Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Unbroken

Rate this book
You can't run forever.

Alexia Jamisen was on the verge of a promising new career as the personal assistant to Texas State Senator Rebecca Quinn. Her new bosses only rule… her son Ian was off limits. One mistake, one night with Ian, and Alexia was on the verge of throwing it all away, but Alexia has always been good at one thing...running.

Alexia thought she had it all figured out, moving to a secluded mountain town for a fresh start, a new life. One without Ian Quinn, the sexy and dangerous playboy. But secrets never stay hidden for long, no matter how much you run.

The past always catches up.

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 26, 2024

17 people are currently reading
92 people want to read

About the author

A.V. Donaldson

16 books120 followers
Author A.V. Donaldson is a writer of murder and mayhem. She currently resides in Texas with her husband, three teenagers, and a lap full of adorable cats. When she's not writing she's...okay well, she's always writing. She enjoys Halloween and all things spooky, photography, traveling, the mountains, chocolate cake and pizza, but her favorite thing is visiting Salem on Halloween. It's the most magical place on Earth.
She also suffers from a rare brain abnormality called Chiari malformation and hopes to spread more awareness to the disorder. She is a brain surgery survivor and credits her condition for creating the insanity she writes.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
46 (53%)
4 stars
26 (30%)
3 stars
10 (11%)
2 stars
3 (3%)
1 star
1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
Profile Image for Jessi.
24 reviews2 followers
July 24, 2024
I was BLESSED to be able to arc read unbroken and for that I’m so grateful this is my honest review of Unbroken by A.V. Donaldson. This book had me on the edge of my seat gripping the couch or bed. I loved the twists and turns, keeping me on my toes I never got bored. The tropes that are in this book are mountain romance, HEA, forbidden love, stalking, and a fall setting. If you haven’t already you can preorder this book but release day is July 26th 2024! This is NOT a “light romance” or as dark as I’ve read BUT please for the love of all that is sacred to you CHECK YOUR TRIGGERS.
Profile Image for ✨Wendy✨| downtherabbitholes.
478 reviews126 followers
July 25, 2024
I was lucky enough to read this as an ARC. Thank you for that! First and foremost, this Novella was really addictive. Normally, I do not like FMC’s. For some reasons most authors write them insufferable but Lex was great and relatable. The plot twist at the end was something I did not see coming. Honestly, I thought this story was going to go in a completely different direction. And can I just say, Ian is so swoon worthy. That growl 😮‍💨🔥

I can’t go into a detailed review like I normally would because I won’t risk giving the plot away. All I can say is… Just read it! You won’t regret… if you enjoy small town, possessive men, strong FMC’s, happily ever after, twist and turns, then you’ll be happy you did!

Happy Reading!

Do I recommend? Absolutely
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Toxic.
101 reviews13 followers
July 27, 2024
I have no words. I'm truly blown away that this is a debut Novella for AV.

This is a spicy forbidden romance mixed in with stalking and you've got yourself Unbroken.

I like a strong female character, I can't stand it when they're whiny little bitches and you can't fathom how they made it to adulthood. But our FMC - Alexia is the perfect badass who allows herself to be vulnerable at the perfect moments.

Ian. The moody and broody MMC who's vocabulary doesn't include the word NO. Whatever Ian wants, Ian gets. He FIERCELY protects Lex, whether she likes it or not.

Zeke. I'm not gonna even talk about him you'll understand when you read.

There's a history, there are secrets, Twists and turns everywhere and just some downright scary and calculated characters. How this all got crammed into 200 pages but left you feeling like you'd read a 500 page book, I will never know.

AV Donaldson has such a skill in her writing that it's almost a waste that she's just debuting in 2024. Well done, lovely! You have done amazing and I'm so happy for you

☆☆☆☆☆
🌶🌶🌶🌶
Stalker/Forbidden/touch her and 💀
HEA
40 reviews2 followers
July 24, 2024
First things first I want to thank you for letting me be part of your ARC team for this dark romance work of art! Ian Quinn is about to be EVERY DR girls dream come true. I couldn’t put this book down once I started it.

The chemistry and pull between Lexi and Ian is so beautifully written and then add in the suspense and page turning angst! Everything about this book was impeccably written!

AV you kicked off your debut with a BANG and I can’t wait to see what you release next ! ❤️
Profile Image for Haley Lane.
49 reviews
July 29, 2024
Firstly I want to thank the author for allowing me to become part of the ARC team! Anyways I absolutely LOVED this book!
Profile Image for Rheanan Gallegos.
63 reviews4 followers
August 19, 2024
One mistake, that’s all it took was one decision to derail everything she worked for. now Alexia is leaving her whole life, dream job, and the drool worthy Ian behind in Dallas and starting over in a small mountain town where she encounters a well mannered local cowboy who’s eager to get to know the beauty who just blew into town. Will her past come back to haunt her in this new paradise she calls home? Will she get everything she’s ever wanted or is her past coming back with a vengeance?
Profile Image for Becca.
470 reviews82 followers
September 27, 2024
Omg! This story was amazing! The chemistry between Ian and Lexi is incredible, heartwarming and just beautiful! I truly enjoyed every chapter learning more about these two characters. If you want to be kept on your toes then this book is what you need! Enjoy!

Permanent ARC team
Profile Image for Ellie Collins.
622 reviews11 followers
July 23, 2024
Okay! Firstly, thank you for letting me be apart of your ARC team. I loved this book! What a fantastic debut!

If you love tension, romance, SMUT & twisty turns - this is the book for you🔥🔥🔥🔥

TROPES
❤️Mountain town romance
🖤Forbidden love
❤️Past Mistakes
🖤Stalker
❤️HEA
🖤Age Gap
❤️Touch her and ☠️

The only thing I would mention is I wanted more - personally! I do love a short book but I could have kept reading 100% if there was more! This isn’t a bad thing at all for the author- just a personal preference! I felt like towards the end some chapters jumped to another with a little bit of a gap.

I loved the twists, it kept me wanting to read more & sometimes I was thinking ooo… wtf? (In a good way🤣)

Pick up this book!!

Overall, this was a fantastic book & I am super proud & happy for the Author!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Profile Image for Kayziepops.
41 reviews4 followers
July 24, 2024
I was lucky enough to be given the chance to read an ARC of this book to give it an honest review.
All I can say is wow I absolutely loved it, I was hooked from the first chapter.
All I took was one mistake, sleeping with her boss's son and she had to leave her home, job, friends and life in the city behind to go to the country.
Will her new life be as perfect as it first seems or will her past come back to haunt her?
I dont want to write much more as I don't want to ruin it for you, but this book will keep you on the edge of your seat, it is a roller coaster ride and I loved every minute of it.
Profile Image for Tatiana.
178 reviews12 followers
July 27, 2024
Amazing debut

A. V. was literally the first author to reach out to me when I joined the good ol booktok. She asked if I could beta read one of her books! I happily said yes!

That piece is still a work in progress but I Unbroken is a wonderful introduction into her writing and her characters!

Alexia and Ian have a whirlwind situationship and when her past comes to haunt her the one person she can count on is the playboy she fell for. I loved their dynamic and for the rest. You should check it out and see!

Absolutely a great quick read!
148 reviews2 followers
July 23, 2024
This is my first romantic thriller and I loved it! I found this author on TikTok and I’m glad that I came across her videos. I usually read romcom or dark romance so this was a jump out of my usual genre.
Unbroken is a novella so it’s a quick read but there’s enough to the story that it doesn’t feel like you’re missing something. The story starts with Alexia and her career in Texas. After a decision that jeopardizes her job, she moves out of state where her past follows her.
The story has a natural flow and you aren’t left wondering “how did that happen?”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Patricia Jones.
22 reviews1 follower
July 25, 2024
I was privileged enough to get to read an early copy to provide the author with feedback! First, I love Ian, bad ass book boyfriend material! The character building for such a short novella was on spot on, gave you just enough but still had you craving more, in a good way! And lastly, I LOVE IAN, I will kill for my women will do it to me every time!!!

And an extra bonus, interacting with the author, chefs kiss!!
Profile Image for Vixxen.
31 reviews8 followers
July 24, 2024
Loved this novella! Alexia, when past mistakes catch up to you and you have to fight to keep control. Ian Quinn is jaw drop worthy delicious book boyfriend that you want to get more of. I enjoyed the spice, the story, the twists and turns. Man, the ending!! I just wanted to continue reading and learning more of where it was going to go. Thank you for having me on your BETA team. Congrats on your debut 👏
Profile Image for Danielle Wilmer.
Author 4 books9 followers
July 24, 2024
This debut novella will have you on the edge of your seat! The twists and turns will blow your mind. The relationship between Lexi and millionaire playboy Ian is extraordinary and yet complicated. When Lexi leaves her dream job and moves away she encounters the handsome Zeke. When things unravel you won’t believe what happens!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kait.
5 reviews6 followers
July 25, 2024
I was lucky to be an ARC reader for Unbroken. This book had me on my toes! Forbidden love meets stalker in this wonderfully written story on how Lexi’s past comes back to not only haunt her but threaten her life.
Profile Image for Cyn.
363 reviews30 followers
May 23, 2025
Light, then dark.

Started out as n attraction between an intense Alpha and the girl who's not supposed to go near him. Their connection and steam it's good. And the messy situation in her past is just hinted up.
Not to find the book we meet the other man. In a few times I wondered to myself if something would end up happening with them, but as far as I was aware the first MMC was the hero.
Well you start to maybe guess assume probably right who the baddie turns out to be. Still not 100% sure.
I think the darkness in this book was handled well. The bad things that happened to her happened off page thankfully but you see the results and kind of a more real time.
Appreciate that the hero encouraged her to go for counseling.
Nice epilogue. Will definitely check out more from this author.
40 reviews1 follower
July 24, 2024
Really enjoyed reading this. Definitely a fast paced story had my head trying to keep up and wanting to know more . Also need me an Ian 😍
Profile Image for Kimberly Stover.
72 reviews5 followers
July 26, 2024
I loved Alexia and Ian! This is a great story, full of great characters, with twists I didn't see coming and I could not put it down! The only thing I will say is that I wish there was more backstory, but that's probably me just being greedy because I didn't want it to end. Definitely a must-read!
Profile Image for Keisha.
71 reviews1 follower
August 14, 2024
Small town romance meets mystery. You never know what will happen around the corner with this one. Especially with Zeke and Ian. Absolutely loved this book as an ARC reader. ❤️❤️❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for LaneyJ.
134 reviews
August 11, 2024
2/5 for a 30 year old but maybe a 4/5 if I read this when I was 16. This is a dark thriller romance but the writing and even the smut is very young. It felt very rushed as well and just wasn't for me
Profile Image for Alison Birks.
187 reviews7 followers
July 23, 2024
I got to beta read this and I loved it, the book was descriptive, the characters the places they went to, Alexia worked for the senator and was told her son was off limits but Ian was handsome all she wanted but knew she couldn’t have him as he was engaged, so one night at an event Alexia and Ian left hooked up and had one night of passion next day he’s looking dreamy in bed but Alexia has to go to work, she thought she would face the music but it didn’t happen, she told Ian it was fun but nothing more as she was leaving which she did she found a secluded cabin in the woods owned by Zeke he had an ulterior motive, things heat up and turn nasty after Ian had turned up, she is kidnapped….to find out more buy the book you won’t be disappointed I wasn’t
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Amber Adams.
203 reviews15 followers
August 23, 2024
Alexia, our FMC, is strong, and determined, but she has vulnerable moments. Ian, our MMC, is the forbidden man as he's the son of Lexi's new boss. He's a broody bad boy, but oh, man, the depth that man has his claws in my soul. He's so protective. The two of them are fire.

Unbroken has plenty of thrills and twists to keep you attached to the Kindle, but enough in between so you can breathe. There's spice, and a happy ending, but it's such a great thriller. I love this world, and wasn't ready for the end of Lexi and Ian. I needed more.

I want to say more, but I can't, I don't want to spoil anything. It's too good to spoil!

Hold onto your panties, though, because expecting the unexpected should be A.V.'s motto.
Profile Image for iky reads.
144 reviews37 followers
July 29, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Spice 🌶️🌶️

Story ⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book had me on the edge of my seat with all the twists and turns, absolutely loved that! The way AV Donaldson uses her words makes you feel like you are right there experiencing it all from the front seat.

The FMC is strong with the MMC being OVERLY possessive, their chemistry is off the charts.

It is labelled a dark romance however I didn’t find it that dark personally, there are a few trigger warnings that you should take note of before you pick up the book. The ending had me in all kinds of feels.

Definitely recommend this book!
Profile Image for JenzBookCorner.
160 reviews16 followers
July 29, 2024
Spiciest of spicy Thrillers

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

This book was soo good, I loved Alexia’s story,
You learn about Alexia’s past and past mistakes, there are Lots of twists and turns and near the end it had me left shocked and I definitely was not expecting it.
Omfg. But the ending was perfect absolutely perfect

Alexia’s life literally gets flipped upside down.
She starts a job working for a senator who has one rule
Her son Ian is off limits
Ian has other ideas and his mouth is spicier then spicy
Engaged but things are not as they seem with either of these two.. Alexia has a traumatic past and Ian’s engagement isn’t what it seems.

After giving into temptation and one broken promise and a mess up later she leaves and moves miles away to start a fresh. A small town that quickly starts to feel like home. A quaint little town where she meets Zeke the owner of the property she’s bought from him but things are not all as they seem and things turn creepy and dark for Alexia. Her past comes racing back up to her and she’s left fighting for her life.

Where she finds herself turning to the only person she feels safe and protected by… Ian… but can he help her.. do they make it out alive. Can Ian keep his poppet or do they loose it all before it even began..
definitely go check this book out, check trigger warnings before diving in
I really loved this book and adding it to my bookshelf


Profile Image for Alena Walker.
216 reviews1 follower
August 7, 2024
4.5 worth the read!

Alright y’all buckle up. I’m gonna do this with no spoilers but it’s gonna be hard lol. I loved the book, the darkness, the idea. It was perfect! I had a few issues with understanding time frames. I could not keep up with how much time had passed, but if you over look that and a few errors in spelling it is perfect.
Let’s start with Lexi, like I kinda love her and kinda hate her because of how she judges people and is quick to anger. Ian (without spoilers) is weird and I promise you he’ll have you question everything. Zeke is also a character that it’s hard to explain but I feel like Lexi judges him to hard at first. You have to read it to figure out who to trust.
During the first half of the book I wasn’t sure I was going to love it. I knew I liked it and was excited to see where it went but around 70% through I knew I was in love with the story. It has what I love (sexy male characters, not heavy on the spice scenes, murder, mystery, love, chaos). I’m so glad I picked up this book!
Profile Image for Geri Banuelos.
19 reviews3 followers
July 30, 2024
Definitely a one of a kind Forbidden,Stalking, Romance situation!!! A great masterpiece

This book really got me stuck. I it has really great character development. Alexia is the main character and she is just everywhere trying to figure out her own thoughts and life and certain past events. Then she stumbles upon this playboy fine ass guy Ian who also happens to be engaged to another woman, I don’t want to say to much about that part. So that being said it doesn’t help Alexia’s life not be more complicated so she decided to take a different path somewhere far away where she seen everything was more beautiful and perfect in her eyes, until she happens to get an eerie startle on her first day in her new place and town. And well things get crazy and start to unravel.
Favorite saying: Your mine Poppet
Favorite quote: Mr. Quinn, you look downright sinful ,Lex whispers as she comes to stand in front of me. I’m feeling sinful, Mrs. Quinn!
Profile Image for amymayreads.
189 reviews46 followers
May 21, 2025
Alexia was ready to start her career working for a state senator, the only rule the senator gave was to stay away from her son. Ian was irresistible and after one night with him she does the one thing she knows she’s good at and she runs away. Unfortunately her past catches up to her and the secrets she hid from long ago no longer stay hidden and this time she can’t hide from them.

What an amazing novella read, I loved everything about the book and Ian Quinn was to die for! The spicy scenes had me 🥵 couldn’t recommend this book anymore 🖤
Profile Image for Ashley Cunningham.
67 reviews
August 6, 2024
Forbidden love/ touch her and die MMC/ stalking/ 3.5🌶️

This debut romantic thriller by AV Donaldson was such a page turner! The plot twists kept coming and I honestly didn’t know who the stalker was until she revealed it. I loved alexia and Ian’s dynamic especially as a shorter novella you didn’t get a lot of character development but what was there you could feel the love that they had from each other. The tension i would feel from a slow burn k I was feeling that with this novella. AV Donaldson knocked it out of the park with this one!!
Profile Image for Michelle Penkoski.
98 reviews1 follower
July 24, 2024
This book was wonderfully written, it’s a slow burn. I would have liked to have seen more of the spice within this story ,Ian and Alexia great couple.

But the storyline is great and the characters are perfect. It’s wonderful to see an Alexia fight hard. Stories like this occur and to see the come back story is amazing! Thrilled for the outcome happiness is great and to see love take over! Great job!

I look forward to seeing growth in this author!
Profile Image for AmesChicReads.
277 reviews19 followers
August 6, 2024
What a captivating read! The spice, the suspense, the twists & turns! I wasn’t sure what to expect with this novella, but the way Donaldson tells this tale is *chef’s kiss. I love the HEA and would like to see this author elaborate on their story in the future. With both of their backgrounds, there’s much more to be learned about how Alexia and Ian’s relationship develops. If you are looking for a quick, easy read but thrilling ride, grab this one!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.