Once Perfect

Book excerpt: 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 series 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 ex-army MMA fighter Mateo Tres Santos. Although they’ve led different lives, their troubled pasts bonds them in both survival and love. Mateo 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. Praise for Once Perfect “Once Perfect is exactly that: perfect for fans of sweetly sexy New Adult with a to-die-for protective hero.”—New York Times bestselling author Marquita Valentine “Sweet and sexy, a perfect combination . . . Cecy Robson delivers pure reading bliss.”—USA Today bestselling author Sawyer Bennett “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!”—Wendy S. Marcus, author of Loving You Is Easy “This is another series that I will be fangirling. Once Perfect was a reading highlight of the year. . . . [I] fell in love with the characters and the writing. I can’t wait for the next book, Once Loved.”—Books Like Breathing “Exciting and sexy . . . Robson excelled in her debut to the New Adult genre. . . . I was engaged from beginning to end.”—Under the Covers “Once Perfect is not your normal NA book. . . . It’s a very emotional book that touches very difficult topics like abuse. It’s also a book with a lot of messages; the most important is never judge others by mere appearances.”—The Bookaholic Cat “A love story with depth and feeling and emotion. In short, a story worthy of the genius that is Robson’s writing. I didn't expect anything less from her.”—My Guilty Obsession “Rec it? Absolutely. I adore New Adult stories, and if you do too, Once Perfect is a great addition to your TBR!”—The Book Hookup “I couldn’t imagine two people more perfect for each other [building] a real loving relationship.”—Books-n-Kisses “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. . . . [Once Perfect] is a must read!”—BB’s Book Reviews Includes a special message from the editor, as well as an excerpt from another Loveswept title.