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Shattered Past #1
Once Perfect
His life was never easy. Hers wasn’t supposed to be this hard. They come from different worlds, but fate lures them together in a way neither expected in Cecy Robson’s raw, steamy New Adult debut—perfect for fans of Monica Murphy and J. Lynn.
Evelyn Preston’s future once looked perfect—until her wealthy father was caught in an embezzlement scandal and took his own life. Alone and struggling to pay her college tuition and bills, Evelyn finds a job as a waitress at the ultra-hip nightclub Excess, where she used to have more in common with the privileged private-school clientele than her fellow staff members. But something attracts her to the sexy six-foot-four bouncer and underground MMA fighter Mateo Tres Santos. Although they’ve led different lives, their troubled pasts bonds them in both survival and love.
Mateo is ex-army who wound up in prison for assaulting the man who harmed his sister. Now he’s feeling the same protective impulse for this petite blond waitress. When Evelyn experiences a panic attack at the club, Mateo comes to her rescue. And when Mateo is wounded shielding her from a brawl, Evelyn returns the favor and comes to his aid.
As their attraction intensifies, Mateo is determined to find out what nightmares are lurking in Evelyn’s past—even if that means tackling his own to save her.
Evelyn Preston’s future once looked perfect—until her wealthy father was caught in an embezzlement scandal and took his own life. Alone and struggling to pay her college tuition and bills, Evelyn finds a job as a waitress at the ultra-hip nightclub Excess, where she used to have more in common with the privileged private-school clientele than her fellow staff members. But something attracts her to the sexy six-foot-four bouncer and underground MMA fighter Mateo Tres Santos. Although they’ve led different lives, their troubled pasts bonds them in both survival and love.
Mateo is ex-army who wound up in prison for assaulting the man who harmed his sister. Now he’s feeling the same protective impulse for this petite blond waitress. When Evelyn experiences a panic attack at the club, Mateo comes to her rescue. And when Mateo is wounded shielding her from a brawl, Evelyn returns the favor and comes to his aid.
As their attraction intensifies, Mateo is determined to find out what nightmares are lurking in Evelyn’s past—even if that means tackling his own to save her.
272 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2014
About the author
Cecy Robson
41 books2,114 followersCecy Robson is a New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author.
As an immigrant of El Salvador with proud Nahua Pipil indigenous heritage, Cecy worked as a registered nurse for twenty-three years and is honored to have received multiple accolades for her writing. In her free time, Cecy creates magical worlds, heart-stopping romance, and young adult adventure.
You can find Cecy laughing, crying, and cheering on her characters as she pens her next story.
Connect with Cecy online at www.cecyrobson.com
As an immigrant of El Salvador with proud Nahua Pipil indigenous heritage, Cecy worked as a registered nurse for twenty-three years and is honored to have received multiple accolades for her writing. In her free time, Cecy creates magical worlds, heart-stopping romance, and young adult adventure.
You can find Cecy laughing, crying, and cheering on her characters as she pens her next story.
Connect with Cecy online at www.cecyrobson.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 490 reviews
October 24, 2014
4 Refreshing New Adult Stars!
I love when I find a new adult book that not only takes me by surprise but also has me believing in the characters and the romance. It was refreshing to read a new adult couple that felt authentic to their background, age, and life situation.
Once Perfect isn't your average college romance with carbon-copy characters, plot, and soap opera drama. There's drama, some heartbreaking at times, but it was balanced with humor and story building. In fact, I was surprised at how much I laughed throughout the book considering the sensitive subject matter and the heartbreaking situations in which some of the characters found themselves.
The characters were what I loved the most about this story. They were so richly developed and relatable that they breathed life into each and every page. The secondary characters were just as vibrant, authentic, and lovable as the two main leads.
I had such a great time reading this book! It wasn't perfect (the heroine's dissociative disorder needed to be better explained) but it was just what I needed. This is definitely a story I will read again.
I love when I find a new adult book that not only takes me by surprise but also has me believing in the characters and the romance. It was refreshing to read a new adult couple that felt authentic to their background, age, and life situation.
Once Perfect isn't your average college romance with carbon-copy characters, plot, and soap opera drama. There's drama, some heartbreaking at times, but it was balanced with humor and story building. In fact, I was surprised at how much I laughed throughout the book considering the sensitive subject matter and the heartbreaking situations in which some of the characters found themselves.
The characters were what I loved the most about this story. They were so richly developed and relatable that they breathed life into each and every page. The secondary characters were just as vibrant, authentic, and lovable as the two main leads.
I had such a great time reading this book! It wasn't perfect (the heroine's dissociative disorder needed to be better explained) but it was just what I needed. This is definitely a story I will read again.
October 21, 2020
2.5 stars
This started well. I liked the whole bad boy/good girl angle (I'm basic like that) and I especially loved how very normal/real the progression of the MC's relationship was. It was my type of book really.
Until.. well, this will come with some spoilers but Matteo, the male MC's family is very messed up, but that wasn't the issue. The problem was that the author implied over and over that Matteo and his two sisters have to put up with beatings and horrible treatment from their parents just because that is their "culture". They are Cuban. I mean, wait a second, are you telling me that violence within a family and kids "respecting" their parents who do nothing but abuse them is part of the Latin culture?! There is a scene where they are all at a party and Teo's dad starts beating the heck out of Teo and his sisters and no one and I mean no one intervened, because apparently it's their family and Carlos (the abuser dad) has the right to do whatever. Yeah, that whole "it's a culture thing" didn't sit well with me.
If someone wrote a book and a character that shares the same culture as I do, that's cool, but to generalise and imply violence is a "culture" thing.. that's messed up.
I would have liked this book were it not for that issue.
This started well. I liked the whole bad boy/good girl angle (I'm basic like that) and I especially loved how very normal/real the progression of the MC's relationship was. It was my type of book really.
Until.. well, this will come with some spoilers but Matteo, the male MC's family is very messed up, but that wasn't the issue. The problem was that the author implied over and over that Matteo and his two sisters have to put up with beatings and horrible treatment from their parents just because that is their "culture". They are Cuban. I mean, wait a second, are you telling me that violence within a family and kids "respecting" their parents who do nothing but abuse them is part of the Latin culture?! There is a scene where they are all at a party and Teo's dad starts beating the heck out of Teo and his sisters and no one and I mean no one intervened, because apparently it's their family and Carlos (the abuser dad) has the right to do whatever. Yeah, that whole "it's a culture thing" didn't sit well with me.
If someone wrote a book and a character that shares the same culture as I do, that's cool, but to generalise and imply violence is a "culture" thing.. that's messed up.
I would have liked this book were it not for that issue.
August 23, 2014
Title: Once Perfect
Series: Shattered Past #1
Author: Cecy Robson
Release Date:
Rating: 2. 5 stars
Cliffhanger:. No
HEA:
I really adore Cecy Robson’s Urban Fantasy series, Weird Girls, it’s totally kickass! From spellbinding plot and awesome characters to sizzling writing style, Weird Girls rules. I expected the same from Cecy’s new adult novel. Unfortunately, it wasn’t like this. While the premise sounded good and the book started very well, around 50% in I was getting distracted and not much into it.. I couldn’t connect to this story, no matter how much I wanted to. It just happened to be not my cup of tea.
Most of this novel was very bleached and boring in comparison to other books by this author. I found myself not only disappointed but bitter toward the characters from Once Perfect. It missed the spark, the energy, the originality and the freshness. It was very boring and cliché. And while it wasn’t bad, like really bad, it was just not what I wished for. I wanted more! More sex, more heat, more maturity… more Cecy Robson from Weird Girls!
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*ARC provided by publisher via Netgalley in exchange for honest review *
January 19, 2022
I love Cecy's writing. This story was particularly compelling because it brought to the forefront the issues that stay with us when we go through some kind of abuse whether it's physical or emotional. I loved Mateo and Evie. He was the protector. The family glue. Being hispanic myself, I get the way the family behaved with their antiquated beliefs. It's one of those things I will never understand about my people. The character growth was beautiful to see and the side characters are set up for some interesting stories. The only area that left me a little unsatisfied was the ending. It left me with some holes that I hope will be filled with a mention in other books. It's honestly a great book by a great author and you'd be crazy to miss out.
October 18, 2014
4 Solid Stars! The mouthwatering Mateo is a powerhouse with a gentle touch and a kind heart...delicious!
As a rule, I'm not a fan of this particular sub-genre of romance, but this was a pretty good New Adult debut by Cecy Robson. What I loved most about this book is that while Mateo and Evie faced challenges in their relationship, they didn't push each other away. They faced everything together...head on, which empowered them as a couple and they won me over. They didn't run or play the woe-is-me card, which is a common thread in this genre of romance and one that I find annoying. That's not to say there isn't some angst, but the author dealt with in a way that I appreciated the characters and their strength.
Life hadn’t initially been good to either of us. But we were good to each other. And regardless of the demons of our pasts, nothing would change that.I also respected the author for the way she handled the issue with Evie's ex. She took his age into account when he left her and his life as it was at that time. He was dealing the best he could, and she didn't make him out to be an unfeeling villain. I actually felt bad for him and would love to see her explore the possibility of writing him a story. Now that would be interesting!
There is an explosive climatic ending that exemplifies the cultural differences between Mateo and Evie. It also sets up the next book in the series, but no cliffhanger for our main couple. Mateo and Evie's story has a solid ending, another thing that the author did right. The reader doesn't have to wade through an entire series to see what the future holds for these two. Bravo and thank you Cecy Robson for writing a New Adult series that I can look forward too. I'm in this series for the long haul!
*A copy of the book was provided by Random House Publishing-Loveswept via NetGalley*
June 8, 2017
Reread: June 2017
Now available on audio!! Naturally I had to revisit Teo and Evie, and it was just as fantastic as the first time around.
*This was a new to me narrator, I didn't find her performance outstanding, but, she's good and made the audiobook an enjoyable reread.
October 2014
4.5 Fighting For Love Stars!!
I really enjoyed this story. Mateo, is an ex Marine, ex Con and current Nighclub Bouncer. Evelyn is a shunned Debutant, part-time cocktail, waitress and full time nursing student. They’re both are wounded souls, trying to overcome their many obstacles.
Evelyn lead the life of privilege until her world comes crashing down with her fathers suicide and the subsequent scandal that follows. Going from riches to rags, she’s now a cocktail waitress at a nightclub to support herself while in nursing school.
Mateo’s is the nightclub’s head of security and part-time (illegal) MMA fighter. Evie catches his eye the moment she walked into the club to apply for a job and he discreetly watches out for her ….you can actually feel Mateo’s longing for Evie.
Teo has baggage and thinks Evie won't want to accept, and sadly he thinks he’s not good enough for her, he has a really messed up family situation. What Tao doesn’t realize is that Evie has her own baggage, messed up family, and some pretty horrific demons that continue to haunt her.
You find yourself hoping, longing and cheering that these two lost lonely souls can find their way. Eventually when all is revealed, they overcome, and are in love. They have learned to trust together……and to knock all these obsticles out of their way!!!
I have to say I am soooooo looking forward to more in the series! Lety & Brody’s book is next (Once Loved Jan 2015) and hopefully Killian & Sofia’s book is not too far off!!!
** ARC provided to www.sweptawaybyromance.com by Netgally in exchange for an honest review
April 30, 2018
Evelyn (Evie) Preston is a waitress at a hip nightclub while at the same time attending nursing school and struggling to pay bills. It’s a bit of a comedown from her earlier life as the privileged daughter of a wealthy businessman just three years ago. His suicide following an embezzlement scandal changed everything, let alone personal traumas even she hasn’t fully acknowledged. Mateo Tres Santos is a bouncer at the nightclub, an imposing figure at 6’4” compared to the petite Evie. Circumstances bring these two together despite the chasm of differences but one thing they share is a strong sense of self and personal fortitude.
This book was a slow but growing burn for me. Initially I feared I wouldn’t be able to connect with either character or their relationship not just because of their ages (early twenties) but also because of Mateo’s underground MMA fighting. That’s just not my cuppa and I’ve avoided those stories. However (and it’s a big one), that’s just background and the real story is of two people grappling with real life issues, trying to make the best of their lives and figuring out how to move forward. To say their experiences are reflective of most people’s reality is understating the value of this story. I loved how both just dealt with their circumstances, struggled to create a relationship when most of those around them aren’t betting on them and kept moving forward. Mateo’s family values and cultural norms are a strong part of his identity and I was pleased to see that honestly portrayed. Evie’s issues were tragic and what made her more authentic was how there wasn’t a neat end or solution provided.
It’s a tough story but I eventually came to admire and truly like Evie and Mateo. They’re not stereotypes in any sense of the word and their lives and relationship are not easy. I didn’t think I’d want to continue the series but now I’m too invested to stop here. The narrator did a really good job of giving voice to both characters as well as to the secondary ones. This one is a keeper.
My thanks to Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer for providing me a complimentary copy.
This book was a slow but growing burn for me. Initially I feared I wouldn’t be able to connect with either character or their relationship not just because of their ages (early twenties) but also because of Mateo’s underground MMA fighting. That’s just not my cuppa and I’ve avoided those stories. However (and it’s a big one), that’s just background and the real story is of two people grappling with real life issues, trying to make the best of their lives and figuring out how to move forward. To say their experiences are reflective of most people’s reality is understating the value of this story. I loved how both just dealt with their circumstances, struggled to create a relationship when most of those around them aren’t betting on them and kept moving forward. Mateo’s family values and cultural norms are a strong part of his identity and I was pleased to see that honestly portrayed. Evie’s issues were tragic and what made her more authentic was how there wasn’t a neat end or solution provided.
It’s a tough story but I eventually came to admire and truly like Evie and Mateo. They’re not stereotypes in any sense of the word and their lives and relationship are not easy. I didn’t think I’d want to continue the series but now I’m too invested to stop here. The narrator did a really good job of giving voice to both characters as well as to the secondary ones. This one is a keeper.
My thanks to Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer for providing me a complimentary copy.
October 8, 2014
3.5 stars
Abandoned and shunned, Evelyn finds herself alone with nothing left. She used to have it all until her father took his own life. While trying to stay on track on becoming a Nurse, she goes to school during the day while working at a Club Excess at night. Club Excess is where the rich kids go to live it up, drinking and getting their hands on anything they can get to go higher than high. What keeps her safe are the bodyguards of Excess, and the man who leads them all Mateo. She knows her fear of him is unjustified since he's shown her nothing but kindness, but she can't help but fear how capable he is of violence when witnessing it night after night dealing with the drug dealers and the drunks.
When your days and nights are filled with panic attacks, it's hard to fit in when all you want to do is hide. Making friends is hard for her especially with how quickly everyone turned their back on them...but little by little the staff at Excess prove her wrong. Evie has never been a sexual person, she actually hates sex but something about Mateo and his raw intensity that just turns her on. The one man she fears is the one man she wants, and when he finally makes a move she can't help but fall for the man who treats her with tender gloves.
It's clear to Mateo that they need to take it slow, Evie has some serious demons she is battling and doesn't know if she even knows who she is fighting. Keeping her safe and protected is his main focus, willing to wait it out. Evie is different, and he wants her for more than just one night, he's in it for the long haul. But what happens when she finally confronts her demons, and when his own monster comes back...can they fight it all together ???
Once Perfect is about a very broken girl and the man who has the patience to put her back together. This book had me wondering what happened to Evie, I had some guesses but in the end I was wrong. She wasn't a fighter, she was a survivor, one who had to much bad in her life and blocked it all away. Mateo, is just what a real man should be, passionate, tender, patient and affectionate. They way he took care of the women in his life made him completely swoon worthy. Underneath the rage and the muscles, he was a big softie at heart. I just have to say and I mean no disrespect to the family culture displayed in the book, but that is all kinds fucked up, my jaw was left hanging, wanting to bang someone upside their head for how they were forced to live. It was a great sad-heartwarming read.
ARC kindly provided by Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review .
***Quotes above are taken from the ARC version of the book and may differ upon publication.
"Just breathe for me."
Abandoned and shunned, Evelyn finds herself alone with nothing left. She used to have it all until her father took his own life. While trying to stay on track on becoming a Nurse, she goes to school during the day while working at a Club Excess at night. Club Excess is where the rich kids go to live it up, drinking and getting their hands on anything they can get to go higher than high. What keeps her safe are the bodyguards of Excess, and the man who leads them all Mateo. She knows her fear of him is unjustified since he's shown her nothing but kindness, but she can't help but fear how capable he is of violence when witnessing it night after night dealing with the drug dealers and the drunks.
Maybe I still remained that princess after all, despite my confiscated tiara.
When your days and nights are filled with panic attacks, it's hard to fit in when all you want to do is hide. Making friends is hard for her especially with how quickly everyone turned their back on them...but little by little the staff at Excess prove her wrong. Evie has never been a sexual person, she actually hates sex but something about Mateo and his raw intensity that just turns her on. The one man she fears is the one man she wants, and when he finally makes a move she can't help but fall for the man who treats her with tender gloves.
Mateo didn't create the nightmares. He hadn't hurt me like those cruel hands in my dreams. And he never would.
It's clear to Mateo that they need to take it slow, Evie has some serious demons she is battling and doesn't know if she even knows who she is fighting. Keeping her safe and protected is his main focus, willing to wait it out. Evie is different, and he wants her for more than just one night, he's in it for the long haul. But what happens when she finally confronts her demons, and when his own monster comes back...can they fight it all together ???
"You broke like a piece of glass, right in front of me." He swallowed hard. "And it fucking ripped me apart. I couldn't help you, even though I'd promised to keep you safe."
Once Perfect is about a very broken girl and the man who has the patience to put her back together. This book had me wondering what happened to Evie, I had some guesses but in the end I was wrong. She wasn't a fighter, she was a survivor, one who had to much bad in her life and blocked it all away. Mateo, is just what a real man should be, passionate, tender, patient and affectionate. They way he took care of the women in his life made him completely swoon worthy. Underneath the rage and the muscles, he was a big softie at heart. I just have to say and I mean no disrespect to the family culture displayed in the book, but that is all kinds fucked up, my jaw was left hanging, wanting to bang someone upside their head for how they were forced to live. It was a great sad-heartwarming read.
ARC kindly provided by Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review .
***Quotes above are taken from the ARC version of the book and may differ upon publication.
August 7, 2014
4 Mateo and Evie Stars * * * *
Two people from totally different cultures and economic backgrounds collide. Assumptions are made but once they are stripped away... they understand they are just people who connect and are good for one another. Sounds like any romance story out there, right... except this tale had so much more to it than that.
We get the rich, privileged girl who suffers at the hands of the father's sins. He embezzled, disgraced his family and then ended things in a drastic manner. Evelyn... left alone, fending for herself with only the love and emotional support of her former housekeeper's family. She has been abandon by the boy/man she was supposed to have married... She learned to stand on her own two feet and become something she could be proud of... a nurse. She is almost finished and will be graduating soon. She has worked her way through, waiting tables at a club some nights and weekends. It is not easy. It is not what she was raised to do. It is her life and she is learning to be her own person as best as she can.
We get a man... someone who endured a difficult childhood, survivor of the cultural ways of his family. He dealt as best he could with the violence he saw and experienced by the hands of his father. He saw the harm and acceptance of his passive mother. He wanted more out of his life and sought to get the education and training the Armed Service would provide. A traumatic event involving his 14 year old sister changed his path. Doling out the appropriate punishment to the perpetrator, he was sentenced to prison instead of the society boy who deserved it. Mateo has done his time. He heads the security and bouncers of the club where Evie works. He is helping his mother and sisters financially and is resigned to his life. He will take care of his family. He will fight to make the money to support them. He does not see any advancement or career for himself. This is his life.
These two connect and although each has their issues and concerns... once they commit to each other... you root for them.
This was a winner for me... The cover planted the seed of who to think about as Mateo.... here was the strong, built, caring man. He had seen so much; was sweet and careful with Evie... he sensed there were demons and she would need to work them through first before anything could happen with them. You just adore Mateo from the start and Evie, with her privileged, sheltered background, is learning to be free and open as best she can.
The story was detailed and made terrific sense. It covered numerous plot lines which meshed perfectly. You cared about these people... understood the challenges. There were secondary characters which enhanced the story and will have their own books coming I sense.
This was a good read for me and glad I was able to experience it.
A gifted copy was provided by Random House Publishing through NetGalley for an honest review.
For more reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
Two people from totally different cultures and economic backgrounds collide. Assumptions are made but once they are stripped away... they understand they are just people who connect and are good for one another. Sounds like any romance story out there, right... except this tale had so much more to it than that.
We get the rich, privileged girl who suffers at the hands of the father's sins. He embezzled, disgraced his family and then ended things in a drastic manner. Evelyn... left alone, fending for herself with only the love and emotional support of her former housekeeper's family. She has been abandon by the boy/man she was supposed to have married... She learned to stand on her own two feet and become something she could be proud of... a nurse. She is almost finished and will be graduating soon. She has worked her way through, waiting tables at a club some nights and weekends. It is not easy. It is not what she was raised to do. It is her life and she is learning to be her own person as best as she can.
We get a man... someone who endured a difficult childhood, survivor of the cultural ways of his family. He dealt as best he could with the violence he saw and experienced by the hands of his father. He saw the harm and acceptance of his passive mother. He wanted more out of his life and sought to get the education and training the Armed Service would provide. A traumatic event involving his 14 year old sister changed his path. Doling out the appropriate punishment to the perpetrator, he was sentenced to prison instead of the society boy who deserved it. Mateo has done his time. He heads the security and bouncers of the club where Evie works. He is helping his mother and sisters financially and is resigned to his life. He will take care of his family. He will fight to make the money to support them. He does not see any advancement or career for himself. This is his life.
These two connect and although each has their issues and concerns... once they commit to each other... you root for them.
This was a winner for me... The cover planted the seed of who to think about as Mateo.... here was the strong, built, caring man. He had seen so much; was sweet and careful with Evie... he sensed there were demons and she would need to work them through first before anything could happen with them. You just adore Mateo from the start and Evie, with her privileged, sheltered background, is learning to be free and open as best she can.
The story was detailed and made terrific sense. It covered numerous plot lines which meshed perfectly. You cared about these people... understood the challenges. There were secondary characters which enhanced the story and will have their own books coming I sense.
This was a good read for me and glad I was able to experience it.
A gifted copy was provided by Random House Publishing through NetGalley for an honest review.
For more reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
October 31, 2014
2.5 - "I'm good with my hands." Stars.
Once Perfect is the type of book that due to its subject matter/storyline, as a reader I feel a little guilty for not really liking it. This may just be me not gelling with the author’s writing style, as it wasn���t all bad, and I will try to pinpoint my reasons for why it didn’t really work for me.
It started out pretty good, I liked Evie initially and Mateo was pretty swoonworthy with his protectiveness of her, but as the book progressed the chemistry I think I was meant to be feeling between them just didn’t really materialize. I found their conversations and a lot of their interaction at points bordering on what felt like a parent (Evie) talking down to a teenager (Mateo).
”Sweetie, leave her alone. He’s being nice to her.”
The whole use of the word ’Sweetie’ got a little cringe-worthy at times too, bearing in mind we are talking about a 23 year old guy and a 21 year old girl, this isn’t a word I would equate to being used in this age group so much, and the whole writing style for me felt like and older person writing how they thought twenty-somethings would interact, and the language just didn’t feel loose enough.
I think there is a fine line when you are holding a reader in suspense with regards to major plot developments, but we were well into the second half of the book before anything of interest really happened. Yes there are a few hints and flashbacks here and there as to what happened in Evie’s past, as well as Mateo’s familial issues and I kind of worked out where it was going to go before it was officially confirmed, but for me it just took too long to really get started.
”You callin’ me a distraction.”
The second thing that really bugged me about Once Perfect was the whole cliché rich girl, down on her luck - poor Latino boy from the wrong side of the tracks vibe. This trope usually works for me but what with the fact Evie came over pretty condescending towards Mateo (and his family) a lot of the time, and Mateo’s stereotypical dead-beat, down on their luck family, I just found it all really cheesy. And I am sorry, but I just can’t get onboard with any guy from whatever walk of life saying that ”It’s not something we do” when asked why he hasn’t gone to the police or the authorities in an attempt to stop his druggie douche-bag father from beating seven kinds of shit out of his sisters, mother and himself on a regular basis. I know this is fiction but this sort of behavior and acceptance about something that is wholly unacceptable just makes me angry.
I think this book shows promise, but coupled with the above points and possibly the most clinical and unsexy blow/hand-job I have ever read, it all just fell extremely flat for me.
ARC provided via Netgalley, I am sorry I cannot give a more positive review on this occasion.
Once Perfect is the type of book that due to its subject matter/storyline, as a reader I feel a little guilty for not really liking it. This may just be me not gelling with the author’s writing style, as it wasn���t all bad, and I will try to pinpoint my reasons for why it didn’t really work for me.
It started out pretty good, I liked Evie initially and Mateo was pretty swoonworthy with his protectiveness of her, but as the book progressed the chemistry I think I was meant to be feeling between them just didn’t really materialize. I found their conversations and a lot of their interaction at points bordering on what felt like a parent (Evie) talking down to a teenager (Mateo).
”Sweetie, leave her alone. He’s being nice to her.”
The whole use of the word ’Sweetie’ got a little cringe-worthy at times too, bearing in mind we are talking about a 23 year old guy and a 21 year old girl, this isn’t a word I would equate to being used in this age group so much, and the whole writing style for me felt like and older person writing how they thought twenty-somethings would interact, and the language just didn’t feel loose enough.
I think there is a fine line when you are holding a reader in suspense with regards to major plot developments, but we were well into the second half of the book before anything of interest really happened. Yes there are a few hints and flashbacks here and there as to what happened in Evie’s past, as well as Mateo’s familial issues and I kind of worked out where it was going to go before it was officially confirmed, but for me it just took too long to really get started.
”You callin’ me a distraction.”
The second thing that really bugged me about Once Perfect was the whole cliché rich girl, down on her luck - poor Latino boy from the wrong side of the tracks vibe. This trope usually works for me but what with the fact Evie came over pretty condescending towards Mateo (and his family) a lot of the time, and Mateo’s stereotypical dead-beat, down on their luck family, I just found it all really cheesy. And I am sorry, but I just can’t get onboard with any guy from whatever walk of life saying that ”It’s not something we do” when asked why he hasn’t gone to the police or the authorities in an attempt to stop his druggie douche-bag father from beating seven kinds of shit out of his sisters, mother and himself on a regular basis. I know this is fiction but this sort of behavior and acceptance about something that is wholly unacceptable just makes me angry.
I think this book shows promise, but coupled with the above points and possibly the most clinical and unsexy blow/hand-job I have ever read, it all just fell extremely flat for me.
ARC provided via Netgalley, I am sorry I cannot give a more positive review on this occasion.
January 2, 2015
Sizzling Pages Romance Reviews
Nichole's Sizzling Reviews
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Twitter:@Sizzlingpages
Email: sizzlingpages@gmail.com
I wish I'd have read this weeks ago. Everything about this love story
spoke to my heart. From Evelyns past to her fears and strength .. all made her
one of the best heroines I've ever read. She could have let her fears completely
trap her into a life of solitude but once Mateo started chipping at her walls..
that’s when Evie really came out and shined.
Mateo was 100% wonderful. I adored
this hero. I've always loved the Latino culture. Loyalty and traditional
values.. the family and closeness. The way he protected his sisters and how he
always kept his word. Such passionate and sensual love scenes just warmed my
heart.
Cecy really has a gift of pulling you in until you completely feel the
characters emotions. Not just Mateo or Evie either. Sweet Sophie and loud and
crazy Letie.. to funny as hell Brody. The other bouncers and even scandalous
Sam and Elaine.. I was riveted and couldn't put it down. Total romance and I
want more.
**Thank you Netgalley and Cecy **
Nichole's Sizzling Reviews
Sizzling Pages @ Facebook
Sizling Pages on TSU
Twitter:@Sizzlingpages
Email: sizzlingpages@gmail.com
I wish I'd have read this weeks ago. Everything about this love story
spoke to my heart. From Evelyns past to her fears and strength .. all made her
one of the best heroines I've ever read. She could have let her fears completely
trap her into a life of solitude but once Mateo started chipping at her walls..
that’s when Evie really came out and shined.
Mateo was 100% wonderful. I adored
this hero. I've always loved the Latino culture. Loyalty and traditional
values.. the family and closeness. The way he protected his sisters and how he
always kept his word. Such passionate and sensual love scenes just warmed my
heart.
Cecy really has a gift of pulling you in until you completely feel the
characters emotions. Not just Mateo or Evie either. Sweet Sophie and loud and
crazy Letie.. to funny as hell Brody. The other bouncers and even scandalous
Sam and Elaine.. I was riveted and couldn't put it down. Total romance and I
want more.
**Thank you Netgalley and Cecy **
July 26, 2014
07/24/2014 --
Overall Rating = 2.5 Stars
Book Cover / Book Blurb / Book Title = 4 / 3 / 1 = 2.5 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 2 Stars
Character Development = 3 Stars
Story Appreciation = 2 Stars
Worth the Chili = 4 Stars -- [$2.99 on Amazon]
Smexy [HEAT] Rating = Mild
272 pages
Okay .. this didn't work for me. I've gotten used to more meaty Loveswept books. This was definitely not that. More than half the book was taken up with Evie, our heroine contemplating and being fearful of Teo's big cock. I read through to the end, but books like this piss me off. So, no. This book was definitely, absolutely NOT the book for me.
You may like this one just fine. It is a very juvenile story, but power to you and good luck!
Happy Reading!
ARC provided by Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Overall Rating = 2.5 Stars
Book Cover / Book Blurb / Book Title = 4 / 3 / 1 = 2.5 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 2 Stars
Character Development = 3 Stars
Story Appreciation = 2 Stars
Worth the Chili = 4 Stars -- [$2.99 on Amazon]
Smexy [HEAT] Rating = Mild
272 pages
Okay .. this didn't work for me. I've gotten used to more meaty Loveswept books. This was definitely not that. More than half the book was taken up with Evie, our heroine contemplating and being fearful of Teo's big cock. I read through to the end, but books like this piss me off. So, no. This book was definitely, absolutely NOT the book for me.
You may like this one just fine. It is a very juvenile story, but power to you and good luck!
Happy Reading!
ARC provided by Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 16, 2014
This book was amazingly fantastic!! I loved it from beginning to end and read it in one sitting. Mateo has made my list of top ten favorite alpha heroes!!! I highly recommend this one!
And if, like me, you don't typically read books written in first person with only one point of view, don't let that stop you from buying this book. It is sooooo well written you won't miss the hero's POV at all.
And if, like me, you don't typically read books written in first person with only one point of view, don't let that stop you from buying this book. It is sooooo well written you won't miss the hero's POV at all.
July 23, 2014
*4.5 stars*
Pretty awesome, ending felt a bit rushed though and hopefully both Lety and Brody AND Sofia and Killian get their stories (coz I sooooo wanna read them!!!!)
*ARC courtesy of Netgalley and Random House Publishing*
Pretty awesome, ending felt a bit rushed though and hopefully both Lety and Brody AND Sofia and Killian get their stories (coz I sooooo wanna read them!!!!)
*ARC courtesy of Netgalley and Random House Publishing*
November 13, 2014
Cecy Robson is a new-to-me author but after reading Once Perfect, I'm on a mission to catch up with what I missed out on by not knowing about her. She definitely won me over with Mateo and Evie. Loved these two so much.
Not only is the cover OUTSTANDING, but more important, so is the story. I was immediately drawn to Evie and Mateo. It was so much fun reading them fall in love. It wasn't an easy journey for them but it was funny, sweet, heartbreaking and left me smiling at the end. Mateo..he had me from the start *sigh* He was definitely a swoon~worthy hero. It was so sad and it pissed me off how the dad treated not only Mateo, but his sisters as well and the mom wasn't any better. Evie was such a special heroine to me. I loved her from the beginning as well. She adapted to her new life and was making a way for herself even though it wasn't easy. She was so sweet but had trouble fitting in and making friends. It was hard to read her struggle with her past when she finally remembered what had happened to her. I loved how she continued to battle through it. They were so sweet and HOT together ~ loved their relationship. Loved how Mateo protected her and I loved how Evie took care of him.
Great secondary characters...Ant was so funny and I'm interested to see if he will get his own book as well as Noelle, Dee and Big Chris. I cannot wait to read Lety and Brody and then Sophie and Killian.
There were a lot of funny parts in the story as well. Ant and Mateo eating the cookies Evie made, Evie catching Sam and Diane in the kitchen and when Evie asked about Mateo's tattoo.
Such a great read and looking forward to more.
Not only is the cover OUTSTANDING, but more important, so is the story. I was immediately drawn to Evie and Mateo. It was so much fun reading them fall in love. It wasn't an easy journey for them but it was funny, sweet, heartbreaking and left me smiling at the end. Mateo..he had me from the start *sigh* He was definitely a swoon~worthy hero. It was so sad and it pissed me off how the dad treated not only Mateo, but his sisters as well and the mom wasn't any better. Evie was such a special heroine to me. I loved her from the beginning as well. She adapted to her new life and was making a way for herself even though it wasn't easy. She was so sweet but had trouble fitting in and making friends. It was hard to read her struggle with her past when she finally remembered what had happened to her. I loved how she continued to battle through it. They were so sweet and HOT together ~ loved their relationship. Loved how Mateo protected her and I loved how Evie took care of him.
Great secondary characters...Ant was so funny and I'm interested to see if he will get his own book as well as Noelle, Dee and Big Chris. I cannot wait to read Lety and Brody and then Sophie and Killian.
There were a lot of funny parts in the story as well. Ant and Mateo eating the cookies Evie made, Evie catching Sam and Diane in the kitchen and when Evie asked about Mateo's tattoo.
Such a great read and looking forward to more.
January 7, 2021
Pages: 221
My rating: 4
Read other books by this author in the future: yes
MC: Evie, Teo
Once Perfect was a good book. I liked the story and I liked that the FMC realised that her hard life today is a good one.
I liked the MC’s they were all flawed but they found each other and stood by each other. There is a range of emotions in this book, sad, heartbroken and happy. I really liked this one.
My rating: 4
Read other books by this author in the future: yes
MC: Evie, Teo
Once Perfect was a good book. I liked the story and I liked that the FMC realised that her hard life today is a good one.
I liked the MC’s they were all flawed but they found each other and stood by each other. There is a range of emotions in this book, sad, heartbroken and happy. I really liked this one.
February 18, 2016
Ah what a sweet NA read this was. Two really likeable characters with a whole slew of interesting side characters. Good story line that the author could have made much darker but didn't and on this occasion it suited the book, story and style of writing.
There wasn't much in the way of steam but that totally worked here too. I love that their relationship wasn't rushed, and how the author peeled back the characters pasts layer by layer.
For me, the only thing that was missing was Teo's POV. I would have loved to have gotten inside his head.
4.25 stars
There wasn't much in the way of steam but that totally worked here too. I love that their relationship wasn't rushed, and how the author peeled back the characters pasts layer by layer.
For me, the only thing that was missing was Teo's POV. I would have loved to have gotten inside his head.
4.25 stars
October 13, 2014
This is what I consider to be a "want to hide in bed all day so I can just read one more page" kind of read. ONCE PERFECT was...well...Just Perfect! If I didn't have two little ones, and work to do, I would have finished in one sitting...ahhh...I remember those days...
Back to the book, Cecy Robson got me hooked...line and sinker, and for those who are fans of movies like CRAZY BEAUTIFUL , the PERFECT CHEMISTRY Series by Simone Elkeles, and the TRUE Believers Series by Erin McCarty, you will SOOO want to grab a hold of ONCE PERFECT, clear the calendar and dive into the sexy, sweet, emotional, and sometimes horrific world that is Teo and Evie...Oh Mateo (yes, for all you ALL MY CHILDREN fans....the heroes name is MATEO and he likes some gringa too!)
In ONCE PERFECT, we get a little something different from what we keep seeing in the NA world. We get a club atmosphere, a taste of Underground Fighting, and the madness that is the age we call New Adult and the "Shattered Pasts" that come to haunt you when you think you can escape it!
The story is truly emotional at times, silly at times, sexy at times, and all together AWESOME. I can't WAIT to see where Cecy takes the Shattered Past Series, which I believe is Lety and Brody next (OH YEAH), and I HOPE Sofia and Killian after that (and my daughter is Sofia with an "f", so I like her even more).
Back to the book, Cecy Robson got me hooked...line and sinker, and for those who are fans of movies like CRAZY BEAUTIFUL , the PERFECT CHEMISTRY Series by Simone Elkeles, and the TRUE Believers Series by Erin McCarty, you will SOOO want to grab a hold of ONCE PERFECT, clear the calendar and dive into the sexy, sweet, emotional, and sometimes horrific world that is Teo and Evie...Oh Mateo (yes, for all you ALL MY CHILDREN fans....the heroes name is MATEO and he likes some gringa too!)
In ONCE PERFECT, we get a little something different from what we keep seeing in the NA world. We get a club atmosphere, a taste of Underground Fighting, and the madness that is the age we call New Adult and the "Shattered Pasts" that come to haunt you when you think you can escape it!
The story is truly emotional at times, silly at times, sexy at times, and all together AWESOME. I can't WAIT to see where Cecy takes the Shattered Past Series, which I believe is Lety and Brody next (OH YEAH), and I HOPE Sofia and Killian after that (and my daughter is Sofia with an "f", so I like her even more).
August 12, 2014
4.5 stars.
This book took me by surprise - I was not expecting such a heart-breaking, romantic and intense story. Evelyn and Mateo both have things from their past they are trying to work through. They both have struggled in their lives and are dealing with some really difficult issues. I really loved the way that their relationship developed and the connection between these characters. What I really enjoyed about this story was there wasn't a lot of angst or stupid drama with silly misunderstandings. This book was really interesting with a good story flow. I really enjoyed the supporting characters, especially Mateo's sisters. Mateo and Evelyn are the type of couple you really want to see reach a happily ever after. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more in this series!
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
This book took me by surprise - I was not expecting such a heart-breaking, romantic and intense story. Evelyn and Mateo both have things from their past they are trying to work through. They both have struggled in their lives and are dealing with some really difficult issues. I really loved the way that their relationship developed and the connection between these characters. What I really enjoyed about this story was there wasn't a lot of angst or stupid drama with silly misunderstandings. This book was really interesting with a good story flow. I really enjoyed the supporting characters, especially Mateo's sisters. Mateo and Evelyn are the type of couple you really want to see reach a happily ever after. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more in this series!
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
November 27, 2014
**ARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review!**
*Quotes may differ upon publication*
2/2.5 YOU'RE-SAFE-WITH-ME STARS!
Pushing the Limits series, anyone?!?!?Nothing is ever ever EVER topping that fantastically written series so...
A beautiful ex-rich white girl working at a bar.
And a Cuban ex-con bouncer.
The oddest combination, yet the sparks ignite. Opposites attract, right? But they are more similar in ways they know.
Seeing the beautiful Evie three times a week has become something Mateo looked forward to. She's someone he'll never have, but craves. And when fate decides to bring matters to its hands, Mateo doesn't miss the opportunity.
Friendships are created, and the amount of desire continues to grow. The differences in the both of them are enough to set them apart, but as Evie sees Mateo for who he is, she falls for him--hard.
However... no relationship is perfect. Evie's demons haunt her in the night and Mateo's problems result in the anger he tries to keep under wraps.
HEA?
--
Plot I've seen plenty of times, but just didn't work. Beginning was great, it was funny and full of tension. Then, all the shit revolving around Evie kept getting dragged longer and longer and loooooooonnnnnngggeeerrrrr, when it finally came to light, I wasn't even surprised or shocked--in the slightest. Once I got towards the end, I was just finishing the book for the heck of it. I ended up forgetting the heroine's name. (sorry Evie)
Evie pissed me off when she assumed the worst of Mateo because she seemed ignorant and when she realized he wasn't who she thought he was, she just got annoying. She was also too vulnerable for me, she spent weeks worrying about Mateo's "big penis" inside her, because it might "rip her apart" and then she'll bleed to death. (I made that part up, but you get where I'm going)
RIP Evie. Cause of death: Mateo's big penis that ripped her vagina.
Taken literal...
THOUGH, I AM SO HYPED TO READ THE NEXT BOOK BECAUSE OF LETY AND BROODY. Of course, I can't forget about Sofia and Killian! I feel terrible saying this but I enjoyed the parts with them in it so much more than I enjoyed the main couple, Evie and Mateo.
NOTE: The issue the author talks about in this book is very serious and the fact that I did not enjoy the book does not mean in any way that I do not think it is wrong--because I do. You can't ignore the titanic amount of assholes present in this world.
*Quotes may differ upon publication*
2/2.5 YOU'RE-SAFE-WITH-ME STARS!
Pushing the Limits series, anyone?!?!?
"You're really pretty when you smile, you know that?
I wish I can see that smile more."
A beautiful ex-rich white girl working at a bar.
And a Cuban ex-con bouncer.
The oddest combination, yet the sparks ignite. Opposites attract, right? But they are more similar in ways they know.
Seeing the beautiful Evie three times a week has become something Mateo looked forward to. She's someone he'll never have, but craves. And when fate decides to bring matters to its hands, Mateo doesn't miss the opportunity.
"Evie ... It's okay. You're all right now ... I won't let anyone hurt you."In the past few months, fleeting glances at Mateo is enough to warn Evie to stay away from him. The mans an ex-con and with a slight squeeze of his fingers, she would be crushed. Yet, the hidden desire beneath all her troubles begins to surface.
Friendships are created, and the amount of desire continues to grow. The differences in the both of them are enough to set them apart, but as Evie sees Mateo for who he is, she falls for him--hard.
Ex-cons were trouble. But Mateo had proven he was the exception to that rule. His tenderness, patience, and affection, coupled with his memory of the first time he saw me, showed me who he truly was, and not who he had to be to survive in prison.
However... no relationship is perfect. Evie's demons haunt her in the night and Mateo's problems result in the anger he tries to keep under wraps.
Seemed we both had secrets better left hidden. At least for now.As the demons start clawing at Evie and Mateo, they are left to ponder the question: Do I deserve this person?
HEA?
--
Plot I've seen plenty of times, but just didn't work. Beginning was great, it was funny and full of tension. Then, all the shit revolving around Evie kept getting dragged longer and longer and loooooooonnnnnngggeeerrrrr, when it finally came to light, I wasn't even surprised or shocked--in the slightest. Once I got towards the end, I was just finishing the book for the heck of it. I ended up forgetting the heroine's name. (sorry Evie)
Evie pissed me off when she assumed the worst of Mateo because she seemed ignorant and when she realized he wasn't who she thought he was, she just got annoying. She was also too vulnerable for me, she spent weeks worrying about Mateo's "big penis" inside her, because it might "rip her apart" and then she'll bleed to death. (I made that part up, but you get where I'm going)
RIP Evie. Cause of death: Mateo's big penis that ripped her vagina.
Taken literal...
THOUGH, I AM SO HYPED TO READ THE NEXT BOOK BECAUSE OF LETY AND BROODY. Of course, I can't forget about Sofia and Killian! I feel terrible saying this but I enjoyed the parts with them in it so much more than I enjoyed the main couple, Evie and Mateo.
NOTE: The issue the author talks about in this book is very serious and the fact that I did not enjoy the book does not mean in any way that I do not think it is wrong--because I do. You can't ignore the titanic amount of assholes present in this world.
November 19, 2018
RECENSIONE QUI: https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/...
Cecy Robson mi ha stupita con la sua storia e mi ha fatto innamorare dei suoi personaggi. La protagonista Evelyn è una ragazza che dopo il suicidio del padre si ritrova da sola a farsi carico delle spese dell’affitto della casa e della retta del college. Ho ammirato la lotta quotidiana di Evie nel riuscire sempre ad andare avanti, nel sapersela cavare sempre da sola come donna indipendente e nell’essere coraggiosa ad affrontare ogni difficoltà. Ma allo stesso tempo è diffidente e non riesce a fare amicizia ed è molto difficile per lei adattarsi quando tutto ciò che vuole è nascondere i suoi attacchi di panico. Per far fronte a tutte le spese per vivere decide di lavorare come cameriera in un night club esclusivo, frequentato da ragazzi ricchi e privilegiati. Lavorare in quel night club la porta a stare a contatto con la dolce tentazione dell’affascinante bodyguard Mateo, un uomo dall’aspetto imponente e dal tocco e dal cuore gentili. Mateo è un ex detenuto e Evie cerca di stare alla larga da lui perché pensa che sia pericoloso. Ma più Evie trascorre il tempo con lui e più si rende conto che dietro al suo aspetto da duro si nasconde un uomo buono e gentile che ha un amore incondizionato per la sua famiglia. Nonostante Evie cerca in tutti i modi di fidarsi di Mateo, qualcosa di invisibile la trattiene dal darsi completamente a lui. Tenerla al sicuro e proteggerla è l’unico obiettivo di Mateo, disposto anche ad aspettare che Evie combatta i suoi demoni interiori. Lui non la vuole solo per una notte, ma la vuole sempre, vuole che lei sia sua. Quanto ho adorato Mateo, è un personaggio molto diverso da quelli a cui siamo abituati a leggere. È dolce, premuroso, con i suoi occhi dolci riesce ad accarezzare la pelle di Evie e la fa sentire protetta. Lui è un uomo con la U maiuscola, uno di quelli che devi tenerti stretto perché come lui non ne troverai da nessuna parte. Come Evie mi sono innamorata di lui pagina dopo pagina, vorrei essere avvolta dalle sue braccia, dal suo corpo imponente e sentirmi al caldo e in pace con il mondo. Evie mi ha intenerito il cuore. È una ragazza distrutta, una combattente che anche se cade e si fa male si rialza sempre, più forte di prima. Ma è anche una sopravvissuta che ha tanto dolore nel cuore. Lei trova in Mateo la passione, la tenerezza, la pazienza e l’affetto che non ha mai provato prima. Il modo in cui lui si prende cura delle donne della sua vita è un qualcosa che ti fa commuovere e che ti stringe il cuore. E sotto quei muscoli duri c’è molta sofferenza. Per nessuno dei due la vita è stata buona e solo insieme possono sconfiggere i demoni. Pagina dopo pagina scopriamo il loro passato e ci affezioniamo a loro tanto da aver difficoltà alla fine della storia a lasciarli andare. Il dramma che fa commuovere e stringere il cuore è bilanciato dall’umorismo dei personaggi che rendono più bella e perfetta la storia. I personaggi secondari sono così autentici e adorabili come i personaggi principali. Non solo sono rimasta affascinata da Mateo e credo che lui sia uno dei personaggi migliori incontrati fino ad ora, ma mi sono innamorata dell’umorismo di Ant, un altro bodyguard del night club che ci regala battute spensierate e ci fa ridere di gusto. Questi uomini con la corazza dura e di bell’aspetto nascondono un cuore d’oro! E non parliamo delle scene di passione che mi hanno commosso per la loro dolcezza e autenticità…
CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/
Cecy Robson mi ha stupita con la sua storia e mi ha fatto innamorare dei suoi personaggi. La protagonista Evelyn è una ragazza che dopo il suicidio del padre si ritrova da sola a farsi carico delle spese dell’affitto della casa e della retta del college. Ho ammirato la lotta quotidiana di Evie nel riuscire sempre ad andare avanti, nel sapersela cavare sempre da sola come donna indipendente e nell’essere coraggiosa ad affrontare ogni difficoltà. Ma allo stesso tempo è diffidente e non riesce a fare amicizia ed è molto difficile per lei adattarsi quando tutto ciò che vuole è nascondere i suoi attacchi di panico. Per far fronte a tutte le spese per vivere decide di lavorare come cameriera in un night club esclusivo, frequentato da ragazzi ricchi e privilegiati. Lavorare in quel night club la porta a stare a contatto con la dolce tentazione dell’affascinante bodyguard Mateo, un uomo dall’aspetto imponente e dal tocco e dal cuore gentili. Mateo è un ex detenuto e Evie cerca di stare alla larga da lui perché pensa che sia pericoloso. Ma più Evie trascorre il tempo con lui e più si rende conto che dietro al suo aspetto da duro si nasconde un uomo buono e gentile che ha un amore incondizionato per la sua famiglia. Nonostante Evie cerca in tutti i modi di fidarsi di Mateo, qualcosa di invisibile la trattiene dal darsi completamente a lui. Tenerla al sicuro e proteggerla è l’unico obiettivo di Mateo, disposto anche ad aspettare che Evie combatta i suoi demoni interiori. Lui non la vuole solo per una notte, ma la vuole sempre, vuole che lei sia sua. Quanto ho adorato Mateo, è un personaggio molto diverso da quelli a cui siamo abituati a leggere. È dolce, premuroso, con i suoi occhi dolci riesce ad accarezzare la pelle di Evie e la fa sentire protetta. Lui è un uomo con la U maiuscola, uno di quelli che devi tenerti stretto perché come lui non ne troverai da nessuna parte. Come Evie mi sono innamorata di lui pagina dopo pagina, vorrei essere avvolta dalle sue braccia, dal suo corpo imponente e sentirmi al caldo e in pace con il mondo. Evie mi ha intenerito il cuore. È una ragazza distrutta, una combattente che anche se cade e si fa male si rialza sempre, più forte di prima. Ma è anche una sopravvissuta che ha tanto dolore nel cuore. Lei trova in Mateo la passione, la tenerezza, la pazienza e l’affetto che non ha mai provato prima. Il modo in cui lui si prende cura delle donne della sua vita è un qualcosa che ti fa commuovere e che ti stringe il cuore. E sotto quei muscoli duri c’è molta sofferenza. Per nessuno dei due la vita è stata buona e solo insieme possono sconfiggere i demoni. Pagina dopo pagina scopriamo il loro passato e ci affezioniamo a loro tanto da aver difficoltà alla fine della storia a lasciarli andare. Il dramma che fa commuovere e stringere il cuore è bilanciato dall’umorismo dei personaggi che rendono più bella e perfetta la storia. I personaggi secondari sono così autentici e adorabili come i personaggi principali. Non solo sono rimasta affascinata da Mateo e credo che lui sia uno dei personaggi migliori incontrati fino ad ora, ma mi sono innamorata dell’umorismo di Ant, un altro bodyguard del night club che ci regala battute spensierate e ci fa ridere di gusto. Questi uomini con la corazza dura e di bell’aspetto nascondono un cuore d’oro! E non parliamo delle scene di passione che mi hanno commosso per la loro dolcezza e autenticità…
CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/
February 13, 2015
I got an ARC of this book and I was so happy when I found out I've been approved on Netgalley to read and review it. (Many thanks to the publisher and author!)
Now about the book...
Mateo
He was in the army before he had to go to prison for beating up a man. The thing is, it was to protect and take revenge against the man who raped his little sister. He's a really good guy if you get to know him and you can be sure he'll have your back if there's trouble. Right now he's a bouncer in a nightclcub, and also a fighter. He's cubbean, and the guy knows how to dance and charm a girl. He's so sweet, kind and just so loving. He's also from a latino family who has strict ways. We learn a little about the latino culture and how women are expected to behave... I'm not sure how I feel about that, though.
Evelyn
Her mom died when she was four, then three years ago, her father killed himself. Her uncles turned against her to know where the money is but she didn't know. Everyone who was supposed to care about her turned their backs against her when rumors appeared about her family. Now she's a waitress at a club she used to go as a rich party girl. She mostly keeps to herself because it's easier and she doesn't want to get hurt again. She's a little scared of Mateo's past when she heard about it but she soon get past that.
They both struggle with their past and have difficult things to deal with. What happened to her is revealed only when her mind finally stopped blocking her memories. It's pretty bad and she'll have a hard time healing but with Mateo at ther side, it'll be easier.
I was hooked right from the start and I just wanted to know more. The romance felt good and it wasn't forced. They make a hot and amazing couple and I'll be damned if I didn't just melt at his feet when he started calling her baby and was all protective of her. #Swoonworthy
This book was also funny and I couldn't stop myself from laughing a few times. I needed it especially since the last book I've read was kinda depressing at the end. I needed a book who'd put me in a better mood, and Once Perfect did it! I loved the story. There was everything I wanted in it. It's the first book I've read from this author and it won't be the last. The end was a little rushed but I loved it anyway. I really liked the main characters, as well as the secondary ones and I hope they'll have their own books.
Overall, it was
,and you need to read it.
Oh and Carlos, here's for you:
I hope you'll get what you deserve!
Now about the book...
Mateo
He was in the army before he had to go to prison for beating up a man. The thing is, it was to protect and take revenge against the man who raped his little sister. He's a really good guy if you get to know him and you can be sure he'll have your back if there's trouble. Right now he's a bouncer in a nightclcub, and also a fighter. He's cubbean, and the guy knows how to dance and charm a girl. He's so sweet, kind and just so loving. He's also from a latino family who has strict ways. We learn a little about the latino culture and how women are expected to behave... I'm not sure how I feel about that, though.
Evelyn
Her mom died when she was four, then three years ago, her father killed himself. Her uncles turned against her to know where the money is but she didn't know. Everyone who was supposed to care about her turned their backs against her when rumors appeared about her family. Now she's a waitress at a club she used to go as a rich party girl. She mostly keeps to herself because it's easier and she doesn't want to get hurt again. She's a little scared of Mateo's past when she heard about it but she soon get past that.
They both struggle with their past and have difficult things to deal with. What happened to her is revealed only when her mind finally stopped blocking her memories. It's pretty bad and she'll have a hard time healing but with Mateo at ther side, it'll be easier.
I was hooked right from the start and I just wanted to know more. The romance felt good and it wasn't forced. They make a hot and amazing couple and I'll be damned if I didn't just melt at his feet when he started calling her baby and was all protective of her. #Swoonworthy
This book was also funny and I couldn't stop myself from laughing a few times. I needed it especially since the last book I've read was kinda depressing at the end. I needed a book who'd put me in a better mood, and Once Perfect did it! I loved the story. There was everything I wanted in it. It's the first book I've read from this author and it won't be the last. The end was a little rushed but I loved it anyway. I really liked the main characters, as well as the secondary ones and I hope they'll have their own books.
Overall, it was
,and you need to read it.
Oh and Carlos, here's for you:
I hope you'll get what you deserve!
August 13, 2014
4.5 stars
This book has it all. It is romantic, touching, a little heart breaking and came with a mild dose of suspense that keep me wondering what will Cecy Robson reveal next? It also touch on the challenges for our interracial couple who not only different in color, but family background as well.
Instead of the usual, whereby author build up the characters background from the beginning, in Once Perfect, we slowly learn of their past through the pages little by little.
Evelyn came from a privileged background, now she is paying for her nursing school and working as a waitress at the Excess, a hip nightclub. She is a long way from where she came from and is determine to live her own life. She was plaque by nightmares and haunted memories that she had no idea where it stem from. It made her unable to trust and wary of people around her in general. Her only best friend is Lourdes, her roommate.
Mateo is the club bouncer and also the lead security. He is an ex-convict, dangerous and lethal. Being a Cuban and an underground fighter are just extra icing on the top for a white girl like Evelyn to steer clear from him.
Until one day when Mateo helped Evelyn when she was having a rare panic attack in the storeroom that she starts to see him in a different light. Maybe she shouldn't stereotype the scary guy as if she expect him to be working for the mobster.
The more Evelyn spend time with Mateo, the more she begin to see the gentle man behind his tough exterior and his unconditional love for his family. However, no matter how much she trust Mateo with all her heart, something invisible is holding her back from fully giving herself to him. I keep wondering what happen to her last and only relationship that make her that way she is. The idea of intimacy makes her sweat, nervous and panic. What is wrong with her?
When Evelyn's past and Mateo's future finally caught up with them, will their relationship remain strong against the odds?
Evelyn is going to be a nurse, while Mateo is an ex-con with his fist, getting pummel to earn some quick cash. He felt selfish and awful for thinking he can have a future with his girl. It makes me sad to see him thinking he didn't deserve a better future and see beyond the bad cards handed to him.
Once Perfect makes us rooting for Evelyn and Mateo, the underdogs in today's society. They may not have the privileged nor the education. Their past may be tainted and imperfect, but their future is limitless and can be so much more, as long as they believe.
This book has it all. It is romantic, touching, a little heart breaking and came with a mild dose of suspense that keep me wondering what will Cecy Robson reveal next? It also touch on the challenges for our interracial couple who not only different in color, but family background as well.
Instead of the usual, whereby author build up the characters background from the beginning, in Once Perfect, we slowly learn of their past through the pages little by little.
Evelyn came from a privileged background, now she is paying for her nursing school and working as a waitress at the Excess, a hip nightclub. She is a long way from where she came from and is determine to live her own life. She was plaque by nightmares and haunted memories that she had no idea where it stem from. It made her unable to trust and wary of people around her in general. Her only best friend is Lourdes, her roommate.
Mateo is the club bouncer and also the lead security. He is an ex-convict, dangerous and lethal. Being a Cuban and an underground fighter are just extra icing on the top for a white girl like Evelyn to steer clear from him.
Until one day when Mateo helped Evelyn when she was having a rare panic attack in the storeroom that she starts to see him in a different light. Maybe she shouldn't stereotype the scary guy as if she expect him to be working for the mobster.
The more Evelyn spend time with Mateo, the more she begin to see the gentle man behind his tough exterior and his unconditional love for his family. However, no matter how much she trust Mateo with all her heart, something invisible is holding her back from fully giving herself to him. I keep wondering what happen to her last and only relationship that make her that way she is. The idea of intimacy makes her sweat, nervous and panic. What is wrong with her?
When Evelyn's past and Mateo's future finally caught up with them, will their relationship remain strong against the odds?
Evelyn is going to be a nurse, while Mateo is an ex-con with his fist, getting pummel to earn some quick cash. He felt selfish and awful for thinking he can have a future with his girl. It makes me sad to see him thinking he didn't deserve a better future and see beyond the bad cards handed to him.
Once Perfect makes us rooting for Evelyn and Mateo, the underdogs in today's society. They may not have the privileged nor the education. Their past may be tainted and imperfect, but their future is limitless and can be so much more, as long as they believe.
July 25, 2014
OH WOW!!!! I really enjoyed this book. Mateo, an ex-army, ex-con, current bouncer at a club helps Evelyn during a panic attack. Evelyn, an ex-rich girl, now waitress and nursing student begins to see Mateo as a HOT guy instead of being afraid of him. They start dating and during their relationship a lot of childhood trauma surfaces for Evie, and lands her in an inpatient hospital for psych treatment. Mateo seems to be withdrawing from Evie. He gets hurt at an unsanctioned MMA fight and Evie goes to help. Along the way, Evie discovers that Mateo had a rough childhood full of abuse as well. These two battle through great obstacles to remain together. The characters in this book were really well developed and full of emotion towards each other. This made it hard to put the book down! The ending wasn't as fulfilling as I wanted, but was still sweet. I really want to read more about Lety and Brody!
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 5, 2014
Once Perfect was a solid 4.5 Star, new adult read.
Evelyn Preston's world shattered when her father killed himself after being caught embezzling. This left Evelyn penniless and struggling to survive, she went from riches to rags.
Mateo Santos is an ex-con, working as a bouncer and MMA fighter to support his mother and sisters.
Evelyn has been working at a popular night club to work her way through college. Mateo is the head bouncer and the same night club. One act of kindness ignites an unlikely friendship.
Their attraction grows but they both must face their pasts before they can have a future. Even if the pasts have been buried deep inside.
Once Perfect was a gut wrenching story dealing with many difficult life circumstances. Both Evie's and Mateo's must face the gritty. real and raw worlds that have entrapped them.
The romance is explosive with a very steamy sexual attraction.
You can't read Once Perfect without becoming emotionally moved by the story. This is a marvelous new adult read.
I received this ARC copy of Once Perfect from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication October 7, 2014.
Written by: Cecy Robson
Series: Shattered Past
Sequence in Series: 1
ISBN-13: 9780553391169
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
Publication date: 10/7/2014
Rating: 4.5 stars
Genre: New Adult
Find this book on: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Evelyn Preston's world shattered when her father killed himself after being caught embezzling. This left Evelyn penniless and struggling to survive, she went from riches to rags.
Mateo Santos is an ex-con, working as a bouncer and MMA fighter to support his mother and sisters.
Evelyn has been working at a popular night club to work her way through college. Mateo is the head bouncer and the same night club. One act of kindness ignites an unlikely friendship.
Their attraction grows but they both must face their pasts before they can have a future. Even if the pasts have been buried deep inside.
Once Perfect was a gut wrenching story dealing with many difficult life circumstances. Both Evie's and Mateo's must face the gritty. real and raw worlds that have entrapped them.
The romance is explosive with a very steamy sexual attraction.
You can't read Once Perfect without becoming emotionally moved by the story. This is a marvelous new adult read.
I received this ARC copy of Once Perfect from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication October 7, 2014.
Written by: Cecy Robson
Series: Shattered Past
Sequence in Series: 1
ISBN-13: 9780553391169
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
Publication date: 10/7/2014
Rating: 4.5 stars
Genre: New Adult
Find this book on: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
October 10, 2014
This ARC was graciously provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
It doesn't get much better than this!! This author came out of left field and blew it away with this novel.
This is the story of Mateo, a bouncer from a shady past who falls in love with a waitress, Evelyn. Evie is cautious when it comes to the big bouncer on account that he did time in prison but after learning the reason behind his stay she lets him in and they start a journey that will take them on a wild ride.
After making the mistake of starting this book first thing this morning I couldn't stop reading until the end. And boy was I not disappointed. I've read a lot of books and any more it takes something special for me to give a book 5 stars. This book by far surpassed what I would call an amazing book. It could easily be said that it is the best book of 2014.
I can honestly say that I feel blessed to have been given the opportunity to read this book. I'm praying that we won't have to wait to long before the next novel comes out. I'm not sure who I want it to be about Lety, Sophi, or any of the crazy family from Excess. As long as their is another book I'll be happy.
Do yourselves a favor and pick up this book. Its bound to be the best book of 2014, you won't regret it!
It doesn't get much better than this!! This author came out of left field and blew it away with this novel.
This is the story of Mateo, a bouncer from a shady past who falls in love with a waitress, Evelyn. Evie is cautious when it comes to the big bouncer on account that he did time in prison but after learning the reason behind his stay she lets him in and they start a journey that will take them on a wild ride.
After making the mistake of starting this book first thing this morning I couldn't stop reading until the end. And boy was I not disappointed. I've read a lot of books and any more it takes something special for me to give a book 5 stars. This book by far surpassed what I would call an amazing book. It could easily be said that it is the best book of 2014.
I can honestly say that I feel blessed to have been given the opportunity to read this book. I'm praying that we won't have to wait to long before the next novel comes out. I'm not sure who I want it to be about Lety, Sophi, or any of the crazy family from Excess. As long as their is another book I'll be happy.
Do yourselves a favor and pick up this book. Its bound to be the best book of 2014, you won't regret it!
January 10, 2017
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Summary
Evelyn Preston once had the picture perfect life that anyone would have envied, but then her life was destroyed when her father commited scandal and suicide and she was left on her own. Now she is doing everything she can to work and pay for her college tuition as a waitress at a high end nightclub. But there is one man, that draws her attention, a man she knows is way out of her league. Handsome, sexy, built like a MMA fighter, and could have any woman. But when her past comes to haunt her and causes her to have panic attacks, Mateo is the one she leans on. Mateo and Evelyn have led very different lives from each other, but when they fall in love they learn and grow together and must fight for their love...
The Hero
Mateo grew up with a abusive father and has had to watch while he terrorized his mother and his sisters. Now Mateo works as hard as he can to provide for his sisters safety and security. Mateo doesn't consider himself worthy of Evelyn, but ends up falling for her anyway. Mateo was a hero you just gravitate towards. He is responsible, hard working, devoted to his family and is willing to sacrifice everything for them. I loved his close bond he has to his sisters. How protective he is of women especially of his family and Evelyn. Definitely a hero you can swoon over. He has all the characteristics that make the best hero. He is kind, charming and sweet with a tough exterior. What's not to love about him?
The Heroine
Evelyn is a strong and courageous heroine you can get behind. I love how easily she adjusts to her situation. She goes from having money and security to having to work hard and study hard and she fits Mateo so well. She does have some horrors from her past that are causing her panic attacks. I liked seeing the PTSD effects here, where she doesn't know why she is having them at first. But I like that she doesn't back away, she just keeps going forward. And I really admired the way she handles the truth when she realizes what is causing her attacks. I did like how loyal and committed she is to Mateo, she stays true to him and what they feel for each other, and fights for him. Gotta admire that.
Plot and Story Line
Once Perfect is a soul shattering romance that instantly pulled me in quite quickly. I want to thank Sophia @ Delighted Reader for recommending this to me on her site. When I learned that this was on sale for $.99 (still is for a limited time) I grabbed it up very very quickly. I have learned to trust in her recommendations and I was NOT disappointed. In fact, I can't wait to read book two of this series. On the surface this appears to be a "bad boy" type of romance but whew...this author really pulls out all the stops on this one and I couldn't resist. I read this in one sitting and what a fun romance it was to read. And I liked that this was the first new adult romance that wasn't angsty. The flow was so well done, the switch from plot line to character development of the romance was done so flawlessly. The romance between these two was superb and what made a difference was the way it grows.
I love seeing these two "opposites" be so attracted to each other and act on their feelings. I loved the realistic feel to this story, the emotions and vibes you feel are vividly portrayed and so well conveyed to the reader. A romance you can't put down and not one you want to overlook picking up.
The Cover
What a sexy cover....I love his pose, the muscles and the grey tones add a nice effect.
Overall View
Once Perfect is a shattering love story with characters that win your heart over instantly. A compelling new adult romance you can look forward to reading. MOUTHWATERING DELICIOUS
Books N Tunes Pick #3: Cowboys and Angels by Dustin Lynch
Click To Buy On Amazon
[foogallery id="25455"]
Evelyn Preston once had the picture perfect life that anyone would have envied, but then her life was destroyed when her father commited scandal and suicide and she was left on her own. Now she is doing everything she can to work and pay for her college tuition as a waitress at a high end nightclub. But there is one man, that draws her attention, a man she knows is way out of her league. Handsome, sexy, built like a MMA fighter, and could have any woman. But when her past comes to haunt her and causes her to have panic attacks, Mateo is the one she leans on. Mateo and Evelyn have led very different lives from each other, but when they fall in love they learn and grow together and must fight for their love...
The Hero
Mateo grew up with a abusive father and has had to watch while he terrorized his mother and his sisters. Now Mateo works as hard as he can to provide for his sisters safety and security. Mateo doesn't consider himself worthy of Evelyn, but ends up falling for her anyway. Mateo was a hero you just gravitate towards. He is responsible, hard working, devoted to his family and is willing to sacrifice everything for them. I loved his close bond he has to his sisters. How protective he is of women especially of his family and Evelyn. Definitely a hero you can swoon over. He has all the characteristics that make the best hero. He is kind, charming and sweet with a tough exterior. What's not to love about him?
The Heroine
Evelyn is a strong and courageous heroine you can get behind. I love how easily she adjusts to her situation. She goes from having money and security to having to work hard and study hard and she fits Mateo so well. She does have some horrors from her past that are causing her panic attacks. I liked seeing the PTSD effects here, where she doesn't know why she is having them at first. But I like that she doesn't back away, she just keeps going forward. And I really admired the way she handles the truth when she realizes what is causing her attacks. I did like how loyal and committed she is to Mateo, she stays true to him and what they feel for each other, and fights for him. Gotta admire that.
Plot and Story Line
Once Perfect is a soul shattering romance that instantly pulled me in quite quickly. I want to thank Sophia @ Delighted Reader for recommending this to me on her site. When I learned that this was on sale for $.99 (still is for a limited time) I grabbed it up very very quickly. I have learned to trust in her recommendations and I was NOT disappointed. In fact, I can't wait to read book two of this series. On the surface this appears to be a "bad boy" type of romance but whew...this author really pulls out all the stops on this one and I couldn't resist. I read this in one sitting and what a fun romance it was to read. And I liked that this was the first new adult romance that wasn't angsty. The flow was so well done, the switch from plot line to character development of the romance was done so flawlessly. The romance between these two was superb and what made a difference was the way it grows.
Life hadn’t initially been good to either of us. But we were good to each other. And regardless of the demons of our pasts, nothing would change that.
I love seeing these two "opposites" be so attracted to each other and act on their feelings. I loved the realistic feel to this story, the emotions and vibes you feel are vividly portrayed and so well conveyed to the reader. A romance you can't put down and not one you want to overlook picking up.
The Cover
What a sexy cover....I love his pose, the muscles and the grey tones add a nice effect.
Overall View
Once Perfect is a shattering love story with characters that win your heart over instantly. A compelling new adult romance you can look forward to reading. MOUTHWATERING DELICIOUS
Books N Tunes Pick #3: Cowboys and Angels by Dustin Lynch
Why: I LOVE and adore this song, and it fits Mateo and Evelyn so well!!
[foogallery id="25455"]
September 6, 2015
**This was an ARC copy given by the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for a honest review**
4 stars
This was a very good story. I liked Evie and Mateo and their story was very good and kept me engaged until the end. On sexual content, there are sex scenes but they're not explicit and I wouldn't term this as erotic. This is the first book I've read by this author and I liked it well enough I'm likely to try more of her work in the future.
Evie was a debutante and thought she had no worries in her life. Then tragedy struck and she found herself without a home or any money after her father ruined them and then killed himself. Instead of helping her, the other relatives turned on her for her father's actions and Evie was left with nothing. With some help , Evie got back on her feet and ended up starting college for nursing. For the last 6 months she's been working at a club part of the week for money to pay for living expenses and college.
Mateo was raised in a messed up household. His father is a druggy and an abusive prick. Mateo's mother was so beaten down by the abuse from her husband that she never protected her children from their father's abuse and instead defends him. Mateo tries to protect his 2 sisters from their father but 1 still lives at home and isn't protected by her mother. Since their father doesn't provide any support, Mateo is also stuck supporting his mother and sister. Mateo is the head bouncer in a bar but needs more money so he does underground MMA fighting for big cash prizes.
Evie has been working at the club for a while. She's seen Mateo around and thinks he's hot but he also kind of scares her as he looks really mean and doesn't seem adverse to violence when performing his bouncing duties. She also heard that he was in prison for putting a guy in the hospital and that doesn't help things. Evie isn't good at making friends, when she was growing up she had money and looks and people gravitated to her easily so she never had to try to make friends. When her whole world crashed down she found out just how fickle people could be and now she has trouble trusting people and making friends. Evie gets sent in to the storage room for some supplies and due to lighting issues and a door that couldn't stay open, Evie has a panic attack and Mateo is the one who finds her. He gets her calmed down and covers for her with some of the other bar workers. Evie wants to say thanks but her effort doesn't turn out too well and she finds herself avoiding Mateo out of embarrassment. By this point, Evie is realizing that Mateo is nicer than she originally thought and Mateo seems to be having the same thoughts about Evie. When there's an incident at the club, Evie ends up stepping out of her shell to help and this sort of brings her some acceptance from her coworkers that she hadn't had before.
Evie and Mateo are very interested in each other and once the ice is broken they start spending some times together. Mateo (who's always had an interest in working on cars) helps Evie out by working on her car (as it's in desperate need). Evie also goes to a fight of Mateo's but it's not exactly her thing because she hates seeing him get hurt (even if he is winning). Their fledgling relationship is strained by a few things, their busy schedules (between his fighting and her school schedule), an ex-boyfriend that wont let go, family issues on both sides as well as dealing with issues of abuse, both in the past and present. There's a lot to deal with and I liked how most things were handled in the story. Sometimes things weren't always great but the way they played out seemed realistic and the emotions needing to be dealt with seemed accurate. I will note that Evie does have to deal with a past sexual abuse in the story but the scenes aren't played out, it's mostly just dealing with the emotions and such. I really liked seeing Evie and Mateo get together, they're so different in some ways but yet they're so much the same in others. Even through their differences it's clear their good for each other and I'm glad they fought through their issue to end the story with a very sweet start to their HEA.
I enjoyed this story very much. I really liked both Evie and Mateo. Even though she was raised rich, Evie was actually very nice, just a bit clueless in some ways (but rather smart in others). Mateo was such a good guy and did what he had to to take care of those he loves....I'm glad he found someone to help take care of him. Overall this I enjoyed this story very much with no major complaints. I can't wait to see who is in the next book in the series. I'd recommend this book. :D
4 stars
This was a very good story. I liked Evie and Mateo and their story was very good and kept me engaged until the end. On sexual content, there are sex scenes but they're not explicit and I wouldn't term this as erotic. This is the first book I've read by this author and I liked it well enough I'm likely to try more of her work in the future.
Evie was a debutante and thought she had no worries in her life. Then tragedy struck and she found herself without a home or any money after her father ruined them and then killed himself. Instead of helping her, the other relatives turned on her for her father's actions and Evie was left with nothing. With some help , Evie got back on her feet and ended up starting college for nursing. For the last 6 months she's been working at a club part of the week for money to pay for living expenses and college.
Mateo was raised in a messed up household. His father is a druggy and an abusive prick. Mateo's mother was so beaten down by the abuse from her husband that she never protected her children from their father's abuse and instead defends him. Mateo tries to protect his 2 sisters from their father but 1 still lives at home and isn't protected by her mother. Since their father doesn't provide any support, Mateo is also stuck supporting his mother and sister. Mateo is the head bouncer in a bar but needs more money so he does underground MMA fighting for big cash prizes.
Evie has been working at the club for a while. She's seen Mateo around and thinks he's hot but he also kind of scares her as he looks really mean and doesn't seem adverse to violence when performing his bouncing duties. She also heard that he was in prison for putting a guy in the hospital and that doesn't help things. Evie isn't good at making friends, when she was growing up she had money and looks and people gravitated to her easily so she never had to try to make friends. When her whole world crashed down she found out just how fickle people could be and now she has trouble trusting people and making friends. Evie gets sent in to the storage room for some supplies and due to lighting issues and a door that couldn't stay open, Evie has a panic attack and Mateo is the one who finds her. He gets her calmed down and covers for her with some of the other bar workers. Evie wants to say thanks but her effort doesn't turn out too well and she finds herself avoiding Mateo out of embarrassment. By this point, Evie is realizing that Mateo is nicer than she originally thought and Mateo seems to be having the same thoughts about Evie. When there's an incident at the club, Evie ends up stepping out of her shell to help and this sort of brings her some acceptance from her coworkers that she hadn't had before.
Evie and Mateo are very interested in each other and once the ice is broken they start spending some times together. Mateo (who's always had an interest in working on cars) helps Evie out by working on her car (as it's in desperate need). Evie also goes to a fight of Mateo's but it's not exactly her thing because she hates seeing him get hurt (even if he is winning). Their fledgling relationship is strained by a few things, their busy schedules (between his fighting and her school schedule), an ex-boyfriend that wont let go, family issues on both sides as well as dealing with issues of abuse, both in the past and present. There's a lot to deal with and I liked how most things were handled in the story. Sometimes things weren't always great but the way they played out seemed realistic and the emotions needing to be dealt with seemed accurate. I will note that Evie does have to deal with a past sexual abuse in the story but the scenes aren't played out, it's mostly just dealing with the emotions and such. I really liked seeing Evie and Mateo get together, they're so different in some ways but yet they're so much the same in others. Even through their differences it's clear their good for each other and I'm glad they fought through their issue to end the story with a very sweet start to their HEA.
I enjoyed this story very much. I really liked both Evie and Mateo. Even though she was raised rich, Evie was actually very nice, just a bit clueless in some ways (but rather smart in others). Mateo was such a good guy and did what he had to to take care of those he loves....I'm glad he found someone to help take care of him. Overall this I enjoyed this story very much with no major complaints. I can't wait to see who is in the next book in the series. I'd recommend this book. :D
October 8, 2014
Two worlds collide in a heated frenzy of love and need in Cecy Robson’s Once Perfect, the first book in her Shattered past series.
Evelyn couldn’t be more out of her element as a waitress in a popular nightclub. Her past has been dark, as she went from a privileged daughter to a young woman struggling to make ends meet while trying to fulfill her dreams of college. Suffering from nightmares and panic attacks, she fights to keep it together, alone. Mateo was born on the wrong side of the tracks, had to fight for survival in a home where abuse was a common thing. To this day, he will do whatever it takes to take care of his family. As the head bouncer, he sees everything, eve what people try to hide. Seeing a kindred spirit in the beautiful Evelyn, watching her breakdown, he is determined to help yet another broken flower to grow and shine. Will that involve dealing with his own past? Together these two begin a tenuous journey of discovery and trust and learning to open up to someone who cares.
Cecy Robson has brought another NA, angst-filled romance to readers with the strong, yet damaged hero, the damaged heroine out of her element, but has painted a fresh coat on this genre with her words. There is darkness, but it is NOT overdone, even the sensual scenes are not quite as “in your face” graphic as many are. The romance is sweet, there is a warmth to each of her characters that shines through in the relationship they are building. The violence is not that of a crazed alpha male, but of a man doing his job. Ms. Robson has allowed their relationship to grow slowly and evolve making it all that more believable! A wonderful story of opposites attracting to each other because of hidden pasts and the pull of kindred spirits.
received an ARC edition from Loveswept in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Shattered Past - Book 1
Publication Date: October 7, 2014
Publisher: Loveswept
ISBN-13: 9780553391169
Genre: New Adult
Print Length: 263 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Evelyn couldn’t be more out of her element as a waitress in a popular nightclub. Her past has been dark, as she went from a privileged daughter to a young woman struggling to make ends meet while trying to fulfill her dreams of college. Suffering from nightmares and panic attacks, she fights to keep it together, alone. Mateo was born on the wrong side of the tracks, had to fight for survival in a home where abuse was a common thing. To this day, he will do whatever it takes to take care of his family. As the head bouncer, he sees everything, eve what people try to hide. Seeing a kindred spirit in the beautiful Evelyn, watching her breakdown, he is determined to help yet another broken flower to grow and shine. Will that involve dealing with his own past? Together these two begin a tenuous journey of discovery and trust and learning to open up to someone who cares.
Cecy Robson has brought another NA, angst-filled romance to readers with the strong, yet damaged hero, the damaged heroine out of her element, but has painted a fresh coat on this genre with her words. There is darkness, but it is NOT overdone, even the sensual scenes are not quite as “in your face” graphic as many are. The romance is sweet, there is a warmth to each of her characters that shines through in the relationship they are building. The violence is not that of a crazed alpha male, but of a man doing his job. Ms. Robson has allowed their relationship to grow slowly and evolve making it all that more believable! A wonderful story of opposites attracting to each other because of hidden pasts and the pull of kindred spirits.
received an ARC edition from Loveswept in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Shattered Past - Book 1
Publication Date: October 7, 2014
Publisher: Loveswept
ISBN-13: 9780553391169
Genre: New Adult
Print Length: 263 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
July 24, 2014
This book was AWESOME! Mateo is the ultimate bad boy, sexy hunk of love. Evelyn is the poor little rich girl who has to learn to survive on her own. Together they are the most amazing couple. It is through their love that they are able to grow and learn. The plot was so good that I could not put it down and read all night. This is a must read!
For more book and ratings and giveaways go to my blog bbsbookreviews.com
For more book and ratings and giveaways go to my blog bbsbookreviews.com
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