What We Break

The Breaking Duet

by Jenna Myles

I've been a travel nurse for a decade. I'm really, really good at leaving.

But at thirty-two, I'm tired of being a ghost in other people's lives. So I do something crazy. Crazy for me at least. I take a permanent job in Oregon. I buy throw pillows. Plural. I have a fiddle leaf fig I talk to like it's a patient.

Then I meet Reid Garrison.

He's chaotic sunshine in a paramedic uniform and before I know it I’m swept up in him. He's the golden retriever boyfriend I never knew I needed.

For the first time in my life, I'm not counting down the days until I leave.

There's just one problem. Six-foot-three of a problem.

Blake Moore is Reid's best friend and roommate. His military brother. The man who saved his life.

He's also cold, closed-off, and convinced I'm the worst thing that ever happened to Reid.

Every dinner is a minefield. Every conversation is a test I'm failing. The man looks at me like I'm a problem he can't solve.

But here's what keeps me up at night.

Sometimes Blake doesn't look at me with hate. Sometimes he looks at me like being near me is physically painful.

I'm a nurse. I know what suffering looks like.

And the way my heart stutters when our eyes meet? The way I catch myself wondering what broke him?

That's not supposed to happen.

I fell for the sunshine. So why can't I stop thinking about the storm?



Author This is book 1 of The Breaking Duet, a Why Choose romance, and leaves our heroes and heroine in a not great place. I promise they’ll ALL find their way back to happy in book 2. Please hang in there!

444 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 16, 2026

About the author

So apparently, not everyone has entire worlds and a whole cast of made up characters living in their head.

I bought my first book on how to write romance fifteen years ago.

And did absolutely nothing with it.

Until one day, tired of all my wishing and doubting, I sat down and started writing. The plan was to prove to myself that I sucked.

Turns out, not only do I not suck, I tell really great stories.

And those people who live in my head? They’ve been desperate to get out.

I am an adoptive and foster mom. I have a soft spot in my heart for kids from tough places.

Reviews

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

My emotions were completely swept up in this story from start to finish. Each chapter intensified my connection to what was unfolding, pulling me deeper into the lives of the characters. The joyful moments felt genuinely uplifting, while the heavier scenes carried real emotional weight and at times were truly heartbreaking. It’s the kind of book that keeps you hooked, turning pages without pause because you’re so invested in every outcome. An unforgettable read—Jenna truly delivered something special here.

[Sabelle C · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review will likely change based on book 2
It’s a duology that ends on a bit of a cliffhanger
I honestly can’t predict where this story is going but I’m invested in Laine, Reid, & Blake’s future.
I feel like I can’t give a proper assessment without having all the facts and reading the 2nd half of the story.

[Kristy Odom · Rating 5 out of 5]

My goodness, I felt like my heart was in my throat throughout the whole book. Like I couldn’t breathe during the last two chapters. I loved Reid! His energy off the charts. Blake had me in tears. Laine tries so hard to be everything to everyone, and to see her struggle was heartbreaking. The end though… I was in tears. I can’t wait wait to read the second book!

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book with my whole heart. Very different from the rest of Jenna's books but still spectacular. Wonderful story, great character development, slow burn. Cannot wait for the 2nd book. I devoured this one and read it in less than 2 days.

[Nicole Hamlett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Woo this was heavy. But it also had moments of hilarity and sweetness.

[Melinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good news is that this is a good book. Bad news is that I don't like triangles. At. All. Jury is out on whether I read book 2 or not. Sigh.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars Because I knew where this was going, I was prepared for the end and what ultimately went down. I think it was a bit long and maybe repetitive in a couple of places, but I am not so patiently awaiting part 2.