All His Broken Pieces: MM Enemies to Lovers Romance

by West Greene

A Standalone MM Romance

I made his life hell when we were younger--mere kids trying to make it through high school.

I never forgot about him. How could I when I'd secretly wanted him but had been too afraid to come out of the closet?

Two years later though, I discover he lives right across the hall from me. And I take it as a sign that I need to do something.

So, I make us a casserole and go knock on his door. But I'm not expecting the mess that he is when he opens it.

Cove is barely holding himself together. The pieces of his soul are scattering into the wind.

I'm picking them all up, but will Cove let me close enough to allow me to glue him back together again after everything I did to him in the past?

Genres: M M Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Romance, LGBT, Mental Health, Novella, Contemporary

106 pages, Paperback

Published February 14, 2025

About the author

West Greene is a romance author that specializes in short, steamy books and erotic shorts.

All your instalove needs can be found in one of her books, whether you're looking for possessive men, men with no morals, spicy FF romance, a boy just needing his Daddy, a twink just needing love, or even the other woman to get her HEA.

West Greene refuses to be stuck in one trope or type of romance. She loves variety, and she's definitely going to share that variety with her readers.

Reviews

[Peppa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I‘m not sure why I finished reading this

[Emna · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️
“Thank you for loving me through all the bad parts, Langston,”
“I’ll always love you, Cove, and on the days you feel unloveable, I’ll love you even more.”

Stop doing this to me 💔

You guys broke my heart in the most beautiful way 🥹❤️❤️ such a great, poignant, lovely story , it was soooo short and it felt so unfair 💔 I just craved more and more of them, couldn't get enough of them

[⋆｡°✮ Lucy InTheSky ✮°｡⋆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 - 3.5⭐

I very much appreciated this novella, it deals with serious issues such as mental health, self-harming and recovery after intense bullying - and for those reasons alone I think this novel should've gone a bit deeper.
The OTT part was out of place, the MMCs should've slowly developed their relationship and stepped into it with care.

🟢 Bullying
🟣 Intense trauma, self-harming
🔵 Size difference
🟡 Secret crush
🟢 Both MMCs gay; out/closeted
🟠 Hurt/Comfort
🌶️ Smut good; t/b

This story actually had a very endearing main character - Cove. Cove was a small guy who was really smart, but he was openly gay in high school, so he took a lot of shit for it, especially from Langston and his friends, who were all not only tall, ripped guys - so much bigger than him, but really put Cove through hell.

In present time Cove lives in another town, right across the hall from his former bully Langston, who doesn't even realise Cove's here. Cove is a small, timid, fragile guy who's dealing with the demons in his head all the time, so on the day he's about to kill himself, Langston knocks on his door.

"Everything about him just made me want to wrap him up in my arms and never let him go. I wanted to heal him and help put all of his broken pieces together, but how did someone who helped break you put you back together again?"



It sounded very promising.

It stopped being promising the moment Langston called Cove "baby boy" when he saw him for the first time in college after years of intense bullying, so why the hell would he call him that? It was silly and made Langston look ridiculous.

The telling of the story about Cove and Langston's past was too brief, we definitely should've gotten more of the things that went on and what's going on in their lives in general, so for my taste the story does a too quick switch to the present time.

We do get a good hurt/comfort out of it, but again Langston's character just makes a mess of things for calling Cove "baby boy" all the time.
If that were changed simply to "Cove" and that "baby boy" occasionally, the story would've instantly had a more heavy, serious note, but that just ruined it for me, not to mention Langston's character didn't develop beyond that initial contact.

Cove completely saved this story, he was an amazing character, he had depth, emotion and is one of those characters that are very memorable - so he definitely needed his counterpart to be just as memorable, but I'm afraid Langston had nothing to offer other than the good dicking down and blond hair. He was there for Cove, yes, but that part of their relationship should've been told a bit differently.

What didn't work?

There's a bit of a pattern in all of these author's novels I've read so far, and that is when the big event happens, when that first sex scene happens - the story just jumps days, weeks forward and leaves out a lot of events that would've cleared the air and made the story really, really good.
In this particular case it's the intimacy and closeness that Cove craved and was skipped completely, we just jumped one month forward and know nothing of what's been going on in the meantime.

I think Cove deserved a better story.

The idea is there and it's good, but needs more developing, at least for my taste.

[Steph (semi-hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book wasn’t good. I still enjoyed it immensely. This author reminded me a lot of Jayda Marx.

Suspend all reality. Completely over the top instalove. Langston bullied Cove in high school to the point Cove was self harming and suicidal. Langston shows up with a casserole and calls Cove baby boy in chapter one and all is forgiven. Garbage? Yes. And I ate it up. 😘

[Noor Muhsin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Why did I put myself through that..

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

instalove (the book is only 63 pgs) but angsty, sexy, and sweet!!

[Sharon L · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to heal him and help put all of his broken pieces together, but how did someone who helped break you put you back together again?

This was a quick emotional read. Closeted high school bully finds out that his neighbor, across the hall, is the bullied boy he had a secret crush on back in high school.

For such a short book, 63 pages, it packed quite the emotional punch.

Be sure and get the bonus story, of Cove and Langston, link at the end of the book.

Hurt/comfort, previous self harm discussed, thoughts of suicide, homophobic parents, brings the heat.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Crazy Book · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nie wiem co to było i nie chce wiedzieć

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get your tissues out because you may need them Cove makes you want to reach in and just hug him, tell him it is going to be okay, bullied at home by his religious parents, bullied at school by everyone and driving him to the brink of suicide daily making it through high school graduation his parents put him out that same day so homeless in shelter working two jobs to get his own place but the darkness hasn’t let up it still plagues him. Langston the number one bully see he was also gay but yet wasn’t ready to let the world know and to keep the attention of him he bullied Cove fast forward two years and they are living across the hall from one another. Langston never forgot him because secretly he was in love with Cove and fate has give him a chance to make it all up, but will Cove forgive, will he allow him to help, will they get together just as they have both dreamed of, and can these two very broken people learn to accept love and find happiness?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[DLB2572 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This insta-love story turns out to be quite beautiful. There are a few things some may have issues reconciling with, such as the instant forgiveness that Cove has for Langston, but it doesn't take away from the story IMO. This is a story worth reading. Just have your tissues ready.

I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just another game for him?

This is a tough, emotional read that covers numerous subjects that could be triggers such as bullying, self harm, suicide, homophobia and bigotry. But just because it is a tough read does not mean it isn't a good one, it is very good, well written and the characters take a real journey of self discovery.
The pain that Cove lives with is heartbreaking and I am glad that Langston not only witnesses it but acknowledges his part in adding to that pain and grief. Their journey is one that can only be taken together as they navigate the hurdles left by trauma, guilt and fear to work on forgiveness, hope and a future together.
I great read on Kindle Unlimited.

[Jungian.Reader · Rating 1 out of 5]

I just don’t know what this was

[Kimmm · Rating 2 out of 5]

Yeah no thank you.
Rating: 2,0 stars.

[Laora · Rating 3 out of 5]

I usually like the MM shorts by this author. However I was disappointed how Langston his interaction with Cove was described at the beginning of this book. I found it so not okay how Langston, one of Cove his former bullies, buldozes into Cove his life, touches him without consent, will be perceived by (former) victim Cove I find that offensive towards Cove, I know he seems like a person who needs touch and care, but I find it unbelievable that he just accepts that. Granted he is depressed and suicidal, but it seems unlikely. When I overcame the stuff mentioned above it was a very quick read with a hea and both men are in a better headspace after discovering they have some things in common.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jordyn Smith · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this because it was trying to shine a light on mental health issues but oh god this was one of the most cringey books I’ve ever read😖 and the audiobook made it so much worse this was a no for me

[Danielle Hendrikse · Rating 3 out of 5]

All His Broken Pieces is an emotional, heartwarming MM romance that explores themes of redemption, second chances, and healing from the scars of the past. In this standalone story, the main characters—two men with a tangled history—must confront their painful pasts while discovering the potential for a future together.

The novel centers on two former high school classmates, one of whom—Cove—has been deeply hurt by the other, who was once a bully and tormentor. The story starts with the narrator, now an adult, discovering that Cove lives across the hall from him in their apartment building. The realization that they’re living so close reignites long-buried feelings from their high school years. The narrator, filled with guilt over his past behavior, decides to take a chance and make amends. He makes a casserole and knocks on Cove’s door, hoping to make a gesture of kindness.

However, when Cove opens the door, the scene is far from what the narrator expects. Cove is a mess—broken, fragile, and barely holding himself together. His life has fallen apart, and he is struggling with the emotional toll of everything he’s been through.

The narrator, who has carried guilt for years over his past actions, is determined to prove he’s no longer the person who tormented Cove in school. Cove, on the other hand, is understandably hesitant and wary of the narrator’s motives, especially given the pain he’s endured.

The book also highlights the theme of personal growth—both characters have changed since high school, and their evolving relationship reflects the ways in which they’ve matured and healed. The narrator's efforts to help Cove pick up the pieces of his broken life are truly touching, but it’s clear that both men need to be open and honest with each other if they are to have a future together. The vulnerability and emotional rawness in their interactions make their eventual romance all the more satisfying.

[Jean · Rating 2 out of 5]

(Some spoilers)

Didn’t expect this to be so short. If it was longer and had more editing, it had potential to be flushed out as a better story. Their relationship developed too fast. To be bullied heavily to contemplate suicide but easily forgive the bully just because he apologized and he was still attracted to him despite him bullying him? I didn’t expect him to trust or give in so easily.

I liked how mental health was included, but didn’t like how Langston booked a therapist for Cole without asking, and went through his wallet and insurance. He had good intentions but still an invasion of privacy. He also should’ve talked to Cole to encourage him rather than be pushy; Langston is still doing whatever he wants, in the past as a coward, and in the present because he’s scared of how his actions affected Cole. It didn’t go over how he bullied him either, but if Cole attributed one of his reasons to self harm to Langson, that’s another plot point to dive into.

Overall, there were many missing points that could be flushed out the story.

Pros: mental health awareness and some cute moments

Cons: Baby boy is a cringe pet name to me and took away from the meaningful relationships. He called him that immediately
- I wanted more development on Langson’s part and for Cole to reflect on things more with his mental health journey and the complexity of falling for his bully.
- Langston’s coming out to his parents was abrupt and didn’t dive into how he felt aside from losing his car and lease.
- Pacing of the whole story. Weird time skip near the end that just made things even faster and miss a lot

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was such a sweet read. My heart broke for poor Cove who was bullied in high school for being gay, and then kicked out by his parents when he came out to them. There was such sadness in his eyes that I couldn't blame Langston for instantly falling in love with him. Langston had been one of his bullies, but was in the closet and had been attracted to him. Now two years later, when he realized that Cove not only lived in his building, but in the apartment right across from him, he immediately set out to make amends. Their relationship progressed so quickly, I almost felt it hadn't just started like that but was ongoing from before where the story began. But I thought they were so sweet together and I loved every page. Even the ones of the struggle. My only regret was that it wasn't longer so I could see more of their relationship together. 5 stars.

"This was about him—not me. From now on, my entire world revolved around him, and if that meant I had to put my needs second for the rest of my life, then that was what I’d do."

“I would lose my mind if I lost you. You’d bring me to my damn knees, and I’d never be able to get up again if you hurt yourself. You are everything to me, Cove. Everything. Do you understand the depth of those words?”

"My world begins and ends with you. Please don’t ever take yourself from me.”

[Anne Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just beautiful
Langston was at college had a part-time job as he was going into the apartment block he got a blast from the past in the shape of Cove. Sadly Langston had been one of his bullies, Cove came out as gay and the whole school just constantly picked on him. Irony of this is that Langston knew he himself was gay but after seeing how much he got picked on He decided to keep it to himself and then to make matters even worse turned into one of his bullies. And if that’s not bad enough Langston had always fancied him. And seeing him again had bought all of that back but he didn’t know whether Cove would forgive him.
What happens next is heartbreaking but also so loving. You learn about the damage that bullying can do to somebody. But we also see the magic of what Love can do. Langston was there for Cove he would drop anything for him. But Cove was so fragile when we first met him but thankfully Langston Builds his confidence and it is so beautiful I think that’s my name for this book it’s just so beautiful because although you go through quite a few emotions reading this book you also can’t stop the love that you’re reading about if that makes sense. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It is such a sweet story about regret, guilt, accepting responsibility, empathy and compassion, caring, bravery, courage, safety, being true to oneself, and a love that helps heal and grow.
Langston bullied Cove all through middle and high school after Cove came out as gay, trying to hide his own sexuality by following the crowd. Even two years after graduation, Langston still feels guilt over the way he treated Cove, even as he wanted him, when he suddenly discovers Cove lives right across the hall. Determined to try to make amends, he approaches Cove and finds a broken young man barely held together, deciding immediately that his mission is to try to put the pieces back together, for both their sakes.
The author has created two characters that spoke to me, feeling like I knew both, wanting to help heal the years of pain suffered by Cove, as well as heal the pain and regret Langston felt, years after the events. It is emotional, uplifting in parts, and a really good feeling to see where the two end up. A very good, short and satisfying read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cove broke my heart in this story! He had been tormented throughout his teen years by other students and then disowned by his parents all because he wanted to live out loud. Langston couldn't admit to anyone else that he was gay because he would be tormented as well so he just joined in.

Fast forward years later, Cove and Langston meet up again randomly by chance. Cove won't give him the time of day and Langston doesn't blame him. He decides to make up for it by bringing him dinner across the hall but then discovers that Cove is having an emotional breakdown.

Langston quickly apologizes to Cove and sets out to prove to him daily that he wants to right all of the wrongs and be there for him in every way. Cove starts therapy with the help of Langston but it's not easy and some days are difficult.

5/5 Plot
5/5 Spicy Times

Trigger warning for a brief homophobic scene involving Langston's parents.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Hanna Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book focuses on Langston and Cove. Langston and Cove went to high school together and while in high school, Langston took part in the relentless bullying that Cove went through for coming out as gay. 2 years after their high school graduation, Langston finds out that they are neighbors. Langston feels incredibly guilty for the horrible treatment Cove got and his involvement in it, especially considering he was gay himself at the time and had a crush on him. Once he sees Cove again, Langston decides that if he wants any chance with Cove he has to try and make amends and help heal the parts of Cove that he had helped break. I love how great Langston was with Cove and how he did everything in his power to build Cove back up and help heal him. Langston knew what his baby boy needed and made sure that Cove got everything he needed to be able to finally heal from the darkness that his life had been for years. This was such a wonderful story!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

All His Broken Pieces by West Greene was an eye-opening read. I’d say it was a quick, fun read, but it wasn’t. Quick? Yes. Good? Yes. Fun? Not so much due to the serious issues of bullying, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts addressed in this book.

I’ve been lucky enough not to have experience with most of the serious issues addressed in this book. I’m not usually a fan of books written in the first person, but West Greene’s style drew me in from the first page. I believe that writing it in the first person gave Langston and Cove’s experiences more gravitas.

I also appreciated that the author gave Langston and Cove realistic body descriptions. Not everyone has washboard abs in real life. I wish more authors included such body positivity in their books!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this quick read novella - Langston and Cove kept me enthralled and interested in their story!

This is a novella, so I knew we had to jump right in to their romance and we sure did. Langston used to bully Cove in HS - and they quickly got past their history it. It was fast and not realistic, but hey, it’s romance and I was good with that because we got to the good stuff quickly!

Cove needs help with his mental health struggles and Langston is there to protect and support him. Even though it’s a short story, it’s not short on raw emotions and real scary feelings. I loved that about these two MCs. And their physical connection - off the charts! Langston wanted to protect and take care of Cove in every way.

A great read for one sitting! 4/5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather Duff · Rating 4 out of 5]

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“I wanted to heal him and help put all of his broken pieces together, but how did someone who helped break you put you back together again?”

This is an emotional short story involving a closeted high school bully who tries to make amends with the boy he helped make miserable.

When Langston runs into Cove in his apartment building years later, he is determined to make amends for the harm he caused. He wants to make Cove light up again, and he’ll do whatever it takes to make that happen.

It may be short, but it covers a lot. Be sure to check the trigger warnings.

[L H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Langston was confused about his sexuality in high school and also attracted to Cove but in a small town, he did not want to seem different. Instead of being a friend to Cove he helped to make his life difficult and then they lost touch once Langston moved to Seattle to go to college. But he has never forgot Cove and lives with his regrets. By happenstance he comes to realize one day that he and Cove live in the same building. In fact, they live next door. Langston sees this turn of events as an opportunity to make amends with Cove. It turns out that his desire to reach out changes both of their lives and as they reconnect they are able to heal together and fall in love. This story was touching and emotional.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Janice Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Langston was a high school bully who had a secret crush on Cove, who he picked on until it gets so bad that Cove contemplates ending hi life. Langston saves him, and in so doing, falls head over heels in love with Cove. Langston had a hand in breaking him and now wants to put him back together.

This was a good, very emotional story about redemption and making amends. I can see how Cove would find it very hard to forgive Langston for all the bullying he had to endure, but I am glad he is able to find forgiveness. It was hard for Langston to stay true to himself as a teenager, because that time of life all you want is to fit in, even if it means ostracizing someone you admire or esteem. Langston truly regrets all the pain he put Cove through, so this was an instance of a good person who did bad things, so I am glad it all works out. This was a short, but very good read.

I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laura Carter-Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cove was bullied on all sides during his teenage years for being who he was. Langston felt like he had to hide who he truly was and ended up tormented just as much as he tormented Cove. Both broken by the masks they had to put on every day.

Reunited years later and the connection between them is sizzling. Cove doesn’t want to let the other man in after all he did to him. Langston apologizes for everything he put Cove through and sets out to prove to him that he’s a changed man. That what he wants is a chance with Cove. A chance for a love of a lifetime. Can Langston prove that he has grown from the boy he was before into a man that Cove could love? Will Cove be able to let go of the past for a future with Langston?

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Langston has a lot of guilt for the way he treated Cove in high school, so when he runs into Cove a couple years later, he becomes determined to make amends - however, he has no idea of the depth of damage that was done or the darkness that Cove struggles with.
Despite the way Langston treated him, Cove decides to give him a chance.
Both men had a bit of a secret crush on each other so this reunion brings that back, along with a bunch of lust, and an almost instant love.
Healing takes time and patience, there will be setbacks, but the persistence and love Langston has for Cove will help him through it and together they will shine.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Make it make sense! Langston and Cole went to high school together. Cole came out and suffered for it. Langston bullied and tortured Cole during school. It was only when Langston was older and more mature that he realized why he did what he did. No excuses, time for healing, repair and redemption. When he approached Cole, he realized how broken he is and that he contributed. Can he repair him? Will Cole let Langston in? Good story. Owning personal truth works, when you work on living your truth. The author did an excellent job painting the picture of confronting your past and working toward a better future. Cole and Langston are a good couple. Good heartfelt characters, well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review. Nice cover art!