Tom

by Kristin Stone

When Tom, an alpha and playboy at heart, is confronted by his uncle to either change his reckless, playboy lifestyle and settle down or leave the family business for good, he desperately needs to find a way to convince his family he's changed. His last ditch hope is to have his nervous secretary, an omega, act as his girlfriend. What could go wrong?

Bianca is shocked when her short-tempered boss suggests a fake relationship scheme to fool his family into believing he has changed his lifestyle. The offer comes at the perfect time though. She needs to hide from Jasper, the alpha who claimed her against her will when she was only twenty and is being released from jail after having served time for it.

Can this unlikely pair fool Tom's family and turn a fake relationship into not just a believable marriage but true love?

Publisher This alpha/omega, age-gap romance contains elements of a marriage of convenience, past trauma, possible triggers for some readers, a journey to true love and a happily ever after.

Genres: Omegaverse, Marriage Of Convenience, Enemies To Lovers

348 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 6, 2022

Reviews

[Grisette · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.3 stars

Of all recent book trends, I find the Omegaverse genre very alluring and refreshing. I just love the distinct concepts and tropes associated with it, and of course the 'primal, fated instinct' essence of it is very appealing as well as smoking hot to a romance enthusiast like me. Weirdly enough, though Omegaverse is now widespreadly published and read, I don't read much books in the genre nowadays. Excluding the wolf shifter genre, Romance Omegaverse is widely split between 'Dark' sub-genre (usually in a fantasy or apocalyptic background) and 'Sweet' sub-genre (most often as Contemporary Romance but in a ABO world). While I did explore the 'Dark' sub-genre because let's face it these authors (Zoey Ellis, Isoellen, Nora Ash, Eva Dresden, and even the controversionally famous Addison Cain) were the pioneers for establishing and popularising the genre, the 'Sweet' sub-genre was a little revolution of its own for me (Kathryn Moon, Lola Rock). Because Omegaverse then became much more mainstream and as such, more relatable to romantic romance readers. However, excuse the pun, but that particular sub-genre recently turned a bit sour to my tastes. I mean how many times can new authors keep spinning from over-treaded tropes of the h being snarky but sweet, dancing ballet, and having heady perfume, going to Omega School, having to be auctioned to packs, while the Hs (more often than one H) all have sophisticated names but are Class A Alphaholes? *shakes head & sighs*

All this to say that reading this particular book was a very refreshing exercise because for once it read like a likeable, sane CR book set in an Omegaverse world. In a way, it felt like going back to the roots of 'Sweet' Omegaverse without falling into the pathos of diabetic NA characters. And for this very reason I am bumping this book up for a 5 GR stars read. I am deeply appreciative of the honest stand Kristin Stone took for her shot at CR Omegaverse and I feel that she deserves the vote of confidence. The book reminded me a lot of the nice CR (non-Omegaverse) The Contract - which I now want to re-read soonish.

Although the book was not perfect and the plot had its uneven times, I still liked the overall story. The H and h were decent characters, with well crafted backstories/ traumas and their romance, though a little bit on the quasi-180⁰ feelings switch side at the detriment of prolonged 'enemy' angst, felt wholesome and adult. I liked that Tom was only a 'surface' Alphahole, who really hid a discreet gentleman knight behind his mask. And I liked that Bianca was a quiet but still courageous where it counts h. I loved how there was a pragmatic introduction and approach to a likely in-world societal issue (forced claiming). And I loved their ways of saying I❤U non-verbally 🥰!

Recommended for all Omegaverse readers who are sick of bubblegum pink books and want a decent CR spin on the genre.

P.S.1 Since a big homage to the 'Poirot' Tv series is mentioned thoughout in th book (I am assuming it's the ITV version), this was definitely a huge plus point for me 🤩

P.S.2 Would it be wishful thinking if one day KS decided to write a bonus epilogue to show a little bit more of Tom and Bianca's HEA?

[Kaitlyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Tom started very strong, and overall I had fun reading this book. It’s an excellent romance and a quick read that grabs you from the beginning and doesn’t let you go until you’ve finished it. I was surprised by how much I liked this book, and how complicated the plot got as the book continued. If you like ABO dynamics without shifters you'll like this book, but if not you might want to skip this one since mate bonding was significant to the story. It was interesting how not every couple completed the mate bond because it created such an intimate bond. Usually, I read ABO books where mating marks are freely given and proudly shown off, so it was unique to read a romance where that level of commitment was almost revered, it also made what Bianca’s ex did even more violating and revolting. Overall, this story followed the basic fake relationship turns into true love trope, but the characters really added depth.

I loved Tom throughout the whole book! I was surprised by how complex his character was because he was introduced as just this stereotypical playboy. I liked Bianca, but not as much as Tom, and at one point I found her very unlikeable a a bit annoying. I gave Biance a bit of a pass because she was using Tom to hide from her abusive ex. However, it’s hard to support a heroine who has fallen in love with the hero and continues to keep him in the dark about the danger she is in, feels guilty about it, but doesn’t even try to tell him anything. Also, I felt like Bianca, slut shamed Tom too much. Tom did have sex with many women and escorts, but Bianca continuously judged him based on how many women he slept with. But after Tom learned Bianca's secret, she grew on me, and I loved her and Tom together. The only other complaint I had was that any resolution with Bianca’s abusive ex never really happened. He does confront Bianca and tries to get her back, but after that failed confrontation he never shows up again, it’s not mentioned if he was arrested again, if her parents continued supporting him, or if he even left the city. I would have liked a more concrete conclusion with Jasper. Otherwise, I thought this was a very solid and entertaining romance, and I look forward to reading the next in the series.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is part of The Players series with an alpha who knows he is all alpha thinking he is every girls gift and the one women he thought wouldn’t ever change his heart. Tom sexy as all get out playboy sleeping with everything that wears a skirt, successful but needs to step up to the man everyone around him knows he can be so his uncle gives him an ultimatum to change his ways, find a wife or he will be removed from the family business. Bianca is intelligent, assistant to a very grumpy boss, an omega who is plain or so she felt on most days compared to the women she saw him with, and she doesn’t want all the attention on her. So when her grumpy not so nice boss proposes her with a proposition to help save his reputation or save face by asking her to be engaged to him of course it is all supposed to be fake but things don’t remain fake for long although, she is afraid for the two of them because the man who tried to force her into being with him is getting out of jail and when he finds out she is married what then, will he come for her again, will their not so fake engagement turn into something more than just convenience, will he prove to be the alpha his family knew he could be, and is there happiness somewhere on the adventure?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kati · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a story that we know from many romances, although this time the action takes place in the world of humans with alpha, omega and beta features.
Tom is a successful man and the ever-playing bachelor. He is presented with an ultimatum: a promotion on the condition of changing his life and finding a wife, or being removed from the family company. The best candidate to meet the required condition turns out to be his PA. Bianca is his opposite. It's just plain omega. She always dresses and behaves so as not to draw attention to herself. Initially a simple arrangement between them, which was born of ruse, soon gets out of control.
Although the plot is nothing new, the great creation of the characters makes the book interesting to read. Both of the main characters are tragic figures who have lost a lot in their lives. Each of them hides behind a mask - he of a carefree eternal boy, and she of an invisible gray mouse. None of them are really alive, they just exist. Separately they make two broken pieces, but together they make a wonderful picture.
I recommend to fans of finding love despite the tragic events of the past.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A big underwhelming but … A new author. I haven’t specifically read an Alphas/omega book some wasn’t sure what to expect. The story about Bianca and Tom. Tom propositions Bianca to be his fiancée to get himself out of hot water with his boss after he was given an ultimatum by the CEO. Tom has a bad rep for womanizing and needs to learn to be respectful towards everyone. Bianca was assaulted previously and now does her best to hide her herself and covers up. The guy who assaulted her will soon be released and she’s panicking. The proposition from Tom may help her hide.The story was good but it was missing something. For this kind of story it needed more edge, suspense and suspense.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[KL Cassanello · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tom needs to clean up his image. Enter Bianca, his secretary, and a new fake relationship. She has a huge secret from her past, one that's about to come crashing into her present. I really enjoyed this book. I liked both of the characters, but especially Tom. He becomes so much more than his playboy image suggests, and Bianca isn't the quiet mousey woman that she seems at first. My only issue with her is that she becomes involved with Tom, but doesn't let him know about the danger that she's in. I'm looking forward to more in the series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marybeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting take on the omegaverse. Tom is an alpha who enjoys playing the field. He does not plan to get serious with anyone. Bianca is his PA and an omega and when Tom's uncle gives him an ultimatum, he asks her to have a fake engagement with him. The two of them get closer and that fake engagement turns into a marriage of convenience and then into a real marriage. There is a lot to follow and it took me a while to get into the story, but persevere, it turned into a great story.

I received an advance copy of this book via Booksprout and this is my honest review.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tom is told that he needs to settle down and marry or he will lose his job as Art Director in the family business. He decides that he urgently needs a wife and bribes his mousey secretary to be his fiance. Bianca is an omega who was forcibly claimed a few years ago and she is scared that her abuser will try to get her again when he gets out of prison. Can she cope with being Tom's fiance/wife?

An interesting book. I hadn't read an alpha/omega book before.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Tom is given an ultimatum, marry or be kicked out of the family business, he goes to his secretary who is an omega. She is worried about the man that is getting out of jail who tried to forcibly claim her. It is the perfect solution for her to accept Tom's plan but when feelings get in the way will what they have become the real thing for them and lead to a happily ever after? This intriguing story kept me glued to it to see how it ends!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[FD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Playboy Alpha Tom needs a fake fiancé fast and eventually finds one in his unattractive boring miss perfect Omega assistant Bianca. What starts as an unwilling cooperation ends in a love affair with the necessary obstacles along the way. Written in a fluid, easy-to-read style, entertaining, with characters you'll come to appreciate along the way, although that took a while with Tom. Towards the end it gets a little too sentimental.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christina Sneeringer · Rating 5 out of 5]

After suffering a terrible assault finding peace and safety for Bianca is a constant fight. Keeping her head down with her grumpy alpha boss at work and then home every day is her life. The heart-tugging romance burnt my fingers from the heat. I loved when Tom finally opened his eyes to the gem Bianca really is.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book of The Players and is a standalone book. It is a hot, steamy romance with angst. Tom wants the VP position. His uncle wants him to settle down and get married before giving him the job. He convinces his PA to act as his fiancee. Both have secrets they don't want to share. An interesting book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nicole Potter · Rating 5 out of 5]

When does fake become real?

I loved Tom & Bianca's story & the author had my attention from the start & I couldn't put the book down until I had finished. To get his family off his back Tom suggests a fake relationship with his secretary Bianca. Will this fool his family or will the tables be turned on Tom & Bianca?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tom is an alpha, a player and his uncles given him an ultimatum, and his PA Bianca fits the bill for a fake romance, but is that all it will ever be, between them or something more? Well written the story engages you through out and the characters sizzle with chemestry.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[BusyM3 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in this series The Players. This is a new author for me and I am looking to see what the next book brings. The story is about a alpha Tom who is a player and the one omega that changes everything. The story will hold your attention to see what will happen next with these two. Overall a good read.

I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suspenseful and entertaining, the secrets surrounding the characters had major impact on this story. I liked the characters together because I thought they fit each other. The added drama from her past made the story give off palpable suspense and emotion which was easily felt. An intriguing story.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Hart's Reader Group · Rating 1 out of 5]

I stopped reading because I could just feel that Tom was going to be an asshole, Bianca was going to do something stupid (like continue to keep Jasper a secret), and there would be a blow up that could have been prevented if the two just freaking talked to each other like f**king adults. Couldn't stomach the immaturity, and there was nothing sexy about what was going on between them. Pass.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book in the Players series, Alpha Tom and Bianca his PA's story. There is drama, lies, angst, danger, a villain and romance, the story is well written and held my interest. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Chubby Romance Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was certainly a different take on Alphas/omegas and I enjoyed it quite a bit. I loved the character growth for both Bianca and Tom especially. It had a good plot and world building. I do wish that one part got answered instead of leaving us in the dark, otherwise I enjoyed reading it.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book I've read written by Kristin Stone; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the first book in the Players Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Bianca & Tom.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Silindile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really loved this book it charming and romantic. It had me enthralled I couldn't put it down. I would definitely recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[cindygranet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

I can't wait to read the second book in this series, though I wish there had been more problems in it to make it more exciting.

[Mitha · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5stars.

[Anij · Rating 5 out of 5]

“It felt like the world stopped for a moment.”

I’ll be honest, at first I really didn’t care much for either main character. Bianca was slightly annoying and Tom was a giant jerk. They had no chemistry and I seriously doubted anything could change that. Their entire relationship just seemed like a giant train wreck. I almost quit reading but since it was an Arc, I felt I had to read the entire book even if I was sure I would never enjoy it.

Then something unexpected happened. The characters began to open up to me as the reader and to each other on the page. Once I began to know them I saw there was so much more than I initially thought. I realized Bianca was just trying to protect herself and was really all alone. And Tom truly changed. The more I learned about him the more I started to care about him. Just as they slowly grew to love each other I did too. Before I knew it I was completely invested and hoping with all my heart everything would work out for them. Now that I’m finished I’m so happy I didn’t quit at the beginning. Tom and Bianca’s love story is a long, emotional one but it is also, in so many ways, very real. There is no instalove in this book. They both worked to grow their relationship, they made mistakes along the way just like any real couple would. It was truly wonderful. (On a side note I have to admit when Tom mentioned he has everything Queen ever recorded he definitely won points from me.)

Kristin is new to me. I see this is the first book in a planned series. I will absolutely read any future books and look forward to them all.

4 1/2 stars. I’m subtracting half a star due to the continuity errors the editor or beta readers should have caught. While there are only a few, two of them are huge and very distracting not to mention it’s absurd they weren’t caught before the book was published. Also I felt the ending was a bit abrupt and the situation with the ex was left a unresolved.

[Kristine L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 1st book I've read by this author and I really enjoyed it. Tom is an Alpha creep who believes that anything woman is his for the taking. Playboy through and through. Tom is being challenged to change his lifestyle, settle down, or he'll be out of the family business. He ends up proposing to his PA to act as his girlfriend. Bianca is a very skittish Omega who had been assaulted and put the Alpha in prison. Bianca accepts as the alpha gets out of prison. These two start out slow but I loved how their Alpha/Omega dynamics works with the storyline. Highly recommend. Plan to read more of her books.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.