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Bratva Kings
Unbroken
A dark single dad, forbidden, Bratva romance from USA Today Bestselling author Jane Henry
Vadka Dragunov—Bratva executioner, cold-blooded strategist… and my dead sister’s husband.
The man who built his empire in blood and protected it with silence. The man with a stare that holds me hostage—and a voice that cuts straight through me. I've avoided him, and the way he makes me feel, as I've wallowed in my own grief following my sister's death.
But now there's no escape. I’m living in his world. I've been targeted. The Irish want war. And the only safe place left is under his watch… or under him.
He’s a single father now—haunted, vengeful, and dangerous. A man who reads bedtime stories with the same blood thirsty eyes that promise death and retribution. The man who would raze the world to keep his son safe.
He thinks I’m reckless, chaotic, unpredictable. I was only a child when we first met. But he doesn't see me as one anymore.
I see what he hides beneath all that control—the obsession simmering just below the surface. The way he watches me like he wants to equally destroy and devour me.
And now the same loss that tore us apart is now pulling us together.
I wasn’t supposed to end up in his bed.
But the Bratva is splintering. The Irish want blood.
And I’m spiraling - holding a secret that could end it all while falling for the man I can’t have.
Is there a future for Vadka and me, or will the secrets between us cause another tragedy?
Vadka Dragunov—Bratva executioner, cold-blooded strategist… and my dead sister’s husband.
The man who built his empire in blood and protected it with silence. The man with a stare that holds me hostage—and a voice that cuts straight through me. I've avoided him, and the way he makes me feel, as I've wallowed in my own grief following my sister's death.
But now there's no escape. I’m living in his world. I've been targeted. The Irish want war. And the only safe place left is under his watch… or under him.
He’s a single father now—haunted, vengeful, and dangerous. A man who reads bedtime stories with the same blood thirsty eyes that promise death and retribution. The man who would raze the world to keep his son safe.
He thinks I’m reckless, chaotic, unpredictable. I was only a child when we first met. But he doesn't see me as one anymore.
I see what he hides beneath all that control—the obsession simmering just below the surface. The way he watches me like he wants to equally destroy and devour me.
And now the same loss that tore us apart is now pulling us together.
I wasn’t supposed to end up in his bed.
But the Bratva is splintering. The Irish want blood.
And I’m spiraling - holding a secret that could end it all while falling for the man I can’t have.
Is there a future for Vadka and me, or will the secrets between us cause another tragedy?
384 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 11, 2025
1076 people are currently reading
889 people want to read
About the author
Jane Henry
114 books2,708 followersFueled by dark chocolate and even darker coffee, USA Today bestselling author Jane Henry writes what she loves to read – character-driven, unputdownable romance featuring dominant alpha males and the powerful heroines who bring them to their knees. She’s believed in the power of love and romance since Belle won over the beast, and finally decided to write love stories of her own.
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Amazon: https://bit.ly/4jaCcox
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3YKxTsX
July 11, 2025
Review by: Jennifer
(4 stars)
A good installment in the series, we all know that Vadka's wife died, leaving him a single father to their son. Since her death Vadka has been on a destructive path, not knowing how to cope with the grief. The threat of the Irish trying to once again attack has Vadka spiraling to keep everyone safe, that includes Ruthie, his late wife's sister. But Vadka isn't looking at Ruthie in the way he used to, and the guilt that comes with that is eating at him. Will Vadka take a second chance at living again?
This was a good installment, but I do feel it was rushed. One second Vadka is in mourning and the next he is hot for her sister. We do get some good drama, danger, violence and hot naughty bits. I give this 4 stars.
(4 stars)
A good installment in the series, we all know that Vadka's wife died, leaving him a single father to their son. Since her death Vadka has been on a destructive path, not knowing how to cope with the grief. The threat of the Irish trying to once again attack has Vadka spiraling to keep everyone safe, that includes Ruthie, his late wife's sister. But Vadka isn't looking at Ruthie in the way he used to, and the guilt that comes with that is eating at him. Will Vadka take a second chance at living again?
This was a good installment, but I do feel it was rushed. One second Vadka is in mourning and the next he is hot for her sister. We do get some good drama, danger, violence and hot naughty bits. I give this 4 stars.
August 6, 2025
⭐⭐⭐.25 stars (out of 5)
I have been excitedly awaiting this book in the series after we saw MMC’s wife killed during a rescue of the previous book’s FMC. MMC’s wife is shot while trying to protect the previous FMC and we see Vadka’s absolute devastation in that scene. It made me heartbreakingly invested in seeing how the author was going to pull him out of that grief…especially when the teaser showed us the FMC of his book was his dead wife’s little sister…
Heavy disclaimer - I AM the youngest sister of 3 girls and the idea of this set up is a bit 🤢 to me (ie: I’d rather die). But alas, I have a morbid curiosity of how Jane Henry was gonna get me to root for these 2 freaks. Crazier things have happened, I literally rooted for a serial killer MMC seducing his prison psychiatrist last week (Imprisoned by Selena Winters for all you other freaks out there)
I’m a glass half full girl so let’s start with Things I Liked:
Look, Vadka (MMC) was hot! Tall, dark, dimples + cleft chin, giant build cause, duh, he’s a Bratva Enforcer. He was broody but not an asshole by default and his grief for his wife, and love for his son was so genuine
Ruthie, our FMC, was relatable in her own grief too. She chooses to just keep swimming and pushing down the waves of loss, missing her older sister who was more like a mother to her, while ALSO caring for her own dementia-riddled mother on her own.
The MC’s actually talked about their loss together, they talked about Mariah and their memories with her, they mourned things she was missing. Their bond started because they could only really share their grief with each other and that felt real and honest to me
So now flipside of Things IDK About: (spoilers will be there because I gotta vent somewhere)
This story starts 3 MONTH AFTER MARIAH IS KILLED. 3 months. 3 months?! This thing opens to our guy Vadka waking up from a blackout surrounded by dead Irish mafia members that he took out in a drunken revenge stupor. And like…3 weeks later he is literally having unprotected sex with her littler sister? IDK about that dude. His internal monologue was all about how much he loved and missed his wife and we’re supposed to believe he shifts that fast?
Pacing-wise, this all just happened too fast for me to feel very invested in or believe. Also I’ve realized I don’t really like this heavy of grief in my silly little mafia books that are barely 300 pages. Let’s not kid ourselves what we’re really here for, ya know?
FMC was written "stubborn and independent” but she just became annoying and immature to me. Her internal dialogue also didn’t make sense because they shifted gears so quickly. She was able to fully solve her internal guilt and shame at, ya know, stealing her big sister’s husband, child, and life by Vadka just saying “no baby, no” and kissing her. OKAY girl, sure, I guess!
Small thing - I could not for the life of me tell you what color hair or eyes either one had, in fact, I don’t even know if those details were covered the whole book
All in all, I’m glad I read it because it advanced the plot of the series (the war with the Irish being the throughline of them all) and we got more details on the final book of the series that follows the youngest sister in the Koppolov Bratva. As far as Ruthie and Vadka? I really wanted to be proven wrong about my initial 🤢 but, alas, they did not pass my Freak Test™** and therefore it’s 3.25 for me, dawg. Solid spice, great side characters, good premise, meh execush.
**Freak Test™: a test ala “crazy hot scale” from How I Met Your Mother designed for Anne’s romance ranking. The premise being: the freakier the setup of the storyline, the stronger and hotter the MC’s personalities and connection need to be.
Ex: If your MMC is a serial killer with diagnosed psychopathy, then damn straight your FMC has to be able to soothe the murderous voices in his head for the first time in his life just by touching him. And she absolutely should throw away her entire career and life by breaking him out of a max security prison and successfully restarting their lives in South America. Guys, for real, read Imprisoned by Selena Winters.
I have been excitedly awaiting this book in the series after we saw MMC’s wife killed during a rescue of the previous book’s FMC. MMC’s wife is shot while trying to protect the previous FMC and we see Vadka’s absolute devastation in that scene. It made me heartbreakingly invested in seeing how the author was going to pull him out of that grief…especially when the teaser showed us the FMC of his book was his dead wife’s little sister…
Heavy disclaimer - I AM the youngest sister of 3 girls and the idea of this set up is a bit 🤢 to me (ie: I’d rather die). But alas, I have a morbid curiosity of how Jane Henry was gonna get me to root for these 2 freaks. Crazier things have happened, I literally rooted for a serial killer MMC seducing his prison psychiatrist last week (Imprisoned by Selena Winters for all you other freaks out there)
I’m a glass half full girl so let’s start with Things I Liked:
Look, Vadka (MMC) was hot! Tall, dark, dimples + cleft chin, giant build cause, duh, he’s a Bratva Enforcer. He was broody but not an asshole by default and his grief for his wife, and love for his son was so genuine
Ruthie, our FMC, was relatable in her own grief too. She chooses to just keep swimming and pushing down the waves of loss, missing her older sister who was more like a mother to her, while ALSO caring for her own dementia-riddled mother on her own.
The MC’s actually talked about their loss together, they talked about Mariah and their memories with her, they mourned things she was missing. Their bond started because they could only really share their grief with each other and that felt real and honest to me
So now flipside of Things IDK About: (spoilers will be there because I gotta vent somewhere)
This story starts 3 MONTH AFTER MARIAH IS KILLED. 3 months. 3 months?! This thing opens to our guy Vadka waking up from a blackout surrounded by dead Irish mafia members that he took out in a drunken revenge stupor. And like…3 weeks later he is literally having unprotected sex with her littler sister? IDK about that dude. His internal monologue was all about how much he loved and missed his wife and we’re supposed to believe he shifts that fast?
Pacing-wise, this all just happened too fast for me to feel very invested in or believe. Also I’ve realized I don’t really like this heavy of grief in my silly little mafia books that are barely 300 pages. Let’s not kid ourselves what we’re really here for, ya know?
FMC was written "stubborn and independent” but she just became annoying and immature to me. Her internal dialogue also didn’t make sense because they shifted gears so quickly. She was able to fully solve her internal guilt and shame at, ya know, stealing her big sister’s husband, child, and life by Vadka just saying “no baby, no” and kissing her. OKAY girl, sure, I guess!
Small thing - I could not for the life of me tell you what color hair or eyes either one had, in fact, I don’t even know if those details were covered the whole book
All in all, I’m glad I read it because it advanced the plot of the series (the war with the Irish being the throughline of them all) and we got more details on the final book of the series that follows the youngest sister in the Koppolov Bratva. As far as Ruthie and Vadka? I really wanted to be proven wrong about my initial 🤢 but, alas, they did not pass my Freak Test™** and therefore it’s 3.25 for me, dawg. Solid spice, great side characters, good premise, meh execush.
**Freak Test™: a test ala “crazy hot scale” from How I Met Your Mother designed for Anne’s romance ranking. The premise being: the freakier the setup of the storyline, the stronger and hotter the MC’s personalities and connection need to be.
Ex: If your MMC is a serial killer with diagnosed psychopathy, then damn straight your FMC has to be able to soothe the murderous voices in his head for the first time in his life just by touching him. And she absolutely should throw away her entire career and life by breaking him out of a max security prison and successfully restarting their lives in South America. Guys, for real, read Imprisoned by Selena Winters.
July 21, 2025
“𝗦𝗵𝗲’𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗲. 𝗦𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲 𝗮 𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗜 𝗰𝗮𝗻’𝘁 𝗴𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲. 𝗦𝗵𝗲’𝗱 𝗲𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗺𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝗮𝘁 𝗼𝗿 𝗸𝗶𝘀𝘀 𝗺𝗲. 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗻𝗲𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘃𝗶𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀.”
I. Am. Obsessed. 😍 I’ll start this by saying that I don’t always love the whole, falling in love with my sisters widow trope thing..BUT…Jane Henry wrote this SO PERFECTLY. This book is a drastically different vibe than the previous, but it works so well. You don’t NEED to read the previous book to understand this one, but we do pick up where the last one ends, and that’s with Vadka losing his wife because of being 💀 by the Irish.
Vadka is devastated by his loss. Mariah was the love of his life, and now he’s left alone to raise their 4 year old son, Luka, on his own. His sister in law , Ruthie, is just as devastated by the loss of her older sister. Feeling guilty because she called her sister to the bar that day and unknowingly put her in the Irish’s crossfire. Ruthie avoids Vadka for a while, the guilt and grief keeping her away. But she knows she has to help him. It’s what her sister would have wanted…for her to help him and help take care of Luka.
Ruthie goes over and finds Vadka in a grief filled rage of chaos of vengeance. The house is in disarray and she knows she needs to get things under control. Putting the household back together and bring the stability that Luka needs and Vadka too. Ruthie has always had feelings for Vadka…a massive crush since she was a teen…putting her feelings aside because she knew he was her sisters husband.
As these two spend time together…feelings start to bubble…but they both push them down. Feeling guilty for even feeling anything for each other. But feelings aren’t the only thing causing chaos. The Irish aren’t done and are ready to obliterate the entire Kopolov family…starting with Ruthie, Luka, and Vadka. This danger forces them all to go into hiding…and also forces Vadka and Ruthie into one bed in a safe house.
This book is not as suspenseful or dark as the previous. But it’s still full of heartfelt and deep emotions. Watching Vadka and Ruthie navigate the struggles of grief and loss while also trying to figure out these new feelings for each other. I really appreciated how Vadka never tried to replace Mariah with Ruthie. They were individuals and while he still loved Mariah, he couldn’t ignore the new feelings he was developing for Ruthie. The love they felt for each other was beyond anything they had ever felt before.
Watching Ruthies love for Luka grow in a bigger and deeper way was so beautiful. I think that just made Vadka love her more. They were able to build a beautiful family together that still involves Mariah’s memory in a big way.
We also have a surprise pregnancy added to the mix of everything which honestly…I kind of loved? I know that they are essentially on the run and in hiding from the Irish, but they de used that above all else they wanted to choose love and family…and they absolutely did.
Now…in true Jane Henry we get another nail biting cliffhanger 😩😩😩 and ZOYA?!?! Listen…I’m obsessed already. Give. Me. More ! 😍😍
Thank you so much to Jane Henry and Valentine PR for the opportunity to ARC read this book 💛
🖤Bratva Romance
⛓️Mafia Romance
🖤Single Dad
⛓️Sisters Widow
🖤Grief/Loss
⛓️Sassy FMC
🖤Vengeful MMC
⛓️Shmurder & Violence
🖤Healing After Loss
⛓️Dark Romance
🖤Romantic Suspense
⛓️Forced Proximity
🖤One Bed
⛓️BD$M
🖤Touch Her & 💀
⛓️Found Family
🖤Tragic Past
⛓️Accidental Pregnancy
🖤Alpha Hero
⛓️Anti-Hero
🖤Band of Brothers
⛓️Tortured Lead
🖤Dual POV
⛓️Cliffhanger
🖤HEA
I. Am. Obsessed. 😍 I’ll start this by saying that I don’t always love the whole, falling in love with my sisters widow trope thing..BUT…Jane Henry wrote this SO PERFECTLY. This book is a drastically different vibe than the previous, but it works so well. You don’t NEED to read the previous book to understand this one, but we do pick up where the last one ends, and that’s with Vadka losing his wife because of being 💀 by the Irish.
Vadka is devastated by his loss. Mariah was the love of his life, and now he’s left alone to raise their 4 year old son, Luka, on his own. His sister in law , Ruthie, is just as devastated by the loss of her older sister. Feeling guilty because she called her sister to the bar that day and unknowingly put her in the Irish’s crossfire. Ruthie avoids Vadka for a while, the guilt and grief keeping her away. But she knows she has to help him. It’s what her sister would have wanted…for her to help him and help take care of Luka.
Ruthie goes over and finds Vadka in a grief filled rage of chaos of vengeance. The house is in disarray and she knows she needs to get things under control. Putting the household back together and bring the stability that Luka needs and Vadka too. Ruthie has always had feelings for Vadka…a massive crush since she was a teen…putting her feelings aside because she knew he was her sisters husband.
As these two spend time together…feelings start to bubble…but they both push them down. Feeling guilty for even feeling anything for each other. But feelings aren’t the only thing causing chaos. The Irish aren’t done and are ready to obliterate the entire Kopolov family…starting with Ruthie, Luka, and Vadka. This danger forces them all to go into hiding…and also forces Vadka and Ruthie into one bed in a safe house.
This book is not as suspenseful or dark as the previous. But it’s still full of heartfelt and deep emotions. Watching Vadka and Ruthie navigate the struggles of grief and loss while also trying to figure out these new feelings for each other. I really appreciated how Vadka never tried to replace Mariah with Ruthie. They were individuals and while he still loved Mariah, he couldn’t ignore the new feelings he was developing for Ruthie. The love they felt for each other was beyond anything they had ever felt before.
Watching Ruthies love for Luka grow in a bigger and deeper way was so beautiful. I think that just made Vadka love her more. They were able to build a beautiful family together that still involves Mariah’s memory in a big way.
We also have a surprise pregnancy added to the mix of everything which honestly…I kind of loved? I know that they are essentially on the run and in hiding from the Irish, but they de used that above all else they wanted to choose love and family…and they absolutely did.
Now…in true Jane Henry we get another nail biting cliffhanger 😩😩😩 and ZOYA?!?! Listen…I’m obsessed already. Give. Me. More ! 😍😍
Thank you so much to Jane Henry and Valentine PR for the opportunity to ARC read this book 💛
🖤Bratva Romance
⛓️Mafia Romance
🖤Single Dad
⛓️Sisters Widow
🖤Grief/Loss
⛓️Sassy FMC
🖤Vengeful MMC
⛓️Shmurder & Violence
🖤Healing After Loss
⛓️Dark Romance
🖤Romantic Suspense
⛓️Forced Proximity
🖤One Bed
⛓️BD$M
🖤Touch Her & 💀
⛓️Found Family
🖤Tragic Past
⛓️Accidental Pregnancy
🖤Alpha Hero
⛓️Anti-Hero
🖤Band of Brothers
⛓️Tortured Lead
🖤Dual POV
⛓️Cliffhanger
🖤HEA
August 27, 2025
Rating: 4.5/5
I do love a messy romance story. How’s this? You’ve always had a crush on your older sister’s man. He’s in the mafia and has always cared for you and your mom. When your older sister is tragically unalived because of mafia life, leaving your brother-in-law and little nephew alone. You stay away for a bit, but your brother-in-law is struggling, grieving, and having challenges. So you step in, but those feelings for him haven’t gone away. You also feel responsible for your sister's death and want to keep that a secret from him.
Am I right? Messy!!! Unbroken is Book 5 in the Bratva Kings series. Where’s my review for Books 1-4? Didn’t read them. That is no surprise because I don’t read series in order. Luckily, this is an interconnected standalone, and I had no problem. Vadka is the grieving mafia widower, and Ruthie is the Sister-in-Law. And what I loved about Unbroken is that not only does it get messier and their relationship more complicated, but there’s a lot of mafia action in it. It’s a true mafia story. Vadka, Ruthie, and Vadka’s little son are in danger, so they are running but fighting too—not the son. There are a lot of intense moments, romantic and sweet ones, and of course, steamy scenes. I am so glad I stumbled upon this author and will be working my way through her books!
I do love a messy romance story. How’s this? You’ve always had a crush on your older sister’s man. He’s in the mafia and has always cared for you and your mom. When your older sister is tragically unalived because of mafia life, leaving your brother-in-law and little nephew alone. You stay away for a bit, but your brother-in-law is struggling, grieving, and having challenges. So you step in, but those feelings for him haven’t gone away. You also feel responsible for your sister's death and want to keep that a secret from him.
Am I right? Messy!!! Unbroken is Book 5 in the Bratva Kings series. Where’s my review for Books 1-4? Didn’t read them. That is no surprise because I don’t read series in order. Luckily, this is an interconnected standalone, and I had no problem. Vadka is the grieving mafia widower, and Ruthie is the Sister-in-Law. And what I loved about Unbroken is that not only does it get messier and their relationship more complicated, but there’s a lot of mafia action in it. It’s a true mafia story. Vadka, Ruthie, and Vadka’s little son are in danger, so they are running but fighting too—not the son. There are a lot of intense moments, romantic and sweet ones, and of course, steamy scenes. I am so glad I stumbled upon this author and will be working my way through her books!
July 10, 2025
it pains me to say this because of how much i like this universe, but this book simply wasn't for me. the writing isn't bad, i'm just not a fan of the trope/relationship dynamic it portrayed. as much as i think this couple is right for each other, majority of the book felt like it was about the mmc's dead wife, who happened to be the fmc's sister. that being said, i can't wait for the next one, the series finale.
* i was sent an arc by valentine pr in exchange for a honest review
* i was sent an arc by valentine pr in exchange for a honest review
July 11, 2025
PROTECTION. LOVE. LOYALTY. FAMILY.
The Bratva Kings series is a spinoff from the Wicked Vows series. The story takes place in Zalivka, Russia, near Moscow—where the Kopolov Bratva is in control. The story escalates with the threat of the Irish Mafia trying to move in—and with shocking information that they not only want control, they want to eliminate the Kopolov Bratva family.
Vadka Dragunov is the Kopolov executioner, a cold-blooded tactician, a brother by friendship, and a shattered man needing revenge against the Irish Mafia that is responsible for the murder of his beloved wife, Mariah. He is barely holding it together, enough that Rafail must get stern with him. He needs to get his act together, not only for the Brotherhood but for his son, Luka.
Ruthie Wexler feels guilty for calling Mariah to come see her at the bar where she works. She has some things she wants to talk about, and Mariah, being the older sister/mother-figure, came to see her and was gunned down and died in the bar. Now, she lives with knowing her sister is gone, and Vadka and Luka are lost without her—and trying to deal with her mother and the dementia. So much guilt.
The story will have Ruthie going over to Vadka’s house to visit him and Luka. It becomes the beginning of healing for all of them. She offers to watch Luka, go shopping, clean the house, and reconnect with family. But what happens when the Kopolov learn that the Irish are closing in, and they all need to be safe—not just those in the immediate family, but also Ruthie is helping with Luka and Vadka, and is in danger. When they go to a safe house, she must go too.
“This isn’t just hiding. It’s war.”
“Purge the Line. Erase the Heirs.”
I will say that I liked this story, maybe my favorite. Vadka and Ruthie are both grieving the loss of Mariah, and they actually cry together. While she was infatuated with him when she was still a teenager, deep down, she still has feelings for him. What happens when fate brings them together and they must share a room? Will the present situation draw them closer as they prepare for battle against the enemy while protecting each other and Luka? The chemistry between Vadka and Ruthie sizzles off the pages as they acknowledge their feelings. A touch of guilt, but a realization that Mariah is gone and life goes on.
This story is not the end of the series, and in some ways, the ending is a bit of a cliffhanger or segue for the next story, Unrequited.
The Bratva Kings series is a spinoff from the Wicked Vows series. The story takes place in Zalivka, Russia, near Moscow—where the Kopolov Bratva is in control. The story escalates with the threat of the Irish Mafia trying to move in—and with shocking information that they not only want control, they want to eliminate the Kopolov Bratva family.
Vadka Dragunov is the Kopolov executioner, a cold-blooded tactician, a brother by friendship, and a shattered man needing revenge against the Irish Mafia that is responsible for the murder of his beloved wife, Mariah. He is barely holding it together, enough that Rafail must get stern with him. He needs to get his act together, not only for the Brotherhood but for his son, Luka.
Ruthie Wexler feels guilty for calling Mariah to come see her at the bar where she works. She has some things she wants to talk about, and Mariah, being the older sister/mother-figure, came to see her and was gunned down and died in the bar. Now, she lives with knowing her sister is gone, and Vadka and Luka are lost without her—and trying to deal with her mother and the dementia. So much guilt.
The story will have Ruthie going over to Vadka’s house to visit him and Luka. It becomes the beginning of healing for all of them. She offers to watch Luka, go shopping, clean the house, and reconnect with family. But what happens when the Kopolov learn that the Irish are closing in, and they all need to be safe—not just those in the immediate family, but also Ruthie is helping with Luka and Vadka, and is in danger. When they go to a safe house, she must go too.
“This isn’t just hiding. It’s war.”
“Purge the Line. Erase the Heirs.”
I will say that I liked this story, maybe my favorite. Vadka and Ruthie are both grieving the loss of Mariah, and they actually cry together. While she was infatuated with him when she was still a teenager, deep down, she still has feelings for him. What happens when fate brings them together and they must share a room? Will the present situation draw them closer as they prepare for battle against the enemy while protecting each other and Luka? The chemistry between Vadka and Ruthie sizzles off the pages as they acknowledge their feelings. A touch of guilt, but a realization that Mariah is gone and life goes on.
This story is not the end of the series, and in some ways, the ending is a bit of a cliffhanger or segue for the next story, Unrequited.
July 5, 2025
I have been so invested in this series! Each book is so unique from the next while still fitting so perfectly with the series.
This book was a bit softer and more emotional compared to the first few. I didn’t feel quite as connected to it as the others however I still very much enjoyed the Enforcer’s story. At the end of the last book we see his devastating tragedy and felt that pain for him. He had also come from an abusive background which led him to be being great at his position however he had this gentle and passionate side to him that helped him start to break the generational curses for his son.
We also got to see small scenes in the past involving our FMC who just so happened to be the MMC’s sister in law. She also has had some really hard things happen in life that have messed with her sense of self worth. She had a really spunky, bratty personality that I absolutely loved!
There was a lot of deep emotional healing in this story which was beautiful to read and we get to see two people deserving of happiness learn to find that together while also fighting for that happiness.
I wish there had been a bit more action when it came to the Irish or even the Enforcer role. There would be mention but it seemed like they did a lot of hiding and the one action scene was very short and a bit anticlimactic. I also was wondering what happened with the nanny? It felt like there was more there with all the build up of finding and hiring the nanny but then it just kind of fell off.
We have however been set up for the next book with an epic cliffhanger that I am ecstatic for! I know our next story is going to be incredible!!
This book was a bit softer and more emotional compared to the first few. I didn’t feel quite as connected to it as the others however I still very much enjoyed the Enforcer’s story. At the end of the last book we see his devastating tragedy and felt that pain for him. He had also come from an abusive background which led him to be being great at his position however he had this gentle and passionate side to him that helped him start to break the generational curses for his son.
We also got to see small scenes in the past involving our FMC who just so happened to be the MMC’s sister in law. She also has had some really hard things happen in life that have messed with her sense of self worth. She had a really spunky, bratty personality that I absolutely loved!
There was a lot of deep emotional healing in this story which was beautiful to read and we get to see two people deserving of happiness learn to find that together while also fighting for that happiness.
I wish there had been a bit more action when it came to the Irish or even the Enforcer role. There would be mention but it seemed like they did a lot of hiding and the one action scene was very short and a bit anticlimactic. I also was wondering what happened with the nanny? It felt like there was more there with all the build up of finding and hiring the nanny but then it just kind of fell off.
We have however been set up for the next book with an epic cliffhanger that I am ecstatic for! I know our next story is going to be incredible!!
July 12, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – A Gripping Mafia Romance with Heart and Heat
Unbroken by Jane Henry is a powerful mafia dark romance that captures the raw edges of grief, the intensity of love, and the beauty of found family. This story swept me off my feet and reminded me why I adore stories where people create family out of shared pain and purpose.
Ruthie is an unforgettable heroine—fiery, fierce, and full of heart. She’s the kind of woman who knows her way around a gun and isn’t afraid to go after what (or who) she wants. Her strength is matched by Vadka, a stoic and loyal member of the Bratva who fights for love, honor, and most importantly, his beloved son. Their chemistry? Off the charts. 🔥
Bound by the shared sorrow of losing someone they both loved, Ruthie and Vadka’s connection feels both tender and explosive. Their journey is about more than just passion—it’s about healing, resilience, and building a future out of the ashes of the past.
If you’re a fan of mafia romance with spice, depth, and a few tear-jerking moments, Unbroken will hit every note. Highly recommend for readers who crave intensity and emotional payoff.
Unbroken by Jane Henry is a powerful mafia dark romance that captures the raw edges of grief, the intensity of love, and the beauty of found family. This story swept me off my feet and reminded me why I adore stories where people create family out of shared pain and purpose.
Ruthie is an unforgettable heroine—fiery, fierce, and full of heart. She’s the kind of woman who knows her way around a gun and isn’t afraid to go after what (or who) she wants. Her strength is matched by Vadka, a stoic and loyal member of the Bratva who fights for love, honor, and most importantly, his beloved son. Their chemistry? Off the charts. 🔥
Bound by the shared sorrow of losing someone they both loved, Ruthie and Vadka’s connection feels both tender and explosive. Their journey is about more than just passion—it’s about healing, resilience, and building a future out of the ashes of the past.
If you’re a fan of mafia romance with spice, depth, and a few tear-jerking moments, Unbroken will hit every note. Highly recommend for readers who crave intensity and emotional payoff.
July 27, 2025
❤️Mafia
👨🏻🍼Single dad
❤️Grief
👨🏻🍼Second chance
🌶️2
🎧Dual narration by Wen Ross & Kai Kennicott
This was an interesting listen! It started slow for me at the beginning, but it definitely picked up around 20% in. I’m sure if I had read the rest of the series beforehand, I would’ve been more invested at first, but this was one you can definitely jump into and still get it. The ending did make things a little confusing, but again, I know that’s because it’s a large series all interconnected.
I really, really enjoyed Wen Ross’ and Kai Kennicott’s performance. Wen did great with the accent, and sometimes I struggle with accents because I listen on faster speeds, but I had no issues with understanding him! When Kai had accents too, I had the same thought, but hers was less prominent throughout the book.
I loved seeing the relationships develop between Vadka, Ruthie, and Luka. Luka was adorable and I loved every second he was around! I was a little confused bouncing around to all the characters, but I’m again blaming that on me not having read the other books in this series.
Thank you Jane Henry and Blush Audiobooks for the ALC! 🩷
👨🏻🍼Single dad
❤️Grief
👨🏻🍼Second chance
🌶️2
🎧Dual narration by Wen Ross & Kai Kennicott
This was an interesting listen! It started slow for me at the beginning, but it definitely picked up around 20% in. I’m sure if I had read the rest of the series beforehand, I would’ve been more invested at first, but this was one you can definitely jump into and still get it. The ending did make things a little confusing, but again, I know that’s because it’s a large series all interconnected.
I really, really enjoyed Wen Ross’ and Kai Kennicott’s performance. Wen did great with the accent, and sometimes I struggle with accents because I listen on faster speeds, but I had no issues with understanding him! When Kai had accents too, I had the same thought, but hers was less prominent throughout the book.
I loved seeing the relationships develop between Vadka, Ruthie, and Luka. Luka was adorable and I loved every second he was around! I was a little confused bouncing around to all the characters, but I’m again blaming that on me not having read the other books in this series.
Thank you Jane Henry and Blush Audiobooks for the ALC! 🩷
July 25, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️.5
Vadka is the enforcer for the Russian Bratva, and he has been struggling after the death of his wife Mariah. He is a single father to a sweet boy named Luka, and he is really close with his dead wife’s sister Ruthie. They are both dealing with grief over their loss and have become even closer. Ruthie had a crush on Vadka when she was younger before he was with her sister, and now those feelings are coming back.
The Irish are a threat again and are coming after the Bratva. Vodka is very protective of Ruthie since they killed his wife, especially now that he is falling for her.
I enjoyed this, but I think the mafia plotline needed more work. The Irish threat was used as a way to get them forced together, but there wasn’t much else going on. I got confused with how rushed the ending was. I also wanted a little more spice because the sex scenes didn’t have much going on.
🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧
This was narrated by Kai Kennicott and Wen Rose. They did a great job with the Russian accents.
Thank you to Valentine PR for providing the ALC.
🌶️🌶️.5
Vadka is the enforcer for the Russian Bratva, and he has been struggling after the death of his wife Mariah. He is a single father to a sweet boy named Luka, and he is really close with his dead wife’s sister Ruthie. They are both dealing with grief over their loss and have become even closer. Ruthie had a crush on Vadka when she was younger before he was with her sister, and now those feelings are coming back.
The Irish are a threat again and are coming after the Bratva. Vodka is very protective of Ruthie since they killed his wife, especially now that he is falling for her.
I enjoyed this, but I think the mafia plotline needed more work. The Irish threat was used as a way to get them forced together, but there wasn’t much else going on. I got confused with how rushed the ending was. I also wanted a little more spice because the sex scenes didn’t have much going on.
🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧
This was narrated by Kai Kennicott and Wen Rose. They did a great job with the Russian accents.
Thank you to Valentine PR for providing the ALC.
July 11, 2025
4.5 Stars
Unbroken is definitely the most emotional book in this series so far.
If you read the previous book, we were left on a cliffy with Vadka losing Mariah, Ruthie's sister.
Vadka, now a single dad, and Ruthie are now trying to navigate a world without Mariah. On top of dealing with grief, working through very emotional feelings these two share alot with one another and grow closer. And then the Irish attack.
I like that readers can empathize with Vadka and Ruthie as they navigate their loss and you see things start to come to reality for them in how they feel towards one another. I will say that Ruthie's was easier to accept than Vadka's but you could see he was not replacing Mariah with her sister.
Jane does a great job of blending the suspense of the Bratva and the relationship growth in this. I love how the plot of this book just helps move the romance part of this story along and yet doesn't get lost either. This family is not one to mess with and you can visualize that with every book.
And that ending - oh I have quite a few thoughts on what we get next but I will not spoil anything.
Unbroken is definitely the most emotional book in this series so far.
If you read the previous book, we were left on a cliffy with Vadka losing Mariah, Ruthie's sister.
Vadka, now a single dad, and Ruthie are now trying to navigate a world without Mariah. On top of dealing with grief, working through very emotional feelings these two share alot with one another and grow closer. And then the Irish attack.
I like that readers can empathize with Vadka and Ruthie as they navigate their loss and you see things start to come to reality for them in how they feel towards one another. I will say that Ruthie's was easier to accept than Vadka's but you could see he was not replacing Mariah with her sister.
Jane does a great job of blending the suspense of the Bratva and the relationship growth in this. I love how the plot of this book just helps move the romance part of this story along and yet doesn't get lost either. This family is not one to mess with and you can visualize that with every book.
And that ending - oh I have quite a few thoughts on what we get next but I will not spoil anything.
July 11, 2025
Ruthie’s sister Mariah was married to Vadka before she died. Now Ruthie and Bratva enforcer Vadka share an undeniable attraction. Just as they are coming to terms with their relationship, the Irish mafia attacks. Can they survive.
This is a good story with a great romance. Both Ruthie and Vadka feel guilt over their new relationship because of Mariah’s death. Ruthie worries about taking her sister’s place. Vadka worries that Ruthie will think he’s replacing one sister with another. Everyone around them is accepting of the relationship. The part of the story dealing with the Irish mafia attacks is a little bit convoluted, but not enough to detract from the overall story.
I recommend Unbroken. Read it and let me know what you think - I’d love to discuss!
This is a good story with a great romance. Both Ruthie and Vadka feel guilt over their new relationship because of Mariah’s death. Ruthie worries about taking her sister’s place. Vadka worries that Ruthie will think he’s replacing one sister with another. Everyone around them is accepting of the relationship. The part of the story dealing with the Irish mafia attacks is a little bit convoluted, but not enough to detract from the overall story.
I recommend Unbroken. Read it and let me know what you think - I’d love to discuss!
October 1, 2025
2.75 🌟
I was enjoying it at the beginning, but this quickly got boring and annoying. I know they were grieving, but the amount of times they just kept bringing up the sister, especially as a reason not to get together, but then suddenly they are together and not just in a ‘we’re clearly both attracted to each other let’s see where this goes’ kind of together, but ‘an I’m in love with you, you’re in love with me now let’s spend the rest of our lives together’ together. Also didn’t like how the whole book is spent preparing us for this so called war with the Irish and then the book ends without anything of substance actually happening??? I think the author missed the mark with this one
I was enjoying it at the beginning, but this quickly got boring and annoying. I know they were grieving, but the amount of times they just kept bringing up the sister, especially as a reason not to get together, but then suddenly they are together and not just in a ‘we’re clearly both attracted to each other let’s see where this goes’ kind of together, but ‘an I’m in love with you, you’re in love with me now let’s spend the rest of our lives together’ together. Also didn’t like how the whole book is spent preparing us for this so called war with the Irish and then the book ends without anything of substance actually happening??? I think the author missed the mark with this one
July 1, 2025
Gahhh this book was perfect!!!! I love how it’s all unfolding. Vadka and Ruthie’s story was every bit as perfect as it needed to be. I laughed, I cried, and I just didn’t want it to end. I was very lucky to have received an ARC of this book.
July 10, 2025
This book is EVERYTHING! I finished this book in two days which is super fast for me and the only thing I regret is that I can’t read this again for the first time. So many emotions ran through me while reading this one. The love that these two have found is a prefect second chance at happiness. I love this group of people and the series is going to continue with Zoya next! I can’t wait for the next book. I NEED it.
July 18, 2025
Le moins bon de la série à date. J’ai vraiment pas trouver que Vadka aimait Ruthie.
August 4, 2025
Am I a bad feminist for thinking the main male character wasn’t toxic enough? Bad Petra.
But seriously, I just can’t picture an emotionally intelligent Bratva enforcer.
But seriously, I just can’t picture an emotionally intelligent Bratva enforcer.
July 11, 2025
Title: Unbroken
Author: Jane Henry
Series: Bratva Kings #5 (Standalone, but better read in order)
Unbroken is a deeply emotional, dark mafia romance that explores grief, love, and redemption. Vadka Dragunov, enforcer for the Kopolov Bratva, is shattered after the loss of his wife. With a war brewing and a son to protect, he’s barely holding on. Ruthie Wexler, his sister-in-law, is grieving too—and when she steps in to care for Vadka’s son, their worlds begin to shift.
The emotional tension between them is layered, intense, and sensitively written. They grieve together, heal together, and face danger head-on. Jane Henry delivers suspense, heat, and heart in this powerful installment.
📌 Content warnings apply.
Thank you to Valentine PR and Jane Henry for the ARC.
Author: Jane Henry
Series: Bratva Kings #5 (Standalone, but better read in order)
Unbroken is a deeply emotional, dark mafia romance that explores grief, love, and redemption. Vadka Dragunov, enforcer for the Kopolov Bratva, is shattered after the loss of his wife. With a war brewing and a son to protect, he’s barely holding on. Ruthie Wexler, his sister-in-law, is grieving too—and when she steps in to care for Vadka’s son, their worlds begin to shift.
The emotional tension between them is layered, intense, and sensitively written. They grieve together, heal together, and face danger head-on. Jane Henry delivers suspense, heat, and heart in this powerful installment.
📌 Content warnings apply.
Thank you to Valentine PR and Jane Henry for the ARC.
July 18, 2025
Speaking of generational curses: “So… what? We just do better?” “Yes.” He says it like it’s the only truth that matters. “We break the pattern. Or it eats us alive.”
The story of our Bratva continues - carrying on the loss from Unhinged and following Ruthie and Vadka. Vadka - now a single dad, needing someone to help with his son & still managing the heartbreaking loss, while being a warlord for the Bratva against the Irish.
I really really loved Vadka in this story. Ruthie was enjoyable but she definitely needed the character growth involved in this book, away from the stubborn and naive girl. A good single dad story always gets me.
I connected more with these two than I did Matvei & Anissa in Unhinged - this was more a romantic vibe. However, it felt rushed in places, I still have questions. But I literally devoured this book within 24 hours! It’s an easy read and I did not want to put it down.
But I am incredibly excited for Zoya’s story - she’s going to be a bada$$!
Narration: I GREATLY enjoyed Wen as Vadka! Kai has a very clear voice and her inflection was great. If you’re an audiobook lover - recommended!
Tropes:
🥀 mafia
🖤 single dad - widower
🥀 falling for your sisters husband
🖤 healing after loss
The story of our Bratva continues - carrying on the loss from Unhinged and following Ruthie and Vadka. Vadka - now a single dad, needing someone to help with his son & still managing the heartbreaking loss, while being a warlord for the Bratva against the Irish.
I really really loved Vadka in this story. Ruthie was enjoyable but she definitely needed the character growth involved in this book, away from the stubborn and naive girl. A good single dad story always gets me.
I connected more with these two than I did Matvei & Anissa in Unhinged - this was more a romantic vibe. However, it felt rushed in places, I still have questions. But I literally devoured this book within 24 hours! It’s an easy read and I did not want to put it down.
But I am incredibly excited for Zoya’s story - she’s going to be a bada$$!
Narration: I GREATLY enjoyed Wen as Vadka! Kai has a very clear voice and her inflection was great. If you’re an audiobook lover - recommended!
Tropes:
🥀 mafia
🖤 single dad - widower
🥀 falling for your sisters husband
🖤 healing after loss
September 9, 2025
Not for me
I felt this book could have been really good but instead it Lacked tension and made no sense. I couldn't finish it, it was just so rushed. The relationship developed too quickly out of nothing. I was bored simply because of the plot.
I felt this book could have been really good but instead it Lacked tension and made no sense. I couldn't finish it, it was just so rushed. The relationship developed too quickly out of nothing. I was bored simply because of the plot.
July 1, 2025
Genres: Dark Romance, Mafia Romance, Romantic Suspense
Tropes: Single Dad, Widower, Forced Proximity, One Bed, BDSM, Touch Her and Die, Found Family, Tragic Pasts, Protective Hero, Accidental Pregnancy
MC: Ruthie (FMC), Vadka (MMC)
Setting: Russia
Triggers: parental abuse, gun violence, death of sibling/spouse, grief
Epilogue: Yes
Synopsis: Still drowning in grief after the death of his wife, Vadka is fueled by vengeance. Ruthie, his wife’s sister, has been avoiding Vadka and his young son, Luka. Seeing them is too painful, a cruel reminder of all that was lost. But when Vadka’s retaliation against the Irish puts everyone he loves in danger, Ruthie is pulled further into his world for her safety. Forced into close quarters, Ruthie and Vadka find comfort in shared grief. As they care for Luka together, quiet moments of connection give way to deeper feelings, something neither of them expected in the shadow of loss. Despite their blooming relationship, the Kopolov family receives word of an imminent attack from the Irish, and the household braces for war. When the ambush finally strikes, Ruthie protects Luka, turning the chaos into a game to shield him from the violence. With Vadka at her side, they survive the battle, and the Kopolovs emerge victorious. The family’s not out of the woods yet, remaining vigilant, when Ruthie discovers she’s pregnant. Terrified of what the future might hold, she starts to break down, until Vadka promises to stand beside her, no matter what. With hearts still healing and danger never far, they marry quickly, forming a new life together, choosing love and family over fear.
Thoughts: This book was suspenseful and had you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. A threat was always lingering from somewhere, and you never knew exactly how or when it was coming. While an Ex or former SO of a sibling is not my favorite trope, I thought Vadka and Ruthie had such a deep connection that made for a good relationship. You really feel their grief over Mariah’s death seeping through the pages as they share memories and their feelings toward her. I’m glad Vadka never compared Ruthie to Mariah, or the relationship he shared with her to the one he now shares with Ruthie. He was adamant from the start she was her own, very different person, and never a stand in with him or Luka. I also thought the relationship Ruthie shared with Luka was beautiful. Despite her own insecurities, she never made herself seem like a replacement for her sister, instead just kept being her true self and giving all the love she could to Luka. I enjoyed this book, but did feel the pacing of the book was a bit off. Particularly with Ruthie and Vadka’s relationship, and the realization of being in love with one another. I get Ruthie’s side because she had a crush on him, but Vadka seemed to just flip a switch from loving her to being in love with her. Aside from that, Vadka seems like a very caring and amazing partner. Zoya just keeps getting more interesting throughout this series. We learn she’s been keeping secrets, and trying to protect her family. I’m even more excited to read her story after that cliffhanger ending in the epilogue.
*ARC Review*
Tropes: Single Dad, Widower, Forced Proximity, One Bed, BDSM, Touch Her and Die, Found Family, Tragic Pasts, Protective Hero, Accidental Pregnancy
MC: Ruthie (FMC), Vadka (MMC)
Setting: Russia
Triggers: parental abuse, gun violence, death of sibling/spouse, grief
Epilogue: Yes
Synopsis: Still drowning in grief after the death of his wife, Vadka is fueled by vengeance. Ruthie, his wife’s sister, has been avoiding Vadka and his young son, Luka. Seeing them is too painful, a cruel reminder of all that was lost. But when Vadka’s retaliation against the Irish puts everyone he loves in danger, Ruthie is pulled further into his world for her safety. Forced into close quarters, Ruthie and Vadka find comfort in shared grief. As they care for Luka together, quiet moments of connection give way to deeper feelings, something neither of them expected in the shadow of loss. Despite their blooming relationship, the Kopolov family receives word of an imminent attack from the Irish, and the household braces for war. When the ambush finally strikes, Ruthie protects Luka, turning the chaos into a game to shield him from the violence. With Vadka at her side, they survive the battle, and the Kopolovs emerge victorious. The family’s not out of the woods yet, remaining vigilant, when Ruthie discovers she’s pregnant. Terrified of what the future might hold, she starts to break down, until Vadka promises to stand beside her, no matter what. With hearts still healing and danger never far, they marry quickly, forming a new life together, choosing love and family over fear.
Thoughts: This book was suspenseful and had you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. A threat was always lingering from somewhere, and you never knew exactly how or when it was coming. While an Ex or former SO of a sibling is not my favorite trope, I thought Vadka and Ruthie had such a deep connection that made for a good relationship. You really feel their grief over Mariah’s death seeping through the pages as they share memories and their feelings toward her. I’m glad Vadka never compared Ruthie to Mariah, or the relationship he shared with her to the one he now shares with Ruthie. He was adamant from the start she was her own, very different person, and never a stand in with him or Luka. I also thought the relationship Ruthie shared with Luka was beautiful. Despite her own insecurities, she never made herself seem like a replacement for her sister, instead just kept being her true self and giving all the love she could to Luka. I enjoyed this book, but did feel the pacing of the book was a bit off. Particularly with Ruthie and Vadka’s relationship, and the realization of being in love with one another. I get Ruthie’s side because she had a crush on him, but Vadka seemed to just flip a switch from loving her to being in love with her. Aside from that, Vadka seems like a very caring and amazing partner. Zoya just keeps getting more interesting throughout this series. We learn she’s been keeping secrets, and trying to protect her family. I’m even more excited to read her story after that cliffhanger ending in the epilogue.
*ARC Review*
July 3, 2025
****ARC****
Thanks to Valentines PR for selecting me for this ARC. And a HUGE!!! thank you to the wonderful author for writing this amazing book. THANK YOU!!! ❤❤❤
4.5
Vadka and Ruthie.
I loved this book because after reading the last book, we know what sadly happened with Vadka's wife Mariah and I was so sad for him. I was over here seeing possibilities of what is now made into something. As much as I'm not the biggest fan of this trope where the sister is now with the deceased or living sister's other half, the love and romance is what makes it great for me because throughout this book, you can see where it's not a situation they both just jumped into it. They were going through grief individually and not even being around each other for such a long time and then teh close proximity happened and then BOOM! I loved the build up to their relationship, I loved how it was a will they or won't they because they didn't want to betray Mariah and I respected that. But the thing about love is that it can come unexpected and with someone who is also unexpected because they knew each other for years and he was her pseudo brother and NOTHING MORE. And now, she's grown and they're both grieving and they found each other in each others space especially because of that little cutie son of his so it was meant to be.
Overall I give this book a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5. Vadka and Eilish showed up for each other and their chemistry was 🔥🔥🔥🔥. He showed her how much she meant to him and that she wasn't a replacement. She showed him that she would follow him anywhere he would go. I loved also how they showed up for that little boy and how they put his feelings ahead of theirs, makjbg sure he's good along the way. The plot was on point and I just want to say how badass this family is BUT can we take a moment and give flowers to Zoya because umm excuse me, she did ALL THAT on her own? I mean she had help and I'm just guessing here but can he please be The Undertaker? I mean tell me it wouldn't make sense to have them be together and that would cause peace and stop the war. When I tell you that she's about to take over this series, she's about to do just that. That's my prediction for her book because I've been wanting that Undertaker's book because I'm a bit obsessed with him lol.
The book was incredible and I cant wait for the next book.
Thanks to Valentines PR for selecting me for this ARC. And a HUGE!!! thank you to the wonderful author for writing this amazing book. THANK YOU!!! ❤❤❤
4.5
Vadka and Ruthie.
I loved this book because after reading the last book, we know what sadly happened with Vadka's wife Mariah and I was so sad for him. I was over here seeing possibilities of what is now made into something. As much as I'm not the biggest fan of this trope where the sister is now with the deceased or living sister's other half, the love and romance is what makes it great for me because throughout this book, you can see where it's not a situation they both just jumped into it. They were going through grief individually and not even being around each other for such a long time and then teh close proximity happened and then BOOM! I loved the build up to their relationship, I loved how it was a will they or won't they because they didn't want to betray Mariah and I respected that. But the thing about love is that it can come unexpected and with someone who is also unexpected because they knew each other for years and he was her pseudo brother and NOTHING MORE. And now, she's grown and they're both grieving and they found each other in each others space especially because of that little cutie son of his so it was meant to be.
Overall I give this book a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5. Vadka and Eilish showed up for each other and their chemistry was 🔥🔥🔥🔥. He showed her how much she meant to him and that she wasn't a replacement. She showed him that she would follow him anywhere he would go. I loved also how they showed up for that little boy and how they put his feelings ahead of theirs, makjbg sure he's good along the way. The plot was on point and I just want to say how badass this family is BUT can we take a moment and give flowers to Zoya because umm excuse me, she did ALL THAT on her own? I mean she had help and I'm just guessing here but can he please be The Undertaker? I mean tell me it wouldn't make sense to have them be together and that would cause peace and stop the war. When I tell you that she's about to take over this series, she's about to do just that. That's my prediction for her book because I've been wanting that Undertaker's book because I'm a bit obsessed with him lol.
The book was incredible and I cant wait for the next book.
July 28, 2025
I had the pleasure of listening to the Audiobook of Unbroken which is narrated by Kai Kennicott and Wen Ross.
Both Narrators did a wonderful job at telling this story and portraying the characters in this book..Especially when they had to do a Russian accent which I expect is hard to do.But both Kai and Wen were really impressive at keeping the accent up throughout.I really enjoyed listening to them both.
Unbroken is book 5 in this Mafia series by Jane Henry,and I have to admit I haven't read or listened to all of the books...But it did not make a difference as this can be read or listened to as a standalone.
Vadka Dragunov is the enforcer to the Kopolov family who are at odds with the Irish mafia.
Vadka finds himself a widow and a single father as his wife Mariah was murdered.
His son Luka is a handful and it is hard to navigate his role as a father and the job he has for the Kopolov family.
Ruthie is Mariah's younger sister and she is devestated by the loss of her sister and she has kept away from Vadka and her Nephew,as it is too painful to see them.
But she makes the effort to go and help Vadka with Luka,as Vadka is spiralling full of grief.
But the Irish are unrelenting and Luka is under threat from them.
Reunited in their grief for Mariah they become close and take comfort in eachother.It is not sexual at first but that soon changes going from friends to lovers,but the guilt is always there that they are falling for eachother.
Can they work through the guilt and the grief to be together?
Then the Irish up the stakes and plan to Kill ALL the family wanting to sever the entire bloodline and Ruthie is on that list.
This story was unexpectedly emotional for me having lost someone recently I felt Ruthie's grief deeply.
The only issue I had with the story was how quickly they got together after Mariah's death..I could never imagine wanting to be in a relationship after only 3 months after the death of my wife or sister.I know this is not real life but it was just a bit of a grievance for me.But other than that I enjoyed the book very much,it was steamy,emotional and full of drama and action.Jane Henry's writing has more of the feels with this one.
I am looking forward to the next book as I now have to know what is going to happen next.
Fantastic listen.
4 1/2 Stars.
Both Narrators did a wonderful job at telling this story and portraying the characters in this book..Especially when they had to do a Russian accent which I expect is hard to do.But both Kai and Wen were really impressive at keeping the accent up throughout.I really enjoyed listening to them both.
Unbroken is book 5 in this Mafia series by Jane Henry,and I have to admit I haven't read or listened to all of the books...But it did not make a difference as this can be read or listened to as a standalone.
Vadka Dragunov is the enforcer to the Kopolov family who are at odds with the Irish mafia.
Vadka finds himself a widow and a single father as his wife Mariah was murdered.
His son Luka is a handful and it is hard to navigate his role as a father and the job he has for the Kopolov family.
Ruthie is Mariah's younger sister and she is devestated by the loss of her sister and she has kept away from Vadka and her Nephew,as it is too painful to see them.
But she makes the effort to go and help Vadka with Luka,as Vadka is spiralling full of grief.
But the Irish are unrelenting and Luka is under threat from them.
Reunited in their grief for Mariah they become close and take comfort in eachother.It is not sexual at first but that soon changes going from friends to lovers,but the guilt is always there that they are falling for eachother.
Can they work through the guilt and the grief to be together?
Then the Irish up the stakes and plan to Kill ALL the family wanting to sever the entire bloodline and Ruthie is on that list.
This story was unexpectedly emotional for me having lost someone recently I felt Ruthie's grief deeply.
The only issue I had with the story was how quickly they got together after Mariah's death..I could never imagine wanting to be in a relationship after only 3 months after the death of my wife or sister.I know this is not real life but it was just a bit of a grievance for me.But other than that I enjoyed the book very much,it was steamy,emotional and full of drama and action.Jane Henry's writing has more of the feels with this one.
I am looking forward to the next book as I now have to know what is going to happen next.
Fantastic listen.
4 1/2 Stars.
July 28, 2025
I had the pleasure of listening to the Audiobook of Unbroken which is narrated by Kai Kennicott and Wen Ross.
Both Narrators did a wonderful job at telling this story and portraying the characters in this book..Especially when they had to do a Russian accent which I expect is hard to do.But both Kai and Wen were really impressive at keeping the accent up throughout.I really enjoyed listening to them both.
Unbroken is book 5 in this Mafia series by Jane Henry,and I have to admit I haven't read or listened to all of the books...But it did not make a difference as this can be read or listened to as a standalone.
Vadka Dragunov is the enforcer to the Kopolov family who are at odds with the Irish mafia.
Vadka finds himself a widow and a single father as his wife Mariah was murdered.
His son Luka is a handful and it is hard to navigate his role as a father and the job he has for the Kopolov family.
Ruthie is Mariah's younger sister and she is devestated by the loss of her sister and she has kept away from Vadka and her Nephew,as it is too painful to see them.
But she makes the effort to go and help Vadka with Luka,as Vadka is spiralling full of grief.
But the Irish are unrelenting and Luka is under threat from them.
Reunited in their grief for Mariah they become close and take comfort in eachother.It is not sexual at first but that soon changes going from friends to lovers,but the guilt is always there that they are falling for eachother.
Can they work through the guilt and the grief to be together?
Then the Irish up the stakes and plan to Kill ALL the family wanting to sever the entire bloodline and Ruthie is on that list.
This story was unexpectedly emotional for me having lost someone recently I felt Ruthie's grief deeply.
The only issue I had with the story was how quickly they got together after Mariah's death..I could never imagine wanting to be in a relationship after only 3 months after the death of my wife or sister.I know this is not real life but it was just a bit of a grievance for me.But other than that I enjoyed the book very much,it was steamy,emotional and full of drama and action.Jane Henry's writing has more of the feels with this one.
I am looking forward to the next book as I now have to know what is going to happen next.
Fantastic listen.
4 1/2 Stars.- Cat W.
Both Narrators did a wonderful job at telling this story and portraying the characters in this book..Especially when they had to do a Russian accent which I expect is hard to do.But both Kai and Wen were really impressive at keeping the accent up throughout.I really enjoyed listening to them both.
Unbroken is book 5 in this Mafia series by Jane Henry,and I have to admit I haven't read or listened to all of the books...But it did not make a difference as this can be read or listened to as a standalone.
Vadka Dragunov is the enforcer to the Kopolov family who are at odds with the Irish mafia.
Vadka finds himself a widow and a single father as his wife Mariah was murdered.
His son Luka is a handful and it is hard to navigate his role as a father and the job he has for the Kopolov family.
Ruthie is Mariah's younger sister and she is devestated by the loss of her sister and she has kept away from Vadka and her Nephew,as it is too painful to see them.
But she makes the effort to go and help Vadka with Luka,as Vadka is spiralling full of grief.
But the Irish are unrelenting and Luka is under threat from them.
Reunited in their grief for Mariah they become close and take comfort in eachother.It is not sexual at first but that soon changes going from friends to lovers,but the guilt is always there that they are falling for eachother.
Can they work through the guilt and the grief to be together?
Then the Irish up the stakes and plan to Kill ALL the family wanting to sever the entire bloodline and Ruthie is on that list.
This story was unexpectedly emotional for me having lost someone recently I felt Ruthie's grief deeply.
The only issue I had with the story was how quickly they got together after Mariah's death..I could never imagine wanting to be in a relationship after only 3 months after the death of my wife or sister.I know this is not real life but it was just a bit of a grievance for me.But other than that I enjoyed the book very much,it was steamy,emotional and full of drama and action.Jane Henry's writing has more of the feels with this one.
I am looking forward to the next book as I now have to know what is going to happen next.
Fantastic listen.
4 1/2 Stars.- Cat W.
June 30, 2025
With death comes new life:
I had the honor of receiving an advance reader copy for book number five in the Bratva Kings series, thank you Jane for giving me the chance to be one of the first lucky readers to dive back into the mafia world of the Kopolov family.
This book was different from the others- more raw and authentic in its own way. We learn how challenging and beautiful can be reopening your heart and soul to another after the loss of a loved one and how to cope with the fear, pain and guilt of finding new love while grieving. We readers navigate through the journey our main characters Vadka and Ruthie go through while falling in love with each other after the loss of Mariah- Wife to the bratva enforcer and sister to the latter.
The emotional whirlwind of rebuilding their lives amidst the loss, finding themselves, creating a new bond and acceptance that grief and love can coexist. Vadka finds himself at ease in Ruthie’s presence. Being with her brings comfort, peace and stability to his life and heart. For her, being with Vadka means to be safe. Being in his arms gives her a sense of security, hope and confidence that everything is going to be okay. Their painful experiences allows them to rely and help each other move forward in the healing process. Once the guilt and shame cease to exist- their love, devotion and loyalty grows stronger. Their playful banter mix with intense physical attraction makes their shared desire and chemistry even hotter 🔥 their new family dynamic, emotional connection and sensual energy a powerful force that makes us cheer for this newfound love. This story will evoke strong emotions as we learn about traumatic past experiences from both sides, the mental toll mourning takes upon one’s life and the inner struggle of fighting against fate. As the Irish continues to loom over their territory, the never ending preparation for survival and readiness for war will have you on edge, heart pounding and lungs gasping. With new revelations and developments- many questions are arising and the thrill and excitement for the next book will have us consumed and immersed of guessing all the possibilities of what is to come … little sweet zoya has many secrets, many many indeed.
I had the honor of receiving an advance reader copy for book number five in the Bratva Kings series, thank you Jane for giving me the chance to be one of the first lucky readers to dive back into the mafia world of the Kopolov family.
This book was different from the others- more raw and authentic in its own way. We learn how challenging and beautiful can be reopening your heart and soul to another after the loss of a loved one and how to cope with the fear, pain and guilt of finding new love while grieving. We readers navigate through the journey our main characters Vadka and Ruthie go through while falling in love with each other after the loss of Mariah- Wife to the bratva enforcer and sister to the latter.
The emotional whirlwind of rebuilding their lives amidst the loss, finding themselves, creating a new bond and acceptance that grief and love can coexist. Vadka finds himself at ease in Ruthie’s presence. Being with her brings comfort, peace and stability to his life and heart. For her, being with Vadka means to be safe. Being in his arms gives her a sense of security, hope and confidence that everything is going to be okay. Their painful experiences allows them to rely and help each other move forward in the healing process. Once the guilt and shame cease to exist- their love, devotion and loyalty grows stronger. Their playful banter mix with intense physical attraction makes their shared desire and chemistry even hotter 🔥 their new family dynamic, emotional connection and sensual energy a powerful force that makes us cheer for this newfound love. This story will evoke strong emotions as we learn about traumatic past experiences from both sides, the mental toll mourning takes upon one’s life and the inner struggle of fighting against fate. As the Irish continues to loom over their territory, the never ending preparation for survival and readiness for war will have you on edge, heart pounding and lungs gasping. With new revelations and developments- many questions are arising and the thrill and excitement for the next book will have us consumed and immersed of guessing all the possibilities of what is to come … little sweet zoya has many secrets, many many indeed.
July 31, 2025
Audio Review:
I'm obsessed with this book to say the least. I have loved many of Jane Henry's books but this one-This one really gripped me and kept hold. I love that Vadka even though stuck in his own grief and his own issues with the loss of the love of his life he still manages to find a second love in the most unexpected of places. Ruthie takes over really caring for her nephew and helping Vadka through his grief and while she has always had some feelings for him, she has respected the distance. both stuck in grief, both severely independent and stubborn. As they spend more time together, they develop feelings for each other. They never replace his feelings for his wife, but it is a different love that they gain creating this amazing bond.
Bond:
A dark single dad, forbidden, Bratva romance from USA Today Bestselling author Jane Henry
Vadka Dragunov—Bratva executioner, cold-blooded strategist… and my dead sister’s husband.
The man who built his empire in blood and protected it with silence. The man with a stare that holds me hostage—and a voice that cuts straight through me. I've avoided him, and the way he makes me feel, as I've wallowed in my own grief following my sister's death.
But now there's no escape. I’m living in his world. I've been targeted. The Irish want war. And the only safe place left is under his watch… or under him.
He’s a single father now—haunted, vengeful, and dangerous. A man who reads bedtime stories with the same blood thirsty eyes that promise death and retribution. The man who would raze the world to keep his son safe.
He thinks I’m reckless, chaotic, unpredictable. I was only a child when we first met. But he doesn't see me as one anymore.
I see what he hides beneath all that control—the obsession simmering just below the surface. The way he watches me like he wants to equally destroy and devour me.
And now the same loss that tore us apart is now pulling us together.
I wasn’t supposed to end up in his bed.
But the Bratva is splintering. The Irish want blood.
And I’m spiraling - holding a secret that could end it all while falling for the man I can’t have.
Is there a future for Vadka and me, or will the secrets between us cause another tragedy?
I'm obsessed with this book to say the least. I have loved many of Jane Henry's books but this one-This one really gripped me and kept hold. I love that Vadka even though stuck in his own grief and his own issues with the loss of the love of his life he still manages to find a second love in the most unexpected of places. Ruthie takes over really caring for her nephew and helping Vadka through his grief and while she has always had some feelings for him, she has respected the distance. both stuck in grief, both severely independent and stubborn. As they spend more time together, they develop feelings for each other. They never replace his feelings for his wife, but it is a different love that they gain creating this amazing bond.
Bond:
A dark single dad, forbidden, Bratva romance from USA Today Bestselling author Jane Henry
Vadka Dragunov—Bratva executioner, cold-blooded strategist… and my dead sister’s husband.
The man who built his empire in blood and protected it with silence. The man with a stare that holds me hostage—and a voice that cuts straight through me. I've avoided him, and the way he makes me feel, as I've wallowed in my own grief following my sister's death.
But now there's no escape. I’m living in his world. I've been targeted. The Irish want war. And the only safe place left is under his watch… or under him.
He’s a single father now—haunted, vengeful, and dangerous. A man who reads bedtime stories with the same blood thirsty eyes that promise death and retribution. The man who would raze the world to keep his son safe.
He thinks I’m reckless, chaotic, unpredictable. I was only a child when we first met. But he doesn't see me as one anymore.
I see what he hides beneath all that control—the obsession simmering just below the surface. The way he watches me like he wants to equally destroy and devour me.
And now the same loss that tore us apart is now pulling us together.
I wasn’t supposed to end up in his bed.
But the Bratva is splintering. The Irish want blood.
And I’m spiraling - holding a secret that could end it all while falling for the man I can’t have.
Is there a future for Vadka and me, or will the secrets between us cause another tragedy?
June 10, 2025
Vadka, Enforcer for the Kopolov Family, trying to raise his young son Luka, while drowning in grief for his murdered wife, as his chosen family are being dragged closer to a war they can't afford to lose.
Ruthie is trying to keep her head above water, grieving for the sister, Vadka's dead wife, who was taken from her so suddenly and a mother who has lost her grip on reality and never really saw past her sister, to Ruthie.
Vadka is floundering, between trying to keep his son safe and dealing with impending war, he is struggling to find a way out of his grief. Ruthie decides it's time Vadka stepped up for his son and when Luca's nanny quits Ruthie finds herself looking after both father and son. Shared grief soon brings the two closer and they come to realise there is comfort in their connected pasts and grief as they struggle to built a new future.
Vadka is a dark and dangerous force, made more so by the threats to both the Kopolov family, his son and Ruthie. As he struggles to keep everyone safe, both Vadka and Ruthie fight the doubts that they deserve a future together, along with the ghost of a woman they both loved and lost.
Jane always gives us dark, dangerous and often slightly unhinged hero's alongside sassy women who learn to tame them. This story is still deeply intrenched in Mafia family and all that goes with that but has taken a very different path. This is a beautifully written story of family loyalty, tragedy, grief that can destroy the strongest of people and a path back to life through a sharing of that grief. Vadka and Ruthie had me crying both from sadness and joy, the sheer hopelessness of their situation at times and the fierce loyalty and pride that keeps our heroine strong makes this a story that will keep you reading into the night. I was expecting something different with this book and Jane has delivered with bells on. A more gentle ride than past reads this is still non the less an exciting tale of a love in unexpected places, rival families, betrayal and the fight to survive an inevitable war. Jane has truly outdone herself with this story.
Ruthie is trying to keep her head above water, grieving for the sister, Vadka's dead wife, who was taken from her so suddenly and a mother who has lost her grip on reality and never really saw past her sister, to Ruthie.
Vadka is floundering, between trying to keep his son safe and dealing with impending war, he is struggling to find a way out of his grief. Ruthie decides it's time Vadka stepped up for his son and when Luca's nanny quits Ruthie finds herself looking after both father and son. Shared grief soon brings the two closer and they come to realise there is comfort in their connected pasts and grief as they struggle to built a new future.
Vadka is a dark and dangerous force, made more so by the threats to both the Kopolov family, his son and Ruthie. As he struggles to keep everyone safe, both Vadka and Ruthie fight the doubts that they deserve a future together, along with the ghost of a woman they both loved and lost.
Jane always gives us dark, dangerous and often slightly unhinged hero's alongside sassy women who learn to tame them. This story is still deeply intrenched in Mafia family and all that goes with that but has taken a very different path. This is a beautifully written story of family loyalty, tragedy, grief that can destroy the strongest of people and a path back to life through a sharing of that grief. Vadka and Ruthie had me crying both from sadness and joy, the sheer hopelessness of their situation at times and the fierce loyalty and pride that keeps our heroine strong makes this a story that will keep you reading into the night. I was expecting something different with this book and Jane has delivered with bells on. A more gentle ride than past reads this is still non the less an exciting tale of a love in unexpected places, rival families, betrayal and the fight to survive an inevitable war. Jane has truly outdone herself with this story.
July 12, 2025
Jane Henry nailed it with this one! It is heartbreaking, it’s dangerous, it hits heavy and hard with a romance that is beautiful and painful and has your mind spinning, it gets you all tangled up in feels and I don’t think it’s possible to read this without it making you question what’d you’d do and how you’d feel, if you spent even a second in Ruthie and Vadka’s shoes. It’s perception, the moral quandary of falling in love with the one person that should be off limits but somehow everything about it feels right in your heart, grabbing love again and holding tighter than ever before because you know it could all be gone in the blink of an eye, and it’s written so insanely well that there isn’t an emotion or an angle of the entire situation that doesn’t feel addressed, thought out, and handled absolutely perfectly.
I don’t think that I have ever thought so freaking hard about a romance before as I did with this one and it was amazing! It just really gets you asking yourself how you’d feel about knowing someone who’s dating their dead sister’s husband, putting yourself in both Ruthie and Vadka’s place and agonizing over all the doubts that pop up between them. Since this takes place in the Bratva world it all feels rushed, has that you take the chance now or it’s gone forever feel to it, and that’s evident in how long it’s been since Mariah died, how quickly there’s lives at stake and you have to either jump or get out, and it makes for a really intense read that shows how much both Ruthie and Vadka have changed in the short time Mariah has been gone and it really makes it clear that the love these two find wouldn’t have existed if Mariah had lived, not because they would have hidden an attraction but because they were totally different people and they only work now because of what they’ve been through. Just a fantastic emotional read.
I don’t think that I have ever thought so freaking hard about a romance before as I did with this one and it was amazing! It just really gets you asking yourself how you’d feel about knowing someone who’s dating their dead sister’s husband, putting yourself in both Ruthie and Vadka’s place and agonizing over all the doubts that pop up between them. Since this takes place in the Bratva world it all feels rushed, has that you take the chance now or it’s gone forever feel to it, and that’s evident in how long it’s been since Mariah died, how quickly there’s lives at stake and you have to either jump or get out, and it makes for a really intense read that shows how much both Ruthie and Vadka have changed in the short time Mariah has been gone and it really makes it clear that the love these two find wouldn’t have existed if Mariah had lived, not because they would have hidden an attraction but because they were totally different people and they only work now because of what they’ve been through. Just a fantastic emotional read.
November 10, 2025
In "Unbroken," we delve into the life of Vadka, a grieving widower caught in a downward spiral, desperately flirting with death through bullets and alcohol. Yet, driven by the love for his son, he fights against the darkness threatening to engulf him. His reckless behavior has unleashed chaos in his family and among his Bratva brothers. His Pakhan and close friend have urged him to find a way to heal, but with only three months having passed since his profound loss, he grapples with the question: How can he move forward? He realizes that only through love and a renewed purpose—protecting a family he never dreamed he would have again—can he begin to heal.
Meanwhile, Ruthie is trapped in her own emotional turmoil. Working at the bar where her sister died, she avoids her brother-in-law and his son, the memories too raw and painful to face. Yet, when her nephew reaches out for help, she rises to the occasion, determined to rouse Vadka from his self-imposed haze. Their initial bickering gradually transforms into playful banter, sparking an undeniable chemistry. Ruth finds herself at a crossroads: Should she succumb to her long-hidden feelings for Vadka or walk away before getting hurt again?
But when the Irish threaten to bring war to their doorstep, Ruth's choice becomes urgent and unavoidable. The stakes are high—does Vadka love her for who she is, or is he merely clinging to the ghost of her sister? Can he see her for the woman she's become, or is he trapped in the past? To complicate matters further, Ruth carries a secret that could alter the course of their lives forever. In the throes of love and loss, she and Vadka must confront their intertwined fates and discover if their connection is real or merely a reflection of what has been lost.
Jane Henry never ceases to pull every emotion imaginable from her storylines, and this one is no exception.
Meanwhile, Ruthie is trapped in her own emotional turmoil. Working at the bar where her sister died, she avoids her brother-in-law and his son, the memories too raw and painful to face. Yet, when her nephew reaches out for help, she rises to the occasion, determined to rouse Vadka from his self-imposed haze. Their initial bickering gradually transforms into playful banter, sparking an undeniable chemistry. Ruth finds herself at a crossroads: Should she succumb to her long-hidden feelings for Vadka or walk away before getting hurt again?
But when the Irish threaten to bring war to their doorstep, Ruth's choice becomes urgent and unavoidable. The stakes are high—does Vadka love her for who she is, or is he merely clinging to the ghost of her sister? Can he see her for the woman she's become, or is he trapped in the past? To complicate matters further, Ruth carries a secret that could alter the course of their lives forever. In the throes of love and loss, she and Vadka must confront their intertwined fates and discover if their connection is real or merely a reflection of what has been lost.
Jane Henry never ceases to pull every emotion imaginable from her storylines, and this one is no exception.
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