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Risky Play (Red Card Book 1) Kindle Edition
Even one-night stands deserve a second chance in New York Times bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken’s novel of sporting desire.
What else can a virgin do when she’s ditched at the altar? Seattle heiress Mackenzie Dupont is treating herself to a single-girl honeymoon in Mexico and a desire to relinquish her innocence to a gorgeous one-night stand. Fake names. True pleasure. But when she wakes up alone, Mackenzie realizes just how much anger is left in her broken heart.
Suffering a tragic personal loss, pro soccer player Slade Rodriguez has his reasons for vanishing without a goodbye. Right or wrong, he’s blaming the beautiful and infuriating stranger he never wants to see again. They’re both in for a shock when Mackenzie shows up as his new personal assistant. And they both have a lot to learn about each other. Because they share more than they could possibly know, including a common enemy who’s playing his own games. And he’s not afraid to get dirty.
Now there’s only one way Mackenzie and Slade can win: to trust in each other and to stop hiding from the lies they’ve told, the secrets they’ve kept, the mistakes they’ve made, and the attraction that still burns between them.
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Editorial Reviews
Review
“[S]eductive yet sweet…Van Dyken (the Liars, Inc. series) mixes comic relief with personal growth, making this catchy romance irresistible.” —Publishers Weekly
“This one promises to be a compulsive, engrossing romance for the right readers.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Van Dyken’s (The Matchmaker’s Playbook) prose is absorbing, and readers will find themselves rooting for Mackenzie and Slade individually and together. An enjoyable romp that blends sex with soul-searching…” —Library Journal (starred review)
About the Author
Rachel Van Dyken is a Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and #1 New York Times bestselling author known for regency romances, contemporary romances, and her love of coffee and Swedish Fish. Rachel’s also recently inked a deal for her Wingmen Inc. series—The Matchmaker’s Playbook and The Matchmaker’s Replacement—to be made into movies.
A fan of The Bachelor and the Seattle Seahawks (not necessarily in that order), Rachel lives in Idaho with her husband, a super cute toddler son who keeps her on her toes, and two boxers. Make sure you check out her site, www.RachelVanDykenauthor.com, and follow her on Twitter (@RachVD).
Product details
- ASIN : B07FSBH2F4
- Publisher : Skyscape
- Accessibility : Learn more
- Publication date : March 19, 2019
- Language : English
- File size : 2.8 MB
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Print length : 290 pages
- ISBN-13 : 978-1542043717
- Page Flip : Enabled
- Book 1 of 2 : Red Card
- Best Sellers Rank: #9,789 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #545 in Sports Romance (Books)
- #586 in New Adult & College Romance (Kindle Store)
- #638 in Romantic Comedy (Kindle Store)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Rachel Van Dyken is the #1 New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of over 100 books ranging from new adult romance to mafia romance to paranormal & fantasy romance. With over four million copies sold, she's been featured in Forbes, US Weekly, and USA Today. Her books have been translated in more than 15 countries. She was one of the first romance authors to have a Kindle in Motion book through Amazon publishing and continues to strive to be on the cutting edge of the reader experience. She keeps her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, adorable sons, naked cat, and two dogs.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book engaging and well-written, with a beautiful love story and witty banter between characters. Moreover, they appreciate the humor, with one customer noting they loved smiling and laughing while reading. Additionally, customers praise the characters' strength, with one review highlighting Mackenzie's sassy stubbornness, while another mentions how the story kept them hooked from beginning to end.
AI Generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the book engaging and well-written, with one mentioning they were hooked from the first chapter.
"I loved this story. Slade and Mack are terrific together. The book made me swoon and the scene with Slade and Danny brought tears to my eyes...." Read more
"...we've come to love about RVD books; wonderful characters, a fantastic storyline and great sub-characters as well...." Read more
"...I really can’t say enough nice things about this story. It is so so good and it lightened my heart!..." Read more
"Honestly, this book was a soap opera. Was I entertained? Yes. Was I annoyed? Yes. Did I want to punch Slade in the nuts a billion times?..." Read more
Customers enjoy the romance in the book, describing it as a beautiful love story with great emotion and passion.
"I loved this story. Slade and Mack are terrific together. The book made me swoon and the scene with Slade and Danny brought tears to my eyes...." Read more
"...This book contains everything you could want in a story - there's romance, angst, hot guys, hot sex, and some mystery that you don't expect!!..." Read more
"...There are a lot of fun moments, emotional moments, and ones where you wish to wring someone's neck. But as usual, the writing style is on point...." Read more
"...That sexy drawl/accent was amazing! Not knocking CJ Bloom she did great as well!..." Read more
Customers appreciate the character development in the book, particularly noting the witty banter between characters and the perfect heroine.
"...Snarky humor, deep characters, and love scenes that fit and aren’t just thrown in for shock value… well done!" Read more
"...This is where the fun begins!! This is kinda a roller coaster ride for both characters, and us as readers...." Read more
"...It was everything we've come to love about RVD books; wonderful characters, a fantastic storyline and great sub-characters as well...." Read more
"...She has a way of making you feel connected and care for the characters. So for Risky Play, I'm giving it Four Boundless Stars." Read more
Customers enjoy the humor in the book, particularly the banter between characters and amusing dialogue, with one customer mentioning a specific airplane ride scene that made them laugh.
"...Snarky humor, deep characters, and love scenes that fit and aren’t just thrown in for shock value… well done!" Read more
"...There are a lot of fun moments, emotional moments, and ones where you wish to wring someone's neck. But as usual, the writing style is on point...." Read more
"...It is so so good and it lightened my heart! I LOVE smiling and laughing while reading/listening. Dont you?..." Read more
"...Risky Play is equal parts fun, romance, angst, and full of emotion!From the very beginning of this book, I knew I wasn't going to be able to put it..." Read more
Customers appreciate the strength of the characters in the book, describing them as feisty, with one customer highlighting the brokenness of the two main characters and another noting their sassy and stubborn nature.
"...There is so much drama and emotional turmoil but shows an amazingly strong heroine that was inspirational...." Read more
"...I enjoyed their banter and her strength of character, especially when he is less than gracious to her...." Read more
"I love this one. Risky Play is a fun read. I love the sassy stubbornness of Mackenzie. Even Slade's jackassory was cute...." Read more
"...The feelings Slade and Mackenzie have for one another are so strong. They're both so consumed by hurt that I just wanted to hug them both...." Read more
Customers find the pacing of the book engaging, with one mentioning they were hooked from beginning to end, while others describe it as refreshing and lightened their heart.
"...It is so so good and it lightened my heart! I LOVE smiling and laughing while reading/listening. Dont you?..." Read more
"...couldn't help but fall in love with, and when they first meet, it was magical and amazing...." Read more
"...with Mackenzie and Slade almost instantly and I was sucked in from the very first page...." Read more
"...I loved every moment. I was drawn into this incredible world instantly...." Read more
Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, with one customer noting how the descriptive words create a perfect picture, while another mentions the author's special way with words.
"...But as usual, the writing style is on point. Rachel, I don't think has ever disappointed...." Read more
"...alot of anger.... I loved how this book had alot of details and was well written, enjoyed it alot...." Read more
"Mack & Slade were beautifully done in this sweet story...." Read more
"...Rachel has always had a special way with words, and you can tell just by reading this book, that she has put so much of her time and effort and..." Read more
Customers praise the author's work, describing her as amazing, with one customer noting her versatility and another highlighting her intelligence.
"...This book is just another example of this versatile author's awesomeness...." Read more
"Another outstanding book by an amazing author. Rachel Van Dyken has knocked this one out of the park - I could not put it down...." Read more
"Another typical book from Rachel, Typical as in typically awesome!!!!..." Read more
"Rachel has done it again with how amazing of a writer she is! Risky Play sucks you in the moment you read the first word on the page...." Read more
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Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on April 7, 2025Format: KindleVerified PurchaseThis is the first I’ve read this author and I can’t wait to read more. Snarky humor, deep characters, and love scenes that fit and aren’t just thrown in for shock value… well done!
- Reviewed in the United States on March 26, 2019Format: KindleVerified PurchaseI loved this story. Slade and Mack are terrific together. The book made me swoon and the scene with Slade and Danny brought tears to my eyes. Mack starts off being a person who is afraid to live her life but by the end of the book, she is a person who is strong and knows what she wants. While on a trip to Mexico by herself, she meets Slade on the plane and kisses him because she thinks she's going to die. They spend a glorious night together but then Slade receives tragic news and leaves. They run into each other a few weeks later and neither one knows how to act or what to think. Mack is hurt that he walked away from her and then treats her like dirt. Slade is angry with her because he blames her for what happened to his father. Mack refuses to give up on him and he slowly starts to heal. The more time he spends with her, the more he realizes that he wants her her in his life. However, his past comes back to haunt him and threaten everything Mack and Slade could have together. The ending was satisfactory but I just wasn't ready for the book to end
- Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2019Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseFirst, I have to say that I love Rachel Van Dyken's writing! So, when I saw that she was releasing Kickin It, I just had to read Risky Play first. And I'm so glad that I did!!! This book contains everything you could want in a story - there's romance, angst, hot guys, hot sex, and some mystery that you don't expect!! Loved it!!!
I have to say that even though Mackenzie was left at the alter and had lived her life for other people, she was such a strong character! Honestly, the best thing that happened to her was having Alton not marry her!!!! OMG, he turned out to be the biggest prick on the face of the earth!!! Anyway, she decides to go on their planned honeymoon to get away from Alton and her family, who don't think badly of Alton after everything that's happened. On the plane she meets Slade, or Hugo as he introduces himself. But then again, she introduces herself as Ashley. They are both trying to fly under the radar and just get away from life.
Slade is trying to get away from the media circus that had become his life. His ex-fiance had cheated on him with one of his teammates and gotten pregnant. He had just left his team in Europe to play in the states, so he was all over the tabloids. Of course, nothing they printed was true and he just wanted a fresh start.
Based on their pasts, both Slade and Mackenzie had trust issues but they threw caution to the wind and hooked up in Mexico. You'd think that's this is where the story starts, but it's not. It starts when they get back to the states and Mackenzie takes a job as Slade's PA. This is where the fun begins!!
This is kinda a roller coaster ride for both characters, and us as readers. They are both attracted to the other but have warring emotions that get in the way. There are also some key characters that try to get in the way also. I wasn't a big fan of Mackenzie's parents. Her dad put business ahead of family too much, which made his own daughter feel less important. There was Jagger, one of Slade's new teammates. He was a friend of Alton's but he desperately wanted in Mackenzie's pants. I thought he was a bad guy, but it turned out he wasn't. I HATED ALTON!!!! What a dick! The only thing I didn't like about the book was we never find out if he pays for what he did to Mackenzie. So hope he did!!!! Alfie was a great addition to the cast, but I love dogs!! Then there's Matt. OMG, he was priceless with the way he dealt with Slade, Jagger, and the media!!! Can't wait to read his book!
I highly recommend this book to everyone, you won't be disappointed!!
- Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2019Format: KindleVerified Purchase**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Oh how I love Rachel Van Dyken! This book is just another example of this versatile author's awesomeness. This book had me from the first chapter, hence the fact I read it in nearly one sitting.
Mackenzie Dupont endures every woman's nightmare - she's left at the alter. Not only is she left at the alter, but every bit of it happens in front of a huge socialite crowd and it ends up on the front pages of gossip magazines as well. When Mack reaches her breaking point, she decides to take matters into her own hands and do something for herself - she goes on the honeymoon meant for her and Alton, solo.
Slade Rodriguez has a lot of change happening in his life at the moment. He caught his fiancee cheating with his former best friend and to top it off, she's pregnant with the friend's child. Not only that, but he's made the decision to leave his European soccer team to come play in the US, near his mother in Seattle.
When Slade and Mack initially meet on the plane, and then realize they are staying at the same hotel, they give each other fake names, Hugo and Ashley, thinking that this way the other will be none the wiser about their social statuses. The chemistry is there immediately and after a hot and steamy night together, Slade up and vanishes before Mack wakes up. This spells the end of them, right? Nope, think again.
Back in Seattle they encounter one another again and the chemistry is still there, but there are a lot of factors working against them. Alton, Mack's former fiance, isn't done with tormenting her and Slade's nemesis and new teammate, Jagger, causes problems when he makes a play for Mack. Will these two be able to trust one another and their feelings in order to really make a go of things?
I absolutely loved this book. It was everything we've come to love about RVD books; wonderful characters, a fantastic storyline and great sub-characters as well. I also got really invested in these characters and what was going to happen to them. I felt their anguish, pain, victories and elation. I can't wait to see who else gets a book in the Red Card series, because there are certainly some great candidates with both Jagger and Matt! I highly recommend picking up this awesome title!
Top reviews from other countries
- Marini MassimoReviewed in Italy on January 1, 2020
1.0 out of 5 stars ...
Format: KindleVerified PurchaseSorry, but you clearly didn't think this through. Problems everywhere, the plot just doesn't make any sense. Not worth the time.
- ZeyReviewed in Australia on July 14, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Read
Format: KindleVerified PurchaseRVD books are a one-click-read for me. Nothing, and I mean nothing, I read by them had been disappointing. This book was among those gems, even though it cannot replace Consequence of Loving Colton, now, that was the book to take rom-com to a whole another level.
Highly recommend!
- LindalooKamReviewed in the United Kingdom on June 12, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
Format: KindleVerified PurchaseAbsolutely love this book.
Loved the storyline and all the characters.
Fell in love with Slade from the beginning. Although he was a player you could sense the genuine warmth, comfort and wholesome qualities he held within himself and needed someone like Mack to bring it out of him.
The whole storyline was exceptional and the connection with each of the characters was brilliant.
Loved the way Slade, Matt, Jagger and Mack bounced off each other. They were quite funny together. Especially Matt and his dry humour.
A brilliant book and well worth 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- J. WellingReviewed in Canada on June 28, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it!!
Format: KindleVerified PurchaseWow! Thank you Rachel for another great book. This story has a little bit of everything and it all mixes together for a great read. I loved the main characters. They were funny and complicated and hurt and trying to figure out where their lives were heading. Rachel has a wonderful way of making you feel a lot of emotions while reading her books. I laughed, I cried, I got angry, but mostly I cheered for Mack and Slade and hoped for their HEA. I would definitely recommend this book and I am looking forward to Matt's story in book number two.
- Kindle CustomerReviewed in the United Kingdom on July 8, 2019
4.0 out of 5 stars What a fun novel☺
Format: KindleVerified PurchaseThis book had just the right amount of humour, romance, quick fire response and sarcasm to make it an easy story to follow. I looked forward to every time l could catch a moment to get back to the book. It made me smile and laugh.Some novels have complicated plots and you need to go back and re-read some before you can get on the right track,this story a joy & a perfect holiday book. Great job Rachel!👏