Playing Games

By: Max Monroe

Narrated by: Teddy Hamilton, Amy Hall

Dickson University’s star quarterback and campus golden boy is used to winning on and off the field…until he meets the one woman who changes the game.

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.

Hypothesis: Time with Blake Boden is purely scientific.
Conclusion: He’s not just breaking my rules—he’s rewriting them.

Other Book Info:
New adult standalone romance
He’s the star quarterback. She’s the cute genius (and neurodivergent).
Opposites attract with intense first-love vibes
He falls first
Secret relationship
Witty banter & laugh-out-loud moments
Off-the-charts chemistry
Grumpy x Sunshine (Reversed)
Protective Hero

©2025 Max Monroe LLC (P)2025 Max Monroe LLC

Wel Done

Oh Lexi, I was hoping for her story and they really did a great job with it, I felt like I was right there with her in getting the story. I really loved how Blake was so persistent and patient in understanding her. I do wish we had a little more of them with the group of friends and possibly a scene once everyone found out but overall it was a great story with good narration.

Great love story

There is absolutely nothing I dislike, I love this book and series so far and cannot wait for more… right quickly please!!! I’m such a fan

Lexi’s Story did not disappoint

This was so beautiful. I’ve been waiting for Lexi’s Story forever and it did not disappoint. Blake is perfect for her. Calming. Patient. At ease.

I’m pretty sure I’ll die when we get Ace and Julia’s story 🥹

Playing Games did not play around!!

The 2nd book in the Dickson U series is perfection!! We have known Lexi since the Billionaire Bad Boys series and have watched her grow up and grown into her personality. Now there is someone who loves her for just who she is! Also, all the cameo appearances from some of our favorite characters makes it even better.

Amy Hall & Teddy Hamilton did a phenomenal job of bringing this story to life!!

Cinderella Story Movie vibes

Max Monroe really said let’s give you brains, banter, and a quarterback who falls first… and I 👏 ATE 👏 IT 👏 UP 👏!

“Playing Games” was such a memorable sports romance. Blake Boden (BB) is the confident, charming star quarterback, but what I loved most is that underneath all that swagger, he’s genuinely a good guy. Blake is honestly a perfect specimen of a man. He is completely perceptive of Lexi’s needs, never selfish, and so intentional in the way her pursues her and allows her the time to fall for him. Watching him pursue her with patience and sincerity instead of ego was everything. He wasn’t just playing to win the short game.

Lexi was such a refreshing heroine. She’s actually my first neurodivergent FMC, and I absolutely adored that representation. Getting an inside look into her thought processes was so eye opening and added so much depth to the story. The way she approaches relationships almost like a research project created hilarious moments, but it also made the emotional growth feel that much more meaningful. I loved how their dynamic balanced humor with vulnerability. The banter was sharp, the chemistry undeniable, and when the emotional beats hit, they really hit.

Revisiting the characters from book one was such a nice bonus. Seeing the progression of Scottie’s story was chef’s kiss. I can’t wait to read what happens with her surgery in book 3!

I also just loved Lexi’s parents. Her mom especially knew exactly how to help her in the moments that mattered, and it made me so happy to see their relationship have a normal, genuinely happy moment on page. When Lexi’s dad tells Scottie he is helping her pro-bono…TEARS 😭

My only reason for not giving it a full five stars (it’s a 4.25) was the third after break up but not break up because they weren’t technically together. It was just very predictable BUT I adored the moment on the field! It’s giving Cinderella Story (With Hillary Duff) & that’s one of my favorite movies.

Overall, this was charming, smart, flirty, and heartfelt. If you love opposites attract, golden boy quarterback energy, and a hero who falls hard and loves intentionally, this one is absolutely worth the read.