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841 reviews for:

Without You

Marley Valentine

4.15 AVERAGE


Okay???? This was so sweet and surprisingly tender considering the subject matter. It's a story of healing and trying to move forward. Both Deacon and Julian have experienced loss but find understanding in one another despite also feeling like they shouldn't. I think I liked this book so much because both characters were constantly proving to the other that their feelings were real and that they wanted to be with one another. I also loved how both were fiercely protective of each other.

My favorites lines:

I feel him smile on my skin. He slides his hand from my waist to my chest, purposefully placing it right above my heart. “It’s about what’s in here,” he explains, tapping his fingers on my pec. “That’s what called to me, and that’s the only thing that matters.”

“You’re the beat of my heart, the blood in my veins, the strength in my bones. None of me works without you. And if you need me to tell you every fucking day for the rest of our lives, then I will, because you are more than enough. You’re everything.”

“I love you more than my past,” he says. “I love you more than the obstacles the present has thrown in our way. Because you’re my future. And I’m going to love you forever because you’re my always.”
dark emotional fast-paced
emotional hopeful reflective sad slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
challenging emotional sad medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: N/A

5 stars

This was so good. This is probably my favorite book of Marley Valentine's so far. It was hard at times because of all the emotions. They touch on tough subjects, but the way the MCs are there for each other and support each other through their mutual mourning was beautiful. The evolution of their relationship was interesting to watch, and it made sense. I was so disappointed in the mother, despite understanding how hard that kind of loss can be, she still had another son that needed her. Despite everything, it all worked out in the end and they got the ending they so desperately deserved.

4.5⭐️

This is a heartwarming and emotionally charged read that will make you feel all kinds of emotions. This book beautifully explores the depths of love, loss, and resilience. If you’re looking to be captivated by a touching storyline and unforgettable characters then give this book a chance. It is also the perfect heartwarming romance for this holiday season.

⭐️3.75/5

Narration & Story: 5 Stars

I love you more than my past. I love you more than the obstacles the present is throwing our way. Because you're my future. And I'm going to love you forever because you're my always.

Marley Valentine's Without You has been recommended to me time & time again since joining booksta & after finally sitting down to read it, I completely understand why - what an incredible story!

Ya'll should know at the outset that this story deals with some pretty heavy subject matter (be sure to check triggers), but Valentine tackles it all in such a beautiful, touching way. Grief is such a complex emotion that no two people necessarily handle the same way & we really got to see that here with Deacon & Julian. I loved seeing the way these two came together

In one word this book was..emotional.

I went in blind just from the cover, this one was rough.
Crying throughout a book hasn't happened to me a lot but this one hit a little closer than I expected.

Deacon & Julian's journey although rocky at first is beautiful as the book ended. Wanting to reach in and just hug them both was a familiar feeling while reading each of their POVs.
Grief a everlasting feeling, you can push it down and ignore it but it always comes back just when you think everything is okay.
This story was told in such a gripping way that it draws you in and keeps you there not wanting to let these characters go and move on but such is the thing with the ending of a book.

If you are up for a great book on loss, guilt and letting go to finally be happy then this is the book for you, take a chance and go to Montana/Seattle and meet Deacon & Julian.

Marley is a new author for me but this book will definitely not be my last, I am definitely glad I grabbed this one up.