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Gone Geek #1
Beauty and the Geek
Professor Steven Kipper is used to the stares, the muttered insults. Monster. Disgusting. Gross. It's all he's ever known. Relationships suck when his date won't even go out in public with him, which is why he hasn't bothered. That is until her. The woman on the internet who gets his every quirk. He's hooked on a person he's never met. The way she gets his jokes, the uninhibited sexuality and…just talking to her. She's everything he's ever wanted, only she's a stranger. Unless he can convince her they should unplug and take their virtual relationship off-line.
Tamara Roh has heard all the insults from slut to whore and they bore her. She refuses to let other people define her. Life's tough in the gaming industry, and if she can't handle a few insults the haters will chew her up and spit her out. Her only haven is with her friends and in one very explicit chat room. On-line she can be anyone she wants to, even the normal girl-next-door who just happens to get off on dirty talk, erotic gifs and video chats from the neck down. She might not be able to trust guys in real life to see past the Hot Asian Girlfriend stereotype, but with her internet beau anonymity is her safety net. The only problem is…she's falling for a man who thinks she's someone else.
Tamara Roh has heard all the insults from slut to whore and they bore her. She refuses to let other people define her. Life's tough in the gaming industry, and if she can't handle a few insults the haters will chew her up and spit her out. Her only haven is with her friends and in one very explicit chat room. On-line she can be anyone she wants to, even the normal girl-next-door who just happens to get off on dirty talk, erotic gifs and video chats from the neck down. She might not be able to trust guys in real life to see past the Hot Asian Girlfriend stereotype, but with her internet beau anonymity is her safety net. The only problem is…she's falling for a man who thinks she's someone else.
233 pages, ebook
First published September 6, 2016
814 people are currently reading
895 people want to read
About the author
Sidney Bristol
122 books957 followersIt can never be said that NYT & USA Today Bestselling author Sidney Bristol has had a ‘normal’ life. She is a recovering roller derby queen, former missionary, and tattoo addict. She grew up in a motor-home on the US highways (with an occasional jaunt into Canada and Mexico), traveling the rodeo circuit with her parents. Sidney has lived abroad in both Russia and Thailand, working with children and teenagers. She now lives in Texas where she splits her time between a job she loves, writing, reading and fostering cats.
Sidney is represented by Nicole Resciniti of the Seymour Agency.
Sidney is represented by Nicole Resciniti of the Seymour Agency.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
December 18, 2019
Sexy and Sweet Love Story!
I really enjoyed this romance. I wouldn’t exactly call it a contemporary retelling of Beauty and the Beast, because the only similarity between the two books are the riff on the name and the fact that the woman is beautiful while the man has an appearance that people stare at. He is not a recluse by any means. I sometimes hate in books when one of the main characters has anything like a deformity, scars, or something that forces him or her to hide away or even to hate his/her own appearance.
However I truly liked this book because there was never anything said about Stephen hating his appearance or wanting to hide away. He actually wanted to be with someone who accepted him and wasn’t afraid to be seen with him. I genuinely felt for him when people stared or talked about him, but there was a scene when Tamara explains things to him in a great way.
Tamara is a beautiful Korean girl who works in a largely male industry, video gaming. She works as a beta tester, but also had a job on a YouTube channel hosting a show about gaming. She has had experiences where the men that want to date her, want a hot Asian girlfriend and don’t even bother to know who she is as a person. She also has had bad experiences where she was put in the limelight and vilified. That is why she started to date Stephen online without showing her face.
I liked the fact that they have similar issues with people staring at them all the time, but for completely different reasons. I also like the fact that they are both insecure in their own ways. Stephen is also very cute in that he has OCD and writes a lot in a notebook before he speaks because he is afraid of saying the wrong thing. I don’t know why it is but guys with anxiety and/or OCD are so cute in books. I like confidence in guys but if written well, when they don’t have confidence it can be very hot.
The romance was off the charts steamy in this book, from the start, even when they were just online, it was great. The fact that Tamara thought he was handsome from the first time she googled him, was awesome. It was a sweet romance, but also a hot and heavy one. There was the perfect balance of each. The book also had some very funny moments, so I thought overall it was great.
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Thanks to Dave Smith for recommending this book to me!
I really enjoyed this romance. I wouldn’t exactly call it a contemporary retelling of Beauty and the Beast, because the only similarity between the two books are the riff on the name and the fact that the woman is beautiful while the man has an appearance that people stare at. He is not a recluse by any means. I sometimes hate in books when one of the main characters has anything like a deformity, scars, or something that forces him or her to hide away or even to hate his/her own appearance.
However I truly liked this book because there was never anything said about Stephen hating his appearance or wanting to hide away. He actually wanted to be with someone who accepted him and wasn’t afraid to be seen with him. I genuinely felt for him when people stared or talked about him, but there was a scene when Tamara explains things to him in a great way.
“Say there’s a hundred people in here, right now.” She leaned a little closer, speaking only for him. “Of those one hundred people, chances are there’s really only ten who aren’t so wrapped up in what’s going on with them to even notice you. And of those ten? Five want to be you. They like what you’re wearing, they find you attractive, something. And then the other five? You’ll never make them happy. They’ll hate you, think terrible things about you, whatever. Why live your life for those five miserable people? Are they more important than your happiness? No, they aren’t. So tonight—those five people who want to stare at you or me—why do they matter more than the person sitting across the table? And if they do, why are you here with the wrong person?”
Tamara is a beautiful Korean girl who works in a largely male industry, video gaming. She works as a beta tester, but also had a job on a YouTube channel hosting a show about gaming. She has had experiences where the men that want to date her, want a hot Asian girlfriend and don’t even bother to know who she is as a person. She also has had bad experiences where she was put in the limelight and vilified. That is why she started to date Stephen online without showing her face.
I liked the fact that they have similar issues with people staring at them all the time, but for completely different reasons. I also like the fact that they are both insecure in their own ways. Stephen is also very cute in that he has OCD and writes a lot in a notebook before he speaks because he is afraid of saying the wrong thing. I don’t know why it is but guys with anxiety and/or OCD are so cute in books. I like confidence in guys but if written well, when they don’t have confidence it can be very hot.
The romance was off the charts steamy in this book, from the start, even when they were just online, it was great. The fact that Tamara thought he was handsome from the first time she googled him, was awesome. It was a sweet romance, but also a hot and heavy one. There was the perfect balance of each. The book also had some very funny moments, so I thought overall it was great.
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Thanks to Dave Smith for recommending this book to me!
September 10, 2016
'Beauty and the Geek' confronts stereotypes so head on that I was caught between fearing for the repercussions and cheering for the sheer daring of Sidney Bristol for writing this quirky but rather memorable book.
There's a hero who isn't conventionally good-looking - he's not only a geek but a geek with a facial mark prone to being left by the wayside by those concerned with physical appearances - and an Asian heroine who allows herself to meekly accept her 'lot' in the gaming industry because of her clichéd appearance. The book painfully works them all out together (and in bed) through very unusual circumstances (read: cybersex) that simply kept me turning the pages.
Bristol did manage to make me like Stephen especially with all his insecurities and I found myself somehow being able to empathise with him more than I could with Tamara. But what would this relationship be without some sort of obstacle that comes at the end?
I cringed at the final conflict - because I really did think Tamara should have had the guts to stand up for herself - and found myself disliking the coarse group of friends she had who crucified Stephen for simply wanting the best for her. With a rather abrupt end and an even more abrupt epilogue, Stephen/Tamara's story ended on a sappy but a predictable note yet I finished the story nonetheless, feeling as though the depth to this couple hadn't been fully plumbed.
There's a hero who isn't conventionally good-looking - he's not only a geek but a geek with a facial mark prone to being left by the wayside by those concerned with physical appearances - and an Asian heroine who allows herself to meekly accept her 'lot' in the gaming industry because of her clichéd appearance. The book painfully works them all out together (and in bed) through very unusual circumstances (read: cybersex) that simply kept me turning the pages.
Bristol did manage to make me like Stephen especially with all his insecurities and I found myself somehow being able to empathise with him more than I could with Tamara. But what would this relationship be without some sort of obstacle that comes at the end?
I cringed at the final conflict - because I really did think Tamara should have had the guts to stand up for herself - and found myself disliking the coarse group of friends she had who crucified Stephen for simply wanting the best for her. With a rather abrupt end and an even more abrupt epilogue, Stephen/Tamara's story ended on a sappy but a predictable note yet I finished the story nonetheless, feeling as though the depth to this couple hadn't been fully plumbed.
May 1, 2017
The story started out interesting, but it started getting repetitive and I just didn't understand how extreme the characters reacted to things. They definitely behaved as if they were teenagers rather than the so called successful adults they were supposed to be, and I just couldn't find myself caring about any of them. I ended up skimming the story just to see if it would go the way I thought it would, and sorry to say yes it was totally predictable. The author could've made this such a great geeky type of romance, instead it seemed stereotypical and not very interesting at all.
May 21, 2018
Ugh
I one star is too high. The book started out fine but the author used the Lord's name
in vain and then I was DONE. The author needs to clean up her language, erotica can be written without foul words.
I one star is too high. The book started out fine but the author used the Lord's name
in vain and then I was DONE. The author needs to clean up her language, erotica can be written without foul words.
January 12, 2018
Story about a guy name Stephen who thinks his face is hideous and that no woman will ever want to share his life. Tamara is an Asian girl who has self-esteem issues because of things that have happened in her life. They meet each other on an internet chat room and after a few months of chatting privately online, Stephen feels a connection with "Pam" and wants to meet her in person. Tamara is gun shy and keeps putting him off. When he mistakenly sends a gif to her best friend instead of to her, it forces Tamara to decide it is time to meet face to face. Stephen is in awe of her when they do meet and can't believe that she isn't repulsed by his face. Tamara sees nothing wrong and likes what is on the inside. Things develop quickly between them to where they feel lost when they are not together. A situation happens at a work party between Tamara and her ex co-worker. Stephen doesn't like what is going on and tries to defend her. Things blow up between them and he splits. Tamara feels really lost because she doesn't have her best friend to turn to and she doesn't have Stephen to talk to anymore. While apart, she realizes what her feelings are for Stephen and tries to figure out a way to get him back. The writing could have been better. There were times I couldn't tell who was supposed to be speaking. Some of the sentences just didn't seem to flow so it took me longer than normal to read this book. Book had potential to be really good because of the topic but the writing just didn't cut it for me
September 8, 2016
OMG! So I am a complete sucker for geeky books and I have complete faith in Sidney Bristol in everything she writes, she hasn't let me down yet with her fabulous writing and lustable characters. I also love retellings of the Beauty and the Beast fairytale. Beauty and the Geek was a quick read for me mostly because I couldn't put it down. Tamara Roh is a woman after my own heart I would love to have her as a friend, not just to hang out and play videogames with (when I'm not reading I'm on the PS4) but hell she cool! That group of friends they are amazing and I can't wait for each of their stories. Steven Kipper is the beast of the story he's grew up being told he was hideous and a monster, people freak when they see him, he has almost gotten use to it. But something deep inside has him longing for an intimate connection with someone. That put him in a chatroom connecting with Tamara.
Right off the bat, Sidney starts kinky, wow. (wish my hubby was a robotics genius) Steven and Tamara start a virtual relationship doing everything but reveal who they are and anything about what they do. But being internet savvy Tamara finds out who he is and isn't scared off by his appearance. Steven has dubbed the woman he has fallen in love with as Pam and as much as he respects her privacy he really wants to start a real-life relationship, he thinks he knows who she is. But one Facebook message to the wrong woman spurs Tamara into an in-person meeting with Steven. The first met went as expected they were both a little hesitant and nervous but the sexual chemistry between the two soon overpowers any nervousness and they quickly change their online-only to a real-life relationship.
They each have their own problems, Tamara was fired from her last job because she wouldn't sleep with her co-star and in the past she shook up the gaming community by going to to cops after being raped at a con. Steven has had bad experiences with girlfriends in the past he's unsure if Tamara is going to be like them or if she is sincere about her actions.
Overall this book was great, I really enjoyed it. I love all the characters and it made me cry and laugh it really was a great story.
Right off the bat, Sidney starts kinky, wow. (wish my hubby was a robotics genius) Steven and Tamara start a virtual relationship doing everything but reveal who they are and anything about what they do. But being internet savvy Tamara finds out who he is and isn't scared off by his appearance. Steven has dubbed the woman he has fallen in love with as Pam and as much as he respects her privacy he really wants to start a real-life relationship, he thinks he knows who she is. But one Facebook message to the wrong woman spurs Tamara into an in-person meeting with Steven. The first met went as expected they were both a little hesitant and nervous but the sexual chemistry between the two soon overpowers any nervousness and they quickly change their online-only to a real-life relationship.
They each have their own problems, Tamara was fired from her last job because she wouldn't sleep with her co-star and in the past she shook up the gaming community by going to to cops after being raped at a con. Steven has had bad experiences with girlfriends in the past he's unsure if Tamara is going to be like them or if she is sincere about her actions.
Overall this book was great, I really enjoyed it. I love all the characters and it made me cry and laugh it really was a great story.
September 14, 2016
DNF @ 60%
Boring. I finally had enough and decided to DNF this book.
Characters are just awful. The idea is good but... Heroine is too Meh! And hero lacks personality.
The idea was good and it sounded like a fun book but it was NOT!
Boring. I finally had enough and decided to DNF this book.
Characters are just awful. The idea is good but... Heroine is too Meh! And hero lacks personality.
The idea was good and it sounded like a fun book but it was NOT!
April 30, 2017
What can I say about this book? Made a mistake downloading it as it was obviously meant for a younger reader but I found it totally unappealing. I truly wished I hadn't persevered in reading it all the way through as I had hoped it would get better.
December 3, 2019
I really enjoyed this story. It was original and brought characters that were easy to relate to. Tamara was a girl who is very open about her needs which was a nice refreshing twist and Stephen is struggling with the fact that he's an alpha and actually likes it. His insecurities makes him both sexy and adorable. Definitely not your usual alpha caveman character. Recommended
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2017
I was really excited about reading this series being a big geek and gamer myself. But I didn't connected to it at all. I skimmed through a lot of parts 'cause I just wanted to finish it already. It seemed like a big mess of situations in between each one of the girls. I really liked Steven and what the author thought of for him being consider a "monster" still
November 23, 2019
DNF at 70%. Wanted to like it but just found myself unable to like the characters.
May 19, 2018
Terrible
Horrible book with Worse characters, I don't even know how to start explaining how much I disliked this book. Ugh
Horrible book with Worse characters, I don't even know how to start explaining how much I disliked this book. Ugh
August 30, 2017
Who's the beauty and who's the geek? If Tamara was in a geek club, does that made Stephen the beauty? But Stephen said he's ugly. So does that made him the geek? Or they both beauty and the geek?
Anyway, all of them are geniuses from the first 50 pages I've read. And so, why they end up doing something stupid? Take Piper for instance, she did a sex tape with her boyfriend that went viral after they broke-up. And Tamara was having sex with Stephen, online. Okay, that sounded weird but you have to read it to know it. This is girl power that went wrong if you ask me.
The writing was a bit juvenile. Not bad but, it was like reading a teenage girl/boy diary. I skipped the erotica part. Changing the setting to a motel room with Supernatural/Alien theme wouldn't change the fact that the MC just you know...
Anyway, all of them are geniuses from the first 50 pages I've read. And so, why they end up doing something stupid? Take Piper for instance, she did a sex tape with her boyfriend that went viral after they broke-up. And Tamara was having sex with Stephen, online. Okay, that sounded weird but you have to read it to know it. This is girl power that went wrong if you ask me.
The writing was a bit juvenile. Not bad but, it was like reading a teenage girl/boy diary. I skipped the erotica part. Changing the setting to a motel room with Supernatural/Alien theme wouldn't change the fact that the MC just you know...
December 4, 2019
I loved this! A robotics professor and an online gamer girl fall in love in a sexy chat room and consider taking the next step, into The Real World. So realistically geeky. They may be smart, but navigating a relationship has posed past challenges that burden them into this one. Sometimes I just don’t know what’s the right thing to say, either. Writing down all the different ways a conversation could have been re-worded may seem a little obsessive-compulsive but I actually know people who do this. That’s why I felt true empathy for this sexy couple.
May 18, 2018
DNF - stopped at 30%
The concept in the blurb & the great cover had me opening this & reading. But I just couldn’t get into the story or the main characters, underwhelming & unbelievable. The story dragged too slowly as well. I’d rather get some sleep than continue to read this.
The concept in the blurb & the great cover had me opening this & reading. But I just couldn’t get into the story or the main characters, underwhelming & unbelievable. The story dragged too slowly as well. I’d rather get some sleep than continue to read this.
May 19, 2018
Meh
Interesting characters, decent story, the writing fell flat. I kinda sorta thought it was decent but the last chapter had me wondering if I missed something...
Interesting characters, decent story, the writing fell flat. I kinda sorta thought it was decent but the last chapter had me wondering if I missed something...
June 2, 2018
This was a fun read, however at the beginning it had some mistakes and some repetitive phrases. It got better about half way through.
June 22, 2018
I was pleasantly surprised by this one. It wasn't very well written, but it had more depth than I expected. Don't be turned off by the awful title, the heroine is no less of a geek than the hero, which I greatly appreciated. Also, it feels very timely with the subplot of sexual harassment in the entertainment industry. 3.5⭐
September 26, 2016
Sidney Bristol's writing style is superb! This is one of those books that I get to read from start to finish within the day :)
Stephen and Tamara's story hooked me from the start of the book. I was really looking forward to how their relationship would unfold after I got pass the first chapter. The two of them are quite the combination and I just love the chemistry between them.
With regards to the plotline, both of the main characters do have a bit of history that affects their relationship (which is typical for a romance story). The good thing about it is that the characters do have a strong personality that makes them worth knowing despite the baggage they are carrying. Stephen and Tamara both has issues with their looks though in different ways. Stephen thinks he is a monster because of a birthmark in his face, and the women that he used to go out with are ashamed to be seen with him. Whereas Tamara is Asian with a great body, and people doesn't seem to see pass her looks. Overcoming their insecurities was a good read.
Another thing I love about this book is the friendship that Tamara shares with Piper, Miranda, and Rashae. The four of them are really close and the problem that first rose truly tested the friendship of Tamara and Piper. To be greatly affected by each other's problems gave me a heartwarming feeling. It got me wishing for them to make up immediately because friendship like theirs are hard to come by.
Oh! And reading about a jerk get what he deserves is a definite plus.
I would recommend this book for those who are currently looking for a light reading and not overly serious plotline.
Stephen and Tamara's story hooked me from the start of the book. I was really looking forward to how their relationship would unfold after I got pass the first chapter. The two of them are quite the combination and I just love the chemistry between them.
With regards to the plotline, both of the main characters do have a bit of history that affects their relationship (which is typical for a romance story). The good thing about it is that the characters do have a strong personality that makes them worth knowing despite the baggage they are carrying. Stephen and Tamara both has issues with their looks though in different ways. Stephen thinks he is a monster because of a birthmark in his face, and the women that he used to go out with are ashamed to be seen with him. Whereas Tamara is Asian with a great body, and people doesn't seem to see pass her looks. Overcoming their insecurities was a good read.
Another thing I love about this book is the friendship that Tamara shares with Piper, Miranda, and Rashae. The four of them are really close and the problem that first rose truly tested the friendship of Tamara and Piper. To be greatly affected by each other's problems gave me a heartwarming feeling. It got me wishing for them to make up immediately because friendship like theirs are hard to come by.
Oh! And reading about a jerk get what he deserves is a definite plus.
I would recommend this book for those who are currently looking for a light reading and not overly serious plotline.
September 18, 2016
I found this book by following Sidney Bristol on Facebook. Her posts sparked my interest and downloaded the book from Amazon. I am so happy I did.
Sidney's writing immediately transported this reader into the gamer world. It was a joyful page turner. The book has erotica, but the normal erotic that is enjoyable to read for a reader who does not enjoy the type of erotica that is raunchy. Sidney Bristol enchants the reader with wanting more of Tamara and Stephen. You will enjoy there ups and downs and understand that we all need to except the differences we all have. There is no place in this world for bullies of any kind. The other piece is our friendships are our strongest supporters.
I encourage you to pick up The Beauty and the Geek, curl up with this enjoyable book and a good cup of your favorite beverage. Warning you will not be able to put it down. Yes, it is that good!!
Sidney's writing immediately transported this reader into the gamer world. It was a joyful page turner. The book has erotica, but the normal erotic that is enjoyable to read for a reader who does not enjoy the type of erotica that is raunchy. Sidney Bristol enchants the reader with wanting more of Tamara and Stephen. You will enjoy there ups and downs and understand that we all need to except the differences we all have. There is no place in this world for bullies of any kind. The other piece is our friendships are our strongest supporters.
I encourage you to pick up The Beauty and the Geek, curl up with this enjoyable book and a good cup of your favorite beverage. Warning you will not be able to put it down. Yes, it is that good!!
September 2, 2016
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
OMG, I can't tell you how much I loved this book. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE all capital letters!!! I started reading this book yesterday, but only got a couple of chapters in, but then I picked it up again this morning and couldn't stop reading until I reached the end. Once again Sidney Bristol has written a fantastic book with amazing and so realistic characters that the reader can so relate to. I loved everything about this book.
OMG, I can't tell you how much I loved this book. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE all capital letters!!! I started reading this book yesterday, but only got a couple of chapters in, but then I picked it up again this morning and couldn't stop reading until I reached the end. Once again Sidney Bristol has written a fantastic book with amazing and so realistic characters that the reader can so relate to. I loved everything about this book.
April 29, 2017
I'm not sure if I want to read anything else by this author. The plot was fine, the writing was okay. I felt like the Tamara was a little bit bitchy and it just seemed a little too "pat" with Stephen. I did love him as a hero, though.
I really wanted to read Piper's book, but there isn't one. We'll have to see if one gets produced this coming year.
I really wanted to read Piper's book, but there isn't one. We'll have to see if one gets produced this coming year.
June 2, 2017
I was in the mood for a Beauty and the Beast retelling, but this wasn't what I wanted. Editing/proofing got a little sloppy toward the end, too.
November 27, 2019
I liked this.
I liked this a lot.
But it felt a bit too... message-y.
Like being incessantly, aggressively tapped in the temple with feminism.
Being a woman, a feminist and possessing a working brain, I don't need to be told repeatedly throughout a story how much men in the gaming industry (and generally every industry) can suck beyond belief, and the games women have to play, the degree of their dignity they have to sacrifice, whilst trying to survive against said misogynist dickbags.
I know this.
I've experienced this.
Tell me once, twice.
Don't slap me around with it.
Show, don't tell.
Saying that, however, I did enjoy this.
I really liked the heroine and how accomplished and capable she was. Her humour and strength was incredibly appealing, especially when balanced with the vulnerability she tries her hardest not to display.
My only complaint would be the excessive explaining of the douchebaggery she has to endure. I get it, it's absolutely worth complaining about, if we just keep quiet about this stuff it'll never fucking end.
But talking about it in every conversation?
Yeah, no.
Again, show, don't tell.
And I actually think Bristol handled that much better with the hero's side of the story. It was never explicitly said what mental health problems he has, OCD was mentioned and clearly shown, but he definitely displays forms of body dysmorphia, social anxiety, and he could quite easily be considered to be on the ASD spectrum.
Again, all of this was shown but not told, and that felt more realistic.
It helped that Stephen's a total alpha-mallow nerd-bear and I want one for my own.
But.
Something just felt off about this.
And I wanted to spend way more time engaging with the MC in an online capacity. That dynamic is always interesting. Especially when it's smutty - tell me I'm wrong, I dare you.
Hmm.
I'm definitely going to read the next one.
And some other stuff by Bristol.
Because I like her style and hopefully this is just a blip.
I really hope this is just a blip.
May 20, 2018
This is the first book I've read by this author and I enjoyed it for the most part.
I haven't read many nerd/geek type books but I've found that I do enjoy them, especially when its the male lead character being the Geek. Its a refreshing change to have the male a little on the shy side and not as cocky as usual.
I did feel a little out my depth with all the gaming details as not a gamer myself and only have the most basic of knowledge on it. So it took me a while (until she basically spelt it out) to understand why Tamara felt the way she did.
Steven was very self conscious about his birthmark with all the criticism he experienced in his childhood....but I don't think he can call himself a monster though!!
The book starts with Tamara and Steven's relationship already somewhat developed (cyber interactions) so it felt a little like we came in half way, not an overall bad thing but maybe a little more back details may have be nice.
I enjoyed the secondary characters and I loved the honesty between Tamara and her friends. They had a really nice support system for each other but I did find them quick to blame Steven when things went bad, yep he was partly to blame and they were defending their friend but still, I do like how Piper was instrumental in getting them back together.
I must admit I was a little uncomfortable with some of the "dirty talk" during the steamy scenes with the use of the word slut was thrown around and while I understand some women don't mind these things, its definitely not for me and I can only associate a negative connotation to that word. So every time it was said it made me cringe. Just my personal preference.
Overall an ok start to a series but not sure its one I'll rush out to finish.
I haven't read many nerd/geek type books but I've found that I do enjoy them, especially when its the male lead character being the Geek. Its a refreshing change to have the male a little on the shy side and not as cocky as usual.
I did feel a little out my depth with all the gaming details as not a gamer myself and only have the most basic of knowledge on it. So it took me a while (until she basically spelt it out) to understand why Tamara felt the way she did.
Steven was very self conscious about his birthmark with all the criticism he experienced in his childhood....but I don't think he can call himself a monster though!!
The book starts with Tamara and Steven's relationship already somewhat developed (cyber interactions) so it felt a little like we came in half way, not an overall bad thing but maybe a little more back details may have be nice.
I enjoyed the secondary characters and I loved the honesty between Tamara and her friends. They had a really nice support system for each other but I did find them quick to blame Steven when things went bad, yep he was partly to blame and they were defending their friend but still, I do like how Piper was instrumental in getting them back together.
I must admit I was a little uncomfortable with some of the "dirty talk" during the steamy scenes with the use of the word slut was thrown around and while I understand some women don't mind these things, its definitely not for me and I can only associate a negative connotation to that word. So every time it was said it made me cringe. Just my personal preference.
Overall an ok start to a series but not sure its one I'll rush out to finish.
July 26, 2019
In book one of the Gone Geek series, robotics professor Stephen Kipper is having a sexual relationship with a woman he’s never officially met. They hooked up in an adult chat room and instantly clicked, but he wants more than just dirty talking online. Unfortunately, he has a noticeable birthmark on his face and neck, and most people think he’s a freak. Though he wants to meet Tamara, he’s afraid he’ll lose her after she finally sees his face.
Tamara Rho is a video gamer and surrounds herself with YouTube geeks and cosplayers. She’s had a lot of bad experiences with men and is resigned to dealing with sexual harassment. Though she wants to meet Stephen, she doesn’t want him to know about her crazy life. Once they finally meet, however, romance and love blooms.
I liked Stephen a lot. He’s a total OCD neat freak with emotional baggage. Women have used and hurt him in the past, so he’s hesitant about trusting Tamara. Luckily for him, however, she saw him for the good, decent man he really was, despite his birthmark.
I couldn’t connect with Tamara. She allowed men to take advantage of her and got angry with Stephen for standing up for her. She didn’t mind Stephen’s birthmark (which is great), but she brushed aside his insecurities and only worried about her own problems.
I liked Tamara’s friends for the most part, but I didn’t like the way they ganged up on Stephen for hurting Tamara’s feelings. He did nothing wrong, and Tamara needed to hear the truth.
The book is mostly well written, but the repetition and the characters starting a sentence and then abruptly stopping became tiresome. I enjoyed the story for the hot sex scenes, geek culture references, and for Stephen, but I wish I could’ve connected more with Tamara.
3 Stars
Tamara Rho is a video gamer and surrounds herself with YouTube geeks and cosplayers. She’s had a lot of bad experiences with men and is resigned to dealing with sexual harassment. Though she wants to meet Stephen, she doesn’t want him to know about her crazy life. Once they finally meet, however, romance and love blooms.
I liked Stephen a lot. He’s a total OCD neat freak with emotional baggage. Women have used and hurt him in the past, so he’s hesitant about trusting Tamara. Luckily for him, however, she saw him for the good, decent man he really was, despite his birthmark.
I couldn’t connect with Tamara. She allowed men to take advantage of her and got angry with Stephen for standing up for her. She didn’t mind Stephen’s birthmark (which is great), but she brushed aside his insecurities and only worried about her own problems.
I liked Tamara’s friends for the most part, but I didn’t like the way they ganged up on Stephen for hurting Tamara’s feelings. He did nothing wrong, and Tamara needed to hear the truth.
The book is mostly well written, but the repetition and the characters starting a sentence and then abruptly stopping became tiresome. I enjoyed the story for the hot sex scenes, geek culture references, and for Stephen, but I wish I could’ve connected more with Tamara.
3 Stars
August 16, 2018
Geeks get it on, and so much more. Great book.
First chapter: This is porn. Total geek porn, but porn nonetheless. Sweet.
Further into the book: Geeks with back stories, more porn, psychological issues, Cons, gamers, martial arts, and so much more.
While not a traditional fairy tale retelling, this is a beautifully well crafted book rich with friendships, hopes, fears, geekdom, and love. I'm eager to read more from this author, and hope the continuing story of these characters is mentioned is mentioned in the series.
An example of the writing:
“Say there’s a hundred people in here, right now.” She leaned a little closer, speaking only for him. “Of those one hundred people, chances are there’s really only ten who aren’t so wrapped up in what’s going on with them to even notice you. And of those ten? Five want to be you. They like what you’re wearing, they find you attractive, something. And then the other five? You’ll never make them happy. They’ll hate you, think terrible things about you, whatever. Why live your life for those five miserable people? Are they more important than your happiness? No, they aren’t. So tonight—those five people who want to stare at you or me—why do they matter more than the person sitting across the table? And if they do, why are you here with the wrong person?”
First chapter: This is porn. Total geek porn, but porn nonetheless. Sweet.
Further into the book: Geeks with back stories, more porn, psychological issues, Cons, gamers, martial arts, and so much more.
While not a traditional fairy tale retelling, this is a beautifully well crafted book rich with friendships, hopes, fears, geekdom, and love. I'm eager to read more from this author, and hope the continuing story of these characters is mentioned is mentioned in the series.
An example of the writing:
“Say there’s a hundred people in here, right now.” She leaned a little closer, speaking only for him. “Of those one hundred people, chances are there’s really only ten who aren’t so wrapped up in what’s going on with them to even notice you. And of those ten? Five want to be you. They like what you’re wearing, they find you attractive, something. And then the other five? You’ll never make them happy. They’ll hate you, think terrible things about you, whatever. Why live your life for those five miserable people? Are they more important than your happiness? No, they aren’t. So tonight—those five people who want to stare at you or me—why do they matter more than the person sitting across the table? And if they do, why are you here with the wrong person?”
April 23, 2020
Very heavy handed on the characters being very politically correct and every feminist issue under the sun being shoehorned in somehow. The book was far too short to address that many serious topics. There were a few errors that bugged me (such as "marital" instead of "martial"), and many parts felt stilted (for example, trying to use "slut" quite so often). Tamara is kind of the caricature of the ideal Asian girl (which is the thing she is trying to break away from..) - being hot with a big chest, an expert in martial arts, smart, a gamer, a nerd...it really made me roll my eyes. I also found it annoying that they kept emphasizing the Asian girl fetish as the reason she didn't date much. Quite frankly, although it's a stereotype, it's not quite as prevalent as it's presented. Sure, there will be some guys that think that way, but it's nuts to believe that's the only reason any guy is interested.
His being a monster was really rather glossed over and not interesting, since it was just a birthmark and only brought up occasionally. Just like her being raped was just sort of tossed in there and then mostly just faded into the background. The drama at the end was abrupt and rushed, and Piper went over the top in defending her.
His being a monster was really rather glossed over and not interesting, since it was just a birthmark and only brought up occasionally. Just like her being raped was just sort of tossed in there and then mostly just faded into the background. The drama at the end was abrupt and rushed, and Piper went over the top in defending her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2019
Way to much stupidity. Tamara and her so called friends get mad at Stephen for standing up for her when she wouldn't do it herself. Her ex cohost had her fired from a YouTube show they were hosting together because she wouldn't give him a blowjob. He continues to harass, yet she doesn't block his number. I guess that would require common sense. Gets mad at Stephen when he stands up for her on two different occasions. The second time being by your ex YouTube cohost at a convention you're attending, just so you look good. Never mind that the man is degrading you, harassing you, as long as you get the job. Your boyfriend is standing up for you and you tell him he's wrong. No you are. You owe him the apology, not the other way around. You lowered yourself to get a job, instead of recording the man somehow and finding a way to expose him. Tamara and friends had no right owe Stephen not only an apology, but a thanks for trying to help.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2023
This author has a thing about sex toys. The tale starts right up with a cybersex encounter between two individuals, iced with the geek's invention of a special sex toy for the girl on the other end of the internet connection.
Once again, there's a reasonable story here, with forays into graphic sexual encounters to keep the lurid reading. The geek's issue? A large port wine birthmark that courses across his face. The beauty's issue? Being canned from a job for spurning her cohost on a YouTube show. They don't want to meet in person, but they do. Throw in a calamity of the sort created by his supposition that the woman he's been interacting with is someone else and the transmittal of a picture of his… Well, you get it, right?
Technically, the book could use an editor. Lots of instances of verb-verb disagreement within sentences that I found distracting. Probably a reader in it for the sex, however, would hardly notice.
Once again, there's a reasonable story here, with forays into graphic sexual encounters to keep the lurid reading. The geek's issue? A large port wine birthmark that courses across his face. The beauty's issue? Being canned from a job for spurning her cohost on a YouTube show. They don't want to meet in person, but they do. Throw in a calamity of the sort created by his supposition that the woman he's been interacting with is someone else and the transmittal of a picture of his… Well, you get it, right?
Technically, the book could use an editor. Lots of instances of verb-verb disagreement within sentences that I found distracting. Probably a reader in it for the sex, however, would hardly notice.
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