Once Kissed

Having read all the Shattered Past series, I was looking forward to this one. I like how the characters from the Shattered Past series are intertwined with this book. However you do not need to read those first to enjoy this book. While in law school, Tess works as an intern at the District Attorney’s office. She is handed the opportunity to work in a high profile case with the Assistant District Attorney, Declan. Since this case involves a certain amount of risk of retaliation by the accused, Tess is provided protection. The cop assigned to her is Declan’s brother, Curran. He makes it known he is less than thrilled with the assignment. But because he is on modified duty he figures this is more exciting than sitting at a desk. When they first meet each other, they are shocked. They have a past. One thing I like about this author is she is able to not only to pull at your emotional strings, but she does it in a humorous way. Both Tess and Curran are dealing with deep emotional baggage. However I did not think it detracted from the story. What I like about this book is the romance builds over time; it is not insta-love. The characters are well developed and complex. There is not a lot of internal dialogue to distract from the story. By the end, Curran and Tess are able to confront their demons. I like how Tess has the confidence to confront her father. She also sets the tone for the next book. So far I have not been disappointed in any book by Cecy Robson. I look forward to Declan’s story next.

Curran is a police officer, still working through the guilt of a moment gone wrong when his partner, a rookie was almost killed. While everything sorts itself out from the administrative side, Curran has been placed on a security detail at the District Attorney’s office – for what he imagines will be a major yawn fest. He’s not happy with the whole idea, but his ‘assignment’ is both intriguing and somehow familiar.

Tess is in that strange middle ground of life: a good girl who worked incredibly hard to prove herself and build a solid reputation has to fight both the perceptions of others because of her father, and find a way to work around the control and meddling he exerts on her life. Getting the plum assignment working for Declan O’Brien on a major case, she’s excited to prove herself. And then, she is given a security detail. Once in her young life Tess has let down her guard and it had to be with HIM. The hot cop in uniform who is looking at her like a tiger at a sika deer. And all of her insecurities come to light.

Together these two are adorable: Curran has a habit of joking when things are uncomfortable, or to get to the point, and his humor comes forward repeatedly here: keeping everyone off guard and letting him deal with his own trials in private. Tess is learning that she has more strength than she believed, and she does have choices and options. In fact, one is right there at arm’s length – Curran. Robson builds characters that are HUMAN – no they aren’t always doing the right thing, or even particularly likable all the time, but you understand them and their struggles, and like them even more for the growth and heart they display. When you add in the family relationship between the O’Briens and that lovely mix of personalities that fights, picks, supports and above all loves one another no matter what, this story becomes so much more than just a tale about Curran and Tess. As a first story for the series, the introductions to the family, the heart that beams through and the intrigue coming from outside with the trial and Tess’ history with her father and the issues that causes you won’t be able to put this one down.

I purchased a copy of the title for my personal library. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

I can honestly say that I love everything that Cecy Robson writes. She has never disappointed me! Once Kissed is a great start to the O'Brien Family series. Got to love her characters. The story of Curran & Tess will keep you turning the pages. Pretty much everything out of Curran's mouth made me laugh. What I loved most is the way they were there for each other. Both have demons from the past to fight, but together they can take on anything. I'm ready for more O'Brien stories!