Once Kissed: An O'Brien Family Novel

Cecy Robson

Nov 2015 · Sold by Loveswept

About this ebook

RITA AWARD FINALIST • 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.

Praise for Once Kissed

“Make room on your list of book boyfriends for Curran O’Brien! This bad-boy cop is fiercely protective of the feisty Tess, and the sexual tension between these two is off the charts!”—USA Today bestselling author Lauren Layne

“Robson’s O’Brien family has the hottest brothers ever! . . . It’s impossible not to keep your fingers crossed for an HEA, but the author knows exactly what she’s doing as readers hold their breath during this roller-coaster ride of passion.”—RT Book Reviews

“If you love a hot alpha male with a badge, you’ll love Cecy Robson’s Once Kissed.”—New York Times bestselling author Claudia Connor

“A delightful and sensual read with a cheeky hero and a sharp heroine.”—Heroes and Heartbreakers
 
“A riotous hit.”—Addicted to Happily Ever After
 
“Robson proves once again that she can sweep us off our feet with a fun, romantic tale. . . . [Once Kissed] is another must-read. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.”—Rainy Day Ramblings
 
“[Robson] truly is a talented writer who never ceases to amaze me with her words.”—My Guilty Obsession
 
“Robson [is] an amazing author that captivates you with her words . . . I enjoyed [Once Kissed] immensely.”—Collector of Book Boyfriends & Girlfriends
 
“I was very pleased with Once Kissed and all it offered. Especially the laughs.”—Christy’s Love of Books

Includes a special message from the editor, as well as an excerpt from another Loveswept title.

Ratings and reviews

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.

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.

Can I please please please give this book more than 5 stars???? I read a lot of books every year and enjoy the vast majority. Every once in a while, I read a book that really gets in my heart and doesn't let go. This is one of those books. While I normally fall in love with the hero in the romances I read, and trust me I am crushing hard on Curran, I must say it was Tess that completely stole my heart in this one. With the life she has endured, you couldn't blame her if she were bitter, nasty, and broken. Yet she is kind, loving, and strong. It seems that they were brought together at the exact time they needed to help the other heal. This is a fantastic story that is definitely on my top 5 this year and going on my re-read shelf!! And the truly wonderful part? There are so many O'Brien stories yet to come!

About the author

Cecy Robson is the author of the Shattered Past series, the O’Brien Family novels, the upcoming Carolina Beach novels, and the award-winning Weird Girls urban fantasy romance series. A double-nominated RITA Award finalist for Once Pure and Once Kissed, Cecy is a recovering Jersey girl living in the South who enjoys carbs way too much and exercise way too little. Gifted and cursed with an overactive imagination, she can typically be found on her laptop silencing the yappy characters in her head by telling their stories.