
by Maria Dean
RomanceAdded on August 9, 2026
When my mum’s new partner walked into our lives, bringing along his brooding son, Cade Westwood, I never imagined the rollercoaster that awaited me.Cade, haunted by his past, kept a tight lid on his emotions, and I couldn't help but be intrigued by the mystery that surrounded him. Little did I know that our innocent connection would soon be tested by unexpected hurdles, turning our fairy-tale love story into a haunting nightmare.Fast forward sixteen years, and I find myself staring into the eyes of Cade once again—only this time, he’s my boss. The wounds from our shared history resurface, and I’m forced to confront the bittersweet memories that still linger.As I try to navigate my newfound professional life, buried feelings for Cade threaten to emerge from the shadows. Will I be able to keep my emotions in check? And can Cade’s secrets avoid derailing our chance at a renewed connection?Trigger Warning: Explores themes of parental death, emotional abuse, physical abuse, and trauma that some readers may find triggering.
This was my lockdown novel. I started writing it during the pandemic and had no idea where Alex and Cade were going to take me, but it soon transpired that their story wasn’t going to be plain sailing and it took me to quite a dark place. So much so, I had to take a long break from writing their story as it was so hard hitting. I’m so glad I found the courage to finish the book almost two years after starting it as Cade and Alex needed their HEA.
Not Without Me by Maria Dean is a captivating tale of love, loss, and the enduring power of connections. Maria Dean's portrayal of complex relationships is poignant and thought-provoking, delving into themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the transformative power of time.This a compelling blend of romance and introspection, offering readers a heartfelt exploration of love's enduring impact across the years. This is a must-read for anyone captivated by tales of love, resilience, and the power of
Love love loved this book! It was so easy to read and I didn’t want to put it down. It was well written giving you the then and now story at the same time. It helped you know how the relationship started and where it is now. It lets you feel everything they went through 16 years ago and how they are now. This is the first book of Maria Dean I have read but it will not be the last. Absolutely recommend this to anyone and everyone
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