Breathing Without You

by Christina Maria

Emerald

I’ve been single for quite some time and as of lately I’m quite sick of it. Don’t get me wrong, I like to have my girl’s night out and being able to go home with whoever I want, or not going home with anyone at all. But lately, I’ve been looking to go home with someone that I can keep more long term. Just when I’m thinking about giving up on dating altogether, I decide a girl’s night out is exactly what I need, but instead that one night of dancing at the local town bar with my two best friends leads to me making out with my hot, bad boy next door neighbor, Creedence Knoxx, the guy I’ve been secretly crushing on for years. I don’t expect things to take the turn they do when things start moving quickly between the two of us, becoming very steamy as he lets me in on his naughty secrets and heartbreaking past.


Creedence

It’s the quiet ones you’ve got to watch out for, they’re usually the freaks with the unexpected behaviors and I’m definitely a freak, but not how you’d think, and the way I behave in private is something that always catches most girls off guard. But none of them ever leave unsatisfied. It always keeps them coming back for more. At least until I run into my next-door neighbor, Emerald Hart, the girl I’ve had a thing for since I laid eyes on her. She’s so fucking gorgeous, and it makes me want to do naughty things to her. The question is, will she come out to play and let me do those naughty things to her? Will she be my good girl and keep coming back for more? Because once I’ve tasted her, I can’t get enough, and once I’ve had her I refuse to let her go.

436 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 13, 2024

Reviews

[Alexia Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was 🥵—spicy from the very first page! The chemistry between the two main characters was absolutely electric. It was such a smooth and engaging read that I couldn’t put it down. It definitely pulled me out of the reading slump I’ve been stuck in for the past month!

[Demi Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book, I couldn’t stop smiling at the romance in this and loved the spice involved

[tobifun.pp · Rating 3 out of 5]

rating: ⭐⭐⭐
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
darkness: 🖤🖤
feelings: 😭🥰😱🥵😍🫠😡

I was really looking forward to this book because I loved the first installment in the series and Creedence intrigued me as a character. I really love him and Emerald too. The fact that the book was spicy right from the start is something I really liked. But when it was just smvt for more than 60 pages with a brief interruption for a glimpse into Creedence's past, I slowly lost interest. There was also a lot of repetition. Still, I kept reading because I like to support young writers and I was still waiting for an exciting plot. In the end, I was disappointed because there was hardly any story and beloved secondary characters were only very sparsely involved. If it had been a novella with up to 100 pages, the plot would have been sufficient. But with more than 400 pages, I need more.

[Books with Jen B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Courtlynd series and it was just as good as the first book. In this one we get to see Emerald and Creedence’s story and boy is it a good one!! Emerald and Creedence have lived next door to each other for a while and they each secretly had a thing for the other but never acted on it until one night at the bar Emerald found herself in a sticky situation and out of nowhere Ceedence stepped in to help her and it was fireworks from there! The chemistry between these two is undeniable and they waste no time turning up the heat! There are some dark themes in this book though, so you definitely want to check the triggers before reading this one. The second book is mainly focused on these two and their relationship, but you do get to see some of the characters from the first book, which I really enjoyed. And the ending!!! The author has given us another ending that will leave you wanting more! This book will have you laughing, crying, ready to throw the book across the room and everything in between. If you are looking for a super spicy dark romance that you won’t want to put down, I would recommend this one for sure!! I can’t wait to see what is next in this series!!

[Sherri · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are in need of some spice, this book has got you. Emerald and Creedence have instant chemistry and can't keep their hands off each other. But I mean, a tall, tattooed, protective man, I wouldn't be able to keep from drooling either. This is a small town romance, so be prepared for small-town drama. And not like cute inn small town, show of homes type drama. It's more like struggling, nothing to do but drink, small town drama.

The love was very sweet and passionate between these two. Creedence really enjoyed taking their bedroom activities up a level, and it was great! I wish there had been a little more plot to the book, but I really did enjoy Creedence and Emerald just enjoying each other. Overall, it is a super steamy contemporary romance. It's book 2 in a series. You don't necessarily have to read book one, but there will be some slight spoilers if you don't.

[Catherine Frendt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love seeing an author improve as they write, the last half of this book you can really tell the author found her voice and really settled into what she was writing.
The beginning starts out a bit repetitive like the first book but that was remedied in the last half of the book. The first half is very spicy, almost a little too much for my personal taste but still well written and I really like Creedence a lot more than Carsten ⛓️ although I wish it were just a tad bit darker.
There wasn't a ton of plot going on, but the little side stories you get and the main twist towards the ends were good, just wished there was a bit more story. This is perfect if you like books that lean more on the spice side of things.
All in all, I liked this one and will definitely check out other books she comes out with. 🖤

[Anita Hickman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spicy 🌶 🌶 🌶


Creedance Knox appears like your average guy on the outside but he's a man with a tortured past and some hidden things he doesn't want a whole lot of people to know about.

When he finally meets Emerald all caution goes out the door and he finally lets someone in that he can trust.

Until she brings him the one thing that might destroy their relationship..

There were a few things repetitive but once I spoke with the author to let her know. She fixed it. Which I thought .. WOW!! That's awesome..
I like it when you can talk to the author and give feedback. She was very responsive. Which shows me she is going to be one HECK OF an amazing author.
This is her second and I commend her for putting herself out there.
I loved the book and will be back for more.

[Dawn Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg this book was beyond amazing credence and emeralds love was freaking fireworks and magic I loved it so much . When I read the first book that was fantastic and this one blew it out of the water . You will feel so many emotions reading this book . And omg the spice there's sooooo much spice you may need a towel for this one . Now this book isn't all sunshines and rainbow there are dark themes always check triggers , but there is one nasty chick that will enrage you fersure and of course she had to be besties with the one in the first book . All in all this was a fantastic read and I highly recommend.

[Aussie · Rating 5 out of 5]

- THIS !!!! "To all my naughty smut loving sluts out there… Be my good girl and turn the page…"
- omg..... "That’s it… you listen so well my dirty little slut Now go on... read those pages like the good girl or good boy you are ♡♡♡"
- does have content warnings
-omg I devoured  this  book in an hour as it was so good and that spice ..... OOF !!🥵🥵
-I love the spice level in this book was perfect for my taste
-I love Creedence
- Creedence Knox is like your average  guy on the outside  but he has a tortured past that he try to hide things that he doesn't want a lot of people to know about
- She is an amazing author  and i will be going back to read book 1

[Jen Winters · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say is WELL DONE 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻! This is the first dark romance book I have read and I am in love. I was hooked by the first chapter and didn’t want to put the book down until I finished it! The way that Christina Marie would bounce back and forth between the MMC and the FMC each chapter was brilliant. This book was the spiciest thing I have ever read and I found myself blushing MANY times throughout this book. This book gave me the giggles, made me cry, and finished me off with the biggest smile on my face. I definitely recommend this two book series and anything written by this author!

[Isabelle Houseknecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️ 3.5🌶️

Death of family member
Tying her up Choking/breath play
Excessive alcohol use at times
MFC drugged not by MMC
Love at First Sight ❤️

Starting this book I knew I was in for an emotional roller coaster because after reading book one and seeing how Emerald and Creed were with each other I just knew this one was going to be good.. Let me tell you I was not disappointed!! This book was just as phenomenal as book one… Winter and Carsten have a special place but Emerald and Creed are right up there with them! This one’s a bit more emotional than book one but it was worth the read!! I hope there’s more to come cause I love this series!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where to begin with Emerald and Cree. This is the second book in the series, and I love getting to know these characters and their backgrounds. Cree had lost his brother in a horrible motorcycle accident and ended up living in the house across the street from Emerald and her roommates. They end up meeting, and he finds himself attracted to her. Thus begins their story, and it's a story of love and healing. I loved the interactions between them and how they stuck by each other in good and tough times.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read by this author and although it’s book number 2 in the series you don’t need to have read book 1 to read this one, I didn’t feel like I was missing anything but it does make me want to go and read book 1. I laughed, cried and everything in between reading this book, it was so emotional and real in certain parts that I just couldn’t help myself. The chemistry between Emerald & Creedence was sizzling and this definitely reflected in the sexy times. Brilliant read and I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.

[Nichole Spencer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the first book, and I so badly wanted to like this one, too, but thats not the case. I truly struggled reading this, and I hate DNFing a book, so it took me nearly a month to read. Sadly it kind of put me in a reading slump.

Likes: How much Emerald was there for Creed about his brother and the accident. How much Creed always tried to help Emerald with her looks and confidence and shyness. Insta-love and chemistry. Kink positivity.

Dislikes: I love insta-love (see above even), but there were parts that seemed too rushed. I felt like there were sentences or areas that were repeated. Other areas things would be messed up, like a color of something or a position. Creed pushing Emerald into several kinks without discussing them, no safe words or prep - I get liking pain and liking causing pain but I felt like that isn’t something someone jumps right into with a new person.

This just couldn’t hold my interest the way the first book did. Most days I could only read a chapter and then needed to stop. There was so much potential here and I think it just missed the mark.

[Daniellea Ciocca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book. Where do I begin. Breathing without you is the second in the series. The MMC and FMC were introduced in the first book.
Sit back and enjoy the ride. This book definitely hit all my smutty needs. Definitely read the trigger warnings before diving in head first. This is a more smut than plot book, but the plot is still amazing and takes you on an emotional roller coaster that is intense to say the least. I cried, I laughed, I cursed Christina for playing with my heart.

[tyleralesia · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ARC Review✨

3.5 stars, rounded to 4 for Goodreads

This book was SPICY. Never thought I’d say I wished for a little more plot but I did in this book. The spice was hot but the plot felt like an afterthought and there were a few inconsistencies in it. Overall, I enjoyed reading Creedence and Emerald’s story and the drama towards the end was good.

Thank you to the author for the advanced copy, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Robyn Luther · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give this one an over all of 3.5 stars and a 5/5 on spice! I never thought I would say this… but maybe there was too much spice or maybe not enough plot. That’s just my personal preference.

Creedence and Emerald are neighbors who find out, quickly in the story, that they both had crushes on the other and then the story takes off in a nice fast paced fashion. It is a quick read and if you love a lot of spice… it’s definitely for you!

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[spicybookmama · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book by Christina Maria I’ve read and I really enjoyed it. Pulled in from the first chapter, I did not want to stop reading. This dark romance is an emotional roller coaster filled with fabulous spice. Creedence and Emerald fall hard and fast. Their undeniable chemistry and willingness to open up to each other allows their relationship to really flourish through all the impassioned turmoil. This book hits all the smutty checklist wants and then some. I definitely loved this dark spicy emotional romance, and look forward to what comes next.

[Jenn M · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this a standing ovation, I would . . . 



This book deserves a standing ovation. I loved, loved, loved it. It is one of those books I will read over and over again and because of this, I not only read it in KU, but have now also purchased it because I can’t bare letting it go.


Creed and Emerald fell fast and they fell hard. I need a tattooed, pierced, dominant, kinky Creed in my life! This book put me through all the feels - I laughed out loud, cry some ugly tears and sat back with my fan at other times. The story grabbed me from the very beginning and even now that it’s finished, it’s still lingering in my heart and mind. 


I can’t wait to read more from this author. She is now one of my go to authors and I love the journeys her books take me on.

[Mandi medlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spice ✔️
Tattooed gorgeous man ✔️
Kink master ✔️

This book had all the spice you could take. Creedence is the boy next door with secret sexual desires. Winter is the girl next door that doesn’t know what she needs.
Worth the read!

[Dolores Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy hotness. More smut than plot, but what you do get is incredible. I absolutely fell in love with both main characters. Their love is absolutely adorable, and the chemistry between the two is off the charts. Spice is PHENOMENAL and very well written. I highly recommend it.

[MHT Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Christina Maria’s debut Breathing You In, so when I saw that she was releasing Breathing Without You I knew I had to get my hands on it. This book follows Willows best friend Emerald who we know is a ride or die kinda friend. And Creedence who is Carsten’s best friend, it’s always the quiet ones IYKYK. I loved the besties having boyfriends who are also besties a ridiculous amount. He falls for her first and just comes out and says so and I was swooning!!! And every time he called her Sugar, I turned in to an absolute puddle. I don’t want to give too much away about the story but it was emotional and spicy And when I say it’s spicy I mean SPICY. Yummy, my favorite. Another great book by the amazing Christina Maria.

[Brandi Strassburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Creedence and Emerald are droolworthy. I love their story, and the spice is amazing. I have no doubt that book 3 will be fantastic. I can't wait!

[Adri (books.with.adri) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book contains a lot of spice!

I loved Credence and Emerald! The chemistry, plot twist, and sexy scenes was so good.

[Katherine Pasquariello · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two ways of reading this book.

Either right after the first- and you have a continuation and the romance has some time to fester prior to the 🌽.

Or wait some time after you read the first- and you have an immediate dive into the filthiest smut you’ve ever read!

Literally is like reading a 🌽o. Fantastically worded smut.

This is for those girls who don’t want the plot or the slow burn. They want it hot and heavy from the get go! A nice change from all the slow burns I’ve been reading lately.

[Dusty Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Credence and Emerald

Yowzer, this book has all the rescues, love, jealous exes, bondage, hand necklaces, kinky fun, dancing, shots, friends, mistakes, and more love. It gets you in its grip and won't let you go.

[Allison Comis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book by this author and man it was just as great as the first. This featured Emerald as the MFC. She was at the bar with her best friends dancing and this guy came up behind her. Her friends were shaking their heads. She turned around and she told that guy she wasn’t interested. He was a lot older than her. He wasn’t leaving her alone so at this point a few minutes went by and Creedence came up to her and pulled her away and said she was his girlfriend and kissed her. He was her neighbor that she liked but she didn’t think he would be interested in her. They spent the rest of the night drinking and dancing together. This was the start of their relationship. He lost his brother in a motorcycle accident a few years back. He still struggled with the memory because he thought he should have been the one to been hurt. Emerald wanted to do something nice for him since he opened up to her about what happened. He was so mad. He told her they were over. It was very hard for both of them since they lived next door to each other. They both had an awakening moment where everything could have been lost. Really great series.

[Amanda Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please read the CW and make sure you can handle them!!
This is book 2 of the Courtlynd Series and is about Creedence and Emerald.
We saw both characters in book 1 (Carsten and Winter's story...if you haven't read it..u need to!!)
This is the book for you if you want to feel all the feelings and if you want to cry sad tears and happy tears both.. I absolutely loved both characters even when I did feel like they both were wrong. The author makes you understand why they both act irrational at times. Creedence had me crying when he talked about his brother, Xander and their past. Creedence has a kind heart and I was rooting for him the whole book, he was written in a way that I don't think anyone would dislike his character.... The same can't be said for the b*t€hes Daisy and Brynn. I did not like them at all!!
It was nice to see Carsten and Winter in this book..I loved their book too. I can't wait for the next book.. Im hoping Chase and Axton get their books too!!
*This book has ALOT of smexy times..and they are HOT!!!!*
5⭐
4.5🌶

[Bethanie Stiles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg. This book was honestly so AMAZING.

Spice level 10/10! All the spicy scenes were SO GOOOOD. Plus, a tall dominant tattood man, yes PLEASE.

We LOVE a man who uses pet names and Sugar is such a good one. I love it. Every time he called her Sugar I felt all tingly.

The beginning is a tiny bit repetitive but I didn't care it didn't make the story bad. It still pulled me in and made me want more with every chapter I read.

I love the main female character to, she isn't a bland and boring copy paste hot girl which I LOOOVE. Also the little detail that she likes to color made me smile like a dumbass cause I love to color and love men who don't mind that.

Creedence is definitely a take no shit and take what he wants sort of guy while also being respectful and wanting enthusiastic consent which we LOOOOVE. I'm definitely going to have to get the 1st book if it's as good as this one was. 10/10 panty wetter 😉

[Grinning Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Breathing without You by Christina Maria

MMC/FMC- Creedence and Emerald
Genre- Contemporary Romance
Length- 437 pages
Heat- They do all the things with a smidgen of BDSM and Breath Play.
Series? Y
Safety? N. The night he kisses her, he sleeps with someone else.
Triggers- Alcohol Abuse, Roofies, Loss of a Family Member, Explicit Erotic Content, Blood, Language.
Tropes- New Adult, Instalove, Fake Relationship, Neighbors, Friends In Law, Ebil Ex, Pierced Hero, Marking His Territory, Touchy Subject
What I thought- I enjoyed this book because the love between them was instant and very intense. The erotic content was nuclear hot. And the friendships with the side characters was true and strong. The book could have been a touch shorter, but it was enjoyable.