Saturday

Review: Once Pure (Shattered Past #3) by Cecy Robson (CR)



Book Blurb


She bears the scars of the past. He blames himself for things he can’t control. Their defenses are up, but in Cecy Robson’s latest Shattered Past novel—perfect for fans of Monica Murphy and J. Lynn—true love lands a knockout punch.

Sofia Tres Santos remembers a time before her life went sour, before her innocence was ripped away, before she began punishing herself with risky behaviors and unworthy men. Now, at twenty, she just hopes she’s ready to rebuild some of what she lost. One way or another, it always comes back to her childhood friend and longtime crush, Killian O’Brien.

As strong as Killian is, Sofia has always been his one weakness. He knows Sofia has suffered and wants to ensure she’s never hurt again—not like before, and definitely not under his watch. When Sofia agrees to work at his mixed martial arts gym, Killian seizes the opportunity to help and protect the sweet girl he’s always cared for. And yet, as he trains Sofia to defend herself using his hard-hitting MMA techniques, he’s drawn to the vulnerable beauty in ways he never expected.

As Sofia grows stronger, she also grows brave enough to open herself up to love. And along the way, she challenges everything Killian believes to be true, showing him that no matter how much he dominates in the ring, the real battle is fought in the heart.

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Toot's Review by Stacy Sabala

Sofia is trying to work through her past. Her abusive father is in prison and she is trying to move forward from being raped. It isn’t easy when she is afraid of her own shadow. She needs to take more control of her life and decides to work for Killian O’Brien. They were best friends growing up until he grew up without her.

She has feelings for him and even feels safe with him. However she doesn’t know if she could be anything more. She hates herself and knows he would think horribly of her if he knew what she has done. She doesn’t know if her past will ever allow her to be happy.

Killian has been interested in Sofia for a long time. He blames himself for not being able to protect her when she was raped. He is determined to go slow and give her the time and space she needs. He also wants to teach her to defend herself. They spend a lot of time working together at his gym. He trains for his next MMA fight and she is learning to defend herself.

Their relationship grows and Sofia starts to really trust Kill with her body and heart. However the secrets they have kept in the past come out and try to destroy what they have built.

This is the third book in the Shattered Pasts Series. I have read all three now and have been fully invested in this family. The reader is front and center while the characters deal with their father, cultural beliefs and trying to find a life for themselves.

The struggles the author introduces are heavy and truly form the characters. They are realistic and could be anyone. This family has fought hard and loves even harder taking care of their own. I like the loyalty and family bonding.

The O’Briens are a great family. They are full of boisterous and awesome members. I really got a kick out of how they treated each other. I bet family get-togethers are never dull. This was a great read and addition to the series. I give it a 4 out of 5.







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