All The Broken Things

by J. Hutchison

Muddy Boots are the downfall of my marriage.

Juliette Davies

I never thought there would be a day that Calvin Davies didn’t send shockwaves through my system with just his bare abs, but today is that day.

I’m leaving my husband.

Calvin and I have been happy, but the rut we’ve hit is taking its toll. So is feeling like his mother.

Calvin Davies

My marriage wasn’t in the best place, but I never thought my wife would leave me. Especially not by playing a song over the speakers and leaving me with an empty closet.

Now I am determined to do all that I can to win her back. It just never seems like I’m enough when I keep messing up at every turn.

Our love has to be enough to save ourselves.

Genres: Small Town Romance

172 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 8, 2026

Reviews

[Theresse (Tess) Gregory · Rating 4 out of 5]

❀ “And it f*cking kills me to be here without him in my corner, because he’s always the one who soothes my hurt. What am I supposed to do when he’s the one causing it?" - Jules ♡

♡❀♡---ARC Review---❀♡❀

The premise of this book (essentially two novellas combined into one, with the first focusing on Jules and Cal and the second shifting to their daughter, Reece, and Jaycob) was such an interesting choice. It’s not a format I’ve really seen before, but it worked surprisingly well. Despite both stories being relatively short, neither one felt rushed or incomplete. Part two does rely on several time jumps, but given that Reece is in school and the MCs aren’t together year-round, it made sense and didn’t pull me out of the story.

❀ “I don’t want someone who’s going to take me away. I wanted you, I just never thought you wanted me.” - Reece ♡

Jules and Cal’s story was easily the most impactful of the two. It felt incredibly authentic to the reality of marriage, which I don’t think is explored nearly enough in romance. Marriage is often portrayed as either perfect bliss or complete disaster, and this story instead highlighted the hard work, miscommunication, and emotional labor that comes with it. Jules’s frustration was understandable, but what really stood out was her ability to eventually recognize and admit her own faults rather than placing all the blame on Cal. My heart genuinely hurt for Cal during the fire scene; it felt like he was pouring every ounce of himself into everyone and everything else, leaving nothing behind for himself.

♡ “I never want to stop dancin’ with you, babe.” ❀

❀ “So don’t.” - Cal & Jules ♡

There was one small detail involved in the events surrounding the fire that left me a bit confused since it never fully got explained, but it wasn’t critical enough to affect my overall enjoyment. If anything, I found myself wishing we had gotten more of Jules and Cal’s early relationship. Seeing where they started versus where they ended up could have added even more emotional weight to their journey.

♡ “I already love that woman. I won’t survive this experiment of hers if she’s not mine at the end of it.” - Jaycob ❀

On the other hand, Reece and Jaycob’s story was very sweet in a quieter way. Their relationship had that soft, wholesome feel that comes from being raised by parents who genuinely love each other, and that really came through on the page. But getting to see the progression of their relationship made it feel all the more endearing. I was also intrigued by the fact that Jaycob’s dad was never named; it definitely felt intentional and has me wondering if there’s more to that thread than meets the eye. Overall, this was a thoughtful, emotionally grounded read that handled an unconventional structure with a lot of care.

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Spice: 2/5

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Tropes:
❀ 2 Stories in 1 ♡
♡ Part 1: Marriage in Trouble ❀
❀ Second Chance ♡
♡ “It’s Always Been You.” ❀
❀ Part 2 = 2nd Generation ♡
♡ Childhood Friends to Lovers ❀

[Traci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Notes for me

First story

Calvin - ranch worker and volunteer fire fighter

Juliette - owns a bar

Married a few years. Calvin is busy with work and volunteering so he misses dates and comes home late.

He leaves his muddy boots on the kitchen floor. Promises to clean it up in the morning but doesn’t. It’s her last straw.

Safety

Absolutely safe. He wouldn’t even think to look at another woman.

Second story

Jaycob - Calvin and Juliette best friend’s son. Four years old in first story. Works on the ranch.

Reece - daughter almost 19 years old.

They are best friends, but lately Reece has been noticing him differently.

Opens with Reece daughter various cowboys from the ranch. She’s decided she won’t turn 20 as a virgin. She wants Jaycob to be the one. He agrees, but on his timeline.

He’s been avoiding her when she comes back to the ranch since then.

[Alyssa J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book. THIS BOOK! Was amazing. Perfect. The banter but seriousness. Omg. The truth . The truth!!!!! Something so vividly close to real life and this was it. I loved it, thoroughly enjoyed it. It was spicy, it was real, loved all the characters & the banter/sarcasm. Cannot wait for book 2!

[Melissa * bookedwithmel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cal and Jules. Like every marriage, they’re having their struggles. Considering they work opposite hours, it’s hard not to struggle. As soon who’s lived that life, I completely understand the strain it puts on a relationship. I easily connected with Jules because I live the bar life like she does. Neither of them are perfect, and neither of them saddle all the blame for their problems. I love that this book shows the real side of things. I love Cal’s love for Jules. He hates seeing her upset and knowing he’s the reason. He refuses to give up on winning her back.

Part Two I wasn’t expecting. Getting to see Cal and Jules’ daughter find her true love made my heart happy. I always enjoy second generation stories after reading a good romance/series.

I loved this story so much. Knowing that there’s going to be more of this series really makes my heart happy. Thank you J for my copy of this wonderful book.

[Britney Chavez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow this book was like two novella’s in one book!

You get the story of Calvin and Juliette, a great story of marriage on the rocks and how they overcome it and work it out together. There were moments when I got upset with Juliette on how she was reacting and treating Calvin but happy to see that they didn’t drag on their problems and figured out how to work through it together to save their marriage.

Then you get the little mini surprise of the beginning of their daughter, Reese’s love story with…well I will save that for you to find out! This story is 19 years AFTER the Calvin/Juliette marriage on the rocks story.
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4️⃣⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
❤️❤️❤️❤️
7/10 recommendation

[Leslie Blair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Juliette and Calvin Davies are a perfect example of why I love the marriage in trouble trope. These two were such a realistic example of what often happens in marriages.

What I loved so much about this story was that both of them were perfectly imperfect. Juliette felt like her husband was not pulling his weight in their home. Calvin knew he kept messing up but he felt like he was trying his best. What was really beautiful to see was when they finally communicated their feelings, things began to change. I really was so happy for them in the end!

[Ryann Henning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can we just talk about Juliette and Calvin?! This second chance, marriage in the rocks is the perfect heartwarming story! Calvin realizes he’s losing his love and does everything to win her back and keep winning her and Juliette doesn’t want to lose her love but she can’t keep up with how he doesn’t care but when she realizes he is doing everything he can not to lose her, she is falling in love with him all over again. This book is raw and real and so much love! I highly recommend this book to anyone!

[Jacqueline Diaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

second chance

Juliette has had enough of her husband Calvin and his antics. A pair of boots are enough to trigger range in her and give her a reason to give up. I have never related more to a FMC on my life. When things stay the same nothing will change. My boy Calvin had to change and luckily for him our FMC was weak for a man in some tight jeans. This is somewhat of a second chance between a married couple with one partner is at the end of her rope and the other has no clue.

[Lisa Hambridge (lisamareebooks1109) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A marriage in trouble romance that was done perfectly. The way this book was written had me hooked. I absolutely loved the journey that Juliette and Calvin went on to make their relationship work. It was heart-warming to read how each character went on their own journey and grew throughout the book. I also loved the second part of this book.

thank you for the eARC.

[Hazel Leu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book follows a broken marriage of Calvin and Juliette, and the steps they both take to repair their marriage. There are funny moments, swoony ones, and serious undertones as well. If you're in the mood for a cowboy romance, with hints of second chance, look no further than this. J. Hutchison is one of my favorite authors and her writing never disappoints!

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Juliette and Calvin

Julliet and Caving are highs school sweethearts already married for seven years and going through a tough patch.
We see them struggle and work hard to come back stronger as s couple.

[Serena · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.75⭐️

Thank you to the author for this advanced copy.

I can’t say much without spoiling it but this was so good!!!

Pub Day review!

Calvin and Juliette were everything! I loved them so much & I related to them more than I realized (volunteer firefighter wife here) I think they are my favorite couple from all of the books I’ve read from this author 😍

Jaycob & Reese also were the cutest!!

I hope to see more of both couples in future books 😍

[Sara Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

❤️

Definitely not what I was expecting when I picked up this book, but I loved it. J. Hutchinson never disappoints.

[Preet K · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic marriage in crisis novel that had me in captured from the first page to the last. I really enjoyed the journey of them and absolutely need more! One of my favorites by this author.

[Alisha Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this, showed the real side to marriage, getting comfortable and often forgetting to show up for your person. But also how to fight for your person and to always dance.

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great start to the series! I enjoyed this prequel novella and loved the bonus epilogue. Part two was my favorite, especially the surprise gift at the end. :)