Once Kissed

by Cecy Robson

[kimbacaffeinate]

There are seven siblings in the Irish O’Brien family and Once Kissed focuses on Philadelphia Police Officer Curran O’Brien. Curran is a natural and respected and admired by fellow officer, but after a rookie he was assigned to is almost killed Curran is temporarily reassigned to security detail. His first assignment is for the DA’s office, where his brother Declan is working on a high-profile case involving a mobster.

Tess Newart at first glance is a meek, geeky intern working for the DA's office while finishing law school. Tess is working exclusively for Declan and this may be the case to help her secure a much-needed paying position. I was not sure of Tess at first, but appreciated her attitude when dealing with catty co-workers.

Curran is assigned to security detail for Declan’s assistant Contessa. He is not thrilled but oh lord wait until you see his reaction to Tess and hers to him. It is priceless and Robson had me giggling aloud as we learned about their shared past. At this point, I am all in. Did I mention the banter between Curran and Declan? I adore siblings and all the ball-busting that goes with it.

Typical of new adult Once Kissed has two damaged characters who are good at the core, and through each other, they become stronger. I love Robson's approach to her stories and the depth she brings to her characters. You get to know them, want to friend them, and ultimately care about them. Tess has been controlled her whole life and her Daddy holds the strings. She resents it, but has her eye on graduation and freedom. As I said, Curran is dealing with the rookie incident and the emotional impact. Robson avoids relationship drama and instead focused on their personal issues and suspenseful storyline. I was simply delighted that she had her character's recommend outside help, instead of the "love fixes all" approach. Brilly! She then weaved in danger, a little suspense and a whole lotta love.

The romance is sweet, hot, heated and at times downright cute. Curran is hilarious but also gentle and sensitive. There is so much more to Tess. She is strong, brilliant, and clumsy. At times, her deadpan comments had me laugh aloud.

Robson weaves in the O’Brien family and I loved this loud, genuine, foul-mouthed family. They tease each other relentlessly, but make a move against one of them I dare you. Declan’s story is next, and a couple of scenes hinted at what is to come. I have a feeling it might be a hot, heated, haters to lovers story and I am giddy at the prospect.

Copy provided by publisher. This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer