Here’s the thing about Kelly Rimmer, she hits hard right from the get-go and kind of challenges you to hang on for the adventure of your life. A rather complex version of a simplistic scenario. ME WITHOUT YOU centers around Callum and Lilah.
 
Callum refers to their interaction as a fragile relationship. Always leery and weary about what direction it was currently taking and if there was any reason to believe it had a future. Lilah lived on an equally shaky foundation. Their friendship was a cog in the gears of her life. But each was so very reluctant to pull the plug. Each had internal conversations about how this wasn’t at all how they wanted to live their life. Not to say they were commitment-phobic.
 
Callum was a 24/7 workaholic at the marketing company that suited his talents. He was successful in keeping his personal life such that it was, efficiently compartmentalized. Until he met Lilah. As weirdly romanticized as this might sound, she made him aware of the world around him. One day, one night, one ferry ride at a time.
 
Lilah’s personal world was miles away from Callum. She had been just about everywhere. She had extensively traveled with her parents. Settled into a smaller life with her grandparents and now is driven by her desire to make people and corporations aware of their responsibility to the environment and nature.
 
No Lilah is not one of those who are out to strong-arm folks into following her own beliefs and lifestyle. There is a crucial element to her life choices. And through her journals, we get a glimpse into who Lilah is and why she has made these choices.
 
Each time together Callum fears it would be their last. That Lilah was getting ready to pull the plug. Ironic since Callum had no plans to actually get involved in a long-term relationship with anyone. He is just too busy. Not what he wants. And yet it is Callum who seems fragile when it comes to their growing friendship. Waiting for the proverbial shoe to drop.
 
Each time they are together has Lilah reasserting her commitment to avoiding a long-term relationship. Always under a cloud of some sort. And Kelly Rimmer only hints at the probable reason that is.
 
ME WITHOUT YOU is a journey of sorts into the world of two amazing characters. Chapter by chapter we watch their relationship change and evolve into something different and special. Wondering just where Kelly Rimmer is heading with this. At times anxiously waiting for a revelation. Those who are acquainted with this author’s work know she is purposely charting the story of Callum and Lilah.
 
As with any review I diligently try to keep the story vague. That is the joy of reading the tome. My mantra is don’t spoil the reader’s journey. Suffice it to say ME WITHOUT YOU will have your feelings bounce all over the charts. Callum and Lilah are extraordinary characters. Intelligently crafted by this most impressive writer. Plenty of aw moments. Definitely keep some tissues handy. Fans of Kelly Rimmer are once again going to marathon their way through ME WITHOUT YOU which is sure to attract new ones.