The Unbroken Rose

Roses & Thorns #3

by Christina C. Jones

Broken.
A word typically ascribed to fragmented, useless things – not people.
A word most would easily impose upon a woman like Dacia, knowing she’s been through the kind of things that are meant to leave a person fragmented.
A word that comes with pre-conceived notions, judgements… limitations.

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Contemporary, African American Romance

174 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 15, 2020

Reviews

[Kameel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Dacia's story and the development of the relationship between her and her sister Alicia and the rekindled relationship between her and Zay.....I love that she encouraged mental well being and strongly encouraged him to talk with someone and work out his issues. Dacia and Zay were such a good fit to me because as he told her..."you are the only person that can get me to do this" she further encouraged a relationship with his remaining family members. They were just good together...I absolutely love these type of stories that have some everyday life occurrences (the family distance & emotional issues) but the author finds a viable resolution that not only is realistic, but brings some sort of resolution to the story. My FAVORITE types of stories....Excellent Story CCJ....Great Narration with Eboni Flowers.

[Annette Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Roses & Thorns series was strong black women personified! I am so happy Dacia got her HEA. It was well deserved and she more than earned it. I loved that Dacia was able to find love with someone from her past who she had history with. It just made the book that much sweeter. I couldn't have pick better man than Zay. He was absolutely perfect for Dacia. Zay was everything Dacia didn't know she needed. And, the unplanned pregnancy she didn't think she'd ever experience was the icing on the cake! The Unbroken Rose was a phenomenal end to this series. Now, we just need to bring it full circle by giving Ace and Cree their baby.

[Dulcie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Novella Romance : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

So so good! Really loving Ms Jones, she gives so much life and realness to her characters that you just can’t help to root for their HEA. ❤️

[aarya · Rating 3 out of 5]

2021 Spring Bingo (#SpringIntoLoveBingo🌷): Mental Health Rep

Love CCJ’s voice but I don’t think I was in the right headspace to enjoy a story about recovery from deep-rooted trauma (it was wayyy darker than I anticipated, so that’s on me for not reading other reviews). I appreciated the emphasis on therapy and healing, though. Would rec to folks, but be warned about the dark content. Read via KU.

[K2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

LoveThat4U

[The Love Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars - review to come soon.

[The Book Chick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sigh... Dacia worked every nerve. I guess because this story is really centered around recovery not really a love connection you have to have different expectations. There was a love connection, but eh... nothing to really write home about. The intimacy was lacking- and I think it’s because Dacia was really trying to heal. Ace was on my every nerve too. I really need a Penelope book lol ! Now she has a story.
Dacia was a writer under a moniker because she didn’t want anyone to know who she was. I get it. But I’m wondering if CCJ was going through some bad reviews when she wrote this😂 Dacia sounded a lot like her. Reviewers are the devil etc... well I guess this review will place me in the troll pile, but ok. She won’t read it anyway because she only read reviews the first few days after release - I’m talking about CCJ. But neither does Dacia. My question is why do writers ask people to leave reviews and then get mad and say reviewers are hating etc if they don’t like the book? Personally, I never intend on being mean spirited. I love to write my thoughts on how I felt about the story. And CCJ is brilliant. Love her, but it doesn’t mean I love every story.
Anyway, read this one. You may like it. Now let me move on to another CCJ novel- cause I’m not mad.

[Tsholonki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've had a change of heart after reading this book again, almost three years later and I realised where ny error was.

[Dr. Nic Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dacia is a rose that was introduced in the first book of the series. It was nice to have a full story about her. This story explores the relationship between Dacia and her sister Alicia, who is very protective of her. The story also leads her to her first and only love, Zay. He is her protector, too, but she has always wanted more than a friendship with him. As the story unfolds, Dacia must navigate her emotions and desires while also facing the challenges of her past.

[BOOKLOVER_81 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dacia just wanted to live a normal life. So when she realized she was being followed she was worries that normal life will never happen. When Dacia knows who is following her, she confronts her sister and tell her how she felt about Isiah her crush when she was younger. When Dacia goes to a retreat, Isiah follows, but their relationship changes for the better.

[Rashawnda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bravo Christina! I really enjoyed Dacia’s road to love. Lord knows she deserved it after all she endured. Isaiah was a mystery for sure but I loved how he tried to be a better man for her despite the trauma he also endured. They both deserved the peace of mind to live a “normal” life.

[Gemini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unbroken Is Right!

I love this series because the women are so durable and resilient. Dacia does not stray from that theme. She is so spunky and determined. I love the way she doesn’t let anyone define her. Isaiah is so honest and reliable. He leaves no doubt that Dacia will be taken care of. I absolutely love the ending. Dacia deserves happiness.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love these Roses and Thorns. This story about Dacia and Zay was very sweet.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know what it was about Dacia and Isaiah, but they had me in my feelings 🥹

[Hez · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️

[Dria · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25/5 stars-- cute and quick read about finding love after experiencing traumatic events. Part of a series but I only read this novel; great as a stand-alone and easy to follow. Not an exciting storyline but better than expected.

[Dédé · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes the other shoe doesn’t drop

The Unbroken Rose by Christina C. Jones is about Dacia and Isaiah. Dacia is reunited with her first and only crush after her big sister Alicia hires Isaiah to be her bodyguard. Dacia slips away to a California resort for a writing retreat and her shadow Isaiah has follows. I love seeing these two reconnect, their connection is so
natural and effortless. They have an easy chemistry, one that past traumas nor almost a decade apart can deter. Dacia and Isaiah’s intimacy and vulnerability are next level. Isaiah is this trained assassin/contract killer yet you don’t see that side of him at all with Dacia. It’s kind of like... I knew you when...so I don’t have to be that way with you. There’s an openness to them that you can’t help but be in awe of, I mean at every point of contention they lay all their cards on the table. Dacia has this quiet strength, she seems like this soft petal yet she’s overcome so much. She’s resilient, apprehensive but also hopeful (she’s a whole romance author). This is a really sweet story 🥰🥰🥰 it got me out of a reading slump! The lack of drama left me feeling warm & fuzzy. P.s. The family aspect of the Roses & Thorns series is quite special, the love and support these characters offer each other after all pain they’ve experienced is admirable. 
 

[TrueBookJunkie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was definitely my favorite book in the series. If you read my review for The Rose that Got Away, then you know I wanted more from the suspicious Isaiah and I got it!!! Wheeeew this man’s love for Dacia, even when the feelings were foreign, was an experience to say the least. I loved that their love was unconditional even after years apart. I just need to reiterate that Isaiah gave me everything I needed! I knew I was going to love every part of this man and CCJ made him perfect for me lol (ok Dacia but…. me too)! This storyline was beautiful, long lost loves ripped away from one another only to reconnect a decade later. There was no possible way this book wouldn’t be five stars! Although there wasn’t much action in this book, it was perfect for me. Focusing on the healing, acceptance and closure of the characters, that needed to be shared with one another as well as the readers. I have to admit writing this review was not an easy process because the book had so many layers while still giving the happily ever after the couple deserved. I also admit I was very proud of Dacia and the growth that was shown throughout this book, she finally found some peace in the mist of her healing.

[Tina Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very sweet story

Another hit from Ms. CCJ. This was such a sweet love story between a former Rose and a former Thorn. Isiah and Dacia's story started when they were young and working in The Garden. Wanting to ensure that his feelings for Dacia was not used against him or that she wasn't hurt to get to him he says cruel and untrue things to Dacia ended their friendship and left. Years later a broken Dacia is on the path to truly healing she's found her career in writing and is making a stable and happy life for herself. Enter Isiah (Zay)and after her initial anger at what he said to her, and his leaving (in her eyes abandoning her) the two fell swiftly into an amazing romance. I liked that their romance was not filled with drama, misunderstandings, and secrets. They talked about things and just were. Dacia and Isaiah both truly deserved their HEA. It is always great to catch up on others from the Roses and Thorns series - Alicia and Cree, Tempest and Wilder, Loren. I hope that Penelope gets a story slso.

[Cheryl Jamai · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Unbroken Rose, Dacia Pelletier is unpacking the trauma she experienced. Zay, is the rogue thorn who has been assigned to keep Dacia safe. They also have a past. He’s powerful in his role, but is also vulnerable and tender as well. An example is when they went Ziplining. They had to be vulnerable with each other. The experience was also so freeing for Dacia. Jay didn’t rush their time together and wanted to relish in those moments. He also knew her limits. This couple shared so many special moments. Ms. Jones articulates what it means to have experienced trauma and come out on the other side. She writes such rich dialogue as these characters peal back layers to truly heal.

It’s good to get updates on Alicia, Cree and others who round out the story. Dacia is a survivor who is now able to thrive. I would have liked to see Zay’s point of view, but this is truly Dacia’s story. I highly recommend The Unbroken Rose. See complete review at romanceincolor.com.

[Ciru · Rating 4 out of 5]

So let me breathe. Let me learn. Let me fall. You’ll know if I need you to pick me up.”

Awww. I liked book 3 more than book 2 but it still doesn't beat book 1.

I appreciated the background of the Roses/Thorns being vague in this book, better than I did in book 1, because I honestly don't think I could have handled all she went through.

However, Isaiah of book 2 is not the same Isaiah of book 3 and while it does serve to show that he is literally changing, he has literally found home with Dacia, it still felt disconnected.

I'd already guessed 2 Chapters back what Loren put together. And while it does give a "fairytale" ending to the story, for Dacia+Isaiah, it just didn't feel like the perfect/good fit because they were still figuring things out.

All in all, a good series. Will definitely be reading more Christina books in the future.

[Shameka Erby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dacia and Isaiah are a Thorn and a Rose, ripped apart by the Garden and brought together again by its demise. Dacia wants to figure out her new normal, but can't figure out how to get her older sister to let her--namely because Alicia feels guilty she wasn't there to protect her. So she insists on protecting her now. Enter Isaiah. But she didn't know he was Dacia's long lost love.

I love how gentle and patient they learn to be with each other. Passion is there, and I love that too. But their commitment to relearning kindness and love is inspiring. Dacia standing up for herself was so important and I was so happy to see that play out in ways that made her feel "normal." Alicia's reservations were understood and valid, but I loved how Dacia pushed back. Zay entered a whole new world and did his best to embrace it. He was brave when it came to Dacia, and he always loved her as much as he was capable. That was nice. The ending made me smile. Great job.

[Msgonzo10 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phoenix rising from the ashes

CCJ’s work is consistently perfect and TUB is no different. We knew from Deuces Wild that Dacia had suffered and her journey to life after was going to be a tough one. I love the way CCJ allowed us to see Dacia beyond the pain and damage of what had been done to her. It wasn’t glossed over but we were able to join as she was slowly but surely making her way through the life after. I loved that she was established in terms of her writing and a routine before Zay so that this was more of icing on the cake than Zay being the everything. I wondered about Isaiah after The Rose That Got Away so loved seeing him and their story was beautifully done. The gift at the end and tease about Alicia was truly the cherry on top. BRAVO CCJ!

[Chelsea A. Vines · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dosh and Zay

Huge fan of CCJ's work as well as the High Stakes series. I liked Dosh and Zay, but not sure I connected with them like other CCJ's other characters. The book moved at a slow place with Dacia in her head for most of the book. There were lots of pauses (... ) which made it hard to connect with Dacia, unlike the other roses. It wasn't until Dacia's and Alicia's confrontation that the book actually hooked me, and that's a long time for a CCJ novel. I'm not saying you shouldn't read it. I just wished I knew more about Dacia's time in the Garden more than her thoughts about that time. But...perhaps that was the point? Hoping for a story about Tyler and Pen one day. Could Tyler play for the Kings one day? 😉

[October Readsss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dacia x Zay

This was literally my fave installment. We finally get to see some much alluded to tension between Alicia & Dacia worked out. They finally have that sisterly relationship. We also get to see Alicia happier than she's been in other books. This right here was her calling, rescuing Roses & Thorns & providing them the tools to want to be whole again. I can't believe the transition in Isaiah from the last book to this book, but love will make you do that. When Tamra was talking to him about coming on the compound & being a reformed Thorn, he wasn't hearing it. Dacia ask, & he comes sprinting. Dacia encouraged Zay to get some help & basically told him if he wasn't down for that, then sadly she was going to have to leave him alone. The realistic everyday issues of this book is what makes it so good to me. I also loved that catchup we got with sweet Penn 🥹❤️ Seems like she's found her a real one in Tyler


This book gave me the feels & I'm talking ALL THE FEELS 🫶🏿🫶🏿 It seems like every body is about to get their HEA 💖

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately this one didn't cut it for me. The 1st one was so good and I was so stoked to read the 3rd one and got to it and it was meh! There's no backstory as who's Dacia, what's her rose story, what happened to make her this way, details, details, details that were just missing or haphazardly thrown in like crumbs to make a background on her. So many things could have made a great book. And Isaiah and her, I don't see the chemistry besides knowing each other back then and just basing that new story on that. They grew, changed, evolved at least I think they should so what makes them work now? So yeah just borderline a 3 star for me.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew!

Whew , Dacia’s story was a lot and I must say I Loved every minute of. Considering all the darkness she had been through I couldn’t help but wonder if she would ever get the opportunity to
Experience what life was really like outside the garden. And then there was Isaiah ( who I nick-named the dark prince ) I love his devotion to “D”.

As I said this was a lot mainly because as Dacia self analyzed and toyed with herself doubt I found myself doing the same thing. This Rose & Thorns series is one of my favorites.

Thank you Ms.Christina Jones for this beautiful escape. ❤️❤️❤️

[T K Vaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dacia and Zay, Love on Their Terms

I was so happy to see Dacia and Zay finally come together and to hear their story!!!…
I truly hope there is more to come about the baby because this journey was one for the books for real!!!…
I love that this was truly a beautiful journey to experience love for the 1st time on their own terms!!!…
Alicia and Cree story has continued to keep me amazed and intrigued!!!…I love that Alicia’s goal after dismantling the garden was to help the survivors have a better life, encouraging them to look for things that makes them smile, making friends on their terms and finding what fulfills them!!!…

[Alisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story about deprogramming, healing from trauma, and learning to love freely. I wanted to know more about the Roses & Thorns since finding out about them in Dueces. This series gave great insight into the organization that was brought down and what happened to those that hadn't already escaped before the fall. I also wanted to know more about Ace's sister Dacia, especially after Ace saved her but her reactions and interactions with Ace were off. This book really digs into Dacia and her experience as a Rose and brings perspective to her relationship with her sister, while she grows, heals, and realizes who she is outside of the organization. Great series!

[Crystal Luckey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!!!

Dacia just wanted to live a normal life. So when she realized she was being followed she was worries that normal life will never happen. When Dacia knows who is following her, she confronts her sister and tell her how she felt about Isiah her crush when she was younger. When Dacia goes to a retreat, Isiah follows, but their relationship changes for the better. Isiah and Dacia had decided to try being together, but when Isiah starts to act different, Dacia is worried and decides to step back. When Dacia finds out what she at least expected, Dacia didnt know what to do. When Isiah found out, he and Dacia took the next step in their relationship. I loved this entire series. This book was just as good as the other books. Dacia finally got what she always wanted even though she had a bad life. This series was not what I was expecting and as always CCJ brings the heat!!