by Cecy Robson
Series: O'Brien Family #1
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Heat Level:
Once they shared a night of passion. Now a chance encounter forces them back together. In Cecy Robson’s O’Brien Family series debut—perfect for readers of Monica Murphy and J. Lynn—two total opposites find that the flames of desire are still smoldering. Tough-as-steel cop Curran O’Brien is quickly rising through the ranks of the Philadelphia police department. But when his rookie partner is almost killed under his watch, Curran just wants to prove he still has what it takes to walk among Philly’s finest. So he’s pissed to be stuck on a cushy security assignment for the DA’s office . . . until he gets a good look at the sweet, straitlaced intern he’s supposed to protect—but not touch. Tess Newart recognizes Curran instantly. How could she not? Back in college she tied this former frat boy to the bed with her argyle socks! That sizzling one-night stand was the only indiscretion Tess ever allowed herself. She has survived law school so far, despite being pushed to succeed by her overbearing father. Now that she’s interning on a major case against a ruthless crime boss, she won’t jeopardize her career by giving in to temptation again. She just never expected temptation to look so damn hot in uniform. Tess knows her father has other plans for her, and they don’t include Curran. But soon she’s falling for him all over again. And when danger emerges, Curran will prove just how good a bad-boy cop can be.
I love books about large, loud families and was excited to dive into Cecy Robson’s, O’Brien Family series with the first book Once Kissed. I immediately slipped into the story and giggled when I learned how this second chance romance began. Once Kissed earned a spot on my favorites of 2015 list.
There are seven siblings in the Irish O’Brien family and Once Kissed focuses on Philadelphia Police Officer Curran O’Brien. Curran is a natural and respected and admired by fellow officer, but after a rookie he was assigned to is almost killed Curran is temporarily reassigned to security detail. His first assignment is for the DA’s office, where his brother Declan is working on a high-profile case involving a mobster.
Tess Newart at first glance is a meek, geeky intern working for the DA’s office while finishing law school. Tess is working exclusively for Declan and this may be the case to help her secure a much-needed paying position. I was not sure of Tess at first, but appreciated her attitude when dealing with catty co-workers.
Curran is assigned to security detail for Declan’s assistant Contessa. He is not thrilled but oh lord wait until you see his reaction to Tess and hers to him. It is priceless and Robson had me giggling aloud as we learned about their shared past. At this point, I am all in. Did I mention the banter between Curran and Declan? I adore siblings and all the ball-busting that goes with it.
“You…cad.”
“What?”
“I said you’re a cad!”
“I heard what you said. I’ve just never heard anyone aside from Bugs Bunny use that word. You gonna call me scoundrel next?”
Typical of new adult Once Kissed has two damaged characters who are good at the core, and through each other, they become stronger. I love Robson’s approach to her stories and the depth she brings to her characters. You get to know them, want to friend them, and ultimately care about them. Tess has been controlled her whole life and her Daddy holds the strings. She resents it, but has her eye on graduation and freedom. As I said, Curran is dealing with the rookie incident and the emotional impact. Robson avoids relationship drama and instead focused on their personal issues and suspenseful storyline. I was simply delighted that she had her character’s recommend outside help, instead of the “love fixes all” approach. Brilly! She then weaved in danger, a little suspense and a whole lotta love.
The romance is sweet, hot, heated and at times downright cute. Curran is hilarious but also gentle and sensitive. There is so much more to Tess. She is strong, brilliant, and clumsy. At times, her deadpan comments had me laugh aloud.
Robson weaves in the O’Brien family and I loved this loud, genuine, foul-mouthed family. They tease each other relentlessly, but make a move against one of them I dare you. Declan’s story is next, and a couple of scenes hinted at what is to come. I have a feeling it might be a hot, heated, haters to lovers story and I am giddy at the prospect.
Once Kissed wrapped up nicely without trying to tie things up in a bow. She provided a nice eulogy that made me smile and give a happy sigh.
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. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Teddyree
A favourite … that’s good enough for me! And large, genuine, foul-mouthed family get my vote too and it means we get to visit for a while. I’m guessing all the siblings will get a book.. Love this review Kimberly 🙂
Sharon - Obsession with Books
This book sounds great! I still have her other series sitting in my book pile. I can’t wait to meet the O’Briens.
A lovely review! Sharon – Obsession with Books
Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)
Cad, LOL. I love it. I am so excited to try this book. I love big family books too.
Ksenia
I love books with big families, too. I’m currently in the mood for something light, funny and sexy and this book sounds good. I get tired of “love fixes all” in NA, glad to hear it wasn’t the case here. Wonderful review, Kim!
Lorna
This sound so good-I seem to say that to you a lot. I still have a Weird Girl book in my tbr pile that I barely started and got sidetracked on, and keep meaning to finish that one. I get distracted by newer books all the time. I am glad this one was so good for you-I am going to add it to my Amazon wish list.
Paij Slater
This sounds fantastic!!! I just saw it a while ago and it has been getting some good reviews. Cannot wait to read it 🙂
Christy LoveOfBooks
LMAO … I had that same exact quote picked out to include in my review, but didn’t feel like copying it over. Too funny. I also liked the one where she opens the door without checking to see who it is. I hope Curran appears in the next book a lot.
The Bibliophile Babe
This sounds so good!
Braine Talk Supe
There was a Once Kissed party that I wasn’t invited to! I should totally go all Maleficent. JK
Should read this sometime this week as romance novels are all I can process with this stupid slump. Great review, K!
Jess
I haven’t read anything by this author, but this does sound like a read that will keep me turning the pages! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Kathy
What a delicious cover! I’ve never read this author before, and I love those loud and large families, too. They always seem to have substance and are filled with love in all the chaos. I love reading your reviews – just throwing that out there, but I really do!
Sophia Rose
I loved Curran. He totally cracked me up. Definitely want more of the O’Brien family.
Angela Adams
I’m always interested in novels set in Philadelphia. Thanks for the post.
Aurian
Lovely review Kimba! I just read one of her UF books, and have a few to go. NA is not really my thing, but you make this one sound fun and not too angsty.
Lily B
oky this is like the 3rd review I read of this ha. I do like that there is depth to her characters. I might try her again sometime
Melissa (Books and Things)
I still have to get to her weird girls series. Gah! I’m so behind. I also think this is so perfect for me. I don’t read too many contemps but I do think I’d really enjoy it. Especially with that scoundrel. 😉
Katherine
Yes please! I like that while this is a new adult they have serious jobs. I love the premise and the fact they have some history. Sounds like a great read! My poor, poor TBR!
Maureen Beatrice
I love reading stories about big families. Especially since I’m an only child and have this perfect idea in my head about big families. Especially about big brothers.. I would have loved having a big brother. Sigh..
This book really sounds like a great read. I love second chance romances and this one really sounds fun. I’m definitely going to check this one out.
Cecy
Hey, Kimberly! It’s interesting to hear the different reasons readers enjoyed Once Kissed. I love the quote you picked for Curran. That scene between them was one of my favorites–as was their first drive back to Tess’s place, the bar scene, and Curran’s interactions with Lu. Thank you so much for this amazing feature and continued support. Hugs!
Bookworm Brandee
I like big family stories as well, Kimberly. And I’m a fan of second chance romances too. That Robson avoided all the relationship drama so typical of NA has me really eager to check out Once Kissed. The sibling banter is the cherry on top. 🙂 I just pre-ordered a copy. Thanks!
Heidi
We are all reviewing this one today, and we all seem to be in agreement. Loved this one.
Ramona
This one sounds sweet and lovely. I too love big, loud families and I think I’d love to get to know the O’Briens. I’m making a note of this one, I think it would make a nice read on a cold winter evening. Beautiful review, Kimba, thank you.
Quinn's Book Nook
I do love stories where the hero is a cop, so I definitely need to look into this one. I’m a little nervous that Tess will frustrate me a bit, though.
kindlemom1
Yay! I loved this as well and you Christy, and Heidi are all reviews twins, err, triplets today LOL! Mine goes up tomorrow but I loved this every bit as the three of you did!
Sarah
Clearly I need to read this series. Nothing is better than a large family focused romance series. I like that it has a romantic suspense aspect to it, as well. 🙂
Laurel-Rain Snow
I’ve never read this author, but she sounds like one I’d enjoy. I am drawn to books with big families, and the Philadelphia setting reminds me of other books I’ve enjoyed set there. Thanks for sharing!
Kristin
I LOVE YOUR REVIEW!!! And I’m loving all over the fact that you love this book more than me – how in the hell did that happen?!?!?! YES = I love the O’Briens! That bar scene was absolutely fantastic. Best quote to show off, too – soooooo Curran!!!
And double ugh… I wrote my review so long ago, I forgot to go back and add icons… I’ve got to add them now!!! Sheesh….
Nick
I would have preferred if the book didn’t have the damaged characters trope, but this sounds too good to pass up. I like that it’s also fun in many ways and the romance sounds lovely.
But I’m with Jenny! It’s going to be hard to picture this Curran as someone other than the Beast Lord! 🙂
Lovely review, Kim!
Jenny
I can’t help but think of Kate Daniels when I see the name Curran, I know I’ll be picturing a massive Beast Lord whenever I see his name on page, but that might make this one even more interesting Kim 😉 I’ve been wanting to read Cecy for a while, and this being the first in the series gives me the perfect opportunity! Thanks for your thoughts:)
Silvia
I still have to try her titles, but this definitely sounds like one I’d really enjoy! I love the quote you shared 🙂
melliane
I loved all the other books so I’m really curious about this one and I’m glad to see you had such a great time! I’m late again with ebooks…
Mary Kirkland
Not sure this is my kind of book. Not really into cop, lawyer or law type characters.
blodeuedd
I like her UFP series, but this, hmmm