This is my first book by Max Monroe, and I was so excited to learn that I’ll have a whole 1st generation series to go back and catch up on. The characters in this story are complete opposites in my opinion, but it was so much fun watching their sweet story unfold. Blake and Lexi are fabulous and I can’t wait for more in the Dickson University series.

Max Monroe is a fairly new discovery for me. This is the second book I've read by them and I've honestly enjoyed both.

Blake is the ultimate green flag golden retriever football awesomeness. I'm telling you, there's something about a sports romance that hits different. I also love that Lexi is an intellectual. Like off the charts intellectual and neurodivergent to boot.

This is such a heartwarming story about overcoming emotional challenges and trusting your feelings. This would have been 5 stars for me but I really wanted to see more of the emotional side of the relationship grow outside of the physical. But I love these characters and that this is a second generation story so I'm definitely going to go back and read the parents' stories.

“Playing Games” follows Lexi. Lexi is the daughter of Winnie Winslow and step daughter of Wes Lancaster. Characters from Max Monroe’s “Scoring the Billionaire”. Following the footsteps of the other book in this series where this books feature the kids of the couples in Monroe’s Billionaire Bad Boy Series. I love Max and Monore’s books. The banter is always top notch and “Playing Games” is no different. I wasn’t a huge fan of some of the tropes in this books however. I’m not a fan of when the FMC is older than the MMC. I also couldn’t really connect with some of Lexi’s neurodivergent tendencies. I did appreciate the “opposite attract” trope present and the “he falls first”. Before this book even started in “Learning Curve” Blake sees Lexi and declares she will be his wife someday. I also appreciated how at the start Lexi wanted NOTHING to do with Blake. She wants fawning after him like the other girls. If the FMC is older then MMC doesn’t bother you then you will adore this book. This one just isn’t one of my Max Monroe favorite. It’s a great book nonetheless.

Thank you Max Monroe and NetGalley for the ARC!

This was my first Max Monroe book and from my understanding, there is a whole universe involving the parents to divulge in. After reading this book, I am going to do exactly that. In this book, opposites attract, he falls first, she is intelligent, he is athletic. This was a fun book! Blake, the mmc is kind, funny, caring and seems to really try to understand Lexi and her neurodivergence while also slightly pushing her to face feelings which is often difficult for those with neurodivergence. She uses her intelligence and skills in a way that is useful for her to understand.

The writing seems very well thought out, but not too deep where I would lose interest. The neurodivergent representation is amazing and one I really appreciate. Adding the rest of the Dickson University series to my TBR right now!

“I tried to convince myself that you and I were just playing games, just having fun.”
Max Monroe started the book by saying this was one of their most addictive and banter filled stories and they were 100% correct. I loved everything about Blake Boden and Lexi Winslow!!

Star Quarterback at Dickson University, Blake Boden seemingly has it all but he has his heart set on Lexi Winslow.
“Lexi Winslow is a whole other level of intimidating. She’s brilliant and beautiful, and, so far, after an entire year of trying to get on her good side, she wants absolutely nothing to do with me.”

Lexi is completing her 2nd PhD and spends all her time in the lab working. Blake is just a thorn in her side. However his persistence does begin to intrigue her analytical mind.
“I guess the Blake Boden Experiment—and the fact that I’ll need to spend more time with him to conduct it—has officially begun.”

Blake and Lexi were absolutely adorable. Blake knew from the moment he met her that he planned to marry her one day and he was dedicated to proving he was worth the risk. Their banter was everything. Lexi may not have been fluent in social cues but the way Blake interacted with her certainly built up her confidence. I loved them so much and I hope we get more of them in book 3!
Thank you @authormaxmonroe and @netgalley for the ARC!
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥: You’re going to ruin me, you know that?”

I am going to start this by telling you my favorite part of this book....a character who is not neurotypical.

I appreciate how Max Monroe was still able to make a cute romance but stayed true to the nuances that come with dealing with someone on the spectrum. Reading as Lexi worked through the emotions of potentially falling in love for the first time, was a breath of fresh air. It was a new angst for those of us who read romance a little too often. I also wasn't so sure her struggles with understanding love, an emotion, something non-tangible, makes sense. How do you know if you love someone? What really is love.

I know that Blake is the male lead to this story and a very important part but I moved him to supporting. I adored him. I wish the world really was full of Blakes but that definitely isn't realistic. I think to make him any less genuine that what he was would have been a disservice to the story, so I appreciated that.

I gave this fun story 3 stars. It was a quick read for me and left me waiting for Book #3 in the Dickson University series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Max & Monroe for my ARC copy of Playing Games.

Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5 / 5

This is a fun, lighthearted addition to the contemporary romance world created by Max Monroe. Full transparency: I’m a fan of theirs and have read a decent amount of their back catalog. Playing Games is full of the same banter, wit, and fast-moving fun I’ve come to expect from their novels.

This story follows a female lead introduced in Monroe’s Billionaire Bad Boys; Lexi was just a kid when we first met her during her mom, Winnie’s, story. Now, she’s doctoral student in her early twenties with no plans for a romantic entanglement. Enter Blake, Dickson University’s star quarterback, who has been enamored with her from the moment they met. What follows is a sweet, heartfelt journey through infatuation, love, uncertainty, and heartbreak (though not necessarily in that order).

I greatly enjoyed Lexi and Blake. They had great banter, and it was refreshing to meet an FMC on the autism spectrum who didn’t feel like a caricature. Blake is young, smitten, persistent, but all man. Even though he’s younger, he’s no boy.

For those who haven’t read Max Monroe’s back catalog, fair warning: there are many references to other characters and their convoluted relationships. It’s a bit overwhelming, particularly in the first quarter of the book, and I’ve read more than half of the overlapping tales. It’s marketed as a standalone, but I predict readers who enter this universe here might struggle to connect as deeply with the characters.

I would’ve loved more detailed relationship building moments between Blake and Lexi–the glimpses we got of them together (when they weren’t getting handsy) were heartwarming and lovely. I wanted to see more of how and why they fell for each other, but I was still smiling as I bid them farewell when their story closed.

I’ll be diving back into the world of Max Monroe after this, and definitely plan to pick up the next book!

Recommended for fans of Meghan Quinn, Lauren Blakely, and Lila Monroe.

📚 Fast facts📚
✨ Dual POV
✨ First person
✨ Present tense
✨ MF
✨ Secret relationship
✨ Autism rep
✨ Black cat (doctoral student) / golden retriever (football QB)
✨ He’s younger
✨ Open door spice

I am grateful to have received an ARC of this story, and this is my honest review.

Lexi is trying to finish her second doctoral degree, getting ready to leave Dickson University to dive into the real world. Blake is the popular QB, and is desperate to get her attention.
This sports, college, opposites attract, STEM romance with a neurodivergent FMC and an MMC who falls first, is book 2 in the Dickson University, but the first one I read. I loved how Blake completely accepts Lexi just the way she is. I don't think this book was for me though, as it felt juvenile and the plot felt super thin. I have read many other fantastic reviews though!
I received an advance review copy of this book for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Thank you NetGalley and Max Monroe for the ARC!

4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I’ve read several books by Max Monroe and so far they are becoming an auto read author! Also didn’t know it was more than one person writing till recently and I love that!

This is book 2 in this series and story follows Lexi and Blake. Lexi is a smart nerdy girl and Blake is the star college quarterback! The two couldn’t be more opposite. Opposites attract trope for sure!
What I loved about this book was the adorable banter between Lexi and Blake and the true opposite attract Thorpe. This book is written in a dual POV which I Pernell love so we get to see both MC POV in the situation. On top of opposites attract trope is for sure a "he falls first" trope!

For sure recommend it a book 1 too. I hope there is more to come in this series!

This book is so beautifully written. The development of the characters depth and emotions are phenomenal. I laughed and cried.
Lexi and Blake are amazing together. Blake has the biggest heart and really takes the time to know her. Lexi finally takes her lil brothers advice. She comes to terms with what she is capable of. They have such a wonderful support system with family and friends. This book can be read as a stand alone. I do enjoy the characters from other books. It makes me want to do a reread or listen of them. If you couldn't tell I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it.

I truly enjoyed this story, and I’m thankful to NetGalley for the arc. The story was filled with banter and wit, which is exactly what I expect from a Max Monroe book.Add in some glimpses of past MM characters, and a female lead that is neurodivergent, and this one stole my heart. 4.5/5 starts. Thank you to NetGalley for the arc!

Disclaimer: I absolutely LOVE Max Monroe.

I have been a fan of theirs since I read the Billionaire Bad Boys (BBB) years ago. My favourite of the series will forever be Scoring the Billionaire (STB). I will forever recommend their books (especially if you’re in the mood for a romcom). I think I read 75% of their work. So… this may be a slightly bias review (you’ve been warned).

With that said, I DID NOT KNOW that their new Dickson University series had the CHILDREN (and other new characters!) of the BBB series, and I DID NOT KNOW that Playing Games was Lexi’s story! The screams of joy I let it out once I realized it was. Please know that I read book 1 (Learning Curve) first (aka yesterday). It’s not necessary, but I HIGHLY recommend reading it before Paying Games.

At only 25 years old, Lexi Winslow – neurodivergent, gorgeous and genius – is working on getting her second PhD. Lexi is self-aware that she processes emotions differently than others, and often speaks in facts. She doesn’t have time for distractions, especially distractions in the size of the quarterback.

Blake Bolden – annoyingly handsome, enigmatic, confident and a few years her junior – has been in love with Lexi since her saw her (even declaring in Learning Curve that she would be his wife one day). He is determined to make Lexi see that they belong together. Even though Lexi continues to reject him, he doesn’t give up.

I won’t go into too many details of the actual story (you’ll just need to read the book!) … but it is a HEA.

I loved how we saw into Lexi’s mind. We read on how she struggled with showing her emotions and how she dealt with the new emotions (… love and jealously). We read how her different ways of thinking affects her relationships (especially with her mother). I also loved how Blake saw Lexi as just Lexi. He showed her patient and understanding. So far, the Dickson University series is less romcom than the BBB series, which I think was the right directly for these books.

Overall, I will recommend this book to anyone. Again, even though it is not recommended, I highly encourage you to read Learning Curve first. It’s worth knowing more about the side characters.

Thank you, NetGalley and the authors, for this opportunity.

Fun, funny and fantastic, Playing Games is the absolute MVP.

Long time Max Monroe fans remember little Lexi Lou, the neurodivergent genius from her mom's and uncle's books. Well, she's all grown up now and trying to analyze her way through life and love.

With great banter, intense chemistry and their special brand of hilarity, Max and Monroe gave us an adorable, quirky and heartfelt story. Lexi and Blake's push and pull had me captivated, and the check-ins with Finn and Scottie from the first Dickson U book warmed my heart.
I can't wait for Ace and Julia's story next!

5 stars and an app

. I was so beyond happy to FINALLY read Lexi’s story.

When I tell you i have been waiting for her, I’ve been waiting. To see her finally fall in love, in her own way and her own time. And for it to be Blake, because when he first saw her he said it what he said when he first laid eyes on her. He ment it.

And watching Lexi, learn her emotions and learn to understand them, was freaking fantastic. Watching her nerospicy mind go into over drive about Blake was something isn’t the normal does he like me does he not. No she wanted to figure out what it was about him that kept drawing her in.

Then Blake a.k.a DoorDash, he was a man on a mission. He knew she was the right one for him and he played the long game. And this was a he fall first type of romance and boy does he. He goes at her pace, but lets Lexi know that it is everything about her. He lets her know that she isn’t just some other girl, that he likes her and wants to take care of her. It was little things like that, that were fun to watch her process.

And of course I can’t help but mention how much i loved seeing the entire crew intertwined through out, even the following of Scottie {may have teared up.}

I’m looking for what comes next for the Dickerson U crew

We know from Book 1, Learning Curve (Finn & Scottie) that Blake has a crush on Lexi. But he is relentless. He's the QB and he does not suffer for attention. He's popular, good looking, lots of friends and Lexi wants nothing to do with him. Her world revolves around school and whatever thing she is creating at the time..she has no time for boys. I will insert here, this is a college romance and they are all adults. Ok, As Blake is friends with Lexi’s family, Ace & Jukes, Finn & Scottie, she finds herself in his company quite often. And did I mention relentless? No matter how many times she turns and leaves, Blake is going to find a way to be in her presence.

Now, the entertainment factor and the banter is amazing. So funny. Also love the side characters mentioned above. They are a great addition and love that we get insights and updates about them throughout. The one thing…Lexi is a little difficult to connect with. Also the communication factor, or the lack there of (which is a pet peeve of mine) is in this book over and over. That being said, Lexi is older (barely), she’s definitely more mature, and she’s a literal genius. She has grown up with a different mindset and it’s difficult for her to process the unknown. Love is unknown to her. When she dismisses things, is it infuriating? Yes, yes it is. But I also feel it really represents how she feels and how she doesn’t know what to do, so flight or fight, right? What I love is that she recognizes she needs to be more open, not only with Blake, but with her family and her friends. And by doing so, it will change her life.

I really enjoy these books. They are fun, light reads and super entertaining. I look forward to Ace next and hopefully the recovery for Scottie.

Lexi Winslow is getting a love story! She was so much fun as a little kid in the Winslow books, but now we get to learn about her as an adult. She is 25 now and working on her second doctorate. She is absolutely focused on that, and her family is concerned that she doesn't have much of a social life. She agrees to take some steps to expand that, and Blake is the first person to take that challenge. He was smitten with Lexi the first time he saw her (in Learning Curve), and he has been trying to get her attention ever since. The more time he spends with her, the harder he falls. But Lexi does not trust her emotions at all, so her reaction to him baffles her. She settles for spending time with Blake in secret, but that cannot last forever. It is a battle between logic and feeling, the brain and the heart. Who's going to win?
There are tons of former characters in here. It is a lot of fun catching up with all the family members and friends again. Finn and Scottie get a good amount of time, too.

Playing Games (e-arc)
Thank you NetGalley for an e-arc in exchange for a review!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: ⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is my first Max Monroe book and I enjoyed it! It was an easy, fast pace read that focused mainly (possibly only?) Blake and Lexi’s relationship. Lexi is neurodivergent, has a difficult time expressing her emotions and is a bit of a loner while Blake is the golden retriever-esque quarterback who has fallen for Lexi since the first time they met a year(?) ago. I personally loved Lexi’s character and loved seeing her grow as she spent more time with Blake and open up a little more with her mom. Also, Blake’s character was really fun and he was the most patient man everrr. He’s truly a green flag! As I said earlier, the plot mainly focused on their relationship and I felt like at times there wasn’t enough character or plot development. We know Blake fell first and he fell hard but besides that, I felt like I didn’t know much about his character besides the feelings he had for Lexi. As for Lexi, I felt like her character was a bit more developed than Blake’s but wished there was so much more.

My favorite moment from the book was when Lexi called off the secret relationship! The angst, pain, yearning!! THAT IS WHAT I LOVE TO SEE! I am a sucker for all the heartache <3 can’t get over it! And then Lexi’s grand gesture towards Blake was soooo cute!

Overall, it was a fun, quick read and special thanks to Net Galley for the e-arc!

As a long time Max Monroe reader, I was very familiar with the FMC of this story, Lexi. I couldn't wait to see what her story would be, and let me tell you, she ended up with an amazing MMC in Blake.

I think the authors did a solid job of showing Lexi's neurodivergent's without it coming off as rude or her being cold. She was very self aware and while it did take her awhile to figure out her emotions, she did get to the finish line. She's just a woman with a goal, the brain to do it, and wants no distractions. I loved seeing her interact with her mother and bio dad. The heart to heart she had with Winnie was really sweet. And honestly, the fact that she had to do the groveling was fantastic. I need more of that in romance. Women aren't perfect, we mess up too!

Blake was beyond patient when it came to Lexi. The moment he saw her, it was game over. He's the local football star with huge golden retriever energy. He was so supportive of Lexi, bringing her food when she'd lock herself away in the lab and giving her the space/time she needed to figure things out. My heart did break for him at times, but my man never gave up.

I do wish we saw a little more of them dating after they finally become official. For the most part, it's just them hanging in one of their apartments. I'm just curious how that would look, but hopefully we'll see more of them in the next book. I did love that we saw more of Finn and Scottie! And of course the rest of the gang like Ace and Julia, and all the OG series parents/relatives.

This was an amazing continuation of this series.

Lots of emotional drama, hot tension. I adored it.

Was still hooked from page one.

I have no words. What an amazing book. I read this in one sitting as I was hooked from the start. The way Blake and Lexi are complete opposites but have such amazing chemistry made my heart pump. A really easy and enjoyable read. Would 100% recommend this book and the first in the series. Blake is definitely in my long list of favourite book boyfriends.