Even one-night stands deserve a second chance in New York Times bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken’s novel of sporting desire.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 … 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.
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**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!
Luvd this.
I really enjoyed this book. When I read the blurb I was dying to read it. The story was really good I luvd how Slade and MacKenzie. Things weren’t goin great for them and they needed to get away. Both characters were dealing with crappy relationships and the last thing that they needed was to jump into another. But sometimes you dont know what’s around the corner. But instantly there was something between them. They both might not of been honestly with each other but I did understand why they both did it. Things were complicated for both of them life was just messy.
I was hooked from the start of this book. I luvd Mack and Slade. They both changed so much they were good for each other. It was great to see that Mack had started getting strong she stood up for herself when Slade was being so horrible. Slade has a wicked mouth and he really knows how to hurt her. But she never gives up she has a job to do and she will do it. Even when things get unbearable. But I do feel sorry for Slade things aren’t easy for him either. I just want to hug him. Plus the sexy is super sexy so ye hugging him would be great.
I would highly recommend this book. I luvd everything about it. I’m really looking forward to more of this series I need more of Jagger he is a great character and Matt so I m really hoping for more from them.
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.
For my first time reading a book by Rachel, I must say she sure knows how to get us so involved in the story that it’s like we are therw, witnessing it all. They way that this one was told was brilliant, MacKenzie and Slade give it that good girl bad boy feel but it’s more than just that. They have chemistry, love, joy but most of all each other to complete themselves. I can’t wait to read more and give it 5 stars. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book as an Advanced Reader’s Copy.
This was Pure entertainment. Everything about this was so enjoyable. What’s not to love ? It had everything you could ask for some hot soccer guys ,broken bride ,cheating exes , even a little enemy to lover vibe. These two are navigating new lives , now we toss in some hilarious one liners and some serious swoon! Now that’s a romance . This is one you should definitely grab . Bonus we have a bulldog !
Absolutely loved this story. Two broken hearts who meet by chance. Both want to remain anonymous until they meet again. A fantastic read about chance, betrayal, healing and love. Slade and Mack’s chemistry, scorching hot. Their banter will make you swoon as well as laugh. I highly recommend this must read!
What a fun sports romance! Mack was left at the altar, and them meets Slade, an international soccer star, who is going through his own set of problems. From start to finish it was a great story with likable main characters and a good set of side characters that I hope we see in the future.
Risky Play shines in true Rachel Van Dyken style. Mackenzie and Slade had some great witty banter and awesome chemistry. I could really relate to Mackenzie”s desire for a true partner. My heart broke a bit for her. And even though Slade made a big mistake when he was really emotional. she allowed him to have another chance to prove himself. Mackenzie and Slade were super hot together and I can’t wait for RVD to work her magic with Matt and Jagger!