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.

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

[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*

[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.

[MandysBookish Mind · Rating 5 out of 5]

What. A. Story. I almost don’t have words for how deeply this book hit me — in all the best ways. I went through so many emotions, and the pacing was so fast and fluid that the pages practically turned themselves.

Nova heads to LA at the request of her friend Rachel and moves in with her and her brother. These two have been her family and her foundation since childhood. Easton, Rachel’s older brother, has grown into a full-blown movie star, but at his core, he’s still the same protective, grounded person Nova once knew.

Rachel’s illness is the heartbreaking thread that brings everyone together in the beginning. Watching these three, plus Rachel’s daughter, navigate the fear, love, and devastation tied to her condition was emotional in a way that felt incredibly real.

Nova has faced her share of trauma, yet she constantly puts everyone else first. She fights to stay strong for the people she loves, even when she refuses to give herself that same grace. Her selflessness is both beautiful and painful.

Easton is the definition of devoted. His relationship with Rachel is so full of love and respect, and seeing a man openly express emotion, and not shy away from it, was refreshing and powerful.

But the pull between Nova and Easton is the shining star of this book. Amid all the heartbreak surrounding Rachel, their connection brings hope. They each carry their own wounds and struggles, but together they learn how to face them instead of running. It’s the sweetest kind of slow burn, one that gives them space to handle the pain of what’s happening with Rachel while also slowly opening up to each other.

You walked back into my life and laid claim to my heart with your shy smiles and selfless nature.

Thank you Montlake for providing this book for review consideration via NetGallery. All opinions are my own.

[☆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.

[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.

[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.

[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!

[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

[masquereadss · 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.

[Margarett Tilley · Rating 2 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️(2) Review: Things That Break Us by Michelle Heard

Thank you NetGalley and Montlake Publisher for this ARC

What a great book about friendship, love, and loss. This story was both sweet and heartbreaking .The pain and grief that Easton, Nova, and Lainey went through were absolutely devastating, but the way they leaned on each other made the story so moving and hopeful.

Overall, Things That Break Us is an emotional and heartfelt read that reminds you how powerful love and friendship can be, even in the face of unimaginable loss. The book unfortunately lacked depth and was missing that in depth character development which I enjoy in a romance.

[Jameson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michelle Heard has a way of pulling you into her world within the first few pages and not letting you go until she’s finished her story. I binged this story and cried more than I’d like to admit. The story is an emotional one that deals saying goodbye to a loved one and finding a way to honor them once they’re gone, as well as healing from PTSD resulting from domestic violence. I loved the family bond between Easton and Rachel, and couldn’t help but route for Nova to be with the walking green flag that is Easton after everything she had been through in her past.
—
Thank you Montlake | NetGalley for this complimentary ARC - all thoughts are my own! 📚
Publishers release date 3/17/2026

[Shannon Godwin]

A heart touching book. I love the bond that Rachel and Nova has. Nova is already struggling in life but when she hears what is happening with Rachel she packs up and goes to her. She has always loved Rachel's brother Easton. Now they have to pull together to make sure things are as they need to be. Will they become a couple or will Nova keep him at arms length? Will he be able to win her over? So many emotions are running through this book. This book is very heartbreaking but you will still be smiling at the end. It is not my favorite by this author but it is still a very strong 4 star book for me.

[leonor · Rating 3 out of 5]

First time reading one of Michelle's and I really enjoyed it.
This is a heartbreaking story about loss, one that was also filled with so much love.
From Nova's hard past to everything happening with Rachel it was very sad.
It was great that we got to see moments of all of them together before everything happening.
Easton was amazing, specially with Nova and everything he did for her as well as for his sister and niece.
Overall it was a great book, i just felt like everything was a bit rushed.
Thank you NetGalley, Michelle and Montlake for the opportunity of reading this book.

[Vanessa Vee · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I enjoyed the story, I do feel like it lacked something. The characters felt a little stiff, and it was hard to really get into the details with them. It was like skimming the surface of a lake instead of jumping in and swimming! All the characters were lovable but almost too much. The story had good bones but there wasn’t enough realistic life struggles and when there were they were wrapped up easily with a bow. Nova and Easton love story was sweet, but I just didn’t vibe with them. Rachel’s storyline did have me shedding a few tears.

[Em • Men Written by Women Club · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
I received an ARC of this and was excited to read. Although I did enjoy and it was an easy read, it was lacking depth and felt like a missed opportunity as it had all the ingredients - best friends bother, unrequited love, but it didn’t have the “build up”, yearn and angst that you usually get with those tropes and fell a little flat. I felt like his feelings for her were really quick and it didn’t give enough time to build the tension and chemistry.
The story about her best friends, loss, grief and caretaking was beautiful though and I cried at every single part of that!

[Amanda Abromovitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this read but I will preface that this is a VERY emotional story, very intense with grief and sadness but there is also a beautiful love story unfolding here. Michelle’s writing never fails to captivate me and this story was no different. I couldn’t put it down. There is so much heart ache and heartbreak but she slowly puts you back together with love and safety. I highly recommend checking the trigger warnings because the story is fairly heavy but this read is so worth it. It’s a great story. One I won’t forget

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
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