REVIEW: Playing Games by Max Monroe

Playing Games by Max Monroe: Lexi is well on her way to getting her second PhD at Dickson University, all she needs to do is finalize her thesis, the last thing that she has time for is distractions. Which shouldn’t be a problem because if there is one thing that Lexi is good at, it is focusing on what’s important, so getting sidetracked by boys or silly little feelings, is not even possible. Well normally that would be the case, but when it comes to hot shot star quarterback Blake, thats when all of Lexi’s plans tend to fly right out of the window. From the moment that Blake first laid eyes on Lexi, he knew that she was the girl for him, all he has to do is convince the super smart cute girl that he is worthy of her time, which has proven to be a lot harder than one would have expected. But if there is one thing that Blake is sure of, it’s that Lexi is worth all the time and effort in the world.

“If you need someone to make you smile, I’m your guy. If you need someone to make you laugh, I’m your guy. If you need someone to hold you when the world gets too heavy? I’m still your guy.”

Finally we get sweet little Lexi’s book, we have literally seen this sweet focused brainy girl grow into this strong and independent young woman, and gosh was the wait for her book worth it! Playing Games is the second book in the Dickson University series but like the tenth book in this Billionaire Bad Boys universe, and if you have been following along as you should be, this book was easily one of the best second gen books out there. I loved the build up in this cute, sweet and touching college sports romance. There was absolutely nothing not to love about this book, truly this was the kind of book that you just find yourself not wanting to put down.

I just adored Lexi, she is smart and confident and so comfortable in herself. She knows that she thinks differently to the people around her but she does not allow this to be the sole focus of her personality. I loved the fact that she was happy with herself and that she did not feel the need to have a man validate her feelings or make her feel important. Truly Lexi was a total girl boss, though as much as I loved her independent one woman show, I love seeing her falling in love just as much. It was beautiful getting to see her try to figure out the feelings that came with love and how they fitted into her logical world. If ever there was a perfect guy for our girl Lexi, it would definitely be our hero Blake. Gosh it was so easy to love Blake, right from the first moment that he saw Lexi, he was gone for her and I loved seeing him make a fool out of himself just to get a bit of her attention. I really liked that we got to see this golden boy jock who was used to getting everything he wants handed to him, really work to win over Lexi. He was ready to put in the effort to make her comfortable and prove to her that he was all in and I just loved this. Truly Blake was a total sweetheart of a heart, for all his fun and easy going personality he was truly a soft hearted protector, willing to make all the efforts to win his girl.

“I don’t know when it happened, but somehow, someway, Blake went from thorn in my side to my newest hyper-fixation.”

These two were just perfect for each other, while Lexi was all about logic and order, Blake was all for feelings and going with what felt right. I loved the way they balanced and compliment each other throughout the book and that they helped each other grow into the best versions of themselves. One of the things I really liked about their connection was that Blake just knew when to give Lexi space but also when to push through her walls even if she didn’t realise she needed someone. He shows her that taking a chance on love is worth all the unknowns and its good to step out of her comfort zone. While they could not be more different these two also could not be more perfect together.

As in all of their books, the supporting characters are always incredible. I loved getting to see all our old favourites, but also getting to know a few new characters. I can not wait to get my hands on the next book in this series, truly Max Monroe keep getting better and better with each book they put out. Do yourself a favor and get a copy of Playing Games, this cute, sweet and sassy college sports romcom is a total must read!

Book Info:

Publication: February 7, 2025 | Max Monroe LLC |

Blake Boden is the ultimate distraction—annoyingly handsome, enigmatic, and confident enough to make my teeth grind.

He’s the kind of guy who could charm anyone with a single smile, and somehow, I’ve become his latest challenge.

Only, I don’t do challenges—and I don’t do love. Emotions? Just chemical reactions. Distractions? Not on my agenda.

But he has a stubborn streak that won’t leave me alone, and I have a dissertation due at the end of the semester on computer-assisted research that I could put to the test a little more.

I’ll analyze his charm, track my reactions, and prove once and for all that attraction is nothing but science…and love is a mere figment of the imagination.