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Not Without You
When Himeko’s world is turned upside down, her new bodyguard is there to pick up the pieces. But as their feelings deepen, will their love be enough to overcome the dangers lurking in the shadows?
Himeko Zhao grew up in the world of Los Angeles’ high society, thanks to her father’s deals inside the underground market. She seems to be the woman who has it all, until recent events leaves her and her family a vulnerable target.
But then her new bodyguard enters her life.
Kekoa Masa is the very definition of tall, dark and handsome. He’s cocky, sarcastic, and loves to annoy her. And yet, she can’t deny his charm or allure every time they are together. As their undeniable attraction grows, so does the looming threat that wants her dead.
NOT WITHOUT YOU is Book 1 in the Zhao Twin Duology. It is a interconnextedstandalone story.
Himeko Zhao grew up in the world of Los Angeles’ high society, thanks to her father’s deals inside the underground market. She seems to be the woman who has it all, until recent events leaves her and her family a vulnerable target.
But then her new bodyguard enters her life.
Kekoa Masa is the very definition of tall, dark and handsome. He’s cocky, sarcastic, and loves to annoy her. And yet, she can’t deny his charm or allure every time they are together. As their undeniable attraction grows, so does the looming threat that wants her dead.
NOT WITHOUT YOU is Book 1 in the Zhao Twin Duology. It is a interconnextedstandalone story.
- GenresRomance
331 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 26, 2024
5 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 21, 2025
3.5 stars
It took me a little while to get used to this authors writing, but I came around to it and ended up liking it! I wasn’t too thrilled with the first half the book. So much that I considered DNF’ing but just when I got to the half point of the book the plot picked up. The second half was really interesting and I was genuinely shocked by the little twist in the book.
My main problems with the first half of the book was that it felt completely rushed. The 2 MC’s didn’t feel fully developed and they rushed into a relationship after only knowing each other a few weeks (I guess I’m just a slow burn girly at heart), and they “got physical” real quick after being together and were super horny the first half of the book. I wish their relationship moved like the second half of the book. Lastly, the FMC pissed me off multiple times with the things she would do. Like for someone who’s apart of a mafia family you’d think she’d have a bit more common sense 🤷🏼♀️.
Overall not a bad book and I’m looking forward to reading Anne’s newest book!
(Note: this is just my personal opinion and I do ratings to keep a personal log for myself. In no way is this review meant to deter others from reading this book!❤️)
It took me a little while to get used to this authors writing, but I came around to it and ended up liking it! I wasn’t too thrilled with the first half the book. So much that I considered DNF’ing but just when I got to the half point of the book the plot picked up. The second half was really interesting and I was genuinely shocked by the little twist in the book.
My main problems with the first half of the book was that it felt completely rushed. The 2 MC’s didn’t feel fully developed and they rushed into a relationship after only knowing each other a few weeks (I guess I’m just a slow burn girly at heart), and they “got physical” real quick after being together and were super horny the first half of the book. I wish their relationship moved like the second half of the book. Lastly, the FMC pissed me off multiple times with the things she would do. Like for someone who’s apart of a mafia family you’d think she’d have a bit more common sense 🤷🏼♀️.
Overall not a bad book and I’m looking forward to reading Anne’s newest book!
(Note: this is just my personal opinion and I do ratings to keep a personal log for myself. In no way is this review meant to deter others from reading this book!❤️)
September 17, 2025
After tragedy strikes, Himeko Zhao finds herself the co-heir to her father's mafia business. She becomes a vulnerable target and is placed under the protection of Kekoa "Kei" Masa. The two quickly fall for each other and things get spicy early on! As the story progresses, we lean more into a romantic mystery/suspense. There is a budding attraction/romance in the first half of the book that slowly tips into a mystery of who was responsible for the tragedy, in addition to some action-packed moments.
I was highly interested to continue reading, even after the MCs relationship dissolved and we fast-forwarded one year. I enjoyed the author's writing style and the progression of the couple's relationship. During the spicy scenes, the writing did become a little "anatomical" rather than sexy sounding, but honestly, there's only so many ways you can name genitalia without it sounding corny.
You will enjoy this book if you're a fan of:
💮AANHIPI representation
💮Bodyguard x Mafia princess
💮Second chance romance
💮Forced proximity
💮Secret relationship
💮Forbidden romance
I was highly interested to continue reading, even after the MCs relationship dissolved and we fast-forwarded one year. I enjoyed the author's writing style and the progression of the couple's relationship. During the spicy scenes, the writing did become a little "anatomical" rather than sexy sounding, but honestly, there's only so many ways you can name genitalia without it sounding corny.
You will enjoy this book if you're a fan of:
💮AANHIPI representation
💮Bodyguard x Mafia princess
💮Second chance romance
💮Forced proximity
💮Secret relationship
💮Forbidden romance
August 23, 2025
❀ ”Eyes on me, Princess” ✿
The writing style in this book was very different from what I’m used to. At first, it took me some time to settle into it, but once I did, I realized it wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, just unusual. The overall storyline itself was compelling and held a lot of potential, though I felt it needed fine-tuning when it came to pacing. The first part of the book dragged in places, while the second part seemed a bit too rushed. There were even moments where I found myself having to push to keep reading.
✿ ”You honestly think I would risk unemployment and pain of death if I didn’t feel the same?” ❀
The romance suffered somewhat from this imbalance. Their relationship developed too quickly, which did make her pain from thinking he faked everything more believable, but I think more time was needed for their emotions to fully grow and feel earned. The spicy scenes, unfortunately, were the weakest aspect for me. The word choices felt too clinical, which pulled me out of the moment and made them difficult to enjoy.
❀ ”Hey, Bodyguard?” ✿
On the flip side, there were several things I did really enjoy. The plot twists were wild; I was genuinely shocked by both revelations, which added an exciting punch to the story. I also loved the cultural authenticity woven throughout; it gave the book a grounding sense of depth and made it more memorable. The epilogue, in particular, was stunning. It had me in tears with how beautiful and heartfelt it was.
❀ “Tonight, we’re making up for lost time…Because I waited for a year to be with you again, and I am not f*cking this up.” ✿
Overall, while there were some rough patches, the foundation is there for a great story. I’m excited to continue on with Hiko and Nana’s book and hope Himeko and Kei appear again so we can see how their journey carried on beyond this ending.
✿ “I’m thankful for whatever version or part you decide to share with me.” ❀
Spice: 2.5/5
Tropes:
❀ Bodyguard x “Mafia” Princess ✿
✿ Second Chance ❀
❀ Forced Proximity ✿
✿ Secret Relationship ❀
❀ ”Princess, I wanted you in my life and I meant it. I was just working to make sure we’re taken care of…Let me take care of you.” ✿
The writing style in this book was very different from what I’m used to. At first, it took me some time to settle into it, but once I did, I realized it wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, just unusual. The overall storyline itself was compelling and held a lot of potential, though I felt it needed fine-tuning when it came to pacing. The first part of the book dragged in places, while the second part seemed a bit too rushed. There were even moments where I found myself having to push to keep reading.
✿ ”You honestly think I would risk unemployment and pain of death if I didn’t feel the same?” ❀
The romance suffered somewhat from this imbalance. Their relationship developed too quickly, which did make her pain from thinking he faked everything more believable, but I think more time was needed for their emotions to fully grow and feel earned. The spicy scenes, unfortunately, were the weakest aspect for me. The word choices felt too clinical, which pulled me out of the moment and made them difficult to enjoy.
❀ ”Hey, Bodyguard?” ✿
✿ ”Yes, Princess?” ❀
On the flip side, there were several things I did really enjoy. The plot twists were wild; I was genuinely shocked by both revelations, which added an exciting punch to the story. I also loved the cultural authenticity woven throughout; it gave the book a grounding sense of depth and made it more memorable. The epilogue, in particular, was stunning. It had me in tears with how beautiful and heartfelt it was.
❀ “Tonight, we’re making up for lost time…Because I waited for a year to be with you again, and I am not f*cking this up.” ✿
Overall, while there were some rough patches, the foundation is there for a great story. I’m excited to continue on with Hiko and Nana’s book and hope Himeko and Kei appear again so we can see how their journey carried on beyond this ending.
✿ “I’m thankful for whatever version or part you decide to share with me.” ❀
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Spice: 2.5/5
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tropes:
❀ Bodyguard x “Mafia” Princess ✿
✿ Second Chance ❀
❀ Forced Proximity ✿
✿ Secret Relationship ❀
❀ ”Princess, I wanted you in my life and I meant it. I was just working to make sure we’re taken care of…Let me take care of you.” ✿
October 17, 2025
I’m not sure I was expecting a bit of a mafia type story, though I’m sure when I signed up to arc read book two it was mentioned…life ha!
Himeko and Kei’s story is interesting. As the story progressed, I thought I had Kei figured out, he was supposed to be one thing, only for me to realize I was only half way through the book and that couldn’t be how his story ended… sure enough, it wasn’t. The two are brought are brought together due to Hemiko’s eldest brother being targeted and killed, causing her and her twin to have additional security.
While the over all story was super interesting, and I did not see coming who actually called for the hit on her brother, the spicy scenes just felt odd to me. The language used was more use of the scientific terms, which like, no hate, but also, it very much pulled me out of the story. If it had been a mix of verbage throughout the scenes, it would have been one thing, but there was barely any mixing of words, and just was not my vibe when it came to those scenes, really causing me to be pulled out of the overall story.
I’m definitely looking forward to Hiko’s story next
Himeko and Kei’s story is interesting. As the story progressed, I thought I had Kei figured out, he was supposed to be one thing, only for me to realize I was only half way through the book and that couldn’t be how his story ended… sure enough, it wasn’t. The two are brought are brought together due to Hemiko’s eldest brother being targeted and killed, causing her and her twin to have additional security.
While the over all story was super interesting, and I did not see coming who actually called for the hit on her brother, the spicy scenes just felt odd to me. The language used was more use of the scientific terms, which like, no hate, but also, it very much pulled me out of the story. If it had been a mix of verbage throughout the scenes, it would have been one thing, but there was barely any mixing of words, and just was not my vibe when it came to those scenes, really causing me to be pulled out of the overall story.
I’m definitely looking forward to Hiko’s story next
September 3, 2025
This book follows Himeko and Kei, her bodyguard. After a tragic death, Himeko is brought back home for protection. She starts disliking her bodyguard, but it quickly turns to affection rather than annoyance. The relationship they have must be kept secret, and as their affection grows, a secret comes out and threatens their relationship with each other.
Himeko's family has underground dealings that she never wanted to be a part of. Her twin brother is forced into a higher position in the organization, and Himeko's life is forever changed.
I enjoyed this book, but it wasn't my favorite. I really loved book two in the duology, and enjoyed tandem reading the last few chapters with it. I highly recommend reading this one if you want to read the second book. It does a good job at setting it up.
Himeko's family has underground dealings that she never wanted to be a part of. Her twin brother is forced into a higher position in the organization, and Himeko's life is forever changed.
I enjoyed this book, but it wasn't my favorite. I really loved book two in the duology, and enjoyed tandem reading the last few chapters with it. I highly recommend reading this one if you want to read the second book. It does a good job at setting it up.
November 26, 2024
Not Without You By Anne Karine Quinn
I adored and enjoyed this contemporary romance book. I really enjoyed learning the back stories to most of the characters of the book. Also the connection and love she has with her twin brother Omg it really is the best. The storyline and connection between Himeko and Kekoa had me in love with them ! I also loved the cultural aspect intwined in the story with Kekoa being an islanders like me. Don’t get me started with the humor and secret romance between the two. It was quite a journey and had me speechless in some parts of the book. I am so excited for the next book in this series ! Can it come any sooner ❣️‼️
Read for:
❣️Bodyguard Romance
💰 Billionare Romance
⚔️ Martial arts
🌶 Spice
✨Close proximity
I adored and enjoyed this contemporary romance book. I really enjoyed learning the back stories to most of the characters of the book. Also the connection and love she has with her twin brother Omg it really is the best. The storyline and connection between Himeko and Kekoa had me in love with them ! I also loved the cultural aspect intwined in the story with Kekoa being an islanders like me. Don’t get me started with the humor and secret romance between the two. It was quite a journey and had me speechless in some parts of the book. I am so excited for the next book in this series ! Can it come any sooner ❣️‼️
Read for:
❣️Bodyguard Romance
💰 Billionare Romance
⚔️ Martial arts
🌶 Spice
✨Close proximity
August 23, 2025
This bodyguard romance is full of family dynamics, steam, and personal growth of the FMC. I enjoyed the atmosphere of this book. Himeko and Kei have good banter and nice chemistry throughout the story. They also share multiple steamy scenes that were hot! I appreciated the overall character development of Himeko. She grew up extremely sheltered and has to make learn a lot from her mistakes, as well as her own beliefs in life.
This story also explores grief and shows how different people handle situations differently. While I didn't always agree with the characters' choices, I did sympathize with them throughout the book.
This story also explores grief and shows how different people handle situations differently. While I didn't always agree with the characters' choices, I did sympathize with them throughout the book.
November 10, 2024
I finished this novel in one day! A compelling story line and likable characters kept me hooked. I love the dynamic of Himeko and Kekeo, their journey keeps you on your toes the whole book. I found myself smiling while reading their exchanges and watching them fall for each other . This is a love story you root for and I’m obsessed. Himekos character is strong, watching her grow and learn to trust again was relatable. Kekeo was appealing and charming which makes you fall in love as well. This debut did not disappoint, I highly recommend this novel. DEFINITELY WORTH THE READ!
December 3, 2024
Really compelling story featuring the different cultures following the dynamic love affair of Himeko and her bodyguard Kekeo as they try and negotiate their love while under pressure especially with Himeko's family.
Loved the back story of both characters and how they fight for their love even when kekeo is accused of being involved in her brothers death and attacking Himeko herself.
Would highly recommend as it draws you in and you cannot put it down.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Loved the back story of both characters and how they fight for their love even when kekeo is accused of being involved in her brothers death and attacking Himeko herself.
Would highly recommend as it draws you in and you cannot put it down.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 28, 2025
This is the first book in the series who doesn't like a bodyguard and Employer romance, the tropes in the the story chefs kiss we have Bodyguard x Mafia princess, Forced Proximity, Secret Relation and many more. We have our two main characters Himeko and Kei they are cute the conversation between the those two were so well written and not a dull moment with them. There was some topics that are dark from grief to violence topics. Overall the story was at a good pace to read an I enjoyed it and this book is available on Amazon and KU.
November 26, 2024
4.75 Stars ⭐️ and 3 🌶️
This story was so fun and heartwarming! I loved learning about different cultures, and the banter between Himeko and Kekoa was easily one of my favorite parts. Kekoa’s sassy comebacks and the way he calls her “Princess” had me swooning. And the spice? Chef’s kiss! I’m beyond proud of Anne for bringing her dream to life with this debut.
Read this if you like:
✨Bodyguard Romance
✨Billionaire Romance
✨Close Proximity
✨Secret Relationship
This story was so fun and heartwarming! I loved learning about different cultures, and the banter between Himeko and Kekoa was easily one of my favorite parts. Kekoa’s sassy comebacks and the way he calls her “Princess” had me swooning. And the spice? Chef’s kiss! I’m beyond proud of Anne for bringing her dream to life with this debut.
Read this if you like:
✨Bodyguard Romance
✨Billionaire Romance
✨Close Proximity
✨Secret Relationship
November 19, 2024
This was a fun read! I enjoyed the plot twists, the familiar to me scenes of Southern California, and the development of Himeko. While at times the dialogue felt a little forced and immature, I liked the overall trajectory of the book. It had good flow. There’s also no shortage of spicy 🌶️ moments if that’s your thing.
November 5, 2024
This was a story that I found hard to get through.
The storyline was somewhat average.
The storyline was somewhat average.
November 16, 2024
This was a departure from my usual flavor of romance (sports romcoms have my heart) but I thought it was still an enjoyable read. Loved the author’s callbacks to San Diego and Hawaii.
August 4, 2025
Incredible story devoured this book within the day…- amazing back story for all the characters, love the incredible dynamic for the main characters and learning different cultures and their incredible plot twists, and definitely no shortage of spice !
Cnt wait for book 2
Cnt wait for book 2
April 23, 2025
probably should have dnf'd, I got so bored and starting skipping big paragraphs.
felt very insta lovey and did not need to be as long as it was
felt very insta lovey and did not need to be as long as it was
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews