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Callaghan Brothers #11

Not Quite Broken

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Every day is a struggle for Brian McCain. Betrayed by his best friend and abandoned by his country, he feels broken and unable to connect with anyone. But Tori Donovan is different. She shines a light into his darkness and keeps the demons at bay, at least for a little while.

Tori has demons of her own. All her life, she’s been let down by those who should have been protecting her. She’s learned the only one she can depend on is herself. Brian might be the exception. He’s a great guy, everything she’s looking for, but he’s too caught up in his own problems to see the truth.

When their relationship goes beyond friendship, Brian thinks the best option is to walk away. Tori’s sudden and unexpected disappearance is the wake-up call he needs, and Brian learns he’s not as alone or as broken as he thought.

PLEASE NOTE: Not Quite Broken was previously published as part of the USA Today Bestselling anthology, Love Under Siege. This single title edition is NOT significantly different.

226 pages, ebook

First published September 18, 2018

640 people are currently reading
349 people want to read

About the author

Abbie Zanders

79 books2,049 followers
Abbie Zanders is a USA Today Bestselling Author with more than 55 published romance novels to date. Her stories range from contemporary to paranormal and everything in between. She promises her readers two things: happily ever afters, always, and no cliffhangers, ever.

Born and raised in the mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania, where she sets most of her stories, she’s known for small town romance featuring golden-hearted alpha heroes and strong, relatable heroines. Besides being an avid reader and writer, she loves animals (especially big dogs), American muscle cars, and 80's hair bands.

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5 stars
731 (66%)
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269 (24%)
3 stars
87 (7%)
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13 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
Profile Image for KAS.
317 reviews3,116 followers
November 20, 2018
”... I’ll hold you through your nightmare, if you think you can handle holding me through mine.”

I’ll admit I read this book because the cover and title drew me in. Of course I went in blind and was also my first read by this author.

If you are looking for a sweet, suspenseful romance featuring two tormented souls, one being an extremely good looking military veteran, give this one a try, and currently free on KU.

While this is part of a series, it is a stand alone. I would also place this in the category of a friends to lovers romance.

Turns out judging a book by it’s cover paid off for me, as I found this to be a quick, enjoyable page turner!
Profile Image for Catlou.
1,417 reviews15 followers
November 2, 2018
Brian McCain and Tori Donovan are two damaged souls who almost lose each other just as they realize they hold each other’s hearts. Brian feels too damaged to deserve a good woman, and Tori Donovan has learned to rely only on herself. As their friendship begins to grow into more, Brian pushes Tori away and unexpectedly into the arms of danger. When Brian finally realizes that Tori’s really what he needs most, will it be too late?

This is a an intensely suspenseful romance. It is full of emotions, intrigue, and passion, and the characters are engaging and perfectly wonderful. I highly recommend this very enjoyable story. You don’t have to have read the Callaghan Brothers series to enjoy this, but please do. You won’t be sorry.
2,038 reviews8 followers
November 11, 2018
The wait to read Brian McCain’s story was definitely worth it. Brian has his demons to deal with after surviving three years as a prisoner of war. Tori Donovan is a physical therapist who starts spending time with Brian as friends and exploring the sights of Pine Ridge. Will their friendship develop into something more or will Brian’s feelings of not being worthy of a relationship get in the way? And what of the serial killer in the area? Loved reading Brian and Tori’s story and it’s always great to get to catch up with what is happening in the Callahan family.
233 reviews2 followers
October 30, 2018
💞💞💞 Loved It! 💞💞💞

I count myself as one of the lucky few who were paying attention and were able to get a copy of Love Under Siege while it was available. There was a great lineup of authors and I thank all of them for their contributions to the anthology. I enjoyed getting to know your characters and storylines and plan to read the others in your series in the near future.

Not Quite Broken represented everything the Love Under Siege anthology was to represent, Military  Romance  Suspense. I can say in all sincerity that out of all the novels (which I enjoyed immensely) Not Quite Broken was by far my favorite. It's the type of book that once you start you just can't set it down until you complete it. You're so moved and you become personally invested in wanting to know what happens to the characters. Abbie just has that way of writing that makes you feel like you're part of a community.

The story itself was creative and acknowledged the many facets of PTSD. It also offered mystery & intrigue, love, romance, fitness, awareness, and was well-written. So many little details that went into making the story flow and tell  how those surviving in darkness can try and find some light to brighten their world. It was positive, inspiring, motivational, you didn't have a simpering wimp crying poor me. Tori took it in stride and dealt with it as best she could and kept moving knowing that  no matter what it could always be worse, having survived worse it was something she was accustomed to doing. She recognized a kindred spirit in Brian and was able to offer him friendship with acceptance for what it is (but secretly hoping for more) no matter what his demons were.

As always I love getting an update on the Callahan's, they are fun bunch. I do recommend reading the series in order so that you have a clear understanding of all the characters and their stories. They are definitely worth the read. Happy Reading!
Profile Image for Davia.
832 reviews13 followers
November 4, 2019
Super book!

Some how I missed this book between series. It was fantastic. I loved loved loved Brian's story. I thought it was a good description of the real struggles people face in.life on many levels. Bravo Abbie. Davia
Profile Image for Rachel .
2,250 reviews1 follower
November 15, 2018
Another great one by Abbie, who is a author I know I can count on to give me a great story I can't put down. Here we have Brian and Tori, who start out as friends and that connection grows into more. Action, drama and romance you'll love. Brain thinks he's not good enough for anyone, and fights his demons to see that he is worth more then he thought. Tori is independent and knows its hard to rutst anyone but herself. Not only do we get two new characters to become your favorites but we get to see side characters from the past like the Callaghans. Can't wait for the next. I voluntarily reviewed an 'Advance Author’s Copy' of this book.
347 reviews2 followers
November 2, 2018
You can tell both Tori and Brian are wounded but push forward everyday. Their strength is amazing to read. I felt like I was feeling their strength. It’s a slow building story, which I liked, you got to know Tori and Brian better this way.
I first read this book in the Love Under Siege series and got so hooked, that I had to get every book in the series and start at the beginning. Awesome series
Profile Image for Yolanda.
247 reviews
November 15, 2018
Brian McCain is still struggling with the affects of his time in Afghanistan so he is not ready for a relationship. Tori Donavan is a loner and would like be a relationship with someone like the Brian, the handsome bartender at Jake’s bar, however she’s not sure she is ready to settle down in Pine Ridge or doesn’t know if he is even interested. This is a captivating, suspense filled emotional story. My heart went out to both Brian and Tori and all they’ve had to go through and what they are still having to struggle with. Of course the inclusion of the Callaghan family makes the story exceptional and I couldn’t read fast enough, I was so anxious to find out what was going to happen next! This is definitely a must read in my humble opinion.
585 reviews3 followers
August 19, 2020
Oh yes yet another wonderful story from Abbie Zanders.

Brian and Tori both have their own worries and concerns and in particular Brian finds is so hard to stay positive. He tries to hide his feelings but Tori has the knack of knowing just what he is feeling.

Together they try to move forward with their lives and as their relationship develops this makes a very moving and exceptional story which I thoroughly enjoyed reading.





Profile Image for Maria (Ri).
5,145 reviews15 followers
June 21, 2019
3.75 stars

There were parts I really enjoy Ed and others not as much. I wanted a better reason or explanation of what happened with the introduction. It just felt so out of place. It was nice seeing some of the old clan though so that helped me along with the characters keep me invested. I'm not sure I would have if I hadn't read about this family before because this story was lacking that special magic from those stories.
4,843 reviews10 followers
May 2, 2019
Good read

So nice to catch up again with the Callaghan’s and their friends. Good storyline and very enjoyable characters. Nice twist with the murderer and the outcome.
Profile Image for Samm Lynn.
1,326 reviews20 followers
October 22, 2019
4.5 stars

I really enjoyed this story. I read through the Callaghan series in about a week and a half and I really missed them. I recently read Best Laid Plans (which had Tori, Danny, Brian and some Callaghans ) and found that I had missed a story. So I picked up this book and was sucked in immediately (though I did keep waiting for the tie-in from the prologue).

Brian was held captive and tortured for 3 years before the Callaghan brothers rescued him from that hell. Now, barely keeping it together, he works in Jake's bar and manages to live from day to day. Tori is hard working, new to the area, and pretty much keeps to herself. These two hit it off but both decide that they are not looking for a romantic or forever relationship and that friendship is enough.

The friendship journey between Brian and Tori was sweet and non-demanding (just what each of them needed). I absolutely loved the last third of the book when the Callaghans jump in to locate Tori. The quipping back and forth, the confidence, and the teamwork all bring about a great conclusion.

The only problem I had with the story is the timeline involving the Sanctuary. I read Protecting Sam and Best Laid Plans (the first 2 books of the Sanctuary series) before reading this book. In Not Quite Broken the Callaghans give Brian the card for the Sanctuary, so that he can get help but the Sanctuary wasn't completed while this story is happening. In Best Laid Plans (Sanctuary book 2), Heff meets Brian and Brian says that he had only been at the ranch for a couple of months (which is after the happenings of Not Quite Broken) and the Sanctuary has not even opened at this time.

Overall, another great addition to the Callaghan family.
Profile Image for Jane A.
335 reviews2 followers
April 20, 2020
I originally read this as part of the Love Under Siege anthology (brilliant) in 2018, I loved it then & listening to the audio version now has only cemented that feeling & re-enforced what a great author Abbie Zanders is especially when tackling some hard-hitting & harrowing themes.
Suspenseful & filled with emotion, love, family, tragedy & hope. Kindred spirits Brian McCain & Tori Donovan are damaged souls but as the title says not quite broken. Their relationship starts as a friendship based on a mutual love of fitness & the outdoors & grows into something more. Tori shaped by the trauma of her past dreams of a future with Brian but struggling with PTSD & haunted by the demons from his time in captivity Brian truly believes he doesn’t deserve happiness with Tori & that she will be better off without him so pushes her away & inadvertently straight into danger.
Finally coming to his senses & realising Tori is exactly what he wants & needs Brian races against time to save Tori to give them the chance at the HEA they both deserve but will he be in time?
Always great to catch-up with the Callaghans as they help Brian in the race to find Tori before tragedy strikes.
A highly recommended 5* read/listen filled with everything you need to keep you fully immersed in the story. Added bonus the audio version is beautifully narrated by Jeffrey Kaveri & Heather Costa.
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews63 followers
December 12, 2018
Wow. This story tackles some very dark themes and doesn’t pull many punches while telling them. The tragic opening scene set the stage for everything that comes after it. I found that this book doesn’t stand perfectly on its own. It has its own story to tell, but there are several plot spoilers for the stories that have come before this one. There were a couple of times I felt like I was missing the inside joke, but I also got the feeling that was just part of the nature of the Callaghan clan. I loved Brian and Tori. I adore that they’re both proud loners; unashamed to do things for themselves and by themselves. And I’m not sure if it’s because of or in spite of their solitary natures, they fit perfectly into that loving, protective pack of Callaghans. This is another series I will be starting over from the beginning of to pick up everything I’ve been missing.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book.
1,265 reviews6 followers
July 14, 2022
I love Tori and Bryan and Danny

Tori is a strong independent woman and doesn't need a man in her life but she would like to have one eventually and have a family. She just doesn't think it is here until she meets Bryan and they have an instant connection. Bryan doesn't think he deserves to have a lasting relationship so he and Tori are just hanging out as friends and doing things together. When things start to get serious, Bryan backs away. Then he lies to her and that hurts more than anything so she takes off by herself for an overnight trip. That's when things turn bad. There is a killer on the loose and she ends up right in his line of sight. Now she is being held captive by him and finds out about his son Danny. How is she going to get herself out of there because no one is going to miss be fans report her missing. Does Bryan finally pull his head out of his behind before it's too late? Will she be able to help Danny like she told him?
3,186 reviews47 followers
April 3, 2024
Amazing dual narration from Jeffrey Kafer and Heather Costa, so perfect.

I was captured from the start of the book. In this book both of the characters are broken and eventually overcome their fears, and found true love and support of family and friends.
Tori is a woman that doesn't need a man in her life. Though she is not closed to the idea as she would like to have one eventually and have a family. When Tori meets Bryan they have an instant connection. Bryan doesn't think he deserves a relationship so he and Tori are just hanging out as friends. When things start to get serious, Bryan backs away. Then he lies to her and that hurts more than anything so she takes off by herself for an overnight trip. Problem is there is a killer on the loose and she ends up right in his line of sight. Tori is held captive by him and finds out about his son Danny. Can Bryan get his head together in time, and with the help of the Callaghan clan save the woman he loves.
Profile Image for D. Harley Jean .
121 reviews1 follower
November 15, 2018
I was kindly provided this book as an ARC; in exchange for my honest review. I only recently became acquainted with Ms. Abbie’s books - The Callaghan’s (a series about 7 fantastic brothers) and the Connelly’s (equally fantastic cousins to the Callaghan’s). This book centers around Brian and Victoria (Tori) as part of the Callaghan series. While not technically a Callaghan; (Brian’s sister is married to one, making him family.) While it’s not critical to the storyline for you to read the previous books in the series; it may certainly help your understanding of all the characters & their backgrounds.

These books have a lot of heart & soul (some decent sexy times too); but overall leave you with a feel-good-warm feeling. Definitely think about adding this authors books to your library; I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. I have all of them & truly enjoyed every one.
Profile Image for Cherry.
229 reviews1 follower
February 23, 2019
I have always loved Abbie Zanders and her books. And this one is as amazing a story as her other collections.

Brian and Tori and both victims of abuse, physical and mental torment. They needed each other but they don't know it yet. She's just right for him, she understand the pain, the silence, she knows when he closes up. But he wasn't ready to commit into a relationship he knows he cannot be fully honest. He so wanted to trust her but his demons are not yet ready to release him from the nightmare he walks into everyday, yet she has a big heart to understand him because he loved him.

“This changes nothing,” she whispered breathlessly into his ear. She was so, so wrong about that, he thought as his heart pounded and clarity began to return. This changed everything.
Profile Image for Melanie Marnell.
4,225 reviews34 followers
October 14, 2019
I was reading Abbie Zander's latest book, Best Laid Plans, when I discovered that I'd never Tori & Brian's story. What an amazing romance between two people who are struggling just to put one foot in front of the other on most days. Tori see beneath Brian's facade to the pain in his life but he keeps her at arm's length just as he does to everyone in his life. Similarly he catches glimpses here and there of the haunted look behind her eyes but he can't help himself so how can he offer her solace. Friends first, then lovers then nothing. That is until the unthinkable happens and Brian realizes what he may have thrown away. Tori needs to hang on so he can let her know just how much she means to him.
3,543 reviews14 followers
March 8, 2022
Another phenomenal read from Abbie Zanders! Not Quite Broken is a magnificent contemporary romance. Ms. Zanders has given readers a book that is so well-written you won't be able to put it down. Brian is just trying to hold things together, day by day, tending bar after getting out of the service. Tori is new to town and works as a physical therapist. Tori and Brian's story is packed with drama, humor, sizzle, action and suspense. I enjoyed every page of this book and look forward to my next book by Abbie Zanders. Not Quite Broken is book 11 of the Callaghan Brothers but can be read as a standalone. Psssttt...but you'll want to read the whole delicious series. This is a complete book, not a cliffhanger.
Profile Image for Chanel.
1,833 reviews
October 29, 2020
4.5 Stars. I met Tori, Brian, and Danny in the Sanctuary Series. I just had to know more about this caring couple and Danny. I was also introduced to the Irish Catholic Callaghan brothers in the Sanctuary books.
Parts of this book is heart wrench. Living with nightmares and scars were something they all had to deal with and support each other through. Brian’s from his years as a POW, Danny’s from a car accident, and Tori’s from her hidden past. This books confirms true love and strong friendships trumps evil.
Now I need to go back to the beginning and read the Callaghan Brothers Series in the correct order.
Profile Image for Dawn Cruikshank.
1,128 reviews8 followers
April 25, 2024
Not Quite Broken

Wow! Another great story by Abbie! This story is about Brian and Tori. Two lost souls find each other but they both figured they were not good for each other so they start out in the friend zone. Both came with horrific pasts but try to make things work each day. When they finally realize they love each other, Tori is kidnapped. She becomes enamored with Danny, who also had a horrific past for his six years. As always, the Callaghan clan came to Tori's rescue. So happy that Brian, Tori and Danny found their happy ending and Tori's dream come true. FANTASTIC job Abbie! I would recommend this book.
Profile Image for Angie.
47 reviews
November 15, 2018
Wonderfully written love story! Both Brian and Tori have suffered in the past. Brian as a POW and Tori from abuse as a child. Each are trying to find their place in the world. Tori wants to put down roots and find someone to love, but Brian feels like he is too damaged to be any good in a relationship.

As Tori and Brian become closer as friends then lovers, Brian begins to pull away. Tori tries to give him the space he needs regardless of her disappointment. When Tori is kidnapped, Brian has to face possibly of losing her and his feelings for her.
6 reviews
December 2, 2018
Love this series.

I absolutely love this series. I have read most of the books in this at least twice. I have been waiting for Brian's story and it was worth the wait. Both Brian and Tori have demons they are fighting and it seem impossible to quite the voices. Together they help heal each other. Of course I love the fact that when Tori is in trouble and Brian needs someone to have his back in saving her it's the Callaghan men there. That is one of the things I like so most about Abbie's books getting to seeing how the previous characters are doing.
Profile Image for Lujuna Brown-Jackson.
100 reviews
December 16, 2018
So happy for Brian!!

This was an excellent, enjoyable read! I was so happy to see Brian get his HEA with Tori! The story was fast moving with just the right amount of intrigue. I loved that my favorite Black Ops Seal team was on the scene and brilliant as always. It was because of Ms. Zanders Callaghan brothers that I fell in love with Navy Seals, although Brian served with the Army. This was the guy the brothers brought home to family in Beyond Affection. It was wonderful to see he was "Not Quite Broken". Great job Ms. Zanders, great job!!!
Profile Image for Dawn Gee.
2,995 reviews12 followers
April 25, 2019
So happy to read about Brian

Brian and Nick have been two I hoped Zanders would write some day. I ran across this unexpectedly and did the happy dance. Brian is still trying to recover and learn to survive from the years of captivity and torture. Tori had a pretty abusive childhood so she has scars and baggage too. They're so sweet together. The inner turmoil they both deal with, especially Brian, is what makes them perfect together. There's a side story throughout this entire book that comes to a climatic ending. Excellent book of wonderful characters. Now we need Nick.
Profile Image for Sue Smith.
745 reviews6 followers
January 24, 2024
Well, what a fantastic ending to the series of the Callaghan Brothers in Pine Ridge.
After being welcomed into the fold after he was drastically rescued by the Callaghan Brothers, Brian is finding it difficult to live as a civilian after everything he endured for 3 years as a POW.
Tori has led a very unsettled life until she reached Pine Ridge. There, she found a home of her own and a job to tide her own.
Brian and Tori are two battered souls trying to make the best of lives.
Wonderful storyline, superb characters, and absolutely loved the HEA when they adopted little Danny.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews

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