Playing Games by Max Monroe was a wonderful book to read. It had representation for neurodivergent people, banter, heartwarming moments, and a great love story.

Lexi and Blake might be two of my favorite characters to read about. Lexi is our neurodivergent (autistic) FMC who has a brilliant mind, although emotions don't come easy to her. She struggles sometimes, but that's okay because she has a lot of people in her corner that love her for her.
Blake is our Golden Retriever star quarterback who is sweet, caring, extremely patient, and has been after Lexi for a while. He fell in love with her pretty much at first sight and is tenacious in his pursuit of her.

Their love story is definitely one you do not want to miss out on reading!

Quick Summary: A NA, opposites in love romance

My Review: Playing Games by Max Monroe is book #2 in the Dickson University series.

About the Book: "Dickson University’s star quarterback and campus golden boy is used to winning on and off the field…until he meets the one woman who changes the game."

In My Own Words: Understanding emotions and feelings can be challenging for anyone, especially someone who deals with neurodivergence. Wanting to experience more, where the heart is concerned, is no small thing. But what happens when the right person comes along and helps to solve the love equation?

My Final Say: I adore neurodivergent characters. They have deeply meaningful love stories, too. Thank you, Max Monroe for taking us to the heart of what it's like and what it can be like for this population. Lexi and Blake's story was on point.

Love is so TOTAL!

Reasons I enjoyed this book:

Wonderful characters
Easy-to-read
Happily Ever After
Entertaining
Emotional arc
Chemistry
Heart to heart growth

Other: Readers who enjoy opposites attract romances, loving beyond a diagnosis stories, and NAs with heart should like this book.

I highly recommend this series. Two in, and I am totally here for it. Let's go!

Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: NA/A
Re-read: Yes
Keeper: Yes
Favorites Shelf: Yes
Status/Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Series: Yes

Heartfelt appreciation is extended to Max Monroe LLC and to NetGalley. Thank you so very much for allowing access to a digital ARC of this title. It was definitely a pleasure to be given an opportunity to review this work. I am grateful for the chance to share my thoughts and opinions. I look forward to continuing with this series.

Blake is the star quarterback. He's gorgeous and he's got one hunk of a body. He has girls throwing themselves at him but he only wants one woman. Lexi is a genius. She seems to know everything about everything and she's working another PhD. In fact, she's written her dissertation months early. She's not a virgin, but she's neurodivergent and isn't sure she can fall in love. Even after she gives in to his relentless pursuit, and they have an incredible sexual relationship, she won't let their relationship become public and he can't call her his girlfriend.

In this book, I really feel for the guy. He's the nicest young man. He does everything he can to be a great boyfriend. I certainly would have snapped him up, given the opportunity.

Explicit sex so this book isn't for everyone, but I thought it was hot.

Playing Games follows two characters from completely different worlds-one rooted in science, the other in football. While the premise had potential, the characters felt too opposite to create a believable connection.
I struggled to connect emotionally with either protagonist, and the writing felt too juvenile for my taste. Additionally, the heavy focus on both science and football didn't appeal to me, making it hard to stay engaged. However, I think readers who enjoy stories featuring neurodivergent characters and scientific themes might find more to appreciate. This one just wasn't for me.
** Thank you Net Galley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review **

The authors give the best blurb for this gem: “opposites don’t just attract, they collide in the most delicious, laugh-out-loud, “I can’t put this book down” kind of way.” Seriously…so true (I read it in a few hours)! Easy-going, handsome star football player of Dickson University, Blake knew at first site that the smart, driven and beautiful Lexi was for him and he’d do just anything to make her see it. His relentlessness and patience, her self-discovery that romance and love can be a part of her life…all of it entertaining and addicting. Other things that make this book enjoyable: short chapters, dual, first person PoV, college based secret romance, neurodivergent heroine representation, banter, steam and bit of spice, and many character cameos from Learning Curve and the authors previous, older series! I am so ready for the third book now!

Lexie Winslow has spent her entire life focused on science, facts, everything but emotions. Will golden retriever Dickson University football star Blake Boden be able to break through her shell and make her realize there's more to life than science and that they're perfect for each other?

This book follows Blake's unrelenting quest to get Lexie to give him a chance. I love how accepting he is of her neurodivergence, realizing when it was the right time to push and when it was better to sit back and let her make the next step.

The same loveable cast of Max Monroe characters make appearances, as crazy and wonderful as ever.

This book was definitely enjoyable, with lots of smiles. Maybe not the same over the top zany humor that are in other Max Monroe books, but overall this one made me smile.

Thank you to the author, Netgalley, and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

Playing Games is a laugh out loud, steamy romance story, filled with back-and-forth banter, wit, and great characters. I enjoyed Lexi and Blake's story a lot and it ends with a cliffhanger that left me satisfied. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more romance books from this author.

Let me start off by saying this is the first Max Monroe book I've read even though I have several of their books on my TBR list which now have been bumped up higher so I can read the first book in Dickson University and the 1st gen Billionaire Bad Boy books just so I can better understand all the characters better in this universe since this book is an interconnected standalone. I absolutely loved the chemistry, banter, spice, and humor between Lexi and Blake that makes these 2 polar opposites work so good together. The way Lexi's neurodivergent/autism was represented was really well done. I do love that it was written in dual POV because it made it easier to connect with Lexi and Blake and understand what was going on in their thThis was a cute second chance, brother's best friend, sports romance that was quick and easy to read for the most part. The chemistry between Melody and Zac was incredible and had a good balance of spice to plot. The character development was so well done.oughts.

Blake Boden is the ultimate book boyfriend. From the very first moment he met Lexi, he knew he wanted her and never stopped pursuing her. Their relationship was so captivating, and I absolutely loved it. This is definitely one of the best Max Monroe books I've read!

Thank you Max Monroe and the publisher for this ARC!

Second book for this series. I think it could technically be read as a standalone, but I wouldn’t recommend that. They talk about things from the first book that would make more sense before reading this one.

Blake, star quarterback for the university fell hard and fast for the secret society president, Lexi. Lexi is neurodivergent and not good with expressing feelings.

Blake worked his butt off to make Lexi give him the time of day. Lexi is known as the emotionless poker face by many.

The book also goes into Scottie’s situation a bit more and loved how that went about.

Does she give in? You’ll have to read to find out!
I personally loved the book. The characters are a bit older compared to book 1 (18-19 yrs olds). Lexi is 25 and and Blake is 21.

I’m so excited to read more about Ace & Julia!

Blake fell fast and hard for Lexi, and she made him work for the relationship. There were times when I felt like she was being too cruel and I found it hard to believe that he would keep fighting, but boy was it worth it in the end. I also felt bad for Lexi because she truly wanted to be with Blake she just didn't know if she was capable. With the usual banter and hijinks Max Monroe brings to their stories, Blake and Lexi will provide a ride that will keep you on your toes.

Since meeting Blake I knew that he wouldn't go quietly away, but he showed how patient and kind he is. He understood that Lexi needed to take things slowly and be nudged into seeing that they could be good together. Even when he didn't want to go along with certain parts of the relationship, he did, because he knew it was what she needed. He could see that they had something special, unfortunately, she pushed him away time and again. There were a few times that my heart broke for him.

Lexi has never understood typical feelings, due to her being neurodivergent. She can't understand why Blake is all she can think about. Even though she feels things for him that she has never felt before and she feels safe with him, she has a hard time accepting that he might be what she needs. Pushing him away time and again is harder on her than it ever has been, but she also doesn't know how to take the leap into a relationship.

I loved this couple so much and I can't wait to see what happens with his friends. I received an ARC and this is my honest, voluntary review.

Happy Release Day!!

This is book 2 in the Dickson University series and follows Lexi Winslow, a neurodivergent genius finishing up her PhD and Blake Boden, the university’s star Quarterback. Lexi has always struggled with emotions and social cues but after a comment from her little brother, decides to start trying harder to make connections. Blake declared he was going to marry Lexi the day he laid eyes on her for the first time and has spent the better part of a year trying to convince her to go out with him. With just a summer left before she leaves Dickson, Lexi finally gives in to Blake’s pursuit for “research” and Blake is ready to show her just how good they can be together.

* Neurodivergent FMC
* Sports Romance (Football)
* Opposites
* He Falls First

I loved watching Blake constantly crash and burn trying to win Lexi over in Learning Curve, the banter between them in both books is fun but the patience he has with her in Playing Games was top tier and I loved seeing the way he’s able to slowly coax her into connecting more with her feelings.

This can be read as a standalone but if you plan on reading Learning Curve (book 1) I would highly suggest reading it first as this contains a lot of spoilers. I’m also really looking forward to Ace and Julia’s book!

Thank you NetGalley and Max Monroe LLC for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

🧬 playing games 🧬

Max Monroe did it again. They delivered a wonderfully well executed friends with benefits to lovers book. I mean, I’m obsessed ⭐️💖.

I love reading girls in science ( I should read more about this). Love clever girls who know what they want and it was quite funny how Lexi approached Blake - she did it for the science 😂. Lexi is a genius like literally she IS, she’s on the spectrum and I really like how beautifully written her character was. She’s always struggled with emotions and she slowly starts to learn how to express herself.

After reading Learning Curve, I was curious about Blake… he didn’t disappoint me. He’s a very interesting guy and so book boyfriend material. Like I’m smitten. His patience and transparency about his feelings was AMAZING.

I’m so glad I got this arc, Dickson University series books are something I really enjoy reading. Playing Games was so entertaining and enjoyable.

I’d like to thank Max Monroe and NetGalley for the early copy.

Thanks to Max Monroe LLC and NetGalley for the Arc!

Honestly really loves the characters! I was a bit worried when I saw this was a part 2 of the series, but I checked and saw this was a standalone book in the series that's also connected to another series (wild!) The main characters were super lovable and so quirky in their own unique way, I ended up sinking hours at a time reading the book! The chemistry between the two was also chef's kiss! I loved every bit of their interactions and the way they bounce off one another. I'll definitely be going and reading the previous book and the others that are connected to this series! I'm hooked and I need to read more now!

Rate: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.5/5)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5 (3.5/5)

A Nerdy, Swoony, and Unapologetically Fun Read!

Huge thanks to Max Monroe LLC and NetGalley for the e-ARC!

This was my first book by these authors, and wow—I loved it! I actually didn’t realize this was the second book in the series when I requested it, but since they’re interconnected standalones, I had no trouble following Blake and Lexi’s story. That said, I’m definitely going back to read book one (and the original series, because apparently, this is a spin-off featuring the next-gen characters. Love that for me!).

Now, let’s talk about how entertaining this book was! The characters? Chef’s kiss. I adored them both, and as a fellow neurodivergent STEM nerd, I felt so seen with Lexi. Though, let’s be real—how is she only 25 and wrapping up two PhDs?! Also, the way she hyper-fixated on being three years older than Blake? Girl. It’s three years. Blink and you’ll miss it.
And Blake? This man is a walking green flag. Too good to be real. Patient, sweet, and completely smitten with Lexi from the start. The way he made sure she always felt comfortable in her own skin? Swoon. He straight-up told her she didn’t need to wear uncomfortable clothes just to impress him because he already thought she was perfect. I mean... where do I order one of him?

Bottom line: I’m a sucker for sports romance, this book made me emotional in the best way, and I highly recommend it—especially if you want a fun, heartwarming read with characters who make you feel seen.

Favourite quote:
"What can I say? I'll live and die by the sword of science."

Max Monroe ALWAYS has a new release just when I need it! I needed something comfortable with some laughs and they brought it! I really am enjoying this series but there’s just something so special about these characters! They wrote Lexi’s character perfectly. I felt like I got to experience her as if she were a real person. Blake reminds me of Noah Riley if Noah had a less- depressing upbringing. I love seeing the characters from within the universe come back for this book. This was such a good read!

Max Monroe books are an instant read for me. I really enjoyed Blake and Lexi. Blake is a jock, but he is not your stereotypical cocky guy. Lexi is quirky and adorable. She is not neurotypical and I enjoyed seeing a character like this pursued by the typical popular jock. It’s not something you normally see .

This fun and quick read is book 2 in the series. It is able to be read as a standalone, without you feeling lost.

Thanks NetGalley and Max Monroe for an advanced copy and exchange for my honest opinions.

This book was really good, and our MFL different than any I have read before. I think these authors really researched people on the spectrum, because the portrayal of Lexi seems really well done. I think they did a good job of showing the struggles those of us that are different face. I have a different disability, but it is still one that makes socializing difficult and I appreciate reading a book with this as part of the story line. And talk about a swoony hero! Blake is a wonderful male lead and I really am glad we were able to see his thoughts as he fell in love with Lexi. It was just wonderful. Highly recommend, 5 stars. Thank you NetGalley and Max Monroe for an advanced copy!

Blake stole the show here. I love to read sports romance where the jock isn't the stereotypical c0cky a&*hole. Blake definitely has swagger and charm and a level of hot arrogance but that comes with his sports. A college football QB hailed to be the next big NFL star would have some charisma. But at the core, he is the nice guy. A complete sweetheart. And our super heroine needed someone open and accepting like Blake to shatter the cage and make her fall in love. Lexi is so unique as FMC. Her neurodivergent character is extremely intelligent and sharp but she has difficulty with processing emotions and dealing with feels. She has a golden heart. She just needed someone to see beyond her aloof exterior.

Lexi is a legend in Dickson University's scenece world. She is beyond advanced when it comes to technology and her academics. She comes from a pretty rich and famous family. She also runs the infamous secret society games and that's how Blake met her. Their lives are intertwined in more way than one. Common friends, her father being owner of New York Mavericks, same college..and Blake was pursuing her relentlessly. Lexi is more comfortable with hard facts and experiments. But Blake didn't fit in her formula and equations. He was so patient and careful and let Lexi come to him. He never gave up. He was sweet and caring and witty and sexy. Kudos to Lexi for not folding earlier. But that's why she is Lexi. Their banter was top quality and so was the slow burn. Lexi pushed Blake away even when she was falling for him because she was clueless and the separation actually gave her perspective. She left her fear and doubts because it was cleat that Blake is her person. The secondary characters were awesome but a bit overwhelming sometimes. This book is a perfect mix of swoony, emotional and spicy.

I reviewed an early copy voluntarily

"Are you going to come for me, Lexi?”

This was such a great read! Blake has been chasing Lexi for a while now trying to get her to give him a chance. I really liked reading how he would constantly bring her food and do little actions for her. Lexi is autistic so she struggled sometimes with understanding people and their actions and emotions. At times I felt a little bad for Blake and how hard he would try to get Lexi and yet would get shot down from her. When they were finally together, they were so cute! You don’t read too many reverse age gap college romances, so I really liked seeing that in this book. The steamy scenes in this book of course everything! Max Monroe can do no wrong!
Now I have to wait for Ace and Julia’s book as they are the couple I really want to read about it!

Read if you like:
College romance
Reverse age gap
Hero falls first
Secret relationship
Open door romance
Hilarious side characters