Series Review: Southern U O’Brien Brothers by Cookie O’Gorman

Series Review: Is this series worth your time? Does it get better as the novels progress? Or does it get worse? Find out below:

Synopsis for The Best Mistake (from Goodreads):

Honor Tierney just wants one night with the playboy.

One hot, steamy, meaningless hookup, and then she’ll happily go back to reading her favorite books, studying to be an accountant and writing for the campus-paper-nobody-reads. Too bad she ends up in the wrong bed, with the wrong brother…who gives her the hottest night of her life.

Archer O’Brien just wants to play ball.

Well that, and for his brothers to stop acting out, so he won’t have to worry 24/7. As the oldest O’Brien and team captain, it’s his duty to make sure they don’t drink too much, party too much, or get in too much trouble. But when she walks into his bedroom—mistaking him for his brother—life throws him a curveball.

She’s determined to guard her heart. He’s not giving up.

And when Honor gets assigned to cover the Wolves baseball team, it’s game on.

This new adult sports romance features one hot (and hilarious) case of mistaken identity and a sexy set of brothers guaranteed to make you swoon.

Sometimes, the best mistakes are worth making.

SERIESous’ Top Picks: Must Read Author
Series: Southern U O’Brien Brothers
Author: Cookie O’Gorman
# of Books: 3 (Reading Order Here)
Book Order: Connected
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary, Sports, Romance
Heat Rating: warm
Point of View: First Person, Alternating
Publication Date: April 23, 2020 — ongoing
Source & Format: Author–eARC

**This post was originally published as a Fresh Friday review of the first book of the series. It has now been updated to include the newest publications in the series.**

Why I Picked it Up / My Expectations:

I’ve been a big fan of Cookie’s work since I read her YA debut Adorkable a few years ago. She just writes really sweet, infectious romances with great characters all around. So when she made the leap to New Adult Sports Romances, I was SO on board!

What I Liked:

–Slow Burn Romance–

I loved the slow burn romance! From the start I was a fan of these two together. They just have great chemistry. I enjoyed watching them dance around each other for most of the book. Everyone but them seems to see their connection so it brought about some great character moments.

–Hot but Clean Romance–

I’m a sucker for a good steamy scene but sometimes it’s nice just to focus on the deeper connection between our two leads. I felt like these two got to know each other on a more personal level and not just because they have a great physical chemistry. You could see the other attributes that drew them to each other. But there are still plenty of steamy moments along the way to satisfy the reader!

–The O’Brien Siblings & Honor’s Roommates–

I’m all about seeing positive friendships and relationships between siblings in books. It’s great to see characters that love and support their friends and family. But it isn’t always sunshine either and I thought all the situations we encountered here were realistic and genuine.

What I Didn’t Like:

–One Dramatic Twist–

There is something that happens near the end of the story that was a little much for me. Sometimes novels omit certain pieces of logic in order to create drama and I think that is what happened here. Because part of the fallout from the scenario could have been avoided if some common sense had been applied. But it really was a minor thing so I’m letting it go.

Why I Really Want This to be a Series:

I can’t wait to spend more time with the O’Briens! Archer’s relationships with his siblings is great. And all the little seeds planted for future stories has me craving more!

–July 6, 2021– Book #2: The Perfect Play

I like a steamy book as much as the next girl but Cookie O’Gorman’s novels always remind me that there is something irresistible about sweet romances as well. You get to focus more on the characters and their emotional connection. And just because its sweet, doesn’t mean there isn’t great sexual tension–because there is!

I thought our two leads had great chemistry throughout the novel. Our lead is basically a book boyfriend come to life so he knows how to pack on the charm. I always love it in a romance when the guy falls a little harder for the girl first. I did think out heroine’s resistance game was a little too strong; I think it affected the pacing of the overall novel (really made it a slow, slow burn romance). But I still loved every scene they shared together.

–September 14, 2022– Book #3: The Sweetest Game

This started a little slow for me but quickly picked up speed! I feel like this story has been lingering in all the other brothers’ books so far, and I was excited to finally see what would come of it all.

While I enjoy the fact that Cookie O’Gorman writes sweeter romances, I liked that this one was a touch spicier (ie a little more descriptive) but I still think fans of the sweet romances will have no issues.

She also knows how to make a swoon-worthy hero.

–November 15, 2023– Book #4: The Total Knockout

The chemistry — the chef’s kiss! From the first chapter I was sucked into their story and their connection. I mean, who doesn’t love a bad boy with a heart of gold? Or a girl who can hold her own against the world? These two are the perfect match, even if it takes them some time to see it. But I’m certainly not complaining about the journey because I really enjoyed reading this book from start to finish.

Series Rating: 4/5

The Best Mistake 4/5 | The Perfect Play 4/5 | The Sweetest Game 4/5 | The Total Knockout 5/5

If you love sports romances or want a New Adult romance that focuses on great characters falling in love more so than the time spent between the sheets: this is a great read for you!

Read if You Like: slower stories, world-building, alternate dimensions, sweet romances
Avoid if You: dislike slow stories, want more romance