Risky Play

Straitlaced heiress Mackenzie “Mack” DuPont falls for pro soccer player Slade Rodriguez in this seductive yet sweet intro to the Red Card contemporary sports romance series, set in Seattle. Months after being jilted at the altar, Mack goes in search of adventure and meets the sexy Slade, whom she doesn’t recognize despite his fame. Using fake identities, they spend a glorious night together, only for her to awaken to an empty bed and no sign of the man who stole her heart—and took her virginity. Slade’s father’s death has left him bitter and broken. When Mack’s manager hires Slade as Mack’s assistant, Slade thinks Mack is stalking him and immediately shows her his bad side, trying to get her to quit. Mack will not let another man push her around, so she stays on. As she tries to help him heal, they grow closer, but their love is tested when both their greedy exes plot against them, turning their newfound peace into a media frenzy. Van Dyken (the Liars Inc. series) mixes comic relief with personal growth, making this catchy romance irresistible. Agent: Erica Silverman, Trident Media Group. (Mar.)