I had never heard of a book serial before. I’ve heard of book series, but never a book serial. For those that are like me and are just hearing it for the first time, a book serial is written in “episodes” – a shorter story. Each episode is published on its own, but it creates a story arc that, when completed, can be a full novel, called a “season.”

I received Season 1, Episode 1 of Geek Actually from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: I have been a Cathy Yardley fan since my mid-20’s (I’m now pushing 40). After college, I started to buy books to get back into reading, and one of them was LA Woman by Yardley. I was hooked. It’s one of my favorites that introduced me to the “chick lit” publisher Red Dress Ink, and the genre as a whole. So when I saw her name pop up as one of the writer’s of Geek Actually, I had to request it! A play on Love, Actually. A boss bitch on the cover. I’m in!

ALL THE THINGS THAT MADE ME HAPPY: After learning about serials, I discovered this was the first of 13 episodes. For anyone that knows me, you know that I love a good sequel. And 12 “sequels” would put me over the edge. This serial tells the story of 5 friends:

1. Michelle – an editor with a sci-fi/fantasy publisher
2. Aditi – a writer that just happens to be published by Michelle’s publishing house, who is going through some writer’s block
3. Taneesha – a video game programmer who is experiencing the sexist side of working in a “bro” world
4. Christina – she’s not featured as much until the second episode, but she’s there, working in Hollywood, behind the scenes.
5. Elli – living in her parent’s basement, working a job until she gets enough money to make costumes for the next “con” (like Comic-Con, not like Ocean’s Eleven). Looks like someone has some growing up to do.

I did enjoy the first installment of this serial – the stories are interwoven and stand alone nicely. I was drawn into their world and left the episode wanting to hang out with them more. There is some naughty-business mixed in, because every woman needs that side of her as well! I enjoyed it so much, I bought the whole series to continue my adventures with them. I’m just about to start episode 4 and wooooo – it’s been an adventure so far!

WHAT MADE ME SCRATCH MY HEAD: NetGalley classified this episode as “erotica” which now makes me think that NetGalley is sitting there clutching its pearls, because I would classify this more as a steamy women’s fiction. This is nowhere near 50 Shades territory, so please don’t let that put you off of it.

FINAL THOUGHTS: I was approved to read this book a few years ago – I want to say it was around 2017. When I first started reading this, I was not in the right headspace, and it did not go well. I’m glad I didn’t just give up and gave it another chance. It’s typical of my mom life – I always feel behind the curve, but enjoy it regardless!

If you’re like me, and like women’s fiction, or stories about women figuring out their place in this world, then this may be a serial for you. You can read it in bite-sized chunks and never miss a beat. Embrace your inner geek and give this one a try!