Once Pure by Cecy RobsonMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Sofia Tres Santos was brought up in a very abusive family; her father was a monster who kept Sofia, her mother and siblings living in fear. While her brother and sister found a way out Sofia ended up lost and scared staying with her mother not feeling as brave as her siblings. Sofia’s innocence is ripped away one terrible night, making her terrors worse than ever. Now, as an adult, she’s decided it’s time to rebuild what she lost. This decision takes her to the MMA gym owned by her childhood friend and secret crush Killian O’Brien. Sofia has always loved Killian from a far never having the nerve to tell him her heart's desires. Always inseparable as children Killian and Sofia had shared an innocent bond. However, he was a few years older than her and grew up leaving Sofia behind. But she never stopped caring for him and wanting him in her life, is she brave enough to pursue an adult relationship with him? Or are her secrets too shameful for her to ever feel worthy of his love?
Killian O’Brien has only one regret, not protecting Sofia Tres Santos the girl who always had his heart when she needed him the most. Sofia has suffered too much in her life and he never wants her to suffer again. When she agrees to work at his mixed martial arts gym, Killian takes this as a sign, it’s time to show Sofia she’s his girl and he plans on claiming her. He has no problem taking it as slow as she needs to go as long as it means he gets to have her in his life and in his bed.
This series grabbed me from book one and didn’t let go. I loved Mateo and Evie’s story and couldn’t wait to read Lety and Brody’s story. Both of them featured, quick glimpses of Killian and Sofia. Every time I read about the brief moments this couple shared, I was eager to get to read their story. Once Pure is by far my favorite of the series. I loved how Killian wanted Sofia so badly, but he was willing to take it as slow as she needed. Their love building as they explored and learned new things about each other as adults. Reading this book was emotional and thrilling, it had me crying for Sofia one minute and cheering for her growing strength in the next minute. Killian and Sofia explore each other sexually taking it slow considering Sofia’s traumatic past. Those sex scenes were steamy and yet tender at the same time. Very well written, respecting the fact that Sofia was a victim of rape and it would not be easy for her to enter into any kind of sexual relationship.
It was not an easy journey for this couple to get their happily ever after, but it was so worth the ride.
In the end, I felt that before they could truly be together they both needed to find the strength to leave the past behind and move forward towards a brighter future. The only thing I wished for as I read was Killian’s point of view; I got my wish in the form of a fabulous epilogue. I adore epilogues especially when they tie up the couple’s story so neatly. I loved the entire O’Brien family and I am pleased to say the author plans on continuing the series focusing on the O’Brien clan. Finn O’Brien was a great character hiding his pain behind jokes and alcohol. Wren their sister is tough as nails but I could sense she had a story to tell as well as Curran and Declan O’Brien. Cecy Robson easily has become one of my favorite authors she develops deep characters with real problems and real flaws.
If you are looking for a book with a love story that is genuine and meaningful this is the one for you. You don’t have to read the other books in the series, but I definitely recommend you read all of them. Each couple has a great story that you will fall in love with.
Received and ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
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