When The Bough Breaks

by O'Junea Brown

Have you ever felt like you’re being watched?

That, ironically, is the least of my problems.

Stuck in a dead-end relationship with an emotionally unavailable fiancé and little to no support system, I'm just trying to make the best of the hand I've been dealt. But that all changes when my masked stalker shows me just what my would-be spouse has been up to, convincing me that I deserve far more than the contempt and abuse I've been accepting.

It's time that I start living for myself and finally release the rage that's burning straight through my soul.

354 pages, Paperback

Expected publication February 10, 2026

About the author

O'Junea Brown is an emerging author of Romantasy. A Fate of Onyx and Ivory is her first published novel with many more to come. She was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois.

She loves her books, comics, video games, sports (go Cubs!), and anything fitness related. O'Junea has a bit too much dark humor and somewhat of a sailor's mouth, but her husband loves her the way that she is and that's all that matters.

Her baby boy Phoenix and dog Khloe are her only babies.

Follow her on Instagram and TikTok at @fit.and.fiction

Reviews

[TwinTLC · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW: When The Bough Breaks
by O'Junea Brown

Thank you Meg Opalescent for the ARC copy!

Welcome to Maevis's ride! We hope you have read the trigger warnings, as it's about to be quite the experience. Please keep all hands and feet tucked safely inside at all times and safely enjoy the ride. Please read responsibly!

3.5 - 4 ⭐️: From page 1, this book had me hooked and running through the chapters real quick. Good thing, the story moves just as quick, as well. Had a great storyline, but I just wished, there was a bit more in depth about her past with Vane. I also found, some gaps with the story lines with Maevis's parents and the background story around that. While Vane had me swooning, Ross most certainly had me cussing. LOL! This book gave me mini Haunting Adeline vibes.....

I really did thoroughly enjoy this story!
Well done O'Junea. Well done!

[BigGirlBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

The romance is spicy and the revenge is sweet.

This dark romance checks so many boxes and I couldn't put it down! Doesn't every woman want to be swept off her feet by a masked stalker who will encourage her to burn the world down?

I am so excited to read more dark romance from this author and will happily beg that the next installment be about Rose and Ryatt!

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book waxed and waned for me. There were strong parts where I was engrossed in the plot. There were other parts that were stiff and felt like there was a lack of fluidity. There was a lot going on!! A lot, with multiple sub plots.
I loved Vane, Maevis, not so much. And Ross, he deserved so much more, and not in a good way!

[Jenna Herbst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty dark!!!
Death
Blood
Steam
Action
The works!
Very edge of my seat type of story line

[Krystina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark, broody, murdery, this was great and the female rage gave me life in this!!

[Caroline Herrera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this author so much and this book is a great fun read!