For The Holidays

Gaming the System #8

by Brenna Aubrey

Mia:
Hey you! Adam and I are organizing a holiday retreat this winter for all our friends. We are sooooo excited to invite you, too. We've rented a place in the mountains. There will be skiing, other snow sports and all kinds of fun. The whole gang will be there--Jordan & April, William & Jenna, Lucas & Katya, Heath and of course, Adam and me.

Please come along with us! It’ll be epic.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Christmas, Adult, Contemporary Romance

257 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 30, 2021

About the author

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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]

Take a mountain ski holiday with Adam, Mia, Jordan, April, William, Jenna, Lucas, Katya & Heath at a luxury getaway retreat!

This book is AVAILABLE NOW
Now Available everywhere:
Kindle = smarturl.it/FTH-Amazon
Apple Books = smarturl.it/FTH-ibooks
Kobo = smarturl.it/FTH-Kobo
Nook = smarturl.it/FTH-BN
GooglePlay = smarturl.it/FTH-Google
(Print is coming soon)


READ the intro chaps here: http://brennaaubrey.net/books/for-the...

[Veronica Ticker · Rating 4 out of 5]

(audiobook) I had read about all the couples before–except Katya and Lucas–so I thought I knew what I was getting into. Sure, the characters haven’t changed, and some of the plotlines seemed obvious, but they were written well, and of course it was a pleasure to meet them all once again.

The four couples, plus Heath, end up in a house in the mountains, together, for the holidays. Adam and Mia are celebrating their anniversary; Jordan wants to propose to April in the most epic way; William and Jenna have late Christmas gifts to exchange; and Lucas and Katya are competing, again. What I picked up from their little dramas is that men are clueless and women are insecure.

Instead of writing four holidays novellas–one for each couple–the author combined them in one longer book. But, even though the couples interact with each other on some occasions, they really are four separate stories. Putting them all in one place just add a few ensemble scenes, that were really enjoyable. And funny.

The couples being on different stages of a relationship, they each had their own issues and their own misunderstanding. But their stories all explore what it means to be in a relationship. How to reconnect when you’re often away from each other? What’s more meaningful between telling and showing one’s love? What brings a couple–and keeps a couple–together?

It was only slightly holidays themed, but Heath’s chapter was beautiful and I loved it.

The other chapters alternate between the various characters. Which became a bit confusing in audio because there were only two narrators for all the characters. So even though the character is announced at the beginning of each chapter, I was a bit lost sometimes. Definitely not a book that you can listen do while doing something else. But that’s also a good thing, because both narrators are excellent, and it would be a shame to miss their perfect narration.

Quickie

- Series: Gaming the system #8 (all the previous couples come back)
- Hashtags: #holiday romance #billionaire romance #misunderstanding
- Triggers: mention of past sickness
- Main couples: (Emilia Strong & Adam Drake) + (April Weiss & Jordan Fawkes) + (Jenna Kovac & William Drake) + (Katya Ellis & Lucas Walker)
- Hotness: 3/5
- Romance: 5/5
- + men are clueless and women are insecure
- – not enough ensemble moments

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved Brenna Aubrey's books since I read 'At Any Price'. Adam and Mia are one of my all time favorite book couples. Their chemistry is off the charts in every book and 'For the Holidays' is no different. In fact, this book is a great compilation of all the couples we love in one book. It was fun to catch up and see where there lives currently are and where they might be headed. I am hoping the Heath gets his happily ever after soon. He's been such a great character that I would love to see him with the love of his life. There was one small drawback to this book for me and it's a scene that involves a gift to Mia with an engraving. In this book, it takes us back to a scene in 'At Any Moment' when Adam and Mia are in Paris at the top of the Eiffel Tower. In the original book scene, Mia writes AD+ES=Nat20. In this book, it states that Adam wrote this on the lock they had in Paris. I know this is a small thing and many people would not remember this, but it is one of my favorite scenes in AAM. If an author is going to provide flashback memories in a book, I would hope the memory is correct.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've absolutely loved the Gaming the System series from the get-go and it's not a question of whether I'll buy a book in the series... it's how quickly will I buy it. For the Holidays brings all our favorite couples back together for the holidays. What could possibly go wrong? Lots of miscommunication and misunderstandings abound for all of them as we get glimpses into each of their lives and what goes on in their heads when no one is looking. I enjoyed this from beginning to end, although there were times where I wanted to shake the characters and tell them to get their act together...lol. Makes me want to go back to the beginning and start it all over again... Might just have to do that.

[Kaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the Holidays is the latest from Brenna Aubrey's Gaming the System series. It helps to have read this series and be familiar with the characters to get the most our of this holiday story.

This book is celebrating Adam and Mia's 1st wedding anniversary on a trip with their friends, Jordan, April, William, Jenna, Kat, Luca and Heath, to a luxury Canadian Mountain retreat. Wonderfully told from each person's POV in turn, the story takes some unexpected twists and turns for some our favourite characters. As to be expected in this series, it is full of wit and humour and just enough geekiness

Overall, this is a fun story about friends and couples spending time together over the holidays. I highly recommend it.

And if you haven't read Gaming The System series, I recommend you do that too.

[Grace Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brenna doesn’t disappoint... This is a heartwarming read! Like the previous books in this series, you’ll experience a range of emotions as you make your way through the story. And it was so enjoyable to get an insight into how each couple’s relationship is growing and evolving in their own unique ways. Can’t wait for the next book!

[Caroline F · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fabulous and amusing catch-up with the gang. I loved all the different POVs as each couple got caught up in their own worries and misunderstandings.

I loved seeing all of them again - although I don't remember Jordan being such a pain in the butt with his goading. LOL. I adored seeing William, again - he's a total sweetheart.

All in all, a really fun, snowy vacay with the crew with plenty of laughs and sexy times!

[Darcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a cute, fun book to read! I loved that we got to see all the main characters from all the previous books, all spending time together, and all in one book! And, in my opinion, it was such a HUGE bonus that we got to read from all the different characters’ POV’s!! That for me was the best part about it!
Every single one of those characters sure know how to get themselves into a bind, but it was much much fun watching them work it all out! This book had me smiling the whole way through! :) I forgot how much I missed these guys, and I hope we’ll be seeing more of them again soon!

[Sammie Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was so good to be back in this world!! I love reading about these characters and seeing where they are at no. Even though some of the conflicts were a bit out there, I enjoyed this brief view into some of my favorites.

[Laura Reads Too Much · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favourite gamers are back! Man, I missed these guys so this catch up was perfect 👌

We get to catch up with the 4 main couples, as well as Heath - I am soooo hoping for his story!! Just saying 😘

But as for Adam & Mia, Jordan & April, Lucas & Katya and my favourite couple William & Jenna, they're all back and they're all as class as always!

Each of them get their own wee stories, and I love how Brenna can give 9 people's stories in 1 book and it's NOT an overload! Seriously, that takes some talent!

I'll leave the inner stories for you to find out yourself! I have to say, this has put me in the mood for a complete re-read!!

Excellent Brenna ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Sammi Dyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brenna Aubrey has done it again with the enjoyable fun loving series “Gaming The System”. This time it’s a group trip and all the fun that comes with. I love that this series has not stopped with each of the couples stories but has let us continue to grow with them and their friendships. Can’t wait to see what is next.

[Readers Together · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was like going on a holiday with my favourite group of people. Every time a Brenna Aubrey book releases, it’s like a visit from an old friend. And this was no different. I loved that it was an ensemble story, featuring all four of her couples...plus Heath. Seeing them living their HEA and getting glimpses into that and seeing them working at keeping things going and connected.
Adam and Mia, they’ve been through so much, so it was such a joy to see them happy and making future plans. I had to laugh at Adam more than I should, but his control freak ways are just great.
Jordan and April, oh Jordan, I wanted to shake him so much, but I could help but laugh at him too. I loved that he was prepared to do something just because he thought it was what April wanted.
Katya and Lucas, they’re so competitive and the way neither would give had me laughing and wanting to shake them at the same time. It was so great seeing them so soon after their story and getting to see them living their hea.
Heath, all I’m going to say is gimme gimme gimme. I NEED his story in my life.
William and Jenna, swoon. So many swoons. It’s no secret Wil is my guy. My heart was so full spending time with him and Jenna again. The love they share and how the express it, it was just all the things. Not going to lie, I would adore another William and Jenna book. Maybe I should beg?

It was so good. A must read for fans of the Gaming the System series. I’ve lost all my articulation right now so I might rewrite this later.

[Laurie Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Update... Currently Listening because I'll never get enough of this series!! **

What can I say other than I absolutely loved this book. To see the whole gang together and interacting on this trip was such a blast to read!
I loved how Brenna had each character and couple have their own unique experience and stay true to their storyline. Even though they're all there together, the antics each couple was up to was laugh out loud hysterical and yet totally relatable considering how ridiculously wealthy they all are. Besides Adam and Mia, Will and Jenna are my favorite couple so I loved getting a glimpse into how they're doing as a couple.
I felt like I was along for the ride on this fun friends reunion/ anniversary trip.
I really enjoyed catching up with the couples and really hoping Heath gets his own book and HEA!!!

[Jessica (jpbooklife) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was like a fantastic comedy of errors. Watching all these people get in their own way was so fun. They were each their own worst enemies. I am only familiar with some of the characters, because I haven't read all the previous books in the series, but it was fun being introduced to the whole gang. And seeing their dynamics, and how they interact with each other was so entertaining. My favorite storyline was by far William and Jenna. They are just so cute, it warmed my heart. This was a fun,  very light,  addition to the Gaming The System series.

[Cynthia Settimo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read and reviewed this book voluntarily.
A week away with the gaming series gang…
Adam spends the week trying to make he and Mia’s marriage better, stronger….
Jordan wants to surprise April, but she thinks he is being distant and is going to end it…
Jenna wants to hear the words and William wants to show her the words; in his way.
Lucas and Katya end up in a competition that they should not be in….
And Heath, He learns what he really wants… Will he go for it…. That is for another book I believe.
I loved catching up with the gaming series friends.

[LadyAileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Credo sia la storia perfetta per chiudere la serie col botto e iniziare qualcosa di nuovo.
Una vacanza speciale è una novella corale in cui ritroveremo le quattro coppie protagoniste dei libri che compongono la serie Manipolare il Sistema: Adam e Mia, Jordan e April, William e Jenna e Lucas e Katya. Per questo motivo, vi sconsiglio di leggerla se non avete letto i precedenti.
La storia è ambientata nella settimana tra Natale e Capodanno in Canada dove le quattro coppie e il loro amico Heath si ritrovano a festeggiare. Durante questa settimana tutte le coppie si ritroveranno ad affrontare un piccolo problema. La più dolce è probabilmente la vicenda che vede protagonisti William e Jenna.
Una piacevole lettura con il giusto mix di scene divertenti, discorsi seri e il giusto livello di sensualità. Il tutto raccontato con uno stile scorrevole e intrigante come solo quest’autrice sa fare. I problemi di coppia affrontati sono sicuramente realistici e ho apprezzato molto le scene in cui sono tutti insieme.
Come dicevo all’inizio la serie potrebbe chiudersi così ma allo stesso tempo ci sono indizi che fanno pensare a qualcosa di nuovo. Appare, infatti, l’enigmatico Dominic, amico di Adam, proprietario di una società (non di videogiochi) e con problemi legali con una sua ex. Non mi dispiacerebbe un romanzo su di lui.
Se vi piacciono le commedie degli equivoci e avete amato la serie non potete perdervi questa novella.

[Jodi - JodiReadsnListens · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Audiobook Review**
For the Holidays by Brenna Aubrey was snowy delicious romantic goodness with all the warm holiday happy feels! I have loved each and every book in Brenna's Gaming the System series, and this book was just the frosting on the cake! In this book, we get to catch up with the whole crew as they venture out and join Adam and Mia on their one year wedding anniversary/ post Christmas holiday vacation to the snowy mountains in Canada. Which is bound to be a great time, right?!

This audiobook is narrated by Jason Clarke and Kirsten Leigh. These two narrators have brought this entire series to life, and are simply fantastic! With each and every character, you never have to wonder who is speaking because Jason and Kirsten give each character their own unique personality thanks to Brenna's brilliant writing, which in turn makes you connect and swoon over each couple even more! Gah! I just loved all the characters in this series so much!

Overall I LOVED For the Holidays! If you adore a book that catches you up with all your favorite characters from the Gaming the System series, a winter wonderland vacation, a one year wedding anniversary, a little skiing competition, a surprise engagement, a phantom bear attack, hot Jacuzzi bubble baths, warm nights by the fire, ice skating, an unforgettable New Years celebration, and HEAs for all that will make you feel warm and cozy inside, then you will love For the Holidays! I always look forward to more from Brenna Aubrey.

[Jill Van · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is like the best friend that you don't see that often, but when you do get together, it's like you were never apart. I think it is a book that would be enjoyed more after you have read the other titles in the series. That way you'll experience a special connection with the characters. I love the sumptuous world that was created. It's the holiday of a lifetime.

[Il confine dei libri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Per leggere la recensione in blog cliccare qui:
https://ilconfinedeilibri.blogspot.co...

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so excited that the gang is all together! I could not put this story down, I love how each chapter was a different POV and Brenna did not disappoint. I found my self laughing so much, and of course I can never pick a favorite couple, I love them all! Get started reading and grab a hot chocolate to enjoy while you enjoy your time at the ski resort with the whole gang!

[S Knoll · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved visiting with all of our favorite couples. It’s amazing to see Brenna write so many different personalities and keep them all true to themselves even when writing them all together. Some laughs and some serious moments. This felt like more of a quick visit, not any new storylines. Just touching in with the gang. Fun read.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

For The Holidays is the ninth book in the Gaming the System series. They do need to be read in order. This book is about a Christmas time to New Years vacation taken by four couples and one bachelor all from previous books.

Adam and Mia have rented a mansion with concierge help, a professional cook and beautiful views of Western Canada for skiing, snow and fun with seven of their good friends and co-workers. Each couple has some challenge they are dealing with together on this trip. The lone man, Heath, is missing his ex and trying to figure out where he wants to go next in life. General chaos and fun is had by all, along with a few serious conversations and some sexy times. It is a fun visit with some old friends from this series.

[Samantha Bilodeau · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an entertaining visit with all of the characters of the series, complete with some nice lead-ins for what's to come.

I felt like parts of it toward the beginning were a bit off for the characters, mostly Kat. She had slipped a bit to the Kat from the beginning of her story and wasn't the more mature version of herself I had recently read.

This still caught its stride by about 20% in, and all the miscommunications between the couples felt realistic enough while still being amusing. By the last 20%, especially everyone's threads were being tied up and there were some really touching scenes that showed the character growth more.

It would have been nice to get a bit more group interaction, though they did make me feel a bit old (I'm in my 30s!!) with how juvenile they were at the diner, so perhaps keeping them to smaller groups was better. Juggling 9 characters is no easy feat, after all, and I think it was done really well by Brenna!

I guess I have to end this like this, because it's on the tip of my tongue (fingers?): I want more Heath!! He totally needs his own book!

[Louisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading this book, this week with these 4 couples and Heath! Loved the alternating perspectives with the various problems facing the characters! Such a great read!

[Joe Kendall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. Most of my favourite characters together to celebrate.
Mia and Adam's story intertwine with the others. Chapter by chapter they all get a chance to tell their perspective and story. Nicely interwoven.
Love for these characters shines through and lovely crumbs are dropped for hopefully future tales.
I really loved this book and highly recommend it.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book

[RoseyLovesBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can't get enough of the lovable characters in the Gaming The System series? Then you need to read For The Holidays. Catch up with the whole gang and get ready for lots of drama, angst, laughs, love and sexy times!

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the Holidays
Gaming the System, Book 9
By: Brenna Aubrey
Narrated by: Jason Clarke, Kirsten Leigh

Now this is what I call a treat! A holiday vacation with some of my favorite characters! Brenna Aubrey takes us away with all of our Gaming the System couples, each at a different point in their relationships and it is so much fun to catch up with them all! Adam and Mia are about to celebrate their one-year anniversary, and what better way than days of sexy lingerie and passionate nights? Adam has a different view, but will Mia be happy with it? Lucas and Kat have been challenged to a downhill ski race. Neither are proficient skiers, but will their pride get in the way? Listen to see what happens! Will and Jenna continue their passion, though the way they express it is completely different. Will they find a way they can communicate? And Jordan and April are on a crash course for disaster. Will misunderstandings be the end? And let's not forget Heath! Awaiting his story and I know it will be epic! This is the perfect listen for a snowy day like today, enjoying a catch up with each couple and fall into their love and friendships. It's a guilty pleasure listen, and I absolutely loved it!

Jason Clarke and Kirsten Leigh revisit our favorites with a fantastic narration. They bring each couple to life with the voices we have come to know, and it's like coming home. I loved their story telling and hope this trio of Aubrey, Clarke and Leigh continue to keep me entertained!

[Momasitta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adam and Mia are planning a holiday in the mountains and have invited all their coupled friends to join them. They have rented a place in the mountains where they can ski and do all kinds of winter sports and activities or just relax in the lap of luxury. Joining them will be Jordan & April, William & Jenna, Lucas & Katya, and Heath. Each couple has their own little story but they all interact with each other. It was a blast seeing where they all are at this point in time. Some light drama, excitement, mystery and intrigue. I really enjoyed this story so much and I love the gaming series. I look forward to the next book in this series and hope it comes soon. It's light and easy reading. I took longer to read this book than normal because I did not want to finish it so fast. I wanted to keep reading it and enjoy it to the max. Thanks Brenna for another great read......XOXOXO

[Favey_Listens · Rating 5 out of 5]

*****This review is for the audiobook*****
Gaming the System is one of my favorite series. From start to finish I was hooked by the wide range of emotions and experiences, especially with Mia and Adam’s story arc. For the Holidays is book 9 and features all of our favorite couples from the series together for the holidays for a ski vacation. This is a window into what happens after the happy ending fades to black for these couples who go on to change and grow together. Miscommunication abounds as each couple is struggling in different ways to navigate the complexity of busy couples, outlining the need for open communication and lessons learned together.

Jason and Kirsten have consistently been fantastic throughout the series, and this book is no exception. Lessons will be learned, relationships strengthened, and I thoroughly enjoyed revisiting this world and these characters with such excellent performances!

[Trinity Rubino · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the Holidays gave you a sneak peek at how our favorite couples from Gaming the system were doing after the last book where we met Cranberry and Jedi boy as a married couple, the story makes you want more from each couple and well pending no other acts of god we may get the next installment this year . And Breena's book are always worth the wait.

Over all everybody had HEA by the end.
Except:
Heath : who was kinda lonely and really missing Connor who returned to Ireland a few books ago.
Everybody was left in a pleasant state and clues were carefully placed in each couple's story to lead you down the hole of "ok this may happen in the future " giving the reader something to look forward to in the future .