Not Without Me
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About
When my mum’s new partner walked into our lives, bringing along his brooding son, Cade Westwood, I never imagined the rollercoaster that awaited me.
Cade, haunted by his past, kept a tight lid on his emotions, and I couldn't help but be intrigued by the mystery that surrounded him. Little did I know that our innocent connection would soon be tested by unexpected hurdles, turning our fairy-tale love story into a haunting nightmare.
Fast forward sixteen years, and I find myself staring into the eyes of Cade once again—only this time, he’s my boss. The wounds from our shared history resurface, and I’m forced to confront the bittersweet memories that still linger.
As I try to navigate my newfound professional life, buried feelings for Cade threaten to emerge from the shadows. Will I be able to keep my emotions in check? And can Cade’s secrets avoid derailing our chance at a renewed connection?
Trigger Warning: Explores themes of parental death, emotional abuse, physical abuse, and trauma that some readers may find triggering.
Praise for this book
Love love loved this book! It was so easy to read and I didn't want to put it down. It was well written giving you the then and now story at the same time. It helped you know how the relationship started and where it is now. It lets you feel everything they went through sixteen years ago and how they are now. This is the first book of Maria Dean I have read but it will not be the last.
Written in dual POV, with present and past mingled in, we learn of Alex (Lexie) and Cade's story. A tragic teenage romance lost for sixteen years. True love never dies, but can the past be forgotten? With a savage twist at the end, I could not put this book down, and I read it in one afternoon (and late into the night!!! I just couldn't stop). Just check trigger warnings as some scenes could be confronting.
I Need MORE! Addictive characters. Love story, drama and heartache. Most of all second chances and hope for a better life. I absolutely devoured this book. I highly recommend picking this book up. (Make sure you check trigger warnings though as mental health comes first).
How to even wrap up this one, I'm so sad it's finished, I loved every part of this and right towards the end, Cade made me cry giving this book its five stars for exciting every emotion. I squealed in delight at words, I blushed, I laughed, I cried. I just loved absolutely everything. The way the writing flows and it's such an addictive read that you don't even realise you've read so much until you do. I loved the fact that included was Alex's allergy and the importance of everything we take for granted. I actually learned just how serious it can be for people like Alex. I'd recommend this to everyone who loves romance, with step siblings, rekindled love with the added spice factor.
Not Without Me by Maria Dean is a captivating tale of love, loss, and the enduring power of connections. Maria Dean's portrayal of complex relationships is poignant and thought-provoking, delving into themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the transformative power of time. This is a compelling blend of romance and introspection, offering readers a heartfelt exploration of love's enduring impact accross the years. This is a must-read for anyone captivated by tales of love, resilience, and the power of understanding.