Every Single Broken Piece

by Michelle Heard

A tattooed, touch-averse alpha becomes the sunshine to a grieving woman’s darkness—but the secret connecting him to her family’s brutal murder could destroy the love that’s healing them both. From USA Today bestselling author Michelle Heard.

Kelcie

After losing my entire family in a brutal attack, I’m drowning in grief. The only bright spot? My mysterious new neighbor, Levi—a tattooed bestselling author who somehow understands my pain.

He’s grumpy, he’s damaged, and he hates being touched. Except by me.

Levi

I moved next door to Kelcie for one to make sure she’s okay after the tragedy that took her family. A tragedy I know more about than I should.

She’s the only person whose touch doesn’t make my skin crawl. The only one who makes me want to be whole again.

But I’m hiding a devastating secret—one that connects me to the worst night of her life. And when she discovers the truth, it could destroy the fragile love we’ve built from our broken pieces.

Genres: Romance

285 pages, Paperback

Expected publication July 21, 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

[Wobilba]

This book is "READ NOW" on NetGalley for anyone who cares to know (Sunday, May 17, 2026)

https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/boo...

[Andreea · Rating 4 out of 5]

The way Every Single Broken Piece by Michelle Heard begins! Right when I started wondering where this calm beginning of the story was heading, everything suddenly started to spiral.

Kelcie is a warm person who loves surrounding herself with people and helping them, but her trauma turns her into someone withdrawn, lonely and numb. Levi is similar in many ways — quiet and reserved, uncomfortable with being touched. He’s also a mysterious character and I was really curious to learn more about who he is, what brought him to Verona and what connection he has with Kelcie.

I often find myself getting attached to the male characters Michelle Heard creates, so it’s no surprise that I quickly grew attached to Levi. He tries to keep his distance from Kelcie and I was really curious why, but his attempts to stay in a safe zone also add a lot of emotion. The attraction between them is undeniable, so I loved the tension that builds, waiting breathlessly for the moment when one of them would take a step toward something more.

They truly complement each other perfectly, being exactly what the other needs in their life. It was so easy for me to believe in their relationship. Levi is incredibly attentive and caring toward Kelcie. Every glance, every gesture, every word filled my heart with joy. The bond that forms between Kelcie and Lick, Levi’s dog, was also so sweet. It felt like Levi understands just how much she needs that connection, and it made me appreciate him even more.

I also liked that the story isn’t overly dramatic. Kelcie manages to stay realistic while still prioritizing her feelings. There’s no unnecessary drama, just natural emotions and insecurities, handled with maturity. I really appreciated that.

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

[Lira]

23%- 2026

[Ghaz]

What to expect:
- [ ] Forced proximity
- [ ] Grieve
- [ ] Love/heal
- [ ] Protective MMC
- [ ] Found family

This story is emotional, heart wrenching, and gritty.

Every emotion, trauma in this book is written so beautifully that you will feel it same as the character is feeling.

I love a strong welled FMC and you will find her in this book and will love her as much as i did. All the things in her life , she went through and still stayed strong, I found it very inspiring.

The MMC brings that intense, protective, touch her and die, kinda a vibe and i am here for it. I love a good morally grey MMC and Levi is 100% is the one you will love him.

Overall, this is gripping, emotional read. Character development is amazing, emotions are very well portrayed. This story is one of those which will stay with you.

[KDRBCK]

Every Single Broken Piece by Michelle Heard published by Montlake is a full length, stand alone.
An emotional read, heartwrenching, raw and gritty, gives all the feels.
The characters Kelsie and Levi are through a lot, become neighbors, become friends maybe.
A mafia romance that gives pretty goosebumps, 4,5 stars.

[Beatrice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Levi and Kelcie have endured more trauma than any two people should, so it seems almost magical that when they find each other, they are EXACTLY what each need. This is wish fulfilment to the nth degree.

Kelcie survived a horrific home invasion that leaves her with crippling panic attacks, the inability to sleep at night and a deep unwillingness to re-enter her family home. She currently rents a small home nearby, thanks to a tip from a pushy former classmate, Colby. Next door on one side is Jill and her daughter, with whom Kelcie maintains a just friendly enough relationship. Since that night, Kelcie is no longer capable of being her friendly, happy, outgoing self, and it isn't lost on her that in this small town the prevailing thought is that she should get over it already and return to form. But that isn't possible, and in truth, they want her to be done grieving as a talisman for themselves, the way people used to whisper the word Cancer as if not giving it voice would prevent it from finding you.

Next door on the other side, is newcomer to town, Levi. He is mysterious and keeps to himself. In town the word is that he is rude and some kind of thug because he doesn't engage in the daily chit chat that is the beating heart of small towns. This is also amplified by the very jealous Colby, who as a local reporter, has an audience of people willing to listen to his narrative, factual or not.

In Levi's chapters we get an indication that he is keeping tabs on how Kelcie is doing but other than deliberate vagueness we only learn that he is suffering from writers block and has a deep aversion to being touched. His dog Lick gives him the opening to speak to Kelcie, when the pup wanders into her backyard.

Damage recognizing damage, they begin to spend time sitting in her yard talking, eventually exchanging the happy memories of her family that she can't bear to remember, and he giving voice to the hideous abuse he'll never forget.

What made me roll my eyes a bit was when Kelcie has a violent panic attack, Levi reaches out to hold her and give her medication a chance to work, he magically doesn't suffer from her touch. (We were already told that he had to take a Silkwood shower after a chatty salesperson put her hand on his wrist). And I could almost buy that in the moment of heightened adrenaline caused by trying to help Kelcie that it over road his aversion but as she began breathing again, he should have jumped away, not her pulling away and apologizing for touching him. Instead we now get passage after passage about how magically she is the ONE human in the ENTIRE world that can touch him without issue and in fact causing arousal.

And again, I'll allow that if someone is traumatically unable to have anyone touch them, that they would become touch starved and that any little touch could bring the desire for more but as a reader I was disappointed. When someone touches Kelcie's hand, Levi is so repulsed that he has to grab her and wash her off to get the "cooties" off her. I don't believe being that broken inside, is magically healed by the pretty girl next door listing to your sad stories. It would have been more realistic for Levi to tell Kelcie that he wished he could touch her but was unable too. They could still be friends and still could fall in love but his ability to touch her felt unearned.

Kelcie and Levi's relationship begins to change after she tells Colby that she can't date him because she's dating Levi and Levi backs her lie. When Levi learns that she had turned down Colby's advances for years, his reaction is correct, that she should report him to the authorities for harassment but hers is unfortunately the classic response of women who become victims everywhere, it's okay, he's harmless, I've known him forever, it's fine. GIRL, it's not fine!! Fellas, 6yrs of getting told no, isn't an invitation to keep trying, that's a NO. It was NO the first time. Needless to say, Colby's behavior follows form.

The reader and Kelcie learn the worst possible way, what Levi was hiding from Kelcie about how he came to be her neighbor. There traumas link them more than she knew. So now comes the classic romance novel break up which never lasts. Colby thinks this is his chance and when Kelcie tries again to shut him down, he attacks with the classic loser argument, why him, why not me, I asked you first - like you can call dibs on a human being Things get violent and Kelcie tries calling Levi for help. (The aftermath of this incident is where I would have felt his touch aversion with Kelcie dropping would have been more earned) This additional traumatic event makes Kelcie see that she wants Levi in her life even if he kept a secret from her and he had already decided that she was the only human for him.

There is a happily ever after epilogue with a bit of a time jump, indicating that they are both healing more of their traumas, though in Levi's case, it still feels a bit magical that Kelcie 'fixed' him without his getting actual counseling or therapy for his issues.

[Rachel Arthachinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first time reading a Michelle Heard book. This is a thought-provoking story. It is an emotional and sometimes uncomfortable book about two people who have both endured horrific personal tragedies and are able to find a way to heal together. The MMC, Levi, has lived through, at a very young age, countless acts of abuse by people who were supposed to have loved him. These stories and tidbits that he gives throughout the book to Kelcie in what they call “a memory for a memory” are uncomfortable but help to explain the idiosyncrasies that make Levi the man that we know in the book. He hates to be touched. He does not like to interact with other people. He is awkward and comes across as rude. As a reader, at first it seems a little cringe but when you get to know him and understand what he has gone through that makes him that way, you quickly fall in love with him. That is something that I really liked about this book. These characters weren’t necessarily people that I feel like I instantly connected with, but their story is a good reminder that everyone is dealing with something behind closed doors, and some are simply trying to survive.

Kelcie was a happy young woman with her whole life ahead of her but becomes seemingly stuck in her grief after witnessing a traumatic event without a way forward. That is until she meets her hot neighbor and his incredible dog (shout out to Lick the dog, the true MVP of the story). The slow progression of their relationship is beautiful. This is a great romance, but there were a lot of pieces to this story that made me uncomfortable, however not necessarily in a bad way. You are supposed to feel uncomfortable, and that is a great element to this book. I have to admit; at the beginning the writing was a little lacking. There wasn’t the detail I was hoping to find to hook me quickly into the story. I found some of the interactions with Kelcie and her mother and sister to come across as a little disingenuous and cheesy, but all the information that was needed was given to drive the plot forward and I then quickly become engrossed.

I’m not going to lie, I love a possessive male, and Levi does not disappoint. I really found myself rooting for Kelcie, wanting her to find closure and happiness, but I knew full well once she found out Levi’s secret, (a creepy secret I must add), I knew the story was going to take a turn. This was a good read. I really enjoyed it.

#EverySingleBrokenPiece #NetGalley

[Ayushi Gupta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book starts off so quietly that you almost don’t realize how much it’s about to wreck you… and then suddenly, everything shifts.

Kelcie’s character really stayed with me. She used to be someone full of warmth and life, but after everything she’s been through, she’s barely holding herself together. The way her grief is written feels heavy but real—not overdone, just this constant presence in the background of everything she does.

And then there’s Levi. He’s the kind of character that doesn’t reveal much at first—closed off, careful, and clearly carrying something of his own. But the more you see of him, the more it clicks. The way he keeps his distance while still quietly showing up for Kelcie? That contrast adds so much depth to his character.

What I loved most was how their relationship develops. It’s not rushed or overly dramatic—it’s soft, hesitant, and built on small moments that slowly start to mean everything. They don’t fix each other, but they create this sense of safety that neither of them had before. Watching them open up, little by little, felt incredibly genuine.

Also, I need to mention Lick—because that bond added such a comforting layer to the story. It wasn’t just cute, it actually deepened the emotional connection between Kelcie and Levi in a really meaningful way.

The story doesn’t rely on unnecessary twists or exaggerated drama. Instead, it focuses on healing, trust, and learning how to feel again after shutting down for so long. Even when things get complicated, it still feels grounded and emotionally honest.

If you’re in the mood for something that’s more quiet, emotional, and character-driven—with slow-building tension and a strong focus on healing—this one is definitely worth picking up.

[bookishWife · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is quite different from the author’s usual mafia romance trope, but it was still a great read nonetheless.

Kelcie’s life is turned upside down after a tragedy leaves her as the sole survivor. Struggling to recover from the trauma, she slowly loses herself over time. She survives, but she isn’t truly living anymore.

Levi moves into the house next door to Kelcie. He’s a world-renowned author whose book is being adapted into a movie, and for some reason, he becomes deeply drawn to her. In fact, he spends nearly a year quietly observing and “stalking” her before finally working up the courage to start a conversation. Levi also carries deep trauma from his own past. His childhood was so terrible that physical contact from anyone but Kelcie triggers severe anxiety for him.

At its core, this story is about two broken people trying to find their way back to life. Little by little, they help each other heal and eventually become each other’s reason to keep living. Despite the many obstacles they face, they ultimately choose one another. The story takes readers on an emotional roller coaster, wrapped in the author’s beautiful and heartfelt writing style.

The only aspect I wish had been explored more was Jordan’s role in Kelcie’s life. They were supposed to be very close siblings, yet during some major events near the end, he was barely mentioned and didn’t even seem to visit her. I also would have loved to see more focus on Jordan’s own healing journey and trauma recovery.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Michelle Heard’s books. She’s honestly one of my favorite authors, especially when it comes to her mafia romances, so this book was definitely different from what I’m used to from her but in the best way.

Kelcie is barely surviving after everything she’s witnessed and almost succumbed to. She’s become a shell of herself, stuck in her grief and trauma, until she meets her new neighbor. There’s something about Levi that she can’t ignore, even when she questions whether opening herself up again is worth risking her already fragile mental state.

I also absolutely loved Kelcie’s brother. He was such a sweetheart and clearly had such a soft spot for his sister, even when he didn’t fully know how to help her.

Levi was such an interesting character because while his feelings for Kelcie felt genuine, he’s hiding a secret that could completely destroy everything between them if she ever finds out. Watching their relationship unfold between all the pain, lies, healing, and love kept me completely invested.

Even though this was a quick read, nothing felt rushed. Everything flowed beautifully, and the emotional moments really hit. This story is truly about two broken souls trying to find their way back to life and love.

There’s so much heartbreak and pain throughout this story, but Michelle Heard balances it with so much love and healing. And the epilogue was such a beautiful way to tie everything together perfectly.

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC.

This is definitely a very heavy read, so please check trigger warnings before going in.

[Ecem Esen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Single Broken Piece by Michelle Heard absolutely destroyed me in the best way possible 😭🖤

This book had EVERYTHING I love . emotional damage, intense chemistry, possessive energy, trauma, healing, and a man who would literally burn the world down for her. We all love a “die if you touch her” type of man. Michelle Heard really knows how to write broken characters who slowly find the safety and love they need. But from each other. I was genuinely hooked from the first chapter.

The emotional depth in this story hit so hard. You could actually feel the pain, fear, and vulnerability they go through from both the mmc and the fmc , which made every soft moment feel even more powerful. And the romance??? OBSESSED. The tension, the protectiveness, the “touch her and die” vibes… it was all just absolutely perfect.

I swear Michelle Heard has a talent for making morally grey men terrifying to everyone except the woman they love 😩

This wasn’t just dark romance for shock value either — it had heart, healing, and so many emotional moments that made me tear up. It was dark in the sense that the things happening around them were dark. Not just a horrible abusive mmc. I finished this book feeling emotionally attacked but also weirdly comforted.
If you love:
🖤 dark romance
🖤 broken characters
🖤 protective MMCs
🖤 emotional healing
🖤 possessive vibes
🖤 trauma + comfort
🖤 intense chemistry
…you NEED to read this.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Michelle Heard and have read many of her books. When I read the first book in this series it was instantly one of my favorite books of the year and this next story was just as good!

After a tragedy uproots Kelcie's life she is truly a shell of the woman she used to be. No one can pull her out of the depths of grief until she meets her neighbor, Levi, who just so happens to be somewhat like her. He avoids people as much as possible, but both of them seem to gravitate toward each other. Mutual grief seems to bond them and they feel safe with each other; however, news of who Levi truly is might derail this seemingly perfect, loving relationship and Kelcie isn't sure if she can move forward.

I really liked this story and the tragic event at the beginning sucks you in and you just feel so badly for Kelcie. Her character development is perfect for someone who truly has been through horrifying events, doesn't trust and really just is going through the motions of life. Levi, after you find out his past, you realize why he is the way he is and it is so lovely to see them come out of their shells for each other. They are each other's safe person and it helps them create a beautiful relationship. I loved this book and loved Lick too! Would definitely recommend!

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

[Roberta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for sharing this ARC!

If there ever was a perfect time to say “never judge a book by his cover”, this would be it.
The title of this book captivated me straight away, and the cover pic set my expectations for a “classic” grumpy/sunshine kind of story, mostly based on a lot of spice and a bit of angst.

Well I was wrong..
There is so much hurt, trauma, but also beautiful healing in this book.
The spice is there, but the romance and raw emotions are front and centre in the story.

Kelcie and Levi are two survivors who heal each other, and together find a way to their happiness.
They absolutely complement each other, but while they needed each other to heal, they remain strong independent people, without being codependent.

Kelcie survived the horrific death of her family. She suffers from depression and struggles with strong panic attacks.
Unfortunately her trauma does end there either.
As readers we tend to route for the “small town communities”, while Verona lets down Kelcie in so many ways.

Levi is the introvert author next door. He has his own reasons to be near Kelcie, but we won’t find out why until later on.
Levi is repulsed by touch, and has accepted his life will be a lonesome one. Only Kelcie can change his mind..

I feel this is the book I wasn’t looking for, but that I needed.

[lucialeelibros · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a huge Michelle Heard fan, and I decided to give her contemporary books another shot. I was especially curious about book 2 after finding the previous one a bit of a difficult read for me.

I fell for Levi and Kelcie almost instantly. Both have such powerful emotional backstories that it’s impossible not to connect with them. I truly loved how their relationship developed; the way their bond grows slowly through shared grief, finding comfort in one another to begin healing, added so much depth to the overall story. Even though this isn't my typical genre, and I’m still adjusting to Michelle’s contemporary writing since I’m so used to her morally grey mafia men, the structure and plot twists definitely kept me hooked. I was intrigued the whole time by Levi’s connection to Kelcie’s family tragedy; the way he stayed close to protect her while trying to maintain his distance was perfectly handled.

It’s a raw and brave story that deals with heavy themes like child abuse, murder, violence, anxiety, and grief, so I definitely recommend checking the content warnings. Overall, it’s a solid 3-star read for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this work.

[Kharisma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful exploration of trial and triumph that proves isolation is no match for the healing power of love.

Every Broken Piece follows the journey of Kelcie and Levi as they attempt to find each other in the wake of tragic loss. Just as they begin to build something new, their peace is threatened by a jealous antagonist, forcing them to decide if they will face the world together or retreat back into the safety of their pasts.

The growth of Kelcie and Levi is handled beautifully. Seeing them learn that isolation isn’t the answer to a fulfilled life made their connection feel earned and authentic.

As they fall for each other, they evolve into a powerhouse duo that takes on challenges with incredible strides.

Michelle Heard’s writing style is easily digestible and incredibly engaging, making this a true page-turner from start to finish.

This book is a must-read for anyone who loves a deep, emotional "penance quest" and a story that balances the weight of trauma with the hope of a new beginning. An easy 5-star read!

Thank you to Montlake and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Kiki’s Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s my first time reading a book but this author and I have to admit I was a little nervous since I am a very picky reader. The first things that stole my attention were the hurt and comfort trope and the title.

We have Kelcie who has a beautiful life until a tremendous tragedy happens. She instantly becomes a victim and a survivor who is trying desperately to live and that’s the time she meets Levi. Levi is a victim himself too, a beautiful man who doesn’t want anyone to touch him.

What I loved was how you see people with two different l traumatic life experiences learn to bond with each other. Kelcie was helping Levi and Levi was helping Kelcie. It’s truly beautiful seeing grief bond people together.

Let me say that the plot was not something I would ever see coming but here we are. Their characters ‘development was beautiful but the most beautiful thing was the relationship they built. Happy they got their happy ending.

P.S. Of course I loved Lick too 👀.



Thanks to Net Galley and Michelle Heard for giving me this opportunity to read this in advance!!!

[Cheyanne Immanuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michelle the author that you are!!!
First thank you Michelle, Montlake and NetGalley for the eArc.

I loved this book. It was so heartbreaking to see what both Levi and Kelcie had to go through to get to where they are at the end of the book. The healing journey for both of them was just absolutely amazing to read.
I love every MMC Michelle has created and no surprise when I feel for Levi here. He took his pain and hid it, secluding himself from the world and suffering in silence until Kelcie showed up and helped him back into the light.
Kelcie was struggling to survive the tragedy of her family being murdered when Levi showed up, and cared for her the way he wanted to be cared for.
There was romance but also some secrets and mystery behind who Levi was in the beginning.
The end though with Mrs. Adam’s was a rollercoaster of emotions. For a second I didn’t think they’d make it out.

Lick was also just the cutest.

The ending was so perfect for them after everything they went through and overcame.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelcie had the perfect life. She was still living at home with her parents even though she was in her twenties. She had a successful woodworking business and was content. Until her life was shattered and she witnessed the murder of her mom dad and sister. Being the only one to survive she’s left with survivors guilt. And now just exist. Levi moves next door to Lexi. He’s been labeled as the grumpy, brooding hot guy. He stays holed up with his dog trying to complete his novel. It’s not until several months after he’s moved in when his dog runs over and he has no choice but to meet Kelcie. For the fort time since losing her family Kelcie feels something other than grief. And her and Levi develop a friendship that slowly starts to turn into more. This was an emotional story. Everything that Kelcie had to endure. And then learning about Levi history was heartbreaking. This is the first time I’ve read a book by this author and I really liked it.

[Nouf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from Netgalley.



I truly enjoy her writing style I lose track of time whenever I read her books.

I enjoyed this one so much especially how they found comfort in each other's company it felt like they were in their own world.

I felt sad for what happened to her family and what she witnessed I can't blame her for struggling to move on and I hated how everyone kept calling her stubborn.

Colby was very annoying and his mum is horrible. What's wrong with this family?!

I was kinda shocked to find out it was the stepbrother involved because I thought the stepdad was behind what happened to her family.

Honestly I don't blame her for her reaction when she learned the truth about his family.

Again Colby and his MUM are the worst.

The only thing I didn't like was that I think they did it right in front of the dog :/.



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

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will say this every single time. Michelle Heard is my unicorn author and hopefully one day I get to meet her. I have read EVERY SINGLE book of hers.. If she writes it... I will read it.!
My heart SHATTERED for Kelcie and Levi. The pain and trauma that these two had to endure in there life is more then one should have to go thru. Levi knows of Kelcie's trauma, and with as much as he wants to take her pain away, he feels responsible and he knows if she was to ever find his secret it could destroy everything. So when trouble comes knocking, what will happen to Kelcie and Levi?

I loved everything about this book, all the raw and gritty.. Michelle has a way to rip your heart out and oh so gently put it back together again. For that THANK YOU!

Thank you to NetGalley, Michelle, and of course Montlake for allowing me the opportunity to review this masterpiece!

[Elly Christmas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC from Montlake via Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

This was a good healing story for both Kelcie and Levi. Both carried a lot of trauma from their past. Levi's dislike of being touched stemmed from his childhood abuse, and Kelcie's trauma of her family's death. I enjoyed how they both helped each other slowly overcome the pain they suffered. It didn't automatically go away, but gradually. Being able to open up to one another and support each other.

Yes, Levi's stalking of Kelcie was questionable, but he had good intentions. He was supportive of her and not rushing her, which was great. He was the right kind of patient and didn't push her to move on too quickly from her family's tragic death. No, he helped her make baby steps in moving forward with her life, which was what she needed. Their falling in love was a bonus for them.

They were a cute couple together, and this was a quick read that you won't want to put down.

[ami.thereader · Rating 2 out of 5]

🪡dnf@40%
Kelcie loses her family in a home invasion (she was present, btw). Fast‑forward a year later, she’s grieving, but we have new hot silent neighbor she didn't care for but he’s an author, touch‑averse, mysterious, yadda yadda

my thoughts.
— The first meeting? Decent. But then one panic attack later she’s swooning over his arms and shoulders. Girl, please. Trauma doesn’t magically turn into thirst.
— Mr. Touch‑Averse lasted all of 2s before Kelcie became the Special Exception™. Because of course she did. (Love conquers all… except consistency, apparently.)
— They *met again* 3 more times, and suddenly two months of friendship development had passed. Did I black out? Was I supposed to be included in this montage?
— And then they reach Horny Land (Permanent residency btw). They kiss, and I tapped out because I had zero f*cks left to give about their bs called love that these grief striken people have managed to cook up.

[J E N N A · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautiful story about grief, mental health, and the power of love. Kelcie experienced something that no one should ever have to endure-the death of her family. I really loved how Michelle wrote her character and how she struggled, but managed and carried her grief. Levi was the perfect match for her. Although his reason for passing paths with Kelcie was questionable, I really enjoyed how he finally let himself be loved. He too, carried his own trauma, but with the help of Kelcie, they were able to help each other heal.

This was such a great reminder of how good of storyteller Michelle is. There were some moments that had me swooning and other moments where I was like omg what is going to happen?! If you are a fan of Michelle’s mafia romances but in the mood for a more contemporary feel, this is perfect!

[Sarah Franklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Single Broken Piece by Michelle Heard is one of those books that completely consumes you emotionally. From the very beginning, I was pulled into Levi and Kelcie’s story and felt every heartbreak, every painful moment, and every bit of hope alongside them.

This book is heavy, emotional, and at times absolutely devastating, but it is also incredibly beautiful. What I loved most was seeing Levi and Kelcie learn to heal from the trauma they both carried. Their journey wasn’t easy, but the way they supported each other and slowly found healing together made their love story unforgettable.

Both characters have endured so much separately and together, which made their connection feel even more meaningful. Their story will stay with me for a very long time.

If you enjoy deeply emotional romances filled with pain, healing, love, and a well-earned HEA, I highly recommend this one.

[Laura (booksandbunnyhugs) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has an intriguing premise with emotional, angsty stakes. I bought into the romance and felt that their connection was realistic even in the face of all their odds.

Kelcie suffers an unbelievable tragedy in the beginning of the book that completely shifts her life. Levi is an author that ends up becoming her next door neighbour after he sees a news story that features Kelcie. Both end up turning to the other to help cope with their traumas. This leads to them finding a love that helps them heal.

I’ve read numerous books by Heard and her writing’s readability is always a selling point. She is judicious with her plotting and I always want to keep turning the page.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I am a huge Michelle Heard fan. This book is the 14th of hers I’ve read just this year. I recently finished Things That Break Us and it was the saddest book I’ve ever read (I cried and I never cry while reading.) so I was DYING to read this next one.

I fell in love with Levi and Kelcie instantly. They both have very strong, emotional backstories that make you connect with them easily.

I really loved this book. I liked how it was written and all the twists and turns the story took. All the characters are very well written and I can’t wait to read whatever is next.

TW: child abuse, murder, gun violence, anxiety, grief

[sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay so I was very skeptical at first since I don't read these kind of books very often and for that it was pretty good. I had a bit of a hard time getting familiar with the writing style but I got used to it after a while. The beginning kinda caught me off guard since I didn't see the tragedy happen that fast.

I gotta say I did find some of their dialogs very repetitive as well as their constant consumption of coffee and tea. The drama at the end with the Adams family also was a bit too much for me. Colbys outburst came a bit out of nowhere and the scene with his mother was even worse. Apart from that i still rooted for our main characters and Lick was probably my highlight of this book. I can see others who read this genre more often liking this book a lot!

[Tammy Manning · Rating 4 out of 5]

While Michelle Heard has been on my TBR for a while, this is the first book that I’ve read by her and I really enjoyed it. Kelcie and Levi have both been through a lot in their lives, just in completely different but equally horrible ways. The way that these two slowly open up to each other and begin to trust the other is beautiful. This is truly a character driven book and the growth that we see in both Kelcie and Levi is amazing. These two were truly meant to find each other.

One of the things that I really liked about this book is that it shows how grief is different for everyone. Some are able to pick up the pieces and move on quicker while it can take others more time. There is no right or wrong way to grieve and Michelle did a beautiful job in showing the differences in grieving between Kelcie and her brother.

I read this book very quickly and enjoyed my time with these characters and their story. I’m going to be moving Michelle’s books up my TBR list.

Thank you NetGalley and Michelle Heard for this review copy.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This isn’t my typical genre, but I still found it to be a really good read.

I went into it wondering if Levi had a deeper connection to what happened to her family, and that tension kept me engaged the whole way through. The way he stayed close to make sure she was okay—while still trying to keep his distance—was done really well.

Kelcie and Levi are both carrying heavy grief, and I appreciated how their connection slowly built from that. Watching them find comfort in each other and begin to heal added a lot of depth to the story.

It’s emotional, layered, and keeps you invested in their journey from beginning to end.

[Susy Napier · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from NetGalley.

I adore Michelle Heard and have read all of her books. I’m so used to her mafia and morally grey MMCs that it’s been an adjustment for me with these last two books. This story was sad, and had the potential for some character growth but fell flat in many ways. Why Levi involved himself in the first place etc. Kelcey went through a very traumatic event and Levi had a traumatic past. These two trauma bonded and with the help of Levi’s dog “Lick” they were able to a form a relationship and help each other begin to heal.

Definitely check the trigger warnings on this one.