This was an okay read, but not something I'd recommend.

Part of it was because the timeline was seriously messed up. First of all, who waits six months to go on their honeymoon? Then a month later, after Mack has been working for Slade for a couple of weeks, he tells his best friend that they slept together "six months ago". Six weeks, more like it. There was a lot of back and forth about when events occurred, and it was confusing. And if she was originally hired to look after Slade's dog, why was her time with him connected to when she finished unpacking his moving boxes? But then she only had a few months before having to go back to her real job? (See? Confusing.)

In fact, this book needs another round of editing because people are sitting down, and then a few paragraphs later sitting down again. Or stepping inside the house and closing the door, only to collapse on the bed (which is supposedly upstairs and no one told me he had a transporter) seconds later. The book has a lot of these inconsistencies, and passive voice passages, and it's frustrating to be thrown from the story so often, and ridiculous to get to this stage of the publishing journey and no one has caught them yet.

Then we have the way Mack starts cooking for Slade, making heavy dishes like chili and casseroles. Um, he's a star athlete who has to keep himself top shape. He would need to stick to a strict diet and regimen, so her just randomly cooking whatever smacks of either poor research, or none at all.

Next we have this supposed connection between Mack and Slade and ... really? He disappears without a word, accuses you of vile things when you meet up again, treats you as subhuman but yet he's the one you can't live without and you forgive him because he's hurting? What about your pain? She's a doormat and will always be a doormat. She's supposed to be this strong woman, top in her field, and yet her own father won't back her up? I wouldn't stand for this and she's supposedly 30 years old. Ridiculous.

Aside from the first time (which is essentially a fade to black scene), there is no protection used or discussion of same. For an athlete who fears pregnancy scandals and blackmail attempts, this seems awfully negligent. Which brings me to the Drama Llama portion of the story. Was it necessary to heap more on top of every other stupid thing Slade did? It all just seemed so contrived and obvious and too much like drama for drama's sake..

And finally, I just didn't connect with any of the characters, and I certainly didn't feel anything for them or the emotions they were supposedly dealing with. One of the things I base my ratings on is whether or not the writing evokes matching feelings within me. I just finished two books that had tears streaming down my face, but with this one I'm told people are sad. And I'm told people are hurt. And I'm told there is love, but I just don't FEEL it. (I did, however, feel annoyed and frustrated; see above.)

Sadly, I'm going to have to take a pass on future books in this series, and on this author.

Mackenzie Dupont and Slade Rodriguez meet by chance on a plane bound for Mexico. It was supposed to be Mackenzie's honeymoon but, since she was left at the altar by Alton, it is a honeymoon for one. Slade is on a mini vacation since he just signed with a new team in the U.S. after leaving his European team. He is starting over after his ex-fiance' cheated on him with a teammate. They each use a fake name in Mexico and don't really get into many details of their personal lives. When Slade receives life-altering news, he flees Mexico and blames Mack for his guilt.
Mack has no clue who Slade is and is shocked when she discovers he is the sports star she is working for as a personal assistant. Mack doesn't expect Slade to be so rude, let alone mean. She is already trying to mend her broken heart and finds herself questioning why no one stands up for her. She is now under the belief that she only has herself to rely on and has a hard time not lashing out at Slade. She realizes that he suffered a loss, but she also tries to toe the line between standing up for herself and supporting him. She did a great job of not becoming a doormat and I gave her a lot of credit.
Slade finally starts to realize what he threw away and scrambles to figure out what to do. It was interesting to see him try and redeem himself.
Overall another great read by RVD and one of my favorites of hers.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.

Rachel Van Dyken does a marvelous job of making you fall in love with the characters, then in the next second, wanting to wring their necks while they redeem themselves in your heart. Groveling and witty banter are at the core of this story, while it's spun with back stories and twists you won't see coming. I'm enamored with the characters and can't wait for the next book in the Red Card series! I started Risky Play at bedtime, thinking I'd read a chapter or two...instead, I stayed up until almost 3am to finish it in one sitting! Definitely one of my favorite reads of 2019 so far!

The first in a new series and what can I say... once again I am drawn in from the first couple of pages. Mack is a character who most can relate too. Trying to please everyone until a breaking point that she finally decides to live for herself. Slade you feel bad for, then you want to punch then you fall in love with him! Both of them are overcoming their own obstacles but together they heal.

The one thing that I always look forward to with a Rachel Van Dyken Book is the humor. Although this is romance, Rachel give us something to truly laugh out loud too. This makes me feel like it’s more real and I enjoy the laughs. Mack and Slade together are perfect they both play well off one another and have great chemistry. I highly recommend this book and I am really hoping for Jagger and Matt books.


Our review is scheduled to post on the blog on March 19, 2019

Risky Play is the first book in the Red Card series by the kickass Rachel Van Dyken. I love when authors give us a new group of characters. It’s like getting to know new friends. I don’t want to ruin the story for anyone so I will make this fast.

Slade needs to get away from his old life before he starts his new one. MacKenzie needs to figure out what she wants in life after she was left at the altar.

Mexico. That was their destination. They were both on covers of magazines but were not in the same circles. He was a professional soccer player. She was an heiress. They both wanted to feel alive. And they did for one night. Then she woke up alone. With him on a plane. They didn’t think they would see each other again. That was until she showed up at his house. As his errand girl.

Slade and Mack didn’t trust easily. They both had their reasons. She was broken hearted. He was struggling after a tragic loss. They were both just trying to get by day by day. Then they walked back into each other’s lives. He didn’t want her there. She didn’t want to give up.

I don’t want to get in to it too much more. I will say that MacKenzie is stronger than she thinks. She doesn’t put up with Slade’s bullshit and I loved that about her. Yes, he was an asshole but don’t give up on him.

Overall...I totally loved it!! It gave me all the feels. From beginning to end I was hooked.

P.S. Trust Rachel. She knows what she is doing.

Quotes:

“Oh? You often kiss strangers?”
“Only ones from Spain.”

“I’m killing him tonight.”
Matt just sighed. “You can’t tell me that if I’m supposed to be your alibi. At least be smart about it.”
“I’ll go Dexter on his ass. He won’t know what hit him.”

“Call me woman and I’m burning more than the bacon.”

Mackenzie was left at the alter and is reeling for her life she planned for years. On her single honeymoon she meets Slade who brings out her wild side. After a wild night she woke up alone and by herself. Months later she is assigned to be his assistant to help him move into his new home and new soccer team in her hometown. Sparks fly between them and they have to .fight their attraction to one another. I loved his grand gesture to her.

Emotion ride with characters with many layers that make you root for them. Van Dyken can write a great series, I can't wait for more of them.

I am so in love with this book that I don’t know what to do now since I finished. I’m in awe.

Mack and Slade are everything I look for in a couple in the book world. They’re beautiful and their chemistry is so damn hot it could melt your damn panties off. They banter, they argue, they make mistakes but in the end they know what they want and know that it’s each other no matter the heartache they have to go through to reach the end goal.

Mack is one of my favourite heroines I’ve ever come across. She had to deal with one of the worst things a woman could deal with on an important day and it changed the way she viewed people and relationships. She put up a barrier which began tumbling down after meeting a stranger on an airplane who’s engine gave out with them on.

Slade, this guy has been through a fair bit. Horrible and heartbreaking and it changed him into a man he hated seeing, a cold bitter man until a not so stranger turns up at his door and starts changing things for him.

This book and the storyline was absolutely amazing. I never knew how much I needed this book until I had it. It was incredible and I’m in awe.

This is my first book from this author and I’m now wondering why the heck I haven’t read her books before. She’s an phenomenal writer and I NEED more of her books.

Risky Play was sad and heartbreaking mixed with fun and happiness and lots and lots of sexy times. I loved it so much. Most definitely one of my top reads!

I was friggin stoked to receive my first Rachel Van Dyken ARC! I was stopping myself from jumping up and down and happy dancing! She is one of my favorite authors in the world... Toxic is my favorite book of hers because it was memorable and it made me cry... I just love her. Her books usually cheer me up...

This is the love-story of Slade and Mack... Slade wanted to get away from the pressure of being a European soccer superstar and Mack wanted to forget the betrayal and humiliation she recently went through... both were on the same flight and were seated together... there was an engine failure and they both felt spontaneous... life is short and all sh¡+... and one thing lead to another... felt a deeper connection and then something bad happens and the rest is history...

I was so giddy the entire time I was reading... I devoured the book as fast as I can but at the same time, I didn't want it to end...

This is sort of an enemies to lovers kinda thing but it just didn't start that way... there was build up... there was anticipation... there was jealousy, angst.. and a bit of a drama. It has a bit of everything a good romance should have.

This is a story that'll make you see that regardless of social status, people would always do whatever it is to heal themselves... whatever it is to chase that happiness and whatever it is to have a peace of mind... whether you get a pay cut or move far away etc... this is a story of second chances... that some people are worth breaking your walls... that some people are worth sacrificing for...

I loved the story... I love that it's family centered which makes it relatable to me... I'm very close to my parents... I was a daddy's girl and when my Dad died, it really affected me so much...

The pacing of the story was great. The characters were great...and look at how gorgeous the cover is! It's light and an easy read and its definitely something ya'll would wanna check out right away... I definitely recommend!

When Mackenzie Dupont is left at the altar, she decides to treat herself to a single-girl honeymoon in Mexico where she loses her virginity to pro soccer player Slade Rodriguez. However, she doesn’t know that he’s one of the biggest soccer stars in the world and he doesn’t know she’s a famous Seattle heiress. But the following morning, Slade is gone. After suffering a tragic loss, he has his reasons for leaving and even though it’s not the right thing to do, he’s blaming Mackenzie for it and never wants to see her again. So they’re both in for a shock when Mackenzie shows up on Slade’s doorstep as his new personal assistant.

Just like all of Rachel Van Dyken’s books I’ve read so far, Risky Play was a very fun and well-written novel and it’s definitely one of those books you can easily just read in one sitting. I also laughed a lot while reading it, so if you’re having a bad day and you’re looking for something that’ll cheer you up, Risky Play is the right choice.

Another very important aspect of any book of course are the characters and the characters in this novel were great. My favorite one by far was Alfie, Slade’s dog, and every scene he was in made me smile so much. My only problem with the novel was that Mackenzie was a bit annoying and over the top during the first few chapters. Thankfully though, she became much more likeable soon afterwards and I ended up really liking her.

All in all, this was a great novel and I really enjoyed reading it. I can’t wait for the next part to come out this summer but in the meantime, I really have to finally check out all the other books by her I still have on my kindle because I bet they’re all going to be great reads!

When I have an author that is one of my favorites I always get nervous when a new series is started. I mean, what if I don't like it, what if I hate the characters, blah blah blah.....silly thing to say but there you go. That being said, as always I never should have worried and this book was fabulous. Our two characters Mackenzie and Slade were not perfect, they were both going through tough times in their lives but their love for each other was everything. Yet again, a book that had me laughing out loud with hilarious banter with perfect emotional moments mixed in. I can't recommend this book enough.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by NetGalley. I have read several book by RVD but I absolutely loved this one.
Mackenzie is left at the alter and she can't get away from him. So she decides to go on the trip she had planned for them. When the planes engine fails she seems comfort from a stranger. Are those sparks from the engine or from kissing him?
Slade has had so much bad publicity lately he decided to run and hide. Then the unthinkable happens. Now he's just moody and miserable. And to make things worst, the sexy stranger is now stalking him and then trying to feed him.
This is a swoony read and the flirty banter between them is awesome. I can not wait till Jagger's book!

Risky Play is another great read by Rachel Van Dyken. This sports romance is a solid combination of heart and steam. The characters were likeable. Slade was sexy and brooding. MacKenzie came into her own strength. I liked their banter. The storyline was enjoyable.This a romance worth rereading in the future. I would recommend to other romance readers. Thanks Skyscape and NetGalley for the ARC of this title.

McKenzie life had been planned out until her life fell part. Slade is a famous soccer player moving to America to play after his whole world was turned upside down. When McKenzie thinks tragedy may happen, she acts on her attraction to Slade. Will this chance meeting lead anywhere?

See, writing this review is a huge problem for me right now. I’ve read <b>Risky Play</b> several weeks ago (months, actually). I should’ve written a review as soon as I finished it, but of course I read lots of other books since then and naturally, I don’t remember every single detail about Rachel van Dyken’s latest novel now. Which is a shame, because I remember loving it so much, even considering it as my favorite of hers. That probably isn’t the impression of whoever is reading this review, but I know I really liked this one. I’ll just try to prove it.

Mackenzie has just witnessed what no woman ever wants to – she was left by her fiancé. At the very last moment, too. Right in front of every one of her wedding guests. Trying to overcome the loss of him, who was also her best friend since they were children, she decides to get away to Mexico. What should have been her honeymoon, changes into a single trip. Soon enough, she finds herself in the arms of Slade, a soccer player transferring from an English club to Seattle. It seems like the two of them have nothing in common, but their mantra is he same – to hell with it! Being attracted to each other doesn’t hurt either and so their vacation in Mexico turns into something else entirely. And it’s all based on lies – both of them using wrong identities. Can you really trust a stranger? Obviously not since Slade takes off, making Mackenzie feel like she’s reliving a familiar situation. But what happens when Mackenzie and Slade run into each other again?

If you’ve read van Dyken’s <i>The Bet</i> series, some scenes may seem familiar to you. Like, Mackenzie and Slade meet on an airplane and the way they act around each other reminded me so much of the characters in <i>The Bet</i>. I’m not saying that’s a bad thing, I just expected something new, but thinking of all these hundreds of books Rachel has written to date, I’d say it’s kind of surprising the author comes up with new ideas anyway. Really, it’s no big deal to me, but I just wanted to make sure I mentioned it.

The story held me captive from page number one. There’s just this certain vibe in all of Rachel van Dyken’s latest books, whether it’s in <i>Fraternize</i> or now in <b>Risky Play</b>, that’s rapidly becoming addictive. I can’t quite figure out what it is, but the setting, the vibes – it’s really making you dive into the story and wanting to get lost in it. You’re not just a reader with her books, you’re actually feeling whatever the characters are feeling. Rachel probably has a way with words. It must be the words.

Anyway… I’m a soccer fan, so I’m always up for any young adult and new adult books published in the US picking up that topic. I like to think that novels might help bringing some attention to that sport since it’s not the most popular one in the United States. Of course I wouldn’t like the romance to suffer just because of the author trying to tie in an underrated sport. Surely, that’s not the problem with this author, she knows what to do. You get a glimpse of what it might be like to be a soccer player, reading about the plays, the strategies and also some friend-or-foe battles going on behind the scenes, but it’s never too much. It’s just the right amount of it – a good balance.

There has to be some drama included and that’s what happens after Slade takes away Mackenzie’s virginity, leaving her alone at the hotel, flying off to his family (there’s a reason for that and if you come across other reviews, they’ll probably spoil that for you, but I choose not to). Yes, she’s a thirty year old virgin. And while I’ve read some bad reviews now, criticizing exactly that, I don’t even mind this detail. I think it’s great that the author always tries to cover up all kinds of women out there. Because there are thirty year old virgins in this world and why not pick this idea up and use it for one of her books?

So, I think you won’t want to miss out on this one if you’re fan of Rachel van Dyken. <b>Risky Play</b> won’t leave you disappointed. Also, no matter what community you feel like you belong to – second-chance-romance-lovers, hot-romance-lovers or heartbreak-lovers – this one includes it all.

4.5☆ Risky Play was a really good read! I felt like I cruised through it. It has a very interesting and emotional storyline that sucks you in. I will say that the beginning felt quite fast, it took a little bit for me to wrap my head around everything that was happening in that short span of time. I feel really bad for both Mackenzie and Slade and everything that happens to them. While I feel bad for Slade, I'll still admit that he acts like a jerk and takes his anger out on others while he's still healing. I really enjoyed how Mack gave it right back to Slade, but also showed that she still has a big heart. They're such a great pairing, I think they compliment each other very nicely. I would have liked a longer epilogue just to wrap up all the drama at the end and give me a little closure there. Other than that it was a great book!

Mack is reeling from being left at the alter by her childhood sweetheart/best friend. Slade is reeling from betrayal by his fiancée and teammate. They meet while on vacation and sparks fly.... until tragedy strikes Slades life. When they reunite in the most unlikely of ways, sparks fly for sure, just in a real bad way. As they navigate the situation they are in and get to know each other they learn a lot about themselves as well.

I loved the progression of the characters and the way Mack choose to be kind when she had every reason to not.

It’s such a true portrayal of loving someone when they seem unlovable and unkind. Sometimes love is not prefect and it’s not pretty.

If you are looking for a good romance with some angst, this book is for you.

In true RVD fashion she will draw you in from page one and keep you up late into the night (when you should be sleeping for work at 5 am) until you finish.

This is a must read!!

Broken hearts, near death experience, making out with a stranger and a loss....all within the first few chapters! This book gets your attention from the very beginning. I love the authors character development it is a perfect mix of creativity and wit.
Mackenzie is a sweet romantic that just wants to be put first in someones life. When her relationship takes an unexpected turn she decides to head to Mexico for a little rest and relaxation. Little does she know that this trip will change everything, in more ways than one.
Slade is the hot superstar soccer player that just wants to get away from it all and just be a regular person for a few days. His trip to Mexico turns his life upside down in ways he couldn't have possibly imagined.
Back in the states they are both faced with the reality of what they tried to run from and lies are no longer able to be hidden.
My only complaint is I feel the ending could have been a little longer, it left me wanting more. But overall I really enjoyed this book.

Risky Play hooked me right from the start. All I wanted to do was be left alone to read. I devoured it until about 75%. I’m still not really sure how I feel about the last part of the book. I’m not sure if it’s even necessary. This book was just a fun read and reminded me why I love reading in the first place.



I voluntarily read an early copy.

6% into the book, I read something that made my heart skip a beat. So of course I took it as a sign that I was going to love Risky Play.

I LOVED Mack and Slade. I loved their chemistry so much!

Truth me told I loved the character development in this book the most.
Slade may have his fame, fortune and good looks but geez, this man can be cruel and crude. So I’m not going to lie and say that I was rooting for him from the get go. But I will also say that there was an undeniable pull between Slade and Mack that made me want them together.
Slade and Mack had such a fun, witty, spunky chemistry along with emotional heartfelt moments that really made me second guess my thoughts regarding Slade. But Praise the Lord! Slade took his head out of his ass and he redeemed himself! Because half way through the book, I was gunning for him. I was gunning for them.

Risky Play is without a doubt absolutely SENSATIONAL!

Rachel Van Dyken has written a book that is heart-stoppingly perfect!
By the end of the book, I knew that I loved loved loved every single emotion that I went through reading this book.
I felt frustrated when things didn’t do smoothly for Mack and Slade.
I blushed at Slades words to Mack.
I felt the angst.
I felt the sizzling lust and the incredible chemistry between them.
But most of all, I was happy.
This book is fun, it’s sexy, it has characters who you can swoon over, it has amazing secondary characters, it has a storyline that just captivates you from the get go.

What more would you want?

I highly recommend this book! I can’t wait to read more books from this series. YAY!!!

❤️❤️❤️❤️ out of 5
My first RVD book and boy did it not disappoint- I devoured it in one sitting! I love sports romances so that was an automatic hook for me but this book had A grade banter as well as all the feels.
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After our heroine gets left at the alter she decides to go on her Mexican honeymoon solo. When one of the engines fail on the plane she decides to start living and kisses the hot stranger next to her on the plane. Little does she know that he is a mega star in the soccer world and our hero loves the fact that she wants him for him. Spoiler alert: the plane doesn’t crash and they don’t die. However, reality comes crashing in when our hero’s father dies and he leaves the heroine to wake up alone. Back at reality they are flung together when she unknowingly starts working for him but the man she remembers from her holiday is not the sad and angry man now before her.
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Loss is hard and RVD doesn’t shy away from exploring this in the hero. He is angry and tries to blame someone when no one is to blame- this is all too human and real. The heroine has this inner strength that also feels so real and human. She has done an amazing job at writing something that is the perfect balance of light and humour but also reality and loss 👏🏻👏🏻.