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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4.5 stars
This was a rather fun and entertaining story that had so much drama, steamy moments and some rivalry too!
I loved the characters. I loved the banter, especially when it was funny!
I really enjoyed the way Mackenzie and Slade got to know each other! Initially with anger which was rather hilarious!
I loved seeing Slades caring side.
I thought the dilemmas they faced and the eventual outcome was fantastic and the whole storyline had me hooked!
Im wondering whose story will be next, if it’s anything as amazing as this book, we have something exciting to look forward to!
A sports romance with so many elements you will fall in love with the characters!!
Mack and Slade might be my favorite couple Rachel Van Dyken has written yet. Their personalities, banter and connection they try to deny make this book sizzling and hard to put down.
After spending time together with fake names they have to figure out how to handle each other’s real life personalities. Both have been burned and are dealing with personal issues but. What is going to be the breaking point where they go from lovers to a complicated employee/employer relationship to where they both stop denying the attraction and give in.
This is a fun, engaging, emotional, and steamy romance with lots of heart! What a great start to the new Red Card series by Rachel Van Dyken. Socialite, Mackenzie Dupont was left at the altar and is now trying to pick up the pieces of her life. She has a night of unbridled passion with a a sexy man she met on vacation. They both connected and talked of more. But he needed to leave suddenly and left them both heartbroken and angry. Now they meet again, when Mack finds out that she is Slade Rodriguez’s new assistant. They are both surprised to learn neither were truthful in Mexico. Slade doesn’t make it easy on Mack, but she has learned the hard way how to handle entitled men. They both learn quickly that they know nothing about each other and they begin to like what they discover. But someone is playing games with them and they need to trust in what they’ve begun with each other before it’s too late. I really liked Slade and Mack, they had more in common than they knew and were perfect f or each other. I loved their banter, how they challenged and supported each other, and their explosive chemistry. I also loved his teammates and can’t wait for Matt and Jaggers stories next!
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!
Mackenzie and Slade met on a plane and even though they notice each other they don’t jump on the opportunity to talk all that much. Well until a while later and the question that comes up is what is one thing you regret not doing and their story unfolds from there.
Their story reached into my heart and squeezed it. I felt what they were both feeling and had a hard time not crying at parts and wanting to hug each of them. Their emotions were right there and I wanted to hold their hands and tell them just hold on, you got this.
Slade had a hard time trusting, well actually they both did. They both had their reasons and believe me I’d have a hard time trusting too but they started letting each other in a little at a time.
Loved Slade once he got over himself and he became the man he should be for Mackenzie. Mackenzie was a strong woman and I absolutely loved that she got stronger as the book went on.
I am quickly becoming a HUGE fan of Rachel Van Dyken’s. Yes, her romances are sexy, but they have a heart that is oftentimes lost in other romantic stories. This is definitely the case with her newest book, Risky Play. This book is the first book in a new series, The Red Card Book series, centered around players on a soccer team.
This story has a little bit of a second chance, enemies-to-lovers, contemporary romance vibe to it. It follows Mackenzie “Mack,” an heiress to a wine conglomerate and Slade, a professional soccer player. They meet when each of them has run from the sting of a broken relationship. They have insta-chemistry, and they act upon it. Unfortunately, tragedy strikes and they are separated, only to be reunited later when Mack acts as a personal assistant to Slade. At this point, Slade is angry with her, and the fireworks fly. They struggle against their chemistry and disdain for each other. This is the set up for the rest of the story.
Risky Play embodies so many qualities. It is funny, heart-rending, sexy, and romantic. There were times when I laughed out loud at Mack’s antics with Slade. However, most of all, my heart hurt through this story, specifically for Mack. She simply wants to be “seen” in this story. She is never “seen” by her ex-fiance, by Slade, and by her father. It creates this angst that hurts your stomach as you read the story. She gives so much of herself to everyone. Yet, they take so much from her. For me, Risky Play suggests that true love comes when the person we love really understands, accepts and acknowledges the essence of ourselves. When this realization hits Slade, he becomes the quintessential book boyfriend, giving more to Mack than anyone in her life has previously. It’s this quality of the story that grabbed me and pulled me into it. I simply could not put this book down.
If you love redemptive love stories, then you will LOVE Risky Play. I know I did.
Overall: 5 Star Read
I loved reading Risky Play by Rachel Van Dyken, the first book in her Red Card series. Two people a little lost and trying to find their way meet each other when they least expect, but things do not necessarily go as planned! Mackenzie, needed a fresh start after being left at the altar, so she heads to the honeymoon she never had. Slade Rodriguez is getting ready for a huge chance, so decides to take some time off first.
When Mackenzie and Slade meet, sparks fly, but they are not completely truthful to each other. They have an amazing night, but a tragedy calls Slade away without any word. Imagine their surprise when she is now his personal assistant and they realize who the other really is! Slade holds unjust anger towards Mackenzie, while she has no idea why he left. Can they learn to trust each other before it’s too late?
Risky Play was angsty and charming and had me devouring the book. Slade and Mackenzie had great chemistry, banter and surprising and sweet moments together. Slade was not always the nicest guy, but he was dealing with loss and change. Mackenzie was sweet and caring. I am excited for the next book in the series!
Read and reviewed for Reviews From the Heart.
Happy reading.
Every bride dreams of what her wedding day will entail. The furthest thing from one of the most memorable moments of your life is the possibility of being left at the altar. For Mackenzie – her life was a culmination of memories that led to this moment. Nothing could have prepared Mack for her groom to walk out the door when he should have said ‘I Do’.
With the embarrassment of her failed nuptials plaguing her every moment, Mackenzie decides to show a little streak of rebellion by heading to the honeymoon destination all alone. Nothing could have prepared Mack for the moment that she would question everything that transpired in her life. An unusual journey led Mack to cross paths with Slade. Unbeknownst to Mack, Slade was escaping his bad boy image in the world of soccer. Leaving the handsome stranger on a quest for a little bit of soul searching of his own.
Determined to have the adventure of a lifetime, Mackenzie decided to throw caution to the wind where this trip was concerned. Armed with a fake name to ensure her privacy once she left paradise, Mackenzie embarked upon her adventure with Slade as the focus of her quest to shed her good girl image. Slade was fighting his own demons and decided Mack might provide him with the distraction that he was longing for. That one night would end up changing both of their lives in more ways than one.
Risky Play was unlike any novel that Rachel Van Dyken has penned to paper. An unfortunate set of circumstances that led Mackenzie to the tropical island that would lead her to cross paths with Slade. Two completely different characters that will find their lives interchanged in more ways than one. The quirkiness of Mack’s character was unexpected, and at times hard to imagine. However – those qualities made the story pull me in deeper the further I read.
Nothing about the encounter that Slade and Mack experienced will lead you to believe how their paths cross once more. A story that left me laughing, shaking my head, and rooting for a couple that clearly needed someone in their corner through the good times and the bad. Risky Play was definitely nothing that I expected from reading the blurb, but couldn’t tear myself away from even if I tried. I can’t wait to see what is in store for the rest of the series!!
This was one of those books that has you feeling all the emotions. I so enjoyed this book even with all the drama and me wanting to slap the hero right out of the book. But I loved him all the same. I can’t wait to read more from this author.
I loved reading Risky Play by Rachel Van Dyken, the first book in her Red Card series. Two people a little lost and trying to find their way meet each other when they least expect, but things do not necessarily go as planned! Mackenzie, needed a fresh start after being left at the altar, so she heads to the honeymoon she never had. Slade Rodriguez is getting ready for a huge chance, so decides to take some time off first.
When Mackenzie and Slade meet, sparks fly, but they are not completely truthful to each other. They have an amazing night, but a tragedy calls Slade away without any word. Imagine their surprise when she is now his personal assistant and they realize who the other really is! Slade holds unjust anger towards Mackenzie, while she has no idea why he left. Can they learn to trust each other before it’s too late?
Risky Play was angsty and charming and had me devouring the book. Slade and Mackenzie had great chemistry, banter and surprising and sweet moments together. Slade was not always the nicest guy, but he was dealing with loss and change. Mackenzie was sweet and caring. I am excited for the next book in the series!
~ Liz
Enemies-to-lovers sports romance from Rachel Van Dyken!
I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait for the next book in this new series, Red Card, by Rachel Van Dyken.
Once I picked up this book, there was no way I was putting it down. These two characters, Mack and Slade, were truly meant for each other when everything around them was ripping them apart.
I loved Mack (Mackenzie), from the get go. She was spunky, strong, and finally took her life into her own hands. Slade, on the other hand, had to win me over. While I liked him in the beginning something happened to him causing him to be rude and insensitive to everyone around him. He took the situation out on everyone else. However, he started to slowly win me over and I ended up totally in love with him.
I fell in love with the secondary characters in this book. Matt, Slade’s manager, and Jagger, his teammate, both stole my heart and I hope we get books for both of them. I’m so excited for Kickin It, which will be Matt’s story, coming June 11, 2019!
Grateful to have received a complimentary ARC copy to honestly review.
Absolutely the best book yet from RVD. I adored Mack and Slade and they are just everything!
Mackenzie is trying to get away. So what better way than to go on the honeymoon you were supposed to have, but was dumped at the altar and so now it’s a honeymoon for one. Nevermind that her best friend, Alton, the one she thought she would spend forever with is still working for the family business. So how is she supposed to face him (oh yeah and his new girlfriend) every day at work? That’s why she’s on her way to Mexico to figure things out… that is until the plane almost goes down and she almost dies!!!
Slade is on his way to the US to play soccer. After being traded to Seattle, he just needs a little time to let everything settle before taking on this new role. He’s fleeing he knows, but he just wants to get his mind ready and try to forget about the mess he’s leaving behind. He never expected to meet the high strung but gorgeous woman on the plane, whom he gets to know real quick when the plane takes a dive and they all think they are going to die. Even better yet, she seems to be going to the same resort he is. This could end up being just the right thing to help him forget. And even better yet, she doesn’t seem to have a clue who he is. SCORE.
Each gives each other fake names… and the two use each other to forget the problems plaguing them. Their connection is strong… until the unthinkable happens and Mack ends up leaving in the middle of the night. Leaving Mack even more confused than before.
Fast forward to back home and Mack has decided she isn’t ready to face Alton and his new girlfriend at work, so she takes on a job as a Girl Friday/PA for a new soccer player in town. And boy do they both get the surprise of their lives when they figure out that neither of them was truthful with each other in Mexico and things are about to get real awkward around here.
This was an amazing Enemies to lovers story and had me laughing and crying … I just couldn’t put the book down and stayed up all night reading it.
This was such a great read! I can’t wait for more in book two!
Mackenzie finds herself re-evaluating her life as a whole after being left at the alter. She had been basically raised into that spot, with that man. So now she finds herself questioning everything. Deciding she needs some space she books herself a single vacation to try and decide what she really wants from life. The more we see she is really a strong woman who just wants to be wanted, to be someone’s center of attention and to be loved. Put first for once in her life.
To say Slade has been dealing with some things of his own is not a lie. Cheating ex-fiancé who is pregnant with his best friends child, is a lot to accept. A big move to America from the Soccer team that he loved and succeeded with. And now his biggest supporter, his father passed away suddenly. He is anything but a chipper and smiling individual these days. Taking his anger and guilt out on the world. But he can’t seem to shake the feelings of want and need for the beauty me meet in Mexico while trying to escape his reality.
When all these weeks later she shows up at his door to be his personal assistant, he can’t believe it. But the more he pushes her away the more she pushes him back. Nobody has ever done that before. She can see his hurt & anger and just wants to be there for him. She herself doesn’t have many friends and knows how that feels. The more time they spend together the more the lines begin to fade and the more they want to spend together. Could life be turning around for Mack & Slade?
Wonderful characters with very real celebrity issues. Being in the lime light doesn’t come without its challenges.
*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review.***
Laugh Out Loud Funny, with a heartbreaking and romantic story-line all rolled into one incredible book. Rachel Van Dyken knows how to take her readers on a journey and this book is no different. The story of sexy Soccer player Slade Rodriguez and Wine Heiress Mackenzie Dupont will have you turning pages beginning to end without a break!
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.
Great start to a new series that I devoured in one setting. Slade was flawed (& deserving of a punch or two) but I enjoyed experiencing his journey to becoming the man he was meant to be. He and Mack had such chemistry. The ending made me smile. Can’t wait for Matt’s book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC received via NetGalley.
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.
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!