Once Pure by Cecy Robson

Title:  Once Pure
Series:  Shattered Past #3
Author:  Cecy Robson
Genre:  Contemporary/Romance

Blurb:   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.

Thoughts:  I’ve been hooked on this series since book one – there is just an amazing balance of realism to the story that the author manages to convey, yet a heart wrenching depth of emotion that just grabs you and refuses to let go. That is even more prominent in Sofia’s story – Sofia is an odd mix of innocence, yet with a sense of experience that comes from living a hard life. She’s more vulnerable though in a number of ways…protected and sheltered by some of her older siblings. There has always been a deep connection between her and her longtime friend (and crush), Killian, but there are a lot of secrets at play here when it comes to their past. Some that have the power to ultimately rip them apart. After all, it’s the secrets in the shadows that have the most power to hurt you.

This has been my favorite book in this series so far….I wanted to cry so many times! Both for Sofia and for Killian. The emotions this book inspires!….There just aren’t words enough to describe the range of emotions that you go through as you flip the pages. However, the author has an amazing talent for striking a balance – it has it’s lighthearted moments, too….moments that make you laugh as these characters play off of each other, or just make outrageous comments.

“The one outlining everything my program does. I emailed it to you three weeks ago.”
“Were there naked photos of you attached?”
My cheeks heated, but I laughed anyway. “Um, no.”
His response wasn’t even the least bit apologetic. “Then why would I open that s%$#?”

Who wouldn’t get a kick out of that?…LOL Killian is just a perfect male lead and ‘book boyfriend’ material.

I LOVED this book…definitely one of my favorites for this year!

Rate:  A+