From New York Times bestseller Lexi Ryan comes a sexy new standalone romance in the bestselling Boys of Jackson Harbor series. Meet single dad Easton Connor as he leaves the NFL and returns to Jackson Harbor to fight for another chance with the love of his life.***I don’t regret much. Not my decision to enter the NFL draft before finishing college.Not fighting for custody of my daughter—even if, … college.
Not fighting for custody of my daughter—even if, biologically speaking, it turns out she’s not mine.
And certainly not seducing my buddy’s little sister ten years ago.
But when it comes to Shayleigh Jackson, my no-regrets attitude stops there. I screwed up royally where she’s concerned. Then I made another mistake when I let her shut me out of her life.
Now after more than a decade living in different time zones, I’m coming home to Jackson Harbor. My first priority is keeping my daughter away from the media circus in Los Angeles, but the moment I see Shay, I know something else brought me back here. Now I’ll stop at nothing to win her back.
So what if she won’t speak to me? So what if she’s changed? So what if she’s fallen for some douchebag professor? I’ve never gotten over her, and I know she feels the same about me.
I’ve let her go twice. I won’t make that mistake again.
If It’s Only Love and all other books in this series can be read as standalones, but you’ll enjoy reading them together.
The Boys of Jackson Harbor
1 – The Wrong Kind of Love (Ethan’s story)
2 – Straight Up Love (Jake’s story)
3 – Dirty, Reckless Love (Levi’s story)
4 – Wrapped in Love (Brayden’s story)
5 – Crazy for Your Love (Carter’s story)
6 – If It’s Only Love (Shay’s story)
more
“You try to keep hating me, but you lose your grip on it when I get close, so I wonder what would happen if I got closer.”
I recently discovered the word wizardry of Lexi Ryan. So, even though this is the 6th book in The Boys of Jackson Harbor series, I read it as a standalone. And in case you are wondering, yes, after meeting the other characters I want to read their stories as well. I really loved the big family dynamic and the sibling banter is very entertaining.
The author tells the story in an alternating past/present style that really pulled me in. I saw them fall for each other as kids who were unable to do anything about their feelings. They were drawn to each other and developed a strong friendship that lasted years, but the desire for more was something they kept to themselves… along with the pain.
Is there such a thing as a third-chance-romance? Yeah, Easton blows it with Shay more than once. I don’t blame her for giving him the cold shoulder when he eventually comes back and tries to win her over after breaking her heart twice before. But, that chemistry between them is as strong as ever. “Why is that? Why do I feel him when he’s around, even after all these years?”
I can’t deny that I enjoyed the hell out of their decade long love-hate relationship. You know what they say about that fine line, right? I was their virtual cheerleader, hoping for them to finally see the light, tempted to throw my pom-pom upside their heads a time or two as I waited for the stars to align. It was exhausting and exhilarating as I yearned for their love to find a way in spite of all the obstacles life kept throwing at them. I disagreed that, “—it’s only love, and that’s never been enough.” I gnawed my nails to nubs, but turned the last page with a smile on my face.
“You never stole my heart. You tucked a piece of yourself into it and made me better.” – Easton
“I’d been through enough heartache and loss to know when something’s worth fighting for.” – Shay
They always loved each other, but they never thought that they are enough for each other. Their insecurities, fears and decisions have brought them closer and till them apart over the years. And now, only time will tell if the love they felt will be enough to survive time, forgive mistakes and heal hearts.
What a fantastic ending to one of the series I loved the most in my life. My wish at the end of the reading was to shout out to the world, “Girls, find someone who loves you like Easton loves Shay, and don’t settle for anything less.”
Easton is neither perfect nor infallible. He made his mistakes and had his share of bad decisions. But the respect he has for everything Shay is and everything she loves to the point of sacrificing himself so as not to confuse her and damage her future and career is commendable.
Shay has suffered a lot in the past. And the present can still bring her many surprises and disappointments. Especially when we discover the facts that make up the plot twist, and what a twist I must say. Although I had an idea and got my guess right, it still had no less impact. And some scenes after that are capable of bringing tears to the eyes.
What can I say? If it’s only love is the most romantic, moving and beautiful second chance romance I ever read. A journey that leaves me breathless and speechless. Like true love always leaves us.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest Review *
I loved watching their story unfold from when they were teenagers and throughout their lives. The story is past and present and you really do get a feel for how close these two were and how much they truly love each other. Their chemistry is felt throughout and the sexy scenes are pretty steamy. Definitely a great addition to this series!!
4.5 stars
Shay Jackson is the final Jackson sibling to settle down. She has loved watching her brothers find their perfect matches and loves having new “sisters” but her focus has been on her academic career, and her doctoral degree is finally within reach. She has a casual boyfriend she is keeping secret from everyone around her, and isn’t prepared for the feelings brought up when she learns Easton Connor is returning to town after years playing professional football.
Easton Connor has lived the NFL since he entered the draft early. He may have left Jackson Harbor before he had planned, but it has always been the place he called home, especially around the Jacksons. He may be returning to Jackson Harbor with his daughter (who may not biologically be his, but is every bit his daughter in his eyes), but he doesn’t know what welcome he is going to receive from Shay after their many near misses over the years.
I loved watching as Shay’s crush on Easton is revealed in flashback scenes. Because both characters serve as narrators, readers know it is not a one sided crush, but watching as each character questions what is really going on made the present day scenes mean more. Knowing they were each regretting decisions made with the best intentions so many years later had me cheering so hard for these two to figure their issues out!
Shay’s story had more depth that I think I was expecting. She always seemed so focused on school, I never imagined she would have so many other things going on in her life. There were times I wished she was as confident in herself as she was in the people around her. I guess I missed that she had body confidence issues when her influence was background because I wasn’t expecting the confidence struggles she had to work through as she faced her feelings for both her secret boyfriend (whose existence I questioned in early books) and Easton. But as she stood up to the situation with the secret boyfriend and confronted her feelings with Easton, I loved watching as she really come into herself and decided what was most important in her life.
This felt like a fitting end to the Jackson Harbor series, though I am sad to see this family’s story finished. All the Jackson siblings are happy and settled, and that’s what a reader starts a series hoping, but it’s also hard to say goodbye to a group of characters that have felt so familiar.
I received this book from the author for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
“You never stole my heart. You tucked a piece of yourself into it and made me better.”
The last book of the series features the story of the little sister surrounded by a sea of protective brothers and their childhood friend that tries to break down her walls throughout them growing up, but their chances always seem to miss. Heartwarming, heartbreaking, and maddening to boot, their paths never seem to align until it’s been so long, Shay tries to fight, but each are powerless to stop it. So many things already set in motion to work against them, but the pull, the attraction, and the deepening love is undeniable. It kept me entertained, yelling at my kindle, and swoons throughout. I thank the Author for providing a copy to review.
~~~Erika, Book Haven Book Blog
This series has been a favorite for me. The wonderful dynamics of a big family, and the romance as each sibling falls in love. I have loved each and every book, but this one is definitely my favorite!! This was filled with more than the romance story! We saw a young girl, Shayleigh, who fell in love with her older brother’s best friend, Easton, at a very young age. She had body image problems, and felt someone as beautiful as Easton would never be attracted to her. But when she was 16 (i think) Easton began to notice. He always cared about her like a younger sister, but now he was noticing more. But she was too young. He went off to Chicago and was drafted into the NFL, so they didn’t see each other. Except one time when Shay was in college and her class took a trip to Paris. I wont say how they saw each other there (spoilers), but they both still had feelings for each other. So much happens. It’s like they weren’t meant to be, but loved each other so much. Then he moves back home and into Shay’s life again when she’s 30. Still there are obstacles. There’s so much angst in this book. But the love story that develops is so beautiful and passionate.
5 Stars
Five crazy emotional stars. This book is a cross between a second chance and brothers best friend book. You won’t be able to put it down because you’ll need to know what happens. We go through the present, back to the past and back to the present all the throughout this book. Getting a look at Easton and Shayleighs relationship.
These two can never, and I mean never get the timing right for their relationship. These two go through so much together and then there are years they are apart. When they are together you can feel their love, their emotions and their disappointments.
When Easton comes back home to Jackson Harbor, Shay’s whole world changes yet again. We follow as these two finally get past the hurdles and get their happily ever after.
Highly recommended.
*I was given a free advanced copy of this book by Net Galley in exchange for my honest and voluntary review. All thoughts and opinions are those of my own.*
This book is emotional, and sweet and all the things a good romance book should be. I really enjoyed it!
I found this book from a FB ad for a reading app. The blurb sucked me in, and I just knew I needed to track it down. This is a wonderful brother’s best friend story, and I love everything about it. It gives me hope that maybe my own future isn’t so bleak.
I think I would of given up on Easton along time ago. Shay is a very forgiving person , this is a very complex book, loved it.
I absolutely loved If It’s Only Love by Lexi Ryan, the sixth 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 page. Each book in the series keeps getting better and better and I have truly loved each book. Lexi Ryan has once again provided her readers with amazing characters. I love all the characters in If It’s Only Love, they feel like family! Who doesn’t love hot sexy men, strong, passionate females, and big loving families, who always support one another? Lexi Ryan continues to deliver all that and so much more. Once again Lexi Ryan has given her readers another amazing book. If It’s Only 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. I enjoy how the story is told in both current day (Easton’s return to Jackson Harbor) and the past efforts of a relationship between Shay and Easton. If It’s Only Love is the story of Shayleigh “Shay” Jackson, the only sister among the Jackson brothers and Easton Connor, single father, retired professional quarterback and Carter’s best friend. Shay has always had a crush on Easton and he has also had feelings for her, but life has always got in the way. Easton decides to move to Jackson Harbor to raise his nine-year-old daughter, Abigail away from the media craziness of LA. Easton’s ex-wife, Scarlett, in a drunken outburst told the media that Easton is not Abigail’s father. I love how through the past sections of the book; the reader learns about Shay and Easton’s past attempts at a relationship. Shay is currently in a relationship with the chairman of her dissertation committee, George Alby. A surprise plot twist happens that could change things for Shay and Easton. I really loved If It’s Only Love. I loved Shay and Easton’s love story and all the plot twists. If It’s Only Love was so perfectly written love story. I love how all the women in the book are best friends and support one another. If It’s Only 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 If It’s Only 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 Shay and Easton 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 especially loved the epilogue in If It’s Only Love. I loved the book; I cannot wait for the next book in the series. If It’s Only Love is a beautifully written best friend’s little sister love story and I loved every moment. Highly recommend this beautifully written story.
This was such a cute story. While I did really love it, I didn’t fall head over heels in love with the characters. They had their highs and lows – more lows than anything else, and I rooted for them to finally get their HEA after all the bad timings they had.
Because Shay always held out hope to someday be with Easton, it felt as if she never fully lived and put all of herself into studying. It was a shame really especially because she wasn’t even living her dream.
And Easton was a big hotshot athlete, which never actually felt that way, who was so selfless that he gave up on what he wanted for so long for another human being. Easton cared about his loved ones and it was obvious in everything he did. He was Shay’s older brother’s best friend and it always felt as if she was constantly a step behind him and never an equal. Even in the end, he’d achieved so much already when it felt like her life had just begun.
I loved the siblings dynamic and her protective brothers. It surely wasn’t easy growing up, what with her being the only girl and five brothers determined to keep her away from guys as long as possible.
Even though it was explained why Shay and Easton haven’t seen each other for so many years, it was also a bit strange for him to still want her so badly after all this time. They hardly knew each other now because they haven’t seen one another since they were kids.
It was a very well written and cute story, and I loved a lot of it. But with all the wrong timings between the characters and how they never seemed to be able to love each other openly, it was hard for me to connect to them and see their bond of love.
But as always, I loved the Jackson family, Shay’s protective brothers, her lovely mother, also her great father. Easton was part of this family since he was a kid and I liked that a lot. It was just such a shame that he became a stranger when he moved away.
The Story:
Shay has had a crush on Easton since she can remember. But he’s her older brother’s best friend and all around great guy. He’ll make it big in the football world whereas she’s self-conscious and shy. Having five protective brothers didn’t make it easy for her to date guys but it doesn’t matter anyway because she has always ever wanted Easton. But circumstances made it even harder for them, no matter that eventually Easton grew feelings for her too.
If It’s Only Love by Lexi Ryan
I am voluntarily reviewing this ARC.
I just finished the book, and oh, my heart. I’m literally a jumbled mess!!! This book is the best emotional ride that you want to go on. I fell so in love with these beautiful characters. Their love story was so complicated, obstacles like land mines. But just, wow! And the end…happy tears and a satisfied sigh.
Easton was her older brothers best friend, which made him off limits. But that didn’t stop her heart. Easton knew her brothers would kill him if he ever tried anything with Shay, but he could not deny his obsession. This was only one of the challenges in their way. Throw in a fledgling professional football career that took him across country, a crazy ex that’s pregnant, and so many other things, and you have a recipe for a sitting at the edge of your seat as read kind of story.
Five beautiful stars for this emotional read.
I’ve been waiting for what feels like forever for this book and I wasn’t disappointed. Amazing conclusion for this wonderful series. I love the family and the small town feel of these books.
The final book of The Boys of Jackson Harbor series,I can’t believe it.I’m so sad that this series has ended,it was one of my favorites.
Shay is the only sister in the family.She was always protected and cared for,but that didn’t stop her from being very insecure as a teenage girl.Even tho she was pretty and smart.
Eston was Carter’s best friend since they were kids,and Easton was part of the family since he was a kid.He grow up with Jackson boys.
As teenagers Shay and Easton fell in love but their timing wasn’t right.Shay just got into college and Easton got scholarship in another city.From the moment they fell apart,they simply never got opportunity to get together.Years later Easton is back in town and set upon getting Shay back.This time with the right timing.
This book was great.It was so heartbreaking and romantic.The love and chemistry were at the top.We got to see all of Jackson clan.Shay and Easton were great it’s just that their story was so complicated and messed up.
Overall,great book and great series.If you haven’t read it I suggest you start from the begging.
Emotionally thrilling, sexy, fun, action packed and heart racing adventure filled with old hurts, tested relationships, witty banter, exciting charters and a thrilling passion that will no longer be ignored….. really enjoyed this journey from beginning to end. Great reading!
No matter what Shay and Easton can not get their timing right. Shay has been in love with Easton since she was seven but he is her brothers best friend and they warned him as she got older to stay away. Easton grew up to be a famous football player but he always came back for family stuff, Shay is on her way to being a professor but they have carried a torch for each other for years. Every time they have tried to have a relationship something or someone tore them apart but Easton is back now with his daughter and wants a future with Shay but the timing is still not right. I enjoyed the emotions and all the conflicts that they went through and even though the love they feel for each other is eternal it may not be enough.
Reviewed on behalf of Once upon an Alpha
I love this series but Easton and Shay’s story may be my favorite of them all. When it seems like the universe is conspiring to keep you apart it’s hard to finally accept that you may truly have a chance to heal your heart and have the life you always wanted.
Easton was totally swoon worthy from the start and although he always tried to make the right choices he seemed to keep hurting not only Shay but himself.
Trying to fill the void that Easton caused in her life Shay focuses on her career. But will a job in academia be enough to keep her heart from fluttering when Easton returns to Jackson Harbor? Don’t wait to find out. Grab your copy of If it’s Only Love today.
Accolades to Lexi Ryan who continues to captivate me with her quiet family towns and amazing characters that you cannot help but fall in love with.
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher/author. All opinions in my review are my own.
What an excellent end to a wonderful series! It had the perfect mix of angst and sweetness and has an underlying theme that family is everything.
The storyline follows a second chance romance formula. (Though it’s really more of a third chance romance in this book’s case.) The timing has never been quite right for Shay and Easton and complications always seem to arise. I really loved that they both had a history with each other. Easton is Shay’s older brother’s best friend and they have known each other since they were children. The reader can really sense the deep connection that stems from such history. I liked that the story switches from past to present so that the reader can get a sense of their history. Shay and Easton’s story is one that will pull you in.
These characters were so easy to relate to. It was unbelievably easy to forge a connection to them. Shay is eas to love. She is a go-to type of girl that is loyal and smart. She did have some insecurities but they made her character seem that much more real. Easton is a very driven character. Football is the one thing that he wanted in life other than Shay. Even with his faults, underneath it all Easton is a great guy.
Shay and Easton’s journey is one that is filled with heartache and struggle. They have a lot of hurdles to overcome. Their deep history and connection really made their romance a believable one. They had intense chemistry and I was rooting for them hardcore.
Overall, this is a beautiful story about love and healing. A beautiful story about finding happiness. This is a story that blends many tropes- best friend’s little sister, second chance romance, sports romance, and friends-to-lovers romance. If you are a fan of any of these tropes then you’d love this book. I definitely recommend this heartfelt story!
If It’s Only Love by Lexi Ryan is the sixth book in her Boys of Jackson Harbor series. Finally – we get the story of the Jackson sister, Shayleigh and a lifetime friend of the boys, Easton Connor. This story is ripe with missed opportunities, bad timing, and cruel fate. But it also chock-full of love, hope, heat, and second (and third or fourth) chances. Easton being four years older than Shay already had their timing off while they were all growing up together but that didn’t stop either one of them from harboring a secret crush for the other. By the time Shay was old enough for Easton to honestly pursue he had been drafted to the NFL and was miles away from Michigan in LA. With a few chance meetings and hopeful encounters through the years they slowly learned that their timing was off but finally, finally, Easton is back and he’s home in Jackson Harbor to stay. His goal? To finally show Shayleigh what she truly means to him. But, will she be able to get past all the hurt? Enjoy!