Unbroken: A Small Town Romantic Suspense

by Colby Quinn

305 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 11, 2026

About the author

Crafting sizzling romances is my passion, and I've got a foolproof recipe: Take two parts enemies-to-lovers, add a dash of bad boy charm, and mix thoroughly with a smart, sassy heroine. Simmer with steamy tension, and garnish with a satisfying happily-ever-after.

As a military spouse, I've called many places home, gathering inspiration from coast to coast. Now, I'm anchored in picturesque New England, where I spin tales of love and desire with my faithful German Shepherd by my side.

My stories celebrate the delicious complexity of relationships, the thrill of attraction, and the power of love to conquer all. If you're looking for a page-turning escape that'll leave you breathless and believing in happy endings, you've come to the right place!

Reviews

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sloane and Cole . . .

After careful planning, Sloane Mercer (renamed "Sister Mary") finally planned her escape from the horrible cult that intended to keep her forever, seeking to start a new life of her own somewhere far away from here. It was now her turn to become "a Blessed One" in the cult, which meant she would become one of Pastor Eli's many "wives", while Sister Agnes will watch him take her on a metal table whenever he wants to! So she ran hard in fear of Brother Silas who would be sent after her to track her down, following the footprints left by her bleeding feet. Then he would drag her back there if he catches up to her. She would rather face death than endure what they plan to do with her if Brother Silas manages to bring her back. She knows what Pastor Eli does to women who tell him "no". If she disappoints, she becomes a "Fallen Eve" and she will belong to all of the men for their pleasure. She would rather die. Enduring the pain her desperate running has put her in, she keeps going. Not knowing if her father will take her back or not, she calls collect at the first phone booth she finds. And he comes to pick her up and take her home.

Cole Mathison is an ex-Navy SEAL who made a promise to take a dead brother's urn of ashes to the mountains as he had requested. But before he completes his goal, the truck engine starts knocking. Two miles further and it dies completely. His phone likewise failed so there was no one he could call. Finally an old man drove up and offered to tow him to Ed Larsen in town who can check it out for him. It will take several days to fix Cole's truck. He stops into Sloane's bar. When her former cult tracks her down, they want to be sure she won't testify against them if they are taken into court by a federal prosecutor who needs her testimony. She is the only witness they have who was a "Blessed One" who escaped and can give them the facts they need. Will Cole, her dad, and the townspeople protect Sloane? Will keeping her safe lead to trust and caring between her and Cole?

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

"They want to take you back? They'll have to come through me first."

I know three ways out of every room I've ever stood in.

Ten years ago, I ran from something I've never said out loud, and built a whole new life a long way from it. A bar of my own. A town that knows my name. Locks on every door and a routine nobody gets past.

Then a stranger's truck dies six miles outside my town.

Cole Mathison — ex-Navy SEAL, driving his dead brother to the mountains to keep a promise. He reads my bar in a single breath, and he doesn't look away.

He was supposed to be passing through. Three days, a fixed truck, gone.

But the people I escaped have found me. A prosecutor wants me on the stand. The men in the dark want me silent. And the only thing standing between me and them is a man who sleeps on my couch with one thin wall between us — a man who looks at me like he'd burn the world down before he'd lose me.

I spent ten years making myself into a fortress nobody could get into.

He's the first thing that ever made me want to open the door.

This contemporary steamy small-town romantic suspense enemies-to-allies slow burn military romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building and characters who are an alpha wounded ex-SEAL who is a touch-her-and-die protector/a cult survivor heroine who refuses to break, who are both captivating and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with being unbroken, a slowburn that detonates, explicit romance that is consumed by steamy, sizzling passion, lust, desire, and spice with all the feelings to leave readers breathless and begging for more, no cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA guaranteed, danger/suspense that is sure to have readers on the edge of their seats, forced proximity/only one couch (until there isn't), found family, chaos/drama, heartfelt emotions/emotional depth, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with being unbroken and an explicit contemporary steamy small-town romantic suspense enemies-to-allies slow burn military romance that is sure to transport readers into a world that is immensely dangerous, lustful, intriguing, and unforgettable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Donna L · Rating 5 out of 5]

💔 Emotional and Endearing

Colby Quinn has penned an incredible story! The characters are well-developed and the plot is filled with high energy action and emotion. She does a fantastic job balancing vulnerability, tension, and romance in a way that keeps you completely hooked.

Cole is a former SEAL on a mission to spread his best friend’s ashes in a place he wanted his Team to visit with him. After his truck breaks down, he meets Sloane, who escaped a religious cult and is now in danger. The story is captivating and very emotional. Once you start reading, you won’t be able to put it down.

🛡️Over-the-top Protective former SEAL
💔 Strong survivor heroine rebuilding after trauma
✨ Guarded Hearts and Dark secrets revealed
❤️‍🔥 Heart-wrenching and Emotional

Here is an excerpt from Cole’s POV:
Fifteen years I made this body obey me. Tonight it obeys her, and there's a freedom in it I've got no name for, handing somebody the wheel after a lifetime of white-knuckling it. She drives us both to the edge and holds us there until I can't see straight.

The yearning in this book was easy to feel. Every glance, every moment of restraint, every emotional crack in Cole’s armor had me completely hooked. The slow burn is wonderfully paced, and the emotional payoff is absolutely worth every moment. If you love damaged, fiercely protective heroes, strong heroines who don’t go quietly, and romances that mix danger, devotion, and undeniable heat, Unbroken satisfies all the way through. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennifer Amaral · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some romances are built on grand declarations of love.

UNBROKEN is built on quiet moments, unwavering loyalty, and the simple promise that someone will stay when everyone else has left.

From the very first chapter, I was completely invested in both the suspense and the romance. The mystery surrounding the heroine's past created an underlying tension that never let up, while Cole's arrival slowly shifted the emotional tone of the story in the best possible way.

Cole was everything I love in a protective hero. He wasn't controlling or overbearing—he was patient, observant, and consistently showed up when it mattered most. His military background certainly made him capable, but what made me love his character was his compassion. He recognized the heroine's strength while also understanding the fear she carried, allowing her to heal at her own pace.

The romance unfolded beautifully through quiet conversations, shared spaces, lingering glances, and growing trust. Those slower moments made the emotional payoff incredibly satisfying because every step of their relationship felt genuine.

The suspense elements added another layer to the story. As the heroine's past caught up with her, the danger became increasingly real, creating plenty of edge-of-your-seat moments without overshadowing the emotional heart of the book.

The small-town setting, found family, protective hero, survivor heroine, and slow-burn romance all came together to create a story that felt equal parts thrilling and heartfelt. This is the kind of book that reminds you love isn't always loud—it can be steady, patient, and exactly what someone needs to finally feel safe again.

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Loved it! Unbroken is an emotional, edge-of-your-seat romantic suspense that had me hooked from the very first chapter. The combination of danger, healing, and slow-burn romance made it impossible to put down.

Sloane is a resilient heroine who has spent years rebuilding her life after escaping a traumatic past. Watching her slowly learn to trust again was both heartbreaking and inspiring. Cole, a wounded ex-Navy SEAL honoring his late brother’s final wish, is the perfect protective hero—patient, dependable, and willing to do whatever it takes to keep Sloane safe.

I loved the forced proximity, the growing tension as they shared the same space, and the way their relationship developed naturally before igniting into a steamy romance. The suspense kept me guessing, while the found family and small-town setting added warmth and heart to the story.

With memorable characters, emotional depth, plenty of action, and a satisfying happily-ever-after, Unbroken is a fantastic read for anyone who enjoys romantic suspense, protective heroes, survivor heroines, and slow-burn romances that deliver both heart and heat.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[BabsNY · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ex-SEAL Cole is driving through Wyoming to spread the ashes of his fallen brother, Holt, in Cirque of the Towers - a place in the mountsins Holt wanted the whole team to visit. His car breaks down six miles outside of town, where Walt Mercer finds him and offers to tow his car to the mechanic. While driving to the mechanic's shop, Cole notices a young woman. Sloan Mercer, Walt's off-limits daughter. Sloan has gone through hell - ten years ago escaping a religious cult to carefully rebuild her life. Both Cole and Sloan have survived by being constantly on guard - studying the room and each person in it; knowing where the exits are; having an escape plan; building walls to protect their hearts. And when the cult starts circling - they want Sloan back - Colt's protective instincts go into overdrive. This is the tale of Sloan and Colt. This is a really well-written story with great character development; emotional slow burn; a strong independent woman; an alpha-protective male; tension and suspense; vulnerability and strength; and steamy spice once the walls come down. A very satisfying, recommended read.

I was given a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was amazing in so many ways. First, I noticed that the prose style was almost like another character in the story. I know that sounds strange, but I don't know how else to describe how Ms. Quinn's writing served as an atmospheric stage set for the characters and events. Her writing had a special rhythm with occasional echoing moments that contributed so much to the intensity of the descriptions and emotions. Against this evocative backdrop is a story with both a slow burn romance and a slowly developing suspense situation. The chapter titles are just icing on the cake, since I love it when an author leaves a little bread crumb with the chapter number. To set the stage, Cole's truck breaks down in the small Wyoming town of Coldwater, while he's on the way to deliver his teammate's ashes to the mountains. Sloane owns and operates the town bar. Once Cole sees her, the attraction immediately surfaces between them, even though they have tons of reasons to resist. Add to this slow simmering fascination the threat posed by some bad folks from Sloane's past and the defense offered by her father, Cole, and the rest of the found family in Coldwater, and this novel is a page turner all the way to the end.
I was given an ARC and volunteered to write a review.

[Marie Roessel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful love story intertwined with a religious cult’s life altering role for women and the overwhelming grief of a soldier’s loss.
When Cole and Olivia meet they are each recovering from a prior trauma.
Cole is a man on a mission, but his truck breaks down and he is stopped dead in his tracks when he meets Olivia. She awakens feelings in him he thought were dead. Cole becomes aware that the friendly small town is protecting her. They don’t realize it at first but they desperately need each other.

This book is a slow burn romance with 🔥🔥but it never drags because the author has given us intense characters that have purpose and a plot that kept me from putting the book down.

I love that Olivia is a survivor- strong, stubborn and determined. I also fell for Cole’s character and hoped that he could risk not only his life but his heart.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Esme Greiner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sloane is a survivor who rebuilt her life from the ground up after escaping a violent cult ten years earlier. She’s created a fortress of routines, locked doors, and a bar that’s become the heart of her Wyoming town — a place where she finally feels in control. Cole is an ex‑Navy SEAL carrying grief and purpose in equal measure, enters her world by accident when his truck dies just outside town. He’s on a mission to honor his fallen teammate, but the moment he steps into Sloane’s bar, he reads her defenses like a map — and sees the woman behind them. Their connection is quiet, patient, and rooted in recognition: two people who’ve survived different kinds of darkness and learned to live with their backs to the wall. When Sloane's past catches up to her putting her in danger, can Cole keep her safe? The more time spent around each other, the harder it is to ignore what is growing between them. Will they admit how they feel before it's too late?

[Ruth R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cole went to Wyoming To put his friend remains, he kept his promise to go with him to the mountains, and if he didn’t make it he will take his remains.
WHen his truck stopped working, a man stopped to help .
He took him to a small town called coldwater when they were at the truck of the man he saw a woman carrying bottles, he liked her at first sight ,Then he went to her bar she put the drink in front of him.
Some days passed when she called him that someone entered her house, he didn’t knew her past but from her movements he knew something happened.
Her father left him a massage to go to his store so he could explain to him, in a few days she had to stand in a courtroom and say what she saw , and the men in that town are here to make sure she never reaches to that courtroom , but he didn’t tell him what she saw.
But he was ready to protect her and stand by her side.

[Cathy Moir-Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cole Mathison is on a personal quest to take a fallen brother's ashes to his final resting place, when his truck breaks down on a Wyoming highway. It has taken thirteen months to get this far. A two-tone Ford pulls over and Walt Mercer steps out and offers to tow Cole's truck six miles into town. On the way they pass a bar, the Devil's Daughter, and on the street Coles sees a small women whose glance shakes him. Sloane Mercer is a survivor. She spent four years in hell and the last ten rebuilding from the ruin. When Cole Mathison walks into her bar, she feels the shift and knows that nothing will ever be the same. Two people who have become good at building walls of protection can feel the crumble start.

[Reads lotsa stuff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Promise made. A retired SEAL who made a promise to another is on a trek to fulfill that promise when his truck breaks down. He is towed to a town in the middle of Wyoming and is there until the truck can be fixed. A tale that catches ahold and provides enough suspense to keep a tight grasp. Not the kind of suspense that solves the mysteries of the world, just enough to hold a pair of survivors still. There are journeys we all make thru life and the journey these two make may not break out the dimples but it may very well bring on the tissues. So make sure you have a box of tissues nearby because mine is empty. A heartbreaking, gut clenching, nail biting saga that will tear your heart out and satisfy your quest for a great ending. A town worth finding just to break down in!

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 - 4 stars.

I thought the characters in this story were written well, I felt a connection to Cole who was trying to learn to live with his past and honour his fallen brother, and to Sloane who had been through so much and had come out of it so much more. I liked the different connections in this, the community that welcomed and protected, friends that supported you no matter what, and two people who tried to protect the ones they loved and recognising that they could face anything together and survive it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kerri Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the cover!

Sloane has spent years running from her past, hiding away in a small town where she's constantly looking over her shoulder. She notices every little detail around her—except for the incredibly sexy Cole, a former Navy SEAL.

Cole is on a mission to honor a promise he made to his brother by taking his ashes to their final resting place. The last thing he expects is for his truck to break down or for fate to bring Sloane into his life. Their attraction is instant, but with both of them carrying emotional baggage, their journey isn't an easy one.

This book had the perfect mix of romance, emotion, and suspense. I couldn't put it down. So dang good!

[Mary Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book with wonderful characters and interesting storyline. Cole has come to Wyoming to scatter his best friends ashes. His truck breaks down and he’s stranded in a small town. He meets bar owner Sloane and realizes his life will never be the same. Sloane has spent the last ten years rebuilding her life after escaping a cult. This book has romance, intrigue, drama, suspense and redemption. Can these two closed off stoic people come together and make a life? They both have to learn to lower their walls and be there for each other. Great ending!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cole on his way to spread the ashes of one of his brothers has truck trouble just outside of a small town. Sloane is a single woman who had been told she is the chosen one but ran away before the ceremony to be with her father. The whole town watches over Sloane because the people who labeled Sloane as the chosen one wants her back. Cole will have to help keep Sloane safe before he can take his brother to the Cirque. This is a book that will take you on a journey of feelings.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[DEBBIE GG · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌹NO SPOILERS 🌹

from the very first breathless page. to the emotional brother this story keeps you intrigued, hopeful and wondering what’s next. the cheering, laughing and arguments at the devils offspring. i love the extra character Bo for his careful protection. this well done plot is a winner, the main characters are thought provoking, likable, and have a lot of self-shielding. the extra characters flow with the book. it’s a good read. but make time because putting this story down is very hard. i enjoyed my reading time with this winner.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

'UNBROKEN is a steamy small-town romantic suspense — a wounded ex-SEAL, a heroine who refuses to break, and a slow burn that detonates. No cheating. No cliffhanger. HEA guaranteed.'

The characters were very appealing and complex and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debdutch · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Unbroken” by Colby Quinn

-A emotional, action-packed romance filled with danger, healing, and undeniable chemistry. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.

Cole and Sloane are both survivors who must learn to lower their walls and trust again. I like the protective former SEAL hero, strong heroine, and the slow-burn romance that kept me hooked.

This is a powerful, heart-wrenching story that I enjoyed more than I expected and highly recommend.

[Steve Canada · Rating 5 out of 5]

📖❤️ Unbroken ❤️📖
Small town romantic suspense, ex military hero, cult survivor heroine, slow burn, HEA
This book grabbed me from the very first page, and Colby did an amazing job of showing us the dark road both Cole and Sloane are walking as they head toward their well-deserved HEA.
I’ll try to be patient, but I’m already looking forward to meeting Colby’s next amazing couple.
I can’t recommend this one enough, get it soon!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story, I was drawn in and couldn't put it down, Sloane is a strong person, She has been trapped in a cult for years before she escaped, But she isn't safe because they are looking for him, Cole is a retired Navy Seal. And ten years after her escaped she meets Cole, They have a strong chemistry, the story is full of drama, suspense and I loved this story,.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mindy Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a suspenseful small town romance between ex-Navy SEAL Cole and bar owner Sloane. These flawed souls and the unique plot make for an interesting read. It is a slow burn love story with drama and steam, sexual tension and chemistry, danger and suspense, and twists and turns, plus appealing secondary characters. Quite a page turner.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mrs B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartrending Story
I loved and hated this story in equal measure. What a roller coaster of emotions Sloane and Cole's story elicits. I wanted to be an avenging angel for one of them and the giver of the greatest hugs to the other.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was emotional with what was going on in the protagonists' lives. The hero going on the journey was sentimental. It was good that the people who made others' lives horrific and traumatic were dealt with.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[JM G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy a good small town romance and Unbroken by Colby Quinn fits the bill. Pulled me in from the start and kept me turning the pages. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and you can feel their connection as you read. Well worth the time spent reading this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ineta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small town of Coldwater that takes in strays, and stays for their own. Strong characters, with their past trauma and the healing. Real suspense you feel through pages. Emotional and engaging read.
And when grief releases, life happens.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anayah Navarrete · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think the book is really good. I got this and went in blind. I loved it more than I thought. I will recommend this.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the perfect small town romance. A ex military man, trying to fulfill the wishes of a teammate finds himself needing help with his broken down truck. The town takes him in and he finds someone special who could use his help. Definitely would recommend.

[Shannon Binegar-Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
WOW I am beyond speechless. This one pulled me right in from the start. Such an emotional rollercoaster of a story. Chapter 29 and the epilogue had me a sobbing mess. Outstanding.

[Rodney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very interesting. The heroin starts off in trouble, but gets back home. But she isn't safe because they come looking for her. The hero is supposed to be passing through, but stays because of her. Definitely a very good read.