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Playing Games Kindle Edition
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
- LanguageEnglish
- Publication dateFebruary 7, 2025
- File size2.4 MB
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From the Publisher


Editorial Reviews
Review
— Jennifer Phillips, Goodreads Reviewer ★★★★★ — Blake and Lexi might be my new favorite characters. I'm a sucker for banter between characters, and these two have it in spades! Lexi is the sweetest and Blake, well he's the completed opposite, and it works! I absolutely loved this book!
— Payton Box, Goodreads Reviewer ★★★★★ — Wow I just loved this book and it doesn't shock me, but this series is one of my favorite second gen series and ill stand by that!
— Destiny Imperati, Goodreads Reviewer ★★★★★ — I have never related to an FMC so much. Lexi is quirky, neurodivergent, brainy, and up for no distractions. Blake is the quarterback and was absolutely smitten by Lexi from the first time they met.
I was so hooked on this story from the first chapter.
— Patricia Rohrs, Goodreads Reviewer ★★★★★ — Another hilarious, laugh out loud, in your feels romance!
— Kylie Anne, Goodreads Reviewer ★★★★★ — Loved Max Monroe's latest book, Playing Games. As someone who's autistic, I saw myself in Lexi. Understanding feelings isn't something that comes naturally, but Blake is patient and lets her take her time.
Amazingly written, highly recommended.
—Kristen, Goodreads Reviewer ★★★★★ — 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!!
— Stital, Goodreads Reviewer ★★★★★ — With great banter, intense chemistry and their special brand of hilarity, Max and Monroe gave us an adorable, quirky and heartfelt story.
— the endless tbr ★★★★★ — What a beautiful, heartwarming and inspiring story.
This author's approach to autism was beautifully executed.
— GetbookedwithJessica ★★★★★ — Max Monroe made my short list to must read last year after my first time book by them. Now I'm hooked and they never disappoint me!
Product details
- ASIN : B0DBYZ3TC5
- Publisher : Max Monroe LLC
- Accessibility : Learn more
- Publication date : February 7, 2025
- Language : English
- File size : 2.4 MB
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Not Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Print length : 390 pages
- ISBN-13 : 979-8989524280
- Page Flip : Enabled
- Best Sellers Rank: #8,567 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #410 in Sports Romance (Books)
- #424 in Sports Romance (Kindle Store)
- #512 in New Adult & College Romance (Kindle Store)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

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Many moons ago, a dynamic duo of romance authors teamed up under the pseudonym Max Monroe, and, well, the rest is history...
Max Monroe is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of over thirty contemporary romance titles (with Romantic Comedy being their jam), Favorite writing partners and long time friends, Max and Monroe strive to live and write all the fun, sexy swoon so often missing from their Facebook newsfeed. Sarcastic by nature, their two writing souls feel like they’ve found their other half. This is their most favorite adventure thus far.
Customer reviews
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To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers enjoy this book as a cute neurodivergent love story with unique characters, particularly appreciating the representation of an autistic lead character. Moreover, the book receives positive feedback for its intelligence, with one customer noting how well it portrays overthinking struggles, and its heartwarming narrative featuring Blake's devotion to Lexi. Additionally, customers find the book hilarious and emotionally engaging, with one review mentioning how it guides readers into a world of knowledge.
AI Generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers enjoy the story quality of the book, describing it as a cute neurodivergent love story that is absolutely amazing.
"...Cute story with a little spice and cameos from all our favorite characters from the Billionaire Bad Boys series...." Read more
"...But what I love about Blake, he's not your stereotypical jock. He's kind, sober, sweet, friends with everyone he meets, buys pizza out of dorm rooms..." Read more
"Really loved this storyline. Really enjoyed the characters and the background of each of them. I could relate. Excited for next book." Read more
"...This story was absolutely amazing! Lexi, a brilliant student, is completely focused on her dissertation work...." Read more
Customers find the book wonderful to read, with one mentioning it's a fantastic couple's story.
"...Max Monroe is an automatic read for me. Love all their books!" Read more
"Lexi finally gets her own book. And it doesn’t disappoint. It’s great….unputdownable! Happy happy happy. Lexi and Blake are just great together...." Read more
"While there isn't much substance here, it was a fun read. One major flaw, though...." Read more
"...It had innocent flirty to full blown affair. I adore a good book got relaxing." Read more
Customers appreciate the character development in the book, particularly the well-matched protagonists Lexi and Blake, with one customer noting the full circle of connecting favorite characters.
"...Cute story with a little spice and cameos from all our favorite characters from the Billionaire Bad Boys series...." Read more
"Really loved this storyline. Really enjoyed the characters and the background of each of them. I could relate. Excited for next book." Read more
"...𝐈𝐟 you love stories with secret romances and endearing characters, this book is a must-read. 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝟒.𝟓⭐️ 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞: 𝟑/𝟓🔥..." Read more
"...Love all the secondary characters in the story can’t wait to see what happens with Scottie and Finn...." Read more
Customers appreciate the book's intelligence, with one customer noting how well it portrays the struggles of overthinking, while another mentions how it guides readers into a world of knowledge.
"...This story was successful in revealing the almost lost fulfillment of becoming a well rounded individual for Lexi...." Read more
"...It shows the struggles of overthinking very well and the love story is so cute" Read more
"...Of course, getting some Ace Kelly humor and shenanigans along the way was great. We also get to see some of the OGs and not just the next gen...." Read more
"...Older, beautiful, brilliant neurodivergent woman catches the eye of the handsome star quarterback!..." Read more
Customers enjoy the heartwarming story, particularly the adorable relationship between Blake and Lexi, with one customer highlighting their perfect match and another noting Blake's patience and understanding.
"...But Blake is patient and understanding, and that may just convince Lex, as well as her compatibility app she created, to give Blake a chance...." Read more
"...following this universe will be pleased to know that Lexi and Blake are well-matched. Blake understands Lexi and embraces all of her...." Read more
"I absolutely loved Blake’s total devotion to Lexi and his sincere golden retriever energy! “..." Read more
"...Blake is the perfect person for her. He balances her. He is patient...." Read more
Customers find the book hilarious.
"...She was awesome and hilarious. We next met her as an adult in Learning Curve, and oh boy, I couldn't wait for her and Blake's story...." Read more
"...Of course, getting some Ace Kelly humor and shenanigans along the way was great. We also get to see some of the OGs and not just the next gen...." Read more
"...Looking forward to the next. These two were funny. I feel in love with them from the first book...." Read more
"...The story of Blake’s unyielding pursuit of Lexi is sweet, funny, and love love love...." Read more
Customers appreciate how the book evokes emotions, with one customer noting it's heart clutching and another mentioning it never questions the characters' feelings.
"...I loved Blake and Lex. Their story was sweet, heart clutching, and beautiful. Lex is probably my current favorite fmc of Dickson right now!..." Read more
"...exchanges in all the books, and this one had that and some heartfelt moments, too. It was a good read, and I liked the HEA." Read more
"...that Lexi is able to find out more about herself and her abilities of having emotions despite being on the spectrum...." Read more
"Max Monroe can write stories that give me all the feels...." Read more
Customers enjoy the series, with one mentioning that it didn't disappoint.
"The second book for this series didn’t disappoint...." Read more
"Great series. This is my second boom from this author. Looking forward to the next. These two were funny...." Read more
"...love this series so !uch! Can not wait til the next story!!!" Read more
Reviews with images

𝐈 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐞𝐱𝐢!
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2025Format: KindleVerified PurchaseBlake didn't relent and finally got his HEA with Lexi.
Cute story with a little spice and cameos from all our favorite characters from the Billionaire Bad Boys series. (Their kids are growing up and getting their own HEAs. Lexi is Winnie's daughter/Wes' stepdaughter.)
Max Monroe is an automatic read for me. Love all their books!
- Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2025Format: KindleVerified PurchaseSpice: 2
Tropes:
He Falls First
Reverse age gap
autistic rep
MMC football player
FMC Doctorate grad student
secret relationship
Dual POV
When I finished reading Learning Curve I literally wrote in my review "Blake I hope you get the 'girl you're going to marry'" and while there was no marriage in Playing Games.... Blake, I'm 100% glad this book was about you! I've been rooting for Blake since book 1 and he got his moment! Now, I'm hoping Ace and Julia are book 3!
Blake's just wrapped up his sophomore or junior year of college- where he's the star quarterback of the Dickson University football team. But what I love about Blake, he's not your stereotypical jock. He's kind, sober, sweet, friends with everyone he meets, buys pizza out of dorm rooms, a personal Door Dash delivery guy, and has been in love with Lexi since the day he met eyes on her. He literally said he was going to marry her the first time he saw her. It's the beginning of summer and while Blake is staying on campus for football, he realizes Lex is too- finishing up her doctorate. Seeing it as a challenge- Blake's mission is to convince Lex to go out with him, and realize he's her one too.
Lexi Winslow. Part of the infamous Winslow family, is working on her 2nd doctorate at Dickson. Yep, the girl is a genius, runs the secret society Double C, creates her own apps, and is autistic. Emotions are hard to navigate and/or understand for Lex. When Blake starts pursing her, she has difficult understanding why her body reacts to him the way it does. But Blake is patient and understanding, and that may just convince Lex, as well as her compatibility app she created, to give Blake a chance.
I loved Blake and Lex. Their story was sweet, heart clutching, and beautiful. Lex is probably my current favorite fmc of Dickson right now! Now bring on book 3!
- Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2025Format: KindleVerified PurchaseReally loved this storyline. Really enjoyed the characters and the background of each of them. I could relate. Excited for next book.
- Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2025Format: KindleVerified PurchaseLexi finally gets her own book. And it doesn’t disappoint. It’s great….unputdownable! Happy happy happy. Lexi and Blake are just great together. He is her perfect match with all of her angst.
- Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2025Format: KindleVerified Purchase💖 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠
🧠 𝐍𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞🩵
🏈 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 (𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐨!)
✌🏼 𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭
🦮 𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐌𝐂
💙 𝐇𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭
😏 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐡 + 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞
✨𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬✨
𝐈’𝐯𝐞 been waiting for Lexi and Blake’s story, and Max Monroe definitely delivered. This story was absolutely amazing!
Lexi, a brilliant student, is completely focused on her dissertation work. She has always prioritized her studies over everything else, but now she is determined to break out of her comfort zone despite her difficulties in navigating romantic relationships.
𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 Blake, a popular college football player who manages to capture Lexi's attention in a way no one else has. Blake is determined to understand and support Lexi, even as she builds walls to protect herself. Their connection is beautiful. Blake was so sweet to Lexi. My heart broke for him a few times as he gave his all, but his patience paid off. I was rooting for them both throughout the story. As much as I dreaded them getting hurt, the angsty aspect of the story had me glued to my Kindle. Max Monroe managed to both break and mend my heart by the end of the book and I enjoyed every single minute of it!
𝐈𝐟 you love stories with secret romances and endearing characters, this book is a must-read.
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝟒.𝟓⭐️
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞: 𝟑/𝟓🔥
5.0 out of 5 stars💖 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐈 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐞𝐱𝐢!
Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2025
🧠 𝐍𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞🩵
🏈 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 (𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐨!)
✌🏼 𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭
🦮 𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐌𝐂
💙 𝐇𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭
😏 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐡 + 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞
✨𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬✨
𝐈’𝐯𝐞 been waiting for Lexi and Blake’s story, and Max Monroe definitely delivered. This story was absolutely amazing!
Lexi, a brilliant student, is completely focused on her dissertation work. She has always prioritized her studies over everything else, but now she is determined to break out of her comfort zone despite her difficulties in navigating romantic relationships.
𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 Blake, a popular college football player who manages to capture Lexi's attention in a way no one else has. Blake is determined to understand and support Lexi, even as she builds walls to protect herself. Their connection is beautiful. Blake was so sweet to Lexi. My heart broke for him a few times as he gave his all, but his patience paid off. I was rooting for them both throughout the story. As much as I dreaded them getting hurt, the angsty aspect of the story had me glued to my Kindle. Max Monroe managed to both break and mend my heart by the end of the book and I enjoyed every single minute of it!
𝐈𝐟 you love stories with secret romances and endearing characters, this book is a must-read.
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝟒.𝟓⭐️
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞: 𝟑/𝟓🔥
Images in this review
- Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2025Format: KindleVerified PurchaseI have always wondered about Lexie. You knew she was smart and was a numbers girl. Now people have made comments that they didn’t really like her character. Well being on the spectrum of autism is somewhat complicated. She knew she was cold and her mind doesn’t work like other people. She has a hard time showing emotions or understanding them. She has a routine and probably compulsive about it and her numbers. Blake threw a wrench in that routine and she decided she would try and venture out of her comfort zone. She ended up falling in love but didn’t know if she was capable. Now knowing her biological father, I think she gets her smarts from him. But I would like to know, how her father met Charlotte ( apparently his wife) when Charlotte left Remy at the alter and moved to CA. I wonder how Lexie’s real dad and Charlotte met. It’s just odd to me. I liked Blake he knew she was on the spectrum and had routines and boundaries. He was always asking her questions and making her think about other things that go on in other peoples lives. I’m glad she decided to have a friendship with Ginger, in her lab.
- Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2025Format: KindleVerified PurchaseWhile there isn't much substance here, it was a fun read. One major flaw, though. No doctor would ever discuss a case with a patient in front of a friend, even when that friend is his daughter. That made Dr. Raines a failure.
- Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2025Format: KindleVerified PurchaseThat’s what they are…..until they aren’t! I loved this story!! I think I was excited to see where life took the “on the spectrum “ Girl genius, Lexi. The story did not disappoint. Blake was her perfect match and so mature and humble for his age. I love that this story shows star college athletes don’t have to be egomaniacal and selfish. Their love story is good and a must read. Max Monroe you two have done it again!
Top reviews from other countries
- Arpita VermaReviewed in India on February 10, 2025
5.0 out of 5 stars Just one word Amazing
Format: KindleVerified PurchaseIt was so worth waiting for Lexi's book. An amazing read and to get to know how her brain works.
- AndreaReviewed in Canada on February 8, 2025
5.0 out of 5 stars loved this story!!
Format: KindleVerified Purchase‘Playing Games’ is the second book in the series and while it can be read as a stand-alone, just when when I say the experience is better if you start from the beginning.
Lexi and Blake were both characters that immediately intrigued me so imagine my excitement when I found out they were getting a story together.
Blake is a talented football player with dreams of a professional career with strong golden retriever vibes. The moment he interacts with Lexi, he knows she is the only one for him. While she makes it clear that they have no future together, he is determined to prove her wrong.
Lexi is a neurodivergent rep who was portrayed so well. I loved seeing into her mind and seeing how her thought process works and how she reacts to certain scenarios. She is used to following facts so she struggles with the emotions that come to the surface the more time she spends with Blake.
Blake had me swooning with every dinner delivery and how patient he was towards her. I’m loving his friend group so the scenes with all of them together had me smiling so hard with all their banter and the ways they support each other.
I absolutely loved their journey as I watched them grow closer as Lexi drops her walls and realizes that she is capable of loving those around her. It’s fair to say that I’m pretty hooked on this series and now that I know the MCs for book 3, I LITERALLY CANT WAIT. Now excuse me while go binge their backlist.
- NosyParkerReviewed in the United Kingdom on March 6, 2025
5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect
Format: KindleVerified PurchaseThese authors consistently remain at the top of my favorites list because of books like this.
How wonderful it was to fall in love with the OG billionaires Thatch, Kline, and Wes, and now to fall in love all over again with their kids and see the legacy unfold.
Utter perfection.
- You Read WhatReviewed in the United Kingdom on April 23, 2025
4.0 out of 5 stars Blake + Lexi = Perfection 💘
Format: KindleVerified PurchaseFinally, we get Lexi’s story, and I loved every second of it. I’ve always been curious about how Max and Monroe would write her as an adult, and they absolutely delivered. Lex’s emotional intelligence struggles were written with care and authenticity, and her neurodivergence was thoughtfully represented throughout. It never felt like a plot device; it was just part of who she is, and it added real depth to her character.
Blake was the perfect MMC for her. He’s confident, grounded, and from the very beginning, it’s clear he knows what he wants – and what he wants is her. He’s patient, respectful, and works with Lex every step of the way to build something real. Their dynamic? Perfection. He is a real cinnamon roll, and we're here for it.
Just like in the previous book (Scottie & Finn), one of my favourite things about this series is the way Max Monroe has written the next generation. Each character feels like their own person, but you can still see the influence of their iconic parents (where relevant) from the Billionaire Bad Boys series. It’s such a satisfying world to be immersed in if you’ve followed the series from the start. That being said, I would have liked a bit more interaction from Lexi with her family, as I think to see how that had evolved over time would have been nice. There were a few moments with Winnie, but not as many as I would have liked.
If you were to read this as a standalone, it would still totally work – the romance is strong, and the emotional beats land. But without the nostalgic pull of the legacy characters and their history, it might fall closer to a three-star read for some.
For me though? With all the layers, banter, and the nostalgia… it just worked. 💜
- Laura CReviewed in the United Kingdom on February 7, 2025
5.0 out of 5 stars Loved every minute of this
Format: KindleVerified PurchaseI loved every minute of Lexi and Blake's story and what a story it is!
There is something really special about these characters that you have an instant connection with.
I have been loving this world and I can't wait for the next book.