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: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
In love and romance,
Professor A
Professor Romance 