Once Loved by Cecy Robson

January 22nd, 2015 Kimberly Review 51 Comments

22nd Jan
Once Loved by Cecy Robson
Once Loved
by Cecy Robson
Series: Shattered Past #2
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne Star
Heat Level: One FlameOne FlameOne Flame

He’s the campus golden boy. She’s picking up the pieces of her broken past. But in Cecy Robson’s scorching novel of second chances—perfect for readers of Monica Murphy and J. Lynn—their differences only make their connection more explosive. Every memory Lety Tres Santos has from her childhood comes with a scar—some emotional, some physical. Her father is an abusive drug addict, and her mother enables his destructive behavior. College offers Lety a fresh start . . . until her father finds a way to ruin that, too. Now, after losing her scholarship to kick off junior year, Lety must somehow stay in school, pay tuition, and turn a deaf ear to the whispers that follow her. And she intends to do it all without Brody Quaid’s help. Brody is a lacrosse star, a 4.0 student—and as a freshman, he fell hard for the beautiful and spirited Lety. But their relationship crashed and burned because he couldn’t break through the walls she’s put up around her heart. With Lety hurting more than ever, Brody strives to win her back and make her believe in real love and true partnership. That will mean opening up secrets locked away in his own past—and trusting someone more than he’s ever dared. Lety knows how painful it can be to depend on the wrong man. She also knows how much Brody wants to do this the right way. But it takes more than sizzling desire to move on and build a future together.

ROMANCE

Once Loved is the second, book in Cecy Robson’s Shattered Past series. While it still follows the same formula of your typical NA novels, I felt this was stronger than Once Perfect the first book and offered more depth. We see family, growth and our heroine is one tough little cookie who says, “Enough, is enough”

We met Lety Tres Santos in Once Perfect. As Mateo’s younger sister, she has dealt with the baggage that makes up their family. Lety is in her junior year of college for nursing and determined to succeed. She will not be dependent on anyone but herself. Unfortunately, her past has long tentacles and keeps interfering with her dreams. Lety is a strong female and I instantly connected with her. She has a million reasons to cry wolf, but instead she picks herself up and moves forward. She is still damaged; despite how unjaded she is at times. She has this wonderful ability with her patients and others. If only she would follow her own words of wisdom.

Brody Quaid is the sexy lacrosse star, that she cut ties with last year and both are still recovering from the break-up. Letty loves our boy Brody but does not want him to be tangled up in the chaos her family creates. After the horrific scene in Once Perfect, she broke up with him. I really liked Brody and his back-story had me shed a tear. I love that he is not your typical bad-boy. He has some hang-ups but his strengths far out way them.

The romance is sweet, and I have a soft spot for second chance romances. Robson allowed them both to grow, trust and bloom. Their chemistry felt genuine and I loved the banter as much as the tender moments. The romance brings a little heat but it does not swallow the storyline. Letty and Brody are a couple the reader can root for.  I love when two people together are better individually.

The story has a lot more depth and offers more than a romance. I loved the unexpected family interaction and smiled during most of the interactions with Brody’s family. It was heartwarming and bittersweet. Edward Moore and little Tommy stole my heart. We also spend time with Mateo, Evelyn and their sister. The madness that is their father has an impact on this story as well. This thread was intense, and I was happy with the direction Robson took it, even as I bit my nails as the tension mounted. We see more interaction with Sophia and Killian. Despite Mateo’s concerns about them I am excited for their story. While I still felt the characters were culturally cliché’ Robson added depth and I saw them more as individuals, which notched up my enjoyment.

Once Loved was delightful with characters, you cannot help but root for. I cannot wait for Once Pure and Sophia’s story.

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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

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51 Responses to “Once Loved by Cecy Robson”

  2. Lily B

    hummm curious. I haven’t read a lot of NA, so I am not completely sick of it yet haha.. but I struggled with her other series a bit, so I might try this.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      This is totally different so maybe you would like it. I love her other series.

  3. Lupdilup

    I have this series on my waiting list already. I’m glad the second book is good too 🙂
    P.S.
    It’s been a while since I finish The Girl in the Train, and I still think about it, the more I think, the more genius I think that story is.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      The story lines are interesting Loupe, and Brody was a sweetie

  4. Mary

    Woo-hoo to sexy lacrosse stars! I’m so hit-or-miss with these NA stories…I’m almost afraid to read them, unless I know the author.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Agreed, and the first was ok, but this had some really good strory threads

  5. Katherine

    This sounds like a series I’ll have to check out. I like that Brody isn’t a typical bad boy. As usual you’re a terrible influence!

  6. Ramona

    This sounds like another favorite of yours, Kimba! It sounds really intereating. And hey, how about that cover? Never in a million years would I have guessed that this is a Penguin book! Haven’t read Once Perfect, but it’s on my list now 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      LOL, yes Penguin has some yummy covers in their Loveswept division.

  8. Diana Leigh

    Ooo, a sexy lacrosse star? That’s one I haven’t read about before. It’s good that the follow up was stronger than the first.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Yeah Brody was a sweetie and his family situation just made me fall for him more

  9. Sarah

    Meh. New Adult really bothers me. I think I’ve read one too many in my life time… There is just so much drama… But I haven’t heard of this author. I wonder if she writes in other genres. Glad you enjoyed this regardless of my objections 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      This doesn’t have a lot of stupid relationship drama and deals more with family and healing. I try not read too much of any one genre and mix it up otherwise I burn out

  12. Heidi

    I liked this one much better than the first one as well. I thought the whole twist with Brody’s family was excellent, and I loved watching Lety help the family. I think the series is definitely getting better.

  13. Bookworm Brandee

    I’m going to have to pick up this series. I love the fact that although it’s NA and has the typical tropes, it’s different. One of my favorite things about NA is watching the characters grow, so that Lety and Brody both do is a draw for me. Plus, I really like a strong female MC.

  15. braine

    Great that you enjoyed this, I.decided not to follow the series after the first one, its not for me LOL. I like that its better than Once Perfect though, maybe ill give this a go someday.

  16. Cecy Robson (

    Aw! Thank you for the wonderful feature–and for the kind words. I’m so happy you enjoyed Once Loved, and am honored that you’re a part of my blog tour!

  17. Debbie Haupt

    hmmmm, I love a strong heroine Kim and the hero doesn’t look too shabby either.
    Thanks for the great as always review
    I can always thank you for my growing tbr pile 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Yes, the first was just ok for me, but I loved this one Ali

  19. Nick

    I want to read this book, I really do, but I’m so over the typical NA books these days, Kim! I want to be reading something unique. While the characters sound interesting, I don’t think I’ll be picking this one up anytime soon.
    Lovely review! 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I understand Nick, at least these aren’t filled with angst. I only read a few NA here and there so it doesn’t yet feel old to me

  20. Amir

    The author’s name was really familiar to me and then I remembered that my co-blogger, Buona loved the first book too! I’m so glad that the second book is even better than the first! I’m honestly not a huge fan of contemporary NA but with all the rave reviews this series is getting, I think I just have to check it out. Lovely review, Kimba!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Hope you read them, I love this authors urban fantasy too.

      • Amir

        I’ve not read this series yet but ooh I’ll check her UF books ! Thanks Kimba! 🙂

  21. The Brunette Bookworm

    I LOVED this book! And Brody. Oh Brody <3. This series is one of my faves!

  22. Madiha

    Wow, it’s really rare that the sequel ends up being better than the parent book, but that’s great, Kim! The family dynamic also seems to be a warm and lovely one. I adore romances that give importance to family as well, it’s like an all rounder.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      These are more companion series and each focuses on one character. I was pleased with the direction she took this story.

  25. Melliane

    I really enjoyed this one as well, it was a really touching and intense book and now I’m quite curious to read the next one to discover the story of the last member of the family! thanks for the review.