Broken Rose by Stefan Vučak follows Mason, a talented consultant with a complicated life. Mason confronts his emotionally distant parents and struggles with family reconciliation, especially with his father. Professionally, Mason tackles a substantive strategic consulting project for the National Post, with fierce internal politics between executives Raymond Clarke and Terry Deakin over a modernization plan. At the same time, he develops a romantic relationship with Leola Lanaro, a colleague who becomes his partner and later moves in with him. Mason handles many tasks and work issues, project deadlines, and workforce restructuring, while handling resistance from Leola’s family and his own about their relationship. Mason just wants to find some balance, while reflecting on his past and preparing for a more independent future.

Broken Rose by Stefan Vučak is a mature and thoughtfully written portrait of emotional connection and interpersonal friction. The prose is quietly elegant, maintaining a smooth and grounded tone that allows the characters and their lives to unfold naturally. What stands out is Vučak’s restraint, using unrushed feelings and scenes of domestic life and workplace drama, for better or for worse, that are rendered with a realism that comes across and is genuinely earned. The story sustains reader interest through careful pacing and strong, organic showing over telling. The dialogue is authentic, and the characters’ choices feel believable, even when they’re difficult. There’s a welcomed steadiness to the storytelling, which offers a rewarding read for those who appreciate fiction that explores everyday life with honesty and clarity. Very highly recommended.

This book is available on Amazon.