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

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.