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.

I was not able to get into this book. I had a hard time with the female main character and finding a way to connect with her.

My first Max Monroe book. If I knew this is the second book of a series, I would’ve read the first book first. But that’s okay. I’ll read it soon. And I’m looking forward to the third book. Anyways, “Playing Games” is a decent sports romance. The fmc, Lexi, is a few years older than the mmc, Blake. I didn’t see that coming. Although their age played a part in their decision of being together, I thought it was done well. I liked Blake and Lexi, also their group of friends. I’d definitely read the other characters’ books.

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book had a very interesting FMC that actually was not like any other character I have read about. She was unique and the way she thinks is so fascinating to me. The male character is an athlete and is pretty normal for that role in a book but he care and patience for her is something to be admired. For the rating I think what didn’t do it for me was I just didn’t feel like the story was smooth like it just flowed from one spot to the next. That’s all. Everything else was good, I feel like what it seems to not flow I struggle to connect and feel as drawn in. So for me it was good but due to flow I probably wouldn’t score it more than what I put here. 3.5 ⭐️

Thank you NetGalley and the author for the advanced copy of this book!

I love this series and that each character is unique in their personality, background, and socioeconomic status.
This is an opposites attract, NA, and slow burn.
Blake is your good looking, easy going, panty dropping star quarterback. Lexi is a neurodivergent genius. In any other universe, these two would likely never cross paths. A secret society brings them together, much to Lexi's disdain.
Blake immediately gets gooey eyed over Lexi and will stop short of stalking her to get her attention. He's made up his mind and every eye roll and glare sent his way only makes him want her more.
Lexi is so perfectly analytical and self aware. She offsets Blake perfectly and watching her step out of her robotic existence to peel back her layers was so fun to read. This character did give me a bit of whiplash over her indecision and tug of war with her feelings.

Blake has to be one of the most persistent, patient MMC's to ever exist. I was ready for him to give up on Lexi, but he would never. Max Monroe knows how to write a male character with the perfect pairing of cocky and endearing.

This is a duo team of authors and you will never be able to tell where one begins and the other one ends. They are seamless in their writing style and know the characters so well, its as if there is only one voice.

Blake Boden ladies and gentleman is here and prepare yourself for the swoon! He is all in for Lexi since the first book in the series and if it's possible he's fallen even harder. I adore how caring, kind and supportive he is of her and loves her just as she is. Given her very high intellectual abilities and neurodivergent she doesn't always pick up on social cues and when it comes to love she really struggles. Even when she pushes him away he stands firm from afar and continues to love her enough for the both of them. I loved watching Lexi grow and learn more about her emotions and learning to love.

POV: 1st, dual
Spice: 3/5
Angst: Low

Book two in the Dickson University series exceeded all my expectations. Ten fold! I loved Lexie and Blake together!!! Her quirky traits due to her Neurodivergence and Blakes complete acceptance of her was heartwarming. Finding her person, who will ultimately be her safe space comes with many funny ups and downs to Lexie understanding relationship concepts that don’t come naturally to her. The secondary family and friends from the first book are all present and even funnier in this one. We get an update on Scottie and Finn and teasers for Ace and Julia’s book which I am dying to read when it’s out.

NegGalley allowed me to read this in exchange for my review.

4 stars 🌟 Huge thank you to Max Monroe LLC and NetGalley for the e-arc! 🫶

So, this is my third book by Max Monroe, and let me tell you, they’ve become a total instant read author for me! All three ARCs have been so much fun. I haven’t read the Parents/First Gen series yet, but it’s on my list! My one little wish? A family tree! There are so many cameos from other books that I had to keep track of who’s related to whom. If we had a family tree, I’d have it all sorted out and this would be perfection!

Now, onto Playing Games! It’s a college romance with that classic opposites attract vibe, and, was it good! Blake Boden is your golden boy quarterback, with all the charm and a heart full of determination (aka golden retriever boyfriend energy). Lexi, the brainy, neurodivergent, dissertation-focused genius, does not have time for distractions. But then enters Blake, who’s out to prove that emotions are worth the risk. Their chemistry? 🔥 Off the charts! Add in some witty banter, a bit of a secret relationship, and lots of laughs, and you’ve got a recipe for a swoon-worthy read!

I loved seeing the dynamic between these two. Lexi’s internal struggle with emotions is real and relatable, and Blake is just... so patient (he falls first! 😍). The pacing was spot-on, and the moments of vulnerability really hit home. This book had just the right balance of spice 🌶️, laughs 😂, and feels 🥹. The perfect college romance with heart!

Tropes I’m living for:
🏈 Sports romance (Yes, please!)
💘 He falls first
💥 Opposites attract
🤫 Secret relationship
🤓 Neurodivergent heroine

Can’t wait for Ace and Julia’s book! The second-gen crew is just getting started, and I’m here for it. Bring on more Max Monroe!

The story follows an unlikely pairing: Lexi and Blake. Lexi is a very intelligent doctoral student who wants to finish her dissertation and her research; however, life has a different plan for her. Blake is the star college quarterback who has his eyes on Lexi who is a few years older than him. He finally gets on her radar and a friendship evolves between them.

What I loved about this book was the cute banter between the two characters and how the story really depicted how opposites attract. This book is written in a dual POV and I love that the author lets the readers into each characters mind that we can really understand how intelligent Lexi thinks and how Blake tries his hardest to get Lexi to like him as much as he likes her. This book is definitely a "he falls first" trope!

While reading this book I had a lot of moments of laughing out loud, the spice was perfect and the drama between the two characters was spot on.

Thank you to NetGalley and Max Monroe for allowing me to review this ARC!

Thank you Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing this ARC!

3.5 STARS

I was so excited to read this book! Now that I've finished it, I cannot wait for the next one.
If there's one thing you can count on with these authors, it's that they will tease you so much that in the end you'll be begging for more!
I missed these characters so much! And the payoff was so worth it.
Now, I wish we had had more of the friend group. That definitely was my favorite part of the first book, and I missed them hanging out together. I was dying to know Ace's reaction to Blake and Lexy, and I felt robbed when I didn't get to see that!

I will read the next one, and everything these authors publish.

Review: Playing Games by Max Monroe
⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️

Playing Games is a college sports romance that follows a football star and the coach’s daughter in a forbidden relationship. While this book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone—though the constant crossover references made it feel like I was missing an inside joke.

Unfortunately, this one just wasn’t for me. The humor didn’t land, and the writing felt forced and very juvenile. And the moment I read, “I’ve had more pu$$y than Garfield,” I officially checked out. If you love college romances, there are definitely stronger options out there.

Thank you to the authors and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was such a great romance! I especially loved how patient and understanding Blake was as he pursued Lexi. 😍 Truly a stand up guy!

It’s also not common to read a story where the FMC is a genius, so it was super intriguing and really drew me in! 😊

I’m so excited to read Ace and Julia’s book!! ❤️

Max Monroe does it again with Playing Games, the second book in the Dickson University series—but it can easily be enjoyed as a standalone. However, if you're looking to learn more about Scottie and Finn, I recommend reading Learning Curve before diving into book 2.

In Playing Games, Blake Boden, the star quarterback, experiences love at first sight when he meets Lexi Winslow. The catch? Lexi doesn’t do relationships or emotions, so Blake definitely has his work cut out for him. Their chemistry is undeniable, and there’s plenty of witty banter between them that had me laughing out loud more than once.

Playing Games is a reverse grumpy/sunshine romance, where the MMC (main male character) falls first. Plus, there’s a touch of a reversed age gap and a secret relationship to keep things extra interesting.

I really enjoyed the return to Dickson University. Blake and Lexi's story is full of not only romantic love, but also the love of family and friends. So grab your favorite beverage and a comfy chair, because you will not want to put down this book once you start to read it.

Lexi Winslow is the twenty-five year old daughter of Winnie Winslow Lancaster and the stepdaughter of Wes Lancaster, Sr. Lexi also is off the charts smart and neurodivergent. She analyzes everything in her life and breaks it down to points of data. While Lexi was running the secret Double C (Computare Caterva) Society at Dickson University she meets Blake Boden, star quarterback of the school's football team. Blake is instantly smitten and vows to make Lexi his. When Blake realizes that both Lexi and him will be on campus all summer he sees this as his chance to win Lexi over.

After Blake finally wins Lexi over by playing with her analytical side he knows he at least now has a chance. Lexi agrees and decides she can use her app she developed for her doctoral thesis to determine if Blake is someone she could be with. Blake wants all in with Lexi but she would rather keep things secretive. By the end of summer Blake realizes he is in love with Lexi but she cannot handle that emotion and throws a wrench into their lives. It will take a huge coming out of one's comfort zone to bring these two back together, but in the end it will all be worth it.

I just adored this opposites attract, secret relationship love story. Blake was the perfect guy. Everything about him screams....keeper! Lexi had a hard time dealing with emotions and couldn't understand what her relationship with Blake really was. Together these two fit beautifully. I loved the way Blake helped Lexi during times when she really needed it. The fun epilogue at the end gives us a little peek into Ace and Julia's story and it looks like it's going to be a doozy!