Not Mine To Love

by Caitlin Moss

NOT MINE TO LOVE is a companion novel to THE CRACKS BETWEEN US.

Jackson Williams never thought he’d see Aila Smith again…Aila Sorenson, that is. And he certainly never thought everything would unfold the way it did.

Now, in the aftermath of their affair, Jackson is alone and wondering if love isn’t meant for everyone, even as he tries to fall for someone new. As the ripple effect of his mistakes shoots through his life, everything around him starts to unravel.

The deeper he gets in the mess he's made, the more he realizes love simply doesn't last forever. But some love stays with you, long after you let it go.

Genres: Romance

404 pages, Paperback

First published January 3, 2022

About the author

Caitlin Moss is the author of swoony romance books that give you all the feels.

She is a writer turned stay-at-home-mom turned author and currently resides in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, three children, and two golden doodles.

Instagram: @caitlinmossauthor
Tiktok: @caitlinmosswrites
Threads: @caitlinmossauthor

https://linktr.ee/caitlinmoss

Reviews

[Caitlin Moss · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's Jackson's turn to speak...

Jackson Williams has been dying to get his side of the story out.

Am I giving my own book five stars? You know it!

I hope you love it whether you're Team Jackson or not. I wrote THE CRACKS BETWEEN US for me...but this one is FOR YOU!

[Alejandra Andrade · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first read of 2022 and I couldn't be any happier! After reading "The Cracks Between Us", I was left heartbroken for Jackson. I needed to know that he was going to be okay; to know his story. And oh did Moss delivered! There is always two sides to every story, and it was amazing getting to know Jackson on a deeper level. It only made me love him even more! There's angst, heat, forgiveness, loss, and lots of LOVE. I highly recommend you grab yourself a copy of Not Mine To Love. You won't regret it!

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!! Absolutely loved this book, I need another book to see how things play out with Jackson’s relationship!

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will first say that Caitlin's writing is so completely captivating. It never takes me long to be fully immersed and invested in her stories and characters.

This is a follow up novel to The Cracks Between Us and is from Jackson's point of view. If you've read The Cracks Between us, you know that Jackson is left heartbroken. This is his story! I was not expecting to be taken all the way back to the beginning with Aila but I loved seeing things from his perspective. This is told in a then and now format with the then starting from his childhood and the now being present day after his breakup with Aila. He meets Camilla, who is also going through a breakup and they quickly discover a strong connection. I loved this book for the most part! I honestly fell in love with Jackson all over again and left feeling angry at Aila. I felt conflicted about Camilla and the decisions she made in regards to Jackson. I just had so many conflicting feelings about these characters!

I highly recommend reading both of these books!!!

[Christina Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never planned on loving Jackson this much, but he is just too likable not to! In the Cracks Between Us, we heard from Aila but in Not Mine to Love, we hear from Jackson. His thoughts regarding everything that went down with Aila are so true to how a real life human being would navigate such a tricky situation.

I love how Caitlin gives this realistic depth to her characters. You may not agree with everything they say or think, but you can absolutely understand how that character adopted those thought patterns.

And Camilla... Can I just say how much I adore this woman?! Her past relationship was brutal and even though Jackson should have come with a trigger warning, sometimes love just happens! I was cheering so much for them the whole time.

[Jessica Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not Mine to Love reveals the story from Jackson’s perspective. We get a different view of Aila. He’s loved her for decades, even though he never told her so. Through his eyes, their reconnection seemed like fate and his biggest dream come true. He finally had Aila. Or did he? His world comes crashing down when their relationship takes a turn.

I really enjoyed reading more into Jackson’s life and his emotions after the split. He tries to navigate life without her. Then he meets a woman that just might take his mind (and heart) off Aila. Part of me was so frustrated with Camilla because she was so indecisive about their relationship. Like the scene from The Notebook, I wanted to yell “What do you want?!” but then I started to understand her motives and reactions (a teeny bit.)
These characters are written so purely that you can’t help but have strong feelings towards them. By the end, I was rooting for Jackson to get his happy ending that he so deserved. An added bonus was 6 year old Becca. She was one of my favorite characters with all that sass! 🤣

As I mentioned, this 2 part series CONSUMED me. I was all in. I loved the beautiful writing and the captivating perspectives of marriage, love, family and ultimately, forgiveness.

4.5 ⭐️

🥺😭😩🤯😍🤭

[Amy Sanchez. · Rating 5 out of 5]

"So, honey, I don't want you to get your hopes up. But don't ever lose hope, you know what I mean? Life never turns out exactly how we plan for it to." - "Not Mine to Love" by Caitlin Moss

You remember back to high school? Maybe for you, it was junior high; or perhaps it was summer camp or youth group? But there was that one crush that you had, you know who they are and how they made you feel ~ maybe something came of it, or maybe not ~ but if that person walked into your life now, you'd blush, probably get a little hot and bothered, and you'd think of all the could have beens. Your feelings would rush up inside of you, barely controlled; but to save face you give a little wave to see where it would go. Caitlin Moss took all of those bottled up feelings and poured them out into a beautifully captivating story of friendship, love, romance, heartache, and hope beyond one's dreams.
We got Aila's side of the story in "The Cracks Between Us"; but every story has at least two sides. In "Not Mine to Love," we get wrapped up Jackson's side. In Moss's 3rd book, she brilliantly shared the strength and tenderness of Jackson and brings to life memories and passion that so easily carried him into Aila's arms and bed. But after loving Aila effortlessly for 20 years, is there any hope that he could ever truly love another?
I always love receiving an advanced copy of a book to read - and this story did not disappoint. This book reads as though your good friend is spilling all of the beautiful and broken pieces of their story and heart with you. Put out a box of tissues and grab your glass of wine or whiskey. Set aside your weekend, because you're not going to want to put this book down.

[Patrick Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, let me just say how cool I think it is that this book even exists in the first place. According to the author Caitlin Moss in her Acknowledgments, she wrote it because fans of her debut novel THE CRACKS BETWEEN US (also exceptionally superb) kept clamoring to hear Jackson's side of the story from that book.

She decided to grant their wish, and boy did she deliver.

At various times and intervals, NOT MINE TO LOVE is thought-provoking, beautiful, heart-wrenching, funny, upsetting, and all the other moods and emotions you just come to love and expect from Moss. She gives her loyal fans and readers exactly what they want: more Jackson, more Aila, more backstory and more "forwardstory" as well. Card-carrying members of Team Jackson will not be disappointed. If anything, they'll probably start clamoring for a third Jackson book.

After having read all three of Moss's stories to date, I have to say that my favorite thing about her books is her characters. Long after you're done reading them, you find yourself thinking about these fictional individuals she's created and shared with you. It's a unique talent not commonly found in authors.

Overall, a great read that I highly recommend. Read CRACKS first though and then go straight into this one if you'd like--you won't be disappointed.

[Jennifer Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caitlin Moss delivers an emotional rollercoaster……again!
Jackson-America’s heart throb. I’m in your corner dude! I don’t always agree, but I’m there. And Miss Camilla, I can’t decide if I admire your strength or am exhausted by your rules. But, when it mattered you pulled through, girl!
Such a great story that had me wishing, hoping, regretting, loving, sighing, and maybe crying a tear or two, of course.

Caitlin Ross created a story that weaves in and out of the previous story given to us. I can’t begin to comprehend the talent it takes to accomplish this feat. And it was accomplished seamlessly. The feelings from the first novel, The Cracks Between Us, were mirrored and expanded upon during Not Mine To Love. The new story was built on before, during, and after TCBU. Just a joy to read. And now we want more!

[Jenn McEvoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part 2 of the cracked series reveals Jackson’s point of view and it pulled at my heart like no other 😭. I loved reading his point of view, learning more about his character, and his life.

My heart broke for him so many times in this book from getting his heart broken not once or twice but, three times! I’m so glad he got his happy ending, he truly deserved it. Not going to lie… he was my favorite character.

Overall, this book was incredible. My only regret is not reading it sooner.

If you enjoy romances that pull at your heart and make you cry your eyes out, read this one. Make sure you read the first book before diving into this one.

I can’t wait to read the third one in this series ❤️

[laetitia. reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cracks Between Us left us wanting more, and Caitlin Moss gladly deliver us another great story. Not mine to love follows the story from Jackson's point of view.
.
"People do get to choose wether they hold onto something that feels out of reach, or if they should decide to let a beautiful thing go.."
.
Mistakes, hard decisions, broken heart .. everything has been too much for Jackson..
.
Could he find love again? ..
This story will keep you with an aching heart and wondering .. how many times life gives you an opportunity to find love again? ..
...

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve read two other books of Caitlin’s and they both blew me away. This story, while cute and entertaining, just didn’t compare to the 5 star reviews I gave the other two. I liked Jackson and Camilla’s story, I think I just wanted more of it. I also thinking listening as opposed to reading made it sometimes tricky to tell if the chapter was in the present or the past. I was however, fascinated by his and Kim’s story. That added a whole new element. Still a fun quick read though.

[Carlton Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keep my interest

This book is very well written. It always kept me very engaged and leaving me always wanting to read more. The author s description of each character is very detailed. As I was reading, I could see in my mind exactly what was happening through the authors writing. I recommend 100 percent!

[buzy_reading · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not Mine to Love is a reflection of love through the eyes of Jackson. If you recall his life was filled with memories of Kim his ex-wife. Then he had memories of an affair with a high school friend. After those two relationships failed he’s on his own and ready to find love again. They say third times the charm so let’s see if that holds true for Jackson.

How does one get over a person they were in love with? By moving on with another person.

According to Caitlin she wrote The Cracks Between Us for herself and Not Mine To Love for her readers. I wasn’t one of those readers who felt a need to hear Jackson’s side. However, I’m a sucker for any new material Caitlin is willing to write. I admit the beginning was a little rocky for me. It took some time to adjust to Jackson’s pain. Once he took baby steps moving forward I found a unique side of him I hadn’t noticed before.
I struggled with the past scenes as they came across as Jackson living in the past and not progressing forward. He lost points for pining over someone who clearly only wanted friendship.

Not Mine To Love follows Jackson’s life as he adjusts to his new life without Aila. Meanwhile, readers get an in-depth look into Jackson and Aila’s friendship when they were in high school. The story alternates between the past and present using the information from the past to propel Jackson’s life forward.
For me I had a difficult time with the past friendship scenes. I would highly recommend reading The Cracks Between Us before this one and not waiting months like I did. I read too many books a month to remember ever aspect of a book. Getting Jackson’s perspective didn’t have the impact it should’ve had had I read The Cracks Between Us before reading this one.
Referring back to my review of The Cracks Between Us I felt like Aila’s character is a completely different character from the one represented in Not Mine To Love. Of course, it’s because the reader is seeing Aila through Jackson’s eyes. The way she is represented by him is quite different from the way I viewed her as a reader.

My favorite scenes is when Caitlin offers her wisdom with compelling arguments from both sides offering sage advice.
I found moments in the story where I was fully engaged in Camilla and Jackson. I wish there had been more of these moments. There just wasn’t a strong writing voice with Camilla’s character to win me over. Her resistance might be what held me back.

The last quarter of the book read better for me. I felt the most connected at the seventy-five percent mark. Up until that point I was going through the motions of reading.
I find there are times when I’m reading that my mood is guiding the direction of my interest in the story. Yesterday I wasn’t getting Jackson vibes. Today I got Jackson vibes.

[Mallory Cutaia · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was good, but I didn’t like it as much as the first one. Jackson is impulsive and doesn’t really consider anyone else when making decisions. also WHY is he begging for women to love him?? he was so desperate it was a little embarrassing 🫣 and him and Camilla went back and forth way too much for me to care about how they ended up..

[Sarah Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow!! this is the perspective of the “other man” of the last book I read… SO GOOD. this authors writing is 😙🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼

[Aly · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 not very often so I get a male pov story this one ripped at my heart strings a bit.

[Jo Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing book written by Caitlin!! Loved every chapter even if I didn't want the book to end.

[Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I desperately needed to know Jackson’s side of the story. Jackson is a character from Caitlin Moss first novel, The Cracks Between Us. Her writing makes the characters feel like they could be your coworkers, friends, or neighbors. I couldn’t put this book down! Highly recommend you have enough time to start and finish this in a weekend.

[Trisha Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started this book on my flight and was sad when we landed and I had to stop reading. I loved hearing Jackson’s side of the story. Life is messy and the choices we make are often complicated - I appreciate how the story honors those truths. It made the characters feel real and their lives relatable. But now I want to know what happens next… book 3?!

[Mia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️s

So we finally get Jackson’s side of the story. This is a follow up to The Cracks Between Us and it would really help to have read that first though maybe there’s enough here for it to stand alone. It’s told from the perspective of where things end in TCBU but also with flashbacks that give more context to the main relationship in that book. All of this is told from Jackson’s POV. I have to say I didn’t love the then and now set up though I guess it was needed to make this work. I felt a lot less invested in the “then” story than the “now” story. I will also say that this book made me like Alia a lot less than I did when I read TCBU. But it also didn’t make me like Jackson more (he comes across a little pathetic, to be honest). That being said, I think it shows how complicated their relationship was and that there are some serious grey lines sometimes when it comes to love, even if we like to think that love is black and white.

Aside from getting to know Alia and Jackson’s history (they didn’t seem that close as teens in the previous book but maybe I just forgot?), we also get to meet two more women in this story - Kat (Jackson’s ex-wife), and Camilla (the new love interest). There are def. parts of the story I didn’t love but I did love the slow unraveling of a new relationship while trying to get over an old one. There were some interesting new characters (5 year old Becca was charming) and it’s kind a messy, complicated but in some ways beautiful story. I’d say it’s more open-door than steamy and it works well for what it is.

There is no doubt that Moss is an excellent story teller and if you’re looking for a lovey story that’s a bit different, then check these trilogy out.

Next book is Camilla’s and I’m really curious about that one. I’ve heard it’s the best f the three… I’ll let you know here!

See the story where it began from Aila's perspective:
The Cracks Between Us
and then Camilla's perspective of this story:
Yours to Love

[Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclosure, I went into reading this book Team Ben all the way. My heart just broke for him when reading The Cracks Between Us. And that’s why, if you’re going to read The Cracks Between Us (which you should,) you MUST read Not Mine to Love IMMEDIATELY after.

I LOVE to get both sides of a story and especially to get into the mind of a man in love. Why did he make the choices he made? What fueled those questionable actions? Not Mine to Love fills in and begins to mend…the cracks 😉🙃.

I still don’t agree with what Jackson did, but I understand it, and redeemability is arguably what makes us fall in love with any “villain.” Jackson isn’t your typical villain, of course, but when a marriage is attacked, even with love as the weapon, a villain is made all the same. In this story it is clear to see that the villain all along may have been Aila…and that’s pretty damn powerful, though not entirely hard to believe either. After all, she knew what she was doing.

It goes without saying, but is always worth mentioning, Moss is a beautiful writer. Her stories are so real and fleshed out you feel like you’re talking to a friend. She could write about a garbage man running his route for the day and I would be fully invested.

Meet your new favorite author and series!

[Meagen Sunshine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was unaware that this book followed The Cracks Between Us but I must say I would have never known that u less I read reviews, it was a great stand alone book on its own. There aren’t too many books written from the man’s perspective so that was a nice little twist. I became interested in Caitlin Moss’s books after I found out we attend the same workout class from time to time and love to support my local boss babes. Little did I know just how much I would fall in love with her writing. I just finished this book and now I’m adding all her other books to my 🛒cart. 🤣

[Samantha Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with Jackson.
I also turned into team Jackson.

Caitlin did amazing with this story and I cannot wait for her next book!
Also beautiful cover art!

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
📖: Not Mine to Love
✍🏻: @caitlinmossauthor
📄: 391

Mood: ❤️‍🩹🌪

Moss does it again 🤌🏼. She has such an authentic way of pulling her readers so far deep into these characters - it’s like you have to remind yourself to pull yourself back up for air.

It’s almost painful how much you begin to care for these characters. There is NOTHING steadfast about your emotions in this novel. Moss completely puts you through the wringer with waves of various emotions.

I went from feeling love to hate to, “OMG, I get it now” with every chapter & character in their storyline. Can you say “book hangover” anyone?

I actually found myself reaching out to Moss a few times expressing my woes and ahhh’s (!) on this rollercoaster (sorry, Caitlin 😬).

I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about this one, tbh once I was halfway through. I went from 3.5 stars to 4 to 5 as the story progressed - starting at 3.5 ONLY bc I am human and I personally didn’t like where the story was going 😏 (Caitlin knows this 😂), BUT THEN…!!! (Well, you’ll just have to read it for the ‘but then’ and honestly by now this book should already be in your Amazon cart).

I will say, as the story progressed my feelings changed BECAUSE of the realness of this story.

You don’t just mindlessly read “Not Mine to Love”, you truly become engrossed because it is SO DAMN REAL.

~“You carry the choices you make, Jackson. All of them. They live with you for the rest of your life, and they bleed into every relationship that follows, whether you want them to or not” (296).

Ugh, my heart. Still #teamjackson
#allthefeels (like literally all of them).

💭 What’s your favorite @caitlinmossauthor read ⬇️ ?

[Kristin Payne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Getting the chance to see things from Jackson’s POV and his feelings, really made me love The Cracks Between Us more!
Chapter 18 was hard for me. And while I don’t have a popular opinion regarding the issue Jackson and Kim faced, I felt like Jackson had zero say and zero fight in him, in a scenario where he should have. I’ve seen him as a strong character who tries, and fights for what he wants. I was saddened that he was left in the dust and forced to tuck tail and zip up his thoughts and desires. It was just as much his and I thought his voice got lost in that chapter.
I loved Camille and her story! I’m looking forward to reading, Mine To Love. I’m hoping to gain her perspective and see how her character develops to explain some questions in my mind I have about why she reacted to Jackson so firmly about different issues they had.
This book really tied up loose ends with Aila and Ben nicely and felt there was closure. Highly recommend!

[Leah T · Rating 5 out of 5]

I definitely recommend reading The Cracks Between Us before this novel.
Every story has two sides and after reading TCBU I needed more Jackson in my life. I loved the way Caitlin told this story in dual timelines which eventually merged to present day. I absolutely cherished how we got to know Jackson on a deeper level, his adolescent friendships and admiration for Aila, and his family relationships (insert heartbreak).

"Sometimes we learn lessons later than
We were supposed to.”

Camilla (recently divorced single mother of the ever brilliant Bella)was introduced as his new love interest and although I liked them together I felt myself feeling frustrated with her indecisiveness and overprotective for Jackson knowing his past.

“People don't always get to choose who they fall for. People don't always get to choose when it falls apart. But people do get to choose whether they hold onto something
that feels put of reach, or if they should decide to let a beautiful thing go.”

Highly recommend this series!

[Emersyn Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was Jackson's side of the story while Aila told her side of their love story in "The Cracks Between Us." If I wondered what Jackson was thinking in the first one, this book answered it. Although I've never met a man as honest and forthcoming as he was, Jackson did it all for love. My favorite people are like him, no games and no hidden agendas. I loved how true-to-life the affair affected other people in their lives. Becca is my favorite character - reminds me of my son!
Unfortunately this quote touched too close to home, "You may be sitting here racked with guilt and full of apologies that you very well mean, but it is not going to immediately erase the damage and pain you caused..."
Thank you for another great entertaining story, Caitlin.

[Crystie Rios · Rating 3 out of 5]

I honestly liked this one better than the first, but the ending brought it down to 3 stars in my review. I did not at all feel satisfied with that ending, and I’m sorry to those of you who loved it so completely. I did not.

I really enjoying reading this story until the last 20-25%. I brew through the first 3/4 of the book, but that ending was just not it. I wanted the perfect HEA for Jackson because he seems to be the only character I liked in these books so far. Oh he has his issues, but as far as character development…he is the only one that I seem to care about at all. Him & his bartended gal friend are it for me.

This story was cute, and Jackson was great, but the ending was just not my favorite. Whomp whomp whomp…

[Dani Norwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm surprised to say this, but I enjoyed this quasi-companion novel even more than the original The Crack Between Us. I guess many readers "loved to hate / hated to love" Jackson, but I have just loved him from the start. His actions aren't always perfectly moral, but his heart is always in the right place and I so deeply wanted to see him end up with someone who would love him as deeply as he loved her.

What a cool opportunity to see the original story from Jackson's POV, as well as get a follow-up on where he is now. Beautifully written and executed. Five stars!!