With three degrees and the highest measured IQ in the Motherlands, Shelly Summers knows that she’s socially awkward. It doesn’t bother her since as the head engineer for Advances Technologies she has little time for social interactions anyway. When she learns that one of the testers for the sex-bots her company manufactures is her old crush, Marco, she’s curious to see if he’ll recognize her now … recognize her now that she’s ten years older and no longer has bushy eyebrows and a bad case of acne.
A normal person would have said something when Marco doesn’t recognize her from his past. A normal person would definitely have said something when he mistakes her for an advanced sex robot and thinks his job is to do a test run.
Things are about to get very awkward for this genius…
The Genius is the sixth book in the series Men of the North that has readers raving about its perfect mix of love, action, wisdom, and humor.
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For the best deal get the box-set with book #6-10
In case you haven’t read the other books in this series, it best to start from the beginning with book #1 The Protector.
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This was by far my favourite book in this series. I loved both Shelly and Marco, they were both great characters and their chemistry was off the charts. The sex-bot twist at the beginning of the book was great. Elin Peer usually kills me with her slow burns so I was really happy when the couple hooked up earlier in the book. A fun, sexy read!
Fabulous book.
Shelly Summers sure did live up to her quirky personality. As with all of Peers books it would seem this one has followed the path of not your typical romances. If you looking for something the is a realistic love story this would not be for you. But if you are looking for a romance novel that will leave you guessing, amused and wondering just what out genius Shelly is going to get herself into next then yes you’ll love this one.
Keep in mind that this is book 6 of the Men of the North Series. Personally I think this could easily be read as a standalone, but I’d strongly recommend that it be read in order just so you get a round about knowledge of the cast that is presented to you.
Marco and Shelly’s relationships starts way back in book one but as they are the teachers assistants for a new integration school. Marco being Shelly’s senior see her and her brainy features as a child and nothing more than almost a pest. Poor Shelly though like most young girls has a crush on the one person who see her as just an awkward teen girl trying to find her way through the teens years.
I did wonder how Peer was going to have the pair reunite. I was extremely pleased with the reunification. While not traditional in any way, I admire Peer for stepping out the boxes and amping up the boundaries level. Again I can not reiterate this enough, this is not your typical romance.
The futuristic setting I enjoyed but I wish more elements were added beyond what we had already had, drones sex-bot and wrist-bands. Not that the depiction of these element where a let down. But there were a few added developments. I guess I was just looking for more.
The catch up of our past cast from Books 1-5 (the Adults who all played a role in setting up the school) was amazing inputted into the story line. The children who attended the first year of the integration school (Books 6- 10 I believe) had a slight role within the book so you can see who the growth of all them. We also got a glimpse into Willow and Solo story which will be the focal of Book 7 The Dancer.
Overall this was a stunningly written book, that will leave you filled with more laughter, eye rolls, and comical relief that could be read in one sitting.
I enjoy this series. Shelley is a wonderful character as a genius with flaws. She was in love with Marco since she was 15. He was 20 at the time. They meet again 10 years later. Both are insecure with their feelings for each other. I like the banter and the humor. I enjoyed the vast differences between those from the Motherland and the Northland.
An experimental school was established in the Northlands with students both from the Northlands and Motherlands. Now ten years later those students are all grown up with careers and Shelley Summers is one of them. At the age of fifteen she was a pimple faced, awkward, quirky, walking encyclopedia child genius and participated in this experimental school as teachers assistant. But the ugly duckling has turned into a beautiful swan that has become famous because of all her inventions. But when Shelley and Marco meet after ten years, the genius does not act like a genius, but a sex-bot. I was totally hooked from page one and could not put it down till the last page. Another great book in this series.
Once again Elin Peer weaves an incredible story in this latest installment in the Men of the North Series. I can’t help but fall in love with these incredibly crude yet loyal to a fault men who just want to fall in love. This book is the story of Marco and Shelly. Although it is never mentioned I’m pretty sure Shelly has Asperger’s Syndrome, which is on the autism spectrum. Having a nephew that also on the autism spectrum, I can tell you that Elin has hit the nail on the head with this character. I love how direct and totally unaware of social etiquette she is. (I think she might be my favorite character so far.) That also makes her perfect for an NMan, by the way. This book had me laughing out loud at times which of course only adds to my feelings on the book. It’s a great read and I’m anxiously awaiting the next in the series.
Every one of these books are so good. There’s so much I love about this series, starting with the characters and their distinct personalities, the polarizing views and the clash of bringing them together in such an explosive way.
This book was the sexiest book of all of them so far, I think. Shelly Summers is dubbed “the genius” and I would dare say she is probably on the spectrum (think Stella from The Kiss Quotient). She’s brilliantly smart, but she doesn’t get general social cues like sarcasm and such. She’s super focused on her work and analyzes everything. She also has either a photographic or eidetic memory. When she was 15, already graduated from high school, she spent some time as a teacher’s assistant in the Northlands before going to college to get her 3 degrees (psychology, biology, and engineering). During that time, the other teacher’s aid was Marco, who was 5 years older than her, and he’s one of the N-men, who she always had a secret crush on.
So fast forward 10 years, and she’s working for a company that engineers sexbots in the Northlands. Marco comes in to test out a new model in place of his friend/roommate, Storm, and doesn’t recognize Shelly since she’s grown up and grown out of her braces, acne, and bushy eyebrows, and whatnot. He mistakes her for a sexbot… which of course is believable because she tends to be kind of robotic in the way she speaks, all analytical and such.
Marco is only days away from competing in a tournament for a new bride (which is a thing in the North – gladiator style) so one thing leads to another after their little sexbot test-run charade, and they strike a deal that they will continue this physical relationship until he leaves, with her claiming it’s for research purposes to develop a new line of realistic sexbot companions. Of course, he’s more than happy to go along with it, and things escalate from there.
One thing about this series is the rich world the author has created. Two cultures of people set over 400 years into the future, and how each culture has these ways of life and set of values, beliefs, customs… each being so different from the other, like oil and water, and yet bringing them together is just so flipping entertaining.
Then there’s the psychology this author has to know she’s inserting into every book. The things the characters face and disagree on, the motivations for actions characters take. It’s all just so realistic and accurate to the point of this whole world being so believable.
Each book in this series is a standalone, but I will say that all the books really do build on each other. You can read any of them by themselves, and there is just enough explanation of what’s happening that alludes to a previous book to get a good sense of what’s going on without being too repetitive for those who have read all the books up to that point, which I think is a nice touch. They also do a nice job of setting up the couple and storyline of the next book, and I suspect Willow and Solo will be next up, followed by Raven and Nero, perhaps.
I really wish everyone would read these books so that I would have someone to talk about them with. They are seriously that good. Also, the audiobooks are done exceptionally well.
Received an ARC for my honest review.
This is Shelley and Marco’s story, we met them when they were assistant mentors at the new integrated school. Shelley is a genius who blurts out random facts about everything and anything at any time. I burst out laughing several times while reading this book. I love this character. Flash forward 10 years, she has three degrees and is currently working on a project improving sexbots for the Nmen. Marco shows up to test one and of course the machine doesn’t function properly. And the story of their relationship begins. This novel can be read as a stand-alone but there are so many characters that I recommend reading the first ones. I do like how Elin Peer brings back her characters so we get an update on everyone, in this novel, a ten year reunion is planned and held at the school. Absolutely loved this book.
In The Genius, Peer takes a fresh approach to an already exciting series by spotlighting Shelley, a Motlander woman who played a minor character role earlier in this series.
For most of her life, Shelley has spent her time concentrating on the pursuit of knowledge. After attaining several, impressive college degrees, in a variety of subjects, she has immersed herself in the study of how men interact with sex bots, and how she can enhance their experience by improving on the “reality” of the bots. The irony of this is that Shelley is still a virgin and has no experience with men, relationships and, most importantly, sex. Then Marco, the man she had serious, secret crush on 10 years prior, walks back into her life and turns her sterile, orderly, virginal world completely upside down.
I loved watching Shelley “come into her own” and discover that there was more to life than being stuck in a lab evaluating everyone else’s idea of fun and pleasure. I also enjoyed seeing Shelley’s feminine side really blossom and grow and a more mature side of Marco emerge and develop. The banter between the two was as witty as ever, and I found myself literally laughing aloud on more than one occasion.
And, as always, it was great to check in and see how the lives of all of my other favorite characters had progressed during the preceding 10 years. It was like one big family reunion between the pages! Although, I do wish there had not been such a big gap in the character timeline between this book and the previous one. I would have preferred if there had been another story that picked up somewhere around the 5 year mark, to keep the timeline of the series a bit tighter.
I have enjoyed this series SO much, that I am going to feel a real sense of sadness and loss, when it finally comes to an end. But, there are several more stories due in the series before that happens, and I am definitely anxious to see who gets the spotlight, next, and where their story will lead not only them, but me, as well.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
4.5 stars
The strange decisions a young woman makes when she meets with the man of her dreams.
Whilst most books set in a dystopian future feature suffering and oppression, this series features super hot, alpha male, Nmen and the pacifistic, female and discussion led Motlanders. Two very different cultures who have spent the last decade trying to build bridges and find a way to co-exist peacefully. I do believe the book can be read as a standalone story, though having read at least The Mentor would help provide a lot of backstory to this book. I have read and thoroughly enjoyed the 5 previous books, and was very keen to read Shelly’s story.
A decade ago Shelly spent a year in the Northlands as an assistant learning mentor. A girl with the highest recorded IQ, she was always going somewhere. However she left her heart behind with Marco, another learning mentor, but he was 5 years older than her and didn’t see her in the same way at all. A chance meeting with Marco has him believing she is a sex-bot, not recognising the ugly duckling who has transformed into a beautiful swan. Overcome by a mix of scientific curiosity and lust, Shelly allows him to continue under this mistaken impression. What will be the consequences when he finds out the truth?
The Genius is just such a delightful book to read. It captured my attention and held it form start, to finish. Quite simply I didn’t want to put this book down. It was much more upbeat than some of the earlier books, I found myself smiling and amused on many occasions, both with the things that were said by the characters and the situations they found themselves in.
Shelly is such an amazing character, with her mix of amazing genius and insight on one hand and her glaring social faux pas on the other. So used to being told she has no empathy and ‘doesn’t understand people’, it was no wonder she jumped to conclusions about Marco. I adored Shelly and really admired her strength and determination to always solve any problem.
Whilst I certainly felt a variety of emotions reading this book, it wasn’t as angst filled and tear-jerking as some of the other books. However that was fine as it made this story feel fresh, rather than just a repeat/re-working of previous books. I loved catching up with other characters and am looking forward to seeing how their stories proceed.
Finally I have Shelly and Marco’s story
These two were everything and since the third book The Mentor- when we were introduced to them- I was going nuts over them.
A little bit about the book (spoiler free)
The story takes place 10 years after Shelly left school and returned to Motherlands. Now she is back to Northland working for a tech company, her skin is clear from acne and she has a woman’s body and not a teenager’s. When Marco takes his friend’s place in testing a new sex-bot the least he expects is the specific sex-bot to be the most beautiful “woman” he’s ever seen and very life like. Imagine his suprise when a week later he spots Shelly and finds out the truth. The two of them stike a deal. They will continue having sex until Marco leaves for a tournament in 3 weeks time (bare in mind that by tournament I mean one of those that the price is a million dollars AND A WIFE) and Shelly can do her research on sex with the “results” she’ll be getting.
But not a plan went more wonderfully wrong than theirs. Feelings start to emerge and love starts to hurt when they both think that a relationship between them is impossible. They are too different. They are from two different worlds and they want different things in life. Is love enough reason to put their differences aside? Is having the one you want worth the risk of giving up everything you wanted till you met that person? Read it a find out. I totally recommend it.
Little bit about the main characters
Shelly is a genius. Her brain works different than everybody else’s and the world expects much from her. She is to change the world as they know it. Problem is, she is not very bright sometimes. For instance she takes everything in its literal sense and she is very pragmatic. Everything has to and can be explained by science/biology- even matters of the heart. The only “anomaly” is her feelings for Marco. She’s been in love with him for 10 years (since she was 15 years old) and this is why she decides to go with the flow when Marco mistakes her for a sex bot.
Marco is the exact opposite. He knows what he wants and not afraid to go after it. He respects Shelly and although he’s dying to make her his, he never pushes her. He never lies or mistreates her, being rude or mislead her. Marco is the perfect gent to her and the perfect boyfriend/sex buddy.
As always, the second characters intrigued me to the max. I can’t wait to find out what happened to Solo and Willow.
The book flowed unbelievably well. I felt like I was reading for 20 minutes when 4 hours went by and I was nowhere ready of put it down. Not even to sleep.
Always happy to read about my old fav couples Boulder and Christina and the rest.
This series is one of the best I’ve ever read and I’m in love with those characters. I can’t recommend it more.
Marco Polo was a 20yr old Nman when the School of Enlightenment was established and he was made an assistant mentor.
Shelly Summers was the 15yr old daughter to the head of the Council in the Motherland who had been sent as part of the experiment of bringing the two nations together and she’s a genius.
Elin Peer’s story takes place 10yrs later with these two characters now grown, along with the other cast of the Men of the North Series. She continues to weave and amaze with her storyline. As I started the book, I thought I’ll take my time and savor this one. Alas, I was hooked right from the start and couldn’t put it down until I finished it. Great book!
Sorry no spoilers of any kind because I’m not the type that does that.
So this is all I’m going to say and that is this book is completely absolutely amazing!
Each book that I’ve read of Men of the North just gets more awesome than the one before it! I can not wait until the next book because I have a feeling it’s going to be even better.
Elin Peer is an amazing story weaver. The way she creates her worlds and characters are fantastic, which is probably why I own just about all of her books because I enjoy how she makes strong and vulnerable heroes and heroines. If you haven’t read any of her work then might I suggest that you do because I can guarantee you won’t be disappointed at all.
Well if you haven’t figured it out yet that is a big HECK YEAH I most definitely recommend this book for anyone who’s interested in crawling into this story and getting totally lost within its pages!
I love Marco and Shelly’s story it is so completely a story about them. The love that really started a long time ago in Shelly’s heart suddenly is in her face. Only she could get away with the things she does and says and only Marco would be completely lost in her. This is an amazing read right up there with the rest of the series. The love they find is pure in so many ways and hysterical in others.
I love this author and every doggone book I read of hers. There’s no way that you can help but fall in love with her characters and this series. There is an innocence about them. The cross over to the next generation and seeing the students all grown up just makes it all the better. It’s nice to be able to associate them with the kids in the schools first group. Can’t wait for the next story of Willow and Solo, it’s going to be epic!
Wow! Another amazing book. Extremely entertaining, captivating, and interesting read. I could not put it down. Wonderfully written with strong characters. I want to read more from this author. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I can’t get enough of this series!! Every time a new one comes out I think it’s my new favorite!! I loved Shelly in the other books because of her quirky and socially awkward personality. It’s so easy to love her!! I felt like I could really relate to her social ineptitude, (even though I’m not a genius) and it just made me like her more. I loved the banter between her and Marco in the earlier books, and I was so excited to see where this one was going to go. I can’t wait for the next one to come out too!!
With out giving anything away about this Funny, Entertaining, Unpredictable, Touching and Laugh out loud Romantic Comedy had me from beginning to end. Shelly and Marco were the fun couple you might know yourselves. I enjoyed the Story very much and the characters were so clear in your mind when you heard their names since the last time we heard from and about them. Adult Content.
I am voluntarily reviewing this book gifted to me by the author with no obligation.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Finally we get the story of Shelly and Marco! I have been waiting for this since the third book of the series! There is plenty of back and forth banter between Shelly and Marco in the books leading up to this. I could not wait to see what would happen between the two! This was full of random facts that I just knew Shelly would be throwing out. I loved how she couldn’t help but analyze things!
I loved Marco and his determination to provide for his future. The two of them clashing was both frustrating and entertaining.
Raven and Nero had me cracking up. Willow and Solo…I cannot wait to see what happens with them! There was so much teasing of future books in this one! Giving little hints as to what will happen with the other students in future books. Cannot wait!