Loved Blake and Lexi! Blake is charmingly earnest, loyal and eager to please Lexi. Lexi is genius, neurodivergent and trying to make sense of her feelings for Blake. Entertaining, funny, heartwarming and steamy - this is another great read by Max Monroe! I loved also that the other characters (friends and family members) are central to the story and we get to follow along with their lives as well. Can't wait to read the next in this series!

Loved Blake and Lexi! Blake is charmingly earnest, loyal and eager to please Lexi. Lexi is genius, neurodivergent and trying to make sense of her feelings for Blake. Entertaining, funny, heartwarming and steamy - this is another great read by Max Monroe! I loved also that the other characters (friends and family members) are central to the story and we get to follow along with their lives as well. Can't wait to read the next in this series!

I knew I was going to laugh out loud reading this but I was surprised that I got really emotional at the end. I have a soft spot for the funny cinnamon roll type H so I fell in love with Blake from the beginning. Blake and Lexi had good banter and chemistry which is a plus. I haven't read all the previous books so I was a little confused with who everyone was and how they were related but I definitely really enjoyed this one. I will definitely be checking out the rest of the books in the future!

It was meh, not my favorite and I am not sure if i'm glad I read it or not at this point. It just couldn't keep my attention it was to the point I was winding up finding something else to do but finish this.

What a treat this book was! Longtime fans of Max Monroe will be familiar with Lexi Winslow, as she is the daughter of Winnie from a previous book. I love we are now getting some second generation characters (which gives us a little peek at some old favorites!)

I loved the way the authors shined a light on Lexi's quirks, all the while not making her seem weird. Her quirks made her who she was, and that was perfectly fine. She was relatable, and most of all, loveable.

Blake....sigh. He was just perfect for Lexi. He was patient, yet persistent. Even when Lexi's quirks left him heartbroken, he never gave up on her. The way he supported Lexi made him book boyfriend perfection!

Playing Games by Max Monroe is a delightful, witty, and heartwarming contemporary romance that combines humor, sizzling chemistry, and a refreshing take on the “opposites attract” trope. The second book in the Dickson University series, it introduces readers to Blake Boden, the cocky, charming quarterback with a reputation for winning both on and off the field. Enter Lexi, a brilliant, introverted student whose scientific approach to life and love initially leaves Blake perplexed—and intrigued.

The chemistry between Blake and Lexi is palpable from the start. Blake is used to getting what he wants, but Lexi is unlike any woman he’s encountered. She’s not impressed by his athleticism or good looks; instead, she views relationships through a logical, almost clinical lens. The way Blake pursues her is both hilarious and endearing. His relentless pursuit of Lexi doesn’t feel forced or clichéd—it's grounded in genuine curiosity about a woman who doesn’t fall for his usual charms. As the two get to know each other, sparks fly, and the playful banter and escalating tension between them keep the pages turning.

What sets Playing Games apart from other romance novels is Lexi’s neurodivergent perspective. Her scientific approach to life brings a unique layer to the story, adding depth to the relationship and making Lexi’s character feel real and authentic. Max Monroe does an excellent job of highlighting her quirks and intelligence while never reducing her to just her “differences.” Lexi is smart, funny, and ultimately very relatable. Watching her grow emotionally as she navigates her feelings for Blake is a rewarding experience for readers.

Blake, on the other hand, is a perfect mix of charm and vulnerability. While he’s a confident, successful athlete, he has a depth to him that goes beyond the stereotypical “jock” persona. His pursuit of Lexi is not just about winning her over but about discovering someone who challenges him in ways he never expected. His character’s development, from cocky quarterback to someone capable of real emotional growth, is a testament to the dynamic, engaging storytelling Max Monroe is known for.

The pacing of the book is excellent. The blend of romance, humor, and heartfelt moments makes for a fast, enjoyable read. Max Monroe excels at writing characters who feel like real people, not just romance novel archetypes. Their interactions are natural, with moments of genuine humor, emotion, and vulnerability.

Playing Games is a perfect read for fans of opposites-attract romance with a dash of humor and a lot of heart. It’s the kind of book you can’t put down because you’re rooting for these characters from the first page to the last. With its clever writing, endearing characters, and emotional depth, it’s a must-read for anyone who enjoys a romance that goes beyond surface-level attraction. Highly recommended for those who love smart, funny, and genuinely heartfelt stories.

I absolutely loved this book. I loved the autism rep for the FMC. This was such a cute read and definitely will be reading more of your books. Blake & Lexi are adorable and fit so perfectly together!

I liked this! it was a fun, steamy sports romance. it was the perfect pallet cleanser after reading some pretty heavy books. I will say that the plot was a little lacking at some points but honestly, who reads sports romances for a plot throughout an entire book.

Max Monroe always has a fun read & this one is no exception. Blake is sure about his feelings for Lexi but she doesn’t get it. Lexi is on the spectrum and struggles with emotions. Blake is so patient and treats her so well. It was fun to see a lot of familiar faces from other books.

4.5/5⭐️
I never knew that research and data input could be so useful and fun! I totally loved those hypotheses. Lexi is analytical while Blake is sporty. Despite them being opposites, Blake has the largest crush on Lexi. She is also older than him and is on her way to obtaining her second PhD while Blake is studying for his degree.

Despite all the challenges, I loved how persistent Blake was. He sets out to win her trust and to win her over. Texting her regularly? Check. Food delivery? Check. Trying to spend time with her at any possible chance? Check.

While it was fun to see Blake winning over Lexi, I also enjoyed the glimpses of Finn and Scottie here. It was great to see their love going strong. I can’t wait for Ace and Julia’s friends to lovers story.

As book two in the Dickson University series, I’m pleased to say you can read this as a stand-alone. I hadn’t read book one but found Playing Games easy to get into. Neurodivergent Lexi was a great FMC trying to widen her horizons in her own unique way, and Blake the lovesick MMC who’s persistence and patience makes him a loveable character. A good read.
Thank you to NetGalley for the arc.

Ahhhhhhhhh.

I love sports romances and this book was no exception.

This was my first book by Max Monroe and they did not disappoint.

wow wow wow...just wow. I was absolutely hooked from the start. I LOVE the dynamic of Lexi and how her incredible mind works, but then add in Blake...chef's kiss.
Max and Monroe do it again! I started with the Learning Curve, so the 2nd generation is so much fun, but I am missing the earlier context. Honestly though, it's not a gap that has me upset. I am yearning to dive into the billionaire series and the anticipation is killing me. I've added Scoring the Billionaire to my TBR.
Lexi is neurodivergent and I love ever second of her; and although I can't personally relate to her there are definitely some highlight moments that pluck my heart strings.
Blake...oh Blakey Blake. Umm, what is there to say about this MMC? Swoony-check, muscular-check, spicy-check, patient-check...just all the checks. Love his recognition and determination in Lexi and their relationship.
Couldn't put this one down, hands down in love with these two. Can't wait for what's next at Dickson U.

This sports romcom delivers with excellent banter, especially in their text convos, and a charming romance between our MCs.
Blake, the golden retriever star quarterback, is persistent yet respectful in his pursuit of Lexi. Lexi, our neurodivergent queen, is both funny and relatable as she pushes herself out of her comfort zone. This pushes her straight into the arms of Blake, who has had a crush on her for a while.
With a strong support system on both sides, this lighthearted romance offers lovable, realistic characters and a fun, low-stakes college sports setting. I loved the opposites attract, secret relationship, reverse grumpy x sunshine dynamic.
Highly recommend for fans of Elle Kennedy, Rebecca Jenshak, and Becka Mack.

Blake is the all-star football player at Dickson University, and Lexi is a neurodivergent she is in the spectrum. Blake sees her and understand and have patience with her while she is finding herself. Having a child in the spectrum I love that their stories about them because you want hope someone will be their for them. you see the original character and the next generation and I cant wait to read more

This is my first book by Max Monroe, which has opened a path to reading all the previous books written by this author duo, particularly the one written in this series and the anticipated book to follow.

This story brings together two unlikely individuals, a brainiac and an athlete. But the chemistry between the two is instant.

Lexi Lou Winslow, the main female character, is not only intelligent but neurodivergent. I thoroughly enjoyed how the authors provided this space to Lexi to be exactly who she is. Lexi was resistant to being with Blake Boden (star college quarterback), but his persistence broke through every reason Lexi created not to be with him. She even went as far as to create an app to provide justification for her to be with Blake.

Lexi eventually accepts that she has deep feelings for Blake and allows him to be in her life and contrary to her initial belief, Lexi begins to understand and accept that she in fact has the ability to love and be in a relationship.

Thank you NetGallery for this advanced copy and allowing me to provide my review of this book.

Absolutely loved this book. It was great reading Blake and Lexie. The way she tried to make a science hypothesis out of her reactions to him. I loved it.

This was my first Max Monroe book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The characters were well-developed, making them both likable and relatable. The plot was engaging, with enough excitement to maintain my interest throughout. The length of the book was appropriate, with climax executed well. I am a new fan of these authors and will definitely be recommending this book.

Blake Boden is the star quarterback and Lexi has eyes for him only when the time comes for them to be a thing, she's not sure that's what she signed up for. She's a neurodivergent and finds relationships hard but she has a pull to Blake and when he wants to go public she drops him. Only it's not really what she wants when she realizes a very important detail about herself after a conversation with her mom. Lexi and Blake's story is such a cute one and I'm thankful to NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest review.

Max Monroe is an unbreakable duo, and this book did not disappoint! This is a first for me in the series, I need to go back and read book 1!

Max Monroe is back with another humor packed rom-com wrapped around steamy scenes and plenty of swoon! Max Monroe’s books never lack for entertaining characters, situations and attraction. The back and forth banter is almost continous throughout the book especially in the text messages between Blake and Lexi.

Blake had declared his love for Lexi in the previous book of this series. Their story is sweet and enjoyable yet, I enjoyed the opposites attract trope the best. Blake and Lexi are so extremely opposite that each time they manage to overcome another hurdle moving the relationship forward was a moment of smiles.

Unlike Blake, Lexi lives locked in a world of analysis and data. She has difficulty developing a relationships including the one with Blake. She needs time to process and analyze. When Blake pursues her, she is forced outside her comfort zone. And this is where all the swoon takes place! Blake is driven by his energy and his refusal to fail especially with Lexi. His desire to learn and understand Lexi with such patience and small steps makes him so adorable and perfect for her.

I really enjoyed the book and am looking forward to the next.