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The Kinky Matchmaker #1
Meant For You
Finnish investor Olli Tuominen was supposed to be marrying the woman of his dreams—but the day of the wedding, he's hit with the hard reality. In the eyes of the law, and on paper, he's still married to his first wife Benny. Walking away from a love like hers had always been difficult, but serving her divorce papers proved even more obstacle. Still the enchanting beauty he remembered her to be, his first love might still harbor a fire that can't be extinguished.
Bendicíon Obiang thought she'd never see Olli again. She certainly didn't plan after an eight-year estrangement that the reason he'd re-enter her life was to confirm her deepest fear. Her only true love was moving on. Could this happenstance reunion be the push she needs to finally reveal the truth after all this time? That they share a child?
Reuniting face to face should’ve been simple. Sign the divorce papers. Wish him happiness on his new life. Go back to California. Only a Nordic snowstorm has other plans for the past lovers; plans that include Benny on her knees succumbing to Olli's dominance.
It only takes one weekend to make two things perfectly clear. The former submissive was always his to claim, and the secret she's been keeping might just be the thing that breaks him.
This story features a BWWM couple with no cheating and a HEA. This read is steamy and spicy featuring a dormant Dominant who reunites with his former submissive and despite what you take from the blurb features NO CHEATING! If Dominance and submission isn't your cup of tea, sit this one out but for those that enjoy it, this quiet, grumpy Alpha knows how to melt his way into your heart.
Bendicíon Obiang thought she'd never see Olli again. She certainly didn't plan after an eight-year estrangement that the reason he'd re-enter her life was to confirm her deepest fear. Her only true love was moving on. Could this happenstance reunion be the push she needs to finally reveal the truth after all this time? That they share a child?
Reuniting face to face should’ve been simple. Sign the divorce papers. Wish him happiness on his new life. Go back to California. Only a Nordic snowstorm has other plans for the past lovers; plans that include Benny on her knees succumbing to Olli's dominance.
It only takes one weekend to make two things perfectly clear. The former submissive was always his to claim, and the secret she's been keeping might just be the thing that breaks him.
This story features a BWWM couple with no cheating and a HEA. This read is steamy and spicy featuring a dormant Dominant who reunites with his former submissive and despite what you take from the blurb features NO CHEATING! If Dominance and submission isn't your cup of tea, sit this one out but for those that enjoy it, this quiet, grumpy Alpha knows how to melt his way into your heart.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 9, 2019
381 people are currently reading
711 people want to read
About the author
G.L. Tomas
42 books544 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 - 30 of 94 reviews
October 31, 2021
Rating: 1.5/5.0
I received a free ARC of this book and am leaving a voluntary and honest review.
**Warning: this text may contain spoilers**
I did not like Meant For You. The writing style was strange and it was VERY tell-not-show and I hated the way the characters were portrayed.
The writing felt all over the place. The two characters, Olli and Benny, kept switching points of view, which is okay, but it also went back and forth between 'Then', when they were first getting together, to 'Now'. The way it jumped seemed a little disjointed and out of place, and then I found out at the end that there is a prequel about how they first got together. But - we just read about that. In weird detail that didn't make sense to the plot. In my opinion, if you really want to write about their beginning, have the prequel. Don't interrupt the story with random flashbacks to "show" their story instead of telling just like everything else in this book.
Maybe it's just me, but there was a very specific line in the story that confused me.
I can't wrap my head around it. My friend tried to make some sense of it but it still is confusing. The double negatives make it abnormal... it was NOT hard NOT to see - I'm so lost. Can't you just say it was easy/wasn't easy?
Speaking of show vs. tell in literature, let's discuss all of the tellings in the story. There were so many drawn-out internal monologues and long-winded sentences about the characters and their feelings and their history and every single thing that is going on but in just a straight summary.
Also, it was constantly mentioned that Olli was Finnish. It felt like every other sentence had someone commenting or thinking that his Finnish qualities causes this, or because of his Finnish background that.
I really disliked the characterizations. The representation was great, honestly, and I loved Benny and Olivia, but I hated Olli, and because of him, Anna.
Olli felt very annoying to me. It was so convenient for him that his current fiance 'dumps' him so he can get down with Benny. Because everything Anna says should be taken at face value, I guess. Even though it's a fight they've clearly had many times through their entire relationship and has been taking a serious toll on the both of them, but if Anna says they're done, they're done. It's literally the same thing as the Ross/Rachel thing on Friends, where she wonders aloud if they should take a break and he sleeps with the next person he can. And you'd think Olli would either wait to at least have the conversation with his girlfriend/fiance of FOUR YEARS before pulling any moves on Benny, but he really couldn't wait, I guess.
Olli also promised to get rid of photos of Benny from his phone when he was with Anna for four years, and he never got rid of them. Plus, he makes it clear he thinks of his ex-wife all the time and even mentions he knew they weren't 'divorced, divorced,' but didn't do anything about it. And he still claims to 'love' Anna? Olli says the way he loves them is different, but I don't think he's showing any love towards Anna. Instead of talking things out or breaking up with her when he realized how head over heels he still is for his wife, instead, he thinks marrying her is a good idea, accepts their 'breakup' even though it was said in the heat of the moment, and buys his way out of his problems. He made an enormous deal out of wanting to not be married to Anna because she'd make him buy off her family's problems, but here he is telling her he doesn't ever want to see or hear from her again, and if she complies, he'll pay off her parents' debts. That's the quality and characteristics you see from the billionaire-boss-doesn't-care-about-others trope before the love interest changes them for the better.
His reasoning for going over Benny's authority when looking out for their daughter was so he could have sex with her without getting interrupted even though he'd been ignoring her and told her to not talk to him for days and she still went with it. I cannot express how much I dislike his character because of that. Benny made a comment about how Olivia actually played him and he was cool with still directly contradicting Benny's authority when clearly she was in the right. (It had to deal with school and stuff, so I see where she's coming from.)
Without a doubt, Olli would be the villain in someone else's love story. The MC, heartbroken because her boyfriend of four years is still married to his ex-wife that he has never gotten over accepted the breakup that was mentioned out of anger and left her, paying off her parents' debts so long as she never reached out to him again. Disgraced by her family and friends, MC finds love in a strange location...
I'd much rather read Anna's story than Olli's. But Olli can't be the villain in this book because he's one half of the love story, which means Anna had to play the role of a petty, cruel fiance who is in the wrong even though her partner basically screwed her over. And in order to have an antagonist and to stop Olli from becoming the villain, Anna couldn't be a good character or have a decent character arc. Do you get what I mean?
Let me mention that if my future guy has a surprise wedding/vow renewal ceremony without telling me, I'd kill him.
Olivia was funny, in some parts, but she was written too adult-like. She's no more than 7, from what I remember, but everyone speaks large words around her and she understands them perfectly without clarification. She felt very bland and 2-dimensional only for plot purposes.
This isn't that big of a deal, but let me list out the names of the family in the epilogue (spoilers ahead): Olli, Benny, Olivia (aka Oli, according to her father), Olli Jr. ... and Marja. What? Olivia is basically Olli Jr., couldn't there be a more original name than that? There are three Ollis in that family, and 1 out of 3 children actually had an original name. I don't know who I feel worse for; being the third Olli in the immediate family or being the Marja and not having an Olli in the name. (Maybe her middle name is Olive to make it work) That kind of irked me, just because I think if you want traditionally Finnish names you can just google them.
I really didn't care for Meant For You. I'm not interested in the kink stuff, I only read it because of the secret hidden pregnancy (which basically contributed nothing) and it all seemed to come out of nowhere for me. Olli went from 0 to 1,000 ridiculously quickly, without any forewarning or mention even in his own point of view.
I can say without a doubt that I am not a fan and I will not read this again.
I received a free ARC of this book and am leaving a voluntary and honest review.
**Warning: this text may contain spoilers**
I did not like Meant For You. The writing style was strange and it was VERY tell-not-show and I hated the way the characters were portrayed.
The writing felt all over the place. The two characters, Olli and Benny, kept switching points of view, which is okay, but it also went back and forth between 'Then', when they were first getting together, to 'Now'. The way it jumped seemed a little disjointed and out of place, and then I found out at the end that there is a prequel about how they first got together. But - we just read about that. In weird detail that didn't make sense to the plot. In my opinion, if you really want to write about their beginning, have the prequel. Don't interrupt the story with random flashbacks to "show" their story instead of telling just like everything else in this book.
Maybe it's just me, but there was a very specific line in the story that confused me.
"... it wasn't hard not to see my seven-year-old self in her."
I can't wrap my head around it. My friend tried to make some sense of it but it still is confusing. The double negatives make it abnormal... it was NOT hard NOT to see - I'm so lost. Can't you just say it was easy/wasn't easy?
Speaking of show vs. tell in literature, let's discuss all of the tellings in the story. There were so many drawn-out internal monologues and long-winded sentences about the characters and their feelings and their history and every single thing that is going on but in just a straight summary.
Also, it was constantly mentioned that Olli was Finnish. It felt like every other sentence had someone commenting or thinking that his Finnish qualities causes this, or because of his Finnish background that.
I really disliked the characterizations. The representation was great, honestly, and I loved Benny and Olivia, but I hated Olli, and because of him, Anna.
Olli felt very annoying to me. It was so convenient for him that his current fiance 'dumps' him so he can get down with Benny. Because everything Anna says should be taken at face value, I guess. Even though it's a fight they've clearly had many times through their entire relationship and has been taking a serious toll on the both of them, but if Anna says they're done, they're done. It's literally the same thing as the Ross/Rachel thing on Friends, where she wonders aloud if they should take a break and he sleeps with the next person he can. And you'd think Olli would either wait to at least have the conversation with his girlfriend/fiance of FOUR YEARS before pulling any moves on Benny, but he really couldn't wait, I guess.
Olli also promised to get rid of photos of Benny from his phone when he was with Anna for four years, and he never got rid of them. Plus, he makes it clear he thinks of his ex-wife all the time and even mentions he knew they weren't 'divorced, divorced,' but didn't do anything about it. And he still claims to 'love' Anna? Olli says the way he loves them is different, but I don't think he's showing any love towards Anna. Instead of talking things out or breaking up with her when he realized how head over heels he still is for his wife, instead, he thinks marrying her is a good idea, accepts their 'breakup' even though it was said in the heat of the moment, and buys his way out of his problems. He made an enormous deal out of wanting to not be married to Anna because she'd make him buy off her family's problems, but here he is telling her he doesn't ever want to see or hear from her again, and if she complies, he'll pay off her parents' debts. That's the quality and characteristics you see from the billionaire-boss-doesn't-care-about-others trope before the love interest changes them for the better.
His reasoning for going over Benny's authority when looking out for their daughter was so he could have sex with her without getting interrupted even though he'd been ignoring her and told her to not talk to him for days and she still went with it. I cannot express how much I dislike his character because of that. Benny made a comment about how Olivia actually played him and he was cool with still directly contradicting Benny's authority when clearly she was in the right. (It had to deal with school and stuff, so I see where she's coming from.)
Without a doubt, Olli would be the villain in someone else's love story. The MC, heartbroken because her boyfriend of four years is still married to his ex-wife that he has never gotten over accepted the breakup that was mentioned out of anger and left her, paying off her parents' debts so long as she never reached out to him again. Disgraced by her family and friends, MC finds love in a strange location...
I'd much rather read Anna's story than Olli's. But Olli can't be the villain in this book because he's one half of the love story, which means Anna had to play the role of a petty, cruel fiance who is in the wrong even though her partner basically screwed her over. And in order to have an antagonist and to stop Olli from becoming the villain, Anna couldn't be a good character or have a decent character arc. Do you get what I mean?
Let me mention that if my future guy has a surprise wedding/vow renewal ceremony without telling me, I'd kill him.
Olivia was funny, in some parts, but she was written too adult-like. She's no more than 7, from what I remember, but everyone speaks large words around her and she understands them perfectly without clarification. She felt very bland and 2-dimensional only for plot purposes.
This isn't that big of a deal, but let me list out the names of the family in the epilogue (spoilers ahead): Olli, Benny, Olivia (aka Oli, according to her father), Olli Jr. ... and Marja. What? Olivia is basically Olli Jr., couldn't there be a more original name than that? There are three Ollis in that family, and 1 out of 3 children actually had an original name. I don't know who I feel worse for; being the third Olli in the immediate family or being the Marja and not having an Olli in the name. (Maybe her middle name is Olive to make it work) That kind of irked me, just because I think if you want traditionally Finnish names you can just google them.
I really didn't care for Meant For You. I'm not interested in the kink stuff, I only read it because of the secret hidden pregnancy (which basically contributed nothing) and it all seemed to come out of nowhere for me. Olli went from 0 to 1,000 ridiculously quickly, without any forewarning or mention even in his own point of view.
I can say without a doubt that I am not a fan and I will not read this again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2019
Enjoyable read! Looking forward to reading other books by this author! Beautiful writing style!
4.2 stars
4.2 stars
August 20, 2019
G.L. Tomas (also known as Dos Twinjas) have a big problem with me...they just don't write fast enough. Sure I've got plenty of other great authors and stories to choose from, but there's something about Dos Twinjas that remind me why I still love and still support IR romance.
I know some authors and readers of IR don't like to hear this, but there IS a colorism/natural hair problem in romance including IR. Looking for stories in which a dark-skinned, natural haired heroine gets the hot man and lives her best life isn't always easy. Especially a dark-skinned heroine who isn't some sad sack pity party who needs rescuing from her plight by the hero (yuck). Worse, cover art being what it is, there seems to be a dearth of models/images of dark-skinned heroines in a hot clench with the hunky hero. Not just that, but the lack of visibility of Afro-Latinas with dark skin is also telling. All of this is a blot on a genre that was created by and for Black women in order to see ourselves as the objects of love, desire and affection.
Which is one of the many reasons I will always give authors like G.L. Tomas their due. They make no secret out of the fact their heroines ARE unapologetically dark-skinned, from all over the diaspora. They love themselves and the skin they're in. They're not waiting for the hero to validate them. And the issues they have are not about being "poor dark me". I love how Dos Twinjas decided to create what they wanted to see, which is more dark-skinned Afro-Latina visibility.
So...the book.
Firstly, I LOVE Finnish men. Blame it on having huge crushes on many hot Finnish metal musicians like Eicca and Perttu from Apocalyptica, but Finnish guys just get no love in romance. And they should because many of them are super-hot. Anyway, Olli Pekka Touminen, the hero of Meant For You is all kinds of panty-melting, fan yourself while drinking lemonade with tons of ice hot. He's sexy super cool plays his emotions close to the vest hot, but never is he an asshole to the woman he loves. Or, as we first meet him, the woman whom he plans to marry because the one he really loves is back in the States living her life. Unfortunately, all the best laid plans come to naught because it seems that he's still married.
Oops. And seriously it's WAY more than oops.
Enter Maria Benedicion Oblang Tuominen - known as Benny - born to Equatorial Guinean parents and the still married to Olli who lives in West Covina (go Twinjas) and is a ski instructor. What? A dark-skinned Black woman ski instructor? Who knew? Here's how Olli describes Benny:
"Her skin, to this day, had always been my favorite shade of brown, a warm, deep espresso that claimed me even on my bleakest days."
Deep espresso. Not tan, butterscotch, milk in the coffee, paperbag light or oblique generic trying to get away from any description that is darker then honey.
I love second-chance love stories and these two are meant for each other. Unfortunately when they were younger, real life got in the way of the fairy tale. Olli as a proud man struggled with getting a job in the States as well as being homesick. He hated depending on Benny to carry the both of them and being normally Finnish had a difficult time expressing his feelings in that way. Olli wanted more from himself, to give Benny the life he knew she deserved. So they separated - Olli to make a success of his life and Benny to move on. Still, they never signed those dratted papers...
Hmm...
Unfortunately the fact that Olli is still married doesn't sit well with his current fiancé Anna, who finds out the day of their wedding that yes oops, he's still married. Had Olli been written as the typical asshat alpha I'd have stopped reading no matter how much I loved the heroine. The thing is, these two people were meant to be together and there's a good reason why neither seemed interested in signing the divorce papers. While I couldn't blame Anna for losing it, she also turned out to be such a nasty piece of baggage way beyond the fact that Olli's mistake was a total embarrassment so any sympathy I might have had went out the window as the story continued. However, Olli as much as I liked him, it made me wonder just why he would settle for a woman he honestly did not love. Normally, the "evil ex" is a trope that I side-eye hugely because it's been done to death. However that's not the only complication.
Not only have neither signed the final divorce papers, but there's also something else (someone else) that ties these two people together.
The whole trope also drives me nuts. I could understand this in the pre-internet era, but with social media being what it is, I just can't get past how no one including Olli, did a quick Google search. Even out of idle curiosity he or his high powered attorney might have discovered this.
Of course, there's a lot more to Olli and Benny than just love. These two are kinksters brought together by yes, a kinky matchmaker. Theirs isn't a hardcore BDSM relationship, but what I loved was how both communicated their needs and wants BEFORE any scenes took place. There was respect for each other's boundaries. In short, this is one of the few well-written BDSM romances that gets it right. Two adults who know what they want and a heroine not afraid to ask for it. No silly ingenues who think an erogenous zone is a fancy diet.
I read this twice in the span of a few days because I loved it (despite the tropes). Now I need more of Dos Twinjas books. Well-written, sexy and swoonworthy.
I know some authors and readers of IR don't like to hear this, but there IS a colorism/natural hair problem in romance including IR. Looking for stories in which a dark-skinned, natural haired heroine gets the hot man and lives her best life isn't always easy. Especially a dark-skinned heroine who isn't some sad sack pity party who needs rescuing from her plight by the hero (yuck). Worse, cover art being what it is, there seems to be a dearth of models/images of dark-skinned heroines in a hot clench with the hunky hero. Not just that, but the lack of visibility of Afro-Latinas with dark skin is also telling. All of this is a blot on a genre that was created by and for Black women in order to see ourselves as the objects of love, desire and affection.
Which is one of the many reasons I will always give authors like G.L. Tomas their due. They make no secret out of the fact their heroines ARE unapologetically dark-skinned, from all over the diaspora. They love themselves and the skin they're in. They're not waiting for the hero to validate them. And the issues they have are not about being "poor dark me". I love how Dos Twinjas decided to create what they wanted to see, which is more dark-skinned Afro-Latina visibility.
So...the book.
Firstly, I LOVE Finnish men. Blame it on having huge crushes on many hot Finnish metal musicians like Eicca and Perttu from Apocalyptica, but Finnish guys just get no love in romance. And they should because many of them are super-hot. Anyway, Olli Pekka Touminen, the hero of Meant For You is all kinds of panty-melting, fan yourself while drinking lemonade with tons of ice hot. He's sexy super cool plays his emotions close to the vest hot, but never is he an asshole to the woman he loves. Or, as we first meet him, the woman whom he plans to marry because the one he really loves is back in the States living her life. Unfortunately, all the best laid plans come to naught because it seems that he's still married.
Oops. And seriously it's WAY more than oops.
Enter Maria Benedicion Oblang Tuominen - known as Benny - born to Equatorial Guinean parents and the still married to Olli who lives in West Covina (go Twinjas) and is a ski instructor. What? A dark-skinned Black woman ski instructor? Who knew? Here's how Olli describes Benny:
"Her skin, to this day, had always been my favorite shade of brown, a warm, deep espresso that claimed me even on my bleakest days."
Deep espresso. Not tan, butterscotch, milk in the coffee, paperbag light or oblique generic trying to get away from any description that is darker then honey.
I love second-chance love stories and these two are meant for each other. Unfortunately when they were younger, real life got in the way of the fairy tale. Olli as a proud man struggled with getting a job in the States as well as being homesick. He hated depending on Benny to carry the both of them and being normally Finnish had a difficult time expressing his feelings in that way. Olli wanted more from himself, to give Benny the life he knew she deserved. So they separated - Olli to make a success of his life and Benny to move on. Still, they never signed those dratted papers...
Hmm...
Unfortunately the fact that Olli is still married doesn't sit well with his current fiancé Anna, who finds out the day of their wedding that yes oops, he's still married. Had Olli been written as the typical asshat alpha I'd have stopped reading no matter how much I loved the heroine. The thing is, these two people were meant to be together and there's a good reason why neither seemed interested in signing the divorce papers. While I couldn't blame Anna for losing it, she also turned out to be such a nasty piece of baggage way beyond the fact that Olli's mistake was a total embarrassment so any sympathy I might have had went out the window as the story continued. However, Olli as much as I liked him, it made me wonder just why he would settle for a woman he honestly did not love. Normally, the "evil ex" is a trope that I side-eye hugely because it's been done to death. However that's not the only complication.
Not only have neither signed the final divorce papers, but there's also something else (someone else) that ties these two people together.
The whole trope also drives me nuts. I could understand this in the pre-internet era, but with social media being what it is, I just can't get past how no one including Olli, did a quick Google search. Even out of idle curiosity he or his high powered attorney might have discovered this.
Of course, there's a lot more to Olli and Benny than just love. These two are kinksters brought together by yes, a kinky matchmaker. Theirs isn't a hardcore BDSM relationship, but what I loved was how both communicated their needs and wants BEFORE any scenes took place. There was respect for each other's boundaries. In short, this is one of the few well-written BDSM romances that gets it right. Two adults who know what they want and a heroine not afraid to ask for it. No silly ingenues who think an erogenous zone is a fancy diet.
I read this twice in the span of a few days because I loved it (despite the tropes). Now I need more of Dos Twinjas books. Well-written, sexy and swoonworthy.
Read
August 17, 2019Cheating?? Depends on who is reading, but I would consider this a betrayal
You were so in love with this woman, but you forgot you were still married when you proposed to another woman? He left his first love 8 years ago because they were separated, and never looked back until he was getting his marriage license the day he was supposed to be marrying someone else. What some great love that must have been. How is the reader supposed be believe this real love b.s if hero could just forget her so easily.
It would have been more believable if had some sort of amnesia or something, but nope.
From the little I read (free kindle sample) he seemed cowardly and weak.
You were so in love with this woman, but you forgot you were still married when you proposed to another woman? He left his first love 8 years ago because they were separated, and never looked back until he was getting his marriage license the day he was supposed to be marrying someone else. What some great love that must have been. How is the reader supposed be believe this real love b.s if hero could just forget her so easily.
It would have been more believable if had some sort of amnesia or something, but nope.
From the little I read (free kindle sample) he seemed cowardly and weak.
August 11, 2019
BDSM Lite Love Story
4 stars for this bwwm, multicultural bdsm second chance love story. While I am not a fan of the BDSM romance genre in part because of ignorance, G.L. weaved it into a storyline masterfully. Ollie although a Dom and very alpha; he was also an emotionally insightful character. His long lost love Benny was strong beautiful and independent not at all a stereotypical sub. This was a beautiful and touching story with great steam. I definitely recommend!
4 stars for this bwwm, multicultural bdsm second chance love story. While I am not a fan of the BDSM romance genre in part because of ignorance, G.L. weaved it into a storyline masterfully. Ollie although a Dom and very alpha; he was also an emotionally insightful character. His long lost love Benny was strong beautiful and independent not at all a stereotypical sub. This was a beautiful and touching story with great steam. I definitely recommend!
August 15, 2019
My first book by this author and I really liked the story. Both of the main characters were likeable but I loved Olli. I enjoyed the writing and the book flowed well. It was obvious that Olli didn't want to marry Anna and I didn't understand why he was going to settle with such a horrible woman. I really liked Benny but I felt that she should have told Olli about their child. But that is what the trope secret baby is about. I hate that they missed out on 8 years together due to lack of communication. It was obvious that these two were still in love. I'm happy that everything worked out in the end.
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 11, 2019
RTF ... soon!
dnf
August 12, 2019I like the story and the main love interests so far but not the writing? There’s just a LOT of inner dialogue and explaining things without SHOWING it and I’m just not a fan. Would love to finish reading this book, but the writing isn’t working for me.
DNF @ 16%.
DNF @ 16%.
Want to read
November 14, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBook today (2/7/2021)!🎁
January 27, 2022
First off, the narrator's were amazing. They really bring this second chance love story to life. I really loved Olli and Benny and their love story. But the best was their HEA!
September 7, 2022
This was so unique and truly enjoyable.
So essentially this couple is about to get a divorce. For the past 8+ years they have been separated, the FMC living in the US and the MMC living in Finland.
As we get alternating timeline and POV's we see in the past they were set up via a Dom/Sub matchmaker. We get detailed view of both the wants and needs of both characters and the moment they meet its like puzzle pieces being put together. They were destined to be together.
In the current timeline she is on her way to Europe to sign divorce papers.
But once they are in the same room, it doesn't matter if there are fiances or job opportunities, these two truly see how they are meant to be together.
Things happen and they dive into old ways of how they used to be and secrets get revealed.
It's def a slow burn, but once we get to the steam its really good.
It's not an over the top, unrealistic Dom/Sub role play either. There is a lot of details of when they START and when it ENDS. Including after-care.
I think if someone is new to Dom/Sub reads this is a great start. It isn't this explicit uncomfortable type of book. Its really sweet, beautifully detailed, and steamy.
It kind of reminded me of a European indie film. The alternating timeline and POV's.
I could see it all like a movie.
My first GL Tomas book and it won't be my last.
So essentially this couple is about to get a divorce. For the past 8+ years they have been separated, the FMC living in the US and the MMC living in Finland.
As we get alternating timeline and POV's we see in the past they were set up via a Dom/Sub matchmaker. We get detailed view of both the wants and needs of both characters and the moment they meet its like puzzle pieces being put together. They were destined to be together.
In the current timeline she is on her way to Europe to sign divorce papers.
But once they are in the same room, it doesn't matter if there are fiances or job opportunities, these two truly see how they are meant to be together.
Things happen and they dive into old ways of how they used to be and secrets get revealed.
It's def a slow burn, but once we get to the steam its really good.
It's not an over the top, unrealistic Dom/Sub role play either. There is a lot of details of when they START and when it ENDS. Including after-care.
I think if someone is new to Dom/Sub reads this is a great start. It isn't this explicit uncomfortable type of book. Its really sweet, beautifully detailed, and steamy.
It kind of reminded me of a European indie film. The alternating timeline and POV's.
I could see it all like a movie.
My first GL Tomas book and it won't be my last.
August 11, 2019
A Lovely Read!
Tags: second chance romance, BDSM, secret baby, international lovers, low angst
This book hit so many of my favorite tropes!!! It was truly a fun afternoon read!
Our heroine was strong, independent and such a lady but the hero is the one who really stood out for me! He was awkward and darling and I found him to be so very cute! Which isn’t the usual reaction a dom would get...but it worked here and he was very believable!
This story was very insular, very much mostly about the H/h and their child, who was a great addition to the book and was just there as a plot device.
All on all a well written engaging story! The twins are back and I can hardly wait for the things they’ve got in store for us!
Would I recommend this? Yes! Definitely a must read for fans of the genre especially if you love any of the above mentioned tagssss!
~Jam
Tags: second chance romance, BDSM, secret baby, international lovers, low angst
This book hit so many of my favorite tropes!!! It was truly a fun afternoon read!
Our heroine was strong, independent and such a lady but the hero is the one who really stood out for me! He was awkward and darling and I found him to be so very cute! Which isn’t the usual reaction a dom would get...but it worked here and he was very believable!
This story was very insular, very much mostly about the H/h and their child, who was a great addition to the book and was just there as a plot device.
All on all a well written engaging story! The twins are back and I can hardly wait for the things they’ve got in store for us!
Would I recommend this? Yes! Definitely a must read for fans of the genre especially if you love any of the above mentioned tagssss!
~Jam
August 12, 2019
It had potential but just fell flat for me. The writing didn’t flow and the characters didn’t click.
May 12, 2022
Honestly was not expecting to find a book like this when trying to search for a new read, But I'm so happy I did. I adored getting to know each of these characters and their story.
I felt we got to see so much growth within both characters individually and together within their relationship. Benny and Olli are two characters you can't help but root for and want them to have their happily ever after.
While I know next to nothing about BDSM relationships or dynamics the communicating of feelings, and the discussion of aftercare and giving your partner what they need was done so well in the book. I was thrilled the discussion of limits and what type of aftercare one needs was not glossed over, But instead thoroughly talked about and discussed
While I loved many aspects of this book, I wanted to see more discussion surrounding Benny not telling Olli they share a child.
I wanted more of Olli's thoughts and feelings and discussion on them rectifying the situation and working through those complicated emotions.
Nonetheless, this book is truly living in my head rent-free and I already want to read it all over again.
I felt we got to see so much growth within both characters individually and together within their relationship. Benny and Olli are two characters you can't help but root for and want them to have their happily ever after.
While I know next to nothing about BDSM relationships or dynamics the communicating of feelings, and the discussion of aftercare and giving your partner what they need was done so well in the book. I was thrilled the discussion of limits and what type of aftercare one needs was not glossed over, But instead thoroughly talked about and discussed
While I loved many aspects of this book, I wanted to see more discussion surrounding Benny not telling Olli they share a child.
I wanted more of Olli's thoughts and feelings and discussion on them rectifying the situation and working through those complicated emotions.
Nonetheless, this book is truly living in my head rent-free and I already want to read it all over again.
August 30, 2023
As much as I loved the concept of this book, there were 2 main things I just couldn’t Stan to where I hated it
1. The vilification of Anna
let’s play this out, Anna is getting married and has all her friends and family at a church. She plans this entire weddding and asks her fiancé for one thing, take care of the marriage certificate. She asks him months ago and yet her fiancé waits until day of and then comes to u while ur literally in ur wedding dress and tells u that u cannot get married that day because he couldn’t do the one task u gave him. AND THEN THE REASON IS BC HES STILL MARRIED AND NEVER BOTHERED TO DIVORCE.
“I ask you to do one thing, Olli. Take care of the marriage certificate. I took care of everything else; that was all that I asked you to do. But you didn’t do it when I asked. You wait until months of preparation had already been made. Family and friends are sitting out there waiting for us to become husband and wife. I didn’t even make a big deal when you were too busy to show up for rehearsals.
Because all I expected of you was to show up. With the marriage certificate. Now, you walk back here and cause me emotional stress because I can’t go back on you seeing my dress. And you have the nerve to tell me—on my wedding day—that you’re still married to someone else?”
LIKE YES I AGREE. and bc she’s not the fmc we watch her be painted as basically this money hungry bitch. Like what??? And then ur fiancé refuses to just fax the papers instead he insists on flying out his legal wife and then having her stay in YOUR house. What?? And while this is happening ur fiancé is calling u dramatic when u find out stuff like he doesn’t have prenup with her and the fact then whenever u say one bad thing abt her he like rises up to defend her.
“Dramatic?!” I’m being dramatic?! Olli, you embarrassed me on my wedding day. My entire family came from Gothenburg to be here and witness what was to be the happiest day of my life. Most of my friends don’t have the luxury of taking another weekend trip to attend a second ceremony. Do you know how bad this made me look? Not to mention your irresponsibility. As much as you’ve managed to bring up your ex in past conversations, you never once made me question that your relationship was anything but over.”
Like this quote exactly like y’all will not make me hate this woman idc. And then when this woman is in ur house and ur not nice to her because this woman is his wife and in ur house, he says this shit
“I defend her because she is my wife! While she is here, if your plan is to be my next one, you will show her respect or leave.”
WHAT? like as much as I appreciate the fact that this man truly loves Benny (fmc) this is disgusting to say to ur fiancé who again u did this shit too and is the victim in this situation. And then he gives u some unapology and u find out that this woman who ur fiancé flew across the world to sign papers he could’ve faxed is STILL IN LOVE WITH HIM
“Thank you for the un-apology. I happen to think I handled the situation well considering she still loves you.” She crossed her arms as if she hadn’t been satisfied that I disagreed with her.”
AND YET WITH ALL THIS WE GET ALL THIS INNER MONOLOGUE FROM HIM TO MAKE IT SEEM LIKE SHES JUST THIS HOT HEAD DRAMATIC GIRL who only cares for material things. And like this is the first 25% ish of the book and just for me I couldn’t Stan this like y’all will not vilify this woman for acting in a way that’s calmer then a lot of ppl would’ve like idk. I just hated it and then ofc they get snowed in and like she gets justifiably angry and is like yk I’m done and he doesn’t wait for like 2 minutes before he goes after Benny and again I liked the main couple but like I called it from the beginning that somehow Anna would have to be created as a villain so that we can root for the main couple and be like oh well it’s better that he’s not with Anna because….and the way this book does it is like they make it so Anna is kinda materialistic and doesn’t understand how Olli needs love and they didn’t rlly work they just got married bc they’re comfortable with each other and like it’s bandaid for their relationship which is fine but like imo I don’t think that Anna needed to be dicussed like she was for that to be true but whatever. Also I’m sorry y’all for this rant but I had to get it out.
2. The whole Olivia situation
The way that we brushed over the reason why Benny did not tell olli for 7 years he had a child I’m sorry. Like okay u didn’t wanna baby trap him ig but then u sent seperation papers and then like for years later u didn’t say anything and never would have. And then u were like oh well when my kid is older she can go seek u out girl what??? And I get it like ppl aren’t perfect but I don’t feel like that whole thing was condemned enough I’m sorry.
“Not until I say you have. There are lots of things I’ve wanted to say but have chosen not to in fear that in my anger, I might misspeak. I promise you it is better we talk when I’m ready to provide you with a well-thought conclusion to my feelings about our unique scenario. In the meantime, it’s satisfying that we can be pleasant in front of our child while we figure out the issues between us. She spent seven birthdays not knowing anything about me. The last thing I want her to think is that her parents argue all the time or don’t get along.”
Like I’m glad he’s a calm guy I guess bc wtf. Dude missed 7 years of his daughters life like. Idk just didn’t enjoy it.
Okay so I will say even with this I did enjoy the book. I read this looking for kinda angsty drama and this had that. The kink aspect was fun, a few scenes sprinkled in. And I don’t know much abt Finnish ppl so that was cool too. Overall I did speed thru this I just was very annoyed at certain times.
1. The vilification of Anna
let’s play this out, Anna is getting married and has all her friends and family at a church. She plans this entire weddding and asks her fiancé for one thing, take care of the marriage certificate. She asks him months ago and yet her fiancé waits until day of and then comes to u while ur literally in ur wedding dress and tells u that u cannot get married that day because he couldn’t do the one task u gave him. AND THEN THE REASON IS BC HES STILL MARRIED AND NEVER BOTHERED TO DIVORCE.
“I ask you to do one thing, Olli. Take care of the marriage certificate. I took care of everything else; that was all that I asked you to do. But you didn’t do it when I asked. You wait until months of preparation had already been made. Family and friends are sitting out there waiting for us to become husband and wife. I didn’t even make a big deal when you were too busy to show up for rehearsals.
Because all I expected of you was to show up. With the marriage certificate. Now, you walk back here and cause me emotional stress because I can’t go back on you seeing my dress. And you have the nerve to tell me—on my wedding day—that you’re still married to someone else?”
LIKE YES I AGREE. and bc she’s not the fmc we watch her be painted as basically this money hungry bitch. Like what??? And then ur fiancé refuses to just fax the papers instead he insists on flying out his legal wife and then having her stay in YOUR house. What?? And while this is happening ur fiancé is calling u dramatic when u find out stuff like he doesn’t have prenup with her and the fact then whenever u say one bad thing abt her he like rises up to defend her.
“Dramatic?!” I’m being dramatic?! Olli, you embarrassed me on my wedding day. My entire family came from Gothenburg to be here and witness what was to be the happiest day of my life. Most of my friends don’t have the luxury of taking another weekend trip to attend a second ceremony. Do you know how bad this made me look? Not to mention your irresponsibility. As much as you’ve managed to bring up your ex in past conversations, you never once made me question that your relationship was anything but over.”
Like this quote exactly like y’all will not make me hate this woman idc. And then when this woman is in ur house and ur not nice to her because this woman is his wife and in ur house, he says this shit
“I defend her because she is my wife! While she is here, if your plan is to be my next one, you will show her respect or leave.”
WHAT? like as much as I appreciate the fact that this man truly loves Benny (fmc) this is disgusting to say to ur fiancé who again u did this shit too and is the victim in this situation. And then he gives u some unapology and u find out that this woman who ur fiancé flew across the world to sign papers he could’ve faxed is STILL IN LOVE WITH HIM
“Thank you for the un-apology. I happen to think I handled the situation well considering she still loves you.” She crossed her arms as if she hadn’t been satisfied that I disagreed with her.”
AND YET WITH ALL THIS WE GET ALL THIS INNER MONOLOGUE FROM HIM TO MAKE IT SEEM LIKE SHES JUST THIS HOT HEAD DRAMATIC GIRL who only cares for material things. And like this is the first 25% ish of the book and just for me I couldn’t Stan this like y’all will not vilify this woman for acting in a way that’s calmer then a lot of ppl would’ve like idk. I just hated it and then ofc they get snowed in and like she gets justifiably angry and is like yk I’m done and he doesn’t wait for like 2 minutes before he goes after Benny and again I liked the main couple but like I called it from the beginning that somehow Anna would have to be created as a villain so that we can root for the main couple and be like oh well it’s better that he’s not with Anna because….and the way this book does it is like they make it so Anna is kinda materialistic and doesn’t understand how Olli needs love and they didn’t rlly work they just got married bc they’re comfortable with each other and like it’s bandaid for their relationship which is fine but like imo I don’t think that Anna needed to be dicussed like she was for that to be true but whatever. Also I’m sorry y’all for this rant but I had to get it out.
2. The whole Olivia situation
The way that we brushed over the reason why Benny did not tell olli for 7 years he had a child I’m sorry. Like okay u didn’t wanna baby trap him ig but then u sent seperation papers and then like for years later u didn’t say anything and never would have. And then u were like oh well when my kid is older she can go seek u out girl what??? And I get it like ppl aren’t perfect but I don’t feel like that whole thing was condemned enough I’m sorry.
“Not until I say you have. There are lots of things I’ve wanted to say but have chosen not to in fear that in my anger, I might misspeak. I promise you it is better we talk when I’m ready to provide you with a well-thought conclusion to my feelings about our unique scenario. In the meantime, it’s satisfying that we can be pleasant in front of our child while we figure out the issues between us. She spent seven birthdays not knowing anything about me. The last thing I want her to think is that her parents argue all the time or don’t get along.”
Like I’m glad he’s a calm guy I guess bc wtf. Dude missed 7 years of his daughters life like. Idk just didn’t enjoy it.
Okay so I will say even with this I did enjoy the book. I read this looking for kinda angsty drama and this had that. The kink aspect was fun, a few scenes sprinkled in. And I don’t know much abt Finnish ppl so that was cool too. Overall I did speed thru this I just was very annoyed at certain times.
February 23, 2022
DNF - 55%. It is sooooo sloooowwww
And I just can't with the mean girl fiance that he doesn't even like neither does she like him. I'm not a fan of the surprise baby trope. Decided on your own what kind of father he's be and annoyed at the father for not being there when you hid the child from him. Ugh.
And how many times does it have to be mentioned he's Finnish or Finn. ENOUGH, we get it.
And not sure if maybe this has been translated but several minor grammatical/ copy errors made it hard for me to follow. Having to read the same sentence multiple times takes you of our the scene.
First time reading this author. May try another book at some time.
And I just can't with the mean girl fiance that he doesn't even like neither does she like him. I'm not a fan of the surprise baby trope. Decided on your own what kind of father he's be and annoyed at the father for not being there when you hid the child from him. Ugh.
And how many times does it have to be mentioned he's Finnish or Finn. ENOUGH, we get it.
And not sure if maybe this has been translated but several minor grammatical/ copy errors made it hard for me to follow. Having to read the same sentence multiple times takes you of our the scene.
First time reading this author. May try another book at some time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2019
There's something off about this book, didn't like it at all. It's like a 12 year old wrote it or something it wasn't flowing. Wouldn't recommend it.
August 15, 2019
When I see books with the second chance romance trope, that's to say, when a couple were together years ago and they're reuniting again, I want just one thing. And this book made me so happy because the authors didn't only give it to us, they constructed it in a way that it was the absolute backbone of the story. The thing that I look for is to feel like I know the couple even though we meet them later in their lives with a love that's already formed and we don't get to see a lot of their past. This book was built on the chemistry and adoration that the main characters had for each other that poured through the pages and you could read it and feel it. Also, the D/s elements of the BDSM part of the story were complimentary and intrinsic to the characterization and the romance that they had presented us and I felt like the book wouldn't have been the same without them. The intimacy that they built during the moments that we got to see surrounding their scenes and the reflections that they made about it were some of the best moments that I take from this book.
The reality is that I felt so much for these characters. I read the book in a day because I couldn't put the book down without knowing what would happen. Even though it wasn't a perfect book, it resonated with me so much. Olli was a wonderful hero to follow, he was adorable, awkward at times and had a lot of emotional commitment. What I didn't like was his relationship with his fiance. The way he treated her seemed out of character from what they had presented us. But fortunately that didn't take me out of the book while I was reading it, I just wanted to point it out. His relationship with Olivia was incredibly lovely even if Benny had zero originality for naming her children. Now for Bendición, she was a brilliant character. I felt like she had a lot of agency and got to make her own decisions. She fought for what she wanted, she was strong and independent and everything she did made sense in my eyes. I adored her backstory, I learned so much about Ecuatorial Guinea and I feel like I left the book with more than I had at the beginning. I thought the writing was spectacular and the chemistry that they had was very beautiful to read. This is a book that I'll definitely remember for a long time.
The reality is that I felt so much for these characters. I read the book in a day because I couldn't put the book down without knowing what would happen. Even though it wasn't a perfect book, it resonated with me so much. Olli was a wonderful hero to follow, he was adorable, awkward at times and had a lot of emotional commitment. What I didn't like was his relationship with his fiance. The way he treated her seemed out of character from what they had presented us. But fortunately that didn't take me out of the book while I was reading it, I just wanted to point it out. His relationship with Olivia was incredibly lovely even if Benny had zero originality for naming her children. Now for Bendición, she was a brilliant character. I felt like she had a lot of agency and got to make her own decisions. She fought for what she wanted, she was strong and independent and everything she did made sense in my eyes. I adored her backstory, I learned so much about Ecuatorial Guinea and I feel like I left the book with more than I had at the beginning. I thought the writing was spectacular and the chemistry that they had was very beautiful to read. This is a book that I'll definitely remember for a long time.
February 1, 2021
The Dom & His Sub
Very good read.
Boy meets girl, they fell in love , got married... However, when you are young, you think love is enough, after all doesn't love conquers all !? Well, Benny and Olli weren't prepared for the problems and obstacles of life, such as Olli living in foreign country, different cultures, immigration laws and restrictions, etc...He is a proud man, who believed in providing for his family. They had a beautiful beautiful beginning, a very rocky "middle"... And because of what meant to be will be a happy ever after. Eight years apart... a lot happened!
Now, my reproach to Olli, before he went on his sexcapade , he should check with HIS WIFE, granted they were legally separated, meaning he could sleep with other women without guilt, but to the point of getting married to another woman that he "loved", which in true he wasn't really in love with... Maybe that's why he conveniently forget to divorce Benny and to get the marriage licence months before. ?! In my opinion, subconsciously, he didn't want to marry Anna, and hoping deep down to get his Benny back.
Anna was a typical, entitled, self absorbed gold digger. Her selfish, rude entitled ass game backfired. If she was more understanding and appreciative she would still get Olli. But, the moment she let him go, which was what Olli wanted without knowing it... Game was over, for Anna! Can't say I felt sorry for her. !ol
And Benny, girl... I understand, but you are wrong!
Very good!
This book was recommended by Unique Words LLC
Very good read.
Boy meets girl, they fell in love , got married... However, when you are young, you think love is enough, after all doesn't love conquers all !? Well, Benny and Olli weren't prepared for the problems and obstacles of life, such as Olli living in foreign country, different cultures, immigration laws and restrictions, etc...He is a proud man, who believed in providing for his family. They had a beautiful beautiful beginning, a very rocky "middle"... And because of what meant to be will be a happy ever after. Eight years apart... a lot happened!
Now, my reproach to Olli, before he went on his sexcapade , he should check with HIS WIFE, granted they were legally separated, meaning he could sleep with other women without guilt, but to the point of getting married to another woman that he "loved", which in true he wasn't really in love with... Maybe that's why he conveniently forget to divorce Benny and to get the marriage licence months before. ?! In my opinion, subconsciously, he didn't want to marry Anna, and hoping deep down to get his Benny back.
Anna was a typical, entitled, self absorbed gold digger. Her selfish, rude entitled ass game backfired. If she was more understanding and appreciative she would still get Olli. But, the moment she let him go, which was what Olli wanted without knowing it... Game was over, for Anna! Can't say I felt sorry for her. !ol
And Benny, girl... I understand, but you are wrong!
Very good!
This book was recommended by Unique Words LLC
August 13, 2019
I have to admit that I was going to pass on this one, but was intrigued by the author's comments that despite the blurb, there was no cheating in this story and I was so curious that I wanted to read the book!
My heart broke for both Benny and Anna for the way Oli treated them both. Claiming to love Benny, but leaving her and moving on with his life. He admitted that he loved Anna as the woman of his dreams, on the very cusp of marriage to her. He had dragged his feet in applying for a marriage certificate and on the day of his wedding, he found out that he was still married to Benny. What a bonehead.
Having a serious relationship, getting engaged, and ready to march down the aisle to marry the woman he loved...well, come on, that's really cheating. He wasn't pining over Benny and only started thinking about her when he had to resolve his marriage to her (so he could marry Anna!)
The storyline read more of a narrative, and while it was well written and very interesting, my heart broke for the women he callously "loved". As much as I liked Benny, and disliked Anna, I still was a bit shocked at the way he treated her after finding out he was a daddy. The D/s portion of their relationship lacked the intensity and connection for me, but maybe it was because I was so irritated by Olli's behavior and actions toward Benny.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
My heart broke for both Benny and Anna for the way Oli treated them both. Claiming to love Benny, but leaving her and moving on with his life. He admitted that he loved Anna as the woman of his dreams, on the very cusp of marriage to her. He had dragged his feet in applying for a marriage certificate and on the day of his wedding, he found out that he was still married to Benny. What a bonehead.
Having a serious relationship, getting engaged, and ready to march down the aisle to marry the woman he loved...well, come on, that's really cheating. He wasn't pining over Benny and only started thinking about her when he had to resolve his marriage to her (so he could marry Anna!)
The storyline read more of a narrative, and while it was well written and very interesting, my heart broke for the women he callously "loved". As much as I liked Benny, and disliked Anna, I still was a bit shocked at the way he treated her after finding out he was a daddy. The D/s portion of their relationship lacked the intensity and connection for me, but maybe it was because I was so irritated by Olli's behavior and actions toward Benny.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 11, 2019
Interesting 3.5 stars
The book was a good read and it is obvious how subconsciously Olli really didn’t want to marry Anna. Nobody waits until 2 hours before to get the license. I know he apologized for leaving but Benny was also in the wrong. Even more so considering her background. I liked their relationship and how they got back together. They took their time (well Olli slowed things down) and I guess maturity allowed them to devise a life which works for both of them.As for Anna, what was he thinking? It’s obvious that she didn’t love him and that he was just her meal ticket. My reservations are that the book was at times a bit repetitive but also was so introspective that there was no real dialogue with anyone besides Olli and Benny. For example we didn’t get to read Olli’s parents reaction to him getting back with Benny, having a child or their first meeting with Olivia. We got some dialogue with Benny’s mom but not a lot. Benny loved the Us so much but we didn’t get to understand why as there was no interactions with friends or discovery of places she loved etc. Lastly they decided to split their time between Finland and California so it would have been nice to read about where they now lived and how Benny and Olivia adapted considering it was a big part of their breakup 8 years ago.
The book was a good read and it is obvious how subconsciously Olli really didn’t want to marry Anna. Nobody waits until 2 hours before to get the license. I know he apologized for leaving but Benny was also in the wrong. Even more so considering her background. I liked their relationship and how they got back together. They took their time (well Olli slowed things down) and I guess maturity allowed them to devise a life which works for both of them.As for Anna, what was he thinking? It’s obvious that she didn’t love him and that he was just her meal ticket. My reservations are that the book was at times a bit repetitive but also was so introspective that there was no real dialogue with anyone besides Olli and Benny. For example we didn’t get to read Olli’s parents reaction to him getting back with Benny, having a child or their first meeting with Olivia. We got some dialogue with Benny’s mom but not a lot. Benny loved the Us so much but we didn’t get to understand why as there was no interactions with friends or discovery of places she loved etc. Lastly they decided to split their time between Finland and California so it would have been nice to read about where they now lived and how Benny and Olivia adapted considering it was a big part of their breakup 8 years ago.
August 25, 2019
Unexpected Delightful Read...
It was a shame that Benny and Ollie could not handle life’s pressures at the beginning of their marriage! What a waste of eight years! There was a reason why Ollie waited until the last minute to get a marriage license, but I don’t blame him in the least. Anna could have gotten the license as well, hell she planned the entire wedding with a wedding planner and knew that he was extremely busy. They both would have learned what Ollie learned sooner if either one of the applied for it sooner. Hell the decisions and actions that she made, led to their end. I did not feel bad at all, because there really was no love lost. She was only with him for the money that she could get for him, and although he said that he loved her, I did not see told in this book. She was only just the woman that he could become closest to, and even so, he was denying a part of himself to be in the relationship. He made her get a prenuptial agreement because a part of him was not sure of her fidelity. I enjoyed Benny and Ollie’s connection! Their connection was sensual and erotic! I also enjoyed Olivia’s bond with her father and it was cute seeing them come together and plan a surprise for her mother with him. I can not wait until the next book is published! I am there!
It was a shame that Benny and Ollie could not handle life’s pressures at the beginning of their marriage! What a waste of eight years! There was a reason why Ollie waited until the last minute to get a marriage license, but I don’t blame him in the least. Anna could have gotten the license as well, hell she planned the entire wedding with a wedding planner and knew that he was extremely busy. They both would have learned what Ollie learned sooner if either one of the applied for it sooner. Hell the decisions and actions that she made, led to their end. I did not feel bad at all, because there really was no love lost. She was only with him for the money that she could get for him, and although he said that he loved her, I did not see told in this book. She was only just the woman that he could become closest to, and even so, he was denying a part of himself to be in the relationship. He made her get a prenuptial agreement because a part of him was not sure of her fidelity. I enjoyed Benny and Ollie’s connection! Their connection was sensual and erotic! I also enjoyed Olivia’s bond with her father and it was cute seeing them come together and plan a surprise for her mother with him. I can not wait until the next book is published! I am there!
October 16, 2019
I think that the premise was okay and I liked Benny and Olli’s characters on their own. But overall, I found the story didn’t have much of an intensity that I was expecting based off of the synopsis. I also felt like the story was a bit rushed and I hate to say I didn’t enjoy how miserable and not interested Olli’s character was with his fiancé.
I mean it’d be one thing if he were to find out she was such a bitch after Benny arrived and they reconnected but for her to be that way from the beginning AND have him be aware of the fact erases the “tension” from that angle all together. Besides the chemistry the two main leads seemed to have even with time the two spent apart and the child they shared, I REALLY wanted to see or find out that they had kept in touch or something over the years to be honest. Because it took a really long time for me to believe that all the unsaid words and unresolved feelings were real because they HAD NOT SEE OR SPOKEN TO EACH OTHER for nearly a decade.
And as I’m not a stranger to reading stories with Dom/Sub relationships anymore, I would say this is a book I’d recommend to readers who’d like more insight into that kind or world/relationship but on a “vanillay” and general level because of the way it is laid out in this book. But, I am up for following this series going forward.
I mean it’d be one thing if he were to find out she was such a bitch after Benny arrived and they reconnected but for her to be that way from the beginning AND have him be aware of the fact erases the “tension” from that angle all together. Besides the chemistry the two main leads seemed to have even with time the two spent apart and the child they shared, I REALLY wanted to see or find out that they had kept in touch or something over the years to be honest. Because it took a really long time for me to believe that all the unsaid words and unresolved feelings were real because they HAD NOT SEE OR SPOKEN TO EACH OTHER for nearly a decade.
And as I’m not a stranger to reading stories with Dom/Sub relationships anymore, I would say this is a book I’d recommend to readers who’d like more insight into that kind or world/relationship but on a “vanillay” and general level because of the way it is laid out in this book. But, I am up for following this series going forward.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2021
Finnish investor Olli is about to be married, when on the day in question, he finds out that he never officially divorced his first wife. He needs to contact Benny to expedite the divorce.
The premise was interesting, but not believable. It would have been better for them to have done a quick divorce in the past with a cheap lawyer who never filed the papers or something - that would have been more realistic.
In any case, when Olli finally contacts Benny, they each realize that they still have a connection to each other, a very strong connection that neither has been able to replace since they last separated. Despite all obstacles that seem to be in the way (his fiancé, their child he doesn’t know about...), are they meant to be together?
There are some typos at times sparkled a bit throughout, mostly related to punctuation (at times with spelling, for example, correctly writing breathe/breath, a/an, choose/chose, or at times with wrong verb tenses). At times, quotations from two characters are placed in the same paragraph, which is annoying..
Despite this, it was a nice story, with some interesting, believable characters. Nice epilogue, too.
The premise was interesting, but not believable. It would have been better for them to have done a quick divorce in the past with a cheap lawyer who never filed the papers or something - that would have been more realistic.
In any case, when Olli finally contacts Benny, they each realize that they still have a connection to each other, a very strong connection that neither has been able to replace since they last separated. Despite all obstacles that seem to be in the way (his fiancé, their child he doesn’t know about...), are they meant to be together?
There are some typos at times sparkled a bit throughout, mostly related to punctuation (at times with spelling, for example, correctly writing breathe/breath, a/an, choose/chose, or at times with wrong verb tenses). At times, quotations from two characters are placed in the same paragraph, which is annoying..
Despite this, it was a nice story, with some interesting, believable characters. Nice epilogue, too.
February 25, 2025
At first glance, Meant for You seems like it’s going to be a lighthearted, spicy rom-com with a kinky twist—but don’t be fooled. This book is so much more than that. At its core, it’s a beautifully written love story about soulmates, second chances, and the kind of connection that time and distance can’t break.
Olli and Benny’s journey is filled with passion, heartbreak, and the unexpected turns that life throws at us. Their chemistry is undeniable, but what truly makes this story shine is the depth of emotion woven into every page. The writing pulls you in, making you feel every moment of longing, regret, and hope. And while there are a few steamy scenes, they are tastefully done, adding to the romance rather than overshadowing it.
This isn’t just a book about rekindled love—it’s about rediscovering who you are, what you want, and what it truly means to find your way back to the person who was always meant for you. If you’re looking for a heartfelt, engaging read with characters that stay with you long after the last page, Meant for You is absolutely worth picking up.
Olli and Benny’s journey is filled with passion, heartbreak, and the unexpected turns that life throws at us. Their chemistry is undeniable, but what truly makes this story shine is the depth of emotion woven into every page. The writing pulls you in, making you feel every moment of longing, regret, and hope. And while there are a few steamy scenes, they are tastefully done, adding to the romance rather than overshadowing it.
This isn’t just a book about rekindled love—it’s about rediscovering who you are, what you want, and what it truly means to find your way back to the person who was always meant for you. If you’re looking for a heartfelt, engaging read with characters that stay with you long after the last page, Meant for You is absolutely worth picking up.
May 4, 2022
Absolutely a must read!!
I have to say this book was definitely a refreshing look at the Dom/Sub relationship. I've read a few books delving into the bdsm life style where the POV is mostly from the Dom and what his or her tastes, wants and desires are. G. L. Tomas brought not just that. They took me on a journey through the life of the Sub Bennie. Reading what she likes and what she gets from her Dom, Ollie, gave me some more insight into what the sub gains in their relationship. I loved their banter, their sexiness, vulnerability and love of each other and their daughter Olivia. I have to say this book happy surprised me. Through the drama in Helsinki to the rediscovery in California Ollie and Bennie were a pleasure to get to know throughout this book. I totally loved their kink. I highly recommend this book!!
I have to say this book was definitely a refreshing look at the Dom/Sub relationship. I've read a few books delving into the bdsm life style where the POV is mostly from the Dom and what his or her tastes, wants and desires are. G. L. Tomas brought not just that. They took me on a journey through the life of the Sub Bennie. Reading what she likes and what she gets from her Dom, Ollie, gave me some more insight into what the sub gains in their relationship. I loved their banter, their sexiness, vulnerability and love of each other and their daughter Olivia. I have to say this book happy surprised me. Through the drama in Helsinki to the rediscovery in California Ollie and Bennie were a pleasure to get to know throughout this book. I totally loved their kink. I highly recommend this book!!
September 5, 2024
I'm entirely puzzled by the great reviews this book has.
The concept is fine, a little predictable, but that's OK with me.
The writing...I have spent the entire book wondering if maybe I got a strange early draft copy, and that's why other reviewers didn't seem to notice that this book seemingly had zero editors involved? It doesn't even seem like anyone took the time to read through the draft before putting the book out? Nearly every single page is littered with missing words, repeated words, incorrectly written phrases, lack of punctuation, and sentences that just make absolutely no sense. The frequency of these errors makes it very difficult to get into the story and stay interested.
The book is also very repetitive about a handful of topics, and I found the sections about the past impossible to focus on to the point where I just started skimming them all.
The concept is fine, a little predictable, but that's OK with me.
The writing...I have spent the entire book wondering if maybe I got a strange early draft copy, and that's why other reviewers didn't seem to notice that this book seemingly had zero editors involved? It doesn't even seem like anyone took the time to read through the draft before putting the book out? Nearly every single page is littered with missing words, repeated words, incorrectly written phrases, lack of punctuation, and sentences that just make absolutely no sense. The frequency of these errors makes it very difficult to get into the story and stay interested.
The book is also very repetitive about a handful of topics, and I found the sections about the past impossible to focus on to the point where I just started skimming them all.
August 16, 2019
Kinky meets Romance
I must admit...I did not want to pick up this book because frankly...Kinky and BDSM is not my thing...so I promised myself that the minute I become uncomfortable reading....I'll just return it....but that minute never came....and their was never a slight chance of uncomfortable situations....quite the opposite....it's a beautiful cross cultural...cross Atlantic romantic IR standalone story which is beautifully written and the little bit of kinky played very little into it...Olli and Benny never stopped loving each other...even after 8 years apart...even when he was about to walk down the aisle to marry Anna...the Nordic witch....he could not get the taste of dark berries of his lips or from his heart....
I must admit...I did not want to pick up this book because frankly...Kinky and BDSM is not my thing...so I promised myself that the minute I become uncomfortable reading....I'll just return it....but that minute never came....and their was never a slight chance of uncomfortable situations....quite the opposite....it's a beautiful cross cultural...cross Atlantic romantic IR standalone story which is beautifully written and the little bit of kinky played very little into it...Olli and Benny never stopped loving each other...even after 8 years apart...even when he was about to walk down the aisle to marry Anna...the Nordic witch....he could not get the taste of dark berries of his lips or from his heart....
August 19, 2019
Good Good
When I started this story it was with all the excitement of finding a new writer and all the wonder. Well what I got was a nice and sweet story about a couple finding their way back to one another. I loved that this read like grown-up life. I think I was only annoyed twice and that was with Benny, because it seemed like she was more interested in getting with Ollie than sorting out their lives. The second was when Ollie decides to return to the states ,it just seemed he was a tad too accepting. Overall this was a good story it was just missing some of the sparkle, you would expect from a couple finding one another again and finding out that the love was still there.
When I started this story it was with all the excitement of finding a new writer and all the wonder. Well what I got was a nice and sweet story about a couple finding their way back to one another. I loved that this read like grown-up life. I think I was only annoyed twice and that was with Benny, because it seemed like she was more interested in getting with Ollie than sorting out their lives. The second was when Ollie decides to return to the states ,it just seemed he was a tad too accepting. Overall this was a good story it was just missing some of the sparkle, you would expect from a couple finding one another again and finding out that the love was still there.
June 7, 2021
Ollie and Bendicion (Benny) fell in love got married Were in the U.S he could not find work. Being he was the Husband he wanted to provide for her but she was the one working he became unhappy they separated and he went back to Finland and he thought he found the woman for him to find out he was not divorced from Benny he had to get a divorce Benny came to Finland and that is where things changed his so to be wife let her feelings known Benny sign the papers and want to go back home a snowstorm hits they have to stay in a cabin together feelings are woken up and he realizes she is the one for him and her the same she tells them they have a kid and he tells the other women he staying married. I love this book because true love always finds a way
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