fucking heart that she might actually think I would do that because of our history.
I wasn’t letting this go.
Her go.


While the sexual tension was absolutely delicious, I loved when Rachel Van Dyken took them a step further. Not only was it seductive, but I loved how she could seamlessly lace humor into those moments. There was a shower scene that had me laughing so hard I was crying. But outside of Slade and Mackenzie, there was also friendships that I adored reading about. Matt and Jagger were my two favorite side characters, you have to meet them! Also you have to meet Slade's dog, Alfie. He was such a cutie! So yes, I definitely recommend this book! Risky Play made me laugh, cry, smile and fall in love. And it gave me ALL the tears with that ending. It was so perfect! Now I can't wait to read the next book, which is about Matt. That man made me crack up and smile so hard, I can't wait to hear every single one of his thoughts!

I really enjoyed this one. Really no angst, low drama mixed in with some fun times. For a sec I was not having any big loveies for Slade, but then that turned around so I was good. Mack is a great strong character and I really liked the secondary characters, Matt and Jagger. Yeah, it’s good.

Wow! This book took me by surprise. I really didn’t have any expectations going into this book except that RVD never disappoints, and I’m pretty confident in saying this is my new favorite from her. I couldn’t put it down and finished it in one sitting. I loved Mackenzie and Slade and their instant connection. They were on fire even when they were hating each other. And Mackenzie’s growth throughout the book was perfection. She was such a well balanced heroine and I loved the way she owned herself. Slade was a jerk, understandably, but the way he went after what he wanted when he realized what he had?? That solidified him as a swoon worthy hero. I also loved Matt and Jagger, and I hope they get their own books.

Risky Play by Rachel Van Dyken is book One in the Red Card Series. This is the story of Mackenzie Dupont and Slade Rodriguez.
Mackenzie was harshly left at the alter but goes forward to make the best of things by continuing on to the vacation in Mexico. There she plans to loose her Innocent and mover forward with her life. There she meets Slade but both pretend to be someone else to protect their identity. They have their hot encounter but Slade finds he missed a very important call about his father he up and leaves. Somewhat hurt and upset about the way the man left her,Mackenzie tries to move forward. But guess what.... their one night stand comes back to haunt them. Slade is a pro soccer player and his new personal assistant is Mackenzie. Slade is holding guilt from missing the call about his father and is taking it out on Mackenzie....which doesn't leave him in a good light with us readers...but he slowly redeems himself I thought at the end.
Overall really enjoyed their story and will be looking for more in this series.

Risky Play by Rachel Van Dyken is the first book in a brand new series by this author. The series is called Red Card, and it’s all about the soccer players! Hang on to your hats--and your hearts, guys!

Mackenzie and Slade meet on an airplane and spend an amazing day and night together. The problem? Neither one uses their real name. When tragedy strikes Slade’s family, he disappears. Weeks later, life throws them together once again. Can they help each other heal from past wounds or will they walk away for good this time?

There is a reason Rachel Van Dyken is a best-selling author. She has this talent for character and world building that truly amazes me with each and every book. And Risky Play definitely lives up to that reputation. Mackenzie is a survivor. She may be taking a break from her “real” life for a bit, but she’s a hard worker, so she gives her all--despite all the obstacles a certain soccer player throws up. And Slade isn’t really a jerk, he just acts like one sometimes. But underneath it all, he’s simply hurting. And hurt people...hurt people. Usually the ones closest to them. I adored watching each character heal, learn, and grow throughout this story. Because a damsel in distress totally annoys me, I really loved Mackenzie’s character. And a slightly tortured, tall, dark, and handsome hero? Uh...yes, please!

NICUnurse’s Rating: If a good sports romance is your jam, Risky Play is most certainly for you. The main characters have a depth to them that we’ve come to expect from Rachel Van Dyken, and there is drama aplenty. But the trademark humor is also scattered throughout the pages. I’ve yet to be disappointed by any book by this author, and Risky Play certainly did NOT disappoint! I give Risky Play by Rachel Van Dyken 4.5 stars!

I'm gonna be honest here and say that I am a bit over the whole "virgin" trope. If I never have to read about another virgin again...that would be fine by me. That said, I am a fan of Rachel van Dyken's work and so I really don't want to miss out on the books she writes, so I figured I just had to trust her and give this one a go ;)

And I am so glad I did because Mack was pretty awesome !!

MacKenzie is the 30-year-old heiress of a wine empire. She is a sommelier (wine taster) at her father's company. She has also just been left at the altar...by her best friend Alton. The friend she grew up with, the one who was always by her side and who was supposed to run this wine-empire with her in the future...

She tries to resume her life but having to look at her ex-fiancee...(who already showing off his new girlfriend) is just a bit too much. So she decides to go on the honeymoon she bought for the two of them alone... She could use a bit of a time-out...an adventure ;) She wasn't prepared for an engine malfunction though... And while the airplane's engine has exploded, so does Mack's heart when she kisses the handsome man sitting next to her...

Slade Rodriguez is a pretty famous soccer player looking for his own time out. Life has thrown him a few curve balls, and he needed to get away from it all. He wasn't expecting the beauty sitting next to him...kissing him...while the airplane rocks it's way down...

Being in the same resort, and on the same floor even, they decide to take their chemistry a step further. 

But tragedy strikes a few hours later and when Mack wakes up...there is no sign anywhere from Slade... 

Having no place to go, she decides to go and work for her aunt for a couple of months, so she won't be confronted with her jerkface ex again... since her father refuses to fire him. She didn't expect to come face to face with a different kind of jerk though..

I absolutely loved this book. The back and forth banter was amazing and I laughed my ass off !! Mack was no weak and wilting heroine by any means. She was so strong and sweet and funny. I am glad I put my prejudice about the whole "virgin" thing aside. 

It took me a bit longer to warm up to Slade, but he worked hard for it so I have to give him my stamp of approval as well ;) 

The side characters were pretty awesome, and I really fell head over heels in love with Matt... He's definitely my kind of guy and I hope he will get his own story soon.

That's not to say I won't be looking forward to Jagger's book, because he was great as well... Can't love em all the same though :P 

I highly recommend this series !!

Everytime I pick up a Rachel Van Dyken book, I know I am in for an unforgettable ride. Risky Play was no exception. The characters, the story line and the writing all were crazy perfection.

Star soccer player Slade and wine company heiress Mackenzie's first meeting was a chance encounter in a plane with failed engines when they were both going for a vacation in Mexico. They were not honest about identity but they were honest about the scorching hot bone deep chemistry between them. But something makes Slade leave her without a goodbye and that was devastating for her as she was recovering from being left at alter. Now months after they meet again. And in entirely different circumstances. Can they start over? Can Slade overcome his misery and heartbreaking guilt over his father's death and realize his true feelings about Mckenzie?

Slade is perfect. Well more than perfect. Of course he is the hottest man alive. But his caring, vulnerable, compassionate and emotional heart is what made me fall head over heels love with him. And Mckenzie is just the perfect match for him. She moulded herself to her family's expectation and so called picturesque future. But she has learnt her lessons and now she is a stronger woman. But even the strongest woman needs someone tp care for and fight for her. And Slade is exactly that! They make each other better and that's what true love is all about. The secondary characters like teammates from Slade's soccer team were amazing.

Rachel Van Dyken excelled at incorporating wicked humor in her story. The writing is flawless and smooth. I found myself laughing uncontrollably and squirming in my seat with all the arousal and sighing with the sweetest emotions. I devoured it in one sitting. Risky Play was like one of those extravagant carnivals. You won't want to come out once you enter. You will be spoilt by so many great choices entertain yourself. And I gurantee you the best time of your life!

Risky Play is the first book in the new Red Card Series and what a way to start the series !!!! I fell for the hero and the heroine, I loved the plot and the banter they shared but must of all I loved that this author wasn’t afraid to show their vulnerability and for me that made the real somehow.
Mackenzie (Mack) DuPont was jilted at the alter but she is not going to let that honeymoon go to waste 6 months on she decides to go on her own and that is where she meets a man who makes her feel like living again who makes her want to be wild and passionate but she has given him a fake name what she doesn’t know is he also gave her a fake name so can two people who used fake names really trust each other or is it just a week of passion.......
Slate is a professional soccer player but he needs a break and is having a vacation before he starts at his new club and using a fake name is ideal if you don’t want to be stalked down the line but what happens when feelings come into play how do you tell someone you never trusted them enough to tell them your real name.....
I couldn’t put this book down and throughout it I was wishing this couple to get the HEA they so deserved even if the world seemed intent on keeping them apart. I loved the group of characters that are at the center of this story and I can’t wait for book 2 which I really hope is Matt’s story.

Risky Play
By: Rachel Van Dyken

📚💕⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💕📚

Ohhh so frustrating!!!

In yet another amazing book by Rachel Van Dyken we meet Mackenzie and Slade and she takes us on a very frustrating story. What happens when both characters have redeeming and destructive qualities. He can be a jerk she can be a doormat but could they be incredible if they open up and take a good look inside of themselves.

What else can a virgin do when she’s ditched at the altar? Seattle heiress Mackenzie Dupont is treating herself to a single-girl honeymoon in Mexico and a desire to relinquish her innocence to a gorgeous one-night stand. Fake names. True pleasure. But when she wakes up alone, Mackenzie realizes just how much anger is left in her broken heart.

Suffering a tragic personal loss, pro soccer player Slade Rodriguez has his reasons for vanishing without a goodbye. Right or wrong, he’s blaming the beautiful and infuriating stranger he never wants to see again. They’re both in for a shock when Mackenzie shows up as his new personal assistant. And they both have a lot to learn about each other. Because they share more than they could possibly know, including a common enemy who’s playing his own games. And he’s not afraid to get dirty.
Now there’s only one way Mackenzie and Slade can win: to trust in each other and to stop hiding from the lies they’ve told, the secrets they’ve kept, the mistakes they’ve made, and the attraction that still burns between them.

I really enjoyed this book and it kept me engrossed throughout. I really loved the characters and the way they interacted with each other. This is a fun, hot, romantic must read book and I would definitely recommend this book to anyone.

This book has everything I love in a book. Then you add that it's beautifully written and believable. It is easily a five star read. Written in dual POV my personal favorite this story flows so incredibly well that the next thing you know your 80% into the book and loving every second of it. The believable way the characters interact is perfect. Run, Hop, Jump or use your (1 click) finger to do whatever you have to do and get this amazing book. It'll break your heart, you'll want to scream with frustration and it'll let you discover that love just might conquer all. The chemistry is steamy and sweet and oh so romantic.

Thanks Netgally for letting me read and review.📚💕

I serious loved this story

Mackenzie DuPont is taking the belated honeymoon by herself after being dumped at the altar on national television when she meets Hugo and introduces herself as Ashley. Hugo and Ashley spent one night together until Hugo received a call telling him that his father had died and he caught the first plane out without telling Ashley.

Mackenzie goes to work for a personal services company doing errands for people when she is assigned to take of stuff for the new soccer player Slade Rodriguez. Little does she know the Slade is actually Hugo and the first time she goes to his house he accuses her of stalking him and when he finds out that her name is Mackenzie all things changed. Slade was really hurt by his former fiancé which is why he signed with an American team and tries to push Mackenzie away.

Rachel Van Dyken has taken a sports romance story and taken it to a whole new level! I’m preordering Matt’s book today and I’m hoping Jagger gets a story too.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

***5 ‘#TeamMackenzie’ Stars***

This one was a total emotional roller coaster of a ride, an amazing one, but still, the whiplash you get from this one is real. These characters, ALL of the characters, pulled everything out of me. One second I wanna gut someone with a spoon, the next I’m laughing out loud (no, seriously Out. Loud) and the next I wanna hug someone...and let’s not forget the panty melting. This one pushed all the right buttons and had me devouring every word and wanting more.

Slade. This man. I loved and adored him, I did, but I also wanted to gag him and duct tape him to a chair ~ and not for fun, smexy times ~ because he is...intense...a little volatile...I mean when this man goes big, he goes BIG. But for all the times I wanted to Gibbs smack him, there were just as many where I swooned and wanted to hug him. Mackenzie. This woman is pretty damn amazing, this isn’t to say I didn’t have my moments with her, but the strength she has to still see the good in things and hope for more was something I admired. Sassy, real and with a golden heart, she was kind of everything. (Also, she loves wine and anyone who LOVES wines is pretty awesome in my book #winoshavetosticktogether)

From the moment Slade and Mackenzie collide sparks fly. Lots and lots of sparks of all kinds: sparkly ones, nuclear ones and everything in between. No doubt starting off anything with a lie, even a white one, isn’t a good thing, but man things definitely go sideways for awhile. But even with everything in a weirdly controlled chaos, these two simply worked for me. They had that thing going on where I knew if they’d just let go (well, if ONE of them would let go...can you guess who??) then they’d be amazing together and though it was a struggle and numerous roadblocks were in their way, I loved where they were at in the end.

I’ve only read a small percentage of the books RVD has published and I’ve enjoyed them all, but this one is my favorite so far. She definitely took me on a ride as Slade and Mack worked through their issues and I loved seeing them evolve, even if it was painful at times. And then there is the supporting cast of characters. You all know how much I love well written characters and there are a couple of great ones in this baby. Matt, Jagger and Alfie were so much fun, even when I wanted to Gibbs smack one of them (many times). They definitely made this one a fun read and I cannot wait to get my hands on their books!

All I can say is that I smiled the entire time I was reading this (well there may have been a tear or two but for the most part...). I loved ALL the characters--not only the main characters Mack and Slade--but Jagger and Matt. The banter between Slade and Mack throughout is only eclipsed by the friendship that is Matt and Slade. Even enemies Slade and Jagger could not be contained. Slade is definitely a truly arrogant man, but when he loves, he really really loves. He comes across as only being for himself, but the core of him is so much more and we learn this through not only his words but his actions. Mack is so much stronger than she ever gave herself credit for and I want to be her when I grow up. While humorous, there are deeper issues...trust being a huge one...secrets that threaten to pull them apart. Will they both be strong enough to see things through?

This book was just a fantastic read. I know we are not really far in to the new year yet, but this is already one of the best books I have read this year.
I loved Slade & Mack. How they both have come from a bad place to then find each other and then navigate their new relationship, it was just so wonderful to read.
Thankfully this is the start of a new series, and if the next book features Jagger, I will be one happy girl.

Will be posted at Romance Reviews Today soon. http://romrevtoday.com/

RISKY PLAY – Rachel Van Dyken
Red Card, Book 1
Skyscape
ISBN: 978-1542043724
March 2019
Contemporary Romance

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico & Seattle, Washington – Present Day

Six months after literally being jilted at the altar, winery heiress Mackenzie (Mack) Dupont is flying to Mexico for the honeymoon trip that isn’t being used. On the plane, she encounters a devastatingly handsome man. Mack figures she’ll never see him again, but it turns out he is staying at the same exclusive resort she is. She gives him a fake name (she’s a tad too well-known after her infamous jilting) and he tells her that his name is Hugo. One thing leads to another, and they’re soon locking lips…and even more. After she gives him her virginity, Mack wakes up the next morning and discovers that her lover has made a hasty exit. Angered by his abandonment, Mack heads home to her family, and a few weeks later, to a temporary career as a household helper for an international soccer star. To her surprise—and utter embarrassment—her new job is with Hugo, only his real name is Slade Rodriguez

They hit it off in Mexico but once they meet again in Seattle, they clash in RISKY PLAY. Slade had recently broken up with his girlfriend after she cheated on him with another man, while Mack was still hurting over her ex-fiancé, who now has a new girlfriend. So, they both were on the rebound when they hooked up but decided to keep their real names secret to avoid even more notoriety. The sizzling attraction between Mack and Slade has things going fast for them. After saving her virginity for her ex, Alton, she doesn’t think twice that Hugo/Slade is the one. He walks out while she’s sleeping but the truth of the matter is that he received a call with bad news—his father was dead. After ignoring numerous calls from his father while he concentrated on wooing Mack, he is now racked with guilt to learn he died.

In RISKY PLAY, Mack is feisty after spending most of her life doing exactly what her wealthy parents wanted her to do, which included marrying Alton. Now she is ready to spread her wings, even if it’s only going to be for a few weeks. Slade needs someone to take care of his dog while he’s gone all day training and practicing with his new soccer team, the Seattle Sounders. When Slade opens his door and sees Mack, his first reaction is that his one-night stand has found him and wants to blackmail him. But Mack is just as shocked as he is to see him. Still reeling from his abandonment, Mack isn’t happy to find out that he is her employer and would walk out, but she needs the job. Their relationship from that point on is a hilarious battle of the sexes. Both feel the other has to “prove themselves.” Will they get to the point that they can trust one another again?

A cute and funny book about a hookup that turns into more, RISKY PLAY will have readers chuckling while rooting for Mack and Slade to find their way back to each another. After being let down by others, they’re struggling with trusting love again. But it turns out that they’re each other’s best bet. An engaging read that I highly recommend, pick up RISKY PLAY today.

Patti Fischer

A new series by Rachel Van Dyken, sign me up always for any of her books. When I heard she had a new sports romance coming out, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. Let me begin that I thoroughly enjoyed Risky Play, but there was something that stopped me from giving this one a 5 star rating.

I was eating up every word, but there were things here and there that were noticeable enough to take me out of the story. There's a bit of drama towards the end that I wish didn't play out, it almost didn't seem necessary. I think I would have absolutely loved the book more without that bit at the end.

Rachel really starts this book off with a bang! We're introduced to Mackenzie and Slade, who have a rather crazy encounter on a plane, in a situation that is my worst nightmare come true. There's this instant deep connection that resonates between the both of them and it's something they simply can't ignore. With both of them escaping to paradise before they go back to reality and face their present, they spend a day forgetting it all and taking jumps.

That little turn of the tide in the beginning really set things going for me and I was just reading so quickly trying to appease my mind to what was to come between Slade and Mack.

I gotta say, there are only so many authors who can get me to change my mind about a hero that's a Grade-A you know what in the beginning and just loving them by the end. Even though I wasn't on board with the way that Slade was treating Mack, I understood what he was doing. Everyone grieves differently and he was harboring a lot of that day and who he lost. But my goodness, he was gutting me with his hurtful words towards Mack. I have no idea how she found it in herself to forgive him, but she made him work for it!

Mackenzie is the absolute best! I loved that even when she was constantly knocked down by people in her life, she remained strong and did her best to keep moving forward. Rachel didn't give us a weak heroine. It was definitely heartbreaking at times because she was just getting things thrown her way from all angles. But it didn't matter what Slade or her ex and sometimes her father would throw her way, she ALWAYS gave it back. And I was 100% rooting for her!

There was one quick thing that I wanted to touch on before wrapping my review. There's alot of different characters in this one and I was coming around to the bromance between Slade, his agent and probably his only friend, Matt and his ex-friend/teammate, Jagger. Their banter is absolutely hilarious and I hope we see more in the rest of the series. I was a bit iffy about Jagger and I still kind of am because the bit of side drama involving him and just some of his motives in general. I'm hoping he gets a book because I need to know more about this man.

So yeah, definitely an enjoyable read, but it was the unnecessary drama that I could have done without. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series!

RATING 4.5 STARS

Risky Play is book one in the brand new series, Red Card, by Rachel Van Dyken. This book was just fantastic. I instantly fell in love with both the hero and the heroine. They were both strong and vulnerable. They made mistakes but they held themselves accountable for them. Read on and let me tell you about them.

Mackenzie (Mack) DuPont grew up the only daughter of parents that owned a wine dynasty. Wine was her life and she was a wine taster for the company. From birth, her best friend and constant companion had been Alton Davis so it was no surprise when they eventually became engaged. But at the alter, in the middle of the wedding, he walked away.

“Thirty years I’d been part of a duo. And now, now I was just me.”

It’s been six months since the wedding that didn’t happen. Mack has lived her entire life being the good daughter, the perfect fiancé. She decides it’s time for an adventure. She goes on the honeymoon she had planned to surprise her ex with to Puerto Vallarta by herself. On the plane she finds herself next to about the most gorgeous man she has ever seen. But this is the new Mackenzie, the adventurous Mackenzie. So she gives him a fake name. She doesn’t want him to know her as the sad woman that’s been all over the tabloids.

Slade Rodriguez is a professional soccer player, the best striker in the world. He has his own reason for needing a break, for needing to forget. He took the biggest risk of his life and is changing soccer teams. He had to get away. So before it was time to start training with his new team in Seattle, he randomly chose a resort in Puerto Vallarta for a vacation.

A kiss on the plane led to a night beyond either of their imaginations. But just when Slade is beginning to think his luck is finally changing, something tragic happens to cause him to leave, leaving Mack to wake up alone. In the weeks to follow, Slade needs to blame someone for his grief so he blames Mack.

Mack needs a break from working at the winery so she begins working for her Aunt as a personal assistant. Her new client is supposedly a big soccer star. Luck seems to be laughing at her when she comes face to face with the man that left her in Mexico, the man she hasn’t been able to get off her mind. The man who now seems to hate her.

“He wasn’t mine to save”

Even though Mack should hate Slade, she sees his pain and can’t help but want to help him. So she decides to wear down his anger through his stomach. She cooks for him. And wear him down she does. Slade is reminded of the woman he began to fall for in Mexico. But he’s been so awful to her. Could she ever trust him again? Could she ever give him a second chance?

I couldn’t put this down. These two needed each other so badly but it seemed like everything was trying to keep them apart. Don’t even get me started on her awful ex. He was truly the villain of the book. I fell in love with both Slade’s manager, Matt, and his teammate, Jagger. And then there was Slade’s adorable bulldog, Alfie. To top it all off, the ending, the last chapter, was perfection. I didn’t expect that at all and I totally swooned. The epilogue was adorable. This was such a good book and I can’t wait for the next book which is Matt’s story, Kickin It. What a great start to this new series!