**📖✨ An Unforgettable Read! ✨📖**

I fell in love with this book from the very first page. It’s an *amazing* read, and it completely won me over the moment I discovered that Lexi is on the autism spectrum—just like my daughter. That personal connection made the story even more meaningful, but beyond that, I have to say this book is **extremely well written** and filled with so much **passion**.

💙 **Lexi’s journey is beautifully portrayed**—her perspective, her struggles, and her triumphs feel so real, making her a character you can’t help but root for. And then there’s **Blake**—what an absolute sweetheart! His **patience, understanding, and protectiveness** toward Lexi touched my heart. He knows her world is different, and instead of trying to change her, he embraces her for who she is. That kind of love and support is something truly special.

Reading this book made me feel *hopeful*. It reassured me that my daughter, too, can have a beautiful and fulfilling life, just like Lexi. If you haven’t read this book yet, **you absolutely should**—it’s powerful, emotional, and simply unforgettable.

📚💙 **Go for it! You won’t regret it.**

I really liked this book. I loved the difference in the characters, and just fell in love with Blake and Lexi. Very easy read, as usual!

It's Blake's confidence for me. He was consistent and patient since the first book. I loved watching these two love birds story unfold, although Lexi was trying so hard to fight it. I never knew how much I would love a reversed Grumpy Sunshine story!

Thank you for theARC!

ℙ𝕝𝕒𝕪𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝔾𝕒𝕞𝕖𝕤 - 𝔻𝕚𝕩𝕠𝕟 𝕌𝕟𝕚𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕤𝕚𝕥𝕪 𝟚 - ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨

Author: Max Monroe

Couple: Lexi Winslow & Blake Boden

Tropes:
💖 Secret dating
🧠 Neurodivergent heroine
🏈 Sports (football star hero!)
✌🏼 Opposites attract
🦮 Golden retriever MMC 
💙 He falls first 
😏 Longtime crush + intense first love

Review: ℙ𝕝𝕒𝕪𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝔾𝕒𝕞𝕖𝕤 was everything I thought it would be! Blake Biden brought the sauce and the resilience in this book and oh man did he NEED IT! Max Monroe teased about this book for a minute and I cannot say how much I ADORED, DEVOURED, AND YELLED about this one while reading. Lexi Winslow finally…FINALLY got her HEA and it feels like an end to a very long, very loved ERA after hitting the words “The End” in ℙ𝕝𝕒𝕪𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝔾𝕒𝕞𝕖𝕤. I cannot express how much this book left me reeling (especially with this twists at the end!) and how satisfied I was with Blake and Lexi as they navigated their romance.

ℙ𝕝𝕒𝕪𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝔾𝕒𝕞𝕖𝕤 was a book that had it all for me. It had a tiny bit of mystery (enter mysterious secret society that Lexi was in charge of) and a ton of laugh out loud moments and banter. Blake was not just a cocky player but also the guy who pushed Lexi to become her best self while also refusing to let her stay in her head. Lexi was also someone who tempered Blake enough for his best strengths to shine through and what a beautiful match it was! These two could not have been more opposite but in true Max Monroe fashion - THEY MADE IT WORK.

While Blake and Lexi were the star of the show getting to see some old faces made this book 100% better. Winnie, Cassie, Thatcher, Nick, Finn - and everyone else who we had fallen in love with in older books had cameos and it was so amazing to see all of them back tighter and causing mischief again (especially Cassie!!). ℙ𝕝𝕒𝕪𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝔾𝕒𝕞𝕖𝕤 was a binge worthy book for me and it left me NEEDING Thatcher’s book ASAP!

Rating: 100+; ℙ𝕝𝕒𝕪𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝔾𝕒𝕞𝕖𝕤 is another knockout romcom by Max Monroe and finally brought us Lexi Winslow’s romance!

Thank you Max Monroe & Hambright PR for the eARC!

✨ Publication date: February 7, 2025✨

Playing Games is the second book in Max Munroe’s steamy new adult Dickson University series. I did not read the first one, so the books can be read standalone.

Blake Boden is the star quarterback of the Dickson University football team. He’s definitely going places and can have any girl on campus he wants….but he only has eyes for Lexi Winslow. Unfortunately, she doesn’t date football players and has no interest in Blake.

Lexi is the genius neurodivergent good girl next door. Of course she finds Blake attractive but she doesn’t date football players and he certainly doesn’t fit in her future plans. Blake doesn’t give up so easily though and slowly starts to work his way into Lexi’s life.

He’s the campus golden boy and she’s the nerdy genius but somehow, they work. They start to see each other in secret but when Blake is ready to tell the world about them, Lexi gets scared off.

Lexi needs to learn to navigate her emotions and get the courage to tell Blake how she really feels, before it’s too late.

I enjoyed this authors writing. I like Lexi and Blake and thought they had pretty good chemistry ( and steamy sex scenes), I also enjoyed reading about a neurodivergent FMC and her struggles with emotions, it was well represented. This is a 3.5 (rounded to 4) read for me.

Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

#NetGalley #maxmunroe #playinggames

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