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The Virgin Playboy
People think I’m a player.
The accent probably doesn’t help. Neither does the confidence. Or my strict one-date-only policy. But I’m not afraid of commitment. I’ve just never met someone worth ruining my rules for.
Until Jacqueline Fields.
Alternative horror author. Walking disaster. Thirteen years older than me and somehow even more emotionally unavailable. She’s all combat boots, sarcasm, and bad decisions.
I’m a twenty-eight-year-old virgin pretending I know what I’m doing. Needless to say, our first attempt at hooking up goes catastrophically wrong.
Unfortunately, avoiding her becomes impossible when we end up trapped on a trip together with mutual friends. So I offer her a
Teach me everything I’ve missed out on. Sex. Seduction. Pleasure. Strictly physical. No emotions involved.
Which would’ve been fine if Jacqueline wasn’t so easy to fall for.
Now I’m stuck wanting things I swore I never would—and judging by the way she looks at me when she thinks I’m not paying attention, I’m not the only one breaking the rules.
The accent probably doesn’t help. Neither does the confidence. Or my strict one-date-only policy. But I’m not afraid of commitment. I’ve just never met someone worth ruining my rules for.
Until Jacqueline Fields.
Alternative horror author. Walking disaster. Thirteen years older than me and somehow even more emotionally unavailable. She’s all combat boots, sarcasm, and bad decisions.
I’m a twenty-eight-year-old virgin pretending I know what I’m doing. Needless to say, our first attempt at hooking up goes catastrophically wrong.
Unfortunately, avoiding her becomes impossible when we end up trapped on a trip together with mutual friends. So I offer her a
Teach me everything I’ve missed out on. Sex. Seduction. Pleasure. Strictly physical. No emotions involved.
Which would’ve been fine if Jacqueline wasn’t so easy to fall for.
Now I’m stuck wanting things I swore I never would—and judging by the way she looks at me when she thinks I’m not paying attention, I’m not the only one breaking the rules.
339 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 12, 2026
About the author
G.L. Tomas
45 books546 followersG.L. Tomas is a USA Today bestselling twin writing duo and lover of all things blerdy, fearless and fun.
When they're not spending their time crafting swoon-worthy heroes, they're battling alien forces in other worlds but occasionally take days off in search of mom and pop spots that make amazing pasteles and tostones fried to perfection.
They host salsa lessons and book boyfriend auditions in their secret headquarters located in Connecticut..
For Romcoms and Contemporary Romance, sign up here---> smarturl.it/GLTomasRomanceNews
Sign up for exclusive content and a sneak peek of their latest updates by subscribing to their Young Adult newsletter here---> smarturl.it/YABYGLTOMAS
When they're not spending their time crafting swoon-worthy heroes, they're battling alien forces in other worlds but occasionally take days off in search of mom and pop spots that make amazing pasteles and tostones fried to perfection.
They host salsa lessons and book boyfriend auditions in their secret headquarters located in Connecticut..
For Romcoms and Contemporary Romance, sign up here---> smarturl.it/GLTomasRomanceNews
Sign up for exclusive content and a sneak peek of their latest updates by subscribing to their Young Adult newsletter here---> smarturl.it/YABYGLTOMAS
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 17, 2026
I couldn’t even get through the preview without seeing so many grammar & spelling errors.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Tropes: Reverse Age-Gap, Neurodivergent Hero, Situationship, Innocent Hero, Multicultural, Past Trauma
The writing duo of G. L. Tomas gives their readers a bright new reverse age gap romance in The Virgin Playboy. We can always depend on unique and complex characters in a G. L. Tomas story, and The Virgin Playboy does not disappoint. Originally from New Zealand, musician/grad student Graham has lived in New York for years, handsome, talented and achingly sweet, he has yet to shed the trappings of a life shaped around religious tenets: he doesn’t swear, he exudes goodness AND he has maintained abstinence! He has DATED (boy, has he dated) but he has not met the person he felt comfortable enough with to discuss his status or to go all the way. That is until he meets Jacqueline (Jaq) Fields.
After a storied career in journalism, Jaq has returned to New York chasing a dream. She wants to put her skills to use by writing YA novels. After a traumatic episode early in her love life, she has only indulged in surface behaviors, never delving into a relationship where she could be hurt again. When she meets Graham, while younger than she is, he is everything she could want in temporary partner; amusing, amazing and amorous. Their chemistry is incendiary and they share the ease of longtime friends. UNTIL, Graham, rightfully, tells Jaq that she will be his first. Jaq is horrified and immediately puts a halt to the proceeding.
Fortunately for readers, Jaq’s reservations only temporarily delay their trajectory, and the giddy pair find their way back to each other! We enjoy every minute of their angsty and sweetly passionate relationship, but their pasts and their collective baggage will not allow for completely smooth sailing. Family secrets, hidden pain and self-preservation make for strange bedfellows. Will they be able to build a life together or will the sheer weight of the burdens they carry prove to be too much to sustain the love they share?
Conclusion:
The Virgin Playboy is a beautifully textured book with such an engaging couple grappling with significant differences in culture, age and station in life. We celebrate their highs and sympathize with their lows. Graham (my favorite character) was such a beguiling mixture machismo and innocence. Due to past hurt, Jaq was not as receptive to an authentic relationship as Graham but with growth and self-reflection was able to make progress in her ability to open her heart and her trust to love. In addition, the secondary characters added refreshing layers to our story, making us want to encounter them again. Final words, I enjoyed every aspect of this story AND this lovely story has a wonderful epilogue that shares a well-earned HEA.
Favorite Lines:
Ugh! Another time where my neurodivergency came back to haunt me.
I know it helped to see women who looked like them writing stories that mattered, including their presence in genres they tended to be excluded from.
Pretty face, huh? Boy, how old is you?
In a country people mistake me for literally every other ethnicity but Māori.
In the beginning, I’d only ever asked out ex-Mormons, or women considering leaving the church.
I couldn’t help thinking if I were a woman, would this conversation had gone completely different.
Yenory came out her mother's womb bossy.
So why was the universe humbling me with a reminder from one of my lowest moments?
“Can’t argue with good old-fashioned colonialism,” I joked, lightning up the mood.
And I don't know what to do that with that information
I admitted, because despite him claiming to own his neurodivergency, he was wildly social.
“Goddamn, baby, milk has done your body good.” And then she said things like that, and all that insecurity went away.
I wanted to celebrate that it was never too late to consider a career one-eighty.
Being with you is the furthest from wasting my time, Jaq.
I've been patient with your body, but you've been the one patient with my heart. I
But you’re also navigating leaving your trust and safety in my hands.
Sure, there are some things I miss doing and eating, but here, at least I can be a heathen in peace
But nothing compared to watching my boyfriend looking like a Polynesian warrior.
https://theretiredreader.com/f/the-vi...
Review of advance copy
The title is a misnomer, the hero is one of the sweetest heroes I've read in a long-time and he's definitely NOT a playboy.
Graham and Jacqueline meet at the library where she's scheduled to talk about her upcoming book. After the event Graham shoots his shot and Jackie's on board. They exchange numbers, set a date, meet and have a good time and the vibes are vibbing between them. Jackie has needs and she invites Graham to her home. He's nervous because of his big secret which is divulged and they part ways.
I love the maturity of Graham because he wasn't bitter and he had an interesting way of dating people, very unusual. He was deep, talented and sweet and a very fast learner. Things are going well, they exchange Christmas gifts (1,000 Things He Loves About Her) but it's her gift to him that changes everything.
Graham and Jacqueline both knew who they were and where they wanted to go in life. There is a pivotal moment that happens and both the heroine and I are surprised and she's quite pleased which leads to a path not necessarily considered. I love the honesty of one of her friends, it was refreshing. This was a beautiful journey to happiness. Highly Recommended: Read the Book!
Remember ...
"If you love something, set it free. If it comes back to you, it's yours. If it doesn't, it never was." —Richard Bach
Graham and Jacqueline meet at the library where she's scheduled to talk about her upcoming book. After the event Graham shoots his shot and Jackie's on board. They exchange numbers, set a date, meet and have a good time and the vibes are vibbing between them. Jackie has needs and she invites Graham to her home. He's nervous because of his big secret which is divulged and they part ways.
I love the maturity of Graham because he wasn't bitter and he had an interesting way of dating people, very unusual. He was deep, talented and sweet and a very fast learner. Things are going well, they exchange Christmas gifts (1,000 Things He Loves About Her) but it's her gift to him that changes everything.
Graham and Jacqueline both knew who they were and where they wanted to go in life. There is a pivotal moment that happens and both the heroine and I are surprised and she's quite pleased which leads to a path not necessarily considered. I love the honesty of one of her friends, it was refreshing. This was a beautiful journey to happiness. Highly Recommended: Read the Book!
Remember ...
"If you love something, set it free. If it comes back to you, it's yours. If it doesn't, it never was." —Richard Bach
Review of advance copy received from Storygraph
3.75 stars. This story is dual POV, well written, and an age gap, casual to more, contemporary romance between Jaq, the older female Black journalist transitioning to author lead, and Graham, the younger male Māori autistic post-graduate student lead. I adored the recognition of the importance of culture and history for both lead characters, especially for Graham, because it’s a culture I am relatively familiar with. I enjoyed the authenticity of language choices for both characters, whilst acknowledging that these were not comfortable for myself as a reader. I sympathised with the historical relationship trauma that influenced many of Jaq’s choices. I enjoyed Jaq’s acknowledgment of what she’d sacrificed for success and her determination to return to her self-identification. I enjoyed Graham’s undemanding love for her, and his willingness to subordinate preferences to allow her space. I enjoyed the developing steamy intimate scenes and the sense of genuine exploration for both of them, not just Graham. I enjoyed the ending, which showed compromise by both of them.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 14, 2026
The Virgin Playboy was such a good read!! I absolutely loved the diverse characters! It was so interesting to learn about the Māori people in New Zealand. It was one of my favorite things about the MMC Graham! The authors have the most amazing character art and book cover so you can really imagine what both Graham and Jaq look like! And let me tell you, Graham is one HOT and AMAZING book boyfriend material! He was so dreamy. This was a 4 and 1/2 star read for me! I did love this book and would recommend it, but some of the spicy scenes were not my favorite and at times the plot was very information heavy. What I did love was the relationship between Graham and Jacqueline, their growth, and some of the spicy scenes were SUPER HOT and had a touch of sweetness to them! These quotes are one example, "You're cute." "I'm cuter when my face is between your legs" I teased.
And despite the serious topics discussed through out the book, there were some funny moments that had me giggling. "Girl, I'm autistic. I take everything seriously."
So if you like heavy plot AND heavy spice, then I highly recommend this as your next read!
And despite the serious topics discussed through out the book, there were some funny moments that had me giggling. "Girl, I'm autistic. I take everything seriously."
So if you like heavy plot AND heavy spice, then I highly recommend this as your next read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐ Rating: 3.75/5
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I loved the banter between all of the characters, especially Jaq and Graham. Their chemistry was instant, and I appreciated how Jaq openly communicated with Graham, helping him understand the reasons behind her choices.
Graham was the epitome of a giant green flag. He was so sweet, caring, and supportive that I couldn't get enough of him.
There were a few things that kept me from giving this a higher rating.
First, I didn't understand the emphasis on skin tone. Throughout the first half of the book, it felt like almost every character, even side characters, was introduced by their skin tone instead of what they actually looked like. I loved that the characters were diverse, and it's one of the main reasons I applied for an advanced copy. Since race and racism weren't really a plot point, I found myself wondering why there was so much focus on skin tone in the descriptions. After a while, it became distracting and pulled me out of the story.
Second, I understand that I received an advanced copy, and grammatical errors are expected. However, the frequent lack of quotation marks often left me confused about which character was speaking, and it pulled me out of the story.
I loved the multicultural representation, with Jaq being Caribbean American and Graham being from New Zealand and Māori. I also appreciated the autism representation and felt it was handled thoughtfully.
My favorite part of the book was the epilogue because we got to see how much both characters had grown.
Overall, I enjoyed this one and would recommend it to readers looking for a multicultural romance with a sweet, supportive hero, great banter, and positive autism representation.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I loved the banter between all of the characters, especially Jaq and Graham. Their chemistry was instant, and I appreciated how Jaq openly communicated with Graham, helping him understand the reasons behind her choices.
Graham was the epitome of a giant green flag. He was so sweet, caring, and supportive that I couldn't get enough of him.
There were a few things that kept me from giving this a higher rating.
First, I didn't understand the emphasis on skin tone. Throughout the first half of the book, it felt like almost every character, even side characters, was introduced by their skin tone instead of what they actually looked like. I loved that the characters were diverse, and it's one of the main reasons I applied for an advanced copy. Since race and racism weren't really a plot point, I found myself wondering why there was so much focus on skin tone in the descriptions. After a while, it became distracting and pulled me out of the story.
Second, I understand that I received an advanced copy, and grammatical errors are expected. However, the frequent lack of quotation marks often left me confused about which character was speaking, and it pulled me out of the story.
I loved the multicultural representation, with Jaq being Caribbean American and Graham being from New Zealand and Māori. I also appreciated the autism representation and felt it was handled thoughtfully.
My favorite part of the book was the epilogue because we got to see how much both characters had grown.
Overall, I enjoyed this one and would recommend it to readers looking for a multicultural romance with a sweet, supportive hero, great banter, and positive autism representation.
Review of advance copy
I loved this book so much! It was such a refreshing change of pace to read a romance with a virgin MMC—especially one who has all the outward swagger and charm of a playboy, but is secretly waiting for the right person.
The writing was phenomenal, and the characters were so rich, funny, and deeply relatable. Jacqueline is an absolute force—older, sarcastic, covered in combat boots, and totally emotionally guarded—which makes her the perfect foil for a confident, twenty-eight-year-old virgin hero pretending he has it all together. Their disaster of a first hookup had me laughing out loud, but once they make their "lessons" deal on a group trip, the chemistry between them went completely off the charts! Watching them try to keep things strictly physical while totally unraveling for each other was pure magic. The banter, the vulnerability, and the heat made this an absolute joy to read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The writing was phenomenal, and the characters were so rich, funny, and deeply relatable. Jacqueline is an absolute force—older, sarcastic, covered in combat boots, and totally emotionally guarded—which makes her the perfect foil for a confident, twenty-eight-year-old virgin hero pretending he has it all together. Their disaster of a first hookup had me laughing out loud, but once they make their "lessons" deal on a group trip, the chemistry between them went completely off the charts! Watching them try to keep things strictly physical while totally unraveling for each other was pure magic. The banter, the vulnerability, and the heat made this an absolute joy to read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Virgin Playboy is such an amazing and refreshing story. I love that it’s an age gap with an older FMC that’s an alt black girl and the horror references are an amazing bonus. Jaq is the successful FMC that has relocated to New York after a successful journalism career in Atlanta. She is now an author focused on living her best life. She meets Graham at 28 year, old musician, and student and they vibe the only issue is that he is a virgin. Graham is so funny and he’s real he’s neurodivergent and he is a former LDS member which is kind of said the tone for his life. Him and Jaq become friends and eventually more than friends and an absolutely the spice is top-tier. I love that. Both characters are work in progress, but Jaq was stressing me out because she was low-key sabotaging herself. I don’t wanna give too much away, but this is a definite must read such a great book.
Review of advance copy
A surprisingly heartfelt age-gap romance. Jaq, a 41-year-old former news anchor turned debut author, and Graham, a 28-year-old virgin composer from New Zealand, start as a hookup gone sideways and grow into something much deeper, with real backstory driving Jaq's hesitancy, not just trope logic. Their families steal a lot of scenes (loud Brooklyn Caribbean-American energy on one side, a warm Māori family on the other), and Graham's emotional steadiness flips the usual age-gap dynamic in a fun, refreshing way.
There are some bumps along the way that test whether they can actually make it work, and the back half moves a little faster than I'd have liked given how much the earlier chapters earned. But the voice is funny, specific, and easy to root for the whole way through.
There are some bumps along the way that test whether they can actually make it work, and the back half moves a little faster than I'd have liked given how much the earlier chapters earned. But the voice is funny, specific, and easy to root for the whole way through.
August 13, 2026
AN AMAZING MAY/DECEMBER ROMANCE❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
This book here was OUTSTANDING, AN AMAZINGLY SPECTACULAR STORY. The MCs were so well written and the story had me so engrossed. It was such a refreshing take on the May/December romance. Graham was such a wonderful, sweet guy, and his innocence was so endearing. How he just wore his heart on his sleeve, and was open to exploring and learning was so much fun to read. THIS BOOK IS JUST EXCELLENT AND SPECIAL! IT’S MAGICAL, truly MAGICAL, and let me just tell y’all ALL THAT SPICE HAD ME RUNNING MY AC! WHEW CHILE’!🌶️🌶️🌶️
This one definitely earned my BURNING
❤️🔥s INFINITY STAMP! Just a great book.
This book here was OUTSTANDING, AN AMAZINGLY SPECTACULAR STORY. The MCs were so well written and the story had me so engrossed. It was such a refreshing take on the May/December romance. Graham was such a wonderful, sweet guy, and his innocence was so endearing. How he just wore his heart on his sleeve, and was open to exploring and learning was so much fun to read. THIS BOOK IS JUST EXCELLENT AND SPECIAL! IT’S MAGICAL, truly MAGICAL, and let me just tell y’all ALL THAT SPICE HAD ME RUNNING MY AC! WHEW CHILE’!🌶️🌶️🌶️
This one definitely earned my BURNING
❤️🔥s INFINITY STAMP! Just a great book.
August 12, 2026
'Now I’m stuck wanting things I swore I never would—and judging by the way she looks at me when she thinks I’m not paying attention, I’m not the only one breaking the rules.'
The characters drove the storyline and they were very appealing and likeable and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and expertly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters drove the storyline and they were very appealing and likeable and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and expertly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I enjoyed Graham and Jacqueline together! They both marched to the tune of their own beat and that's what makes this unique for me. Jacqueline was a bit jaded in love. She was also starting to lean into her authentic self. Graham was sweetheart and though Jacqueline judged him before really knowing him. Never judge a book by its cover they say...lol It was a sweet and funny read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Such a good read,one of my favorites by GL Tomas so far and that's not on my own bias as a Polynesian but because GL Tomas absolutely nailed it! I was literally in fits of laughter throughout and thoroughly engaged from the first page to the last. The diversity is such a refreshing take on a well known plot GL Tomas is not to be slept on. I can't recommend this book highly enough one of my favorites in 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Virgin Playboy by GL Tomas was a very well written and highly insightful book! It was a very captivating, relatable and entertaining read!! I enjoyed reading and getting to know each character and understanding their personalities, seeing how they grew as you read the entire story! This was an awesome story that I would highly recommend! I will definitely be reading more books written by this author! Awesome Read!!
Review of advance copy
Black and Brown Love! Yes please!
Indigenous Māori Representation! Sign me up!
Virgin MMC! One of my favorite tropes!
I ADORED this story! Jaq and Graham are wonderful characters! Their connection is a beautiful thing to watch unfold.
I have so many highlights from this book. This one is my absolute favorite.
And if you see a future with me there, please, be selfish.
Indigenous Māori Representation! Sign me up!
Virgin MMC! One of my favorite tropes!
I ADORED this story! Jaq and Graham are wonderful characters! Their connection is a beautiful thing to watch unfold.
I have so many highlights from this book. This one is my absolute favorite.
And if you see a future with me there, please, be selfish.
Review of advance copy
Wow, Graham was the ultimate book husband forget about boyfriend. From start to finish, I was invested in every detail. Jaq and Graham had a lot in common despite the age difference. The progression of their relationship was timed so appropriately for their unique pairing. I absolutely loved this story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 14, 2026
This was a great book. It was funny and real. There’s culture and representation done the right way. It’s a beautiful story. AuDHD was represented in a way that wasn’t over done. Can’t wait to get to read more from the author(s).
August 15, 2026
This book is a little different from what I usually reads, but it was good. Slow burn and the characters has a lot in common. I loved the fact that the guy is mature and knows what he want and so does she.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 20, 2026
jaq got her groove back
What a cute story it shows sometimes when your older we get stuck in our ways and it may take someone younger to believe in us and show us how to be outside the box
What a cute story it shows sometimes when your older we get stuck in our ways and it may take someone younger to believe in us and show us how to be outside the box
September 10, 2026
The Virgin Playboy offers an engaging blend of romance, emotional tension, and compelling relationship dynamics. The diverse characters and interpersonal conflicts add depth to the story, making it appealing to readers who enjoy contemporary romance with strong character driven elements.
August 17, 2026
I really wanted to like this book because I loved the concept, but sadly it boring and unnecessary wordy.
September 1, 2026
So Original
Beautiful story, so well written, from cringeworthy to celebratory. Went through every emotion only to come out the other side truly happy.
Beautiful story, so well written, from cringeworthy to celebratory. Went through every emotion only to come out the other side truly happy.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews