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Till There Was You #2
Ollie on the Out
How do you win the heart of someone who loathes your touch?
Drew
Ollie Mattis has haphephobia, an irrational fear and aversion to being touched. If I hadn’t witnessed his body, broken and bruised, I would not have understood his meltdown when his father tries to comfort him. Almost two years later, Ollie’s still struggling to maintain relationships with even his family. His number one rule is that no one should ever touch him. I intend to follow that rule no matter how much I want to comfort him. Until one night his need outweighs the risk.
Ollie
For reasons unknown to me, Drew has appointed himself my protector. But all I see when I look at him is temptation, one I cannot indulge in. Not because he’s my father’s best friend but because I am terrified of his touch…of anybody’s touch. In therapy, I’ve learned a new trick that turns me into someone else. It’s mental. It’s deliberate, but for a couple of hours, I can be almost normal. Maybe, just maybe wearing this disguise, I can afford for Drew to hold me the way I haven’t been held in two years. My father forbids our relationship, but the intimacy Drew exposes me to is bittersweet. Will he understand my limits or push me away?
Drew
Ollie Mattis has haphephobia, an irrational fear and aversion to being touched. If I hadn’t witnessed his body, broken and bruised, I would not have understood his meltdown when his father tries to comfort him. Almost two years later, Ollie’s still struggling to maintain relationships with even his family. His number one rule is that no one should ever touch him. I intend to follow that rule no matter how much I want to comfort him. Until one night his need outweighs the risk.
Ollie
For reasons unknown to me, Drew has appointed himself my protector. But all I see when I look at him is temptation, one I cannot indulge in. Not because he’s my father’s best friend but because I am terrified of his touch…of anybody’s touch. In therapy, I’ve learned a new trick that turns me into someone else. It’s mental. It’s deliberate, but for a couple of hours, I can be almost normal. Maybe, just maybe wearing this disguise, I can afford for Drew to hold me the way I haven’t been held in two years. My father forbids our relationship, but the intimacy Drew exposes me to is bittersweet. Will he understand my limits or push me away?
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 25, 2018
71 people are currently reading
384 people want to read
About the author
Gianni Holmes
112 books1,341 followersGianni Holmes is a USA TODAY Bestselling author who's embracing her love for literature by wielding the pen and creating stories of her own. She's the author of the popular series The Grimm Tales of Smoky Vale and The Taking Care series. Gianni is a former teacher of Spanish Language and Hispanic Literature.
These days she can be found writing books, hanging out with her readers, and raising her daughter as a single mother. You can keep in touch with her in the following places:
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/authorgiannih...
Newsletter: https://www.gianniholmesauthor.com/ne...
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/giannigems
These days she can be found writing books, hanging out with her readers, and raising her daughter as a single mother. You can keep in touch with her in the following places:
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/authorgiannih...
Newsletter: https://www.gianniholmesauthor.com/ne...
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/giannigems
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
May 6, 2019
3.5 stars
This was so close to being a 4 star rating, but the extra drama at the end felt unnecessary.
This was so close to being a 4 star rating, but the extra drama at the end felt unnecessary.
October 25, 2018
♥.•🌟¨)☆♡¸.•🌟´¨)☆♡¸.•♥🌟´¨)☆♡♥
♡🌟(¸.•♥´🌟5 Outstanding stars
There is no denying this is one of the books I have been waiting on this year. When I was first introduced to Ollie in Gianni Holmes's Easy Does It Twice, I loved him. He was just trying to understand the person he was finding out about and then the drama started. I swear I cried for an entire week after reading book one and knew I just need the author to give vengeance and resolution.
I was prepared for angst and more tears. What I got was a lesson in redemption. Ollie On The Out turned out to be better than I anticipated. Yes, I got chills and tears and wanted to rage. But I got satisfaction and an energy that made me so confident in the fact that there was someone like Drew who was willing to take a such a damaged boy and renew his spirit, body and mind.
I will recommend this book to the nth degree.
I proudly, voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
♡🌟(¸.•♥´🌟5 Outstanding stars
There is no denying this is one of the books I have been waiting on this year. When I was first introduced to Ollie in Gianni Holmes's Easy Does It Twice, I loved him. He was just trying to understand the person he was finding out about and then the drama started. I swear I cried for an entire week after reading book one and knew I just need the author to give vengeance and resolution.
I was prepared for angst and more tears. What I got was a lesson in redemption. Ollie On The Out turned out to be better than I anticipated. Yes, I got chills and tears and wanted to rage. But I got satisfaction and an energy that made me so confident in the fact that there was someone like Drew who was willing to take a such a damaged boy and renew his spirit, body and mind.
I will recommend this book to the nth degree.
I proudly, voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
March 17, 2021
A journey of healing for Ollie victim of a beating and rape. It had been a year, but Ollie has an aversion to touch. Then he discovers ex-cop Drew, a family friend, makes him feel safe, but it's more. We have a slow burn with their secret feelings and we watch the progress.
Ollie is a college student, 20,
with several hair colors along the way, green eyes and hope.
Drew, 30, ginger, was the one
who snuck in after hours to watch over Ollie last year while he was in the hospital. Drew is a security man now.
We see the technique Ollie's therapist used to get him to talk and the façade carried through to real life.
The men see each other and Drew has guilt for hiding it from Gordon and Beau. Gordon discovers the secret and explodes, Ollie goes off to school, and Drew must stay at work.
Ollie is stronger, now gender fluid with piercings,
and has a good friend, Bailey, at college. Drew is drowning in misery, Gordon and Beau have issues, Charlie is blooming, and bad news comes knocking.
We see internal thoughts, inner struggles, decision making, and our hope for them all, as it comes full circle.
We see ups and downs, incredibly hot and sexy times, and culminates in a lasting love.
A terrific epilogue. May/December M/M romance.
ENJOY !
===== Thank you sweet Hadis for the rec !
======
Ollie is a college student, 20,
with several hair colors along the way, green eyes and hope.
Drew, 30, ginger, was the one
who snuck in after hours to watch over Ollie last year while he was in the hospital. Drew is a security man now.
We see the technique Ollie's therapist used to get him to talk and the façade carried through to real life.
The men see each other and Drew has guilt for hiding it from Gordon and Beau. Gordon discovers the secret and explodes, Ollie goes off to school, and Drew must stay at work.
Ollie is stronger, now gender fluid with piercings,
and has a good friend, Bailey, at college. Drew is drowning in misery, Gordon and Beau have issues, Charlie is blooming, and bad news comes knocking.
We see internal thoughts, inner struggles, decision making, and our hope for them all, as it comes full circle.
We see ups and downs, incredibly hot and sexy times, and culminates in a lasting love.
A terrific epilogue. May/December M/M romance.
ENJOY !
===== Thank you sweet Hadis for the rec !
======
Did Not Finish
September 12, 2019Somehow I'm just not in the mood for this book.
June 13, 2020
Touching, emotional, angsty HEA story
This is a second title in an MM contemporary romance series about same bunch of people with the emphasis on different main couple. I read this as a standalone eithout trouble though I would recommend others starting with title 1. There's HEA.
It was well written and on top of that the author had tackled such tough subjects that I had to give it 5. As trigger warnings too: In addition to age difference, the other mc was a sufferer of severe trauma from past abuse/attack. The other mc had his baggage too and he was friends with the younger one's dad. It's not quite May-December, just age difference and hurt-comfort among other things. There's angst.
I feel it's tough to delve more into the content without writing too much.
The story succeeded in showing how both felt, their insecurities and their inner doubts and conquering them as well as outside factors. If one's looking for an angsty high emotion read with tough issues but a HEA, here's one for you. I read it through at one sitting.
This is a second title in an MM contemporary romance series about same bunch of people with the emphasis on different main couple. I read this as a standalone eithout trouble though I would recommend others starting with title 1. There's HEA.
It was well written and on top of that the author had tackled such tough subjects that I had to give it 5. As trigger warnings too: In addition to age difference, the other mc was a sufferer of severe trauma from past abuse/attack. The other mc had his baggage too and he was friends with the younger one's dad. It's not quite May-December, just age difference and hurt-comfort among other things. There's angst.
I feel it's tough to delve more into the content without writing too much.
The story succeeded in showing how both felt, their insecurities and their inner doubts and conquering them as well as outside factors. If one's looking for an angsty high emotion read with tough issues but a HEA, here's one for you. I read it through at one sitting.
September 16, 2019
Not Easy Emotionally But Worth It.
This story was emotionally difficult but a story of a deep love. Read This books in order so you can know Ollie before ...
Ollie's spirit is strong. It has to be for him to survive. The author did not make his recovery an easy happening. I appreciated that. It would have been a disservice to all victims of sexual assault to make it a swift recovery. (I still no not like Drew's parents.)
Husband Holmes is an author I will keep reading.
This story was emotionally difficult but a story of a deep love. Read This books in order so you can know Ollie before ...
Ollie's spirit is strong. It has to be for him to survive. The author did not make his recovery an easy happening. I appreciated that. It would have been a disservice to all victims of sexual assault to make it a swift recovery. (I still no not like Drew's parents.)
Husband Holmes is an author I will keep reading.
February 2, 2020
I think this and the first in the series could have been 4 stars for me if there had been better editing. There were sentences that didn't make sense, missing words, or simply the wrong words. I found myself skipping paragraphs at a time. Normally, I would have DNFed, but I liked the characters enough to keep reading. I doubt I read the next in the series for that reason, though.
October 26, 2018
Gianni Holmes is such an amazing author! This book will wanna make you laugh, cry and cheer with each character! Such a wonderful read! Highly recommended!
October 31, 2018
This is a very intense hurt/comfort story, heavy on angst, but understandably so given what happened to Ollie. It's a very emotional story, not an easy read, but certainly one that will give you all the feels. I loved it!
I've had Ollie on my mind since reading about him in Easy Does It Twice and I'm so happy to see him finally get his HEA! He went through hell, but he wasn't destroyed by it, he survived and healed, which was a relief to read, quite frankly. I loved the significance of the title! It's so well-chosen.
Drew is very protective of Ollie and the bond that exists between is so intense and very moving!
I loved Drew's gentleness and his patience with Ollie. Ollie's insecurities and his mental struggles are at times painful to read, his suffering is portrayed with great care and feels very authentic. It would be impossible not to feel touched by everything he goes through.
I don't think I'd call this a May/December romance, because while there certainly is an age difference and Ollie is quite young, Drew is only about 11 years older so not exactly a fossil himself.
Beau and Gordon are not my favorite characters, and I was reminded why in this book. They aren't strong on communication and a bit quick to judge...poor Ollie and Drew, though they redeem themselves eventually. Drew lets Gordon and Beau get into his head and for a time there really believes staying away from Ollie is in Ollie's best interests.
I loved how well everything turned out in the end, though this couple had a lot of obstacles to overcome to get there. It made for a heartbreaking, surprising and ultimately amazing love story.
Absolutely recommend it!
I've had Ollie on my mind since reading about him in Easy Does It Twice and I'm so happy to see him finally get his HEA! He went through hell, but he wasn't destroyed by it, he survived and healed, which was a relief to read, quite frankly. I loved the significance of the title! It's so well-chosen.
Drew is very protective of Ollie and the bond that exists between is so intense and very moving!
I loved Drew's gentleness and his patience with Ollie. Ollie's insecurities and his mental struggles are at times painful to read, his suffering is portrayed with great care and feels very authentic. It would be impossible not to feel touched by everything he goes through.
I don't think I'd call this a May/December romance, because while there certainly is an age difference and Ollie is quite young, Drew is only about 11 years older so not exactly a fossil himself.
Beau and Gordon are not my favorite characters, and I was reminded why in this book. They aren't strong on communication and a bit quick to judge...poor Ollie and Drew, though they redeem themselves eventually. Drew lets Gordon and Beau get into his head and for a time there really believes staying away from Ollie is in Ollie's best interests.
I loved how well everything turned out in the end, though this couple had a lot of obstacles to overcome to get there. It made for a heartbreaking, surprising and ultimately amazing love story.
Absolutely recommend it!
September 16, 2020
Good read
While I liked this book, I didn't love this book. I didn't read book 1 in the series so I was a little thrown at first about what was going on, but that's on me, and it didn't take me long to get caught up. But I think what was throwing me off ****small spoiler alert******
Gordon's reaction to Drew and Ollie. There is only a 10 year age gap so it wasn't that bad and I'm sorry if my son had ever been thru what Ollie went thru and then I noticed he was finally started to come around andact happy after 2years I wouldn't care what the reason was, I'd just be happy for him. Gordon put his feelings first in the matter over his own son. (Maybe I would feel different if I read the first book but I'm well aware that Eric was Gordon's friend and now Drew is but I can't compare the two and that seems like what Gordon did) plus can I just add what a judgemental a-hole Marshall is. I have no desire to read his book.
While I liked this book, I didn't love this book. I didn't read book 1 in the series so I was a little thrown at first about what was going on, but that's on me, and it didn't take me long to get caught up. But I think what was throwing me off ****small spoiler alert******
Gordon's reaction to Drew and Ollie. There is only a 10 year age gap so it wasn't that bad and I'm sorry if my son had ever been thru what Ollie went thru and then I noticed he was finally started to come around andact happy after 2years I wouldn't care what the reason was, I'd just be happy for him. Gordon put his feelings first in the matter over his own son. (Maybe I would feel different if I read the first book but I'm well aware that Eric was Gordon's friend and now Drew is but I can't compare the two and that seems like what Gordon did) plus can I just add what a judgemental a-hole Marshall is. I have no desire to read his book.
July 6, 2020
It was tough watching Ollie struggle. It was kind of interesting that the therapist suggested Ollie pretend to be someone else or disassociate in order to talk about what happened, but here it worked. Ollie was a lot stronger than he gave himself credit for.
I get where his mind was at, but I wish Drew would have fought harder for Ollie after the blowout.
Also, I hate Marshall! Instead of being a friend to Drew he downplayed his relationship at every turn, told him about Ollie's new "boyfriend" when there wasn't one and just tried to keep the two apart even when he didn't want to be with Drew for more than FWB. And then had the nerve to desert him when he himself got a younger bf. Also, where was he after the car accident?
Anywho, I loved the story and was soo happy with the ending.
I get where his mind was at, but I wish Drew would have fought harder for Ollie after the blowout.
Also, I hate Marshall! Instead of being a friend to Drew he downplayed his relationship at every turn, told him about Ollie's new "boyfriend" when there wasn't one and just tried to keep the two apart even when he didn't want to be with Drew for more than FWB. And then had the nerve to desert him when he himself got a younger bf. Also, where was he after the car accident?
Anywho, I loved the story and was soo happy with the ending.
January 24, 2022
At first, I thought the writing in this book was a bit better than the previous one. I was wrong. The climax is terrible. It's like the author couldn't decide what calamity to bestow upon the characters, so she chose all of the above.
Other things that bothered me: it would be unethical for both Ollie and his father to be seeing the same therapist. Given the financials described in the first book, it doesn't make sense for Ollie to have a trust fund. Also, naming someone as your emergency contact does not give them the power to make healthcare decisions for you
Other things that bothered me: it would be unethical for both Ollie and his father to be seeing the same therapist. Given the financials described in the first book, it doesn't make sense for Ollie to have a trust fund. Also, naming someone as your emergency contact does not give them the power to make healthcare decisions for you
July 20, 2020
Hurt/comfort with an age gap is one of my favorite tropes and "Ollie on the Out" took that category to a whole new level. My heart broke while still reading the prologue, at which point I was already all-in with this story and its two MCs, Ollie and Drew.
This is a heavy, angsty story - so much so that I had to take a few pauses reading it - but it was also so compelling and heartfelt. Even with the guaranteed HEA, I was rooting so hard for Ollie and Drew - both personally and in their relationship - and author Gianni Holmes threw in several unexpected twists in their journey to happiness.
I highly recommend this book, and am looking forward to reading Bailey's story in Book 3. Oh, and I have no plans to ever forgive Drew's parents...read the book and you'll understand!
This is a heavy, angsty story - so much so that I had to take a few pauses reading it - but it was also so compelling and heartfelt. Even with the guaranteed HEA, I was rooting so hard for Ollie and Drew - both personally and in their relationship - and author Gianni Holmes threw in several unexpected twists in their journey to happiness.
I highly recommend this book, and am looking forward to reading Bailey's story in Book 3. Oh, and I have no plans to ever forgive Drew's parents...read the book and you'll understand!
November 6, 2018
An incredibly beautiful and emotional story that I could not put down. I have been anxiously awaiting Ollie's story and it was so much better than expected. It's a poignant, emotional, heartbreaking story that had me in tears, both sad and happy tears. The bond and strong connection that Ollie and Drew have can really be felt throughout this story. Drew's patience, understanding, and protectiveness of Ollie are incredible. I loved watching Ollie work through everything and truly begin to heal with Drew's help and love. I truly cannot say enough about this book it is SPECTACULAR and a definite MUST READ!! I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
January 19, 2019
I really liked this book. Well written, with lots of angst and a very sweet Drew.
The only thing I found a bit away from reality were the parents of Drew. Can somebody really be that twisted?
I made the mistake to start with this book first because it was recommended in a FB group, but recognized soon enough that it's better to read "Easy does it twice" first. It's necessary for the understanding!
The only thing I found a bit away from reality were the parents of Drew. Can somebody really be that twisted?
I made the mistake to start with this book first because it was recommended in a FB group, but recognized soon enough that it's better to read "Easy does it twice" first. It's necessary for the understanding!
August 29, 2019
Healing and Moving On!
Role-play, selfless actions, and an unwavering connection are elements of the Ollie & Drew romance. Good poignant writing, relatable MCs and co-characters. The story does have a certain amount of heavy angst but it’s written with sensitivity and hopefulness. A bit intensive but enjoyable read.
I want to read the Marshall & Perry story. Their relationship seemed oddly quick and out of nowhere, so similar to Ollie & Drew’s. I need an explanation!
Role-play, selfless actions, and an unwavering connection are elements of the Ollie & Drew romance. Good poignant writing, relatable MCs and co-characters. The story does have a certain amount of heavy angst but it’s written with sensitivity and hopefulness. A bit intensive but enjoyable read.
I want to read the Marshall & Perry story. Their relationship seemed oddly quick and out of nowhere, so similar to Ollie & Drew’s. I need an explanation!
April 10, 2021
It's a very sweet book, despite the subject of the book. Drew caring for Ollie, no matter how small the gesture was.
I liked Ollie's journey to finding back to himself, and discovering who he was, and it was a roller coaster of emotions when I jumped in to the story.
I noticed it was one of the first books to the author, the editing isn't as good as later on, there's some grammar mistakes, but nothing that takes away from the story.
I liked Ollie's journey to finding back to himself, and discovering who he was, and it was a roller coaster of emotions when I jumped in to the story.
I noticed it was one of the first books to the author, the editing isn't as good as later on, there's some grammar mistakes, but nothing that takes away from the story.
February 16, 2019
Ollie is one of the strongest characters I ever read about, fearless confronting his fears, straightforward and the very incarnation of hope. Drew is so delicate and loving, so supporting and accepting, that sometimes I asked myself if it was for real. I really enjoyed reading it, their journey, Ollie's journey discovering himself, his strength and resilience. Totally recommended!
August 19, 2019
Finally together!
Drew and Olie story has so much struggling together to make their life together.
This story makes you cry and sad and finally very happy. It all reads very real and I'm glad I have bought these 3 books about characters that came to life. Thank you Gianni for such amazing writing.
Drew and Olie story has so much struggling together to make their life together.
This story makes you cry and sad and finally very happy. It all reads very real and I'm glad I have bought these 3 books about characters that came to life. Thank you Gianni for such amazing writing.
February 15, 2020
Woah Ollie on the Out was quite intense, but damn was it written well.
Ollie and his journey is one of triumph, I really loved watching Ollie come into his own and find himself.
Drew was amazing and so caring, he had patience and so much understanding.
These two were so perfect each other, they just fit.
Ollie and his journey is one of triumph, I really loved watching Ollie come into his own and find himself.
Drew was amazing and so caring, he had patience and so much understanding.
These two were so perfect each other, they just fit.
Read
November 23, 2020Time of death 33%
I just can't understand how suddenly Drew has like zero confidence/self esteem... How am I supposed to believe he can really help Ollie?
Ollie felt like the strong one here... I just didn't like the dynamic.
This could have been a great story... The premise was great. Execution failed for me... But what do I know? A lot of others liked it so
I just can't understand how suddenly Drew has like zero confidence/self esteem... How am I supposed to believe he can really help Ollie?
Ollie felt like the strong one here... I just didn't like the dynamic.
This could have been a great story... The premise was great. Execution failed for me... But what do I know? A lot of others liked it so
July 15, 2025
oh man, i thought book one was emotional, but holy shit. the angst was angsting!
some things i didn't care for: i usually don't care when the MCs are in relationships with others, but i was meh reading about drew and marsh's FWB thing. and then bailey! ugh, that just broke my heart. idk if there's a spin off with his HEA but i hope he has one
some things i didn't care for: i usually don't care when the MCs are in relationships with others, but i was meh reading about drew and marsh's FWB thing. and then bailey! ugh, that just broke my heart. idk if there's a spin off with his HEA but i hope he has one
January 6, 2019
Haunting, tender, sweet recovery story
Recovering from sexual assault hasn't been easy for Ollie. Especially when he was assaulted by one of the people who should have loved and cherished him. But building a life with Drew means enough to make all the pain worthwhile.
Recovering from sexual assault hasn't been easy for Ollie. Especially when he was assaulted by one of the people who should have loved and cherished him. But building a life with Drew means enough to make all the pain worthwhile.
February 21, 2019
WOW!!
I really love your Stories Gianni Holmes!!
Again, just as the last two books, I fell in
Love with the characters and their all the
Pain they experienced! Thank you for
Your gut renching stories!! 💛💛💛💛
I really love your Stories Gianni Holmes!!
Again, just as the last two books, I fell in
Love with the characters and their all the
Pain they experienced! Thank you for
Your gut renching stories!! 💛💛💛💛
April 15, 2019
Awesome
This book was so great. I really loved Ollie, he had such a great personality and it was great to see him overcome what happened to him. Drew was also a great character and their love making Ollie himself again was just wonderful.
This book was so great. I really loved Ollie, he had such a great personality and it was great to see him overcome what happened to him. Drew was also a great character and their love making Ollie himself again was just wonderful.
May 6, 2020
Ollie & Drew
Beyond excellent with all the heartbreak and feels you can handle. Join Ollie & Drew as they work to overcome all the obstacles (parents, friends, distance, and multiple traumas) on their way to their. HEA.
Beyond excellent with all the heartbreak and feels you can handle. Join Ollie & Drew as they work to overcome all the obstacles (parents, friends, distance, and multiple traumas) on their way to their. HEA.
Read
March 22, 2021DNF. No me estaba gustando la temática, la diferencia de edad, que uno sea uno de los mejores amigos de los padres del otro. Es el 2do de una serie que tampoco me llamaba la atención para leer el 1ero.
No lo puedo calificar porque sencillamente no era para mí y ya.
No lo puedo calificar porque sencillamente no era para mí y ya.
November 3, 2018
Woah!
I was not at all expecting this. Well done! Amazing storyline, great MC’s, and all the feels! Definitely worth the read.
I was not at all expecting this. Well done! Amazing storyline, great MC’s, and all the feels! Definitely worth the read.
February 4, 2020
So good
I really feel like the author poured their heart and soul into this book. That Ollie and Drew were a perfect match for each other.
I really feel like the author poured their heart and soul into this book. That Ollie and Drew were a perfect match for each other.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews