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Healing in Cincy #2
Make It Without You
Emily
I thought our love was meant to last a lifetime.
When I was thirteen I met a boy.
At eighteen I knew I would spend forever with him.
At twenty-two our forever was even closer than before.
Then at twenty-four our forever was cut short.
Two years later I’m starting over.
I never thought it would be with my student's father.
Adam
She walked into my bar on a Tuesday night.
I saw a woman that was about to crack.
When the floodgates opened, I realized I just wanted to make her smile.
Even if it was only for one night.
In a weird twist of fate, she turns out to be my son’s teacher.
We play a delicate game of push and pull.
Do we wait until I’m no longer his son’s teacher?
Or do we cross the line?
*The Healing in Cincy series is meant to be read in order. Start with book 1, The Night We Met.
I thought our love was meant to last a lifetime.
When I was thirteen I met a boy.
At eighteen I knew I would spend forever with him.
At twenty-two our forever was even closer than before.
Then at twenty-four our forever was cut short.
Two years later I’m starting over.
I never thought it would be with my student's father.
Adam
She walked into my bar on a Tuesday night.
I saw a woman that was about to crack.
When the floodgates opened, I realized I just wanted to make her smile.
Even if it was only for one night.
In a weird twist of fate, she turns out to be my son’s teacher.
We play a delicate game of push and pull.
Do we wait until I’m no longer his son’s teacher?
Or do we cross the line?
*The Healing in Cincy series is meant to be read in order. Start with book 1, The Night We Met.
370 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
October 12, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
Make It Without You is book 2 in the series and although the main characters are different from the first there is a major event that happens in book 1 that connects the two together so you should definitely read The Night We Met beforehand.
I swear Elleese is the Queen of making me cry at books. She has a way of breaking your heart into pieces, but also mending it back together. You get to follow Emily from her first day in high school all the way up until she creates her own life as an adult and let me tell you …. it’s an EMOTIONAL journey. One of my favorite things about the FMCs that Elleese has written is the strength that they have because they really go through some of the hardest things in life and in the end they come out on top in their own ways. I can’t wait for the rest of the series and to see who’s next!
Make It Without You is book 2 in the series and although the main characters are different from the first there is a major event that happens in book 1 that connects the two together so you should definitely read The Night We Met beforehand.
I swear Elleese is the Queen of making me cry at books. She has a way of breaking your heart into pieces, but also mending it back together. You get to follow Emily from her first day in high school all the way up until she creates her own life as an adult and let me tell you …. it’s an EMOTIONAL journey. One of my favorite things about the FMCs that Elleese has written is the strength that they have because they really go through some of the hardest things in life and in the end they come out on top in their own ways. I can’t wait for the rest of the series and to see who’s next!
January 26, 2025
I wrote it. So I think it’s pretty good 🫶🏽
October 11, 2024
♥️ Single dad
✨ Age gap
♥️ Friends to lovers
✨ Emotional
♥️ Spicy
This is book two in The Healing In Cincy Series
Gossshhh I so wasn’t ready for this emotional rollercoaster, I thought I was prepared for this next book after reading Book One The Night We Met
I wasn’t, I wasn’t even close to being ready
I was so, soooo, so wrong. You definitely need to read the first book because the books are interconnected. It gives you a better idea as to what’s going on and who’s who. With snippets (if that’s the word), of characters in the first book.
When I thought I got choked up in book one I bawled my eyes out for Emily and James in book two,
this book. Arrr mannnn.
I don’t even know where to start.
Okayyy, so I honestly think Elleese is amazing at writing, these characters this story, both stories infact have captured me and dragged me in and made me feel all these emotions like I was going through it myself, the characters are so easy to fall in love with and to follow their story. Books that easily pull you in and keep
You there till the very end. Reading page after page, chapter after chapter.
Emily and James are meant for each other, a love that would last a lifetime. They’ve been together a long time
In an instant your life can fall apart
Having to starts over after heartbreak Emily meets Adam, who turns out to be the ideal book boyfriend by the way (just saying) he’s also Emily’s students dad
Now there’s a line not to cross… Right??
But the chemistry is super hot with these two, how can it be wrong
But in the mix of it all he is a comfort to her, someone strong to lean on.
Adam’s a perfect dad, everything is for his kiddo and his number one priority.
He feels a pull to Emily when he claps eyes on her and just wants to see her smile
Everyone deserves happiness
We all deal with things in our own ways, in grief in loss we heal and heal in our own ways.
This books shows that and it’s beautiful
Emotional but beautiful
✨ Age gap
♥️ Friends to lovers
✨ Emotional
♥️ Spicy
This is book two in The Healing In Cincy Series
Gossshhh I so wasn’t ready for this emotional rollercoaster, I thought I was prepared for this next book after reading Book One The Night We Met
I wasn’t, I wasn’t even close to being ready
I was so, soooo, so wrong. You definitely need to read the first book because the books are interconnected. It gives you a better idea as to what’s going on and who’s who. With snippets (if that’s the word), of characters in the first book.
When I thought I got choked up in book one I bawled my eyes out for Emily and James in book two,
this book. Arrr mannnn.
I don’t even know where to start.
Okayyy, so I honestly think Elleese is amazing at writing, these characters this story, both stories infact have captured me and dragged me in and made me feel all these emotions like I was going through it myself, the characters are so easy to fall in love with and to follow their story. Books that easily pull you in and keep
You there till the very end. Reading page after page, chapter after chapter.
Emily and James are meant for each other, a love that would last a lifetime. They’ve been together a long time
In an instant your life can fall apart
Having to starts over after heartbreak Emily meets Adam, who turns out to be the ideal book boyfriend by the way (just saying) he’s also Emily’s students dad
Now there’s a line not to cross… Right??
But the chemistry is super hot with these two, how can it be wrong
But in the mix of it all he is a comfort to her, someone strong to lean on.
Adam’s a perfect dad, everything is for his kiddo and his number one priority.
He feels a pull to Emily when he claps eyes on her and just wants to see her smile
Everyone deserves happiness
We all deal with things in our own ways, in grief in loss we heal and heal in our own ways.
This books shows that and it’s beautiful
Emotional but beautiful
October 5, 2024
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶 out of 5
Tropes:
🏘Boy Next Door
💗Cinnamon Roll Single Dad MMC
🫦Age Gap (27, 38)
❤️🩹Healing
✨️Blurb:
I thought our love was meant to last a lifetime.
When I was thirteen I met a boy.
At eighteen I knew I would spend forever with him.
At twenty-two our forever was even closer than before.
Then at twenty-four our forever was cut short.
Two years later I’m starting over.
I never thought it would be with my student's father.
✨️Review:
This is a tug at your heart story for sure! I don't shed tears easily at all, but a few fell in the first bit of this book. Emily's road of grief and finding love again is such a hopeful one and I really felt the raw pain she was going through.
On the flip side we have the source of her mending heart in the lovable hottie baseball dad, Adam. An absolute treasure this man! So patient with her and I appreciate so much that they didn't get to 3rd base very fast. Often I see that a lot in stories but this felt more realistic for someone who lost such a cornerstone of her life.
The little moments between them just build the case of why I was rooting for them so much! The final third act may have felt a bit fast for me (with the ex showing up), but I still absolutely love this couple and was so happy they got their well deserved HEA!
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶 out of 5
Tropes:
🏘Boy Next Door
💗Cinnamon Roll Single Dad MMC
🫦Age Gap (27, 38)
❤️🩹Healing
✨️Blurb:
I thought our love was meant to last a lifetime.
When I was thirteen I met a boy.
At eighteen I knew I would spend forever with him.
At twenty-two our forever was even closer than before.
Then at twenty-four our forever was cut short.
Two years later I’m starting over.
I never thought it would be with my student's father.
✨️Review:
This is a tug at your heart story for sure! I don't shed tears easily at all, but a few fell in the first bit of this book. Emily's road of grief and finding love again is such a hopeful one and I really felt the raw pain she was going through.
On the flip side we have the source of her mending heart in the lovable hottie baseball dad, Adam. An absolute treasure this man! So patient with her and I appreciate so much that they didn't get to 3rd base very fast. Often I see that a lot in stories but this felt more realistic for someone who lost such a cornerstone of her life.
The little moments between them just build the case of why I was rooting for them so much! The final third act may have felt a bit fast for me (with the ex showing up), but I still absolutely love this couple and was so happy they got their well deserved HEA!
October 15, 2024
I went into this knowing it was a second-chance romance, but I wasn’t expecting the huge twist. While it’s clearly a romance, the book also deals with grief and the experience of finding love again after loss.
This story was extremely emotional, and I found myself crying at several points. My heart truly broke for Emily, which kept me on edge, always waiting for the other shoe to drop. I’m glad she carried out Gloria wish even though it was incredibly difficult for her.
Even though Emily and her parents didn’t have the best relationship, I have to give them credit for being there when she needed them most. I kept going back to Emily and Kamryn’s relationship, and I don’t think their bond will ever be the same again. The trauma they experienced together seems too painful to fully overcome.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. Even though I know how Kamryn and Mason’s relationship turns out, I still want to read the first book because I’m really interested in seeing Kamryn’s healing journey. I realize I didn’t mention Adam or James in this review, even though they play significant roles in the story. But I wanted to focus on Emily—giving her the attention she’s always wanted and deserved.
October 17, 2024
Review: 3 stars
As Book 1 preludes to this romance happening, I was excited and was looking forward to reading this one. While I enjoyed the book, I find it a little lacking compared to book 1.
For one, I felt like the second-chance romance was very instant, there wasn’t any build up to this. As for the grieving parts, due to the time change, we didn’t get to see how Emily went through the grieving process except for parts we were shown. As a person currently dealing with grief, I find myself struggling to relate especially how fast the transitions of some scenes went. However, I do admit that the heavy topics like therapy, crucial support from friends and family were handled wonderfully.
I also enjoyed reading the history of her first meeting with James and the awkwardness they dealt with in high school. I did not expect how spicy it was going to be and some of these scenes were hot!
Overall, if you are looking for romance with some emotions and spice thrown in, this book is for you!
Thank you Elleese Black and Truly Yours PR for the ARC!
As Book 1 preludes to this romance happening, I was excited and was looking forward to reading this one. While I enjoyed the book, I find it a little lacking compared to book 1.
For one, I felt like the second-chance romance was very instant, there wasn’t any build up to this. As for the grieving parts, due to the time change, we didn’t get to see how Emily went through the grieving process except for parts we were shown. As a person currently dealing with grief, I find myself struggling to relate especially how fast the transitions of some scenes went. However, I do admit that the heavy topics like therapy, crucial support from friends and family were handled wonderfully.
I also enjoyed reading the history of her first meeting with James and the awkwardness they dealt with in high school. I did not expect how spicy it was going to be and some of these scenes were hot!
Overall, if you are looking for romance with some emotions and spice thrown in, this book is for you!
Thank you Elleese Black and Truly Yours PR for the ARC!
October 16, 2024
Thank you to Truly Yours PR for the opportunity to read this ARC!
Rating is 3.5/5
The language and writing of the book was simple and straightforward in the way it conveyed meaning, making it super easy to get into the story. Sometimes the transition between scenes seemed a little out of place/unbelievable, but it also did a good job of conveying the awkwardness of being in high school.
The heavy topics that the story navigated were done with grace and respect, and I greatly appreciated the way it was portrayed. The spice was a 10/10, and will not leave you disappointed.
Overall, I’d recommend this book to my fellow romance lovers, especially if you like some angst mixed in!
Rating is 3.5/5
The language and writing of the book was simple and straightforward in the way it conveyed meaning, making it super easy to get into the story. Sometimes the transition between scenes seemed a little out of place/unbelievable, but it also did a good job of conveying the awkwardness of being in high school.
The heavy topics that the story navigated were done with grace and respect, and I greatly appreciated the way it was portrayed. The spice was a 10/10, and will not leave you disappointed.
Overall, I’d recommend this book to my fellow romance lovers, especially if you like some angst mixed in!
December 29, 2024
Thank you Elleese for letting me Beta read this book! This book is just as heartbreaking as the first but Elleese puts you back together real nice 😭 I’m so glad i got to see these characters get their second chance at happiness! You will feel all the things reading this book… it’ll be spicy and sweet and sad and everything. So if you love books that will rip you apart and put your back together, read this!
make sure to read the first book before this one!
make sure to read the first book before this one!
December 31, 2024
I really liked this story, until about 60%. Then it just tapered off, was repetitive, and ended meh. It felt like too many plot ideas were being crammed into these two characters and their story.
October 25, 2024
Make It Without You is a journey of healing, of finding love after loss. The journey that Emily goes through in this book is full of ups and downs, and Elleese did a wonderful job engrossing you in the story and feeling the emotions along with the characters.
This is book 2 in the series, and it is highly recommended to read book 1 first. If you’ve read the first book, you know what is coming in the beginning of this book, but it still hits you like a freight train.
Adam was a perfect MMC for Emily and was so patient, while helping her to navigate her grief. He is nothing but green flags and we love him for that.
4.4/5
This is book 2 in the series, and it is highly recommended to read book 1 first. If you’ve read the first book, you know what is coming in the beginning of this book, but it still hits you like a freight train.
Adam was a perfect MMC for Emily and was so patient, while helping her to navigate her grief. He is nothing but green flags and we love him for that.
4.4/5
October 7, 2024
ARC read James is very nice to Emily he offered to sit with her on the bus she’s a freshman in high school while he’s a sophomore. His two friends even took Emily in as a friend Emily is a loner and doesn’t do well in socializing. Emily parents work a lot and she spends a lot of time at home alone 2 years went by and she barely saw her parents her maid be there but she does have a life outside of Emily home. Her parents miss her showcase and missed her high school graduation now they’re going to miss her first day of college since they will be in Spain for 6 months. Damn James 😔😱😥 Emily hits it off with Adam who owns the restaurant bar she hasn’t been with anyone since the death of her fiancé James Emily is Adam son 1st grade teacher so they have to take things slow until she is no longer his teacher.
Oh no not Gloria. Adam ex wife and the mother of his child has been out of their life for 6 years when she filed for divorce she also signed over her rights as a mother to their son but now she’s back and wants to be apart of not just their son life but Adam’s as well. He’s happy with dating Emily now that she is no longer his son teacher he met her parents and her friends things are looking up for the couple. Emily also met Adam’s parents a lot of change was happening that scared Emily so she broke it off with Adam 2 months with by her friends helped her see he’s the one for her I’m glad his ex wife dropped the battle she started now Emily and Adam are at peace I’m glad they have their happy ending a family I’m hoping to read more about Emily and Adam as well as all her friends.
I loved this story so much I brought the other book The Night We Met
Oh no not Gloria. Adam ex wife and the mother of his child has been out of their life for 6 years when she filed for divorce she also signed over her rights as a mother to their son but now she’s back and wants to be apart of not just their son life but Adam’s as well. He’s happy with dating Emily now that she is no longer his son teacher he met her parents and her friends things are looking up for the couple. Emily also met Adam’s parents a lot of change was happening that scared Emily so she broke it off with Adam 2 months with by her friends helped her see he’s the one for her I’m glad his ex wife dropped the battle she started now Emily and Adam are at peace I’m glad they have their happy ending a family I’m hoping to read more about Emily and Adam as well as all her friends.
I loved this story so much I brought the other book The Night We Met
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2024
☆•••ARC REVIEW•••☆
Make It Without You is beautiful, sexy, and heart-wrenching. It's powerful, compelling and emotionally charged with a unique storyline that was truly unlike any other I've read. For days after I finished reading, my mind would drift back to Adam and Emily and relive moments of their story because I just couldn't let go.
I fell in love with the story on page one. You might think that the first page is a little early to proclaim undying love for a book but I instantly felt connected -- it was like I'd just stepped right into the story.
I can honestly say that few character's backstories have ever made my heart shatter as Emily's did. I cried -- no, sobbed -- so much that I could no longer see the words and so I just sat there with tears steaming down my face absorbing the huge emotions this story evoked. Her pain felt so real that I can honestly say, I've never wanted to hug a fictional character this much. I love how how patient Adam was with Emily after knowing about her past.
I didn't think that this book was going to be so hard on me... And yes, it hurt. I don't know if I can ever forgive Ellese for what she did to James.
I want to rant and rave even more about this book, but this is something you really need to read and experience for yourself. Make It Without You might just be the biggest surprise read I've had all year. I can't express enough how impressive the characters, plot, and play out of this story are.
And... I still want to hug Adam, Emily and James.
Make It Without You is beautiful, sexy, and heart-wrenching. It's powerful, compelling and emotionally charged with a unique storyline that was truly unlike any other I've read. For days after I finished reading, my mind would drift back to Adam and Emily and relive moments of their story because I just couldn't let go.
I fell in love with the story on page one. You might think that the first page is a little early to proclaim undying love for a book but I instantly felt connected -- it was like I'd just stepped right into the story.
I can honestly say that few character's backstories have ever made my heart shatter as Emily's did. I cried -- no, sobbed -- so much that I could no longer see the words and so I just sat there with tears steaming down my face absorbing the huge emotions this story evoked. Her pain felt so real that I can honestly say, I've never wanted to hug a fictional character this much. I love how how patient Adam was with Emily after knowing about her past.
I didn't think that this book was going to be so hard on me... And yes, it hurt. I don't know if I can ever forgive Ellese for what she did to James.
I want to rant and rave even more about this book, but this is something you really need to read and experience for yourself. Make It Without You might just be the biggest surprise read I've had all year. I can't express enough how impressive the characters, plot, and play out of this story are.
And... I still want to hug Adam, Emily and James.
October 14, 2024
Rating 4.5*
Spice 3.5
I received a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
I've finished reading this a few days ago. I wanted to take some time to gather my thoughts.
Adam is an amazing character, and I love him.
Emily, I'm not sure how I feel about her... She has her demons, and her concerns which yes, she should have some lingering feelings after the stuff she has been through. Also, duh, it's the healing in Cincy series so, clearly she has things to work through. I didn't connect with her nearly as well as I would have liked. I found her relationship with Adam was surface level. He was making all sort of attempts to comfort her, and be there for her. It sort of seemed like he was walking on eggshells with her. She never once (that I remember) her ask about his divorce, or ask about what happened with his ex. I feel like she could have been there for him as well. He was also struggling with his past and the rejection of his wife.
I despised the way Emily handled certain things towards the end. Maybe I'm biased because of how much I liked Adam, but I thought he deserved better.
Nit-picky reader alert -- There were a few things that I found didn't line up exactly with the other book, maybe that was my interpretation of them. It sounded like her and Kam were a lot closer than they seemed to be in the first book. Again, maybe that's my interpretation.
Spice 3.5
I received a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
I've finished reading this a few days ago. I wanted to take some time to gather my thoughts.
Adam is an amazing character, and I love him.
Emily, I'm not sure how I feel about her... She has her demons, and her concerns which yes, she should have some lingering feelings after the stuff she has been through. Also, duh, it's the healing in Cincy series so, clearly she has things to work through. I didn't connect with her nearly as well as I would have liked. I found her relationship with Adam was surface level. He was making all sort of attempts to comfort her, and be there for her. It sort of seemed like he was walking on eggshells with her. She never once (that I remember) her ask about his divorce, or ask about what happened with his ex. I feel like she could have been there for him as well. He was also struggling with his past and the rejection of his wife.
I despised the way Emily handled certain things towards the end. Maybe I'm biased because of how much I liked Adam, but I thought he deserved better.
Nit-picky reader alert -- There were a few things that I found didn't line up exactly with the other book, maybe that was my interpretation of them. It sounded like her and Kam were a lot closer than they seemed to be in the first book. Again, maybe that's my interpretation.
October 22, 2024
Overall reading: 4.5 / 5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Emotions: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes:
single dad
age gap
friends to lovers
boy next door
teacher x bartender
baseball dad
*received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
This book had no reason to make me cry as much as it did. I’ll be honest, I had forgotten what the book was about and I didn’t check the blurb/tropes before reading again. Big mistake omg.
When I first started reading it, the story had its sad elements for sure. A high school girl who seemingly had all she needed: a rough over her head, a housekeeper, an instrument, and all financial needs covered. What she didn’t have, however, was her parents. I thought that the story was going to revolve around her boyfriend teaching her that she’s loved and worthy of love despite her parents.
Oh how wrong I was.
I don’t want to get too into it and spoil it, but this story was beautiful. It gives you a glimpse into the grieving process and that it’s okay to move on and live a happy life - even if your other half isn’t there with you. Emily was brave in her decisions. She was a bit stupid towards the end for my taste, but I respected that once the breakup happened, it was for a good reason. Therapy was for sure something she needed, and once she got her head out of her ass, she went to grovel and plead for forgiveness.
Adam was absolutely perfect. Not a single red flag in sight. This man was so patient and loving. He waited for Emily to ensure he didn’t mess with her career. When learning all she went through, he was patient again and let her set the pace in their growing relationship. As a father, he was absolutely amazing. The story didn’t show much of him as a father as I would have preferred, but the glimpses we saw were still perfect.
The story is pretty fast-paced and I enjoyed it! Please make sure to read all content warnings before reading. Don’t do what I did lmao.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Emotions: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes:
single dad
age gap
friends to lovers
boy next door
teacher x bartender
baseball dad
*received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
This book had no reason to make me cry as much as it did. I’ll be honest, I had forgotten what the book was about and I didn’t check the blurb/tropes before reading again. Big mistake omg.
When I first started reading it, the story had its sad elements for sure. A high school girl who seemingly had all she needed: a rough over her head, a housekeeper, an instrument, and all financial needs covered. What she didn’t have, however, was her parents. I thought that the story was going to revolve around her boyfriend teaching her that she’s loved and worthy of love despite her parents.
Oh how wrong I was.
I don’t want to get too into it and spoil it, but this story was beautiful. It gives you a glimpse into the grieving process and that it’s okay to move on and live a happy life - even if your other half isn’t there with you. Emily was brave in her decisions. She was a bit stupid towards the end for my taste, but I respected that once the breakup happened, it was for a good reason. Therapy was for sure something she needed, and once she got her head out of her ass, she went to grovel and plead for forgiveness.
Adam was absolutely perfect. Not a single red flag in sight. This man was so patient and loving. He waited for Emily to ensure he didn’t mess with her career. When learning all she went through, he was patient again and let her set the pace in their growing relationship. As a father, he was absolutely amazing. The story didn’t show much of him as a father as I would have preferred, but the glimpses we saw were still perfect.
The story is pretty fast-paced and I enjoyed it! Please make sure to read all content warnings before reading. Don’t do what I did lmao.
October 12, 2024
I love age gap/single parent romances, and love when they are well written. Elleese did an amazing job creating a love story that was tested by many obstacles but prevailed in the end. I loved the build up of Adam and Emily’s relationship. They didn’t just jump straight in due to the fact that Emily was Adam’s son’s teacher. But the moment school was out… Adam knew exactly what he wanted and was unafraid to go after it.
Emily has been through so much, after losing her first love, James, she is scared to love again and be happy. It was inspiring to watch her grow and learn to love herself in the process of opening herself up to love again with Adam. She is incredibly brave and resilient. The closure she finds is incredibly emotional and cathartic, as the reader you feel her grief and are relieved when she is able to move forward.
Adam is an MMC that I didn’t know I needed, but now that I have read this book I want one! He was incredibly patient as he navigated his relationship with Emily and was the first to confess to his mistakes, who doesn’t love a man who expresses his feelings and faults. Plus, add in that dirty mouth of his, and that is an extra bonus to his overall sex appeal.
Elleese did such an incredible job representing mental health, past trauma, and self doubt in regard to the effects that plays on new relationships. This story is an incredible read regarding self discovery, second chances, and seeing the hope/joy again after loss.
Thank you so much to Truly Yours and the author for the ARC copy of this book! This is my first book by Elleese Black and I can’t wait to read more of her works!
Emily has been through so much, after losing her first love, James, she is scared to love again and be happy. It was inspiring to watch her grow and learn to love herself in the process of opening herself up to love again with Adam. She is incredibly brave and resilient. The closure she finds is incredibly emotional and cathartic, as the reader you feel her grief and are relieved when she is able to move forward.
Adam is an MMC that I didn’t know I needed, but now that I have read this book I want one! He was incredibly patient as he navigated his relationship with Emily and was the first to confess to his mistakes, who doesn’t love a man who expresses his feelings and faults. Plus, add in that dirty mouth of his, and that is an extra bonus to his overall sex appeal.
Elleese did such an incredible job representing mental health, past trauma, and self doubt in regard to the effects that plays on new relationships. This story is an incredible read regarding self discovery, second chances, and seeing the hope/joy again after loss.
Thank you so much to Truly Yours and the author for the ARC copy of this book! This is my first book by Elleese Black and I can’t wait to read more of her works!
October 8, 2024
Having read the first book in the series, I already had some understanding of how the beginning of this book would look. But honestly, nothing can prepare you for the emotional flood of this story. I started to cry during the first couple of chapters and didn't stop until the halfway point. The author is exceptionally talented, not just in her storytelling ability but in how she makes you feel the story and the characters' emotions, and you are living their trauma as it unfolds on the page.
The story itself, whilst horrifically traumatic, is a beautiful second-chance love story. The journey that Emily goes through to find Adam is heartwarming, as is his gentle support, the slow burn during the very beginning of their exploration of each other, and how each of them healed.
This book is heart-wrenching but in such a good way. If you love a story that is a hard-hitting emotional rollercoaster from the first page, where you are committed to a journey of devastation but with a happy ever after, then this is the book for you.
The story itself, whilst horrifically traumatic, is a beautiful second-chance love story. The journey that Emily goes through to find Adam is heartwarming, as is his gentle support, the slow burn during the very beginning of their exploration of each other, and how each of them healed.
This book is heart-wrenching but in such a good way. If you love a story that is a hard-hitting emotional rollercoaster from the first page, where you are committed to a journey of devastation but with a happy ever after, then this is the book for you.
October 13, 2024
Tropes/themes: single dad, age gap, grief/loss, slow burn
Rating: 3.5/5
Spice: 3/5
This book started with Em and James in high school: meeting, dating, falling in love - and although the story starts YA in keeping with the age of the characters, the spice grows as they get older. But then tragedy strikes, and James dies in a car accident.
Have Kleenex handy. I cried so much in this book!
The rest of the book is about Em and her grief and moving on. Two years after James dies, Em is in a new city with a new job and feels a connection to Adam- the first time she's been interested in a man since James.
Adam is older, a single dad of a boy in Em's class and is incredibly patient and understanding of Em's grieving. The slow burn comes into play since they decide not to pursue a relationship until the school year is finished. I really like Adam's character - he is so mature and supportive and perceptive.
Em is a bit immature, but she has a great group of friends who help set her on the right path.
I definitely enjoyed this one!
Rating: 3.5/5
Spice: 3/5
This book started with Em and James in high school: meeting, dating, falling in love - and although the story starts YA in keeping with the age of the characters, the spice grows as they get older. But then tragedy strikes, and James dies in a car accident.
Have Kleenex handy. I cried so much in this book!
The rest of the book is about Em and her grief and moving on. Two years after James dies, Em is in a new city with a new job and feels a connection to Adam- the first time she's been interested in a man since James.
Adam is older, a single dad of a boy in Em's class and is incredibly patient and understanding of Em's grieving. The slow burn comes into play since they decide not to pursue a relationship until the school year is finished. I really like Adam's character - he is so mature and supportive and perceptive.
Em is a bit immature, but she has a great group of friends who help set her on the right path.
I definitely enjoyed this one!
October 22, 2024
STORY:5
CHARACTERS:5
SPICE:3
OVERALL:4
TROPES:
SINGLE DADA
SECOND CHANCE
AGE GAP (11 YEARS)
TRAUMA
I HIGHLY recommend reading the first book before you tackle this one. The author does state that these can be read alone, but due to them being interconnected, it does make it difficult.
I was bothered by the beginning of this book, due to the multiple year gaps and how things transpire with James. Do I get it was necessary? Yes. Does that make it better? Nope. I was such a fan of the pure love that Emily and James had, it is a shame it could not survive. However, Emily, well grown Emily needed Adam and boy did he need her.
Adam is one of my fave MMCs this year. His character was well written and he is what a lot of women would be wanting in real life, FOR SURE. The way him and Emily come together allows for such a strong foundation, despite the 3rd act break-up. I hoped that would be skipped due to the prior trauma, but E said f you all, suffer!
All jokes aside, if you want a book that breaks ya down a bit and builds ya back, you got a good one here.
CHARACTERS:5
SPICE:3
OVERALL:4
TROPES:
SINGLE DADA
SECOND CHANCE
AGE GAP (11 YEARS)
TRAUMA
I HIGHLY recommend reading the first book before you tackle this one. The author does state that these can be read alone, but due to them being interconnected, it does make it difficult.
I was bothered by the beginning of this book, due to the multiple year gaps and how things transpire with James. Do I get it was necessary? Yes. Does that make it better? Nope. I was such a fan of the pure love that Emily and James had, it is a shame it could not survive. However, Emily, well grown Emily needed Adam and boy did he need her.
Adam is one of my fave MMCs this year. His character was well written and he is what a lot of women would be wanting in real life, FOR SURE. The way him and Emily come together allows for such a strong foundation, despite the 3rd act break-up. I hoped that would be skipped due to the prior trauma, but E said f you all, suffer!
All jokes aside, if you want a book that breaks ya down a bit and builds ya back, you got a good one here.
October 2, 2024
Elleese Black's “Make It Without You: Single Dad, Age Gap Romance” is a beautiful exploration of love, loss, and the journey forward. I loved every second of this book. Black’s writing captures the raw emotions of grief and longing, making it easy for readers to connect with the main characters struggles. This book is a powerful reminder that we can find strength in vulnerability. It’s recommended you read “The Night We Met” first, although not necessary to enjoy the prose. I highly recommend this book for anyone seeking an emotional read!
October 9, 2024
When I ask to be emotionally tormented, this is what I’m looking for. Build me up, break me and then build me back up again. Oh how I desperately wanted to keep Emily and James in a happy bubble. But much like bubbles, they easily pop. If I could have found a way into these pages to hug Emily and never let her go, I would have. The Author’s writing made me feel the emotions right alongside Emily. And when Adam came into Emily’s life, it was easy to understand her hesitancy and emotions that came with learning and allowing herself to feel a new kind of love. And Adam, oh how easy it was to love Adam. Everything about his character had made me want to know him more. Not to mention all of the scenes with Dylan and my heart just filled with warmth. I’ll admit that this is my first dip into the single dad tropes and this didn’t disappoint. I absolutely enjoyed Elleese’s writing and I’ll definitely come back for the emotional torment if more is dished out!
October 12, 2024
ARC Review of Make it Without You by Elleese Black - Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 Stars)
Tropes:
🥞Friends to Lovers
🥞Boy Nextdoor
🥞Age Gap
🥞Single Dad
🥞Forbidden Romance/Love
🥞“You Came.” “You Called.”
🥞Love After Loss
This book was a wonderful second installment in the ‘Healing in Cincy’ series! I loved the flow of this book and felt that the flashbacks and change in timeline(s) really helped to drive home the emotional intensity of some integral plot points. I truly felt for Emily and her healing journey/arc was devastating, yet wonderful to read about. My favorite character by far was Adam. From the minute he was introduced, my interest was piqued. However, as much as I enjoyed this story about forbidden romance/love and friends to lovers, I would absolutely LOVE to learn more about Brandon and Angie’s journey! 👀🤔🤞🏼
Book Title: Make It Without You
Publication/Release Date: October 11, 2024
Author: @elleeseblack.author (on IG)
~Alissa R.
Tropes:
🥞Friends to Lovers
🥞Boy Nextdoor
🥞Age Gap
🥞Single Dad
🥞Forbidden Romance/Love
🥞“You Came.” “You Called.”
🥞Love After Loss
This book was a wonderful second installment in the ‘Healing in Cincy’ series! I loved the flow of this book and felt that the flashbacks and change in timeline(s) really helped to drive home the emotional intensity of some integral plot points. I truly felt for Emily and her healing journey/arc was devastating, yet wonderful to read about. My favorite character by far was Adam. From the minute he was introduced, my interest was piqued. However, as much as I enjoyed this story about forbidden romance/love and friends to lovers, I would absolutely LOVE to learn more about Brandon and Angie’s journey! 👀🤔🤞🏼
Book Title: Make It Without You
Publication/Release Date: October 11, 2024
Author: @elleeseblack.author (on IG)
~Alissa R.
October 20, 2024
Make It Without You is the second book in Elleese Black's Healing in Cincy series. This book follows the story of Emily and Adam.
If there's one thing you need to know about Elleese Black's books, it's that her strong and impactful writing style will have readers feeling all kinds of emotions. There's a really good blend of spice and plot, and it has a lot of fan-favourite tropes like the age gap, friends-to-lovers, and single dad. Elleese's FMCs are also written with such strong personalities, and that's one thing I really love about her books.
Healing in Cincy is not an interconnected series, and I strongly recommend reading the books in the order they were published. Though this book is about two characters different from book one, there's still a major event that occurs, so for the timeline to make sense, you'd need to read book one first! I'm excited to read more of Elleese's work.
If there's one thing you need to know about Elleese Black's books, it's that her strong and impactful writing style will have readers feeling all kinds of emotions. There's a really good blend of spice and plot, and it has a lot of fan-favourite tropes like the age gap, friends-to-lovers, and single dad. Elleese's FMCs are also written with such strong personalities, and that's one thing I really love about her books.
Healing in Cincy is not an interconnected series, and I strongly recommend reading the books in the order they were published. Though this book is about two characters different from book one, there's still a major event that occurs, so for the timeline to make sense, you'd need to read book one first! I'm excited to read more of Elleese's work.
October 12, 2024
WOOOEEEEEEEEEEE. THIS WAS A RIDE IN THE BEST WAY!
I haven’t read book 1 in this series, BUT i will absolutely be going back now and eating it up because i adored every second of this!
Elleese is an outstanding storyteller. It was sweet, heartbreaking, emotional, grief filled, happy, joyful, nerve wracking and spicy all wrapped up and i felt and enjoyed every stop along the way!
Emily was a beautifully written character. She has an outstanding amount of character growth in every aspect of her story. I feel like I felt her emotions and I was her #1 fan.
I adored Brandon. I loved Adam. BUT JAMES 🥺🥺
HE DIDN’T DESERVE THAT. IYKYK.
It’s giving ape gap, teacher/student’s parent/ friends to lovers, and single dad 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
I am def a Elleese Black fan now and will be reading more of her books & absolutely recommend to others!
I haven’t read book 1 in this series, BUT i will absolutely be going back now and eating it up because i adored every second of this!
Elleese is an outstanding storyteller. It was sweet, heartbreaking, emotional, grief filled, happy, joyful, nerve wracking and spicy all wrapped up and i felt and enjoyed every stop along the way!
Emily was a beautifully written character. She has an outstanding amount of character growth in every aspect of her story. I feel like I felt her emotions and I was her #1 fan.
I adored Brandon. I loved Adam. BUT JAMES 🥺🥺
HE DIDN’T DESERVE THAT. IYKYK.
It’s giving ape gap, teacher/student’s parent/ friends to lovers, and single dad 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
I am def a Elleese Black fan now and will be reading more of her books & absolutely recommend to others!
October 7, 2024
This book drew me through all the emotions. I felt Emily’s pain through this book, and it was devastating. The love felt between James and Emily was strong. I felt like it was going to be really hard to fall in love with another MMC when James passed in a tragic accident. But like the first book in the series, Elleese put me back together, and made me love Adam just as much. Wow!
I fell in love with Adam immediately, and he had the biggest heart out there. The lengths he went through to support Emily through her grief was amazing. I love how understanding and caring he was. And his son was a great part of the story.
If you would like your heart broken and put together again, this book is definitely for you! It was tough, but just as amazing and inspiring 🥹💜
I fell in love with Adam immediately, and he had the biggest heart out there. The lengths he went through to support Emily through her grief was amazing. I love how understanding and caring he was. And his son was a great part of the story.
If you would like your heart broken and put together again, this book is definitely for you! It was tough, but just as amazing and inspiring 🥹💜
October 11, 2024
Emily and James were childhood sweethearts who were planning their wedding. Unfortunately, tragedy strikes just a few months before their wedding day.
Emily eventually becomes a teacher at Cincinnati where she meets Adam, the father of one of her students, Dylan. Though there is attraction, she is hesitant to cross the parent-teacher forbidden line.
Despite the heavy theme of grief, the author makes it easy to read without diminishing the impact of losing a loved one. I enjoyed the push and pull between Emily and Adam when Emily was still hesitant to cross the line.
Thank God for her friends who helped by meddling! It is so important to have someone whom you can share openly with and to support you through the ups and downs of life. Totally love the found family vibe here.
Emily eventually becomes a teacher at Cincinnati where she meets Adam, the father of one of her students, Dylan. Though there is attraction, she is hesitant to cross the parent-teacher forbidden line.
Despite the heavy theme of grief, the author makes it easy to read without diminishing the impact of losing a loved one. I enjoyed the push and pull between Emily and Adam when Emily was still hesitant to cross the line.
Thank God for her friends who helped by meddling! It is so important to have someone whom you can share openly with and to support you through the ups and downs of life. Totally love the found family vibe here.
October 9, 2024
4.5 / 4.75 ⭐️
No one was more surprised than me that I read this book in one sitting. I really loved this one and still felt connected to the story and characters despite that.
This story is absolutely heartbreaking, and I just wanted to give Emily a hug. It felt like we were watching her and James grow up and fall in love together, which made knowing what’s coming even harder to read.
But then we get Adam... I thought his character was perfectly done. He gave Emily space and was so patient with her. He showed up for her in so many ways, and he had so many green flags. The angst and spice between these two was well-written, and I was rooting so hard for them. 😅
If you liked Forever, Interrupted by TJR, I think you'd enjoy this one. It's a great read for when you're ready to break your heart or really dive into your feelings.
TYSM to Elleese Black and Truly Yours for the ARC. 💖
No one was more surprised than me that I read this book in one sitting. I really loved this one and still felt connected to the story and characters despite that.
This story is absolutely heartbreaking, and I just wanted to give Emily a hug. It felt like we were watching her and James grow up and fall in love together, which made knowing what’s coming even harder to read.
But then we get Adam... I thought his character was perfectly done. He gave Emily space and was so patient with her. He showed up for her in so many ways, and he had so many green flags. The angst and spice between these two was well-written, and I was rooting so hard for them. 😅
If you liked Forever, Interrupted by TJR, I think you'd enjoy this one. It's a great read for when you're ready to break your heart or really dive into your feelings.
TYSM to Elleese Black and Truly Yours for the ARC. 💖
October 19, 2024
4.75⭐️//the way my heart broke the first part of this book. like sobbing. just pulling at my heartstrings.
Emily thought she found her forever in her high school sweetheart in James but after one fateful night everything changes. Now she’s starting over and Adam is stirring up feelings she thought she would never feel again. Can she push through her grief and find love again.
Emily was such a beautifully written character & the growth the had through her emotions was amazingly written.
Adam was such a sweet near and let her talk to him about every aspect of her life she had with James and never her made her feel bad about it. They both deserved their HEA.
Emily thought she found her forever in her high school sweetheart in James but after one fateful night everything changes. Now she’s starting over and Adam is stirring up feelings she thought she would never feel again. Can she push through her grief and find love again.
Emily was such a beautifully written character & the growth the had through her emotions was amazingly written.
Adam was such a sweet near and let her talk to him about every aspect of her life she had with James and never her made her feel bad about it. They both deserved their HEA.
October 8, 2024
ARC REVIEW
MAKE IT WITHOUT YOU ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
“ I love you, too. I love you for showing me that I can love again. And that I get to love you means more than I could ever have imagined."
I definitely read this book at the right time. I believe I needed to read it today. Personal experience aside, what a heartbreakingly beautiful story, I absolutely adore Emily and Adam , finding joy and love after such loss and pain always tugs at my heartstrings , this book is officially one of my favorites of the year!!!
PS : Adam was added to the book boyfriend collection 🤍
MAKE IT WITHOUT YOU ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
“ I love you, too. I love you for showing me that I can love again. And that I get to love you means more than I could ever have imagined."
I definitely read this book at the right time. I believe I needed to read it today. Personal experience aside, what a heartbreakingly beautiful story, I absolutely adore Emily and Adam , finding joy and love after such loss and pain always tugs at my heartstrings , this book is officially one of my favorites of the year!!!
PS : Adam was added to the book boyfriend collection 🤍
October 24, 2024
This book ripped my heart out, put it back together. Tore it again and then repaired it. I was an emotional mess reading this. Emily…how much can this woman go through. Adam the amazing single dad. Will they, won’t they. WILL THEY!!! At first I was afraid the lead up was too long and then I discovered it was just what was needed. If you like single dad, kinda age gap ( to me), love after loss then please please read this. The spice was good, just enough sprinkled in. Well written all around, a gem of a book.
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