Wonderful start to what appears to be a spectacular new series! Risky Play is a sexy and sassy romance with some angst, sizzling chemistry, and emotion that will have you laughing, crying, frustrated, swooning, and just plain falling in love.

I’m so excited to see where Rachel takes us next in the Red Card Series! This is definitely one you don’t want to miss!

'It wasn’t meant to be a one-night stand. It wasn’t.
No matter how many times I tried to convince myself it was. '

When Mackenzie Dupont is left at the altar she does what any other jilted bride might do – take off on her already paid for honeymoon. Making it even better is the sexy stranger she meets on the plane who she has a wild one-night stand with. But when she wakes up alone, she realizes that giving her innocence away to a stranger like that may have been more than her already fragile heart could handle. Especially when she shows up a month later to her new job as personal assistant to Slade Rodriguez, who turns out to be the man she spent the night with back in Mexico. After suffering a tragic personal loss, Slade is not the same man she remembers from that night. This version is angry and mean but it doesn’t stop her from trying to uncover the good man she remembers. Will they be able to rediscover the magic that they found that night or will lies and secrets drive them apart for good?

There were parts of this book that I really enjoyed and then there were parts that I didn’t totally love. It started really strong for me, I loved the beginning and the first meeting between Mackenzie and Slade. Their time in Mexico was great and I loved their spontaneity. Then tragedy struck and Slade takes off. I didn’t love that he blamed her for what happened, but I get why he would feel that way. Then I enjoyed seeing Mackenzie show up unexpected on his doorstep as his new assistant, especially when he was still so angry about what happened. BUT I think he was a little too much of a jerk to her in the days that followed. It was hard to balance the Slade we first met with the awful, mean version that we get at this point. Then all of a sudden he starts becoming sweet again, it was like a switch had been flipped and it may not have been as bothersome to me if it weren’t for the fact that Mackenzie accepted him back just as quickly. She was a pretty strong heroine, I really liked her, so I think she should have made him work for it a little more! In any event, I did enjoy how everything wraps up. There was a bit of drama that creeps up but the end result was very sweet and I thought the epilogue was very fitting! I may have had a few issues with Slade but overall I enjoyed this story and I liked some of the secondary characters, like Jagger and Matt and I look forward to future books that will hopefully be about these guys!

So, I love RVD and most of her other works. In no way will stop me from recommending her novels or reading her future work, because she is probably one of my favorite authors, but unfortunately this didn’t do it for me.

Honestly, I didn’t really like it. I stopped at 35%. The hero was a jerk...like not a hot brooding jerk, who needs a woman to put him in his place, but like an asshole who was crude and treated the heroine like trash. So, since I didn’t really have the energy to push through I just tabled the book. Again, this could totally be my mood of the day, and maybe most people will love it, it just didn’t do it for me.

Mack was raised knowing that she would inherit the wine empire that her parents founded, and she had plans to manage it with her best friend and fiancé Alton. After being left at the altar on her wedding day she is left trying to pick up the pieces but having to work beside her ex-fiance has become a lesson in torture, so she decides to take the honeymoon she planned for both of them.

Slade is a professional soccer player who is experiencing some life changes of his own, so he needs to get away and regroup. He and Mack are seatmates and one kiss on the plane leads to a steamy evening but when tragedy strikes Slade leaves, holding Mack responsible, and Mack wakes up alone with another broken heart.

When Mac decides to work for her Aunt as a personal assistant, she is surprised to find her new client is her one night stand. To further complicate matters she doesn’t understand by he is angry with her when he is the one that left without a goodbye. Will this be their second chance or is the pain of their pasts too much to overcome?

I really enjoyed these two together. Mack is strong, sassy and has a huge heart while it may have taken Slade a little longer once he opened his eyes he was protective and determined to show Mack how special she was. Hot chemistry, humorous banter with great secondary characters that leave us wanting them to have their own stories.

I enjoyed this book and can’t wait for the others! These characters were fun, flirty, angry, sad, complex, etc. I loved this quick read. Definitely recommend.

The beginning of a great new series!!! Slade and Mack’s story will give you all the feels! Sometimes I hated him and sometimes I loved him! I am so excited to see where this series goes !!

5 Stars

What a fantastic read. Rachel I think this is the best book yet! Now that’s saying something but I absolutely loved Risky Play. So different from her other books and as I always I can never put the book down. I loved Mack and Slade’s chemistry from the get go. I can’t wait for Jagger’s story...I hope he has one, hint hint Rachel ;)

Can I just start by saying that I'm thoroughly ashamed of myself! This is the first Rachel Van Dyken book I've read! Where have I been?! I LOVED THIS!!

From the moment they meet, Mackenzie DuPont and Slade Rodriguez can't get enough of each other! But the one night they spend together ends in disaster and, as a result, Mackenzie wakes to find that Slade has up and left...

I totally fell in love with this story, and the characters (well, except Mackenzie's dad – family should always come first, lol)! This book is one you're not going to be able to put down - It’s an absolutely brilliant read I would highly recommend!

Such a good book. Loved this story . I was not sure at 1st if i was gonna love or hate Slade. He was kinda a push and pull character for me. In the end his story and grief won my heart. Loved how Mack bounced back and came back stronger. Now hope to see what lies ahead for Jagger.

This is book 1 in the Red Card series. Mackenzie (Mack) DuPont had always thought she knew how her life was going to go. But when she is left at the altar in the middle of her wedding by the man she had spent most of her life being with, she knew she needed to take time for herself and have some fun. So she goes on her honeymoon on her own. And when she meets one the hottest men she has ever seen, she decides to be someone else and give him a different name. Slade Rodriguez is a professional soccer player and is on a much needed break. They both decide to spend the night together, but Slade is called away and Mack wakes alone. But when she decides she needs a change of scene and jobs, she never expects to suddenly be his personal assistant. Or for him to be so angry with her.

This was a great way to start this series out! Mack and Slade seem to be perfect for each other once they make it past their own issues. Reading about them working through their problems and figuring out what they wanted in their lives is great. The only drawback I had was I didn't like the way he treats her when they first meet up again. I get that he was angry but taking it out on someone who has nothing to do with it was a slight turn off for me. But on a whole I truly did like it. And the side characters are just as good. On a whole I did enjoy the read and will definitely read the next books in the series!

4.5 stars
A vacation fling with no real names and no promises sends both of their lives reeling.

Wine heiress, Mackenzie Dupont has been jilted by her fiance and is getting away on an adventure in Puerto Vallarta. When she meets a handsome, sexy man on the plane, she never expected him to rock her world. And she really did not set out for him to be her first one night stand, but keeping men is apparently not her strong suit.

Soccer star, Slade Rodriguez had his own reasons for getting away. He also had a good reason for leaving her. Due to something happening in his own life, his emotions are all over the place. And to deal with his own guilt, he misplaces anger onto the girl who was distracting him. He has been going off the rails and upsetting everyone ever since.

A twist of fate brings them back in each other's lives on at least a temporary basis. Lust has seemed to turn to antagonism. He is not the same fun, vibrant man she remembers. And her presence just seems to set him off. He can't seem to handle being around her and certainly does not want her to have attention of any other men. But Mackenzie is a sweet girl and people pleaser, and she just keeps trying to make the best of it and wear him down.

They find themselves playing a game that they are not sure they can win. There are other people running interference as well. There is angst, drama, jealousy, and betrayal. There is plenty of push and pull. These two are both have trust issues, insecurities, and are just trying to figure out how to move on and navigate their new lives after undergoing significant changes and losses. And they are also trying to figure out what if anything they could possibly mean to each other and if the risk of getting hurt again is worth the possible reward.

The chemistry and attraction is there, but is there more to it? Is the biggest player ready to give up the games or is he just temporarily playing her?

This is a sexy, snarky, emotional, and romantic second-chance-at-getting-it-right-story. I really liked Mackenzie's sass and spunk. She was really trying to get out of her rut and make positive changes. Slade was an acquired taste. He started out really likable, then moved into jerk territory, but I had hope that there was a swoony hero underneath that cocky, bitter facade. It is the sign of a good author that even when the hero was being a douche, I was still rooting for him. I loved his ever-suffering agent, Matt and his sort-of- nemesis, Jagger. I am looking forward to stories for them.

Blog and social media to go live on 3/19/19 at 7 am cst and links will be updated further. Amazon has been uploaded but delayed

Slade is a jerk after losing someone in his life. He meets Mackenzie on a plane on their way to having separate vacations. Mac gets dumped at the alter on the day of her wedding. Her ex-fiancé is the true jerk and he has no reason to be one. I don’t get what Mac saw in the man.
I get why Slade is such a jerk. People mourn differently and they react differently to losing someone. I get why he’s so mad at everything and everyone. But Mac is the only one that no matter what shows him kindness. She sees what he’s going through. But he starts changing.
This has all the feels. As usual with Rachel Van Dyken books, this has the humor that I love so much.
I highly recommend this book.

Great book! I love Rachel’s writing and she never disappoints me! This story was emotional, funny, sexy and angsty! Even with all the things trying to keep them apart, they figured out how to make it work even if it was hard and they had to own up to their mistakes! I loved it and can’t wait to hear more from the supporting characters!

4.5 stars

I absolutely adored this! Just the right amount of angst mixed with super sweetness that had me smiling and giggling and totally cheering on Slade and Mack. I only wish we had gotten to see (view spoiler)

I really hope Matt ends up with a book :)
ETA: HE DOES!!!!

Risky Play is an all new standalone contemporary romance from author Rachel Van Dyken and the start to her new series, Red Card.

Mackenzie was left at the altar, Slade was cheated on by his ex fiance, when they meet on an airplane they exchange fake names and decide to let go. Let go of the pain and expectations in their day to day and just live a little. Their instant connection and whirlwind romance ends as quick as it begins. Slade is left empty and angry and Mackenzie is heartbroken. To escape her life a little longer, Mack decides to take on a house keeper job and it just so happens that Slade is her client. The connection is still there, but they have to both move past their pain, distrust and insecurities in order to move on from their last encounter.

The main characters were perfect for the story. Mackenzie was vulnerable but no matter how many times she was kicked down she didn't whine about it or through a pity party. She did what she needed to do to keep on going. Slade was so broken down on the inside it hurt my heart, he was so angry at everyone and everything that I couldn't hold his attitude and behavior against him. Together Mack and Slade were playful, fun and the sex was oh so steamy.

Overall, Risky Play was entertaining with its great characters and fun banter. I was fully invested in the story from the moment Slade sat next to Mack on the plane. I am hoping that Rachel Van Dyken writes books for Matt and Jagger !

If I'm being completely honest, it took me about half the book to get behind these two being together. I enjoyed the book from the start but actually rooting for the couple took some time.

"How was I supposed to win her if I wasn't even allowed to play the game?"


The "meet cute" aspect of this story was spot on. I loved the chemistry of that moment and their little vacation together. If things would have kept going as good as that stuff was I think I could have rated this more. Afterward, I think this book took two steps back and then came back to as good as it was in the beginning.

"Fight for me.
I closed my eyes.
I wanted someone - someone to fight for me."


Rachel is one of my favorite authors, I devour her work. I started reading her about a year and a half ago. Since then I have read all her new releases and devoured her backlist. Some books blow me away, and some books are just really good. Then some are like this one, they are good books but a few things didn't work for me. No matter what, I still never regret reading any of them. They are all worth the price of admission. I'm looking forward to more from this series.

I liked this insta-love read. It had angst but it also had a lot of sweet tender moments for the MCs. For a sports romance, it was surprisingly safe and I really did end up falling for Slade and Mackenzie.

Both MCs have been burned in the past. Mackenzie was just left - literally - standing at the alter when the guy she’s been groomed since childhood to marry (and her supposed best friend) walks out on her and a church full of people. Then there’s Slade who is getting over a very public break up. When they both meet on the plane and end up at the same vacation resort, these two aren’t ready for anything serious. But they both decide to just live in the moment.

But things don’t last long when Slade gets devastating news the morning after his night with Mackenzie. Not able to handle his own grief, Slade up and leaves without a word. While drowning in guilt, anger and depression, Slade shuts down and starts to self-sabotage.

When these two are reunited again, its a complete 360. Gone is the sweet guy who boosted Mackenzie's self esteem and in his place is an emotional mess of a man who can't forget that the amazing night he spent with Mackenzie is tainted by a loss that completely through him upside down. I loved Slade in the first half of the book, had to warm up to him again in the second half but ultimately he redeemed himself when he stood up for his h and I loved that he admitted he was wrong and set out to win Mackenzie back.

I loved that the angst isn’t drawn out or cliché , their obstacles come more from their inner emotional struggles. They both help each other heal and they both give each other support, friendship and tough love when it’s needed. It was a nice second chance romance.
Would I recommend? Sports romance readers will love this one. The writing was smooth and the characters were fleshed out and complex. The physical and emotional pull between the MCs is a huge plus :)

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!

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

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.