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 … 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.
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I really liked this slow-burn story. Brian’s struggles were well done and Tori’s fears were also believable. Their romance started slow but steady and I really liked how it wasn’t instant. I got a little lost with all the Callaghans as this was my first book in this series, but it didn’t take away from the story.
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.
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!
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.
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.
This was a re-read for me and I was not disappointed. Let me tell you that the opening chapter was a killer! Brian, is broken in his own way, while Tori has her own shadows. It was so good to see these two strong independent characters find their path to each other and it was not an easy path. Abbie Zanders is a phenomenal writer!
He was a POW until he was rescued by the Callahan brothers he works in their bar that Jake owns She comes to a party but her friend never shows up to take her home so he does He gets to know her they have sizzling romance then he has to rescue her at the end He is able to buy land so that they can have a horse therapy place happy ending
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.