What do you think?
Without You #2
With You: A Without You Novella
From USA Today bestselling Author Marley Valentine comes an emotional and heartwarming follow-up to the much loved gay romance novel, Without You.
"From tragedy to forever. Happily ever after is only the beginning."
Deacon was the elusive boy next door, the older brother who had no time for his family, the man who moved away.
I never imagined a world where he would also be the love of my life. The man who breathed air into my struggling lungs. But against all odds, here we are, five and a half years later, loving and living.
Now it’s our wedding day, and I’m building a life filled with everything I only ever dreamed of.
A husband.
A family.
Him.
With You is a 30, 000 word novella that is enjoyed best after reading Without You.
"From tragedy to forever. Happily ever after is only the beginning."
Deacon was the elusive boy next door, the older brother who had no time for his family, the man who moved away.
I never imagined a world where he would also be the love of my life. The man who breathed air into my struggling lungs. But against all odds, here we are, five and a half years later, loving and living.
Now it’s our wedding day, and I’m building a life filled with everything I only ever dreamed of.
A husband.
A family.
Him.
With You is a 30, 000 word novella that is enjoyed best after reading Without You.
122 pages, Hardcover
First published March 20, 2025
About the author
Marley Valentine
36 books2,804 followersLiving in Sydney, Australia with her family, Marley Valentine is a USA Today bestselling author and a former social worker who uses her past experiences to write real life, emotional and heartfelt contemporary romance.
She enjoys mixing it up with both M/F and M/M Romance incorporating all forms of life, lust and love as her characters embark on their journey to their happily ever after.
When she’s not busy writing her own stories, she spends most of her time immersed in the words of her favourite authors.
Marley enjoys interacting with her readers so please feel free to reach out to her via Facebook, Instagram, email and/or subscribe to her newsletter.
STALK MARLEY
Newsletter: https://bit.ly/MarleyVNL
Audio Newsletter: https://bit.ly/MarleyVAudio
Facebook: http://bit.ly/2VuYfg8
Instagram: http://bit.ly/MVBooksIG
Twitter: http://bit.ly/MarleyTwitter
BookBub: http://bit.ly/MVBookBub
Amazon: http://bit.ly/MarleyV
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/MVGoodreads
She enjoys mixing it up with both M/F and M/M Romance incorporating all forms of life, lust and love as her characters embark on their journey to their happily ever after.
When she’s not busy writing her own stories, she spends most of her time immersed in the words of her favourite authors.
Marley enjoys interacting with her readers so please feel free to reach out to her via Facebook, Instagram, email and/or subscribe to her newsletter.
STALK MARLEY
Newsletter: https://bit.ly/MarleyVNL
Audio Newsletter: https://bit.ly/MarleyVAudio
Facebook: http://bit.ly/2VuYfg8
Instagram: http://bit.ly/MVBooksIG
Twitter: http://bit.ly/MarleyTwitter
BookBub: http://bit.ly/MVBookBub
Amazon: http://bit.ly/MarleyV
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/MVGoodreads
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 297 reviews
June 19, 2025
a loveeeely little novella to extend the story of “Without You” one of my favourite books of 2024!
the story continues with Deacon and Julian getting married, having kids and strengthening relationships with their family and friends. there’s not much to say about this 122 page novella. it was a lovely way to tie everything up in a bow 💖
the story continues with Deacon and Julian getting married, having kids and strengthening relationships with their family and friends. there’s not much to say about this 122 page novella. it was a lovely way to tie everything up in a bow 💖
August 21, 2026
Honestly, I didn’t expect to see their lives 15 years later. The epilogue was MUCH needed. If you haven’t read this after the first book, I highly recommend it because THEY HAVE 2 BEAUTIFUL CHILDREN!!!???
And honestly, it’s pretty rare in the books I’ve read so far to see gay couples with children, so this was really nice to see :)
And honestly, it’s pretty rare in the books I’ve read so far to see gay couples with children, so this was really nice to see :)
March 24, 2025
“Friends. Family. Welcome to the wedding of Deacon Sutton and Julian Reid.”
This felt like a gift—an intimate, precious moment for everyone who has loved Deacon and Julian. To reunite with them, to witness how their hard-won love has only grown more beautiful, stronger in every way. Their journey began in pain, grief, and guilt, but it “ends” in love, devotion, and family.
How could I have forgotten just how deeply, hopelessly in love they are? And—let’s be real—how downright filthy hot they are together? Damn.
No beginning. No end.
Only him and me.
Me and him.
Husbands.
Their vows? Perfection. Reese and Rowan? 🥹🥹🥹 And that glimpse into the future? Pure happiness. 🥰
I still can’t bring myself to forgive Deacon’s mother tho. There was never a single meaningful "sorry" moment with her on-page, and her so-called “redemption” happened off-screen. That just isn’t enough for me.
The number of cameos from other books made things a bit crowded and, at times, confusing—especially since I haven’t read all of them—but it didn’t take away from the heart of the story.
“The tragic beauty of our love sitting between us, like it always does, as sure and steady as the beats of our hearts, binding us together more than it ever has before.
There’s a reason we don’t have eyes on the backs of our heads, because we can’t look back. We can’t change the past, we can only live in the moment.
Here and now.
Him and me.
This felt like a gift—an intimate, precious moment for everyone who has loved Deacon and Julian. To reunite with them, to witness how their hard-won love has only grown more beautiful, stronger in every way. Their journey began in pain, grief, and guilt, but it “ends” in love, devotion, and family.
How could I have forgotten just how deeply, hopelessly in love they are? And—let’s be real—how downright filthy hot they are together? Damn.
No beginning. No end.
Only him and me.
Me and him.
Husbands.
Their vows? Perfection. Reese and Rowan? 🥹🥹🥹 And that glimpse into the future? Pure happiness. 🥰
I still can’t bring myself to forgive Deacon’s mother tho. There was never a single meaningful "sorry" moment with her on-page, and her so-called “redemption” happened off-screen. That just isn’t enough for me.
The number of cameos from other books made things a bit crowded and, at times, confusing—especially since I haven’t read all of them—but it didn’t take away from the heart of the story.
“The tragic beauty of our love sitting between us, like it always does, as sure and steady as the beats of our hearts, binding us together more than it ever has before.
There’s a reason we don’t have eyes on the backs of our heads, because we can’t look back. We can’t change the past, we can only live in the moment.
Here and now.
Him and me.
April 3, 2025
This book was everything I needed!! Thank you, Marley for giving us more time with Declan & Julian. Loved this glimpse into their future. Teddy Hamilton & Tim Paige did an amazing job reprising their roles. Loved every single bit of this story 😍 And the epilogue - can’t wait to see where that goes!
March 22, 2025
Julian and Deacon are a beautiful couple who love one another dearly, but due to the forbidden nature of their relationship, they face many hurdles on their path to happiness. "With You" is the culmination of all their pain, sadness, and struggles to finally be together. Their love for each other is as evident in this story as it was in their previous one.
Their wedding is absolutely stunning, and everything that follows made me incredibly emotional. Deacon is a strong soul who withstands so much judgment and pain in his determination to be with Julian, who is the perfect counterpart to Deacon's strength. Julian may take a softer approach, but he is just as devoted and protective.
I loved getting to reconnect with these two and witness their life together. They embark on quite the journey, and I look forward to what the future has in store, as hinted at in this entry. Deacon and Julian share a one-of-a-kind romance, and I cherished every moment of it.
Their wedding is absolutely stunning, and everything that follows made me incredibly emotional. Deacon is a strong soul who withstands so much judgment and pain in his determination to be with Julian, who is the perfect counterpart to Deacon's strength. Julian may take a softer approach, but he is just as devoted and protective.
I loved getting to reconnect with these two and witness their life together. They embark on quite the journey, and I look forward to what the future has in store, as hinted at in this entry. Deacon and Julian share a one-of-a-kind romance, and I cherished every moment of it.
March 26, 2025
I'm screaming for various reasons 😭 Most of the screams are wonderful, happy screams because I love Deacon and Julian and this extra taste of their life beyond Without You was everything I wanted. BUT amidst the good screams, there's one very loud scream of sheer madness because WTF was that ending?! 💀 I think I'm on board with the stuff, but seriously did it need to start like THAT??? 🫠 WHYYYYY
March 21, 2025
you bet there were a million tears shed and a hundred tissue papers used brutally from page one. Deacon and Julian will never not make me cry that bad
March 17, 2025
we all knew I would be crying. they’re a family😭😭😭😭
March 21, 2025
I loved Deacon and Julian's story. So when I saw that a novella was out to show their wedding and life years down the road I knew I needed to read it.
This one had me crying several times. The emotions were high. I'm not a huge fan of his mom still, but I'm glad she opened up a little.
I loved seeing these two as husbands and then as dads. I feel in love with their children in just the couple of pages we see them, and I really need to read Rowan's book now.
This one had me crying several times. The emotions were high. I'm not a huge fan of his mom still, but I'm glad she opened up a little.
I loved seeing these two as husbands and then as dads. I feel in love with their children in just the couple of pages we see them, and I really need to read Rowan's book now.
March 23, 2025
When I saw this had come out I downloaded it instantly.
“Without You” is one of my all time favourite books, not just MM Romance, but fav in general.
And this novella was an amazing epilogue. Spanning 30 years into their future together, we see how Julian and Deacon continue to grow together and build their family. And it’s gorgeous.
Though the epilogue has me curious!
No cheating
No OM OW drama
No breakup
Just smut and fluff. ❤️
“Without You” is one of my all time favourite books, not just MM Romance, but fav in general.
And this novella was an amazing epilogue. Spanning 30 years into their future together, we see how Julian and Deacon continue to grow together and build their family. And it’s gorgeous.
Though the epilogue has me curious!
No cheating
No OM OW drama
No breakup
Just smut and fluff. ❤️
March 22, 2025
Deacon + Julian 🖤
“I promise to love you when it’s quiet and love you when it’s loud. I promise to love you in the light and in the dark."
"I’m his and he’s mine.
No beginning. No end.
Only him and me.
Me and him.
Husbands."
This is basically a giant epilogue. You get to see glimpses into their life 5 years after Without You ended, 2 years after their wedding and then 8 years after that.
Very emotional and cute parts but definitely got a little boring at times unfortunately.
“I promise to love you when it’s quiet and love you when it’s loud. I promise to love you in the light and in the dark."
"I’m his and he’s mine.
No beginning. No end.
Only him and me.
Me and him.
Husbands."
This is basically a giant epilogue. You get to see glimpses into their life 5 years after Without You ended, 2 years after their wedding and then 8 years after that.
Very emotional and cute parts but definitely got a little boring at times unfortunately.
July 10, 2025
Awwwwwww
HE'S Novella
117 Pages
KU Read
MM Romance
Healing\Grief
Found Family
Spice
Time Jumps
I love Deacon and Julian and this book is a homage to their love for each other. I love how it picks up from where the last book leaves off and shows you their wedding and all that follows; the expansion of their family, attempts at reconciliation with Elaine and time jumps to show how they move forward and grow. It is all heart warming and so do satisfying to see than all happy. I now have the warm fuzzies and a goofy grin.
HE'S Novella
117 Pages
KU Read
MM Romance
Healing\Grief
Found Family
Spice
Time Jumps
I love Deacon and Julian and this book is a homage to their love for each other. I love how it picks up from where the last book leaves off and shows you their wedding and all that follows; the expansion of their family, attempts at reconciliation with Elaine and time jumps to show how they move forward and grow. It is all heart warming and so do satisfying to see than all happy. I now have the warm fuzzies and a goofy grin.
June 28, 2025
4.5 - these boys will always have my heart!
April 29, 2025
Cute way to tie up their story. All their wishes for themselves have come true.
Lovely ending.
Lovely ending.
June 19, 2026
This was a really sweet novella! Without you didn’t make me cry, but this novella almost got me!
I also loved the cameo from Auden and Pierce from want you still!! I wasn’t expecting that, and it made me realize this wasn’t the first of Marley Valentines work I’ve read.
I also loved the cameo from Auden and Pierce from want you still!! I wasn’t expecting that, and it made me realize this wasn’t the first of Marley Valentines work I’ve read.
March 22, 2025
Every romance book should have an epilogue book after it is finished.
This was so sweet and touching, but it's still had a story to tell. I love these men so much, and I'm smiling and giggling for their happy ending. Of course, the children sound so cute and sweet , and I need more of them.
This was so sweet and touching, but it's still had a story to tell. I love these men so much, and I'm smiling and giggling for their happy ending. Of course, the children sound so cute and sweet , and I need more of them.
March 23, 2025
Guidelines to live by.
How it could be, how it should be.
The love pouring out of this novella is a walk through to a life you can choose to live by. You can make your life like this. It's the choices you make that matter.
Absolutely wholesome and glorious.
How it could be, how it should be.
The love pouring out of this novella is a walk through to a life you can choose to live by. You can make your life like this. It's the choices you make that matter.
Absolutely wholesome and glorious.
March 23, 2025
This novella kind of reminded me of "And All Their Stars" by Riley Nash. And I LOVE that novella. But it wasn't on "that" level. So 4 stars it is...
Read
March 22, 2025Very sweet it was great to be back with these guys again 😚 also very curious about a second-gen follow-up…
May 14, 2025
an awesome life…
Deacon and Julian tell us about a life well lived. An awesome life, with ups and downs, decisions and open hearts, growing a family and sharing with it friends, as the years tick by.
I did not know what to expect, and I was surprised and thrilled.
We get the super sexy hot lovin’ and deep thoughts, with an unbreakable bond.
The novella takes us from crying to an extreme happiness.
I promise you will be satisfied.
ENJOY !
=====
Deacon and Julian tell us about a life well lived. An awesome life, with ups and downs, decisions and open hearts, growing a family and sharing with it friends, as the years tick by.
I did not know what to expect, and I was surprised and thrilled.
We get the super sexy hot lovin’ and deep thoughts, with an unbreakable bond.
The novella takes us from crying to an extreme happiness.
I promise you will be satisfied.
ENJOY !
=====
April 19, 2026
I just don’t feel like there should of been a second book. The first book was unbelievably emotional and raw and it ended on a great note. As much as the second book was amazing and beautiful it was unrealistic. No couple gay or straight. Is that happy for that long with no issues. The second book was still good. Getting to know the children was great. I just feel like the second book could’ve been left out. Just my opinion.
August 17, 2026
Omg my heart is so full after reading this small novella conclusion to Without You 🥰
March 20, 2025
Just yes
With you delivers to us lovers of Without You the perfect close to Julian & Deacons love story. Like many other readers, I have always loved these men and enjoy the beautiful snippets into their lives with Marleys others' works. This novella does not disappoint it shows us our men as they grow and become better and start the family they have always deserved. Thank you, Marley, for giving us this story.
With you delivers to us lovers of Without You the perfect close to Julian & Deacons love story. Like many other readers, I have always loved these men and enjoy the beautiful snippets into their lives with Marleys others' works. This novella does not disappoint it shows us our men as they grow and become better and start the family they have always deserved. Thank you, Marley, for giving us this story.
February 26, 2025
im foaming at the mouth waiting for this
April 20, 2025
The perfect little novella and continuation of Deacon and Julian's love story.
Of course, I cried.
The wedding was perfection.
The narration was perfection as well.
Of course, I cried.
The wedding was perfection.
The narration was perfection as well.
March 21, 2025
Talk about the perfect bonus. Marley Valentine delivered and then some with this look into not only the wedding of Deacon Sutton and Julian Reid but glimpses into their future many years later.
It's beyond perfect with heartwarming scenes, wildly erotic trysts and a lifelong love that brought me to tears more than once.
We also get to visit with old friends from prior books and meet some new faces who couldn't help but steal my heart.
With a surprise ending that is offering up a slew of exciting future possibilities that made me squee loudly(!), I can only say that this novella is a must-read for die-hard fans of this wonderful couple and this talented author.
5 huge stars and a big thank you from me for this awesome chance to be with Deacon and Julian once again.
It's beyond perfect with heartwarming scenes, wildly erotic trysts and a lifelong love that brought me to tears more than once.
We also get to visit with old friends from prior books and meet some new faces who couldn't help but steal my heart.
With a surprise ending that is offering up a slew of exciting future possibilities that made me squee loudly(!), I can only say that this novella is a must-read for die-hard fans of this wonderful couple and this talented author.
5 huge stars and a big thank you from me for this awesome chance to be with Deacon and Julian once again.
April 1, 2025
Marley is my queeeeeen!!!
This was just divine. I fell in love with Marley when I first read Without You around the time it came out. And I remember reading about Julian and Deacon and just being like, “Yes! These are the types of books I want to read!” And I’ve stuck by Marley ever since.
To be able to revisit Julian and Deacon and the rest of the crew all these years later has been such a special experience. Marley is in her prime here, full of heart, angst, and so much damn love. It was so easy to just fall back into this world and let it eat me up!
I alwaaaaays need more Marley and hello? Second generation?!?!
This was just divine. I fell in love with Marley when I first read Without You around the time it came out. And I remember reading about Julian and Deacon and just being like, “Yes! These are the types of books I want to read!” And I’ve stuck by Marley ever since.
To be able to revisit Julian and Deacon and the rest of the crew all these years later has been such a special experience. Marley is in her prime here, full of heart, angst, and so much damn love. It was so easy to just fall back into this world and let it eat me up!
I alwaaaaays need more Marley and hello? Second generation?!?!
August 15, 2025
5 🌟
audio read 🎧 — Teddy Hamilton and Tim Paige
Deacon and Julian
— novella
— established couple
— extended epilogue
— “baby”
— rimming
I love a good hearty epilogue, so this novella was perfection for me. This has all the highs of Deacon and Julian’s lives following Without You, but it also shows some of the realistic lows.
And honestly, I’m super intrigued by that tease at the end 🤨
.
.
.
.
‼️⚠️ Potential spoilers ⚠️‼️
Dynamic: MM — vers
Sharing? No
Cheating? No
Breakup? No
Sex scene with OM or OW No
audio read 🎧 — Teddy Hamilton and Tim Paige
Deacon and Julian
— novella
— established couple
— extended epilogue
— “baby”
— rimming
I love a good hearty epilogue, so this novella was perfection for me. This has all the highs of Deacon and Julian’s lives following Without You, but it also shows some of the realistic lows.
And honestly, I’m super intrigued by that tease at the end 🤨
.
.
.
.
‼️⚠️ Potential spoilers ⚠️‼️
Dynamic: MM — vers
Sharing? No
Cheating? No
Breakup? No
Sex scene with OM or OW No
December 17, 2025
After finishing Without You, I immediately jumped into this little novella and it was so cute!🥹 it was just 100 pages but it gives you a glimpse into Deacon and Julian’s life years after the events of the first book.
This novella felt like a warm blanket. It was so cute and full of love. It felt like the perfect way to say goodbye to these characters and to end their story. I rated this book 4⭐️
This novella felt like a warm blanket. It was so cute and full of love. It felt like the perfect way to say goodbye to these characters and to end their story. I rated this book 4⭐️
March 21, 2025
Love these two so much, like when I first read without you I was like what a beautiful story that was & then k listened to the audio and fell in love with them
More! This was the perfect novella I loved the fact we got to see their wedding and their children like it’s made my whole year ! Thankyou Marley you write the best books!!!!!!
More! This was the perfect novella I loved the fact we got to see their wedding and their children like it’s made my whole year ! Thankyou Marley you write the best books!!!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 297 reviews