Tragedy brought us together, but something stronger made me want to stay.”
Julian was the boy next door. My brother’s best friend, he fit with my family in ways I never could. While he and Rhett went on to play house, I left the only life I knew, desperate for a fresh start.
Until everything changed.
Heartache came along, and the aftermath of my brother’s death was here to stay. I was now face … to stay. I was now face to face with Julian more than I ever wanted to be.
Being around him brought up all my insecurities, forced me to deal with hard truths, and conjured up feelings I had no business entertaining. He wasn’t the man I thought I knew. He was complex and layered, and inherently beautiful in all the ways I’d never noticed.
Not on another person.
Not on another man.
Not until him.
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Oh how i loved this book. I never read a MM love story before and i was sursprised by how the story evolved. I love how writer Marley Valentine wrote down their feelings so you could really feel them to. You can feel their struggle and all the emotions they go trough. How they both mourn for Retth and the hurt of Deacon for allways being less in comparison to his broter. And Jullian who is afraid to move forward and feels guilty toward Retth for loving again.
This is a wonderfull book for romance lovers alltogether, there are some sex scenes in this book but they are lovely, for Deacon, all things are new in this gay relationship and you can sense his curiosity. But there is no doubt, he was not gay before but he just loves Jullian with his whole heart.
A 5 star book and a real must read!!!!
Without You is a captivating, well written story, some of Marley Valentine’s best work. You will be emotionally hooked right from the start till the very end. Deacon and Julian’s story is raw and honest. Its gut wrenching and brutally painful at times, but oh so beautiful. You’ll laugh and cry, your heart will break but Marley does not disappoint in mending it back together!
It’s hard to find the words to write an appropriate review for this book. The raw emotion that is shared between Julian and Deacon captured me from the beginning. They shared a connection at first through Rhett, but it turned into a push and pull relationship filled with love and adoration. They leaned on each other throughout the entire story, especially when they encountered obstacles. The letter from Rhett at the end finished the story perfectly. Thank you Marley
If I could give this more than 5 ’s I would. This book went above and beyond my expectations. The writing, the story and the characters are well developed and the writing was exceptionally well. Once I opened this book I couldn’t put it down. The chemistry these two had melted my kindle and my panties. I would have loved to read what Rhett left Julian in those letters but I understand the reasoning. I was very disappointed in Deacon’s mom. I would have loved a little more on that. But otherwise this book will take you on a ride and you will see raw emotions and feel each feeling the character goes through. So sit back and enjoy this roller coaster ride. Highly recommend.
I voluntarily read this as an advanced readers copy!
I can’t find the words to truly express how beautiful this book was! I tried to go in as blind as possible and I’m so happy I did. The raw emotion of loss and love kept me glued to every single page. This book is so much more than the MM trope. It’s about two people finding there worth, there place and growing, not just individually but together as well. You’ll want to read this page turner with so many unexpected events with the most beautiful outcome!
I need to know the truth, because I’m so sick of being the fudging consolation prize.”
Without You was well worth every minute waited to read. Ms Valentine never disappoints. She is an incredibly talented wordsmith, with an ability to tug at your heartstrings and makes you visualise and feel like you are living among the characters. What a spectacularly powerful story of a family torn by tragic circumstances. Whilst you may feel like the person no one notices, nothing could be further from the truth. It’s finding those people who will take a stance or your behalf and not sit back in silence.
Deacon’s younger brother Rhett has lost his battle with leukaemia. He’s never looked forward to the trip home to his actual family, needing the lifeline of the new life he created in Seattle. Where he doesn’t have to live up to anyone’s expectations, judgement or keep being overlooked. He checks in on Julian his brother’s boyfriend before heading home, grieving, he’s almost catatonic on his bed. Deacons heart breaks as he holds him in his arms until he falls asleep. One year on his mother wants to hold a celebration of Rhett’s life and the feelings of that night come back with a vengeance.
Six Stars
You know that moment you finish a book and you just know you’re going to remember it forever. That’s this book. It’s EVERYTHING I love about MM storytelling.
I was in a bit of a book funk after some recent treasures & couldn’t find a story to capture me. Something that let me escape. Then boom along comes Without You.
I felt connected to these characters from almost their first scene. Something in them resonated with me and I had to force myself to slow down while reading as I was so anxious to see what was coming next. For me it’s the perfect balance of masculinity with vulnerability. The sexual chemistry between two men, that raw love, the kind that pours from the page.
Theirs isn’t an easy love story. It’s not a meet cute kinda love story. It’s an I can’t help myself from loving you kinda love story. It’s honest, it’s heartfelt and the connection between the characters felt so genuine I feel like I know them. It’s about valuing yourself, even when those around you don’t. It’s about second acts, the love that comes after…
At times I cried so hard I couldn’t see and the next minute I was smiling like a crazy person. It’s a character driven book. Beautiful dialogue & a subtle look at falling in love in spite of yourself and finding your happily ever after. I have to say Marley Valentine has one of the best MM voices I’ve read. Her male POV is perfection and I for one hope she gives me many more books like this one.
It’s going into my forever favourites folder and I cannot recommend it enough.
This book had my emotions everywhere! I cried so much. I love Deacon and Julian. I’m just so speechless and emotional right now. This book pulled me in from the beginning until the end. I was so captivated by this book. One of my favorite books this year!!
*Magic Beyond The Covers Book Blog*
Truly a beautiful read. Deacon’s character as what he perceives to be the outsider of the family and misunderstood and all his emotions in dealing with his brother’s death. Julian, the boyfriend of the brother who passed, and all his thought process since Rhett passed was so easy to relate to. The emotions and feelings in this book were true to life, raw and just pulled me into their relationship. I don’t want to give too much away but truly this was a beautiful story about raw unadulterated love and dealing with life’s little speed bumps and moving on.
Beautiful emotional must read! This story is a slow burn that is so full of emotions. The storyline is great and the characters are amazing. This is a must read for anyone who wants to read an emotional story that will stay with you. You won’t be able to get these 2 off of your mind.
This was a great read. I devoured this story.
OMG – I absolutely LOVED this book!!! I can’t think of adequate words to express how much I loved Deacon and Julian. I love how thier story unravelled and how they came together.
Marley writes the best M/M books!! I can’t wait to read what she has in store for us next!
Well after I finally was able to turn the page off of this hot af cover let me tell you I needed the tissues. Marley hits you in the feels right off the bat and doesn’t hold back. Watching Julian and Deacon fall for each other was everything. I just loved them.
Did you read that synopsis, did it suck you in? Because it should have! As soon as I read the synopsis for Without You, I just had to get my hands on this and it did not disappoint. And with this being my first read by Marley, you’ve gained a new fan and I can’t wait to read more of your work.
I can’t say that I’ve read a story like this, falling for your brother’s (who passed) boyfriend, I guess that makes it a bit forbidden and there’s the enemies to friends to lover aspect.
The connection between Deacon and Julian is absolutely everything, you can feel it from the very beginning. And there was just so much anticipation for what was to come between the both of them. I loved how Marley paced out their storyline, I thought it worked out perfectly for this. BUT, there was one point where it went to officially being together and then saying the I love you’s. It almost happened a little bit too quickly. That’s why I rated this a very strong 4 stars.
I really loved seeing the character development with Deacon and Julian. But Deacan’s personal story broke my heart the most, it definitely had me crying. I don’t want to say too much on it because it is a pivotal part to the story.
Such an emotional and heart-wrenching story of two people that just have this insane connection. M/M has been my jam and this one is quickly added to my favorites list. Highly recommend.
**AN ARC WAS PROVIDED IN EXCHANGE FOR A REVIEW**
Marley Valentine
All I can say is WOW!!! This one pulled at my heartstrings in so many ways. Julian and Deacon were perfect! Just when you think your heart can’t take anymore Marley patches it all back together
I have to say I think this is my favorite M/M read ever. This trope may not be for everyone but give it a chance. She takes a beautifully broken soul and mends it with a love that he never thought he would have in his life.
Oh. My. God. This book is amazing!! I absolutely loved it!! Theres laughing, heartache, anguish, first time love. It has some of everything and Marley just brought it all together in the only way she knew how. It’s amazing how she got all these emotions in this book. Warning you may ugly cry
Without You is emotional, heart wrenching and one of love, loss and finding that missing piece. Deacon and Julian are two characters that will find their way quickly into your heart. A story that truly shows love is about the connection of the heart and soul not about gender, looks or race. Deacon and Julian took me on a journey filled with chemistry, conflict, guilt and finally acceptance. Without You drew you into their world and their hearts and left you breathless. A book that will make your heartache and soothe it all at once. Their story is more than enough, it is literally everything and if you give this book a chance I promise you at the end your heart will be full and your soul will be lighter.
So I only occasionally read m/m books, the reviews and recommendations on this book had me wanting to read it. I cried and smiled and felt the love between Julian and Deacon, it has been awhile that I have read a book that had me putting my hand over my heart and just feeling. This book and Marley has earned every one of the 5 stars Plus a few more!
WOW
This was a fabulous read by Marley Valentine. The love story between Deacon and Julian had so much heart and depth. There wasn’t unnecessary drama or “miscommunication.”
Their journey was about the connection between two hearts. The pull and attraction they felt towards one other was not defined by them being men. Deacon and Julian found a love so deep and profound it simply made sense. Sure Deacon had never been with another man, but that didn’t matter when it came to his feelings towards Julian. Deacon loved Julian because it was him. The slow burn between them was perfect, as their relationship developed from barely knowing one another to not wanting to be apart.
I’ve read almost all of Marley’s work and I have to say this is my favorite so far Amma probably one of my top reads for the year. This story had ALL. THE. FEELS! I felt the range of emotions between these two from excitement, guilt, sadness and most of all happiness. It was beautifully written, she completely captured the true essence of these characters. I absolutely recommend this book!
Julian and Deacon it was tragedy that bought them together but it was love that held them together. Their journey is a beautiful telling of self- discovery, forgiveness, and ultimately going after what you want because it makes you happy regardless of those around you. I LOVED it!