What do you think?
Unbroken
This is an alternate Cover Edition for ASIN: B00WQRXH4Q.
When Liz Jackson arrives at the Whanau Ano Holiday Park on the beautiful west coast of New Zealand, the last thing she expects to find is love. Fresh from an abusive relationship, the British surgeon wants nothing but peace, solitude, and time to indulge in her passion for painting.
Kristan Holt is a kayak instructor and a helicopter pilot. Handsome and charismatic, she owns the park and the Activity Centre, and when the beautiful doctor literally knocks her off her feet one morning in the café, she leaves an indelible mark on her heart.
When both women fall in love it looks as if both have finally found the missing piece in their lives. But someone will stop at nothing, including murder, to deny them the future that they want.
When Liz Jackson arrives at the Whanau Ano Holiday Park on the beautiful west coast of New Zealand, the last thing she expects to find is love. Fresh from an abusive relationship, the British surgeon wants nothing but peace, solitude, and time to indulge in her passion for painting.
Kristan Holt is a kayak instructor and a helicopter pilot. Handsome and charismatic, she owns the park and the Activity Centre, and when the beautiful doctor literally knocks her off her feet one morning in the café, she leaves an indelible mark on her heart.
When both women fall in love it looks as if both have finally found the missing piece in their lives. But someone will stop at nothing, including murder, to deny them the future that they want.
Unknown Binding
First published April 26, 2015
About the author
Natalie Debrabandere
44 books261 followersMy novels are about strong, grounded women who live, love, and thrive in adventurous worlds.
As Natalie Debrabandere, I write lesbian fiction with a romantic twist.
As N.D. Shar, I dive into edgy sci-fi with kick-ass female leads and non-stop action.
If this is your first experience with my books, I hope you’ll find as much pleasure in reading them as I do in writing them.
The best way to support me? Read, review, and share—share—share!
My books are available worldwide in Kindle and paperback formats on your local Amazon site.
You can contact me through my website: nataliedebrabandere.com
As Natalie Debrabandere, I write lesbian fiction with a romantic twist.
As N.D. Shar, I dive into edgy sci-fi with kick-ass female leads and non-stop action.
If this is your first experience with my books, I hope you’ll find as much pleasure in reading them as I do in writing them.
The best way to support me? Read, review, and share—share—share!
My books are available worldwide in Kindle and paperback formats on your local Amazon site.
You can contact me through my website: nataliedebrabandere.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
July 19, 2015
This book was alright.
The plot was kind of fine; a fairly vanilla romance, leavened with a splash of mystery. Kristian is an American running a holiday park in the fictional town of Hoka Tiri. ((At least the reader can only profoundly hope its fictional and not a terrible misspelling of Hokitika.)) The Park seems to occupy roughly the same geographic space as Hokitika – the rugged and remote west coast of the South Island. A British ER surgeon shows up on holiday and clocks Kristian in the face with a door – clearly true love. There’s some unfinished business that Kristian brings with her from her old life in California, etc etc you get the picture.
It’s a fine read; Bold Strokes Books do excellent jobs with their editing and proof-reading, so even if the writing is sometimes clumsy, it never suffers from severe immersion-breaking problems.
Stepping back from that, then, let’s talk a little more ‘meta’. Why the fuck is this book set in New Zealand? No, but seriously. The main character is American. The love interest is British. There are no important characters who are New Zealanders. The New Zealand accent is never mentioned (although both the American and the British accents are pointed out as “attractive” so I suppose we can infer the local one isn’t), the setting of New Zealand is not a separate ‘character’ to the novel (which, considering our national literary traditions, is an insult); foreign terminologies, slang, and assumptions are imported and then imposed casually onto the local culture, etc. Maori New Zealanders aren't even mentioned at all except for the language, which is useful only insofar as it can provide exotic place names. WTF? What is this, New Zealanders aren’t worth talking about in a novel set in our own damn country? Why do you need New Zealand for your novel when your characters seem to be culturally British? Honestly, why the heck is this novel not set in the north of England? That would actually make more sense, and all of the irritating detail problems (Kiwis work in kilometres, not miles; the RNZAF flies helicopters, not the Army, etc), and causal cultural appropriation, would not exist.
So it lost stars from me because if it’s going to be set in New Zealand, then it should mean something. To generalise this into a wider problem, you can’t just set a whole bunch of people from America and the UK in an exotic place and ignore that people with their own culture live there. Decolonisation (with its attendant cultural angst) obviously passed this author by; I suspect she must be British.
Set the book in the north of England and it's average, and readable, and pleasant. Set the bloody thing in New Zealand - without doing the research, and giving the locals the same respect you'd give a pot-plant - and this is a frustrating thing.
EDIT: There is an assumption that these two ladies would be perfectly allowed to come to NZ and live. Words like "visa" don't exist in the story. The British lady is especially puzzling; sure - she's a doctor - but wouldn't just abandoning her hospital job in Wellington for the life of part-time holiday park employee put her work visa at risk? Yeah.
The plot was kind of fine; a fairly vanilla romance, leavened with a splash of mystery. Kristian is an American running a holiday park in the fictional town of Hoka Tiri. ((At least the reader can only profoundly hope its fictional and not a terrible misspelling of Hokitika.)) The Park seems to occupy roughly the same geographic space as Hokitika – the rugged and remote west coast of the South Island. A British ER surgeon shows up on holiday and clocks Kristian in the face with a door – clearly true love. There’s some unfinished business that Kristian brings with her from her old life in California, etc etc you get the picture.
It’s a fine read; Bold Strokes Books do excellent jobs with their editing and proof-reading, so even if the writing is sometimes clumsy, it never suffers from severe immersion-breaking problems.
Stepping back from that, then, let’s talk a little more ‘meta’. Why the fuck is this book set in New Zealand? No, but seriously. The main character is American. The love interest is British. There are no important characters who are New Zealanders. The New Zealand accent is never mentioned (although both the American and the British accents are pointed out as “attractive” so I suppose we can infer the local one isn’t), the setting of New Zealand is not a separate ‘character’ to the novel (which, considering our national literary traditions, is an insult); foreign terminologies, slang, and assumptions are imported and then imposed casually onto the local culture, etc. Maori New Zealanders aren't even mentioned at all except for the language, which is useful only insofar as it can provide exotic place names. WTF? What is this, New Zealanders aren’t worth talking about in a novel set in our own damn country? Why do you need New Zealand for your novel when your characters seem to be culturally British? Honestly, why the heck is this novel not set in the north of England? That would actually make more sense, and all of the irritating detail problems (Kiwis work in kilometres, not miles; the RNZAF flies helicopters, not the Army, etc), and causal cultural appropriation, would not exist.
So it lost stars from me because if it’s going to be set in New Zealand, then it should mean something. To generalise this into a wider problem, you can’t just set a whole bunch of people from America and the UK in an exotic place and ignore that people with their own culture live there. Decolonisation (with its attendant cultural angst) obviously passed this author by; I suspect she must be British.
Set the book in the north of England and it's average, and readable, and pleasant. Set the bloody thing in New Zealand - without doing the research, and giving the locals the same respect you'd give a pot-plant - and this is a frustrating thing.
EDIT: There is an assumption that these two ladies would be perfectly allowed to come to NZ and live. Words like "visa" don't exist in the story. The British lady is especially puzzling; sure - she's a doctor - but wouldn't just abandoning her hospital job in Wellington for the life of part-time holiday park employee put her work visa at risk? Yeah.
July 31, 2019
mmm, every time knew what was happening, another baddie arrived. Liked the fist third but degenerated as went on as more and more crime / criminals arrived.
September 27, 2022
3 generous stars
This book didn't work for me on so many levels. Of course, what bothered me might not bother others, so take this review with a grain of salt.
As someone who lives in New Zealand and a lover of lesfic, if I see a book set in New Zealand, I'm all over it. There are so few. Unfortunately, that is also one of the biggest issues I have with this book.
Nothing about it speaks of New Zealand. The location is fictitious, which I could live with if ANYTHING out at all felt authentic to New Zealand, but nothing did. Not the setting, a small trip away, not the character, the dialogue, nada.
The story suffers from many head-hops (being bounced between characters' heads), which is a bugbear of mine, but again, probably won't bother many other readers.
What really drove me to distraction was the term 'a little.' 200+ times. Yes, I checked. It was that bad.
nodded a little
started to calm down a little
a little pale
a little sad
winced a little
shook her head a little
frowning a little
a little sigh
leaned a little
tense a little
struggling a little
jumped a little
a little farther
a little drunk
a little hot
a little questioning look
a little hint
a little way back
a little smile
a little bit husky
a little closer
a little bit sharper
a little walk around
a little bit intense
a little thank you
a little bit longer
a little way
a little closer
a little tighter
a little sad
a little foggy
a little hazy
a little familiar
a little still
a little dangerous
Nitpicks aside, big nits, I appreciate the effort the author put into creating a suspenseful plot. How suspenseful that is will depend on the reader.
This book didn't work for me on so many levels. Of course, what bothered me might not bother others, so take this review with a grain of salt.
As someone who lives in New Zealand and a lover of lesfic, if I see a book set in New Zealand, I'm all over it. There are so few. Unfortunately, that is also one of the biggest issues I have with this book.
Nothing about it speaks of New Zealand. The location is fictitious, which I could live with if ANYTHING out at all felt authentic to New Zealand, but nothing did. Not the setting, a small trip away, not the character, the dialogue, nada.
The story suffers from many head-hops (being bounced between characters' heads), which is a bugbear of mine, but again, probably won't bother many other readers.
What really drove me to distraction was the term 'a little.' 200+ times. Yes, I checked. It was that bad.
nodded a little
started to calm down a little
a little pale
a little sad
winced a little
shook her head a little
frowning a little
a little sigh
leaned a little
tense a little
struggling a little
jumped a little
a little farther
a little drunk
a little hot
a little questioning look
a little hint
a little way back
a little smile
a little bit husky
a little closer
a little bit sharper
a little walk around
a little bit intense
a little thank you
a little bit longer
a little way
a little closer
a little tighter
a little sad
a little foggy
a little hazy
a little familiar
a little still
a little dangerous
Nitpicks aside, big nits, I appreciate the effort the author put into creating a suspenseful plot. How suspenseful that is will depend on the reader.
May 4, 2015
Enjoyed it
I was so disappointed when I got to the end, don't get me wrong it war happy disappointment. I fell in love wit the characters and the intrigued. I know one thing for sure I'm no sleuth since I was all wrong
I was so disappointed when I got to the end, don't get me wrong it war happy disappointment. I fell in love wit the characters and the intrigued. I know one thing for sure I'm no sleuth since I was all wrong
August 15, 2015
Kept me Interested
Great debut book. Really enjoyed it. I liked the characters, storyline and writing style. I just bought the authors second book. Give it a try I'm sure you will be glad you did.
Great debut book. Really enjoyed it. I liked the characters, storyline and writing style. I just bought the authors second book. Give it a try I'm sure you will be glad you did.
May 16, 2015
I really liked this book. The author has you thinking you are sure it's A who did it, but then it turns out it's B. A really fun read by Ms. Debrabandere. Look forward to more from her.
June 2, 2015
I liked this book
A good story, good characters and very well written. I look forward to reading more from this author. Buy it!
A good story, good characters and very well written. I look forward to reading more from this author. Buy it!
June 17, 2015
Beautiful and a very sweet ending
My favorite love story has two very different people who learn to live and love after tragedy. Five stars for a great one!
My favorite love story has two very different people who learn to live and love after tragedy. Five stars for a great one!
February 26, 2016
Good Read
I enjoyed the story, the characters and the pace. This was an interesting mix of suspense and mystery, a good whodunit.
I enjoyed the story, the characters and the pace. This was an interesting mix of suspense and mystery, a good whodunit.
May 14, 2020
I loved the scenery but .....
I usually love Ms Debrabandere’s books. This one was a bit cliché with the love at first sight and the development of such a profoundly deep love very quickly. I do believe that that happens and especially with the lesbians, but I didn’t feel it as deeply as I know this writer is capable of. The character development was decent though Liz could’ve been given more depth. I like the characters and I I did like the romance. At some point, I was not certain who was doing the killing and push myself to the end because I wanted to know. The end was a bit of a copout but I do like happy endings. One thing that disturbed me in this book was Kristen’s character. Because she had a history of addiction, she refused to take pain medication after being in a car crash that could’ve killed her. She had a dislocated shoulder and a concussion. This was portrayed as being brave and how wonderful she is and I think is the absolute wrong message to send to people. Being someone in recovery, I believe I’ve suffered enough. I don’t believe that I have to go through surgery, trauma and very painful events and avoid pain medication because there are ways to safely take it. That is such an antiquated, profoundly stupid concept. I just hope no one else who has an addiction reads that and decides it’s the right thing to do.
I usually love Ms Debrabandere’s books. This one was a bit cliché with the love at first sight and the development of such a profoundly deep love very quickly. I do believe that that happens and especially with the lesbians, but I didn’t feel it as deeply as I know this writer is capable of. The character development was decent though Liz could’ve been given more depth. I like the characters and I I did like the romance. At some point, I was not certain who was doing the killing and push myself to the end because I wanted to know. The end was a bit of a copout but I do like happy endings. One thing that disturbed me in this book was Kristen’s character. Because she had a history of addiction, she refused to take pain medication after being in a car crash that could’ve killed her. She had a dislocated shoulder and a concussion. This was portrayed as being brave and how wonderful she is and I think is the absolute wrong message to send to people. Being someone in recovery, I believe I’ve suffered enough. I don’t believe that I have to go through surgery, trauma and very painful events and avoid pain medication because there are ways to safely take it. That is such an antiquated, profoundly stupid concept. I just hope no one else who has an addiction reads that and decides it’s the right thing to do.
March 3, 2023
Good story, not quite a mystery or a romcom
The plot was original enough, not really a mystery since the reader isn't able to guess whodunnit, as not enough information is provided for that, but it was an enjoyable story nonetheless. The romantic chemistry is there, the sex scenes decent, vanilla, and well written. The pacing is super gay. Like, average for sapphics I guess. They're together for like, a season and the relationship progresses super fast, but honestly, I've seen fast irl for lesbians lol.
It was an easy fun story, but the characters had no arch. They didn't need to change or overcome their own demons. Their love story is basically meet cute, date, fall love, decide how to make it work, hea. With evading a murderer thrown in. That said, if a story is interesting enough in other ways, it can be nice to see two people meet and fall in love and face challenges together without a bunch of angst or miscommunications. It's basically slice of life, if that contained a scary murder person lurking about.
The plot was original enough, not really a mystery since the reader isn't able to guess whodunnit, as not enough information is provided for that, but it was an enjoyable story nonetheless. The romantic chemistry is there, the sex scenes decent, vanilla, and well written. The pacing is super gay. Like, average for sapphics I guess. They're together for like, a season and the relationship progresses super fast, but honestly, I've seen fast irl for lesbians lol.
It was an easy fun story, but the characters had no arch. They didn't need to change or overcome their own demons. Their love story is basically meet cute, date, fall love, decide how to make it work, hea. With evading a murderer thrown in. That said, if a story is interesting enough in other ways, it can be nice to see two people meet and fall in love and face challenges together without a bunch of angst or miscommunications. It's basically slice of life, if that contained a scary murder person lurking about.
May 19, 2024
Disappointing
I've read several stories by this author. I've always enjoyed the story even though in other stories I've read contained European or some other English vernacular that was not American that was in American dialect. Not with this one.
No. This one just missed the spot. It was pretty one dimensional. The characters weren't developed well. The characters were too quick to fall in love. I understand U-Haul lesbians but getting engaged after just three or four weeks? Not too believable. And though I thought I knew who the criminal was. I was wrong. Which was a pleasant surprise, actually. But it wasn't enough to make me give this anything more than three stars. It wasn't horrible. It wasn't that good either. Good thing I've read newer works by this author and I know that she has improved a great deal since this earlier work. Otherwise, I don't think I would have read anything else by her. Glad to see the improvement, Natalie. I really do enjoy your stories
I've read several stories by this author. I've always enjoyed the story even though in other stories I've read contained European or some other English vernacular that was not American that was in American dialect. Not with this one.
No. This one just missed the spot. It was pretty one dimensional. The characters weren't developed well. The characters were too quick to fall in love. I understand U-Haul lesbians but getting engaged after just three or four weeks? Not too believable. And though I thought I knew who the criminal was. I was wrong. Which was a pleasant surprise, actually. But it wasn't enough to make me give this anything more than three stars. It wasn't horrible. It wasn't that good either. Good thing I've read newer works by this author and I know that she has improved a great deal since this earlier work. Otherwise, I don't think I would have read anything else by her. Glad to see the improvement, Natalie. I really do enjoy your stories
July 21, 2019
“Unbroken” - adventure, suspense, romance, and sizzling love scenes - great read!
My new favorite author has hit it out of the park with “Unbroken.” Based in New Zealand near Fox Glacier, this story contains all the right stuff—two mature women who discover their passion for each other in tender encounters and hot lovemaking scenes, a shocking murder, gripping suspense—I can’t wait to read another of Natalie’s books.
My new favorite author has hit it out of the park with “Unbroken.” Based in New Zealand near Fox Glacier, this story contains all the right stuff—two mature women who discover their passion for each other in tender encounters and hot lovemaking scenes, a shocking murder, gripping suspense—I can’t wait to read another of Natalie’s books.
June 18, 2022
Great characters
Nice bit of suspense. I enjoyed this read. The best thing about this author is the characters. They’re strong, yet flawed, and always realistic. I love watching two people fall in love and then show that love by providing support and protection to each other equally. That’s really what this book is about.
I started this book today and finished it today. I just had to keep going.
Nice bit of suspense. I enjoyed this read. The best thing about this author is the characters. They’re strong, yet flawed, and always realistic. I love watching two people fall in love and then show that love by providing support and protection to each other equally. That’s really what this book is about.
I started this book today and finished it today. I just had to keep going.
April 17, 2023
The Nature of Healing
Doctor Liz Jackson arrives At the holiday park on the west coast of New Zealand just wanting to recover and escape from her abusive husband. When she literally runs into Kristan Holt she’s not looking for love but the electricity between them is magical. Finding love seems to be exactly what they need but then murder and malice becomes part of their lives. A wonderful story of love.
Doctor Liz Jackson arrives At the holiday park on the west coast of New Zealand just wanting to recover and escape from her abusive husband. When she literally runs into Kristan Holt she’s not looking for love but the electricity between them is magical. Finding love seems to be exactly what they need but then murder and malice becomes part of their lives. A wonderful story of love.
April 3, 2020
Another winner!!!
Well done. Fascinating novel of the power of love. I read this in one sitting. It was engaging from the beginning and become more compelling as I continued to read. Well developed characters and plot. I heartily recommend this and any other of Natalie’s works. Truly a gifted writer.
Thank you. Peace
Well done. Fascinating novel of the power of love. I read this in one sitting. It was engaging from the beginning and become more compelling as I continued to read. Well developed characters and plot. I heartily recommend this and any other of Natalie’s works. Truly a gifted writer.
Thank you. Peace
July 19, 2022
Loved it
I gave you 5 stars because you can't be interested in the whole time I was reading it I was up late and then the next day I just had to finish it love the characters of the story line with the little mystery and I hope there's a second book I recommend this book I would love to find out what happened to this wonderful couple.
I gave you 5 stars because you can't be interested in the whole time I was reading it I was up late and then the next day I just had to finish it love the characters of the story line with the little mystery and I hope there's a second book I recommend this book I would love to find out what happened to this wonderful couple.
February 23, 2023
Surprisingly Easy Read
The whole murder thing I expected there to be a lot more drama but there wasn’t, I enjoyed the book I don’t think I was looking for drama but if you are then maybe this isn’t the book for that. The characters were sweet and I loved Kirsten’s characterisation. They went quick in regards to their relationship but lesbians yknow. Good read
The whole murder thing I expected there to be a lot more drama but there wasn’t, I enjoyed the book I don’t think I was looking for drama but if you are then maybe this isn’t the book for that. The characters were sweet and I loved Kirsten’s characterisation. They went quick in regards to their relationship but lesbians yknow. Good read
May 29, 2025
There was a portion of popular highlighted text (in kindle) on the topic of helicopters I found concerning as a helicopter pilot… Walking into a turning rotor arc straight off the nose of the helicopter is a really good way to die as that’s the place it will droop closest to the ground. And I’d recommend maybe having an expert review things like that before dolling out potentially dangerous advice.
Other than that the book was fine. As usually a really strong start that has a lot of promise and excitement but dies off about half way through in terms of execution and felt rushed but alas you are intrigued enough to not dnf
Other than that the book was fine. As usually a really strong start that has a lot of promise and excitement but dies off about half way through in terms of execution and felt rushed but alas you are intrigued enough to not dnf
September 22, 2025
Hard to put down, I read all night because I just had to know who was stalking and doing nefarious things to the characters and their friends in this story. Natalie always gives us strong female leads who love the right woman like no other. This one is set in New Zealand so you get Natalie's descriptive talents making you want to pack up and go!
September 5, 2019
Coming home
Ms. Debrabandere has written a wonderful story. Kris and Liz have a whirlwind romance with a healthy dose of whodunit.
Ms. Debrabandere has written a wonderful story. Kris and Liz have a whirlwind romance with a healthy dose of whodunit.
February 17, 2020
Nice story, good read. A definite 'didn't see that coming' for ending.
February 28, 2021
really good story, gentle read but heart felt.
February 28, 2022
Fantastic storyline
Fantastic storyline I loved the storyline it flowed perfectly it's a great read exceptionally if you want to fall into a story worth reading congratulations
Fantastic storyline I loved the storyline it flowed perfectly it's a great read exceptionally if you want to fall into a story worth reading congratulations
September 22, 2023
Awesome book
Awesome book wish there was a second book to follow up with the characters. A story in the future like after children.
Awesome book wish there was a second book to follow up with the characters. A story in the future like after children.
December 23, 2024
good!
Loved the story! The format was rough. The change of perspective between the characters was confusing to follow at times.
Loved the story! The format was rough. The change of perspective between the characters was confusing to follow at times.
January 5, 2025
Not my cup of tea.
April 25, 2025
unbroken!!
Two women met by chance and the attraction was instant following them through life threatening incidents and losing best friends their love deepened 🌈🌹
Two women met by chance and the attraction was instant following them through life threatening incidents and losing best friends their love deepened 🌈🌹
September 7, 2015
Good read
It was a good book but what happens to the couple does Liz divorce the abusive husband. And for James how did he recover so quickly to stay in a relationship. I'm going to read another book by this author and see how it goes.
It was a good book but what happens to the couple does Liz divorce the abusive husband. And for James how did he recover so quickly to stay in a relationship. I'm going to read another book by this author and see how it goes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews