
Author: Cecy Robson
Series: O'Brien Family #1
Published by: Loveswept
Publication Date: November 3, 2015
Format: eARC
Pages: 288
Source: Publisher


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.
Ah, another Cecy Robson series for me to obsess over. Once Kissed is the first installment of the O’Brien Family series, and I enjoyed it immensely!
Oh boy, oh boy … is the O’Brien family ever entertaining! I’m assuming we’re going to get books for each of the brothers and sister, with the exception of Killian who had his in the Shattered Past series. I love when there’s a big family, especially when it’s siblings who give each other crap. Out of love, of course.
I’m so glad we started with Curran’s book, because he is the type of hero I want for my very own. His joking and teasing had me laughing out loud on a number of occasions. Green panties. That’s all I’m going to say (I thought it was hot, though). Don’t let his charm and humor fool you though, because the guy is no chump.
Tess was a bit of a puzzle at first. She dresses like an old lady and is pretty uptight when we meet her. Plus some other oddities that had me wondering what the hell was going on with her. She has an interesting story that unfolds, and it actually touches on a very important subject matter. I think the author handled it really well, and I was so pleased with the character growth from Tess.
These two have major chemistry, that’s for sure. I got a kick out of the way Curran would poke and tease Tess, knowing she’s get flustered. But it didn’t take long for her to start giving it right back. The fact that they knew each other from years ago made it even more fun since they already had some familiarity between them.
In addition to the O’Brian clan, there are a few other secondary characters I adore. Lu is an older officer, and I loved her concerned, yet surly dynamic with Curran. Then there’s Melissa. I can’t even tell you how excited I am about her character, but I don’t want to say exactly why in case it’s a possible spoiler. View Spoiler ».
The romance is obviously the main focus, but there’s also an element of suspense, along with their individual issues going on. Honestly, though, everything about the story is balanced out really well. The author brought it all together wonderfully.
All in all, I was very pleased with Once Kissed and all it offered. Especially the laughs. I can’t wait to get Declan’s book next!
Oh I love this kind of series, Christy. I’m so glad you discovered it. I wonder if it’s still up on NG…
I have yet to read one of the Cecy books on my ereader, so I may have to add this. I’m already in love with a Curran from another book, but it wouldn’t hurt to get to know this one. Glad you enjoyed this one!
Curran from the Kate Daniels series? I love that one too.
Entertaining, and great chemistry?! Sounds like a winner. I’ve never read anything by this author but maybe this is a good place to start. Nice review! 🙂
I love this kind of series, too, Christy! Big families, where siblings are teasing and bugging each other, and where there is a love interest who not only has to be loved by the person they’re with, but accepted by the family as a whole, too.
Should I start with the other series you mentioned, so I get to meet that one brother?
Great review 🙂
You don’t need to. I’ve only read the first book in that series, but I’m still familiar with those characters from the other ones. You can definitely start here.
I absolutely CAN’T wait for Declan and Melissa’s book!!! Holy crap that’s gonna be a beat down – Ho!!!!! The thing I love about Cecy’s books is that both characters end up rescuing each other 🙂 *warm and cuddly thoughts*
I meant to post this my review at midnight but I forgot to change the stupid time – grrrrrrr. So, yeah, technically I posted my review today, too 😉
Great review!!!
Dude, Declan and Melissa are going to be a lot of fun.
This book is everywhere today!!!! It’s on my list for sure because all 3 of the reviews I’ve read today from trusted blogger friends have been glowing, so I know I’m going to love Curran and Tess. And I can’t wait to meet Declan 😉
My third review for this book today and you’ve all managed to convince me for different reasons! 😉 I’m getting this one tomorrow for sure.
I love how fun the book sounds and I LOOOOVE big families in books! And Curran sounds like a riot with his teasing and of course, I’m all in for that steamy chemistry.
Can’t wait to love it myself! 🙂
Lovely review!
This sounds so good! I love great chemistry and a book that can make me laugh. Great review!
Ohh I so cannot get enough of big families in contemporary romance. Reminds me of my brothers and I. Do I needle them for fun? Hell yes. But I do love them. 😀 I like the romantic suspense aspect of these, too. 🙂
I loved Lu! And I agree, this whole series is bound to be fun. I loved this family in the other series and was ecstatic when I saw they were all getting their own books too. So happy you liked this Christy! I think my review goes up tomorrow. 😉
Oh, Christy! Thank you so much for this wonderful feature and review of Once Kissed. Curran and Tess really stole my heart and I’m so happy you connected with them (and Lu). Thank you again, you’ve always been wonderful! Hugs & Green Panties ~ Cecy
oddities? curious, the whole old lady dressing thing o.o i assume there was a reason
I swear glowing reviews all over the interwebs for this book. I still need to pick up here Weird Girls series but am really adding this one to the top of my list as well. Oh you made Curran sound so swoony and fun!
Everyone seems to have been going for this one
Oooh I think I willl enjoy this more than SP. You know I can’t deal with angsty reads and this sounds like the kind of romance I like.
I went ahead and read the spoiler and now I want Melissa’s story!!! I hadn’t heard of this book but it looks interesting. I love when authors don’t say goodbye to the characters and instead, keep writing companion novels. I hope you enjoy the rest of the series!
I’m a little late but I need to read this one and I’m so curious to discover this new story!
Sounds like some interesting and diverse characters here, and it’s always interesting reading about a big family. IT sounds so cute the way Curran and Tess tease each other!
Had to come read your thoughts on this one when I realized you reviewed it, Christy!
Sharing the O’Brien love with you, lady. Can’t wait for the next one. It will be a lulu I think after that scene at the restaurant. LOL
Girl… you know I now want to meet Curran and his sense of humour! And I need to know about these Green Panties!
This sounds absolutely adorable! I kind of like female characters that are super uptight (until interacting with their love interest, of course). I love books with big families too – I’m basically living vicariously through them haha.