Things That Break Us

by Michelle Heard

Some happily ever afters begin in tragedy.

I’m an actor who hates the limelight. Everyone wants Easton Rowe’s attention—my money, my fame. It’s impossible to have a real relationship with a woman, so I don’t even try.

But then there’s Nova. My sister’s best friend. She’s been there our whole lives, and she’s here now to help us when we need her most. When I need her most.

I should keep my guard up, focus on my dying sister and her daughter. But I can’t ignore Nova. Not with the way she carries this grief with me. The way she flinches when I move too fast, the ghost of something lurking in her eyes. The way she blushes when I get too close, making me wonder how close I can get.

For once, I don’t want to keep my distance. Nova thinks she has nothing to give, but all I need is a chance. I know we can take our broken pieces and make something whole.

Genres: Romance, Celebrity, Contemporary, Friends To Lovers

282 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication March 17, 2026

About the author

Michelle Heard is a USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Amazon #3 Bestselling romance author.

She writes emotional heart-shattering stories with a whole lot of Mafia & Romance that will leave you smiling with satisfaction. Every book has an unexpected twist that will show the strength of the characters.

Before becoming an author, Michelle had a career in banking. She lives in South Africa with her son, Sheldon, who's also her right-hand man when it comes to all things publishing, and her daughter-in-law, Tayla, who's her best friend.

Reading Order on AMAZON


STANDALONE NOVELS:
***Mafia & Bratva Romance (in order)***

THE SAINTS SERIES:
Merciless Saints - Damien Vetrov
Cruel Saints - Lucian Cotroni
Ruthless Saints - Carson Koslov
Tears of Betrayal - Demitri Vetrov
Tears of Salvation - Alexei Koslov

THE SINNERS SERIES:
Taken By A Sinner - Nikolas Stathoulis
Owned By A Sinner - Liam Byrne
Stolen By A Sinner - Gabriel Demir
Chosen By A Sinner - Luca Cotroni
Captured By A Sinner - Viktor Vetrov


THE CORRUPTED ROYALS SERIES:
Destroy Me - Misha Petrov
Control Me - Nikolai Vetrov
Brutalize Me - Armani De Santis
Restrain Me - Maxim Levin
Possess Me - Alek Aslanhov


SERIES (In Order):

ENEMIES TO LOVERS SERIES:
***College & New Adult Romance***

Heartless - Carter & Della
Reckless - Logan & Mia
Careless - Jaxson & Leigh
Ruthless - Marcus & Willow
Shameless - Rhett & Evie

TRINITY ACADEMY SERIES:
***College Romance***

Falcon - Falcon & Layla
Mason - Mason & Kingsley
Lake - Lake & Lee
Julian - Julian & Jamie
The Epilogue

THE HEIRS:
***College & New Adult Romance***

Coldhearted Heir - Hunter & Jade
Arrogant Heir - Jase & Mila
Defiant Heir - Kao & Fallon
Loyal Heir - Forest & Aria
Callous Heir - Noah & Carla
Sinful Heir - Tristan & Hana
Tempted Heir - Christopher & Dash
Forbidden Heir - Ryker & Danny


SOUTHERN HEROES SERIES:
***Suspense Romance***

The Ocean Between Us – Aiden & Emma
The Girl In The Closet – Cole & Birdie
The Lies We Tell Ourselves – Alec & Reece
All The Wasted Time – Wyatt & Scarlett
We Were Lost – Zac & Chloe


OTHER STANDALONE NOVELS:

Not My Hero - Dark YA Romance

Reviews

[aira]

he's an actor so hell yeah 🤭

and a huge thank you to Montlake and netgalley for this arc!!

[Kiandra 🦋 · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was not for me… It’s just lacking something and was so incredibly boring.

[lucialeelibros · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reading this book by Michelle confirmed something I’ve always known but don’t always want to admit: you’re not going to love every book an author writes, even if you’ve loved their previous ones. This was my first contemporary romance by her, and honestly, I don’t think I’ll be picking up another one from this genre.

The story felt chaotic to me from beginning to end. I couldn’t connect with the characters or the emotional progression of the plot. I did finish it, but it was a struggle, the kind where you keep telling yourself, “Come on, just a little more,” hoping for that spark that never quite arrives. It just wasn’t my story. It wasn’t what I expected.

However, Michelle’s essence is still there. The voice, the writing style, the familiarity of her tone. But I’m used to her mafia books, to obsessive men, to dark intensity, to powerful dynamics and tension that grabs you from the throat. Shifting from that to a contemporary setting was a jarring contrast for me, and it simply didn’t work in my case.

I’m grateful to Netgalley for providing me with this advance copy. Even though this book wasn’t for me, I’ll continue to read all of Michelle’s mafia novels, because that’s where her storytelling truly resonates with me.

[Bookslover09 · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the very first moment, an overwhelming heaviness settled deep within my chest. Tears streamed down my face long, uncontrollable, and relentless as a wave of profound sadness crashed over me, so powerful it almost stole my breath. By the time I reached 65% through, I had to pause, gasping for air, completely overwhelmed by the intensity of my emotions.

[Leeann Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book completely shattered me in the best way.

It’s a story about best friends, Nova and Rachel. When Nova learns that Rachel is dying, she leaves her broken life behind to be by her side. Nova has secretly loved Easton, Rachel’s older brother since she was seventeen.

Nova’s past is full of pain and abuse, so she’s cautious and unsure around Easton, the world famous actor who never lets anyone close.
But as they care for Rachel in her final weeks, they find comfort and strength in each other.

This story tore my heart out. I cried so many times watching the way Easton loved his sister and her daughter with everything he had. And his protectiveness over Nova absolutely swoon-worthy.

Michelle Heard may be best known for her heart pounding mafia romances, but Things That Break Us proves she also writes the most beautiful, emotional contemporary love stories. Her words are raw, healing, and full of heart. I’m already looking forward to more of her contemporary romances.

[Marisa Kment · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC from NetGalley.

Things That Break Us surprised me. I went in expecting a fairly standard contemporary romance with a childhood crush, a slow build, and a rescue leading to a happily ever after. But the book quickly became something far more affecting. The first half is a gut-wrenching, intimate portrayal of caretaking, grief, and end-of-life preparation. Those chapters are utterly devastating in the best way: raw, honest, and impossible to put down. The author captures the small, painful details of loss so well that I kept reading even when it hurt.
That said, the second half did not land for me. After such a powerful opening, the back half loses its footing. The central relationship becomes uneven and, at times, implausible. It reads as if the characters’ bond is built almost exclusively from shared trauma rather than from a fuller, more believable connection. Instead of scenes that show the couple learning each other’s quirks, laughing together, or growing through ordinary moments, the story repeatedly returns to crises and trauma to force intimacy. That makes their relationship feel reactive rather than chosen.
Easton’s sudden overprotectiveness is one of the biggest problems. In many romances, protective behavior can be an attractive trope, but here it crosses into something that feels more like a red flag than romantic tension. The book treats those extremes as passionate and heroic, but I found them concerning and ultimately less convincing.
A few plot choices also pushed the story into melodrama for me. The celebrity press conference about their relationship felt needlessly over the top and broke the otherwise quiet, realistic tone the author had established. The emotional swings became hard to follow, and the ups and downs felt abrupt rather than earned.
Overall, there is so much potential here. The first half is a standout: honest, painful, and beautifully written. But the second half undercuts that strength with uneven character development, repetitive trauma-driven moments, and some implausible plot turns. I wanted to love this from start to finish, and I was blown away early on, but ultimately it fell flat for me.

[Romance_book_obsessed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Montlake and NetGalley for this ARC!

I’m an avid reader of Michelle’s mafia romances, so this was a change of pace! Nova has been abused by her exes in the past and always found solace in her best friend Rachel. She harbored a crush on Rachel’s older brother, Easton. He’s now a Hollywood actor.

When Rachel informs Nova that she is a terminal diagnosis, Nova rushes to her side to help with her daughter. When Easton returns home for Rachel’s end of life care, he reconnects with Nova. They grieve and heal together. This one is definitely emotional! I really loved Easton’s patience with Nova when she wanted to take things slow. They had Rachel’s daughter and her past trauma to deal with.

So thankful they got their HEA!

[♡︎ Kesa Subban ♡︎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

ꍏꋪꏳ ꋪꏂ꒦ꀤꏂꅐ

Nova, she didn't know a place outside Verona but when her best friend calls her, she gets in her truck and makes her way to Los Angeles.

Easton, he is a famous actor, who loves his family unconditionally. From the day he lost his parents, he has made it his mission to take care of his baby sister. She is his world, and when she became a single mum, he was there every step of the way. And when he is asked to return home from shooting a movie, he is dealt with devastating news.

...Michelle Heard's books always have me in a chokehold. It may not be mafia, but this contemporary romance hits every freaking emotion before we even get to the half way mark and it just keeps on going, the characters pain and sadness was most definitely felt in every chapter.

[Farida Yasser · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is what happens when the author's top priority is to add as many tropes and viral parts as possible, regardless of how they fit within the storyline.
Nova and Easton were awful together, the couple didn't make any sense. For starters, someone like Easton; successful actor, older, established in every possible way, wouldn't go for someone like Nova. Even in bookish logic, she was was written so fragile and fidgety. It went from traumatized to infant-like, and since we are talking about a 28/29 year old woman, it wasn't a good look.
There's also the timing problem. I can't fathom having your sister, the only remaining part of your family, struggling through her last days because of cancer and you still have the capacity to suddenly form a strong connection with someone. That's trauma bonding, and spoiler alert, not romantic!!
It genuinely felt uncomfortable in some parts where Rachel had to play wing woman for Nova and Easton while going through one of the toughest struggles someone could go through🤦🏻‍♀️
I won't go into detail on the second half of the book but let's just say, everything was going way too well for it to be realistic or even plausible.
*I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

[Cathy Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

First and foremost I would like to thank Michelle, her publishers Montlake and also NetGalley for giving me the chance to read this book as an arc. This isn't my first book that I have read by Michelle and it sure won't be the last book that I will read of hers.


Did I struggle with this book? Yes I did struggle not with the book itself but it wasn't because of the book, it's because really in real life we are living through the facts that my mums cancer has returned and that it is incurable. So it kind of hit a little close to home.

But did I enjoy this book? Even though it broke me, and I mean completely utterly sobbing mess broke me, I really did enjoy reading this book. It was a really good read and the characters are all amazing!

Something that you will need to do before you read this book, is to buy a box of tissues. Why you ask? Well I will tell you know that you will definitely need these throughout the books. So many emotional moments I had bawling my eyes out, and being broken.

I wasn't ready for Nova & Rachel's story to end, and I wasn't ready to say goodbye to Rachel that there is a fact. I guess when you look at loss you think more of everything else, you wonder was enough time spent with that person and so on.

The plot, the characters, the way it's written and everything else was so well done. This book was also very unputdownable, and once you start reading you get this I really don't want to stop. I need to know what's happening and what will happen and so on.

Will I recommend this book to people? For a starters even though she will hate me for it, I am going to make my bestie Lee read this, I already recently broke her with the book "You've Reached Sam by Dustin Thao" and I know for a fact that I am going to completely wreck her with this book.

I know that I have not written about much that happens inside of this book, there is a really good reason when you read some of my reviews/blogs that don't have spoilers and so on about what is in the books. That is because to me I feel like if you have information you will ruin it for the person who will read it, cause they will know some of the things that happen especially the good parts.

I was going to insert quotes etc but they're all on my old phone with my notes that broke in December, so I have just had to go without inserting my favourite sentences/quotes that I loved.

Since then I am now using the bookmory app for my reading, why am I loving this app more than the goodreads and so on even though im still using the others. Well that is because while you set the book you are currently reading you can insert notes throughout your reading timer while it is going, you can pause your reading timer and also it can track where your up to and everything else. The other bonus is you don't lose your notes either they stay.

Another thank you again for letting me read this, and I cannot wait to see what else you bring us in 2026.

[Sandra R · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this family tearjerker and slow burn romance. I've read only Mafia romances by this author and this is certainly a different type of story from her. It's drama packed and there is uncomfortable subject matter revolving around abuse and death. I like the author's writing and it's penned in the first person from both Nova and Easton's points of view.

Easton, Rachel and Nova have known each other for twenty years, as they were childhood friends. The story begins with Nova finally leaving a toxic relationship behind and driving across the country to stay with her friends after a tearful phone call from Rachel., Nova has decided to finally take charge of her life and make a new start. Easton's love of acting as a young man has advanced his career and he's now a much sought after mainstream Hollywood actor, so we have the mansion, the lifestyle, etc. Naturally. (His sister Rachel and her ten year old daughter live with him.) Nova has loved Easton since she was fourteen and being introverted, naturally he doesn't know. He also knows nothing about her bad relationships and the reason she's come to stay.

After she arrives, extremely sad family drama finally rears its ugly head. (No spoilers). This story feels gentle and sweet and there's lots of love between the characters. I felt at times that painful scenes were slightly drawn out, but the author is trying to imitate life, rather than create a work filled with escapist fiction, so you have to be prepared for a lot of sadness. tears, and eventual happiness. Easton is very possessive and supportive - which doesn't surprise me - because that's what I like about Michelle's Mafia heros. There are steamy romance scenes as well.

This is a feel good, romance/women's fiction and I enjoyed the ride. However; my honest opinion is, that a real life type of story like this could have felt much more heartfelt and more in-depth, if the hero hadn't been mega wealthy with bodyguards, housekeepers, unlimited money and jets at his disposal. Sometimes it's better not to wrap things up in neat bows and make things easy for characters. I did enjoy reading the scenes set on the movie set though and I suppose being a sought after celebrity/actor comes with its own challenges.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eArc and the opportunity to express my honest opinion of this book. I give it 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4. This book is being released March 2026.

[☆Laura☆]

Tenía mucho potencial, pero el desarrollo fue un desastre. Se suponía que sería una historia agridulce, pero todo se centró en el romance, así que no entiendo para qué incluir la enfermedad y posterior muerte de Rachel si no se les iba a dar la importancia que merecía.

Un pequeño resumen: Easton y Rachel son hermanos, y cuando ella queda embarazada a una edad joven, él asume más responsabilidades para poder ayudarla. Ambos se mudan a otro estado en busca de mejores oportunidades, especialmente para que Easton pueda desarrollarse como actor. Durante la siguiente década, él se convierte en un actor famoso, mientras Rachel mantiene su amistad con su mejor amiga, Nova. Cuando Rachel se entera de que tiene cáncer, no duda en llamarla para que la ayude a enfrentar la situación. Al final, Rachel muere y deja a su hija Lainie al cuidado de ambos.

Y uno pensaría que, con todo lo que implica la pérdida de Rachel, habría momentos realmente emotivos… pero no. Tanto Nova como Easton están más enfocados en su atracción que en el supuesto dolor por verla morir. Luego, cuando Rachel fallece, todo se siente tan seco… no hay tristeza, ni enojo, ni una verdadera sensación de duelo. Fue como un simple “ah, ya se murió”, unas cuantas lágrimas y a seguir con la vida. Incluso Lainie, que es una niña, parece superar de inmediato la pérdida de su madre. Daba la impresión de que a nadie le dolió realmente la partida de alguien a quien se suponía que amaban.


Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Laurenreadingrecs · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

tropes:
💜Best friends brother
🩶age gap
💜childhood friends to lovers
🩶Hollywood Actor MMC
💜forced proximity
🩶always been you vibes
💜found family

Michelle Heard is not known for her emotional books that will have you in your feelings, But that's exactly what this book is... an emotional roller coaster of a story.. this is a contemporary romance that will have you grabbing those tissues the first 60%.

This story is about two best friends, best friends since elementary school, Nova and Rachel. When Nova Learns Rachel is dying, she drops everything in her messed up life behind to be with her. But Nova has her own secret... she's been in love with Rachel's brother since she was 14. Rachel is also a single mom
to her daughter, Lainey.

Novas past is has been riddled with getting by, ( and lack of lovel even as a child), with abuse from people who should love her and her mental health. I love how her and Easton come together as they fight it till they can't and they love, heal and comfort each other TOGETHER while being there for Lainey too.

Together the four of them have to face a horrible situation, and sadly Rachel won't have a future.This book deals with some tough situations, like DV and Cancer, mental health and loss of a parent so read those TW.

But this book also deals with the the found family Family and blood doesn't always make you family.
Some bonds are aren't breakable no matter the time or distance.

This is completely different than Michelle's other books and I loved it.

[Roroblu'sMum · Rating 2 out of 5]

2* lacks feels, authenticity and emotions. Quite a trite, dated read, sadly.



I don't think I've ever read a Montlake book that's been less than a 3* read. I thought this would be chock full of emotions, but sadly, this fell way below the mark.

Nova came across as having low self-esteem and confidence and desperately in need of therapy and being single for a while. And I didn't buy that she'd been in one abusive relationship, had gotten out of it, only to be stupid enough to get into another and stay in it. And all this, despite being solidly in love with Easton for 14 years, allegedly. Hmm.

10yo Lainie got over her mum's passing far too quickly and was back doing retail therapy after a short timeout. And 14 instances of "my sweet girl" got grating.

Easton? Ugh, not at all believable or lead material. He's meant to be a suave hotshot actor worth $700m but asks for no kissing scenes in a movie. And he'll never act in a romance. In 2025. He makes proclamations about dating Nova before even talking to her about dating her. He announces that his presence at a bake sale table will mean they'll sell out. Rachel has just died, and he tries to joke "If you tell anyone I cried like a baby, my career as an actor is over." And he growls. Omg, didn't that get laughed out of romances a decade or so ago?

Ugh. This was such an inorganic tale, I should have DNF'd it about 1/3 in.

ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Montlake for my reading pleasure.

[Willie Mercedes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michelle Heard may be known for her heart-pounding mafia romances, but Things That Break Us proves she can absolutely wreck you with a beautifully written, emotional contemporary love story too.

This story follows best friends Nova and Rachel. When Nova learns Rachel is dying, she leaves her already-broken life behind to be by her side. Nova has secretly loved Easton—Rachel’s older brother—since she was seventeen… the same Easton who just happens to be a world-famous actor who keeps everyone at arm’s length.

Nova’s past is heavy with pain and abuse, making her guarded and unsure—especially around Easton. But as they care for Rachel during her final weeks, they find comfort, strength, and healing in each other. Together, they grieve. Together, they heal.

This one is deeply emotional. I loved Easton’s patience with Nova as she needed to take things slow, especially while navigating Rachel’s daughter and the weight of Nova’s trauma.

The plot, the characters, the writing—everything was so beautifully done. This book was completely unputdownable. The kind where you start reading and suddenly it’s 2 a.m. and you’re whispering, just one more chapter.

So thankful they got their HEA 🖤

Things to know

Loss of a family member to cancer (on page), Grief, Domestic Abuse and PTSD, rich mmc x poor fmc, famous actor mmc, best friend’s older brother, closed proximity, ott protective & possessive mmc, no 3rd act breakup, slow burn

[Dianna D · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐ Rating: 3/5

Things That Break Us by Michelle Heard was an emotional read, and while there were parts I really liked, it didn’t fully hit the mark for me. The story follows Easton Rowe, a famous actor carrying more trauma than the world realizes, and Nova, his sister’s best friend who’s grieving her own heartbreaking loss. Their connection comes from shared pain, quiet moments, and the slow, hesitant belief that maybe broken people can still find love.

I genuinely enjoyed the tenderness between Easton and Nova and the way their relationship grew slowly and cautiously. Their emotional vulnerability felt real, and the grief woven through the story gave their bond depth. But at times the pacing dragged, and I found myself wanting more development and introspection from both characters. The heavy emotional themes sometimes overshadowed the romance, leaving me less swoony than I expected.

Tropes You’ll Find:

💔 Broken hero & grieving heroine
🐢 Slow-burn healing romance
👥 Sister’s best friend
🌟 Famous actor MMC
❤️ Trauma, recovery, and rebuilding

Overall, this was a heartfelt story with meaningful moments, but it didn’t fully pull me in the way I hoped. Still, I’m glad I read it, and I appreciated the emotional honesty.

Thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Michelle Heard so when I saw this book I knew I would definitely read it and I'm so glad I did! Nova and Rachel have been best friends since they were kids and since the age of fourteen Nova has been in love with Easton, Rachel's older brother. Fast forward years later and Nova is in another abusive relationship living in Wisconsin and Easton, Rachel and her daughter, Lainey, are living in LA since Easton is now a big movie star. One dar Rachel calls saying she has an emergency that will eventually change all of their lives within a few months. When Nova comes to help out, her crush on Easton is reignited and when Easton realizes Nova isn't a teenager anymore but a beautiful woman, he falls head over heels. Will they finally get together in the wake of a family tragedy?

This book was so good! It was heartbreakingly sad but so romantic at the same time. I love a good book where people realize that the feelings they had are still there and now they can act on them. I also love a book where the main male character loves the girl so deeply that he has to have her. This book takes tragedy and makes it into something that changes all of their lives, for the better, and gives everyone hope. I would highly recommend!

Thanks to NetGalley, Michelle Heard, and Montlake for allowing me to review this ARC!!

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Things that Break Us by Michelle Heard was the first book I’ve read by this author. The blurb pulled me in and I couldn’t wait to start reading this story. This is a devastatingly sad and heartbreaking read wherein I think the romance takes a back seat to what’s going on among all 4 characters. Easton and Nova are the main characters, but I would say Rachel and Lainey were equally as important if not more so in the overall story line. Without giving too much away, I thought the writing was well done and the intensity with which the story progressed was excellent. Be prepared to go through boxes of tissues with this one and I would suggest paying close attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of the book. If you’re someone who has gone through a similar situation as depicted in this book, I think you’ll see yourself in one, if not all, of these characters. I enjoyed it even though I felt wrung out when it was over. I would recommend this read if you’re looking for something a little different that makes you “think” and gives you all the feels. I’m grateful to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the first half of Things That Break Us which deals with our FMC’s best friend and the MC’s little sister. It was super emotional and I did not expect to cry as much as I did.

The second half felt too instalovey for me and I would’ve liked more time with Nova and Easton as a couple before they were 1000% in. I get that Nova was basically in love with Easton since she was 14 but it had been 10 years and a lot of hard living for her since she had even seen him. Easton had never looked at Nova in any way other than his little sister’s best friend and he went from barely dating to “she is mine” in a blink.

While I was definitely in my feels the first half of the book, there was something missing for me that I cannot put my finger on. This was my first Michelle Heard read so I can’t compare to her other books. I just wanted more from it. I kept expecting something higher stakes to happen in the 2nd half and it never did so maybe that’s on me.

All in all, this was a good palate cleanser and what I was in the mood for.

Thank you to Montlake and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ebook. All opinions are my own.

[Shanna Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book took me on a roller coaster of emotions!

All of the Michelle Heard books I’ve read are mafia books so I thought that was what I was getting with this book. Boy was I wrong!

This book was so heavy and full of raw emotions. I never cry in books but I was on the verge of tears through 80% of this book.

Nova and Rachel have been lifelong friends. Nova gets a frantic call from Rachel and she leaves her broken life to run to her.

Easton is Rachel’s older brother that has devoted his life to her and his niece. He’s also been Nova’s crash since she was 14.


Rachel announces she is sick and Easton and Nova see her through her last days. Eaton and Nova lean on each other to cope.

Nova keeps Easton at arms length due to the trauma she’s endured in the past.

This book made me feel like I was immersed in a movie.

I really felt how broken they were, their longing for each other and how they healed together.

This book was so different from any other Michelle Heard book but I absolutely loved the journey she took me on.

[Kelli Matthews | SighingOurPleasure · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to love this one. I've read Michelle Heard's Saints series and went in ready to love this one, too. What I got instead was... a lot of telling and not enough feeling.

The setup is genuinely heartbreaking—childhood crush Nova finally gets close to Easton while they're both dealing with his sister's terminal illness. The grief subplot had real potential, but the story read like someone narrating events at you rather than pulling you into the experience.
The writing was thin. Too many unnecessary details, not enough depth where it mattered. I nearly DNF'd a few times because the execution just didn't match the promise of that plot.

The thing I'll give Heard: people are complicated, and she was trying to show that. I could see what she was going for. It just needed more time, more space, more depth to actually get there. Maybe I've gotten pickier since my Saints days, but this one didn't do it for me. That said, it may be the perfect balm for someone else's soul.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Patricia (Spellbound Stories Trish) · Rating 5 out of 5]

My only complaint about this book is that I finished it. I found myself really entranced with Nova and Easton.

This was a very emotional read and one you should read the trigger warnings for. I have to say I loved Nova and wanted so badly to just jump into the pages and give her a hug. My gosh the strength she had to have to pull herself out of a horrible situation was inspiring and had me in tears. I don’t think anyone can truly understand what she went through unless you’ve lived it or loved someone who has lived it.

Easton’s love and care for not only Nova but those who were in his circle catapulted him to fave book boyfriend. His steadfastness and patience was awe inspiring and I wish more men could be Easton’s!

Also excuse me Mrs Heard but wow did you surprise me with those steamy scenes. It took a bit for the steam to rise but once it did….WOW!!

A very good book and one that ended my book slump so thank you for an awe inspiring read!

[Yasmina Micu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had access to an ARC of this book and it was a very easy read. My review might contain spoilers
The plot though classical has a lot of potential and the part about the sickness, being there for someone dying, overcoming the grief hits hard.
Pros :
- easy enjoyable read
- love the plot of the sisters’ brother and her best friend
- i’m a big fan of spice but I’m glad the whole book didn’t revolve around it and focused on the plot instead
Cons :
- i think everything with Rachel happens a little too quickly
Sometimes I had the impression it was a movie script and I was visualising it like a movie but maybe in a book I would have preferred it a little slower
- MFC is a little annoying sometimes, too sensitive in my opinion
- was expecting some drama maybe regarding her ex but U guess it was just a regular cheesy romance
Overall I liked it it was a nice shift from all the dark romance that allowed me to take a break!

[LolaHa · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️This book is an angsty, emotional heart-wrenching romance that will make you reach for the whole tissue box🤧🤧🤧🤧


Easton is a famous actor who feels he can‘t have a real relationship with women and people because most are after his fame and money and he gives up trying. There is his sisters best friend Nova whom he always liked and who he has known since they were kids.

She knows Easton her best friends brother and not Easton the actor and i think Easton was drawn to that cause he can‘t fool her or doesn‘t have to be scared that she would take advantage of that. There is this sweet instant spark between them.

They face a horrible tragedy cause Easton‘s sister is dying not only that but she has a daughter and that brings Nova and Easton together in grief but also trying to find a way to help with Easton‘s niece.

It‘s a heart touching emotional story with hope and so much heart. It‘s angsty and will make you sob, but such a sweet story. 🤧🥺😭

[Jaime Trupp · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

The Things That Break by Michelle Heard is a beautifully devastating, emotionally gripping story that lingers long after you finish it. Nova and Easton’s journey is raw, vulnerable, and breathtaking in all the best ways.

Nova is a character you can’t help but root for. Her strength, even when she feels shattered, makes her story incredibly powerful. And Easton, steady, loyal, and quietly fierce, brings a depth and tenderness that perfectly balances her fire. Together, they create a love story that feels honest, fragile, and ultimately transformative.

Michelle Heard’s writing shines here. She blends heartbreak with hope, trauma with healing, and pain with passion in a way that feels effortless. Every chapter builds beautifully toward a romance that isn’t just emotional,
it’s restorative.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart shattered while reading this.. I was bawling like a baby on the plane headed to Vegas (where Michelle was originally supposed to be.. but due to unfoseen circumstances was not able to make it) Hopefully soon I get to meet my UNICORN AUTHOR.

I loved Easton and Nova.. but my heart shattered when I read about Rachel, but her getting to pretty much dictate how she wanted things to happen "after" and all the thumb drives with all the videos..

Nova's past was not easy.. no family really to love and take care of her and then her bestie and the man she loved moves away.. she is left all alone.. Her past relationships and what she had to endure and eventually get away from..

Michelle you never cease to amaze me with your words.. I can not wait for more

[Stephanie Boling · Rating 4 out of 5]

📖 ARC Review 📖
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5/5
Things That Break Us by Michelle Heard releasing March 17th of 2026 – a contemporary romance that explores grief, healing, and unexpected love.
This book was a surprise; it definitely did not give the usual Michelle Heard vibe (I’ve only read her mafia books). Easton Rowe is a famous actor. Nova is his sister’s best friend, Rachel. Nova visits her in LA while also running from an abusive boyfriend – only to discover that Rachel is dying from a terminal illness. Their shared grief becomes the foundation for a tender, but complicated romance. It was a little fast-paced and different from her usual books, but overall I really enjoyed the book.

Tropes:
Grief Bonding
Brother's Best Friend
Forced Proximity
Healing Through Love
Slow Burn

[ava:3 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.75 ⭐

Thank you to Montlake and Netgalley for providing this ARC, honestly I'm just obsessed with this book.
Easton and Nova's relationship, the tension between them was everything to me. I could connect with the characters so well.
The discussion of grief, trauma, therapy being discussed and honestly one of my favourite parts of the book was Rachel and Nova's friendship, Easton is a green green forest, the way he doesn't push Nova's boundaries, the way he's ready to wait for her, the way they both navigate through grief and the way he tends to all her insecurities.
I also love how both of them contribute to their relationship growing 💗 and once they've confessed they give their everything to maintain it and also did I mention it's an age gap romance?

[Alyssa Maness · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is devastatingly good. It’s emotional, heartbreaking, and had me in tears more than once. If you love a slow-burn romance or a friends-to-lovers story that takes its time and makes every moment count, this one is a must read. The emotional payoff is huge, and the connection between the characters feels incredibly real.

I also want to mention the content warnings—definitely check those before starting, as this story doesn’t shy away from heavy themes. That said, the writing is beautiful, and the way Michelle Heard unfolds the story kept me completely hooked. This was my first book by her, and it was an amazing introduction to her writing. I was invested from the very first page and will absolutely be reading more from her.

[Fabs · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book set out to be a heartbreaking romance built around loss, but it never quite delivered. The premise—centered on a woman’s death and the emotional fallout that leads her brother and best friend to grow close while caring for her daughter—had real potential. Unfortunately, the execution was chaotic. The plot jumped around without a clear flow, emotional moments felt rushed, and none of the characters were properly developed. The romance in particular felt unearned, lacking depth or believable buildup. Instead of a thoughtful, bittersweet story about grief, love, and healing, the novel came across as disorganized and shallow, making it hard to connect to either the characters or their supposed emotional journey.