Trusting someone after others have betrayed you is a risky play

Mackenzie Allistar is looking for an escape after her former fiancé left her at the altar and her humiliation has made headlines in magazines and on the Internet. That's why she's on a plane to Puerto Vallarta where she shares an intense experience with the boy who travels next to her.
Coincidentally they arrive at the same hotel and have a torrid and brief romance because he vanishes from the room in the middle of the night. Just as Mackenzie didn't tell him his real name, he didn't either.

Slade Rodriguez is a European soccer player who after discovering that his ex-girlfriend cheated on him travels to Puerto Vallarta before arriving in the United States with his new team. On the way he meets a beautiful girl with whom he has a one-night stand. Despite her fame, the girl doesn't recognize him so he decides to hide his real name. The next day Slade receives some terrible news and decides to leave her without telling her anything.A few months later Mackenzie and Slade meet again in the most unexpected way.

Will they have a chance to restart their relationship? We'll see

My impressions
The last book I read from Rachel Van Dyken was Pull (Seaside #2) and it was sensational, I loved the author's style and her male character is still one of my favorite book boyfriends. With those expectations I came to Risky Play.

Risky Play shows the evolution of Van Dyken, I really enjoyed the story and read it very quickly, I loved that most of the chapters are short.

Slade although in some scenes is abrupt, is very funny and sensual. I liked the incorporation of a non-American character into the story and Rachel handled it brilliantly without forcing words in another language or cultural factors.

If you are looking for a romantic story, a bit funny, with some intense moments and well written I recommend you give a chance to Risky Play.

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 man 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."

I always know I'm going to love a story when I am willing to stay up into the wee hours of the morning to finish a book. Risky Play was just that book. I really loved this story. At first, I didn't love Slade and the way he treated Mackenzie after his father died. But, he more than redeemed himself. I loved how Mackenzie finally saw her worth and found someone willing to put her ahead of everything else. I won't spoil the book for you. Just go read it. It was so much fun. I can't wait to read Jagger and Matt's stories!

Fantastic read!

I have been extremely busy in my personal life but this book always drew me back in. I found myself thinking about their story and this book when I wasn't reading it. At a time when I should have been sleeping, I would find myself awake at 3:00 in the morning reading, just to escape.

This book helped me escape my reality. Rachel always has great books but this one was high up on her list. I recommend this one. Come get lost in their story like I did.

The book begins with Mackenzie being left at the altar by the man she had known all her life and thought she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. Six months later, she decides to take her honeymoon by herself. When her plane loses an engine she grabs onto her seat mate and kisses him. They end up sharing a wonderful day and night with him. She wakes up, and “Hugo” was gone. Slade is the number one soccer player in the world. He is getting away from his cheating fiancé and teammate who she cheated with. When his plane loses an engine, his beautiful seat mate grabs him and kisses him. He and “Ashley” spend a great day and night together, until he gets a phone call that changes his life. He leaves without a word to the sleeping “Ashley”, knowing he will never see her again. Of course, when his new personal assist shows up, it’s Ashley aka Mackenzie. This is a great story, both characters has a lot of issues to work through. I also love Jagger and hope he gets his own story. I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley for my honest review.

Oh my what a roller coaster!


Mack being left at the alter, Slade getting into another scandal trying to figure out what he wants.

But a last minute trip and an almost plane crash has Slade meeting someone who will bring out the worst and yet the good once he gets to know her.

Mack has been groomed all of her life to love Alton, but yet never finding out who she really is. Going on her “honeymoon” alone she meets this mysterious person next to her and they both challenge each other to do things they never thought to do.

Slade gets a phone call that changes him and most definitely changes Mack but when a job change for now changes everything these two when put together will learn what it means to be wanted and loved.

I adored it this book so much.

Risky Play is the first book in the Red Card series by the fabulous and talented Rachel Van Dyken. Rachel does something very few authors can do. She can write anything. Paranormal, historical, mafia, sports, anything and everything. And she makes them all fresh, new and exciting. I love a good sports romance and this is my first soccer one and I loved it! It's also strangers to lovers and kind of a second chance romance, also my favorite! Slade and Mackenzie meet on a plane. There's instant attraction and they do something together that's out of character for them both. They jump. But after exchanging fake names and Mack waking up alone, life goes on. Until they meet again. This time she's working for him. Not because she needs the job, but because she's still getting over her ex and needs something to do. It's not about money. Slade is still reeling from a loss. He's cranky and acting like a world class jerk. When he sees Mack again, he assumes the worst. Then he finds himself wanting her around and apologizing repeatedly. Mack finds that she likes taking care of him and his dog. She's been looking for something her whole life and could she find it in this man? I loved this story! OMG! Slade is so hot, but he's also sweet, gentle and has a way with words. But he's sincere. I also wish I could hear his little accent! Mack is strong, tough and more mature than anyone gives her credit for. They are a perfect match. I can't wait for the next in the series and I’m hoping there's more to come. A certain someone needs his story!

Rachel is by far one of my favorite authors; I couldn’t put this book down!

Like every other time, her characters are incredible, funny, sweet and crazy sexy.

Mackenzie was going through a lot, being left at the altar was not something she could just forget and get over, so obviously she escaped. A one person honeymoon sounded just perfect for her, so she jumped on a plane.

She was scared and heartbroken, but she found herself surprised by her unexpected sexy traveling companion. Both of them seemed to be escaping from something, so why don’t make something fun out of their situation?

Slade was not letting the chance of spending time with Mackenzie go, she had no clue who he was and that sounded perfect for him. A night of passion, no strings attached, was exactly what he needed to clear his head.

Unfortunately, life had other plans so before the night was over he made a choice that could change and ruin everything for them.

Every part of this story was amazing, Slade was behaving like a complete moron for a while, and I was really impressed with Kenzie, she stood up to him and pushed him out of his comfort zone.

More than that she didn’t take his shit, she knew what she deserved and went for it, even though she was pretty sure she had fallen for him.

An amazing story!
I’m ready for my next Rachel fix!

Risky play is a new Rachel Vandyken series. I just don’t know how she keeps doing it?!?!? This is a great story about two people running from something to end up finding eachother, it has a great story line and of course humor because I mean Rachel and humor am I right? Read this book I’m telling you are not going to want to miss this cannot wait for the next one!

I loved this story! I wanted more and I can't wait to read more in this series. I fell hard for the characters and they had such great chemistry. I wanted everything to work out for them so much. I was so frustrated with Slade at times though. Just as with all Rachel Van Dyken books though he made me love him. I am so excited to see what Rachel brings us next. I love her writing, no matter what genre.

Mackenzie was on a plane to Puerto Vallarta all by herself. On the honeymoon she had purchased as a surprise for Alton . But Alton had had walked out on her after she had made it up the altar to marry him.yet he still came to work. Mackenzie decided to use the trip as a show of independence and a “ my life isn’t over, it just begun” type of thing. Only now she realized she wasn’t okay. It wasn’t that she just missed them, she missed Alton. Her best friend. They'd been inseparable since birth. Their moms had been best friends. But why had she felt empty on their wedding day even before Alton turned his back on her? Her marriage bust had been national news. MacKenzie told her mom she needed this. To find out who she was without him. She was a total people pleaser. Than the hot guy who say in the aisle seat asked MacKenzie if she was afraid of flying. She said no she flew several times- but before she had been with Alton but didn’t say that. Than he ordered a good wine. Men who knew wine were her weakness. Vacation had been the only option after getting offered one of the highest salaries in U S soccer. They needed a face to sell ….and Slade wanted to get away from his old team. Also the co- caption and his former best friend who had knocked Chelsea up who had been Slade’s fiancee. Than the plane they were on had engine failure. MacKenzie kisses Slade as the plane bounced lower. Than she said she was Ashley and Slade said his name was Hugo. They had lied to each other about their real names. MacKenzie wasn’t normally reactive as she was a planner. Than” Hugo” asked “Ashley” where she was staying and she said Secrets Resort and he said he was staying there too. “ Hugo” . “” gave “Ashley” a ride to the resort. Mackenzie decided to be the girl pf adventure she had always wanted to be. She was starting with” Hugo”. “Ashley” presence took away every ache and pain Slade had these past few weeks and just silenced them all. “Hugo” and “Ashley” dived from the cliffs even though”Hugo” was afraid of heights and then he kissed her again while in the water. Mackenzie thought if this was what attraction was supposed to feel like she was completely out of her element. MacKenzie had never been a risk taker until she had sex the first time with a stranger. For once in her life she was out of control. Control was not something Slade lacked it had been an essential part of his training since he was a child. Soccer had been above all else, even family. It was everything until it stopped making him happy. And until it became a job and the money meaningless. Until Slade had been betrayed by those closest to him. “ Hugo” kissed “Ashley” at her door across the hall from his after dinner than they went in her room and had sex-Mackenzie had been a virgin. Maybe Slade had found his other half. Than Slade got a late call-after MacKenzie had fallen asleep- his father died from a heart attack and he told his mom he would be there as soon as he could. Gone was Slade’s biggest supporter and his best friend. The only person who truly understood Slade. Her first sexual partner and the next morning Mackenzie found out he was gone. Matt was Slade’s agent but also his friend and had been since they were sixteen and they had been inseparable every since. Mackenzie told her dad she wanted to go to work at The Blue Service Assistant Company now that her aunt was pregnant she knew there were openings. Her father gave her two months to get her head back together and come back ready to work as his taster at his winery. Mackenzie was to basically do whatever rich people needed done- walk their dog. Do laundry, shop for them , clean etc. than she found out Slade was her client and he was mean and crude to her. Mackenzie had never wanted to believe that she had never wanted to believe she has meant nothing to him but obviously that was true. Slade’s nemesis was the other co-captain on this new team and Matt was both of their agent.They had been at each other's throat for years. Once MacKenzie earned of Slade’s fathers death she knew why he left and he was hurting and very angry. She started to cook for him and his attitude changed especially when he learned who Mackenzie really was. Not someone who was after him for what she could get. I loved this book- a new favorite.story. An easy ro,mance with just enough angst. I loved Slade and Mackenzie together once he stopped being such a butt to her. I felt so bad when Mackenzie woke up alone in Mexico. Than she believed she had really meant nothing to him. Than she goes to work and Slade just happens to be her client and she was trying to get her head together and he was just so bad to her at first. I was so happy when things turned around. I loved the ending. I just loved the whole book and didn’t want to put it down I was hooked from page one until the last page. I loved the plot and pace.I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this book and I highly recommend it.

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!

Rachel Van Dyken’s new sports romance, Risky Play, delivers all the feels. Mackenzie and Slade meet on a flight to Puerto Vallarta when both are looking for a temporary escape. They have an unforgettable night together, but it doesn’t end well when Slade has to suddenly leave and doesn’t say goodbye or leave his contact information. Four weeks later and back at home in Seattle, they see each other again and are flabbergasted to discover Slade is her boss. He’s a professional soccer player, and she’s his new personal assistant. They go from one-night lovers to contentious coworkers and slowly bicker their way back to being friends again while trying to ignore their smoking-hot chemistry. Both are dealing with emotional wounds that makes it hard for them to trust, so their happily ever after doesn’t come easy. Of course, the best ones never do.

I have never read a Rachel book that I don't love. It's fun, it's crazy and it's addictive to read. It's a winner for me and I'm so glad I got the chance to be able to read it. If you're a Rachel fan, you'll love this one for sure but if you're new to Rachel, don't miss out! She's an amazing author!

Fun read. Trust.
Mackenzie is a trust fund baby. Slade, an athlete with golden eyes and an 8 pack. Both have both been hurt. Through a chance though I believe a fate meeting they take a risk. Blame, shame and being left behind leads to broken hearts.
Take a risk, don’t live in fear. Being a hero. Support and not giving up leads to standing up for each other in effect saving one another.

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!

Review also featured for Reviews From The Heart.
Happy reading!

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!