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ibtihalay's review
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Child abuse
Minor: Suicide
mandy_pandy's review
3.0
I'm really torn on my feelings about this book.
The positives:
1. Curran. I loved Curran. He was a sexy cop who was assigned to guard Tess, a girl he had a one-night stand with in college. He was dealing with his own issues after witnessing his partner being shot in the line of duty and the guilt he felt over the incident but he still was a good cop and a good person.
2. The O'Brien family. I love this family. I can't wait for more of their stories and with the little glimpse we got of Declan, I can't wait for his book!
3. The sexy scenes. There were some smoking hot sexy scenes in this book. Tess and Curran together were hot.
There were also a couple negatives as well.
1. Tess. She was incredibly weak. She's at the top of her class at her ivy league law school yet she lets her father control every aspect of her life and can't figure out how to stand on her own. I did feel bad for her for the abuse she suffered but it was hard to believe this very intelligent woman who was interning at the DA's office couldn't figure out a way to get away from her controlling father. One of my biggest pet peeves while reading is a weak heroine and that's how I felt about Tess. She didn't even start to stand up for herself until around 90% and that just annoyed me even more.
2. There was too much drama for me at the end. I could've dealt with the drama but it felt like it was rushed to fit in the last 10% or something. It was a bit overwhelming.
Overall, I really enjoy this authors writing and I can't wait to read more books in this series but this particular book wasn't a favorite of mine. I think there are a lot of people who will enjoy this book but my issues with Tess held me back from really enjoying this one.
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
The positives:
1. Curran. I loved Curran. He was a sexy cop who was assigned to guard Tess, a girl he had a one-night stand with in college. He was dealing with his own issues after witnessing his partner being shot in the line of duty and the guilt he felt over the incident but he still was a good cop and a good person.
2. The O'Brien family. I love this family. I can't wait for more of their stories and with the little glimpse we got of Declan, I can't wait for his book!
3. The sexy scenes. There were some smoking hot sexy scenes in this book. Tess and Curran together were hot.
There were also a couple negatives as well.
1. Tess. She was incredibly weak. She's at the top of her class at her ivy league law school yet she lets her father control every aspect of her life and can't figure out how to stand on her own. I did feel bad for her for the abuse she suffered but it was hard to believe this very intelligent woman who was interning at the DA's office couldn't figure out a way to get away from her controlling father. One of my biggest pet peeves while reading is a weak heroine and that's how I felt about Tess. She didn't even start to stand up for herself until around 90% and that just annoyed me even more.
2. There was too much drama for me at the end. I could've dealt with the drama but it felt like it was rushed to fit in the last 10% or something. It was a bit overwhelming.
Overall, I really enjoy this authors writing and I can't wait to read more books in this series but this particular book wasn't a favorite of mine. I think there are a lot of people who will enjoy this book but my issues with Tess held me back from really enjoying this one.
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
bewoelkt_aber_heiter's review
3.0
Entgegen meiner Erwartung war Once Kissed eher Contemporary Romance als Romantic Thrill. Wir haben es hier mit einer sehr tiefgründigen Liebesgeschichte zu tun, die von der Autorin kontinuierlich aufgebaut wird und dafür ihre Zeit bekommt. Die Geschehnisse erstrecken sich über mehrere Monate und geben Tess und Curran so die Möglichkeit, sich einander tatsächlich zu öffnen und lieben zu lernen. Dieser Teil der Geschichte hat mir sehr gut gefallen, da er sehr realistisch und trotzdem romantisch ausfiel.
Zusätzlich haben beide Protagonisten mit Traumata zu kämpfen, die sie sehr stark belasten. Dadurch bekommt die Geschichte einen düsteren Touch, der gleichzeitig oft etwas Leichtigkeit vermissen lassen hat. Eigentlich beschäftigt sich die Handlung eher damit, wie die beiden durch ihre Liebe die Kraft finden, mit ihrer Vergangenheit ins Reine zu kommen, als das es wirklich darum geht, dass Tess Polizeischutz braucht. Dieser Handlungsstrang hat beinahe keinen Platz eingenommen, obwohl er für mich in der Synopsis wie ein tragender Part der Geschichte klang. Er scheint nur deshalb konstruiert worden zu sein, um die beiden zusammenzubringen. Am Ende taucht dann zwar kurz doch noch eine Gefahr auf, aber es wirkt beinahe lieblos, wie dieses Ereignis in die letzten Seite gequetscht wurde.
Sehr genossen habe ich den Familienaspekt des Romans. Curran hat eine sehr große Familie (deshalb der Reihenname O'Brien Family) mit Charme, deren Mitglieder einem sehr schnell sympathisch werden und der Handlung Wärme vermitteln.
Wer reine Liebesgeschichten mag, in denen die Protagonisten große psychische Hürden nehmen müssen, für den ist diese wirklich gut durchdachte und geschriebene Geschichte ein Muss. Für alle anderen nur ein Kann.
Zusätzlich haben beide Protagonisten mit Traumata zu kämpfen, die sie sehr stark belasten. Dadurch bekommt die Geschichte einen düsteren Touch, der gleichzeitig oft etwas Leichtigkeit vermissen lassen hat. Eigentlich beschäftigt sich die Handlung eher damit, wie die beiden durch ihre Liebe die Kraft finden, mit ihrer Vergangenheit ins Reine zu kommen, als das es wirklich darum geht, dass Tess Polizeischutz braucht. Dieser Handlungsstrang hat beinahe keinen Platz eingenommen, obwohl er für mich in der Synopsis wie ein tragender Part der Geschichte klang. Er scheint nur deshalb konstruiert worden zu sein, um die beiden zusammenzubringen. Am Ende taucht dann zwar kurz doch noch eine Gefahr auf, aber es wirkt beinahe lieblos, wie dieses Ereignis in die letzten Seite gequetscht wurde.
Sehr genossen habe ich den Familienaspekt des Romans. Curran hat eine sehr große Familie (deshalb der Reihenname O'Brien Family) mit Charme, deren Mitglieder einem sehr schnell sympathisch werden und der Handlung Wärme vermitteln.
Wer reine Liebesgeschichten mag, in denen die Protagonisten große psychische Hürden nehmen müssen, für den ist diese wirklich gut durchdachte und geschriebene Geschichte ein Muss. Für alle anderen nur ein Kann.
kle105's review
5.0
I really like Cecy's writing. I feel like it is not just another romance, it has a lot of layers and her characters are just a little damaged and relatable.
Tess is in her last semester in law school and has an internship with Declan O'Brien, working on a case that could take down a mob boss. Declan's brother Curran has on the team to protect Tess from any fallout over the case.
Curran was on leave from the police force after his partner was shot on duty. Curran is still having issues sleeping and moving past how he reacted that day.
What Declan didn't know was that Tess and Curran had a one night stand in college. Tess's father controls everything she does so it was her one night of breaking free and losing control for one night. Curran is the bad boy with the smart mouth, that always makes her smile. You get a front row seat to see the bad boy fall. Engaging and kept me up wanting to see what happened next.
*I received a free copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Tess is in her last semester in law school and has an internship with Declan O'Brien, working on a case that could take down a mob boss. Declan's brother Curran has on the team to protect Tess from any fallout over the case.
Curran was on leave from the police force after his partner was shot on duty. Curran is still having issues sleeping and moving past how he reacted that day.
What Declan didn't know was that Tess and Curran had a one night stand in college. Tess's father controls everything she does so it was her one night of breaking free and losing control for one night. Curran is the bad boy with the smart mouth, that always makes her smile. You get a front row seat to see the bad boy fall. Engaging and kept me up wanting to see what happened next.
*I received a free copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
nadenetotallyaddictedtoreading's review
4.0
Once Kissed is the book one in the O’Brien Family series, bur it is not my first time hanging out with the members of this large, loud and tight family. I received my first introduction to this family in Save Me. Now with that being said, I must confess Once Kissed had been on my TBR shelf for a while. I am not sure why it took me so long to get to it; but I am glad that I finally attempted to pick it up. I had a blast with this beautiful and funny second chance romance.
SUMMARY
In Once Kissed, the focus is on Police Officer Curran O’Brien and law intern Tess Newhart. Curran is hardworking and well respected by his fellow officers. However, after an unfortunate event which almost ended tragically, his superiors placed him on temporary reassignment to work security detail in the District Attorney’s office. His assignment, protect his brother’s intern.
Tess Newhart faces potential danger because of the high-profile case his brother is currently working on. He took the assignment with a heavy heart, not that he had a choice, but when he laid eyes on Tess, his assignment took on a new life. If only she would loosen up and let down her hair.
Curran’s reaction to Tessa when he discovered her identity had me cracking up. You see, these two shared an interesting past. I couldn’t believe Tess had displayed such inhibited behaviour in the past. In this moment Tess comes across as a straight laced geek. She possesses many layers, and it took sometime to peel each one away. However, with each unpeeling, one learns to appreciate her and empathise with her circumstances. To some persons, she may appear weak, but in my opinion, it was the opposite. It takes strength to endure all she did and maintain a compassionate persona. Tess is definitely a survivor.
Curran is the type of hero one could easily fall for. Funny, flirtatious and generous. All was not well with him, though. The incident mentioned earlier led to him dealing with PTSD. He refuses to address it, but a big push from Tess had him seeking help to work through his issues.
The romance which developed between Tess and Curran was sweet, filled with heat and free of drama. I enjoyed their banter, which had me laughing out loud a few times. At first glance, it would appear they wouldn't make a great fit, but this was not the case. They made a great couple, and they brought out the best in each other. Curran showed her what it meant to be loved and helped to restore her confidence.
Curran was assigned to protect Tess, but her biggest threat had nothing to do with the case she was working on. It came from the one person who should have protected and loved her throughout her life. Instead, her father mistreated her and controlled every aspect of her life. He ensured that any attempts to breakaway would have dire results.
Robson weaved a little suspense and danger into the mix, which along with the antics and banter of Curran's family gave the story that extra oomph.
Once Kissed delivered a delightful read which will captivate you with its witty banter and endearing moments.
SUMMARY
In Once Kissed, the focus is on Police Officer Curran O’Brien and law intern Tess Newhart. Curran is hardworking and well respected by his fellow officers. However, after an unfortunate event which almost ended tragically, his superiors placed him on temporary reassignment to work security detail in the District Attorney’s office. His assignment, protect his brother’s intern.
Tess Newhart faces potential danger because of the high-profile case his brother is currently working on. He took the assignment with a heavy heart, not that he had a choice, but when he laid eyes on Tess, his assignment took on a new life. If only she would loosen up and let down her hair.
Curran’s reaction to Tessa when he discovered her identity had me cracking up. You see, these two shared an interesting past. I couldn’t believe Tess had displayed such inhibited behaviour in the past. In this moment Tess comes across as a straight laced geek. She possesses many layers, and it took sometime to peel each one away. However, with each unpeeling, one learns to appreciate her and empathise with her circumstances. To some persons, she may appear weak, but in my opinion, it was the opposite. It takes strength to endure all she did and maintain a compassionate persona. Tess is definitely a survivor.
Curran is the type of hero one could easily fall for. Funny, flirtatious and generous. All was not well with him, though. The incident mentioned earlier led to him dealing with PTSD. He refuses to address it, but a big push from Tess had him seeking help to work through his issues.
The romance which developed between Tess and Curran was sweet, filled with heat and free of drama. I enjoyed their banter, which had me laughing out loud a few times. At first glance, it would appear they wouldn't make a great fit, but this was not the case. They made a great couple, and they brought out the best in each other. Curran showed her what it meant to be loved and helped to restore her confidence.
Curran was assigned to protect Tess, but her biggest threat had nothing to do with the case she was working on. It came from the one person who should have protected and loved her throughout her life. Instead, her father mistreated her and controlled every aspect of her life. He ensured that any attempts to breakaway would have dire results.
Robson weaved a little suspense and danger into the mix, which along with the antics and banter of Curran's family gave the story that extra oomph.
Once Kissed delivered a delightful read which will captivate you with its witty banter and endearing moments.
emilyhei's review
4.0
Disgruntled cop, Curran 'Brien is not happy with his current task. He is supposed to keep an eye on Tess Newart, an intern for the District Attorney's office. When Curran enters her life, she quickly realizes who he is, a former one night stand and Tess makes it clear it was one and done. However, neither expected the tension between them to amp up making it difficult to resist.
Tess though has her own issues, an overbearing father who she can never make happy without sacrificing a part of herself. Curran has his own demons he is dealing with after an incident with a rookie partner. Can Curran keep Tess safe as well as hands off, might prove to be more difficult than either think.
The one thing that stood out in this story is the O'Brien family. I wanted to know more and will be picking up the other books that hopefully are coming. The chemistry sizzles between Curran and Tess, couldn't get enough of these two. Action packed and a great read to just laze about with.
Tess though has her own issues, an overbearing father who she can never make happy without sacrificing a part of herself. Curran has his own demons he is dealing with after an incident with a rookie partner. Can Curran keep Tess safe as well as hands off, might prove to be more difficult than either think.
The one thing that stood out in this story is the O'Brien family. I wanted to know more and will be picking up the other books that hopefully are coming. The chemistry sizzles between Curran and Tess, couldn't get enough of these two. Action packed and a great read to just laze about with.
bananatricky's review
4.0
First off, hate the cover!
I've read two of the other books in the O'Brien series - Declan's story with Melissa and Seamus' story with Allie - and wanted to read about the other family members, so this is where it all began with Curran.
Curran is currently only administrative leave after his partner was shot in the line of duty. His older brother Declan, the District Attorney, is putting together a case against one of the biggest crime families in Philly and needs someone he trusts to provide police protection to the intern who is assisting him with the case - who better than his little brother?
Contessa Newart comes from a family with lots of money, she's desperate to get away from her controlling father and is working hard to get her degree whilst taking an unpaid internship in the hopes of landing a prestigious job in law when she graduates. Imagine her horror when her boss introduces her to his younger brother and police protection - none other than the loud brash frat boy she had a freaky one-night stand with at college - awks!
For his part Curran thinks this is a ridiculous assignment, cooked up by his chief because no-one on the force trusts him after he got his partner shot. Imagine his surprise when the mousy, nerdy girl from college that gave him the best night of his life is his new assignment.
Together Curran and Tessa are both sweet and hot. I loved them, I loved the slow build, I loved meetings the rest of the O'Briens for the first time, I loved seeing the infamous moment when Declan hit on Melissa for a bet, I loved the hot steamy sex.
I've read two of the other books in the O'Brien series - Declan's story with Melissa and Seamus' story with Allie - and wanted to read about the other family members, so this is where it all began with Curran.
Curran is currently only administrative leave after his partner was shot in the line of duty. His older brother Declan, the District Attorney, is putting together a case against one of the biggest crime families in Philly and needs someone he trusts to provide police protection to the intern who is assisting him with the case - who better than his little brother?
Contessa Newart comes from a family with lots of money, she's desperate to get away from her controlling father and is working hard to get her degree whilst taking an unpaid internship in the hopes of landing a prestigious job in law when she graduates. Imagine her horror when her boss introduces her to his younger brother and police protection - none other than the loud brash frat boy she had a freaky one-night stand with at college - awks!
For his part Curran thinks this is a ridiculous assignment, cooked up by his chief because no-one on the force trusts him after he got his partner shot. Imagine his surprise when the mousy, nerdy girl from college that gave him the best night of his life is his new assignment.
Together Curran and Tessa are both sweet and hot. I loved them, I loved the slow build, I loved meetings the rest of the O'Briens for the first time, I loved seeing the infamous moment when Declan hit on Melissa for a bet, I loved the hot steamy sex.