If you’re searching for an emotional MM romance about grief, healing, and second chances, Without You by Marley Valentine is a must-read. This heartfelt novel tells the story of Julian and Deacon, two men brought together by loss but bound by something even stronger: the courage to love again. Perfect for readers who enjoy raw, character-driven romances that deal with family, heartbreak, and hope.
Without You by Marley Valentine Series: Without You Duet #1
Genres: MM Romance, Contemporary
Buy Links:Buy on Amazon
“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 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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My first encounter with Marley Valentine was Without You, and what a powerful experience it was. This book came softly at first but quickly proved to be unforgettable, touching deep wounds, tender memories, and the possibility of hope. It completely won me over and earned the “The Cat Loved” badge here on the blog.
The story follows Julian and Deacon (Dec). Julian was Rhett’s boyfriend—Dec’s brother—who passed away from cancer. When the book begins, a year has already gone by since Rhett’s death, and Julian is a shadow of himself, consumed by grief. At his mother’s request, Deacon delivers a box to Julian, one of Rhett’s final wishes. That heartbreaking encounter becomes the spark of something new: compassion, connection, and the realization that Dec’s feelings toward Julian were never truly hate, but jealousy and insecurity.
This novel beautifully explores two powerful themes: grief and rediscovering love. Deacon has always felt like he wasn’t enough, crushed under the weight of a difficult mother’s criticism. Julian, on the other hand, struggles with guilt; how can he move on without feeling like he’s betraying the love he lost? Marley Valentine captures their pain and their healing with remarkable sensitivity. Every silence, every small gesture feels raw and true.
Their relationship grows slowly, with tenderness and vulnerability leading the way. And while Julian and Dec are at the center, the supporting cast shines just as brightly: Dec’s business partner, his sister Victoria, and his niece bring warmth and grounding to their story, reminding us that love and family can take many forms.
The ending left me deeply emotional, with that rare sense of closing a book and knowing it will stay with me for a very long time.
If I have one critique, it’s the cover. It doesn’t reflect the depth of this story. Without You is not just another MM romance, it’s about grief, healing, and love in its most genuine form.
This book truly touched my heart. It’s one I want on my physical shelf, to revisit whenever I need it. A solid five stars with a special heart badge, because it’s unforgettable.
Final Rating: 5 stars!
Have you read Without You or other books by Marley Valentine? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to know what you felt about this story.
