Unbroken

The Protectors, Book 12

By: Sloane Kennedy

Narrated by: Michael Dean

Everything was supposed to go back to normal when I was rescued. It hasn’t. And I’m starting to think it never will because I don’t even know what normal is anymore....

It’s been two years since Aleks Silva was rescued by his older brother from the dark underworld of sex trafficking, and every day since then has been a battle. Leaving the house, interacting with people, even doing something as boring as deciding what clothes to wear or what to eat for breakfast are tasks that most people take for granted. But for Aleks, they’re torture. Because freedom and choice are things that once came at a steep price, and survival meant submitting to the whims of those who only saw him as a possession and plaything.

Until there was one man who saw him as something more....

I knew from the moment I saw him that I was going to get him out. But I also knew once I did, I’d need to let him go....

He’s known as Vaughn and nothing more. His job is to make sure secrets don’t get out, and the possessions he’s been tasked with guarding never escape and tell their story. After eight years in a world where innocent kids are used to feed the darkest of depravities, Vaughn has seen things that would break even the strongest man. But he’s played it smart and built up a wall between himself and the darkness that threatens to consume him.

It wasn’t until he met a young man who had to be a thousand times stronger to survive the life he was forced into as a child that the first crack appeared in his carefully constructed wall.

Vaughn’s only job was to make sure young Aleks Silva remained the ugly little secret of one of the most powerful men in Chicago. It was one job he was more than happy to fail at, and when he eliminated the threat against Aleks and set him free, he was sure their paths would never cross again.

But fate has other plans....

Vaughn is the only man from my other life who never had a starring role in my nightmares...but he’s been in every one of my dreams. And I don’t know why....
When Aleks is suddenly abducted after leaving work one quiet spring evening, he’s certain he’ll never see his brother and family again. But terror quickly turns to relief when a familiar face once again comes to his rescue, along with all the feelings he’s always had but never quite understood around the dangerous, older Vaughn. Certain that Vaughn will make everything okay again like he did once before, Aleks knows he doesn’t even need to ask Vaughn to take him home. But when he does anyway, nothing he’s ever experienced prepares him for Vaughn’s answer...or the brutal betrayal that comes along with it.

I’m sorry, Aleks, I can’t do that.

Trigger warning: sexual assault against a minor

Can be listened to as a stand-alone novel, but if you have not heard any books in this series, you may want to at least listen to book six, Atonement, first. Atonement is the story of Aleks' brother, Dante, and both brothers appear in each other's books, so it is helpful to know their backstories.

The Protectors series crosses over with some of my other series, so for the most enjoyment, they should be listened to in order, but it is not required. You can find the correct listening order at the beginning of each book. I've also bundled all my series in the correct listening order under the title of A Family Chosen: The Protectors and Barrettis.

©2017 SK Publishing, LLC (P)2022 SK Publishing, LLC

Serious topic but excellent listen!

This is an excellent listen. The topic is harsh and makes me thankful my family has avoided this particular topic. I believe the author did a fantastic job of showing the underbelly of trafficking and still having an excellent storyline.

Must Read!

Aleks and Vaughn’s story will break your heart and then put it back together again. Lots of heat and tears.

Riveting!

As with all the books in this series this one is riveting. I couldn’t put it down and would recommend it to anyone that loves an action filled read with some romance thrown in.

Worth the wait!

Finally we get the next book in the series. Reading this story was heartbreaking but listening to the narration just took it to the next level. The protector series is full of men who have been traumatized and trying to survive helped by the men who will protect them with their lives. We first met Aleks and Vaughn in the book Atonement where his brother Dante featured. Won't do any spoilers in case someone hasnt read it yet. Aleks and Vaughn have had to whether some pretty bad storms before they get their HEA. If you enjoy hurt/comfort, protective MC's,a touch of suspens, found and blood family dynamics, love stories and steamy times then you won't go wrong with this book. Michael Dean is as always great in his narration of this series and has done an amazing job with the awesome stories of author Sloane Kennedy. This one was definitely worth the wait!!

Sweet and Spicy

Aleks and Vaughn have had horrible dark pasts that haunt them and linger still, but in each other’s presence they begin to find their healing and a new path forward. I loved this sweet couple.

Lacked the emotional connection for me

Of all the books in the series, this one was flat for me. it didn't shine enough light on the emotio al connection and growth of the 2 MCs. Ronan barely showed up for in it. it was more focused HEAVILY on sex trafficking and that was hard to listen to for hours. I didn't get enough character development or their love story. This one just didn't do it for me. Narration was amazing but that's it. Even the epilog was just lacking. I'm sorry but it could have been better if maybe it took a different turn.