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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Risky Play was another enjoyable read from RVD. It was one of those books that you start and before you know it, you’ve been so engrossed you’re nearly finished it. It kept me entertained from start to finish and I was sad to see this book come to an end.
I really loved Slade and Mack and while there were times I wanted to slap Slade around the head for his behaviour and I wanted to tell Mack to walk away, when it comes down to it, grief makes people behave in different ways and with that understanding, I was really gunning for this couple.
This story had humour, emotion and well developed characters. All in all a fab read. 4.5 happy stars – bring on book 2!
Risky Play (Red Card, #1) by Rachel Van Dyken. I loved this book. This contemporary romance had so many emotions spilling out and flowing over that all reasoning blurred at the edges. I equally loved, hated, and laughed along with the characters. After reading the blurb, I thought I knew exactly how this will go. Wrong! Mack exhibited such insightful maturity which was a refreshing bonus from the usual immature reactions we typically see from heroines in this trope. This isn’t a one and done for me. I highly recommend this book as well as this author.
Risky Play is book one in the Red Card series and I truly enjoyed it! Mackenzie and Slade had amazing chemistry right from the moment they met. Two people who found each other at a pivotal moment, who seemed so perfect for each other, and then life stepped in and put an end to it all. But when they are brought together again by Mack unknowingly becoming Slade’s assistant, all bets are off!
I fell head over heels for Slade and Mack! I loved their banter, the snark, the tender moments, the passion..every single moment had me utterly surprised as to what would happen next! Risky Play was so full of emotion, I was all over the place reading it! I cannot wait to read the next book in the series!
This is my first read from this author…I was not disappointed, and it won’t be my last read. Riscky Plan is the first book in the new Red Card series.
Mackenzie Dupont (Mack) is the only daughter of one of the most important and rich men in Seattle, heir of a wine dynasty and she was a wine taster for the company. Mack was supposed to marry Alton, her best friend from childhood. All her life Alton was by her side marriage was like “expected”.
All her life she was Alton’s shadow…Alton making all her decisions for her. She was alone, without any friends, only Alton and her family. All her past, present and future was Alton. She didn’t love him, but she was accustomed to him. She didn’t know another way to live without Alton by her side, so they got engaged and now they were supposed to marry.
Mack was left at the altar by Alton because he couldn’t marry her. She always was the perfect daughter, perfect fiancee, always was what others wanted her to be, but never herself. So she thought it was time to change that, she wanted to change that. She wanted an adventure and so she went alone in what was supposed to be her honeymoon, a vacation in Puerto Vallarta.
In the plane, she meets the most gorgeous man she has ever seen in her life, but feeling adventurous, she gives him a fake name. Only she doesn’t know he does the same to her. So after the most beautiful and important night in her life, she wakes up alone, abandoned and feeling used.
Slade Rodriguez is a professional soccer player, the best striker in the world. After being cheated by her fiancee with one of his teammates, he takes the biggest risk in his life and his career, he leaves the Champion League in Europe, from Chealse to move to the U.S. Seattle. So before he starts the training with his new team, he leaves for vacation in Puerto Vallarta. He wants to get away, to forget everything.
On the plane, he meets the most gorgeous woman he ever saw and he gives her a fake name. They became very close, too much close actually. He thinks this is his shot at a new life, another chance, a new beginning, a good life. But just like that, his life is turned upside down with just a phone call…So he leaves.
After Mack returns with her heart broken from Puerto Vallarta, she decides it’s time to take a break from the winery and take her aunt job as a PA for a famous star. This famous star is a soccer player, none other than her Hugo from Puerto Vallarta, only his name isn’t Hugo and he isn’t the kindest and sweetest man she met there. He is Slade Rodriguez and she has no idea why he hates her.
The writing and the story were very good. I felt and I enjoyed very much the attraction and the chemistry between the main characters. The secondary characters were awesome. Slade friendship with Matt and his interactions with Jagger were epic, and I can’t wait to read and find Matt and Jagger stories. Also, Alfie, the bulldog was amazing.
I like and I enjoy jerks and A-holes, but Slade was MEAN. Way to mean. And Mack just stood there, she just took it all, didn’t fight back. She was way too good, too sweet and too kind for him. I think she forgives him way too easy. Slade should’ve suffered more.,,BUT the ending was very good.
All in one Riscky Plan was a great book, an easy, sweet and funny read! So if you are looking for something sweet, funny and easy to read, this book right here is the one for you.
I recommend this book!
**I received a copy of Risky Play from Skyscape Publishing and Net Galley in exchange for a voluntary and honest review. My opinions are mine alone and not solicited.**
Risky Play by Rachel Van Dyken is the first book in the authors Red Card series. I haven’t read the author before so I was quite surprised at how good and the humor between the Matt and Slider was truly awesome. How could you resist Alfie, Slade’s bulldog? His loyalty could be swayed with kibble and walks. If I could give Risky Play more than 5 stars hands down it’s worth at least 10 stars.
Slade Rodriguez is the new slider for the Seattle Sounders and a recent transplant to our rainy city but when his ex-girlfriend not only betrayed his trust and heart So before he has to report to the Sounders he decides to take a vacation to Mexico, while on the flight he meets Mackenzie who also had her own rejection from her would-be-groom. Between to two of them they’ll spend one day having fun until a tragic loss sends Slade back to his home leaving Mac with no knowledge of why he left. When he meets Mackenzie again he’ll treat her with angry words and she’ll feed him with food and kindness. Can they work on their trust issues and learn to love each other? Or will a past betrayal take Mackenzie from him with their lies?
Mackenzie DuPont is not only a heiress but a talented wine taster when the man she grew up with and loved has left her standing at the altar. When she decides to go to Mexico little does she know that she’ll meet Slade but also have one day having more adventure but she’ll once again be left alone while wondering what she did wrong. When her father decides to keep her ex-fiance she’ll take a break and work for her cousin who sends her to be a personal assistant to yep, you guessed it Slade’s house. Between their banter together they’ll build a friendship, love and trust. But old foes never seem to go away as both Mac and Slade will have to battle lies from past loves before they get to their happily ever after.
This book is a series of events that take place in Mack and Slade’s lives and it bring them together in a powerful and real way. Yes, Slade is a total jerk throughout a lot of the book but he is very broken and having a hard time coming to terms with his new reality. Mack is a strong, caring and determined woman that doesn’t hesitate to put him in his place. The fabulous part about these two is the way that they compliment each other. She is emotional and vulnerable in areas that he is her rock and vice versa. It was great watching them grow and learn throughout this book. Add in the great writing and this is a book that you don’t want to miss out on!
Mack decides that after the most humiliating event in her life, that she is taking time for just her. She planned on clearing her head, but she never imagined meeting the most amazing man during the flight.
This book is a series of events that take place in Mack and Slade’s lives and it bring them together in a powerful and real way. Yes, Slade is a total jerk throughout a lot of the book but he is very broken and having a hard time coming to terms with his new reality. Mack is a strong, caring and determined woman that doesn’t hesitate to put him in his place. The fabulous part about these two is the way that they compliment each other. She is emotional and vulnerable in areas that he is her rock and vice versa. It was great watching them grow and learn throughout this book. Add in the great writing and this is a book that you don’t want to miss out on!
Mack decides that after the most humiliating event in her life, that she is taking time for just her. She planned on clearing her head, but she never imagined meeting the most amazing man during the flight.
Six months after Mackenzie is left at the altar, she takes advantage of the honeymoon trip she had planned. When one of the plane’s engines goes out, she frantically turns to the man next to her and asks him what the one thing he regrets is. His answer warms her wine tasting heart and then she does the one thing she that ensures she will die with no regrets. She kisses the ever loving heck out of him…and he returns it.
Slade has learned the hard way to not trust freely. Living in the spotlight only makes that lesson more of necessity. The first Slade we meet however, is carefree and ready to indulge in whatever this is that simmers between him Ashley/Mackenzie. However, when tragedy strikes, the guilt weighs him down and makes a decision that will leaving lasting marks on Mackenzie’s heart.
Mackenzie has never felt like she was enough. There was no one to fight for her, to hold on to her, or to share passion with. Add in that the man she had known all her life turns out to be so different than what he showed her, and her trust level drops dramatically. Is it any wonder that when she reunites with Slade and finds a hard, bitter and angry man that that lesson is solidified in her mind?
Slade gives us some awesome grovel as he sets out to win his woman. There are several jealous and possessive moments as well as some pretty great protective scenes as well. Slade shines as a great example of a book boyfriend. And when he finally has the all clear to make his move on Mackenzie again, he gives it one hundred percent. And the steam pouring from my Kindle as a result was proof of that!
I loved getting to know Slade and Mackenzie. Loved the way they each had their own issues and were able to find a place to deal with them. Some of the steps to get to their happy ever after were angsty and painful, some made me want to smack Slade across the top of his head, and some were actually hilarious. The secondary characters were fantastic and I cannot wait to get more from them.
Really, this was just a fun romantic read with plenty of alpha goodness and some alpha hole actions that required lots of groveling and a heroine that grows into her own and finds a strength she never recognized.
Dual POV
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!
This author is a 1-click for me. Every single book is enthralling.
Mackenzie DuPont and Slade Rodriguez had amazing chemistry, even if Slade was doing everything to push her away. I get it, kind of. He was hurting before he met her, then started falling for her, because let’s face it, Mack is ah-mah-zing. Then when tragedy strikes, he blames her because he needs to place blame somewhere.
Poor Mack. Mackenzie didn’t plan on meeting this amazing while on her way to her honeymoon destination alone after being left at the alter. One fake name and several adventures later, she was heartbroken for a second time when the amazing man she was getting to know disappeared without a word. Taking what was left of her heart and her virginity with him.
Slade needed to get away and in the process started falling for the innocent woman who made him feel alive again after a public scandal rocked his world.
“I realized I would do anything to make this stranger smile at me like that again. One. Day. In.”
But one bad phone call and he took off without a backward glance siting she was to blame. Color them both surprised when she becomes his new assistant!
I can’t get enough of these characters. There were a couple of times I gasped thinking I had figured it all out only to be completely surprised by the events unfolding. And others that had me giggling like a fifteen year old boy.
“Damn, you need a keeper.”
“Just sent the flowers, alright?”
“And the note? What should that say, ‘Please don’t press charges, my dick knows not what it does?'”
This book was sweet and full of emotion. These two characters couldn’t be better matched, only if they would both forgive and forget. If something is worth having, it’s worth fighting for. I can’t wait for the next book in this engrossing series!
“Name one thing you would have done differently.”
“One thing,”
“Just one.”
“I already did it-I kissed you. And then I jumped.”
Holy soccer player, Batman! Slade is a fun character from beginning to end and I enjoyed watching the evolution of his emotions from his first encounter with Mackenzie through the end of the story. Although he’s a soccer player, his profession takes a back seat to the love story created by Rachel Van Dyken.
What starts out as a one-time, OMG situation turns into so much more. Challenges, lust, love, and so much more combine to give us this charming romance novel. Once Mackenzie gets going she’s has a combination of both a free-spirit and never-give-up attitude. And while Slade CAN be a pompous ass, he can be the sweetest character with a giving heart.
The scenes between Jagger and Slade had all the signature banter that RVD is known for and that always makes me snort-laugh. It’s something that I always look forward to when reading a new RVD book and she doesn’t disappoint. Witty, relatable characters and a wonderful storyline make Risky Play a must-read.
Also, can we get a book for Jagger and/or Matt? That’d be great.
4.5 Stars
As if soccer players weren’t sexy enough!!! Now we have Slade Rodriguez.
Slade Rodriguez, Europe’s golden boy of soccer and Mackenzie DuPont, a well-known sommelier and daughter of a wealthy winery owner meet on a vacation flight to Porta Vallarta. When the plane suffers a malfunction, Slade and Mack end up kissing. What a way to ignore impending doom!!
Surviving the flight, they discover, that, not only are they staying at the same hotel, they are room companions too, with Slade having the penthouse suite adjacent to Mack’s. A whirlwind dy together is followed by a mind-blowing night.
But, what started as something magical and beautiful, not to mention unexpected for both parties, turned into a one night stand of disastrous proportions. Mack was still recovering from one beating to her heart already, now she’s been dealt another blow, and this one is way worse.
Slade received some bad news and left her suite like a thief in the night. No goodbye or we’ll meet again. Just mental blame and recriminations.
This was way more than just a sports story, it was deeply moving, and dealt with lose, and betrayal. Lies and mistakes. The bitter reality of simply being human and making the wrong decision and then admitting to that fallibility. Accepting blame, and making it right.
Slade made mistakes, and he went all out to make it right. He was a sexy as sin, darkly brooding character who, not only found light and beauty in Mack’s eyes, he got redemption too. Mack, although, not a shrinking violet, had a lot going on in her world, but they way she loved Slade, was both heartbreaking and heartwarming. She could have walked away, and on one would have blamed her. But, this man! He laid claim to her heart from that first kiss and she didn’t stand a chance. Theirs was a love so deep and sensual, it was a wonder to watch them grow into it.
Slade and Jagger were a bit of a conundrum at first, but even these two guys found their way back to a friendship that had been torn apart in the past. And, their agent, Matt, he was a laugh. Wonder who’s going to be next in this new series? I’m voting for Jagger.
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 last 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!
I normally really love reading the romance stories by this author and this book I was really looking forward to, it had everything that i’ve come to expect from Rachel’s storytelling apart from one thing that really annoyed me, and that is the over annoying hero in this book and how the heroine gives into him far to easily. Slade is a complete ass to Mack and yes it was quite endearing how she never gave up on him but it also made her seem a little too needy and desperate at times. This book would have been a 5 star read for me otherwise as I liked the plotline. If only Slade had been a little less mean and moody and had had to work at getting Mack to want him again before she fell into his arms with very little resistance. I just wanted Mack to have a little more fire in her personality. Having said all that I still very much enjoyed the story as the writing was very good and the story flowed well it just wasn’t one where I was blown away by it’s leading couple. The star of the story for me is Alfie, he was absolutely adorable, and you will love his funny little personality.
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
This is my favorite Rachel Van Dukes Book so far! I loved Mack! Usually I’m all about the hot guy but no not this time, now don’t get me wrong I really liked Slade but Mack she stole the show for me. She’s strong, has a great personality and honestly she’s hilarious. I loved the way she gave Slade crap and didn’t let him get the best of her. Their banter was so fun to read about, they make the best couple.
I could go on and tell what the book is about but hey, check it out for yourself. If you’re looking for a cute, funny sexy read this is definitely for you. I really enjoyed it and highly recommend it. In fact I will be reading it again. I loved it.
This is my favorite Rachel Van Dukes Book so far! I loved Mack! Usually I’m all about the hot guy but no not this time, now don’t get me wrong I really liked Slade but Mack she stole the show for me. She’s strong, has a great personality and honestly she’s hilarious. I loved the way she gave Slade crap and didn’t let him get the best of her. Their banter was so fun to read about, they make the best couple.
I could go on and tell what the book is about but hey, check it out for yourself. If you’re looking for a cute, funny sexy read this is definitely for you. I really enjoyed it and highly recommend it. In fact I will be reading it again. I loved it.
*Review by Michelle
I love this one. Risky Play is a fun read. I love the sassy stubbornness of Mackenzie. Even Slade’s jackassory was cute. Mackenzie is looking for changes, a partner. Slade is just trying to get by and doesn’t trust easily. You can feel the instant these two meet that Slade and Mackenzie are made for each other. I love the fight between them and the second chance they take. Slade will steal your heart before you even notice he has. I loved Risky Play and I can’t wait for the next one. This is a fun sport romance that you will want to one click.
“Our eyes locked again with something I didn’t fully understand, something that told me the universe was giving us a chance, a moment in time, to come clean, to confess before it was too late. And then the moment shifted.”
“He’d made me feel alive. Then killed my soul in one fell swoop.”
“For the first time in my life–it felt like I wasn’t going to jump and have to catch myself. I had someone by my side. Just as eager to take the leap. Just as willing. To catch me after the fall.”
Risky Play is the second chance romance that I have been waiting for. From sexy, hotter than hot soccer players to a broken heart in need of a fresh heart, this book hit all the marks I was looking for.
Risky Play follows the story of Mackenzie and Slade. Mackenzie was all set to marry her best friend when the rug got pulled out from her. In order to heal her broken heart, Mackenzie decides that she should go through with her honeymoon trip and enjoy a little taste of paradise. What she didn’t plan on was Slade. Their chemistry was instant and hotter than hot. Slade is the perfect gentleman and is everything Mackenzie was looking for….that is until Mackenzie found herself alone in bed the next morning….Little does she know her world is about to be once again turned upside down…..Slade Rodriguez has the world at his feet and is passionate about the game. But, there’s a price that comes along with fame and he’s got his own reasons for wanting to disappear for a while. He never saw Mackenzie coming and can’t deny the peace that she brings him. But, when tragedy strikes, Slade is forced to leave and throws his guilt to the wrong place. His loss turning him into a person he no longer recognizes. So, when fate intervenes and puts these two together once again, sparks will fly, but it’s not the sparks you’d be hoping for. For now, they are stuck with one another and must learn to coexist with one another. Sparks fly and tension like no other mounts. Will these two be able to move past their broken hearts? There’s only one way to find out…
Risky Play was an absolutely fabulous read. It is pure Rachel Van Dyken magic. Not only is this story incredibly well written, but the plot is the kind that you just can’t help but get sucked in to. The characters are fantastic. Their story completely captivating and filled with lots of hearts. I loved the laughter filled moments and those hilarious one-liners. I loved seeing Mackenzie stand up for herself and not take any of Slade’s crap. I loved those oh, so frustrating moments that made me just want to reach inside my kindle and knock Slade upside his head. I loved the passion and sparks and the moments that just made me swoon. My heart ached for those angst filled moments. Like I said, this book had it all and left me with all the feels.
I easily devoured this book in one sitting and loved every single moment of it. Fans of Rachel Van Dyken, you won’t want to miss Risky Play.
Risky Play is the first book in Rachel Van Dyken’s new series, Red Card.
The main characters are Mackenzie Dupont and Slade Rodriguez. Theirs is a chance meeting on an airplane where they ended up after both experiencing some devastating events in their lives. Mackenzie was left rather harshly at the alter by her ex and she is heading to Mexico to escape from said ex and to let loose. While Slade is heading to Mexico after life dealt him a rough hand. He is a world famous soccer player and his jaunt to Mexico is so he could escape from the media glare. The instant Slade and Mackenzie meet on the plane, their chemistry sizzles and sparks. Everything is great and they definitely decide to take things further after Landing and finding that they are on the same floor. But its the aftermath of their night together when tragedy happens. Slade left abruptly and Mackenzie has her faith shattered in love and men…but the story doesn’t end there. They end up in each other’s orbit again when Slade plays for the US Soccer team – especially in the city Mackenzie lives in. The story pulses with angst, heartbreak, anger, betrayal, guilt, pain, love, passion and romance. Slade came off as a huge jerk and I hoped there would be a love triangle in this story with another character because that character really saw Mackenzie for who she was. But alas, not to be. Slade did win me finally back on his side so I hope the secondary character will get his own book next. This was a great read that will have the reader hooked right away and like me, wanting to read more in this fantastic new series.
My Rating: 4.7 stars ********