I loved Once Perfect. I have NO IDEA why I waited so long to keep reading Cecy's books. I snagged Once Pure when it was on sale for 99 cents knowing that I would enjoy it. I was not wrong! Sofia and Killian are great characters. Both have these dark clouds over their lives. Regret, shame, fear, and pride hang over both of them. They would get over one hump only to hit a wall. It was great to see these two push through their struggles and doubts to fight for their HEA. The ending felt a bit rushed for me though! I wanted more!
POV: 1st person (Sofia) with an Epilogue from Killian
Series: Shattered Past
Cliffhanger: No
Trope: friends to lovers, second chance, redemption
Triggers: rape
If you liked... Breaking a Legend by Sarah Robinson, The WTF series by Sidney Halston
Tears: maybe a few over some of the terrible things that have happened to some characters
Once Pure is the third book in Cecy Robsonās Shatter Past series and features Sofia Tres Santos, a young woman whose past has left its mark. Throughout the series, we have witnessed the attraction between her and Killian OāBrien. In Once Pure Robson finally rewards us with their story.
Touching, tender and with secrets that could rip them apart I quickly became caught up in their story. Sofia has always been the most fragile of the Santos family and has theĀ deepest scars. I was worried about how Robson would handle the romance between her and Killian.
I enjoyed watching this delicate romance with its tender moments unfolded. Their story was not an easy one to share. Killian carries guilt for what happened to Sofia and blames the events on himself. Sofia carries not only the memories of that painful event but also theĀ dark path it led her own.
Robson tackles some tough issues including domestic abuse, rape and molestation. She tackles these topics head on and does not gloss overĀ the darkness that grows from them. At its heart, the story is about healing and finding love and forgiveness. Of being ok with the past and moving, forward. SheĀ also weaves in secondary stories involving other characters. Wren, Killianās sister and Finn both have me curious. Robson even gave us updates on previous couples as we see Mateo and Evie, and heard from Brody and Lety.
While I still am not a fan of the angst, miscommunications and volatileĀ relationships typical of the new adult genre, I do love the heart that Cecy Robson brings to these characters and enjoyed Once Pure. I am looking forward to the next books in this series.