*I want to start by thanking the author and publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced release copy of this book. Classic Max Monroe!

Playing Games by Max Monroe is a light, fast-paced romance with great banter, lots of heat, and a charming male lead. Blake is without a doubt the highlight of the book—funny, sweet, persistent, and incredibly likeable. His energy pulled me into the story from the very start, and he’s the kind of romantic lead that easily wins readers over.

Lexi, however, didn’t resonate with me as much. While she’s written as strong and independent, I found it difficult to connect with her emotionally. Her inner dialogue and decisions sometimes distanced me from the relationship at the heart of the story.

In terms of plot, the romance was enjoyable, but I felt that some of the side elements detracted from the central relationship. The additional storylines and cameos—while likely appreciated by returning readers—felt a bit distracting for me as a first-time reader of this universe. I would have preferred a tighter focus on Lexi and Blake’s journey.

That said, the writing flows well, the dialogue is sharp, and the chemistry between the leads is undeniable. Readers looking for a steamy, low-angst romance with humor and a swoony male protagonist will likely enjoy this one. For me, it delivered on charm and spice, but I was left wishing for more emotional layering.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this ARF.

This one was such a fun read! I've read the entire Billionaire Bad Boys Series. I really loved those books. It's been a hot minute since I read them, though. Playing Games is a classic opposites attract college romance. Blake is the golden boy quarterback. He's charming, loyal, and full of sunshine energy. Lexi is a neurodivergent, super smart, nononsense girl who’s all about logic and has zero time for love.

Their dynamic is crazy. Blake is borderline obsessed with Lexie. He’s just so patient and sweet with Lexi. She’s very focused on how her brain works differently, which was really cool to see, but sometimes it got a little repetitive. There were a few moments where I felt like Blake was putting in most of the effort, and I kinda wished Lexi gave a little more back. But still, their chemistry is great, the banter is funny, and there are tons of heartwarming moments.

Thank you to NetGalley and Max Monroe LLC for the ARC Read. This review was my honest opinion.

dnf!


This book wasn’t for me but saying that I do think other people would really enjoy it. It’s kind of like chai tea, i understand why people like it, I just don’t

I m so sorry for writting this. But this really wasn't my cup of tea. I was not into plot.

3 stars from me.

Lexi Windsor... where do I start? I knew her story was going to be amazing and I wasn't wrong. Watching Lexi fall in love was one of my favorite things. This second generation has been so much fun to learn and get to know.

Thank you so much for allowing me to ARC red this book. This was my first story from Max Monroe and will not be my last. I enjoyed the addition of a neurodivergent character the inclusion was well done. Can not wait to read more of this series and author.

First off, decent Autism rep in this story. Obviously, every human is different, but the way Lexi was portrayed certainly felt like a realistic depiction of a person on the spectrum!

In a world where people can be left behind, romantically, if they don’t quite fit into societal norms, Blake embraced all of Lexi. He didn’t find her quirks anything but endearing. He loved ALL of her, way before she was even willing to accept that love.

He falls first, he falls SO hard, and he just keeps trying, even when she resists. It was interesting to have a little insight as to how a person experiences love when they don’t always “get” feelings-related stuff. She didn’t make it easy, but obviously, there’s a happily ever after.

Lexi’s extend family and friend group is a fun addition to the story as well, what a crazy bunch!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Max Monroe LLC for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review. Playing Games is out now.

After reading the first book (Learning Curve) in the series, I was excited to see Blake and Lexi’s relationship develop. Unfortunately, I felt it was underdeveloped and somehow they had more chemistry in the first book (in just a few mentions/scenes).

Playing Games felt to me like the story was dragged too much with a somewhat average ending.

While this story was not my cup of tea, I do recommend the author duo. They have great books (such as the first of this series, Learning Curve, and Meet Me at Midnight). I’m always excited to see their next launches.

Playing Games is an absolute page-turner—I couldn’t put it down! Max Monroe delivers yet another addictive read filled with wit, charm, and sizzling chemistry. I was completely hooked by the dynamic between the two main characters; the push and pull, the chase, and the tension made for such a fun and engaging experience.

What I love most about Max Monroe’s writing is that they always manage to surprise me with fresh, exciting plots and unforgettable characters. Playing Games is no exception. It’s smart, sexy, and filled with just the right amount of heart.

I can’t wait for the next book in the series!

Great if you are looking for a hea. And just an overall happy book. Low spice level. Morally tropes. Realized I am not into sports romances.

Blake is Dickson University's star quarterback. He's popular, likeable, well known, and completely in love with Lexi. But..... Lexi doesn't want anything to do with him. Lexi is focused on her dissertation and her last year of college at Dickson. There is simply no time for romance or feelings at all. But, Lexi does love a good experiment and maybe Blake would make the perfect one.

Review:
I really enjoyed the second book in the Dickson University series. Blake is such a sweet character. He is patient, caring, accepting, and knows exactly what he wants. Lexi is head strong, smart, quirky, and thinks differently as a neurodivergent individual. I loved her personality and how confident and strong she was as a person on the spectrum. She was confident in herself and her wants/needs and that was so inspiring. I loved getting updates sprinkled in on Finn and Scottie as well. Overall, this is a great romance read with more depth and emotion plus a little spice.
Thank you to NetGalley, Max Monroe, and Max Monroe LLC for this ARC of Playing Games in exchange for an honest review!

Max Monroe has done it again with a whip-smart, laugh-out-loud, irresistibly swoony sports romance that blends sparkling banter, slow-burning chemistry, and heart-melting moments into one deliciously addictive read.

I literally love everything that this writing duo puts out and will continue to read all their books!

Five stars, zero notes—Max Monroe delivers a romance home run.

Yes! Yes! And more YES!
The second installment of the Dickson University series was just as good as the first one! The duo authors take real life situations and insert them into their books and gives everyone a happy ever after. But not without some struggles and turbulence along the way.
The MFC Lexi struggles with autism and being so super smart she surpasses the intelligence of all her family and peers. It's a lot to fit in with typical college goers. The MMC is star quarterback of the football team who know at first glance that he would fall in love with Lexi. Can they fall in love or does society deem them too different? Do they themselves deem their relationship too different?
Max Monroe has a brilliant way of coming up with the best characters and the best relationships with characters. I want to jump inside the pages and be part of the family. Playing Games is no different.
You don't think you belong? This book tells you all the reasons why you should shake that belief and throw it out the window.
It's a fun, easy, flirty read I read in one cozy Sunday. 100/10 recommend. Looking forward to more from the Dickson University crew.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this book.

I should not have waited so long to read this one. Not sure why I hesitated. It is a great book.

Not my typical read, but i enjoyed it and learned a lit in the process.

Playing Games by Max Monroe is a 5 star read for me. I loved the first book in the series, Learning Curve and this one does not disappoint. This is the story of Lexi Lou a beautiful, smart, strong and independent student at Dickinson University. She is the daughter of the Mavericks NFL team coach and the leader of the Double C underground games. Lexi has Autism and relates to the world in a very logical and planned out way. Until Blake Boden messes up her perfectly planned out future. and turns her world upside down.

Max Monroe writes her neurodivergent point of view and internal dialogue in a very sensitive and accurate way. I love to see representation of characters who are not neurotypical as the main character. It is refreshing to read of a FMC with autism and be able to fall in love with her as a person and not only see her as her disability. Thank you for this beautifully written love story. And Blake Boden is chef's kiss for a book boyfriend! Its also, funny, spicy and fun!

Max Monroe never disappoints and I love everything they write and I think you will too!

Thank you!

MFG im dying this was soso good.
it was reverse age gap buttttt shes only 4 years older so its not that bad.
this had me giggling!!!
the spice was pretty good and it had me bushinggg.
THE ONLY bad thing was that she was like "i love you, wait no im not, wait yes i am."
anyyyywayyyyyy other than that it was a fun, quick read

An interesting premise that, unfortunately, didn’t quite deliver for me.

After reading the first book and feeling underwhelmed by the second, I think I’ve come to the conclusion that this author’s style just isn’t for me.

I actually found the synopsis of this one more compelling than the first, but once again, the story and its development felt flat. I’m not a fan of insta-love, and I honestly couldn’t understand what drew the characters to each other. It felt like they were “in love” after a few pages—despite barely speaking and spending most of their time rolling in the hay.

I also struggled to connect with either character and didn’t find them particularly likable. That said, I did appreciate the inclusion and representation of neurodivergence—it added a thoughtful layer to an otherwise lukewarm romance.

<i> Thank you at Netgalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review. </i>

A fun, quick read!
Light and enjoyable, the story focuses mostly on the couple and their relationship. Sweet, simple, and perfect for when you want something easy and heartwarming.

Remember, 3 stars means I *liked* the book. I thought the characters were interesting and the plot was solid. There are a lot of side characters, so it helps to have read book #1. It was nice that the authors had an older FMC (25) with a younger MMC (20?I think). There's a LOT of spice, but also quite a lot of romance.