RT Book Reviews proclaims that the O’Brien Family series from award-winning author Cecy Robson “has the hottest brothers ever!” And in FEEL ME, Declan, the sexy, driven powerhouse meets the one woman immune to his charm . . .Declan O’Brien was always driven to take his place among Philly’s elite, working hard for everything he’s earned, including the title of Assistant District Attorney. He’s won … District Attorney. He’s won seemingly impossible cases, so he’s furious when he’s assigned to lead the one unit he doesn’t want.
Melissa Fenske was born hearing impaired to a neglectful mother, finding solace when she was adopted by a young attorney, now Declan’s boss. As the current Director of Victim Services, Melissa’s livid when Declan is placed in the main unit she oversees. She can’t forget their disastrous first encounter. Or shake how he makes her feel.
Declan considers the assignment another step toward his political aspirations, despite that he can’t get Melissa out of his mind. Melissa sees Declan as egotistical and self-serving, kicking herself for how fast she’s falling for him. Someone as hot, smooth, and perfect as Declan isn’t supposed to want her.
In another situation with any other woman, Declan wouldn’t hesitate to take Melissa to bed. But she is the boss’s daughter, and for once, Declan finds himself wanting more than just a one night stand.
Neither counted on each other. Both just met their match.
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Feel Me is thoughtful and well written. Declan O’Brien is the second eldest member of his large family. He’s the prodigy, the one everyone expected to succeed. And succeed he has. He’s just been named the acting DA by the current DA, Miles Fenske, when Miles is diagnosed with colon cancer and needs to step down while he’s being treated. Miles’ daughter, Melissa, who is the head of the Victim Services unit, strongly dislikes Declan, and is the one woman who seemingly doesn’t cave to his panty-melting persona and charming grin. But, with good reason, because from their very first meeting, where Declan bumbled like an idiot and made himself look like a classless jerk, Melissa has thought of him as the asshole that he appears to be.
Now that Declan is transitioning to a new position, Miles has asked Melissa to help Declan with that transition. Working together won’t be an easy ride for the two, especially when the sexual tension between them peaks and they can no longer deny themselves. But, Melissa hasn’t had an easy life, and it’s impacted her in ways Declan can’t possibly understand, so a relationship between them is fraught with obstacles. Born with a severe hearing impairment, then at the age of 6, when her junkie mother tried to sell her to a drunk, high sleazebag, Melissa never knew love until Miles, the ADA assigned to her case, took one look at her and fell in love with this adorable, frightened little girl. But, her hearing impairment limited Melissa’s ability to socialize with the outside world, as did all the cruel things people said to her as a child. So, it’s normal that she has a lot of insecurities, and doesn’t trust easily. So, how will she learn to trust Declan, the man, who only a few weeks prior, she detested? The man who has told her that he doesn’t believe in love or commitment? Well, he believes in commitment, he’s “Committed to being the youngest D.A. in Pennsylvania’s history and the next in line for mayor.” Beyond that, though, Declan is a commitment-phobe who’s never had a serious relationship, and dates women who aren’t looking for anything serious. Melissa is different, though, not just in appearance (she’s curvy and all woman, unlike the stick thin, fake bimbos he’s used to), and she just might be the one to get Declan to believe in love. That is, if he can get past his phobia and realize that love is real, and that he can have it if he allows himself to have it with her.
I love Melissa. She’s the kind of heroine I always wish more authors would write: she’s strong, smart, dedicated, and kind. She doesn’t back down when it comes to doing the right thing, and she calls Declan out on all his bullshit. I had a harder time with Declan. He came across just as Melissa saw him at first: arrogant, cocky and downright ridiculous at times for all his declarations at not believing in love. But, when he finally opened himself up to Melissa at the end, I could finally see what she had seen in him all along. Getting to that point, though, took me nearly the entire book, and I wished he had been able to turn himself around earlier. Other than that, I really like Feel Me. It’s a realistic look at love between two ordinary people with baggage, that are able to finally make their relationship work.
Another fantastic contemporary Romance from Cecy Robson. I’m a huge fan of this series and I was not disappointed with Declan’s story.
The O’Brien clan is big and rowdy but Declan has always been the serious one. He lives for his career with no time or desire for a real until he starts working closely with Melissa Fenske.
I love this family. Each story is heartfelt and the family dynamics are hilarious! Read them all!