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The Walls We Break: A Glasswater Novel - Small Town Romance
After a failed relationship and a shattered career, Savannah returns to her quiet hometown of Glasswater seeking solace.
The spirited event planner with ADHD hopes the familiar charm of small-town life will reignite her creativity—and her sense of self.
But bumping into Cole, her brother's brooding best friend and a battle-scarred veteran, wasn't part of the plan. Cole has spent years battling PTSD and the ghosts of his past. Living in solitude with his loyal dog, he’s sworn off complications. Fixing up his best friend’s new house seemed simple enough—until Savannah shows up. She’s all energy, chaos, and fire, and she’s exactly what his fractured world doesn’t need... or so he thinks.
The spirited event planner with ADHD hopes the familiar charm of small-town life will reignite her creativity—and her sense of self.
But bumping into Cole, her brother's brooding best friend and a battle-scarred veteran, wasn't part of the plan. Cole has spent years battling PTSD and the ghosts of his past. Living in solitude with his loyal dog, he’s sworn off complications. Fixing up his best friend’s new house seemed simple enough—until Savannah shows up. She’s all energy, chaos, and fire, and she’s exactly what his fractured world doesn’t need... or so he thinks.
363 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2025
6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
May 5, 2025
The Walls We Break is a well written small town romance between a Veteran with PTSD and his best friend's "off limits" little sister. Cole suffers from severe PTSD and keeps a quiet life in Glasswater, while Savannah is running from her past and returns to her small hometown to figure out her next steps. As Cole and Savannah work together on a project, sparks begin to fly.
The author did a good job of incorporating the struggles both characters have, how PTSD and mental health struggles are an everyday battle and the work it takes to manage it. This was an enjoyable read.
The author did a good job of incorporating the struggles both characters have, how PTSD and mental health struggles are an everyday battle and the work it takes to manage it. This was an enjoyable read.
April 4, 2025
This book was a true emotional rollercoaster for me. Right from the beginning, you could feel the attraction between Savannah and Cole that was clearly undeniable even when Savannah's big brother, Cole's best friend, said to stay away. What started out as just a causal mutual agreement between these two, turned into something more, with no surprise there, but it wasn't just that these two fell in love with each other.. it was that they were both there to get comfortable talking about their own problems that have their walls up. Despite roadblocks and how they started out, their love story was beautiful and raw.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2025
I didn’t expect The Walls We Break to hit me the way it did, but wow. Elena Crosley just gets it, the messy, complicated feelings, the slow healing, the way people build walls without even realizing it. I loved Savannah’s personality. She reminds me of who my daughter may grow up to be — spontaneous, outgoing, loves people. And I just want to give Cole the biggest hug EVER!
March 19, 2025
Thank you so much Elena for selecting me as an ARC reader for The Walls We Break! 🤍 Here are my thoughts on it.
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The Walls We Break is a small town romance with raw emotions, chaotic feelings, deep character development, and just the right amount of spice.
The MMC, a ex veteran struggling with PTSD, is the definition of a broody, broken hero.. strong on the outside but battling demons within. The FMC, on the other hand, is his complete opposite: sweet, chaotic and full of life, even when things get kinda crazy with her ex boyfriend. Savannah's ADHD is portrayed in a way that I can relate to as a raging ADHD tornado myself. 🙃
The relationship between Cole and Savannah starts as friends with benefits, but the feelings quickly spiral into something neither of them can ignore. The tension, the pushing and pulling, and the unraveling of their feelings make every moment between them feel electric. Add to that the fact that she’s his best friend’s little sister, and you’ve got the perfect mix of angst and forbidden romance. 😍
Even with heavy topics like PTSD, abuse and trauma, this book is written in a way that it doesn't feel overly heavy and dark. There’s so much warmth in the small town setting of Glasswater, and the characters add such a nice vibe to the world Crosley has built.
If you love emotional romance with damaged yet lovable characters, The Walls We Break is a must-read. It’s a beautiful journey of healing, second chances, and love breaking down the walls we build to protect ourselves.
Highly recommend! 🫶
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The Walls We Break is a small town romance with raw emotions, chaotic feelings, deep character development, and just the right amount of spice.
The MMC, a ex veteran struggling with PTSD, is the definition of a broody, broken hero.. strong on the outside but battling demons within. The FMC, on the other hand, is his complete opposite: sweet, chaotic and full of life, even when things get kinda crazy with her ex boyfriend. Savannah's ADHD is portrayed in a way that I can relate to as a raging ADHD tornado myself. 🙃
The relationship between Cole and Savannah starts as friends with benefits, but the feelings quickly spiral into something neither of them can ignore. The tension, the pushing and pulling, and the unraveling of their feelings make every moment between them feel electric. Add to that the fact that she’s his best friend’s little sister, and you’ve got the perfect mix of angst and forbidden romance. 😍
Even with heavy topics like PTSD, abuse and trauma, this book is written in a way that it doesn't feel overly heavy and dark. There’s so much warmth in the small town setting of Glasswater, and the characters add such a nice vibe to the world Crosley has built.
If you love emotional romance with damaged yet lovable characters, The Walls We Break is a must-read. It’s a beautiful journey of healing, second chances, and love breaking down the walls we build to protect ourselves.
Highly recommend! 🫶
March 31, 2025
After a failed relationship and a shattered career, Savannah returns to her quiet hometown of Glasswater seeking solace. The spirited event planner with ADHD hopes the familiar charm of small-town life will reignite her creativity—and her sense of self. But bumping into Cole, her brother’s brooding best friend and a battle-scarred veteran, wasn’t part of the plan. Cole has spent years battling PTSD and the ghosts of his past. Living in solitude with his loyal dog, he’s sworn off complications. Fixing up his best friend’s new house seemed simple enough—until Savannah shows up. She’s all energy, chaos, and fire, and she’s exactly what his fractured world doesn’t need... or so he thinks.
I received this book as an ARC from BookSirens. This was an emotional read for me, but the small town theme keeps the story from feeling too heavy. Cole, the broody MMC, is an ex veteran struggling with his mental health. Savannah is reeling from the end of relationship and finds herself back in her home town. Sparks fly between the two, but their traumatic pasts and Cole’s friendship with Savannah’s brother force them to fight their feelings for one another. The forbidden nature of their relationship and the sneaking around keeps things interesting and spicy. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and recommend giving it a read.
March 13, 2025
Small town romances are always fun so this story in glasswater is no different too. Cole Driver and ex-veteran and Savannah Morries his best friend's baby sister gets pulled into a whirlwind romance. They get tangled into various mental and physical huddles to get together. This couple is so cute with cole being a grumpy handy guy and Savannah being the sunshiny chaos.
This story has the PTSD representation and how it's perceived by the person affected. This book also has the perfect depiction of how people with ADHD work and how they process any event that's happening.
Moreover there are 2 "fuck it" moments. I love the banter and pining in the book and overall a really good,cozy read.
P.S Please read the trigger warnings in the book before diving into this. But I assure you that you're gonna enjoy this read.
This story has the PTSD representation and how it's perceived by the person affected. This book also has the perfect depiction of how people with ADHD work and how they process any event that's happening.
Moreover there are 2 "fuck it" moments. I love the banter and pining in the book and overall a really good,cozy read.
P.S Please read the trigger warnings in the book before diving into this. But I assure you that you're gonna enjoy this read.
March 19, 2025
Savannah has come home to the small town that she grew up in, following the break up of a relationship.
Cole is her brothers best friend. As a veteran suffering from PTSD, he has his own demons to fight.
Savannah and Cole are drawn together, and their attraction is instant - against Cole's better judgement, they start on an illicit relationship which they agree to hide from everyone.
The effect of the issues that both of our main characters are carrying, is dealt with by the author with such understanding and compassion and really shows how PTSD and mental health affects everyone in your world , and not just the person suffering.
I loved this book and almost all of the characters that we met.
It made me cry, but it also made me smile and laugh.
I received a copy of this book as an ARC from Booksirens in exchange for an honest opinion.
Cole is her brothers best friend. As a veteran suffering from PTSD, he has his own demons to fight.
Savannah and Cole are drawn together, and their attraction is instant - against Cole's better judgement, they start on an illicit relationship which they agree to hide from everyone.
The effect of the issues that both of our main characters are carrying, is dealt with by the author with such understanding and compassion and really shows how PTSD and mental health affects everyone in your world , and not just the person suffering.
I loved this book and almost all of the characters that we met.
It made me cry, but it also made me smile and laugh.
I received a copy of this book as an ARC from Booksirens in exchange for an honest opinion.
April 12, 2025
ARC Review — The Walls We Break by Elena Crosley ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I didn’t know what I was expecting when I started this…but OMG I devoured it. 🤯🔥
Savannah runs back home to Glasswater after escaping her abusive ex 💔 …and runs straight into Cole — her brother’s best friend 🥵 rugged, broody, lumberjack energy with a side of PTSD and zero emotional availability.
Cue: friends with benefits ➡️ zero feelings ➡️ yeah, okay lol.
Then her ex shows up… and shit gets real FAST. 😳😤
This book had me in a chokehold — trauma, healing, love, heartbreak… I felt everything. 💕 Such a good, emotional small-town romance with real-life struggles and all the messy, beautiful parts of falling in love when you’re both a little broken. 🥹
Highly recommend!
#ARC #TheWallsWeBreak #ElenaCrosley #Bookstagram #SmallTownRomance #FriendsWithBenefits #EmotionalDamage
I didn’t know what I was expecting when I started this…but OMG I devoured it. 🤯🔥
Savannah runs back home to Glasswater after escaping her abusive ex 💔 …and runs straight into Cole — her brother’s best friend 🥵 rugged, broody, lumberjack energy with a side of PTSD and zero emotional availability.
Cue: friends with benefits ➡️ zero feelings ➡️ yeah, okay lol.
Then her ex shows up… and shit gets real FAST. 😳😤
This book had me in a chokehold — trauma, healing, love, heartbreak… I felt everything. 💕 Such a good, emotional small-town romance with real-life struggles and all the messy, beautiful parts of falling in love when you’re both a little broken. 🥹
Highly recommend!
#ARC #TheWallsWeBreak #ElenaCrosley #Bookstagram #SmallTownRomance #FriendsWithBenefits #EmotionalDamage
March 18, 2025
A lovely story following Savannah when who returns to her quiet hometown of Glasswater seeking solace after a nasty break down with her boyfriend. While trying to get her life back on track she meets her brothers best friend Cole, who is dealing with his demons from leaving the army and suffers from PTSD.
This is a story that pulls you in as they embark on a relationship that has you rooting for them while they both have personal problems.
Would highly recommend for a insight into how PTSD can affect people and their family.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a story that pulls you in as they embark on a relationship that has you rooting for them while they both have personal problems.
Would highly recommend for a insight into how PTSD can affect people and their family.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 4, 2025
While I do like the general premise of The Walls We Break, the flow of the plot is awkward. The intimacy scenes feel out of place. The intimacy depicted is safe and consensual, but it felt like the scenes were dropped in randomly.
I want to avoid spoilers, so without being specific, I will just say that there is an argument between two of the characters that happens over and over and over again. After a certain point, it just felt like the wheels were spinning and the author couldn’t think of any other kind of conflict for those two characters to have.
I do want to acknowledge the author’s hard work in depicting mental health issues with accuracy and compassion.
I want to avoid spoilers, so without being specific, I will just say that there is an argument between two of the characters that happens over and over and over again. After a certain point, it just felt like the wheels were spinning and the author couldn’t think of any other kind of conflict for those two characters to have.
I do want to acknowledge the author’s hard work in depicting mental health issues with accuracy and compassion.
March 18, 2025
This was the cutest small town romance I have ever read! Cole and Savannah were both written so well. I loved seeing how PTSD affects someone in every aspect of life and seeing how Cole coped with his PTSD. Being an overthinker myself l related to Savannah a lot. This novel was also very funny, I found myself giggling often while reading. Boots is my favorite, and I liked seeing him help Cole through the book! I loved how perfect they are for ech other! “You are about the only thing that makes sense in my life right now, so yes, of course I want to be with you.”
April 7, 2025
When I first heard about this book, I knew I had to read it. The relationship is so close to my own that I wanted to see how someone else would write about it. Elena didn't disappoint at all! The self-doubt, overthinking, regular thought processes, and coping mechanisms are all very similar if not identical to what I live with.
It was all put together into a great story. I loved Savannah and Cole together and how they handled everything that was thrown at them. I look forward to reading more of Elena's books in the future.
It was all put together into a great story. I loved Savannah and Cole together and how they handled everything that was thrown at them. I look forward to reading more of Elena's books in the future.
May 5, 2025
I liked this book a lot, I was lucky enough to get an ARC, but then life happened, so I am in a constant delay with putting the reviews up.
If you are looking for a small town romance, brother’s best friend as an MMC, and an ADHD girlie as your FMC, you struck gold. I loved their internal dialogue, I wish his was more fleshed out, but this book had a bit of everything and I really enjoyed it.
I felt some part could have had a better grasp on the timeline, it was a bit confusing at the start, but there were enough plot twists, sad and happy moments that it was fine by the end :)
If you are looking for a small town romance, brother’s best friend as an MMC, and an ADHD girlie as your FMC, you struck gold. I loved their internal dialogue, I wish his was more fleshed out, but this book had a bit of everything and I really enjoyed it.
I felt some part could have had a better grasp on the timeline, it was a bit confusing at the start, but there were enough plot twists, sad and happy moments that it was fine by the end :)
March 28, 2025
3.5 ⭐ 2.5 🌶️
"my brain is wired differently. It's constantly... loud up here," she tapped her temple with one finger. "I'm not complaining. But I do have the rare talent of making myself cry."
Girl, same.
Seems like a lovely small town to live in with friendly people. The story does deal with some heavy topics, but still has many lighter moments that help even it out so it's not all dark.
You will want to simultaneously want to hug the MCs and shake them. And yell at them to JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER!!! Lol
Love both MCs and how they are with each other.
"my brain is wired differently. It's constantly... loud up here," she tapped her temple with one finger. "I'm not complaining. But I do have the rare talent of making myself cry."
Girl, same.
Seems like a lovely small town to live in with friendly people. The story does deal with some heavy topics, but still has many lighter moments that help even it out so it's not all dark.
You will want to simultaneously want to hug the MCs and shake them. And yell at them to JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER!!! Lol
Love both MCs and how they are with each other.
March 31, 2025
4.25 ☆
I LOVE this small town romance between Savannah and Cole! Savannah is a free spirit with ADHD and Cole is her brother’s broody best friend with PTSD. These two share more than chemistry and have the sweetest story. They know just how to help each other with their troubles. Not only is their story captivating but the mental health reps are done beautifully.
Thank you Elena and Booksirens for this advanced reader’s copy!
I LOVE this small town romance between Savannah and Cole! Savannah is a free spirit with ADHD and Cole is her brother’s broody best friend with PTSD. These two share more than chemistry and have the sweetest story. They know just how to help each other with their troubles. Not only is their story captivating but the mental health reps are done beautifully.
Thank you Elena and Booksirens for this advanced reader’s copy!
April 1, 2025
I liked both main characters, but especially Savannah felt like she was a real person. The story was a bit slow for me with a lot of back and forth. But in the end it caught up and was really enjoyable. I think the big brother act was a bit over the top and I wish Savannah would have addressed that her brother reduces her as an adult.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 9, 2025
The Walls We Break by Elena Crosley
I enjoyed this book at times, but I found the flow of the story to be a bit inconsistent. In the beginning, I struggled to maintain my concentration as the plot felt lacking and certain subject matters were repeated too frequently for my taste. However, the second half of the book was much more action-packed, filled with drama, and I connected with the characters better than I did at the start.
I enjoyed this book at times, but I found the flow of the story to be a bit inconsistent. In the beginning, I struggled to maintain my concentration as the plot felt lacking and certain subject matters were repeated too frequently for my taste. However, the second half of the book was much more action-packed, filled with drama, and I connected with the characters better than I did at the start.
March 11, 2025
I love it! Personally it was a very well written story, the character development is perfect. I loved how the relationship grew and strengthened based on trust and honesty. I think it is a perfect book to read and analyze the difficulties that life presents us, and how with love and trust we can solve those situations.
So without further ado, the book is highly recommended and enjoyable. ☺️
So without further ado, the book is highly recommended and enjoyable. ☺️
March 24, 2025
The Walls We Break
Elena Crosley @elenacrosley_author
RELEASE DATE April 1st
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️.5
Tropes
🎖️Brothers Best Friend
🌞Grumpy vs Sunshine
📌Small town romance
💝HEA
🪖Wounded Warrior/ Mental health
🌶️Friends with Benefits
I absolutely loved this book it reminded me of a feel good hallmark movie. This book had spice and gave me the happily ever after that makes it feel so happy. This was just the book I needed to pull me back out after reading darker romance.
I can’t wait to read more from this author in the future. I had a chance to read this as an ARC and I couldn’t put it down I read it in like 2 days 🤣🤣
Elena Crosley @elenacrosley_author
RELEASE DATE April 1st
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️.5
Tropes
🎖️Brothers Best Friend
🌞Grumpy vs Sunshine
📌Small town romance
💝HEA
🪖Wounded Warrior/ Mental health
🌶️Friends with Benefits
I absolutely loved this book it reminded me of a feel good hallmark movie. This book had spice and gave me the happily ever after that makes it feel so happy. This was just the book I needed to pull me back out after reading darker romance.
I can’t wait to read more from this author in the future. I had a chance to read this as an ARC and I couldn’t put it down I read it in like 2 days 🤣🤣
March 24, 2025
This story was deep many layers and love and heartbreak. A dash of thrill and ended very sweet. I cried and could relate to some of the characters. Older brothers best friend back from was, younger sister raw from a controlling guy. My heart was screamimg this story was so real in so many ways. Well written.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 28, 2025
I was kindly sent a ARC from book sirens and I loved this book!! I loved the chemistry between the main characters and the banter from Savannah. The back story’s of both characters were sad and so much sad things happened in the book I was on the edge of my seat in the last few chapters. If you love a small town romance and a brothers best friend fake dating trope you will love this one!
April 5, 2025
This had me turning page after page. Savannah and Cole, make an adorably frustrating couple. Savannah‘s ADHD and Cole’s PTSD makes communicating both easy and extremely difficult.
This book does have some heavier themes in it so please check before reading as there is parent loss and abusive relationship mentioned along with flashbacks of war PTSD.
This book does have some heavier themes in it so please check before reading as there is parent loss and abusive relationship mentioned along with flashbacks of war PTSD.
March 15, 2025
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was my first book by Elena but won’t be my last!!! It was emotional, heartbreaking and beautiful all rolled into one. Savanah and Cole’s dynamic and relationship is off the charts. Everyone needs a Cole in their life
This was my first book by Elena but won’t be my last!!! It was emotional, heartbreaking and beautiful all rolled into one. Savanah and Cole’s dynamic and relationship is off the charts. Everyone needs a Cole in their life
March 21, 2025
touching
I just loved Savanna and Cole´s story, sometimes what we think is completely wrong for us is exactly what we need to heal, we often forget to keep in mind how important it is to keep an open mind.
I just loved Savanna and Cole´s story, sometimes what we think is completely wrong for us is exactly what we need to heal, we often forget to keep in mind how important it is to keep an open mind.
April 3, 2025
I was lucky enough to receive an early copy of this.
It does have some elements that would be triggering to some people - domestic abuse, military PTSD.
Small town romance featuring the woman who's come back, running from domestic abuse and the brother's best friend, suffering from PTSD.
The emotions that the characters go through feel authentic, and the way their love blossoms is wholesome.
It does have some elements that would be triggering to some people - domestic abuse, military PTSD.
Small town romance featuring the woman who's come back, running from domestic abuse and the brother's best friend, suffering from PTSD.
The emotions that the characters go through feel authentic, and the way their love blossoms is wholesome.
April 9, 2025
Small town romance with the brother's best friend. Some heavy issues on both sides of the forbidden relationship. Great character development with the 2 MCs as they simultaneously struggle with their pasts. Overall, this was a really good read.
March 25, 2025
⭐️⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Thank you so much to Elena for letting me be part of her ARC team for The walls we break. For all small town romance readers, this should be on your TBR. The funny meet cue, the chemistry between both characters, the development of each character with their struggles, this book will have you hooked since chapter 1.
3/5 🌶️
Can’t wait to read more books by Elena Crosley
Thank you so much to Elena for letting me be part of her ARC team for The walls we break. For all small town romance readers, this should be on your TBR. The funny meet cue, the chemistry between both characters, the development of each character with their struggles, this book will have you hooked since chapter 1.
3/5 🌶️
Can’t wait to read more books by Elena Crosley
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews