Book 12), Unbroken (The Protectors

I had some trouble getting into the book which is unusual for this author’s work. For some reason I just couldn’t connect with the characters. But knowing how much I always love Kennedy’s writing I stuck with it and things finally clicked and here I am at 3:30 am writing this review because I had to stay up to finish the book!

It took me a while to connect with Vaughn and Aleks. I found the character development slow, things were too vague. The story arc pacing was also slow at first. It seemed like maybe too many balls in the air at once as the author developed the story.

However once it all came together it moved well and not only was I invested in Vaughn and Aleks’ story but I was interested in Luca, Con, King and the absent brother Lex as well.

The book left me looking forward to the new series to be developed off this book so I’d say that’s the best review.

Another heartbreakingly beautiful story from SK. Extremely well written, I can't imagine Aleks was easy to write. Because of all his experiences he had a very distinct character voice, but even while showing his growth, SK still kept his character spot on.

Vaughn and his family were great, different from the protectors family but you could still feel their bond. I loved the cameos by some of my favorite characters.

This story didn't quite do it for me, I think that's more a reflection of me than the story. I just didn't connect to Aleks and Vaughn as much as others, but we all have our preferences.

I am super excited to read more about Vaughn's family though, I think that is going to be an amazing spin off. I'd be hard pressed to name a fav SK series, and now she's going to have another one that looks to be just as great.

Aleks is trying to overcome his past yet it seems to win more often then not. When he is put in a situation where he must defend his right to make choices either right or wrong he finally begins to heal from all of the scars he has from his past.

Vaughan the one man who ever showed Alaks kindness steps in to his life again , but this time there is some confusion as to his intentions. Vaughan just wants to see the man he respects so much continue to heal, but the circumstances are not on there side. Between keeping them safe and away from the people hunting Alaks, they fall deeper in love with each other.

A strong story that touches some very disturbing subjects but with the utmost care and respect. Great read!

3 stars

Surprisingly this book wasn't as dark as I expected. Alexs is kidnapped back into the world of child traffickers but...Vaughn to the rescue. All during this book I kept yelling at the characters to call the protectors but sometimes the journey is needed for growth. The journey may leave a scar but the things you learn a long the way can free you. Alexs grew significantly in this book and I'm thankful for it. I felt like the last few sloane books were going down hill but this one was worth reading. I can't wait to read the spin off series the Four.

What I didn't like was the pace of the book. A lot of the book was slow.

I wouldn't want to reread the story but I will read more in this series.

I'll never think of chocolate milk, grits and butterscotch the same again! You have to read this book to see why. And believe me, you HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK!
Sloane has taken two seemingly broken men and shows the reader how beautiful and unbroken they really are.
Aleks and Vaughn (James) come together so beautifully in this story. What each one views as their weakness or imperfections the other sees as strength, survival, courage and beauty. Watching the trust grow, the love blossom and their relationship develop is a gift.
Sloane Kennedy creates a world filled with characters you just want to keep reading about! I can't wait for the next one!

This book totally slayed me. I always love the Protector Gents but this one is something else. Aleks is such an amazing soul. He had been through so much but in the end it didn't matter as long as he could help someone else. Then there is Vaughn he's such an amazing person and to see all he has seen and still be that way is amazing. These two bring something to each other that makes them better in every since of the word. This book is full of hope even through the bad. It's about coming out on top of a horrible situation and not letting anyone take your happy that you deserveno matter what. Then there's that ending ugh I can't wait!!

Another great add to the series. Each book in this series is different but tie together perfectly and I want to know more about each character we met. Here with Aleks and Vaughn, it is a hard story to read from what we know about Aleks already so be prepared to know more about that and to get some closure. Vaughn brings in a new twist to this Universe and some new characters to obsess over with Luca, Con and King. I can't wait for their stories and hope they tie into this one. Loved being able to see Aleks grow and heal, getting his happy ending finally. Can't wait for the next.

The books are stand alone, but do yourself a favor and start at the beginning and immerse yourself in this world. It is predominantly M/M (and some M/M/M), and I would love a few more M/F sprinkled throughout. That is as close to a complaint as I can make about these intertwined series, and it isn't a complaint.
All the books have a good vs evil basis. This one is especially rough as it is a close look at child trafficking. Goodness and love prevail and get some good smacks downs on the evil. And as always, characters you would want to hug, have a drink with and when needed, give a smack on the back of the head.

In all the series, they all intersect, each crossed over for their one true love but out of all of them this one was the best. Aleks has endured so much pain and how his mind tries to cope with it is so powerful. James has always been his protector in a world where there was no hope. He gave Aleks his life back, gave him something to live for time and time again. It was wonderful to read.. A new series is born from this spectacular book called The Four which will feature James/Vaughn's brothers Luca, Con, King and Lex. I can't wait!!

I love and thoroughly enjoy all of Sloane’s books. And I am eager to read the new series “the four” as well.

I’m so glad Alek found his voice and embraced his strength. Vaughn was exactly what his heart needed and he was exactly the person to help Vaughn heal.

Remy and Luca are going to scorch the pages because Remy has a whole lot of reasons to despise Luca but you can’t fight love. I’m anxiously awaiting the next installments. Awesome, awesomeness Sloane!

Another Sloane Kennedy read, another 5 star review but to be honest, was I really expecting anything less from this talented author?

The way her words captivate and hold me ransom from the first page is nothing short of brilliant. Sloane takes you on a journey of self discovery, finding the truth and ever lasting love. The emotions that she brings out within the pages are real and raw.

It really was the perfect continuation in The Protectors series.

Sloane Kennedy is a master at her craft. I cried, laughed, sighed, cried, smiled, and cried some more. She tore me apart into a sobbing mess with the characters and then pieced me back together with them. I had all the feels in this book and I loved it. You can never go wrong with a Sloane Kennedy book. This was just as amazing as all the others in the Protectors series, you'll fall in love with Vaughn Alek and wish it didnt end. I cannot wait for more from this author.

I love the Protector series and “Unbroken” is another wonderful story. Aleks was rescued by his brother and friends. Abducted as a young child he was well hidden in the sex slave underworld. Vaughn spent many years undercover in the sex slave world looking for his nephew and helping others to be rescued. This is a story of learning to trust, becoming stronger and opening to love. It is also about sex abuse, domination and revenge. Warning there are triggers of sexual assault with minors in this story. Sloane is a wonderful story teller taking you on a journey of HEA.

Like all the other books in this series (and their crossovers), I read Unbroken in a single sitting, couldn't put it down. While you technically can read it without all the background information, I strongly suggest you read them all. The characters Sloane creates and their stories are poignant, and not a single one of them will disappoint.

Unbroken is a truly heart-wrenching tale with a beautiful ending. Kennedy's loyal followers have been waiting for this story, and it was all it promised to be. Aleks, in contradiction to his understandable fears and childlike grasp on reality, is one of the strongest characters Sloane has written. And Vaugh couldn't be more perfect for him.

And like always, with evil hands rubbing together, I'm sure, Ms. Kennedy has left us with a desperate need for more as she gives us a glimpse into Luca and Remy's story.

Sloane never disappoints her readers! This book will definitely make you cry and sometimes chuckle. Vaughn and Aleks met under very bad circumstances but to Aleks Vaughn was his daylight and his hope. They see each other again two years later and Aleks learns the truth about Vaughn and his past. One of the things sad about this story is that you know what happened to Aleks is something that actually happens to children to this day.

Sloane Kennedy has done it again. She has written another beautiful, heart breaking masterpiece.
I was so happy to see Aleks get this story. He got his chance to heal, love and get his HEA.
Unbroken will rip your heart out and put it back together. This is a hard read because of the subject matter, but Sloane Kennedy does it with such respect.
This book is an absolute must read!
I can't wait for her next book!!

As usual Sloane Kennedy slays with another good story. This one is a little, well a lot, more in-depth when it comes to it's subject matter and hit just a little too hard emotionally. I have found this is the norm with this author but this one is very and I mean very intense. What brings solace is the fact that you can see Aleks rebuild his life but man does he work hard for it. That's all I have to say about this one.

Unbroken is another perfect addition to Sloane's Protectors series. Aleks and Vaughn's story was painful to read but at the same time it was beautiful in a way that is perfect for them. It was soooooo worth the tears kind of read that is unique to Sloane's writing.

I don't know what else to say because fiddlesticks, this is Sloane. And this woman never ever missed her target... Every readers hearts.

5 PERFECT stars for Aleks and Vaughn.

This is a story of survival.

Aleks has endured the kind of cruelty that most people cannot even comprehend. The abuse has ended but true recovery takes a lot of time, work, and sometimes a very special person. I do not want to give anything away but I highly recommend reading this story. My heart broke for Aleks with every hardship but it soared with every accomplishment.

Unbroken was such a phenomenal book. Aleks and vaughn's story was so emotional but such a great read. I love the whole protectors series and I would highly reccomend reading this book and all the rest.

Sloane Kennedy books never fails to tear you apart and then put you back together. This story was no different. The transformation of Aleks was heartbreaking and heartwarming. His story was a story of survival and strength. And what Vaughn was able to give him was priceless. I cant wait for Remy and Luca's story.

Sloane always writes such purposeful stories and unforgettable characters. Her titles are perfect. Aleks and Vaughn's story is no different. I held my breath for Aleks to find healing, love and himself. Vaughn finding his redemption is so beautiful. I will always read everything you write Sloane. No one writes like you do.

I have eagerly been waiting for Aleks and Vaughn's story for a while now and it was just soooo good! I loved watching how Vaughn was with Aleks and everything he accomplished in healing his wounded soul. It was such a beautiful story and one of my favorites from Sloane. At the end you get a sneak peek for book one of The Four :)

Sloane Kennedy is one of my favorite authors. I can't get enough of her characters. This one I had really been anticipating and it was great! What a hard topic to write about but she puts so much heart and soul into these books. Now I can't wait for Remy and Luca's book. She always leaves me wanting more.

I love all the stories Sloane authors, and this one will leave a mark. It was, at times, difficult to get through, but I new it would be worth it. And it was. You feel these characters, and love their family dynamics. Can't wait for the next one, and looking forward o the spin off series.

My heart broke and then Sloane Kennedy put it back together with Alek's and "J"s" (no spoiler) love. I truly celebrated with Alek when he reached each new milestone of trusting, growing, and loving. Thank you for another great story and teaser for the next set of awesome men candy.

Although the subject matter in these books can be tough, there is such redemption and caretaking in this series that makes it so rewarding to read. Loved Vaughn and Aleks! Per usual, can’t wait for the next one.

Sloane has taken a very hard subject into a beautiful story. You will definitely need tissues for this. The love she pours in to characters shine brightly. If you have not read this book, you need too!

While I love Sloane Kennedy and her books, this one was not for me. I loved Aleks and his growth but this was a little hard to take. I found myself skimming pages bc it was hard to read what happened to Aleks. Take heed of the trigger warning but I will go further and say it’s detailed what happened to Aleks and what Vaughn has seen. I read it bc I was curious about the character and I love the series but honestly I should have skipped it. Nothing against the author it just wasn’t my cup of tea.

This is one of my favorite series, for many reasons. The characters all have strength, they all have unique personalities, and they all each other. Another excellent story from Sloane Kennedy, I'm looking forward to the new series as well.

Aleks's story was gut wrenching, but the bond between Aleks and James, oh my. The strength, patience, and love James gave to Aleks, and the strength that Aleks had to survive his past. Aleks was unbroken, he just need someone to help him see that fact. I cannot wait for Luca and Remys story and the rest of The Four. Such great writing!!

Sloane Kennedy is an absolute favorite author of mine that always delivers. Her characters and their stories always have depth and angst and something to overcome. But in the end, these characters come out stronger and with much more than when their journey started. This story is just one of her many that are heartbreakingly fantastic.

I’m feeling very conflicted about this story. I understand Vaughn loves Aleks but I can’t forget that he witnessed this man be abused as a child and did nothing. I understand he was undercover but he still sat back and watched people use Aleks as child for sexual pleasure. It was a great story and I liked the ending.