by Cecy Robson
Series: Shattered Past #2
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Rating:
Heat Level:
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.
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.
Vickie
You are killing me!!! You keep adding to my TBR pile!!!
kimbacaffeinate
LOL…sorry 🙂
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.
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
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
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!
kimbacaffeinate
Ha…just call me the book pusher my friend
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.
Angela Adams
Sounds like an addition to my TBR list. Thanks for the post.
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Angela, I enjoy this author
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
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
Melissa (Books and Things)
Hm… looks like I need to read her contemporaries. I still have so many books of hers that I need to catch up on first, but this one is going on the wishlist. *sigh* 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I love her Weird Girls series. I hope you try them all!
Brandi Breathes Books
Good to hear it was a stronger installment and managed the depth
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Brandi..have a lovely weekend!
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.
kimbacaffeinate
I agree Heidi, loved the story threads
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.
kimbacaffeinate
Yes she added some depth and two compelling threads.
sherry fundin
I’m not a huge romance fan, but I see she also writes UFPNR. Glad you enjoyed the read.
kimbacaffeinate
I adore her Weird Girls series Sherry. It is adult UF
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.
kimbacaffeinate
This one was much stronger. Thanks sweetie
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!
kimbacaffeinate
You are welcome 🙂 I am looking forward to more
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
Brody was a sweetie Debbie 🙂
kindlemom1
I really loved this, I think even more than I loved the first. Glad you enjoyed it too!
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, the first was just ok for me, but I loved this one Ali
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
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! 🙂
The Brunette Bookworm
I LOVED this book! And Brody. Oh Brody <3. This series is one of my faves!
kimbacaffeinate
Yeah Brody was a sweetie
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.
Cynthia
That looks like a great one! And you have been tagged. 🙂 http://bookbinges.blogspot.it/2015/01/tbr-tag.html
kimbacaffeinate
LOL, ok.
blodeuedd
Eh, I will stick to her UFPNR ones 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I do love her adult books
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.
kimbacaffeinate
So glad you liked it as well Melliane