Slick's review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews 
 Review copy provided for an honest review 
 5 STARS 
 The minute I saw this cover, I knew this was a book I wanted to read. The cover completely drew me in and then I read the synopsis and I was sold. However, I never expected to get such a complex and emotionally gripping story; one that kept me on the edge of my seat, one that had me riding a roller coaster of emotions, and one that made me cry big ugly crocodile tears through the last two chapters. Author Barbara Elsborg is a new to me author but after reading With or Without Him not once but twice, I can honestly say I can't wait to check out her other books. If this book is indicative of her skill as a writer then I am hooked. 
 Tyler has had a nightmarish life and has faced a great deal in his 21 years. The only thing that gets him through is his music but as he works on his degree, his debt is mounting something he simply can't live with and he's been selling his body at Saturday night sex parties. He's done many things he's ashamed of and this is just one more thing to add to that list but he turns off his brain and does it because the degree means something to him and he has no other way to pay for it. When he is rescued at a BDSM demonstration gone bad, he can't deny the strong feelings he has for the man that helped him but he runs. Haris however is so enthralled by the young musician he has no intentions of letting him get away, so he proposes a business arrangement that Tyler can't afford to refuse. 
 What we have here is two very messed up men, I mean some truly scary skeletons in the closet between these two and both don't trust easily or know how to deal with the feelings they've begun to develop for each other. Lust? Most definitely, but it's more than that which causes them to say and do things that purposely hurt each other. The author so carefully wrote this story that I'd be lulled into thinking things were working well and then BAM I'd get thrown for a loop when some other ugly aspect of their life reared its ugly head. This book was a minefield and it was impossible to feel comfortable but I couldn't help but be completely and totally immersed into their lives; feel their hurt, be disgusted by how they were treated, understand their remorse and feelings of inadequacy, and hope that they'd eventually understand that with each other they were safe. 
 While this book was about the strange and developing relationship between Tyler and Haris it was so much more. I'd really like to classify this book as a romantic suspense but I don't even know if that does it justice. These two spend a lot of time having sex and pushing each other's boundaries, they also share way more of their past lives with each other than they have with anyone else, but Tyler has pissed some people off royally and Haris' past has caught up to him as well putting them both in danger. 
 This is without a doubt a completely intriguing story that is a feast for the mind yet it will also touch your soul. It is not an easy read there are accounts of rape, abuse, torture, and conspiracy yet I wouldn't have changed a word of it. With or Without Him is simply a fantastically written story with characters you won't soon forget, a story that will keep you guessing, and an ending that will leave you happy but wrecked. If you an easy read this isn't the book for you but if you want a story of love conquering all then head over to your favorite bookseller and purchase With or Without You and be prepared to be amazed.