4 stars

I really enjoyed reading Risky Play by Rachel Van Dyken, it was one of those books you didn't want to put down.

The writing is well done, the characters Slade and Mackenzie were likable, entertaining and the chemistry between was smoking!

What a great start to the Red Card series, looking forward to the next book Kickin' It, due to be released in June 2019.

*Thank you to the publisher via Netgalley for the advance copy.*

This book has it all , it was sweet,sexy, intense and romantic.I loved the chcaracters and how the story developed.From the moment Slade and Mackenzie collide sparks fly. Their connection was someting else!

Banter for miles
5 stars

Oh, my my my…where has Rachel Van Dyken been all my life and why is this the first book of hers I’ve ever read?! Seriously - this book hit all the marks for me and then some.

To get all the important bits out the way first - this is the first book in Van Dyne’s Red Card series - which I’m hoping will continue to focus on players from Slade’s Seattle soccer club. But this book stands completely alone - no pesky cliffhangers - and has the required HEA.

While being keen to read this story, I was also slightly wary based on a couple of things from the blurb. I tend to shy away from heavy emotions - such as grief - in my romances. And, I was already annoyed at Slade for blaming Mackenzie for his father’s death before I even picked up the book. So if you’re in the same position as me - please believe me when i tell you to put your fears at rest - this book is worth taking the chance on and then some.

The first thing I noticed is Ms Van Dyken’s writing style. It’s so fresh, fast and you’re engrossed in the book before you even realise what’s happened. Reading it feels like you’re chatting with your bestie - it’s funny, comfortable and I just loved when I could really get stuck in and spend some time with the characters. The chapters are also quite short, which I found tempted me to read just one more. Then another. And another.

Normally in a novel I fall in love with one of the main characters more than the other. Not so in this book. I loved both of them. Everyone. And Alfie the dog, too!

Slade is perfection in his annoying, jackassy, sexy, teasing way. He was so broken that I just wanted to give him a big ol’ hug. And then slap him around the head for being such an idiot on more than one occasion. But I still loved him.

Mackenzie turned into one of the best heroines for me - which surprised me quite a lot. She grew so much in the course of the book - from quite a shy, reserved person who bent to the whims of others, to a strong - yet still vulnerable - woman who became herself and owned it. At times, I saw so much of myself in her fears and vulnerabilities that I was in awe of the connection I felt with her.

But it was when Slade and Mack came together that things really came to life. I felt the heat and the sparks, the anger, recriminations, the teasing and the nervousness. It was just their connection - no matter how you framed it - they clicked. And it was glorious. The little texts they sent each other. The banter. Top notch.

And that extends to more than just our main couple. The banter between Slade and Matt. And Slade and Jagger. And Slade and Jagger and Matt. It just made my day - it was bloody hilarious! There was a total bromance going on with those three and I’ve got my fingers firmly crossed that both Jagger and Matt get their own stories in the rest of this series and we get more moments of magic between those lovely men.

I’m not going to lie, I shed a wee tear with a few of the scenes about Slade and his Dad. But it never goes too deep, which I’m thankful for. There were many occasions where I laughed out loud and even more when I found myself sighing in delight with my hand clutched at my throat like a Victorian virgin. Sigh.

It was also delightful to read a book where our hero - despite being a worldwide celebrity - has the same fears as the heroine about their relationship. That he puts himself and his feelings on the line before our heroine. That there truly is balance in their relationship.

You can tell how much I rated this book because I’m giving it five stars despite this atrocious line being included:

“What the hell kind of name was Joanna, anyways?”

*side eye*

This is the kind of book that really rings my bell. It’s sexy, sweet, funny and with banter for miles. A really highly recommend romance and an author I think I’ll be heading out to buy up her back catalogue. 5 stars.

Well this Red Card new series started with a big bang, nothing prepared me for this story. I love Rachel Van Dyken books, but this took me by surprise in a very good way. Slade and Mackenzie are amazing! Being left at the altar Mack decides to take the honeymoon alone, there he meets a sexy stranger and a honeymoon romance fling gets going. When they thought they will never meet again, well let's just say that life throws you a curveball from time to time.

***I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley, Skyscape and Rachel Van Dyken.***

Risky Play, by Rachel Van Dyken, is a one-night stand, second chance romance and friends-to-lovers story all rolled into one. After being left at the alter by her best friend, Mackenzie goes on her honeymoon alone. There she meets Slade, and after a passionate night together, he disappears too. She’s not ready to return to work and face her ex-fiancé, so she takes a temporary job as a personal assistant. She’s blindsided when she realizes her new boss is Slade. He’s certainly not happy to see her. She puts her head down and does her job, much to his irritation. Her innate kindness comes through in everything she does for him, but how can the person he blames for the biggest tragedy of his life be exactly what he needs?

This was a fun story, albeit a bit cheesy at times. I truly enjoyed all the snark between Slade and Mack. Mack was easy to love and admire. She has a big heart and goes out of her way to not only see things from Slade’s perspective, but to make things better for him in any way she can. Slade takes some getting used to. It took a while for me to warm up to him because he was unfairly taking something out on Mack that he had no business blaming her for. The pair really did have great chemistry. I was a bit peeved at Mack’s family and absolutely pissed with Alton, her ex.

Overall this was a fun read and I’ll definitely be looking to read the next in the series.

I received a copy of Risky Play by Rachel Van Dyken from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. This is the first time I have read any books written by Rachel Van Dyken and it was quite enjoyable. Risky Play is the first in her new series Red Card.
Mackenzie Dupont is treating herself to a vacation after being left at the alter by her fiance and childhood friend. During her flight, she meets pro soccer player Slade Rodriguez, who is also running from a failed relationship. Both use fact names when introducing themselves and share a wonderful night together. However, Mackenzie wakes up alone in the morning, and realizes she is hurt but being ditched.... again.
Slade had his reasons for leaving but when the meet up months later with their real names and the truth is revealed, Slade does his best to win her back. But is it too late?
Fun and easy read watching Mackenzie and Slade reach their HEA. It was rather predictable but for me in this story that was fine. There weren't any deep angst feelings but simple and honest trust issues, hurt feelings, and confidence issues. Things everyone has to deal with. But, I really enjoyed the secondary characters, Matt and Jagger!! Such fun and I look forward to their stories. #RiskyPlay #NetGalley

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!!

My Thoughts:
This year, I have made it a goal of mine to catch up on my favorite romance author's books. I used to read a lot of romance, but have barely touched the genre in the past couple years or so until this year. Rachel Van Dyken is one of those authors. I decided to continue my reading binge of her books by reading one of her newer releases, Risky Play. I'm glad I did. I really enjoyed it.

Typically, I'm not a big fan of instalove stories. However, Risky Play drew me in and wouldn't let me go. Just something about Slade and Mackenzie's chemistry made it feel like it was practically rolling off the page. I enjoyed their witty sarcastic banter together. They had me constantly cracking up, seeing who could be more petty. Speaking of cracking up laughing, I also enjoyed Slade's dog. There were quite a few scenes with him that I loved, but a scene in general that had me losing it laughing that happened after the dog had an altercation with a bird. I couldn't stop chuckling for a good five minutes after I read it.

Rachel Van Dyken handles a mix of her character's emotions very well. Even though the book was hilarious, it got serious at times as well. I think she found the perfect balance between the two. What happens to Slade at the beginning of the book is really tragic. I could feel his emotions when I was reading, which I think is a sign that the author is doing her job very well. I went through what he was going through a couple years ago, so I felt for him. I know how hard that can be to go through, and the author portrayed those emotions very accurately.

I really enjoyed Risky Play. It's definitely one of my favorite Rachel Van Dyken books I've read out of the ones I've read the past month or two. Heck, it might just be one of my favorites in general. I have an advanced copy of the next book in the series, Kickin' It. I intend to start it as soon as I'm done typing this review. I hope I love it as much as Risky Play, if not more. I definitely can't wait to continue my Rachel Van Dyken binge reading session.

I give Risky Play: 4/5.

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Sports Romance - sign me up. RVD is the author - I am all over it!!!

I am a HUGE fan of RVD's so it's really rare that any of her books don't wow me. But there is always that chance and sadly this was one. Now, don't get me wrong, I still absolutely enjoyed it, just not as much as her other reads.

Mackenzie is an heiress to her father's winery - a place she has worked her whole love and absolutely loves. It's also the same place that her ex-fiancé works at. She hasn't been able to move on with her life when she's constantly seeing him so she knows she needs to take hold of her life and start fresh. Enter trip of a lifetime, but going solo.

MacKenzie meets Slade, however they don't give each other their real names. But they also don't plan on more than this trip either. Mack becomes a stronger person due to this trip and well Slade becomes a dick. Go figure.

RVD does write a very enticing story and I love that Mack never gives up on Slade. However, she's not a pushover either. She truly puts him in his place but it also makes him more aware of how he's acting towards others. You can easily sense the chemistry between them but Mack is very protected of her heart and is not ready for it be trampled upon again.

Overall, it's an enjoyable read. There was one huge part that I could have done without, which for me is what brought it down from 5 stars to 4 stars (she's a 30yr old virgin). I am over that and truly don't buy it, but others still enjoy it. Outside of that, I though the characters were amazing and even the secondary characters were a perfect blend into story.

I am looing forward to more future stories within in this series.

I needed a whole pot of coffee to stay up all night and read Risky Play. What a great, captivating romance! Loved it!

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

I made the mistake of starting this book right before bed. Yep I stayed up too late and woke up too early to continue to read! Rachel Van Dyken outdid herself with Slade & Mackenzie’s story!

I loved that both Slade & Mackenzie are flawed characters. Slade & Mackenzie were imperfectly perfect for each other. I loved that from the first meeting, these two characters challenged each other. They brought out the best in each.

I can’t wait to revisit these characters and this world in upcoming books in this series!

I voluntarily reviewed this book.

There's always something fun and refreshing about an RVD book. Risky Play does not disappoint!

Mack and Slade meet under unusual circumstances, but that doesn't dampen the sparks that fly between the two.
A one night stand, fake names, and a crazy night of fun will leave you asking how it's even possible these two aren't exchanging real information.

But fate always has a better idea and we should know to never doubt fate when she has love in her sights. Fate places Mack right in front of Slade, only this time there aren't any fake names to hid behind.

In true RVD fashion, you're gonna have a few downs, but the ups far outweigh them. You're gonna have fun with this Risky Play.

Great love story!! Mackenzie and Slade meet on an airplane out of the public eye that they are both normally in. They give each other fake names and have some super hot moments..... Then they meet up again in real life and the sparks really being to fly! She is a wine company heiress and he is an international soccer star. Lots of bumps in the road for these two but a great sports romance follows. Loved this book!!! Looking forward to the sequel!

I love this author and was so excited to read this book! She definitely didn't disappoint! The chemistry between Slade and Mackenzie was elsctric and swoon worthy! This was a book I couldn't put down! I absolutely loved it!

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/F Romance

Mackenzie was jilted at the altar. She knows that she never should have agreed to the marriage, but what makes it worse is that she will need to see her ex-fiancé a lot, because he still works for her father. When Mackenzie takes a trip for herself, the last thing she expects is for her to meet a guy.

Slade is wanting to have some alone time. Despite his personal life being in shambles, he hopes that this trip will help him get his head on straight before starting his new job – playing soccer in Seattle. When tragedy strikes his family, despite meeting an amazing woman, he has to hustle home.

Communication errors, lies, and deflection are wildly available in this book. Despite the relationship issues, I did love how Slade and Mackenzie sparred. Mackenzie is a strong woman who will stand on her own again. Slade will learn that loving someone doesn't necessarily mean forgetting someone else. Together, they will fight for their lives and their love. I really hope Jagger gets his own story, as he was hilarious in this one. The only issue was that I felt the issues revolving around Alton were unsolved.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the start of a new series and I am definitely looking out for the second book already. There are plenty of interesting characters who need to get their happily ever after, Jagger for a start!

The premise for this story sets up the potential for romance, but wow, there are some twists which make it far more fun and cuter than I had expected. I loved that they gave themselves different names, and both behaved totally out of character – as when they met again, they had to completely revise their view of each other. In fact, Slade has to keep reviewing his opinion of Mack as she was certainly not the person he thought she was.

The scenes with Alton, Mack's ex, were very effective at giving us an insight into her position in her family, and also just how honourable Slade is at his core – finally shaming her father into action. The dynamics there were slightly odd and made more sense of why she had stepped away from the family business. Her ability to analyse wine and her descriptions were fun, and did have me wanting to find a glass and indulge myself.

If you like sports romance, and a good second-chance, post-wedding disaster romance, then I am sure you will enjoy this one.

Risky Play was so good. Mackenzie is left at the altar & decides to still go on her honeymoon to Mexico by herself. Slade is pro soccer player who is on top of his game who needs a break from life after heartbreak. They meet each other in Mexico under different names & there is chemistry. Surprise when they return to their normal lives that Mackenzie is now working for Slade. Can they trust each other? They find out that they have a common enemy & need to figure out what to do about it. I was hooked from the start of this story.

4.5 stars

MacKenzie was left at the altar, and it was high profile enough that it became known worldwide. But her ex fiancé still works for her father, her dad stating that its just business, but it leaves Mack feeling deflated and not good enough. To take a break she still takes her honeymoon alone. After a snafu with the engine on the way there, she meets "Hugo". There she assumes a different name... "Ashley".

Ashley and Hugo have fun and are spontaneous. Then Hugo leaves without a word, leaving her once again to feel inadequate.

Coming back home she takes a job as a personal assistant to none other than "Hugo", only his real name is Slade and he's a professional soccer player.

Slade is working through his misplaced anger, mostly directed at Mackenzie, but she is determined to be his friend. But the undercurrent of attraction is still there.

What happens? You will definitely want to one click this one. I love, love RVD books. They pull you in and keep you sated.






This was another great one by RVD! I would give it a 4 stars and highly recommend to others.

Mackenzie and Slade both runaway to Mexico for different reasons but find themselves instantly pulled towards one another, they share a magical night together but never use there real names.... When Mackenize wakes up and finds Slade is gone without a trace left behind she finds herself hurt and angry... but it was supposed to be just a one-night stand right?

When she finds herself thrown into Slade's path once again but this time he is her boss... and he hates her??

Slade is torn between hate and longing for Mackenzie but which side will win out?

Get to one clicking to find out!





Left at the altar, Mackenzie decides to take her honeymoon herself. She meets a handsome stranger on the plane, and she let's go and has a whirlwind fling, only to wake up the next morning to find him gone.

Suffering his own loss, Slade has ran out on her, only to find her show up as his personal assistant once he is back home. Can either of them figure out their own issues and find each other again, find what they had in Mexico?

Mackenzie is such a strong and well written female character. She seems very real. The chemistry is amazing, and you'll find yourself rooting for Slade to win her over and for them to find their way back to that magical night in Mexico. You definitely need to one click this

Risky Play is a sweet, fun and steamy, fast paced story I had trouble putting down with many shareable bits and a twist I didn’t see coming. I can’t wait to see what’s next in this series

I LOVED this book! There was laughter and tears for me through this. I loved Slade and Mackenzie together, and I thought their chemistry was great! I know some people had problems with Slade, and I did too for a little bit. Blaming Mackenzie for what happened while he was in Mexico was ridiculous. But grief makes people do crazy things. Slade understood that he was wrong, and if you stick with the story, you get to see how he gets past his grief. The scene with the little boy at the soccer camp was so good. Mack was a great partner for Slade. I loved her and her quick wit. I wish she would have thrown her own punch at Alton though. That man needed a beat down like no other! The ending was perfect, and I was so happy to see them get their HEA! I can't wait to find out what happens with Jagger. He deserves a HEA too!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.