Girl Geek

Gaming the System #0.5

by Brenna Aubrey

It's the perfect escape. Until things get real...

Mia Strong is beyond stressed out. With pre-med courses, the looming qualifying exam, a job, and her mother's serious health problems, she’s feeling the pressure from all sides. As a distraction, she turns to online gaming and her newest addiction, Dragon Epoch. Mia seeks an escape into fantasy—never dreaming that she’d find something real.

He goes by FallenOne. He's smart, funny, and has a sexy voice. Their instant connection is the best thing that’s happened to Mia in a long time. He listens for hours while she bares her innermost fears. But he holds everything back about himself.

At first, the mystery intrigues her, until she faces a life-altering decision. Now, Mia needs someone she can trust.

Will FallenOne’s friendship turn into something real? Or will the fantasy disappear, leaving her alone and in turmoil?

Genres: Romance, New Adult, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Novella, Fiction, Chick Lit

195 pages, Paperback

First published August 13, 2017

About the author

★✩★✩★ Signup for Brenna's mailing list for all the exclusives ★✩★✩★ : http://brenna.news
Smart is Sexy
Brenna Aubrey is a USA TODAY Bestselling Author of contemporary romance stories. Her debut novel, At Any Price, is currently free on all platforms. Her books are on over a million e-readers worldwide. They've also been translated into German, French, Italian, Dutch and adapted into an interactive app game!

She has always sought comfort in good books and the long, involved stories she weaves in her head. Brenna is a city girl with a nature-lover’s heart. She therefore finds herself out in green open spaces any chance she can get. She currently resides on the west coast of the US with her husband and children (both human and furry).

Reading Order
THE POINT OF NO RETURN SERIES available now!
High Risk
High Reward

THE GAMING THE SYSTEM SERIES: available now!
At Any Price
At Any Turn
At Any Moment
For the Win
For the One
Worth Any Cost
It Was Always You
For The Taking
For The Holidays
Take Any Chance

The Gaming The System series is complete

Reviews

[Brenna Aubrey]

Girl Geek is now available in book format! Get it at Amazon, iBooks, Kobo, Nook & GooglePlay.




**Sign up for my mailing list for more info: (read the Welcome message when it lands in your inbox!)

Click here: http://www.smartURL.it/BANL

[Sophie's Reading Corner · Rating 3 out of 5]

3- 3.5 stars

I started reading this one without initially knowing this was a prequel or that it was part of a series. While I was reading I came on Goodreads and realized that it was indeed a prequel. I was intrigued because this seemed like a novella, so I simply tried to avoid reading the synopsis of the next ones, but I did notice Mia's name, so I knew that at least the next book (the first book in the series) will be more about her. I wasn't sure how this story would evolve, but I definitely didn't see coming the turn of events near the end. I don't know why, but this seemed completely out of her character and I was shocked to say the least. I know it's also the main focus of the next book(s?) and I don't mind the theme for them, trust me. But I do mind now that I know this is really far away from the heroine's mindset. Something that we could see from the first pages of this prequel and she reached the exact opposite by the end. I understand her reason for doing this, but there were other ways that wouldn't go against her personality and I don't think this was her last resort of solution. I'm going to read now the first book and maybe I'll have a clear image for the situation, but this is my opinion. I would have put 4 stars if her decision wasn't so out of character and she had searched other ways to help other than this.

[Christine (KizzieReads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read this after the first book, it was great to see how everything came about. With her mom's financial and health issues, Heath's relationship and how she got in with the gaming group.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

Confession: I don’t typically read series where the main storyline involves a MC auctioning off his/her virginity. Just not interested. But I started reading this prequel before I knew the direction of the main story. (If you didn’t already know, there are multiple books entitled “Geek Girl”, and this isn’t the one that I was looking for; except that I didn’t realize that until I’d already been reading.)

Surprisingly, I enjoyed this prequel, even though I’m still on-the-fence about Mia’s decision. She’s got many feminist arguments for why she’s OK with this, but it still seems as if she’s trying to convince herself and others that it’s OK. Granted, she doesn’t have a lot of options for getting the money for her mom or for her med school. But lots of other gals have managed without prostituting themselves, even though I’m sure many have. And it’s definitely a theme in the YA/NA genre.

If this were Europe or Japan or another country, perhaps. But being that U.S., there’s still a stigma attached. And if others discover her secret… well, the fact that she’s determined to hide the truth from her mother tells a lot. The reactions of FallenOne and Heath say a lot, too - one is straight and one is gay, so it’s not just all one male POV.

However, I will say that this prequel made me sufficiently interested enough to read the series. I’m not fooled by who FallenOne is, but it still makes for an interesting book.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

FallenOne and Eloisa's origin story. Why don't mind if I do! I really liked it. It definitely added more context to Mia's gaming blog.

[Fien · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5 Stars

I really enjoyed this prequel. It's a great addition to this series.
Nice to read more about Mia's blog and how she got to know FallenOne. And how she came about auctioning her virginity online.

This prequel hasn't finished yet. You can read the first 9 chapters as of now.
I really look forward to reading the next chapter(s).

[The Story Girl (Serenity) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty fun read and reminded me why I loved At Any Price so much! Now I really want to re-read that.

[Lisa (Two Bookish Brits) · Rating 4 out of 5]

yesss girl geeks!

Ahh what a fun book!

I’ve had this book for a while and only just got around to reading it and I’m glad I did. I’m happy I was submerged in the world of this character and her friends. I didn’t expect to like it as much as I did.

Girl Geek and blogger Mia loves her video games. She’s obsessed and her gaming blog proves that. Beyond the gaming world she’s working on becoming a doctor, doing collage and working. She’s a badass girl surrounded by gamer friends who want the best for her. Mia knows what she wants and goes for it.

When an unexpected health problem comes along for her mother and the bills mount up Mia will do anything to help out including giving the last her money.

When a crazy idea sparks in her mind Mia starts the ball rolling…but her friends aren’t happy.

It will be interesting to see exactly how Mia goes about doing what she wants to do in the next book.

Girl Geek was short and addicting. It was just enough to leave you needing to know more…to know what happened next. I loved it.

[⚜️XAR the Bookwyrm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick little story that gave a lot more background into Mia. We learn a lot about her, which puts some of the things I had read in the first book into a lot more perspective! I wish I had read this before reading the first book as it made it so much better and I think I would have rated it much higher if I had! We get to see the relationship build between Mia and her online friends, and it's really well paced out! I definitely recommend reading this first before starting the series!

[**Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this Prequel! I really liked how Fallen one became a member of the group and it's been awhile since I read book 1 but I do remember that shocker of finding out who he was. I loved all the geeky subtext and it was just total DE (dragon epoch). I didn't realize when Mia met Jenna and Alex and this little tidbit just made everything come full circle

[Cosmic Butterfly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book

[Stacey Timmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chapter 1
I have loved reading a preview as to what happened before At Any Turn. I loved reading about Mia and Heath's relationship before it all started in the first book. You can see how much she loves him. He is her "brother from another mother". She keeps her mouth about Brian even though I think he's making Heath choose. But Mia doesn't want Heath to choose so she takes the matters into her own hands a decides to move out for him and not for Brian. I'm looking forward to the next chapter to see how it progresses. How Eloisa and FallenOne get to know each other and maybe a bit more of her blog!
Chapter 2
In chapter 2, we get to see Mia and Heath start their game testing in in Dragon Epoch. As we know Mia hates the female characters dressed in skimpy outfits and she states it here too. They joke about the female character's breasts. They guess who is playing behind the virtual characters and they guess right. They meet Persephone who they make quick friends with too. Then they meet FallenOne who doesn't use mic chat. They think he's shy but as we know, hes not. He gives them little hints along the way and they ask how he knows all this but gives vague answers. I liked the witty banter between them too. Can't wait to see what happens in the next installment.
Chapter 3
Well, this is where get to see the actual start of Mia and Adam's relationship. They get quite cozy with each other. He tells her that he's ready her blog, which she impressed with because it 2years worth if writing. They take the game together too. Plus you can still see that she doesn't like Brian because he seems to be making Heath choose between who he is and who he should be. Like him not spending so much time playing on-line games. FallenOne is still vague inbhis answers and slips up but manages to cover himself. I can't wait to see what their next conversation is.
Chapter 4
In this chapter we see Mia find her apartment and Heath is unsure about it but Mia won't let him worry to much. She also gets to meet her landlady's daughter and they get on well for their first meeting. Also we see her friendship blooming between her and FallenOne. Can't wait for the next chapter.
Chapter 5
In this chapter we learn that this is when Mia finds out about her mother's Cancer. She is alone when she gets the news from her mother. In the end she ends up talking to FallenOne all night about her fears and everything else. You can see them clicking just by their cyber friendship and then the phone call. I love seeing what brought them together and face to face.
Chapter 6
In this chapter Mia finds out her results for her big test and she is not best pleased with her results! Her friends take over and help her through! Her and FallenOne have a background conversation about DE and I think her suggestions are taken on board, literally!
Chapter 7
Mia is coming out of her shell a fraction at a time but only with her online friends! She reveals one of her secrets. She also tries to avoid Jon but can't seem to shake him off! I think she's also a little releaved to get one secret off her chest!
Chapter 8
Okay, I seriously loved this chapter! I burst into a fit of giggles reading this one! It was hilarious! Alex, Jenna and Mia are becoming really good friends! I also liked the fact that she is joining in on the mischief!

I really enjoyed this prequel to At Any Price. I can't wait for it come out in e-book. loved everything about Mia and Adam's previous interactions and how they came about.

[Readers Together · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Brenna Aubrey's words. Her writing is fun and captivating, once you start reading her words you will want all of them...and now! She writes some of the most swoony characters ever. The Gaming the System series is one of my favourites. Who doesn't like some geeky goodness in their life? When I heard we were getting a prequel to At Any Price I was excited, getting the opportunity to read more about Mia and how the auction came to be. I originally read the installments through Brenna's newsletter, but hearing that it had been reworked, edited, and released with additions, well, I was all ready for it. Let me tell you, this is such a cute novella, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It gave us insight as to why FallenOne was such an important person to Mia...and why those revelations in AAP were so tough for her. We get to see more of her friendship with Heath, and how she became friends with Alex and Jenna. I just adored it. If you've never read the GtS series it's a wonderful introduction to Brenna's writing and the series, and it leads straight in to At Any Price. If you have read the series, it's such a nice little reminder as to why we love the series as much as we do. And once you've finished GG, I can guarantee you're going to want to binge read the other books.

[LadyAileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Geekgirl è la novella prequel della serie Contemporary Romance Manipolare il Sistema che vede protagonisti l'amministratore delegato di una società di videogiochi e alcuni dei suoi dipendenti e amici. Di solito ogni volume vede protagonista una coppia diversa ma questo prequel e i primi tre romanzi sono strettamente collegati perché raccontano la storia d'amore della stessa coppia.
Molto probabilmente chi ha già letto i primi tre volumi della serie, leggendo questo prequel si perderà un po' di mistero ma scoprirà qualcosa di più su Mia e la sua decisione dell'asta, del suo rapporto con il suo migliore amico, del suo primo incontro con Kathya Ellis (Protagonista di Prendere o Lasciare) e il misterioso FallenOne mentre chi si appresta a iniziare la serie, non vedrà l'ora di fiondarsi sui volumi successivi per scoprire di più visto che finisce sul più bello.
Purtroppo io appartengo alla prima categoria ma nonostante questo, mi è piaciuto molto leggerlo. È sicuramente un'autrice che ha uno stile scorrevole, coinvolgente ed è davvero brava a creare aspettativa nel lettore.
Anche questo è scritto in prima persona dal punto di vista di Mia, una ragazza che adora i videogame e come molte ragazze della sua età si destreggia tra lavoro, un blog e il sogno di entrare nella Facoltà di Medicina. Non ha tempo per una relazione ma non sembra nemmeno particolarmente interessata. Le cose cambiano dopo una serie di eventi e questi la portano a prende una drastica decisione...
Molto intrigante per essere un prequel.

[Laura Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Fab

Original, witty and geeky, this book is an amazing premise. A gamer girl with a feminist gaming blog gets early access to a new online game, but as she makes friends with the mysterious FallenOne her own life is falling to pieces as well.
She needs to move out of her flat with her long time best friend because his boyfriend wants to step up their relationship and live together - WITHOUT her; she has her medical exams to face down (because she is a smart independent woman); and her mom is facing some big problems with cancer and the associated medical bills that makes you want to punch someone in the US political system until they find the goddamn medical system and give people a Universal Basic Income because OMG Mia's solutions to her problems are shocking but OH SO UNDERSTANDABLE.
By the end of this book you really feel for all the characters, you want to go find her blog and read it, you want to go play online games with her and her friends and you want to READ THE NEXT BOOK because this cliffhanger is EVIL. I was stoked to see that it's a LONG series and there's also an installment on the authors newsletter list that is from his perspective.
The cover art nabbed me on this book, and I honestly didn't even read the blurb, just went "Yep, need that." And 💯 on the money. This is a fantastic book and I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series. 6 out of 5 stars 👏👏

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This prequel story can be read before any other books in this series. It does leave off with a cliffhanger that will have you reaching for the sequel, At Any Price.

This book introduces us to Mia, her best friend and pseudo brother, Heath, their online friends in a new multiplayer computer game and some new friends when Mia moves.

Mia is taking pre-med classes, working at the hospital, studying for her MCAT test for entrance to medical school, blogging about her favorite computer games and of course, blowing off steam playing those games. Her new passion is Dragon Epoch a new fantasy MMORPG. In the game she meets Kat, a woman from Canada, and Fallon One (his online name) who shares almost nothing about his real life. Together she Heath and their new friends bond and talk while fulfilling quests and killing mobs for experience. Mia then blogs about everything from game mechanics to why the women always have extra skimpy armor.

Through the story Mia has a lot of life changes. She moves out from her apartment with Heath, her Mom has has severe health issues, her testing doesn't go as planned and she might not even be able to apply to medical school. She comes up with a crazy idea to solve at least her financial issues and wait until you read what it is and how those close to her respond!

[Jeraca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mia is a struggling college student, trying to get into Med School, loves playing video games, somewhat makes a paycheck from blogging about her video games, and works at a hospital to gain experience before going to Med School...hopefully. She's a pretty busy girl, but when she finds out her mom is sick and is struggling to make ends meet at home, Mia does everything in her power to help her. Even if it means auctioning off her virginity to get the most money that she can. But Mia is her own person, and she can decide what she wants to do. She's an adult. And as many times as her friends try to convince her otherwise, she will make her decision on how she wants it to happen.

I really admire Mia. She's in an industry (video gaming) where females are looked down on and she's advocating for equal rights. She's smart, and I think she should skip the Med School idea and go into video gaming herself. She has a lot of great ideas and can really make a change for the good when it comes to video games.

I'm very intrigued to read the rest of her story, and will now be diving into the next book in the series!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

IN PROGRESS:

So far I am really enjoying this book, mostly because I can relate to the gamer-girl aspect of the story. It's actually making me miss the hours of my life I lost to World of Warcraft and wanting to lose myself in that world some more. I kind of wish the gaming aspect was them playing WoW because then I could relate even more, but it's similar enough I can just pretend.

So Girl Geek meets this mysterious gamer guy (who hasn't if they have played an MMRPG for any length of time). He knows more about her than she knows about him. Kinda creepy but also typical in these types of relationships. It seems there is always one who is more secretive. I have my guesses as to why, but will keep reading to find out if I am right.

There is also some personal stuff going on in Girl's life. Her mom has skin cancer and Girl failed her first MCAT test. Her mom needs money and Girl is trying her best to help her mom out.

Anyway, Mia (girl geek) comes up with the bright idea to auction off her virginity to help her mom out and to help pay for her medical school costs. Her fellow gamer (boy)friend, FallenOne, is not happy about it, but she continues with her plan. This book is very much a prequel to introduce the characters and set the story up. Definitely worth the read because it introduces you to the game, also. Cute series.

[Goth Gone Grey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slow moving but interesting

Geeks, gaming, blogging, oft-referred-to past trauma, and a mysterious man on the new beta testing game. I'd be hesitant to call it an online romance, especially since there's barely flirting.

There's a few other plot points included, but this is very clearly the start of a series, setting up more to come. It ends on a cliffhanger, and includes the start of the next book to entice you to continue.

There's a recurring theme in how women are portrayed in games, as shown here:

"Seeing fantasy women dressed so scantily had become so much of a norm, most men accepted it without question. One more clueless male to educate! Girl Geek again gets her hands dirty so that the rest of womankind doesn’t have to—unless they want to, that is."

This makes the final "OMG, she's doing what" event seem to not fit the lead character. It's a decent but slow moving read.

[Anto~mcbr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started reading this as soon as it came out, but I quickly realized that it would be much better to wait until it was finished to truly enjoy it. And enjoy it I did!

After reading this I miss Mia and Adam so much. I'm dying for a little peek inside Adam's head when he first received Mia's email with the virgin manifesto. I really wanna know what his first impressions of her were (specially when she kept critiquing his game to his face LOL).

There were a few grammar errors and misspelled words (an instance comes to mind where it said bolder instead of boulder, that one made my mind come to a screeching halt), but it's kinda to be expected of an unedited work. TBH they weren't that bad. Just a couple sprinkled here and there. Trust me, they don't detract from the story at all.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Girl Geek/ At Any Price
By Brenna Aubrey
4 ⭐️/5

I’m making a combo review with this one. Girl Geek was a free novella I downloaded a long time ago and ignored for a long time until now! As a PC gamer, I knew the lingo but she did a good job of explaining it for the noobs. The novella hooked me and then I obviously had to download At Any Price (also free on Amazon), and loved it even more! Even though I knew what the outcome overall would be, I was still invested in the story and super turned on by the sexy scenes. 😉

I blew through these two and really enjoyed them!

#brennaaubrey #gamingthesystem

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[Hillary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was about to read "At Any Price" but then noticed that there was this book in the series as book 0.5 before that book 1 so I read this one first. I am definitely happy that I did.

I really enjoyed the characters and how we see each of their friendships grow with the main characters. There is only one POV in this book which works really well since it gives us a lot of info on her but I am curious is there will be other POV's in the next book as I always love to see the perspectives of multiple characters in a book.

It was a nice short book with great backstory on her family as well and her mothers health which ultimately leads to the plot of book 1 so I was really glad that I read this book. I can't wait to dive into book 1 and see that happens next!

[Kamery Solomon]

DNF'ed after the first two chapters. I'd been clobbered over the head enough with how game developers are horney single men in their mom's basement living out their fantasies on screen and women are mistreated at every turn. I've played most of the games mentioned and have never once been victimized as a woman, and the skimpy clothes are a choice, not a requirement. I'm absolutely a feminist, but the road goes both ways, y'all. You can't demand equal treatment while name calling, pointing fingers, and treating others just as badly. Maybe the rest of the story was good, but it just immediately rubbed me the wrong way.

[Mel Mel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cliffhangers

I started this book with low expectations. But I was pleasantly surprised to find that I really started to enjoy it. All the issues I've been complaining about for decades were brought to light! I'm a Girl Gamer and this book struck a chord deep within. But. It all grinded to a complete halt when I very suddenly came upon the cliffhanger. I just.. I honestly don't understand. I mean, obviously I do, but no. Just no. I don't understand cliffhangers and quite frankly I loathe them. LOATHE. I acknowledge that this is a personal preference and I also acknowledge that they are common practice. But I cannot get over my aversion. So while I very much enjoyed the story it's quite possible that I won't be purchasing the next because that's how deeply cliffhangers cut me. This will definitely have to be something I debate.

[Sammie Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

AHHH. I now I am way behind in reading this one, but while reading it.. I was reminded of how in love with the Gaming the System world I am. Just reading through this short novella- seeing how it all started literally made me pick up At Any Price all over again and I'm ecstatic to reread- that never happens.
I am going to say- that I realize that its a prequel, a novella, and its meant to be short- but I wish there was still a little more story to it- just a tiny bit more plot. But with that being said- Brenna Aubrey hooked me yet again with this short read.

[J.B. Sharp · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are a gamer - or your partner is a gamer like me - you will absolutely adore this prequel. The gaming culture and references were spot on and I found myself reading passages to my husband knowing that his gamer self would appreciate it. You definitely can't stop at this intro prequel because there are so many answers to be had ... but the next book in the series very clearly is going to answer them quickly. I will definitely be reading more from this author - and continuing this series - very soon!

[Su-Im · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this prequel to Adam and Mia's love story. Gaming The System has always been my favourite romance series of all time - it has a nice storyline, stirs some pretty tear-jerking emotions and does not constantly concentrate on sex scenes like some other books do. This series has made me laugh, made me swoon, made me cry and also shout with exasperation at times. It's an absolute beautiful piece of artwork. Well done Brenna.

[Sammi Dyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Girl Greek" is a fun look into the beginning of "At Any Price" the first novel in the "Gaming the system" series. It's a unique and addicting story line that you will leave you want more and in this book you will be getting exactly that. So emerge yourself into the world of yondareth and the people that surround it. Find out how it all begin and how Mia's crazy idea of auctioning her virginity all came about.

[Rita Kunselman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very fun book that helped you meet some very interesting characters. Mia was the central character who was in pre-med and found herself involved with a group of role playing sci-fi gamers. This leads her also, to write a blog on that game and various other ones. I have read the next three books in this series and have definitely enjoyed them all! The characters build their characters & personalitys.

[Jecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this insight into where Mia and Adam began

I fell in love with and married a gamer, so this book had my name written all over it. I'd actually already read book 1 probably years ago, but I decided I'd start with this one before I dove into a reread of it. I'm soooo glad I did. Seeing how their online friendship started, where it all began, having the background leading up to book 1 made that book so much more enjoyable when I got to it. This one was also a bit lighter, and I also needed that before jumping headfirst into the angst that is this series. Loved this book.