Similar to the first book, I was deeply invested in this book. It brings out a really important theme : communication is key. Well written and loved the ranch and the outdoors description.

Thank you NetGalley for a copy of this ARC!!

I'm a sucker for small town romances, so I knew when I requested this that I would like it.
I was pleasantly surprised at how many troupes are in this book- single dad, grumpy x sunshine, fake dating, second chance romance. It was definitely fun.
I will say, I think the characters could be fleshed out a little more, there were just parts where I felt there were inconsistencies in their actions based on what we learned about them.

Overall, this was a fun read!

This sizzling fake-dating romance follows Eli Carter, a quiet single father who values stability above all else, and Fiona Cafferty, the vibrant troublemaker who's been getting under his skin since high school and is now his unwelcome trail guide partner. When Eli's cheating ex tries to humiliate him in front of half of Poplar Springs, Fiona impulsively claims they're dating to save his pride, launching them into a fake relationship that was only supposed to last a week or two. As they play a couple around town with stolen glances, hand-holding, and shared trail rides, their pretend romance starts feeling dangerously real, especially when Fiona seamlessly fits into Eli's carefully constructed life with his son. This perfectly paced contemporary romance delivers all the tension and chemistry of enemies-to-lovers with the heart-melting sweetness of found family, proving that sometimes the biggest lies lead to the most beautiful truths.

Unbroken by Mary Sue is a charming cowboy romance filled with warmth, family, and a touch of small-town drama. Eli, a hardworking single father, is devoted to raising his young son, Patrick, while balancing his duties on a local ranch. His quiet routine is disrupted when Fiona—his boss’s sister and his spirited rival from high school—returns home. Old sparks and competitive banter quickly reignite between them, leading to an electric chemistry that neither can ignore. When Fiona jokingly tells people that she and Eli are dating, the harmless fib spins into community gossip, forcing them into a pretend relationship that soon feels far too real.

The novel beautifully captures themes of second chances, trust, and learning to open one’s heart again. With humor, heartfelt moments, and a strong sense of “meant-to-be” love, Unbroken is a delightful story for fans of cowboy romance, witty banter, and family-centered happily-ever-afters.

‘Unbroken’ by Mary Sue Jackson is sweet, lighthearted, and engaging.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the e-ARC.

Unbroken was a sweet, lighthearted read. If you enjoy small town romance, cowboys, fake dating, and second chances this book is for you. Fiona and Eli were rivals (with crushes) in high school. When Fiona comes back to work on her family’s ranch, old feelings begin to resurface. Things get especially complicated when she tells Eli’s ex that they are dating. Eli and Fiona are opposites in every way, but they are both kind and full of heart. I really enjoyed this book!

whoopsie fell over myself to lovin this book. because wow loved it. and i didnt expect to do so in such a emotional way as i did by the end.
Eli and Fiona have known each other for a while now. and not in a good way. what is with these two? Eli for one is keeping this woman at arms length. he has his son, and his job and thats all that matters. Fiona is everything he doesn't need or want. right? right? right???
Fiona is here for her own things. with her own issues. but she finds herself feeling protective and that means she is willing to make a tiny HUGE white lie to do so. because she isnt going to let his ex treat him this way.
sooooo of course the two are now fake dating. fake everything. fake fake fake...........NOPE. things clearly aren't fake. and its not just surface level, its not just tension and lust. this is deep. getting deeper and this.is.right.
can they overcome their own hurdles and those they face together. because they both have options and one mistake could lead their new found connections to all fall apart....and be far apart?
make the right choices you two!
what a gorgeous read that had my heart the whole way through. it was great. and i was rooting for this pair from the off.
the side characters were all important to the book and enjoyed just the way we got to see into a whole aspect of life in this town for these people. i got to know and wanted to know and read more about them. it made for a complete novel for me that has me involved in more ways than you think it will going in.
its that small town romance that makes you want to feel part of it. the balance of light moments, banter, family and heart all hit the right notes throughout.
a gem of a read for me. tick tick tick all the way.

I'm clearly in the minority here; I just don't understand the hype.
The storyline wasn't an original one, and as someone who loves a cliche every now and then, this one just fell short.
Eli and Fiona didn't have chemistry. Like, at all. If it wasn't for the author telling us every second how both like each other, you'd think they were just two former friends from high school.
Which brings me to the second point, the characters weren't well fleshed out, there were a lot of inconsistencies and overall, they were really cartoonish.
And don't let me start on the amount of miscommunication!
I honestly think the book needed an extra round of developmental editing.
*I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

This was such a fun small town romance with just the right amount of heart and drama. Eli is your classic quiet cowboy. He's gruff, hardworking, and all about his kid. Fiona is the total opposite of Eli. She's loud, sassy, and full of energy. They've clashed since high school, so of course they're forced to work together… and then fake date after she blurts out a lie to save him from his messy ex.

I loved their banter and how their fake relationship slowly turned into something real. Fiona sliding so easily into Eli’s and his son’s life was really sweet to watch. They balance each other out in the best way, and even though they had their fair share of bumps, they work it out.

It’s a quick, read with a small town vibe, with that “opposites attract” magic.

Thank you to NetGalley and Relay Publishing for a copy of this book. This is my honest review.

A great read that is both sweet and cute!
A well written story that kept me hooked from the very beginning.
The characters draw you in and keeps you flipping the pages.
They are realistic and very well developed.
I really enjoyed the writing style. I found myself hooked, turning the pages.

I love these kinds of romance books- so sweet, heartwarming and precious. Mary Sue Jackson knows what she's doing, ladies and gentlemen.