Risky Play combines a one night stand (with fake names and all!) with an arrogant sports star to create a story of second chances. Poor Mackenzie is abandoned at the alter (literally) by her fiancee who was her best friend. She is a bit lost after that. She doesn't know who she is any more. She decides a trip to Mexico (what would have been her honeymoon) is just what she needs.Slade starts off great as a hero. Then he gets hit with a stupid stick. Hard. He said some things that made ME tear up and he wasn't even saying them to me. Mackenzie has just been continually beat up-left at the alter, left after a one night stand, accused of being a stalker...Then to know even her dad didn't take her side?! How could one woman have literally NO ONE in her corner? So, I really needed Slade to bring the grovel extra hard. No dumbass flowers were gonna fix this.Because Slade said some truly horrific things, I was kind of rooting for Jagger. He knew what she had been through and saw that she needed a friend. He wanted to be more than her friend, but he was the first person in the book I thought actually SAW her as a person. It was probably the one (and only) time I was ever hoping for a love triangle. Slade does grovel so well though...I will admit he won me over, and I am NOT forgiving at all.Risky Play will appeal to those readers who like the secret identity trope as well as those who like the sports romance aspect! Slade's status as an athlete is a major part of the story, but the actual sport isn't the focus of the book. So, if you like the athlete heroes more than the actual sports, Risky Play is right up your alley!

4.5 Stars

Risky Play by Rachel Van Dyken is the first book in the brand new series Red Card. Every new book that Ms. Van Dyken comes out with, I devour. No questions asked. Her words are pure magic and with Risky Play, I seriously could not get enough! It was a fun, hot as hell story that swept me off of my feet and had my emotions all over the place.

As soon as I read the blurb, I knew I was going to LOVE this story and the characters. Mackenzie has zero confidence in herself but at the same time has admirable strength. After being left at the altar, she is trying to find out who she is without her ex fiancé. Not looking for anything other than a trip to get away, she was not expecting to meet anyone. But fate had other plans.

At first I had mixed emotions about Slade. He seemed to have everything but as you know looks can be deceiving. He was sweet and strong but he had a darker side that would eventually show. Needing a break from it all, he decides to go away for a few days. Little did he know that he’d meet a gorgeous American and she would change everything. Slade was a very complex character and eventually redeemed himself with me. And guys-HE MADE ME FALL IN LOVE WITH HIM!

I really enjoyed this story! I loved how Mack was a strong character and wouldn’t bow down. And with Slade...Ms. Van Dyken was able to completely change my feelings towards him. I am so excited to read the next book in this series and I highly recommend reading this one!

Risky Play (Red Card, #1) by Rachel Van Dyken. I loved this book. This contemporary romance had so many emotions spilling out and flowing over that all reasoning blurred at the edges. I equally loved, hated, and laughed along with the characters. After reading the blurb, I thought I knew exactly how this will go. Wrong! Mack exhibited such insightful maturity which was a refreshing bonus from the usual immature reactions we typically see from heroines in this trope. This isn't a one and done for me. I highly recommend this book as well as this author.

Risky Play is book one in the Red Card series and I truly enjoyed it! Mackenzie and Slade had amazing chemistry right from the moment they met. Two people who found each other at a pivotal moment, who seemed so perfect for each other, and then life stepped in and put an end to it all. But when they are brought together again by Mack unknowingly becoming Slade’s assistant, all bets are off!

I fell head over heels for Slade and Mack! I loved their banter, the snark, the tender moments, the passion..every single moment had me utterly surprised as to what would happen next! Risky Play was so full of emotion, I was all over the place reading it! I cannot wait to read the next book in the series!

**My thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**

This is the first book that i have read by this author, although i have wanted to try her books for quite a while, i have just not found the time before. The author will certainly be on my required reading list from now on though.

This story captivated me from the first page when Mackenzie is left at the alter by the man that she thought had been her best friend.

Fast forward six months and we get the first meeting of our other M/C, Slade Rodriguez on a plane where a malfunction causes the pair to a close encounter that carries on for the rest of the day giving both characters a chance to be a different them for a change.

Both character that have a recent past that changes the way that they look at the world, however it is only Slade that uses it to shelter himself, whereas Mack still has her tender and warm-hearted self still helping people.

There are some good supporting characters, believable bad guys trying to make things harder for the pair to reach that HEA, but in the end the strength of both character wins though.

Risky Play is the first book in Rachel Van Dyken's new series, Red Card. The story follows jilted bride Mackenzie Dupont and soccer star Slade Rodriguez in a game full of sexiness, angst, and romance.

Slade was just...gah! He had the heat and the intensity and the swoon worthy personality that I love in my heroes. I adored him from the first moment we met him and only loved him harder as the book went on. Even during the moments that I wanted to just slap him silly for being so cruel to Mackenzie instead of facing his own pain. That vulnerability drew me to him just like it did Mackenzie and I loved seeing those moments where she was so forgiven and understanding.

I really admired the strength it took for her to put her own feelings aside to help Slade. She wasn't a pushover at all but when she saw that he was hurting so much from the loss of his father she did what she could to help him. It was really fun to see that explosive start they had with all their chemistry in the beginning and then to see them come together again later when they had to deal with their own lives again and couldn't just escape on vacation. It made for a great character development and added the intrigue of waiting to see how they were going to handled their feelings.

Overall, I thought this was an amazing story and I definitely recommend reading it. There are some secondary characters also that I really hope we get to see more of so I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for more from this series.

Guys, I loved this book! Rachel did not disappoint when writing Risky Play. She gave us characters that were easy to fall in love with despite how cranky they could get. I fell in love with the bank and forth with Mackenzie and Slade almost instantly and I was sucked in from the very first page. If you are looking for a light, funny, loving read this is the book for you! I can’t wait to see what the next books in this series has to offer! If they are anything like Risky Play, I have no doubt in my mind they will be amazing.

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!

4.5 stars

Mackenzie Dupont needed a break. After being left at the altar and facing her ex-fiance at work every day, she needs a break where she doesn’t have to be the jilted woman. She already had the honeymoon planned and booked, so it seemed the perfect opportunity to take some time for herself.

Slade Rodriguez wants a few days to unwind before reporting to his new team in Seattle. Having ended his European soccer career earlier than some would have liked, he has his own reasons for being ready to play stateside.

Their meeting was serendipitous. Two people looking for a short period of anonymity. Using fake names, their time together is intense and has both craving more time together, until Slade finds himself needing to leave suddenly and without time to notify Mackenzie. When they meet again, neither expects what they find in the other, and Slade is still dealing with the events that had him fleeing Mexico.

I loved watching the two of them circle around each other when they meet again. Mackenzie’s new role in Slade’s life was exactly what she needed to find her feet again, but also gave them a series of uncomfortable encounters that force them to face what was developing between them in Mexico.

Mackenzie was a well rounded character and I enjoyed getting to know her. She just wanted to get out of the rut her life had become, a rut she hadn’t recognized until her ill-fated wedding day. The changes in her life, though unexpected and shocking to her family, were exactly what she needed to find herself again. Despite the rocky start with Slade, and then the rocky reintroduction to him, she held herself high, kept moving forward, and maintained her search for herself.

There were times it was hard to like Slade though. He is avoiding the emotions that sent him running in Mexico and hasn’t taken the time to work through them. When he finds himself face to face with Mackenzie again, those emotions come back full force and he doesn’t know how to deal with them. He turns into a massive jerk for a time, though his friends (and rivals) try to warn Mackenzie that it really is his problem not hers. I had a hard time during those jerkface moments, but had already fallen in love with the man we met in Mexico so gave him a pass to figure out his baggage.

This was a sexy, fun read filled with fantastic tension and conflict as they work through the baggage they are each carrying from previous situations. The side characters were a great addition to the story (with the exception of Alton, who it was entirely too easy to dislike) and they provided some great pushes and encouragement for both main characters. I look forward to more from this group of characters, especially the always exasperated Matt.

I received a copy for free from the author and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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.

This book was such a pleasure to read. RVD sure knows how to draw you in and keep you captive long after you've read the very last word.

Mack was jilted at the alter but still has to work along side the man who ruined her life. She needs an escape and she plans to get it in Mexico on her own damn honeymoon. Pro soccer player Slade needs an escape from everything going wrong in his life. That's why he's disappearing off to Mexico without even a good bye. When these two cross paths, fake names abound and one hot and steamy night turns into anger on both accounts. But imagine both their surprises when they end up working together. No amount of NDA's can stop the sizzling attraction but they must get their anger out to find what's in front of them.

OMG this book, this couple, absolutely amazing!!!! I cannot wait to become immersed in the Red Card world again. I will be eagerly awaiting the next installment.

**Received ARC through NetGalley. Voluntarily reviewed**

Slade and Mackenzie are both dedicated. Both with very legitimate reasons to not trust others, specially the opposite sex. Both the best in their own field. So of course they make a great match! It just takes them a lot of work to get to that trusting point. Specially since he has a lot of anger and guilt he needs to work through. The book pulled at my heartstrings a little with what happens to Slade. I felt like he needed a true friend, someone that would genuinely care for him. But the trick is that it needed to be someone of his choosing, that one person he would let in. And I loved that it was Mackenzie because in return she needed a warrior. Someone that would make her a priority and would not lie to her. And that is exactly what he becomes. Not just because he is loyal, despite the public thinking the contrary calling him a bad boy, but because he admires her. Even when his impulsive temper causes him to mess up constantly, he truly has the best intentions, he believes she is the best and treats her like it. They are equals. It's a nice fun story for these characters. Very eye opening for them where in a short amount of time they realize that they just click. They feel right for each other.

Risky Play was an emotionally heartfelt story that started out with a bang. It had everything I've come to love in a Rachel Van Dyken book. Characters that felt real, a story-line that pulled at my heart and scorching hot scenes that made me fan my face. But there was also a strong hate to love vibe that made this story such a winner. If you're a fan of sports romances, Rachel Van Dyken or hate to love romances then definitely pick this one up!

“More champagne?” He pointed to my hand still clutching the champagne with a vise-like grip.
“Yeah,” I croaked.
“Are you by yourself?” he asked a few seconds later.
“Yes.” Don’t cry. Don’t cry. Don’t cry.
“Do you want to be?” he asked softly.
I shook my head, no…
Just then he hopped over the partition, swept me into his arms, and lowered his head.


Six months after we watched Mackenzie be ditched at the altar, she treated herself to her honeymoon. Alone. She met a man named Slade on the airplane and I absolutely loved how their time together progressed, eeks! With fake names, a whirlwind day of fun and a night that was steamy and romantic, it was absolutely addicting watching them be together. But that next morning, Slade left without a word. While they never thought they would see each other again, one month later Mackenzie ended up being Slade's assistant. And it definitely wasn't a warm and fuzzy reunion.

He was barely touching me, and my body hummed to life.
I stepped away.
I had to.
I didn’t trust him.
I couldn’t.


While Mackenzie was the heiress to one of the largest wine brands, she was completely down to earth and I easily connected with her. She was kind, patient and I loved that she took risks and was brave. But my heart hurt for her. Mackenzie had been burned by men and never seemed to be enough for them. So when Slade started using Mackenzie as an emotional punching bag, she held nothing back and stood her ground. She didn't understand why she was now hated. But she'd much rather spend her time with Slade, instead of going back to the winery. Where she would have be around the man who left her at the alter.

“You’re making this harder than it should be.” I crossed my arms.
“And you make me harder than I should be. And yet, here I am.” He crossed his arms.
Don’t look down. Do not. Look. Down.
I gulped.
His smile broke out into a huge grin. “You were saying?”


Oh Slade. He was such a complex man. And one that I absolutely loved. He was the number one soccer player in the world, but his trust was definitely jaded from his past and his fame. But thankfully we got to see his softer side in the beginning. When he was in Mexico with Mackenzie, Slade was charming, seductive and fun. But when we saw him a month later, he was cold and callous. He could be so mean and hurtful to Mackenzie, it hurt to watch. Since we alternated between Slade and Mackenzie, you'll find out why he is the way he is. He was so bad, but I also knew just how amazing he could be.

I had to convince myself that the man in Puerto Vallarta didn’t exist.
Because if he did?
I wouldn’t let him go.


As Mackenzie invaded Slade's life, doing her job, I was so proud that she would continually throw Slade's attitude back in his face. She never took it lying down. And probably the most amazing thing about Mackenzie is that she took a bad situation and found a way to be positive about it. I absolutely loved her! As the story progressed, I loved seeing peeks of the old Slade. The one I fell so hard for. When his charming or seductive side would come out, I couldn't stop the smiles. But best of all I loved watching the moments when Slade was fiercely protective of those he cared for. It was crazy hot!

Her hands dug into me, clung to me like I was going to let her go, and it broke my fucking heart that she might actually think I would do that because of our history.
I wasn’t letting this go.
Her go.


While the sexual tension was absolutely delicious, I loved when Rachel Van Dyken took them a step further. Not only was it seductive, but I loved how she could seamlessly lace humor into those moments. There was a shower scene that had me laughing so hard I was crying. But outside of Slade and Mackenzie, there was also friendships that I adored reading about. Matt and Jagger were my two favorite side characters, you have to meet them! Also you have to meet Slade's dog, Alfie. He was such a cutie! So yes, I definitely recommend this book! Risky Play made me laugh, cry, smile and fall in love. And it gave me ALL the tears with that ending. It was so perfect! Now I can't wait to read the next book, which is about Matt. That man made me crack up and smile so hard, I can't wait to hear every single one of his thoughts!

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.

Wow! This book took me by surprise. I really didn’t have any expectations going into this book except that RVD never disappoints, and I’m pretty confident in saying this is my new favorite from her. I couldn’t put it down and finished it in one sitting. I loved Mackenzie and Slade and their instant connection. They were on fire even when they were hating each other. And Mackenzie’s growth throughout the book was perfection. She was such a well balanced heroine and I loved the way she owned herself. Slade was a jerk, understandably, but the way he went after what he wanted when he realized what he had?? That solidified him as a swoon worthy hero. I also loved Matt and Jagger, and I hope they get their own books.

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.

Holy soccer player, Batman! Slade is a fun character from beginning to end and I enjoyed watching the evolutions of his emotions from his first encounter with Mackenzie through the end of the story. Although he’s a soccer player, his profession takes a back seat to the love story created by Rachel Van Dyken.

What starts out as a one-time, OMG situation turns into so much more. Challenges, lust, love, and so much more combine to give us this charming romance novel. Once Mackenzie gets going she’s has a combination of both a free-spirit and never-give-up attitude. And while Slade CAN be a pompous ass, he can be the sweetest character with a giving heart.

The scenes between Jagger and Slade had all the signature banter that RVD is known for and that always makes me snort-laugh. It’s something that I always look forward to when reading a new RVD book and she doesn’t disappoint. Witty, relatable characters and a wonderful storyline make Risky Play a must-read.

Also, can we get a book for Jagger and/or Matt? That’d be great.

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!

I'm gonna be honest here and say that I am a bit over the whole "virgin" trope. If I never have to read about another virgin again...that would be fine by me. That said, I am a fan of Rachel van Dyken's work and so I really don't want to miss out on the books she writes, so I figured I just had to trust her and give this one a go ;)

And I am so glad I did because Mack was pretty awesome !!

MacKenzie is the 30-year-old heiress of a wine empire. She is a sommelier (wine taster) at her father's company. She has also just been left at the altar...by her best friend Alton. The friend she grew up with, the one who was always by her side and who was supposed to run this wine-empire with her in the future...

She tries to resume her life but having to look at her ex-fiancee...(who already showing off his new girlfriend) is just a bit too much. So she decides to go on the honeymoon she bought for the two of them alone... She could use a bit of a time-out...an adventure ;) She wasn't prepared for an engine malfunction though... And while the airplane's engine has exploded, so does Mack's heart when she kisses the handsome man sitting next to her...

Slade Rodriguez is a pretty famous soccer player looking for his own time out. Life has thrown him a few curve balls, and he needed to get away from it all. He wasn't expecting the beauty sitting next to him...kissing him...while the airplane rocks it's way down...

Being in the same resort, and on the same floor even, they decide to take their chemistry a step further. 

But tragedy strikes a few hours later and when Mack wakes up...there is no sign anywhere from Slade... 

Having no place to go, she decides to go and work for her aunt for a couple of months, so she won't be confronted with her jerkface ex again... since her father refuses to fire him. She didn't expect to come face to face with a different kind of jerk though..

I absolutely loved this book. The back and forth banter was amazing and I laughed my ass off !! Mack was no weak and wilting heroine by any means. She was so strong and sweet and funny. I am glad I put my prejudice about the whole "virgin" thing aside. 

It took me a bit longer to warm up to Slade, but he worked hard for it so I have to give him my stamp of approval as well ;) 

The side characters were pretty awesome, and I really fell head over heels in love with Matt... He's definitely my kind of guy and I hope he will get his own story soon.

That's not to say I won't be looking forward to Jagger's book, because he was great as well... Can't love em all the same though :P 

I highly recommend this series !!