Not Without Your Love

The Boys of Jackson Harbor #7

by Lexi Ryan

Return to Jackson Harbor for the story of two people who never thought to hope for their own happily ever after.

Colton McKinley has turned his life around—no more booze, no more drugs, no more self-sabotage. With a new business to run and old promises to keep, the last thing he needs is wild, impulsive Veronica Maddox disrupting his world. But when his friends ask him to give her a job as a personal favor, Colton doesn’t feel like he can say no. Even if she pushes his buttons and makes him want to pull his hair out. Even if the only time they get along is when they cave to the inexplicable chemistry between them. He doesn’t want this complication in his life, but soon enough he realizes he just might need her.

Not Without Your Love is the seventh novel in The Boys of Jackson Harbor series. These books can all be read as standalones, but you’ll enjoy reading them as a series!

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Small Town Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Adult, Workplace

344 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 5, 2021

About the author

Award-winning author Lexi Ryan is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller of hot contemporary romance and sexy, action-packed YA fantasy. Her books have sold over a million copies. A former English professor, she considers herself lucky to have traded stacks of grading for emotionally charged storytelling. She is happiest when at home in Indiana with her husband and two children, where you can find her lifting weights, reading copiously, hanging out with her family, and thanking her lucky stars.

Reviews

[Leticia (jerseygirlsbookshelf) · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I always want you. I’ll want you until the day I die."
I have two words for you: HELL YES! There’s so much I want to say about this book, but I’ll just say that my heart is full, my chest is tight, and I feel like crying happy tears.

Lexi Ryan is such an amazing writer, and she always gives me the feels. And when good writing is combined with a wonderful story and two relatable characters, it’s just spot on.

You may not think you need this book in your life, but I guarantee it, you DO!
(and now I need to go back and read all the Jackson Harbor books!)

"I never understood what the authors meant when they talk about the hero growling. What is he, a bear?"
Colton is PERFECTION! I swear I wouldn’t change a thing about him. Can someone call Lexi and ask her where I can find him? Of course he’s growly (and we all know what that means!), guarded and grumpy (my three Gs!). Of course he’s a wonderful guy. He has a past he’s not proud of, with drugs and alcohol. But does that really matter? He’s been led to think it does. I disagree.

"I would do backflips to make her smile like that every day."
Veronica could be one of my best friends. She’s that real. She’s a single mom, struggling to make ends meet and to give her son Jackson everything. She deserves the world, but she has a past too, and so many people who’ve made her feel undeserving. Who’ve made her feel like less. And their opinions have rubbed off on her.

"Because you watch me like you want to screw my brains out but don't have the balls to do so much as touch me."
Veronica works for Colton and the Heartbreakers, only for the summer, and they get on each other’s nerves. A lot. But the chemistry between them is scorching. Their banter? I lived for it, I couldn’t stop reading, and I just wanted more of it. The way they react to each other, the way they connect? Damn. The fire between them was just spot on. And when it happens... Nope, not going there. You’ll need to read it because office sex has never been hotter!
And this heroine? There's not a weak bone in her body, and she's not shy about what she wants.

"Don’t worry, I’m worth the wait."
He really, really is.
Other than their obvious feelings for each other, there’s the question of who they’ve been, what they’ve been through, what they’ve surmounted. How far they’ve come in life, by themselves and with the help of the people who love them. Today's Colton and Veronica are not the same people they’ve once been. But the past has a way of coming back to haunt us, and finding us. And trying their best to tear us apart.
Parts of this book broke me, but Ms. Ryan put me back together again.

"I don’t want to live without your love."
The guy who thinks he can’t have happiness meets the girl who thinks she shouldn’t, in a twist of fate that proves them both wrong. It’s a story about fighting for your happiness, with everything you got.

I mean, what else is there, right?

Wonderful book. I received an ARC for it, and this is my honest review.

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t realize how much I missed Jackson Harbor until I was all up in it again! *happy sigh*

If it’s one thing you can count on when it comes to a Lexi Ryan story is the realism she devotes to her plot. I have yet to read a story of hers that is not grounded in real life and that’s one of the main reasons I admire her as a writer. She writes fiction that is not fluff. It is real and relatable and twisty just like life is. Nobody gets out of life smooth sailing all the way, nobody, and she makes sure she writes stories that reflect that. Are they sometimes a lot? Maybe, but they’re real *shrug*

Veronica’s circumstances could be any one of our circumstances and my heart is so full after reading her story. She’s a chic that’s gonna stick with you. And you know that thing they say about partners bringing out the best in each other … Colton & Veronica were those people and it made for a gloriously emotional story full of heart and hope. It wasn’t an easy read and I felt a lot of this story to my core, but it was uplifting and I loved it.

[Melanie (mells_view) · Rating 4 out of 5]

stressy messy enemies to lovers…

I listened to the audio and read the e-book of this. I enjoyed the story overall, but it admittedly stressed me out because some of the stuff Veronica had to deal with were emotional and stressing. Her and Colt though had the perfect amount of tension and reluctance to keep it interesting. They fall pretty fast, but both try to hold back because they have other stuff going on and neither one of them feel deserving of each other.

Anyway. This was enjoyable. If you want a single mom romance that’s also enemies in close proximity, then you’ll love this one. The audio was good. The FMC had a southern accent and the MMC didn’t really, so it was funny hearing him do her voice during his POV. That said, it was still entertaining and enjoyable.

[Natasha]

Dnf at 30%

I really wanted to read this given that i've read every book in this series but i just can't get over that the h is Veronica who is Nic sister from book 1 who slept with her sister's fiance, went on her honeymoon and got pregnant. I couldn't stand her and still don't know how Nic forgave her and forgot everything.🤦‍♀️ Her romance with Colton just seems so forced and i didn't feel any chemistry between them. Still think that Colton deserved so much better.

P.s. if i re-read the first book it's not going to be a 4🌟 for sure but maybe later😂

[Elisa ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

this romance was so good!!

about the romance: about a year ago Colton and Veronica had a thing but since then she hates him and he has no idea why. now they work together and they can't deny the sexual tension.
if you want a dirty talker and alpha hero, this is your romance.

besides the romance, the book focuses on Veronica's baby, there's a little bit of drama there but overall is a good drama.

[Grecia Robles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sorprendentemente mi favorito.

Colton en el tercer libro se me hizo tóxico pero el mejor personaje de ese libro, Veronica en el primer libro la odié y yo difícilmente hubiera perdonado lo que hizo, pero la autora le supo dar vuelta a la tortilla y que empatizáramos con ambos personajes.

Su historia me gustó, ellos me gustaron y me encantó la relación que tenía Colton con Jacks el hijo de Veronica y me hubiera encantado más escenas de ellos juntos.

Fue un gran cierre de serie y a pesar de que no es la mejor serie, sus libros no son tan buenos, pero es entretenida y muy fácil de leer y te quedas con un buen sabor de boca.

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got so frustrated reading this one. I really liked Veronica, thought she was doing a great job with Jacks, but man...I wished she would have asked for help. So many times things would have been easier if she had asked for help and the help wouldn't have had to be big, sometimes, plus her friends and family would know more of what she was going through. I was so so with things between Veronica and Colton, could see why she went brittle with him at the 4th of July party. I also hated how he misconstrued everything about Veronica, leaving him with a bad notion when it was far from the truth.

When these 2 actually started to get along, it was nice that they had the other for support, but I also see why Veronica walked away. Because as much as she wanted Colton in her life, she had someone who was much more important.

The drama Veronica had with her son's father was crazy. You could tell what was going on, but that didn't help Veronica, she was fighting tooth and nail to keep her son. I thought she did a good job of letting the visitation happen at the start. I'm glad that Colton had her back in this in the end.

I liked how this one ended, Veronica finally could take a breath and feel good about her life and where it was heading, with so many secrets out in the open and with love in her life.

[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Star Review Not Without Your Love (The Boys of Jackson Harbour #7) by Lexi Ryan  

I know this is hard to believe, but Lexi Ryan is a relatively new author to me. From start to finish, I was captivated by the story that she wove, drawn in and I had a hard time putting this one down.

I loved the dynamics of the Jackson family and when I learned that Colton McKinley was getting his own story I knew I had to read it. Convinced to give Veronica Maddox a job, he has no idea how his life is about to change. The chemistry between them is off the charts, even though she pushes his buttons he cannot ignore the attraction.

I found both Colton and Veronica easy to relate to and and I had many swoon worthy moments with Colton. He has turned his life around and made a success of it and he deserved to find happiness. Whilst Veronica is a single mum who has not had it easy. I loved how sassy and feisty she was and enjoyed her ability to stand up for what she believes in.

However, what will happen when the past comes back to haunt them? Will it tear them apart or make them stronger? This was a well written story of love, friendship and second chances, of taking a leap of faith and of believing in yourself.

[Cristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

3’75✨

[ChellesOfBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
TW; talk about being an addict and subsequent sobriety, drugs, and shady dealings

Fair warning, I've binged this whole series and am writing these reviews AFTER reading, and the one thing I have to say about this world is there's a lot of repetition of storylines, tropes and HEA's.

What I liked most about Veronica and Colton's story is that they got the redemption arc they deserved. What I didn't like was in the process of doing that, there was so much talk about how the Jackson family - with all their hailed amazing abilities and placement in this world - became sort of a punching bag. Colton and Veronica are honorary members of the Jackson family but always on the outside looking in. It makes sense and I do get the reason for some comparisons/downfalls. But goodness, there was so much hating on the Jacksons and so much "I'll never equate to a Jackson" in this novel, that I wished there wasn't such a standard to reach for. Ethan Jackson was also used negatively in this book, and wow, I would have liked to see Ethan go off at Veronica when all the bs went down between her and Nic in the beginning, but years on, it was disappointing to see that a character who was placed in and out of this world through all the books was still held with such poor opinion by her brother in law, even if the past story for why Veronica wasn't everyone's cup of tea existed.

Jacksons' aside, I really liked Veronica and Colton's relationship. They know what rock bottom feels like and built their lives back up tooth and nail, and I appreciated their struggles, vulnerabilities and strengths. I really liked the storyline for both characters, and whilst it got a little dramatic for my liking at points (insert Ethan mouthing off here), I am glad that through all they faced, they were able to find something special in each other.

Again, there was the repeated boss-employee power dynamics trope used in this and at first, I was a little annoyed. Thankfully it was handled differently than in the other two stories in this series, so I didn't mind Veronica working for Colton after some time. Their passion was hot and steamy yet fit what was happening between them. I like that sex was the only vice they both felt they could indulge in for some time, but it was also never going to be enough and led to genuine feelings.

I also appreciated Colton's struggles and talk of his sobriety throughout this novel. He's a formidable character, and boy was I feeling for him whenever he was vulnerable. I'm glad Nic and Veronica also finally had it out with each other, and Veronica was able to escape the rather scary situation involving her son.

I'm unsure if this is the end of this world (I can't see how this could be dragged out any longer, though, with the new introduction of the HBA team, it could be) but I'm glad I took the time to read this series, even if I'm relieved it's over and that this one didn't end with a proposal like so many of the others did.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Colton McKinley is not quite one of the Jackson brothers, but grew up right alongside them and has been brought into the Jackson fold even if he sometimes feels like an outsider looking in.

Veronica Maddox need this job, but the less time she has to deal with Colton the better. He might be her boss, but the one night they spent together (before she worked for his company) turned into disaster and she isn’t keen to repeat it. She doesn’t have time to date, and even with the job is barely making ends meet. Her entire focus is on keeping a safe home for her son and making sure her decisions don’t hurt him.

These two are quite the pair. Both are used to being out the outside and feeling like they don’t belong. He feels like he doesn’t get to be happy. She feels like she doesn’t deserve it. They may have similar feelings of separateness, but they are holding back for different reasons. He isn’t sure why she has so much animosity towards him, but also knows that he is attracted to her.

This enemies to lovers had a lot going in several directions that had me fully engrossed in the story. Even as I was frustrated by Colton’s conclusions and everyone’s tendency to assume the worst of Veronica, I couldn’t help but hope that Ronnie would have her moment to be able to let everyone in on what she’s been dealing with. These characters needed their moments of redemption, forgiveness, and learning to depend on someone to have their back. This was the final Jackson Harbor story, but with the way we are let into the world of Colton’s company, there is room for spin off potential!

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[Three Chicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars by Jen Skewes

I was so excited about this book. And when it was all over I did not know what to do with myself. I was completely engrossed in Colton and Veronica’s love story that I did not want it to end. Ms. Ryan completely delivered on this one.

We met Veronica early on in this series and there was a part of me that was not sure if I would like her. I mean she slept with her sister’s fiancé and had his baby. But I loved her!! She is a single mom who is just trying to get by. She has some financial woes but as a mother she loves her son more than anything. She is doing what it takes to be the best mom and that is why I loved her.

Veronica works for Colton McKinley, the man she had one night with, that ended in a way she wants to forget. That act like they cannot stand each other but the sexual tension between the two of them is very thick. Colton has been through a lot in the past few years. He has his own baggage and while Veronica Maddox may drive him absolutely nuts, he cannot stop thinking about her. Underneath the grumpy guy is a sweet and caring man who has a hard time admitting that he likes Veronica more than he lets on.

There is certainly a physical connection between them, but Colton cannot understand why she isn’t’ willing to open up to him as she does to others. And he is also trying to figure out why she ran after their one night a year ago. When he does find out the truth, he realizes what an idiot he is. But this in a way just makes him want her more and wants to make things right. Will she be able to give him a chance and have more than just a casual fling?

I loved Colton. Not only is this man sexy but he is a sweet and kind man and the way he is with Veronica’s son is adorable. Even if there time together wasn’t as much as I would have liked. He is protective when it comes to Veronica and does not want to see her hurt.

Veronica is this fierce and independent woman. She has gotten herself into some trouble over the years, but her intentions were good. Well maybe not all the time but they were forgivable 

I loves this book. Colton and Veronica are so good together. You can feel the sexual attraction between them, the chemistry flying off the pages. But it was so much more than that. I loved seeing their vulnerable sides and the emotional relationship that they slowly built. This series is one of my faves from MS. Ryan and I am so sad to see it end. All though I am hoping for a spin off series, so we get to see more of Wes and Crosley!!

[Amy [Book Addict Reviews] · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first time Veronica was introduced in this series, I was not a fan for obvious reasons, but slowly as each book as continued she won me over and now that we finally get her story I fell completely in love with her. She struggled her whole life but she is hardworking, she is caring and she will do anything for her three year old, Jackson. Colton has struggled throughout his life, he has overcome a lot and is working hard to be a better person and has grown so much throughout this entire series.

Veronica and Colton have a one night stand, now they work together. They aren’t completely enemies, but there is some dislike there, at least for Veronica. They push each other’s buttons frequently. There is also insane amounts of chemistry between them that is just waiting to explode. I loved how sweet Colton was throughout the story and how hard he worked to prove to Veronica that he is on her side and will be there for her and for her son.

Veronica and Colton’s journey is nowhere close to being easy. These two have to go through so much together and as individuals throughout this story. There is so much push and pull but you can’t help but root for them to find their happily ever after. Veronica and Colton both deserve happiness and you can’t help but root for them from the start.

If you’re looking for a single mom, small town, enemies to lovers, workplace romance this is one to check out.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m usually a read-a-series-in-order type of gal. Even when books are presented as stand-alone reads, like this one, I really enjoy following the progression of following a family find their HEAs. But I’m glad I haven’t read the previous books, or I might have had some less than positive thoughts about Veronica, Colton or both. We get flash backs to what happened between the two of them. And each is honest about the mistakes they’ve made in their lives. So i had a clean slate where they were concerned.
I liked them both as individuals as well as a couple. But that was a very slow burn. Which was good, because the author did a fantastic job of portraying Veronica and Colton as flawed, real people. V was a great mom, too…except maybe a bit naive when her son’s dad comes back into the picture. Yeah, I was yelling at my e-reader at that point!
Then there were the secondary characters. Usually, I love them and the contribution to the story. But I honestly didn’t like most of them! I felt the people who should have been supportive of Veronica were judgmental jerks. They claimed to have forgiven her for past issues, but it didn’t seem like that to me.
But I guess that makes a good book…readers having visceral reactions to author’s stories. I certainly had one to Not Without Your Love!

[Becky Claxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart went out to Veronica and Colton so many times. Neither one had a very good childhood. I feel that Veronica and her twin had the worse childhood with a drug additive mother and in and out of foster homes. Veronica’s twin sister Nic always tried to get along with foster parents while Veronica did what their mother told them to do and give everyone a hard time. Veronica’s decisions didn’t get much better until until she had her son Jacks. I can understand why Veronica didn’t think Colton liked her as he was always yelling at her at work. Sometimes when people don’t seem to get along it is because they are attracted to each other and don’t know how to handle it. Once Veronica’s baby daddy comes to town and decides after three years he wants to be in his son’s life things get worse. Veronica just can’t catch a break. I loved the book and strongly encourage you to read it. I was given a copy through Grey’s Promotions and voluntarily wrote a review.

[Tanja OMGReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been over a year since I last read Lexi Ryan and boy o boy what a mistake that was...

Right for the get go I was sucked into this story and I've read it in one sitting with my heart crying all the tears with everything that was happening to Veronica. As a single mother she didn't need additional burden in her life but her past has a way of catching up with her even when she was sure it was settled.

Colton was an ass at the beginning but when he sees his mistakes he makes everything in his power to help her find peace and happiness by his side. Its been a while where I read about a couple who deserved HEA more than these two.

***Review copy requeued and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***

[Kylee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not Without Your Love has us returning back to Jackson Harbor for Colton and Veronica's story. This single parent romance has a little angst, some heart melting moments and a lot of sexual tension. As pasts play havoc with their future it will have these two taking a bumpy ride to ensure that it does not tear them apart. Their story is sweet and sexy and has these two fighting for a second chance at getting a happily ever after. It is filled with chemistry and a connection between these two that radiates off the pages. A story that is overflowing with a variety of emotions that will have you riding the ups and downs to ensure these two finally find the happiness and love that they deserve.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

They may have been the last couple but totally with the wait. Lexi Ryan maybe saved the best couple for last? Both Veronica and Colton had problems before their book but man did they make up for it in this one. Veronica had demons to fight and she did it how she saw fit. Colton will always have a demon but how he handled dealing with everything just made you root for him that much more. I love these two together . They are a force to be reckoned with and I’m so glad they got their HEA. Lexi Ryan knocked this one out of the park. Patiently waiting for the Heartbreakers….

[Courtney Shapiro · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75
I can't believe this series is over. I'm honestly so attached to these women, these brothers and this fictional Michigan town. Veronica and Colton both had an extremely difficult hand given to them and I respected their journeys so much. Some of the side characters were just so incredibly frustrating and it was a lot to have those parts of the book. I thought the spice was fun as usual and I really loved Colton and Veronica working to heal together. However, it wasn't my favorite of the Jackson Harbor series.

[Cheryl Graham-Petit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not Without Your Love is a slow-burn, small-town, enemies-to-lovers romance with a wonderful storyline and great characters. Add in a dirty-talking alpha hero and a strong single mother struggling to make ends meet, a bit of drama, angst, sexual tension, witty banter, and scorching chemistry, and you have another amazing story.

I volunteered to review an advance reader copy of this book.

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colton and Veronica's story touched me to my core. Both grew up wanting to be loved and as adults believing they didn't deserve it. This story hurt my heart and right up to the very end I wasn't sure they would find their HEA. I haven't read any other books in this series, but you can bet I will now. This book can be read as a standalone, but I want more of the Jackson boys.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not Without Your Love was a slow burn that hit the spot. It was emotional, brimming with sexual tension between Colton & Veronica. They both have made mistakes in their pasts, but Veronica is still paying for them. I loved how these two characters came together. Their banter was great and I adored V’s son. I just wish her sister and brother in law had a bit more faith in her.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

[Maike · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somtimes you just need a quick read to shut off your brain. This worked quite well.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Feel good book

I wasn’t so sure about this since these weren’t my favorite characters but I liked getting to know them better and rooting for them.

[Bookish Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall: 4.5/5
Spice level: 3.5/5
Tropes: Boss/employee, enemies to lovers, second chance, single mom

I really loved Colton and Veronica together. In the beginning when they started hooking up it was almost like hate fuck energy, which was intense. And it was just supposed to be fun, but of course we all know it ends up messy and full of feelings.

On top of the hotness factor was how great Colton was with Veronica's son. He was a natural with him.

As far as antagonists go, having a deadbeat dad and his new wife come around after years of not caring is pretty realistic, and scary for a single mom who is struggling just to keep a roof over her child's head.

The situation creates a lot of inner turmoil for Veronica. She loves her kiddo to death but doesn't want to keep him from his dad. And the way Colton supports her through it all was amazing.

I enjoyed the flow of the story and kind of want to go back and read the other books in the series.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colton and Veronica are not quite enemies to lovers but they definitely bring the snark to their interactions. I felt for both of them, trying to prove that they’ve put the past where it belongs. I definitely wanted to throw some punches (even at a character I love), and I rejoiced for them and their HEA. Can’t wait for what’s next with the side characters!

[Jen (Nesta's versión) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colton y Verónica ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🔥
Son bellos mis enemies to lovers, me encanta como ambos han tenido un pasado lleno de tristeza, culpa y errores de los cuales ambos se arrepienten, ellos buscan un mejor futuro.
Ella quiere darle lo mejor al pequeño Jack, que no sufra como ella como era niña y El quiere poder merecer algo más de la vida, ambos buscan su final feliz.

🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋
~Esto no ha terminado entre nosotros, y no lo comparto

Porque estoy harto de fingir que no quiero más de ti. Porque tocarte en la oficina nunca fue suficiente. –me pasa el pulgar por el labio inferior .― Porque hoy te he visto llorar y me ha estremecido. Te necesito en mi cama y en mis brazos.

Nunca he conocido a nadie como tú –dice ella, sacudiendo la cabeza–¿Eres realmente mío?― La atraigo contra mi pecho y la abrazo con fuerza– En cuerpo y alma.

~Estoy harto de fingir que no estoy ya locamente enamorado de ti. 💖

[Michella · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Spidey stars. The chemistry between Colton and Veronica’s chemistry is scorching hot!!! The angst is real and this series is fantastic. A definite must read!

[Patti Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Not Without Your Love by Lexi Ryan, the seventh and final book in The Boys of Jackson Harbor. I have read other books by Lexi Ryan and have always thoroughly enjoyed all of them. I absolutely loved this book. I loved the characters and the Michigan setting. I could not put it down and I loved every moment on every page. Each book in the series keeps getting better and better and I have truly loved each book, so Not Without Your Love is bittersweet for me since it is the last book in the series. Lexi Ryan has once again provided her readers with amazing characters. I love all the characters in Not Without Your Love, they feel like family! Who doesn't love hot sexy men, strong, passionate females, and big loving families, who always support one another? My favorite part of the book is how the title of the book, and the cover photo are incorporated into the love story. Lexi Ryan continues to deliver all that and so much more. Once again Lexi Ryan has given her readers another amazing book. Not Without Your Love is filled with all the heartbreaking and heartwarming moments and surprise plot twists, that I have come to love and expect in a Lexi Ryan love story, I especially loved the poignant and bittersweet moments that filled this page turner. She has once again proven that she is an incredible storyteller. I really enjoy how the story is told in the first perspective from the main characters. I love getting into the minds of the characters to know what they are really thinking and feeling. Not Without Your Love is the story of Veronica Maddox, single mother of three-year-old, Jackson, twin sister of Nicole and receptionist at Heartbreak Bay Adventures and Colton McKinley, co-owner of Heartbreak Bay Adventures. Veronica and Colton had a sexual encounter two and a half years prior. Veronica has been short and nasty with Colton since she was hired on as the receptionist. Veronica is hoping to find a job in education so that she can utilize her college degree. Veronica is drowning in student loan and credit card debt. I love how Veronica reveals to Colton why she treats him the way she does. As Veronica and Colton spend more time together, things change between them. Neither Veronica nor Colton is proud of their pasts. I love how both Veronica and Colton get real with their feelings and that they reveal things to one another that they have never revealed to anyone before. A surprise plot twist change things for Veronica and Colton. I really loved Not Without Your Love. I love that the Jackson family outsiders, Veronica and Colton got their own love story with all the plot twists. I love Colton’s relationship with Jackson. Not Without Your Love was so perfectly written love story. Not Without Your Love felt like a family reunion and catching up with all the other characters from the other books in the series. I love the characters and the family dynamic in Not Without Your Love, the characters feel like family and friends. I enjoy all the interactions among the Jackson siblings and their significant others, it feels like real family love and makes me laugh at their teasing. I love how Veronica and Colton work out all their issues and get their happily ever after. My favorite part of the series are the epilogues and how that wrap up all the details of the happily ever after. I love how Lexi Ryan introduces the characters for her new Jackson Harbor Heartbreakers series. I cannot wait for the new series. Not Without Your Love is a beautifully written love story and I loved every moment. Highly recommend this beautifully written story.

[Abby | WriteWatchWork · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Boys of Jackson Harbor series by Lexi Ryan is one of my all-time favourite book series. It is one of the fictional worlds I love to escape to and I am so glad I got to revisit it in Veronica and Colton's story.

This is an enemies-to-lovers, single parenthood, workplace relationship (boss/employee) romance.

You first meet Veronica Maddox in the very first book - The Wrong Kind of Love - and at that time I didn't like her very much. What she'd done didn't sit right with me and I wasn't interested in her story. Colton McKinley is present early on in the series as well, but you don't get to properly meet him until book 3 - Dirty, Reckless Love. These two weren't my favourite characters by any means.

When NWYL came out, I wanted to revisit Jackson Harbor so bought the book and sat down to read it and boy has it changed my opinions. I now LOVE Veronica and Colton's characters.

Throughout the series they're both outcasts of sorts, always outsiders looking in but NWYL really exposes them as people and tells their stories in a way that's gripping and emotional.

Veronica is an indentical twin and a single mother to one of the cutest book kids I've ever read - honestly, Jackson is the cutest! She is this fierce, take-no-shit woman who knows what she wants in life and will do anything to protect her son. Veronica is juggling life as a single mother, trying to find a full-time job that caters for her role as a parent as well as trying to find a place to live, dealing with her ex baby-daddy and his new wife and a hell of a lot of other problems.

Colton is about two years sober and has completely turned his life around and made the best out of what he's got. Starting a business with his mates has given him the focus he needs in life and it was great to see him as his own person, not just who he was in Dirty, Reckless Love. He comes across as this arrogant jerk who has a big heart and does the sweetest things for those he cares about.

The push and pull between these two was so good, you could tell they liked each other but didn't want to like each other. Then when they finally gave in and accepted their feelings, it was amazing!

It was great to see previous characters from the Jackson Harbor series, but I was sad that Carter and Teagan didn't even get a mention as they were my favourite couple. Also, my opinion of Ethan in this book changed slightly because I was so gripped by Veronica's character and story that I didn't like the way Ethan was acting. The antagonist of this book was a real bitch and there were definitely times that I wanted to sucker-punch her myself...Veronica did it for me!

But overall, Not Without Your Love is a fabulous book and great continuation of the Jackson Harbor series. Lexi Ryan made me fall even more in love with the little town and I now desperately want the Jackson Harbor Heartbreakers series, which I'm hoping is about Veronica and Colton's friends because I really like Wes!

I rated this three stars just because Carter and Teagan weren't featured in it and I disliked Ethan. I would've given it 3.5 stars but can't figure out how to do that ahaha!

This is a standalone but it does relate to the previous books in the series so I would definitely read them first.