An Ali Audiobook Review: Unbreak My Heart (Unbreak My Heart #1) by K-lee Klein and Nick J. Russo (Narrator)

Brett Taylor’s world collapsed three years ago when he lost the love of his life. Almost as bad as the grief is the advice he’s starting to get from everyone and their brother, telling him it’s time to move on. They’re flat-out wrong. He left his career as a musician and escaped to his ranch because he needs the peace and quiet, and he’s doing just fine. He doesn’t want anyone invading his memory-filled, booze-fueled solitude. 

JT Campbell’s world has been defined by his parents’ money, status, and his own empty relationships, until he’s desperately sick of it. A quest to find something meaningful leads him to Brett’s failing ranch. It’s supposed to be a brief stay. JT never wanted to be anyone’s savior or compete with the ghosts of lovers past. Still, he can’t help wanting this gruff and grieving man. 

JT’s mind knows it’s a bad idea, but his heart keeps pushing him to find out what lies beneath Brett’s rough and broken exterior. Brett’s not going to make it easy. JT can only be patient, keep his sense of humor, and hope for the day he may be allowed far enough into Brett’s world to unbreak his heart.

This was a touching, slow burn romance.  JT has his work cut out for him with Brett.  Brett is struggling so hard with Walt’s death that he hasn’t allowed himself to heal or to move on in any way.  Once he realizes he cares for JT he’s racked with guilt.

The two men become friends first and Brett is hesitant with even that.  As the story goes on Brett begins to open up with JT.  It’s a hard road though because Brett can’t let go of the past and he’s even more afraid to risk his heart again.  J.T. is more in control of his feelings but he too sways a bit when things get difficult between them. Both of them make their share of mistakes along the way.

There are some really lovely moments in this story.  There some sad ones where you see glimpse of Brett’s past with Walt that will tear your heart out.  There are also some really romantic ones between Brett and J.T. when they finally get together.

There aren’t a lot of characters in this.  Besides the main two, it’s mostly a ranch hand/mentor/friend of Brett’s and Brett’s mother, both of whom I adored.  Both of these characters really added to the plot and they were as well done as the MC’s.

This audiobook was narrated by Nick J. Russo and I thought he did a very good job.  He did a nice job on Brett’s voice by giving it an authentic Southern cadence (rather than the stereotypical ones often done).  All of the characters had unique voices and they were are equally well done.  I think hearing this story added a level of emotion that made it even better.

Overall I found this really enjoyable.  This was a touching story that had some of my favorite components; hurt/comfort, a bit of angst and a lot of romance and tender moments.  It was well narrated and that added another layer of emotion to it.  I had never read this author before and I’m eager now to read more of her works.

Cover art by Reese Dante is gorgeous, capturing the people beautifully.

Audiobook, 2nd Edition, 11 pages
Published June 28th 2017 by Dreamspinner Press LLC (first published August 25th 2013)
ASINB073BPHYLN
Edition LanguageEnglish
SeriesUnbreak My Heart #1