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I came to Willow Bend, Wyoming with nothing but the clothes on my back and a secret.

It won’t be easy hiding morning sickness and swinging emotions as the live-in chef for a wealthy tech genius, but I’ll do whatever it takes to build a life for myself and my baby.

Because I’m in this alone.

For weeks I hold my breath, waiting for the moment I come face to face with the reclusive Titus Bradshaw and have to explain my… condition.

But when our paths finally cross late one night, I discover why he’s hidden away from the world.

His scars are deep and far-reaching. A reminder of what he lost. Who he couldn’t save.

I know I should keep my distance, but Titus’s calm demeanor and steady presence draw me in. Make me want things I can’t have. Wish for a life that won’t be mine.

Because my future and his past are incompatible.

He’s been through enough. I won’t make him suffer any more.

But someone else might. Someone who’s keeping a secret of their own.

And they’ll kill to protect it.


414 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 27, 2026

155 people are currently reading
178 people want to read

About the author

Janice Whiteaker

71 books176 followers

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5 stars
403 (63%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 278 reviews
Profile Image for Sim-fully Ever After.
188 reviews33 followers
March 4, 2026
4🌟, 3🌶️

I did not expect this book to feel so deeply comforting.

It opens the Bradshaw Brothers series with a tender, emotionally grounded romance that blends a secret pregnancy, a reclusive billionaire, and a fresh start in a way that feels sincere rather than dramatic. The tone is soft and intimate, and it pulls you in quietly.

Mariah is rebuilding her life while carrying a secret that could change everything, and her quiet resilience made me admire her so much. Titus, grieving and withdrawn, hides from the world for reasons that feel painfully real. I was surprised by how deeply I connected to him. Their relationship unfolds slowly, built on safety, understanding, and choice. No chaos, no unnecessary drama, just two wounded people finding steadiness in each other.

A subtle suspense thread tied to McKinley Security Systems hints at a larger story to come, adding intrigue without overpowering the romance. At its core, this is about healing, hope, and choosing love despite fear.

I am genuinely excited to continue this series.

~~~~

Special thanks to Janice Whiteaker & The Smuthood for providing this Advanced Reader Copy. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. ✨
Profile Image for Lila‘s 1000Lifes.
91 reviews5 followers
February 24, 2026
Unbroken is the first book in the Bradshaw Brothers series by Janice Whiteaker. Every book in this series is about a different couple, but there is an overall storyline, so make sure to start at the beginning.

This was my first book by this author and I instantly fell in love with her writing! The way she transported all these feelings through her words? WOW!
I listened to this book as an audiobook and the writing combined with the incredible voice of Austin Stone? I was in tears by the end of the first chapter!

Unbroken is a soft and heartwarming romance. Both main characters came with baggage, but the way Mariah beckoned Titus out of his shell and the way Titus showed Mariah she was worthy of love? Sigh… It was so freaking beautiful! I‘m a sucker for a love story that‘s straightforward, where both parties are all in from the get go and the only hang-ups are the ones that are actually really relatable without unnecessary drama. The hurt/comfort aspects of this story were done so well, I melted with hearts in my eyes!

Only the summit of the story seemed a bit out of place to me. I know it‘s in preparation for the other books in this series and it did fit into the overall arc, but somehow in my eyes, it didn‘t quite fit Titus’s and Mariah‘s story.

And yet it made me want more! More of this warm family with a meddling mother and a bunch of hilarious brothers, more romances that hurt you as much as they heal you and more knowledge of what‘s actually happening at McKinley Security Systems and the secrets hinted at in this book.

Thank you to Janice Whiteaker and Hambright PR for sending me an ALC and ARC. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Catheryn.
1,398 reviews30 followers
Did not finish
March 31, 2026
DNF less than 10%

Just a bit cheesy with the set up. I thought the prologues were emotional but after that it was a bit silly.
Profile Image for Camis.little.library .
513 reviews15 followers
February 21, 2026
Can you say swoon?!?!

🏡 Small Town
🩹 Scarred, Reclusive Hero
🤰 Pregnant Heroine (not by hero)
😬 Romantic Suspense
👨‍👩‍👦‍👦 Family Saga
🔗 Forced Proximity

Our FMC is hired as a private chef for a man who won’t leave his room/office (literally) due to his past traumas - and our FMC is pregnant, and alone. And that’s all I’m saying - you’ll have to read the book to get the rest - it’s worth it!

Titus might be the sweetest MMC, I’ve ever read - yet still super protective and possessive.

Our MC’s have both gone through so much, especially Titus- but both are not only good people but have great people surrounding them!

There is spice, romance, drama, some suspense - all the things wrapped up in a swoony romance!

HIGHLY recommend for any romance, or romantic suspense lovers!
Profile Image for Marie Rivers.
164 reviews2 followers
February 26, 2026
This was a cute romance. When I first read the synopsis and checked out the tropes, I was very intrigued. I’m glad I got an ARC from @Hambright_pr! The narrators for the audiobook did an amazing job with the duet narration, and they immediately hooked me to the story.

The FMC leaves her old life behind after accidentally getting pregnant by some random guy. She starts fresh, working as a live in chef for the scarred MMC. I loved how they slowly opened up to each other with food and notes. The brothers were also very fun to learn about.

I feel like the romance happened a little too fast. As much as I loved them together, having a pregnant woman live with you is no light matter, and I feel like the MMC just up and accepted it too easily. He had something very traumatic happen to him, but I feel like he doesn’t have time to really grieve properly, or at least talk it out with someone. His family literally let him hide away from the world for years before the FMC comes.

Needless to say, this book was enjoyable, but it was lacking. Especially, with a certain mystery aspect that came into play. I felt that part was so random and didn’t really need to be apart of the story. I would rather just follow the romance.
Profile Image for Tals' Reads.
166 reviews21 followers
March 13, 2026
First of all, I’d like to say a huge thank you to @hambright_pr & @janicewhiteakerauthor for giving me a copy of this in exchange for an honest review! 🩷

✨ RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW ✨

- REVIEW -

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

I never normally read books with pregnant FMCs. I never knew why. I guess they just didn’t sit well with me, but I thought I’d move on and give it a shot and I am SO glad I did.

Unbroken was a journey that felt both healing and comforting. Two lonely souls finding their way to each other and discovering love and solace in the most unexpected place.

Originally hired as a personal chef for Titus, Mariah somehow works her way under his skin from the very first day. What starts as a job slowly turns into something deeper as the walls around both of them begin to crack. Titus carries his own scars, and Mariah has been through more than most people could imagine, yet together they find this quiet understanding that felt so genuine and tender.

And the man that Titus is 👏🏽👏🏽 He takes ‘if he wanted to, he would’ to a whole new level. This man goes ABOVE and beyond for Mariah it is unreal. He’s everything she needs and wants and more.

What I loved most as well was the gentle build of their relationship. It wasn’t rushed or forced it felt natural watching them learn to trust each other and slowly realise they weren’t as alone as they thought they were.

This story had moments that were heart wrenching, but it also had so much warmth and hope woven through it. By the end, I found myself completely invested in their happiness.

If you’re looking for a romance that’s emotional, comforting, and full of heart, I definitely recommend picking up this one by Janice Whiteaker!
Profile Image for Joanna Marzetti.
151 reviews1 follower
February 27, 2026
ARC REVIEW: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️🌶️

I went into Unbroken by Janice Whiteaker completely blind and I’m so glad I did. A billionaire recluse hiring a private chef? Immediate intrigue.

I usually live in my dark romance era, but this felt like the perfect change of pace. The secluded compound gave it a small-town, close-knit vibe while still delivering the intensity of a powerful security-billionaire family. The family dynamic is everything. The four brothers have me fully invested, and the mom quietly steals every scene she’s in.

Titus and Mariah were beautifully written. His backstory is heavy, and watching Mariah slowly pull him out of the shadows was emotional in the best way. He cannot stay away from her and we absolutely love that for him. Seeing who he becomes around her made this story.

This is easily my favorite ARC I’ve read so far this year. It had more suspense than I expected, a few twists I didn’t see coming, and just the right amount of spice. I’d call it about two peppers. Definitely more plot-driven and heartfelt than spice-heavy.

I do recommend reading the prequel first. I didn’t realize it existed and read it after, but it added great depth and only took about an hour.

And now I need Tobias’ second-chance romance immediately. I am not patient.

If you’re in the mood for:
• Billionaire recluse MMC
• Private chef x boss
• Secluded compound with small-town energy
• Protective brothers and a scene-stealing mom
• Emotional healing and slow unraveling
• Light suspense with moderate spice
Profile Image for Alicia.
174 reviews1 follower
March 17, 2026
Unbroken was my first book by Janice Whiteaker… and it definitely won’t be my last.

Mariah is searching for a fresh start, while Titus is living a quiet, isolated life after experiencing something truly horrific. He’s become a recluse, refusing to leave his house until his meddling (and honestly iconic) mother steps in and hires Mariah as his personal chef… and from there, everything changes.

What unfolds is such a beautiful, emotional journey of healing, growth, and learning how to let someone in.

Both Mariah and Titus have so much to work through, but what I loved most is how they gave each other the space and the support to do it. And Titus? Once this man realized Mariah was it for him, he was all in. No hesitation. No second-guessing. No miscommunication. Just steady, intentional love and it was SO refreshing to read.

Mariah’s journey hit just as hard. She’s spent her whole life molding herself into what others wanted just to feel loved, and watching her finally be accepted for who she truly is? Beautiful. Healing. Everything.

And the found family in this book?? Top tier. Watching Titus’ family, especially his mom and brothers, take Mariah in and give her the love she’s always deserved had me fully emotional.

I swooned. I laughed. I cried.

This book healed something in me and also emotionally attacked me at the same time.

Anyway I will now be reading everything this author has ever written.
Profile Image for Dani.
50 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy
February 19, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Wow, I started and finished this in one day; Thank you Janice Whiteaker and The Smuthood for this ARC!

Unbroken was raw, romantic, beautiful, and suspenseful. The story had me shocked in the first few pages, giggling and kicking my feet the next few.
Titus Bradshaw was broody, funny, guarded, and one of the most truly caring and observant MMC I’ve ever read. The entire Bradshaw family was warm, welcoming, and each had their own moment within the story without feeling forced. Mariah fit in with the family almost instantly, and her sense of humour had me laughing out loud. She was strong, capable, independent, but also so painfully aware of what she believed to be her own shortcomings as a future mother. Those peaks into Mariahs’ inner monologue felt like a mirror to my own thoughts I had during my first pregnancy, and that really made the connection to her character more instant for me as a reader. The way Titus opened his heart to Mariah (after his mom forced her into his home lol) was beautiful. After the tragedy he experienced, I was worried we would be dealing with more inner conflict from him, yet he fell in love so seamlessly. Dinner tray pen pals is one of my favourite parts, and the opening line of chapter 17 is one that will stand out whenever I think of Unbroken.
I truly loved their story and will be thinking about them rent free in my mind for the foreseeable future!

I hadn’t read a book written by Janice Whiteaker before, but catch me reading her entire backlist now while I (not so) patiently wait for book 2 in the Bradshaw Brothers series!
Profile Image for LadyJane.
83 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 12, 2026
I was absolutely blown away by Unbroken. I could write forever about the many ways this book is perfect!  There’s so much to unpack in this intensely emotional story. The emotional level is off the charts. I don’t know who I teared up for more: Titus or Mariah. I fell in love with them individually and as a couple.
I'm a big fan of Whiteaker's Moss Creek series, so I have wanted Mariah to get her HEA for a long time. There’s a lot more to her history than we could imagine. I felt her moments of sadness and cheered as she found the love of her life.
Titus may be a grumbly hermit, but it was easy to see that he’s a good man. It was a joy reading about his journey of self-reflection as he steadily connected to Mariah. He’s honest with himself for the first time in a long time. He’s waking up from a living coma. And it scares him that he needs Mariah to need him.
There’s no shortage of the snarky and witty banter that Janice is a master of. The brothers have a raucous banter where nothing is sacred. Titus and Mariah engage in a tentative banter that is humorous but light as they circle around each other. The way Janice Whiteaker developed their slow-burn relationship through food and handwritten notes was exceptional.
The pacing is spot on for this plot. Janice knows when it’s time to move everything along, change the emotions, or introduce something new. The entire book could have focused entirely on Titus and Mariah, and it would have been fine, but the suspense plot kicked it up a notch and made me enjoy it even more.
Getting an early peek at Titus and Mariah was exciting. This isn’t just a love story. It’s a story of two people healing separately and together. And now I need the rest of the series!
Profile Image for Hope.
95 reviews7 followers
February 17, 2026
ALC Review ✨
Narrated by Maxine Mitchell and Austin Stone

What a fantastic start to this series!

Titus Bradshaw is haunted by a tragic past that’s left him withdrawn and guarded, surrounding himself with the safety of his home and keeping the world at a distance. But can he ever truly move forward?
Mariah arrives in town looking for a fresh start — and carrying a big secret. Pregnant and determined to protect her “peanut” at all costs, she takes a job as Titus’s personal chef (thanks to his mom 🥹). What starts in the kitchen slowly simmers into something much deeper… and much hotter.

I absolutely loved the character growth in this story. Watching Titus soften and step into his protective, caring side had my heart melting. The slow burn romance was perfectly done — layered with emotion, backstory, and so much tenderness that when the sparks finally fly, it feels completely earned. The suspense woven throughout added just the right amount of tension to keep the pages turning.

This was my first book by @janicewhiteakerauthor and I already can’t wait to dive into more of the Bradshaw boys! 💙

Tropes ✨
🏡 Small Town
🩹 Scarred, Reclusive Hero
🤰 Pregnant Heroine (not by hero)
😬 Romantic Suspense
👨‍👩‍👦‍👦 Family Saga
🔗 Forced Proximity
Profile Image for Tyla Oakey.
342 reviews10 followers
February 19, 2026
ALC 3.5 ⭐
I really enjoyed this for the most part. My heart absolutely bled for Titus, the author did really well at displaying his pain without him even speaking, not even in his POV. The way Mariah slowly brought him out of his shell was so sweet. The relationships he has with his mum & brothers was lovely. But certain parts of it felt slightly off. Mainly, the lack of reaction to the twins?? Like no surprise, no reaction at all? It was so sweet how he wanted to be with Mariah regardless of her circumstances & how he wanted to care for her & protect her. But he was very much, all guns blazing at the “i’m the dad, they’re my babies” part and it was slightly cute but also slightly strange 😂 and his families reaction too? It was just a lot, instantly. Understandably, they want to see him happy, but a slight bit of altering to the situation would be normal? 😂the names at the end absolutely tugged at my heartstrings. And this book definitely had me wanting some caramel cake, like yesterday, today, right now and forever.
Profile Image for Mere.Dragon.Tales.
158 reviews4 followers
February 25, 2026
This story follows Mariah right as a curveball is thrown in her life and then she accepts a personal chef position. She moves into a home to cook for the son of the lady that hired her. She goes weeks without seeing or talking to him. She’s basically on her own, in a remote home, working for a recluse. Titus never leaves his home. He went through an intense trauma. Outside of running a security firm with his brothers, he doesn’t interact with anyone in the outside world.
The trauma was real in this. I loved Titus and how protective he was, how much attention he paid to his surroundings, and how he cared for Mariah, even from afar. Mariah helps him out of his comfort zone and they become such a safe space for each other. I really enjoyed how Janice introduced some suspense into the story. That was a really nice surprise!!
The only issue I had with the story is that there were several instances where Titus was very controlling (in a protective way from his POV) but something didn’t feel right about it. It felt like he was taking away Mariah’s autonomy. So this was the cause of the 1 star loss. Overall I really enjoyed the story and am looking forward to continuing the story with the brothers in this interconnected story.
The audiobook was incredible. The performances by Maxine Mitchell and Austin Stone were fantastic. I really enjoyed the anxiety and lack of confidence that Maxine brought into her performance for Mariah. It was really well done and perfect for her.
Thank you to Hambright PR and Janice for the complimentary arc and alc copies. This review is completely voluntary!!
Profile Image for Nicole Gemme.
289 reviews23 followers
March 12, 2026
4 Stars- ALC Review

Book 1 for the Bradshaw Brothers, following our MMC Titus. Titus is a man who’s haunted by a tragedy that
took his life from him. He is withdrawn and secluded until one day it all changes…

Enter our FMC Mariah. She is a woman who doesn’t have many prospects and honestly her life sounds like the hot-mess express. Her friend lets her takes love in position being a personal chef for Titus and let’s just say, she gets way more then she asked for along the.

These two had a connection like no other. Mariah gave him a shot at life again and honored his tragedy in such a way. Titus had great character growth and this story was truly touching!

This is a story of (not your normal) second chance romance, found family, romantic suspense, forced proximity and surprise pregnancy.

Thank you to Hambright PR for this ALC! The narrator’s did a fabulous job. This is my first from this author and will not be my last!
Profile Image for Dawn Smit.
224 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 19, 2026
I'm officially in love with all of the Bradshaw boys 🥰 and Titus is shear perfection

This is the first in a new series by Janice Whiteaker. It is beautiful, intensely emotional and tender with wonderful moments of fun snarky and witty banter

Titus and Mariah both carry so much pain and come together at their lowest points and it was such a joy to go on their beautiful journey of building each other up and healing with food and handwritten notes 🫠 absolutely swoon worthy

The pacing is fantastic, the added mystery and intrigue is great and we get to meet so many fabulous characters who's upcoming books I'm so excited to read

You must read this!!
Thank you Janice and The Smuthood for this incredible ARC opportunity 💕
Profile Image for M.
177 reviews3 followers
March 23, 2026
I'm pretty confident any book with a slight hint at Beauty and the Beast will be a book made for me. This book falls into that category. I didn't want the book to end, I was enthralled. This actually might be my favorite romance of the year. By Chapter 8, I was down right giggling.
During some of the MMCs inner dialogue, I was expecting Lumière and Cogsworth to start chiming in.
I started and ended this book in tears 😭 ⚠️please read the content warnings ⚠️
I will be making my way over to the Alaskan Security series hellooooo Pierce 😎

TROPES ✨
🏡 Small Town
🩹 Scarred, Reclusive Hero
🤰 Pregnant Heroine (not by hero)
😬 Romantic Suspense
👨‍👩‍👦‍👦 Family Saga
🔗 Forced Proximity
Profile Image for Queenie2023 aka Rita.
439 reviews9 followers
February 21, 2026
I liked the story line - was pretty original. My first book by this author. Read the Audiobook version and unfortunately I did not love the male narrator- seemed a bit choppy- but the book overall gained a 3.5 - rounded up to a 4 and I would recommend reading this book!
Profile Image for Jen.
421 reviews73 followers
March 6, 2026
A beauty and the beast retelling that was sweet but lacked dimension. It took me forever to get through, but maybe that the awful cold I have? I’m intrigued by the family dynamic and characters for future books, I just wish it packed more of a punch.
Profile Image for Nina.
69 reviews2 followers
March 4, 2026
An awesome start to a new series. Loved Titus, and I’m so glad she started with him because my heart would’ve just been so broken for him if we had to wait for his HEA. LOVE that Mariah finally got her happy ending, too. She was the last lonely gal in Moss Creek, so the Bradshaw ranch was perfect for her. Even a great couple of cameos from Alaska! Janice always delivers and it was so good to break my reading slump.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
237 reviews
March 6, 2026
This book was alright. I feel like Titus was too perfect; there was too much explaining things, and Mariah's communication skills were awful. The conflict at the end was pretty random.
305 reviews
March 7, 2026
4.7 Two broken people finding love and the life that they deserve with each other.
Profile Image for Kaellie Sanders.
52 reviews2 followers
February 22, 2026
Don’t get me wrong, I do love a morally grey MC but when you come across a man that is all green flags that’s a must read! The chemistry between these two before they even lay eyes on one another “in person” is incredible. Both overcoming very different things in life yet have found the one person that they can hole heartily rely on is rare and wonderful to read.

My first book by Janice and I’m already adding her to my must read list! Can’t wait to see more from this series!
Profile Image for Hannah.
254 reviews27 followers
March 12, 2026
Outstanding audio!
I was completely swept away by this story. It starts with an absolute gut punch as you hear Titus’ backstory, I was literally tearing up within minutes. Jaw on the floor.

Titus is a scarred recluse, rubbing his tech security company, content to live his days alone. Mariah is a private chef who needs a more stable job after finding out that she is pregnant. When Titus’ mom hires Mariah as his chef, the last thing he wants is someone disrupting his life, but Mariah is desperate to make it work.

I loved how they instantly connected, and all he wanted to do was take care of her. When the Le Cruset Dutch oven showed up, I cried a little 😂😂😂
But seriously, their banter was so cute and funny. I found myself laughing out loud so many times, and tearing up at their emotion for each other.

There is also an amazing cast of side characters in this story, setting us up for many more books I hope! The Bradshaw brothers are hilarious!
If possible, I will definitely continue this series in audio, I loved it. Maxine Mitchell is my all time favorite female narrator, and Austin Stone was great!

Unbroken is perfect for lovers of instant connection, he just wants to take care of her, forced proximity, and pregnancy.
Profile Image for Vanessa Ortiz.
356 reviews8 followers
February 27, 2026
✨️ Thanks to @janicewhiteakerauthor and @hambright_pr for the ARC

💗 “I notice everything about you.”

💗 “You’re not just anything, Mariah. You’re everything.”

Mariah came to Willow Bend, Wyoming for a new job opportunity as a live-in chef for a wealthy security tech but she is hiding a big secret - she is pregnant. Hoping this job will allow her to provide for her child as a single parent she is determined to make a good impression before she reveals this detail to her new boss, Titus Bradshaw. However, she didn't expect him to be a recluse. As weeks go by, her only form of communication with Titus are the notes passed back and forth on his meal trays - all while being watched on the security cameras. When their paths finally cross, Mariah notices scars on his face and realizes there is more to his story than just a lazy, wealthy man. As Mariah coaxes Titus back into society, their connection solidifies but will her condition trigger Titus back into his reclusive ways?

This is the first book in the "Bradshaw Brothers" series (and my first book by this author) and I am obssessed. Titus and Mariah are such a great pair and I loved to see their connection grow before they even met face to face. The Bradshaw boys were all so fun and charming - I just know their stories will be just as good as this one. I really enjoyed the mix of romance and suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat. And can we talk about our MMC, Titus?! He is the absolute sweetest and most attentive man. Even when he couldn't physically bring himself to confront Mariah he found ways to be doting. They both have their share of past trauma and it was nice to see a healthy relationship blossom. I am really excited to see where this series goes.

🏡 Small Town
🩹 Scarred, Reclusive Hero
🤰 Pregnant Heroine (not by hero)
😬 Romantic Suspense
👨‍👩‍👦‍👦  Family Saga
🔗 Forced Proximity
Profile Image for HeyGirl_Whatcha_Reading.
57 reviews
April 1, 2026
Thank you Hambright PR and Janice Whiteaker for the audio copy of Unbroken.

I went into this book blind (no synopsis, just tropes), like I do with most books, and wow did it tear me up right from the start. (The ugly cry was real…)
It was extremely emotional but the writing and character growth were so beautiful and well done.

The FMC is an amazing chef, a strong and badass woman who doesn’t “need” anyone, and is sassy as all get out. The MMC is hiding from his past and pain, but is somehow still the most patient, attentive, and self-aware man I’ve ever heard of.

I can’t wait for the brothers to get their books. From broken to unavailable to flirty playboy… they’re going to be great.

If you like rebuilding, forced proximity, a strong FMC, a pregnant heroine, and some sass, this book is for you!
Profile Image for Brit.
875 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
February 21, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
2 🌶
🎧 duet

Love the tropes. Great narrators.

Something just wasn't clicking for me. I started and stopped 3 times in a week before calling it.

Thanks to Hambright PR for ALC.
Profile Image for Chasity Trimble.
539 reviews27 followers
February 27, 2026
This book starts off pulling you in immediately with a heart-wrenching scene and my heart just went out to Titus right away. You can feel the weight of everything he’s carrying and it sets the tone for such an emotional story about loss, healing and finding your way back to life again.

Both Titus and the FMC are broken in their own ways and watching their relationship grow felt very real and earned. Nothing about their connection felt forced. It was built slowly through trust, quiet moments and learning to let someone in when it would be easier to keep your walls up. Titus especially just made me want to wrap him up and protect him.

The audiobook narration by Maxine Mitchell and Austin Stone added so much depth. They captured the vulnerability and emotional tension perfectly and it made the story feel even more personal and immersive.

This isn’t a fast-paced, drama-heavy romance, but more of a healing journey between two people who needed each other more than they realized. Emotional, tender and hopeful in a really beautiful way. I’m definitely looking forward to continuing the series and seeing what is in store for the rest of the Bradshaw Brothers.
Profile Image for Lilit.
185 reviews3 followers
March 26, 2026
really enjoyed the first book of the series and i’m looking forward to reading about the rest of the bradshaw bunch. It covers some heavy topics but I wouldn’t say the book itself is overly heavy. there’s some light moments in between.

thanks hambright for the ALC!
Profile Image for Bette.
3,383 reviews23 followers
Review of advance copy
February 21, 2026
Fabulous Story & Narration🎧Gripping & Emotional

Unbroken
The Bradshaw Brothers, Book 1
By:Janice Whiteaker
Narrated by: Maxine Mitchell, Austin Stone

“Unbroken”, the first book in Janice Whiteaker’s “Bradshaw Brothers” series, just blew me away. It is also my first book written by her, and consider me impressed with her wonderful writing style and the intriguing characters and storylines she created. The series is off to an amazing start, laying down the foundation for the series and introducing you to the key characters, the Bradshaw brothers and their somewhat meddling mother, Deidre. Each book will feature a different brother, and this book is Titus Bradshaw and Mariah Copeland’s story, and wow, what a story it is, an original story that grabs your attention with a powerful opening scene, and holds it captive straight to the end. Mariah’s fling with a cowboy ends with an unplanned pregnancy and the cowboy walking away from her and his responsibility. She jumps at the opportunity as a live-in chef for a reclusive tech guru in Willow Bend, Wyoming, a job her friend was originally taking. Titus has a tragic past and prefers to be by himself, working from home locked away in his office suite. His concerned mother hired Mariah, a brilliant move by her, and welcomed her into Titus’s home, and Mariah was fine with not seeing or meeting Titus and carried on with her job. Noticing Titus saw everything, she figured out a way to communicate with him and then eventually draw him out, unintentionally at first. It was great watching these two navigate their new situation and (non)relationship and seeing it grow and morph into something so much more. Will Titus, a tortured soul broken by his tragic past, finally come out of hiding and let his wounded heart heal? His family, brothers and mother, are accepting of him and his choice of living, though they may not like it. The brothers all worked together, sharing a bond, and I loved the dynamics of their relationship and the great camaraderie amongst them. I also loved all the layers of the story and how it all plays out, with the perfect balance of drama, a touch of angst, some charming and heartwarming moments, heartfelt emotions, and a slow burn, but so worth the wait romance. There is also an interesting side story going on that pertains to the brothers’ security business, which adds some mystery and suspense. The writing, plot, and world-building are fantastic, as are the complexity of the characters, their development, and growth. Janice Whiteaker, thank you for this fabulous story and emotional rollercoaster ride.

🎧📚🎧  Maxine Mitchell and Austin Stone deliver a superb performance voicing the characters and delivering a perfect portrayal of each. Both embodied their characters completely and were naturals in their roles. Maxine Mitchell nailed it as Mariah, showcasing every aspect of her personality, including her witty side, as well as her strength and determination. Austin Stone did the same as Titus and was just as fabulous with showcasing all attributes of his personality, from his vulnerabilities to his caring and protective side, and growing as his character grew. Both were fabulous performing the roles of the side/secondary characters, too. They set the ideal tone for the story, and their expressive performance conveyed all the characters’ emotions, making you feel them all. These entertaining storytellers are a pleasure to listen to, and their captivating performance keeps you glued to the story.
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205 reviews
March 5, 2026
Please check your triggers before starting this book.

After spending the last few months deep in dark romance, Unbroken by Janice Whiteaker felt like a breath of fresh air. This was my first time reading this author, and it definitely won’t be my last.

The story centers around Titus Bradshaw, a brilliant but deeply traumatized tech expert who has withdrawn almost completely from the world. In an effort to force him to start living again, his mother hires a personal chef to cook for him and ensure he’s taking care of himself.

Mariah arrives hoping for a fresh start and a better opportunity for herself and the baby she’s expecting. What she doesn’t expect is the unusual way her relationship with Titus begins.

Before they even properly meet, Titus becomes quietly fascinated with her through the house security cameras. Their early interactions happen through notes, small acts of kindness, and moments of observation that slowly build trust between them. It creates such a unique and charming dynamic that by the time they finally meet face-to-face, you’re already emotionally invested in their connection.

Titus is easily one of the most lovable heroes I’ve read recently. He’s intelligent, protective, and deeply caring, even when he struggles to express it. Once he allows himself to open up, his devotion to Mariah is incredibly sweet and sincere. Mariah herself is strong, feisty, and refreshingly honest. She challenges Titus when he needs it while also understanding the emotional walls he has built.

What I loved most about this story was how emotionally grounded their relationship felt. Both characters carry significant emotional baggage, but they see and understand each other in ways that allow them to grow both individually and together.

The romance is heartfelt, the spice is meaningful rather than excessive, and the banter between them adds a wonderful balance of humor and warmth.

There’s also an intriguing suspense element tied to Titus’s security company, with hints of an inside job that adds tension to the story without overshadowing the romance. It also feels like the beginning of a larger plot that may continue throughout the series.

The introduction of the Bradshaw brothers and their determined, matchmaking mother has me very excited to see where the rest of the series goes next. Each brother already feels distinct, and the family dynamic adds another layer of charm to the story.

This was the kind of book that kept me reading far later than I should have because I simply didn’t want to put it down. Titus and Mariah’s story is emotional, heartfelt, and incredibly satisfying.

I’m already looking forward to seeing what happens next for the rest of the Bradshaw family.

Thank you so much to the author and The Smuthood PR for the ARC in exchange for my honest review
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