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By Your Side #3
Not Without You
I have one rule in life—never fall in love. Sure, I loved my father and my best friend, but being in love with someone? Out of the question . . . It just wasn’t worth the risk. I saw the agony my father went through as my mother’s coffin was lowered into the ground, and he has never fully recovered from the depths of those sorrows. I won’t put myself through the same misery. I can’t.
Instead, I lose myself in my art. As a painter, I push my emotions into the colors I paint with. I usually put my entire being into every single painting, driving my fingers past the breaking point, but lately, my creative well has run dry. For over a year, my mind has taken a creative sabbatical, locking me out of my own reprieve. But everything changed when I met him. One glance into those bright blue eyes had my hands twitching with the desire to paint again.
If I thought remaining friends with my new muse was going to be easy, I was in for one hell of a letdown, because I was falling for him—fast. Handsome as hell, funny, and kind, he was everything I didn’t need, couldn’t have. I needed to remember my philosophy—live a happy, fulfilling life without falling in love. But deep down, I’m beginning to realize such a fate isn’t possible . . . Not Without You.
Instead, I lose myself in my art. As a painter, I push my emotions into the colors I paint with. I usually put my entire being into every single painting, driving my fingers past the breaking point, but lately, my creative well has run dry. For over a year, my mind has taken a creative sabbatical, locking me out of my own reprieve. But everything changed when I met him. One glance into those bright blue eyes had my hands twitching with the desire to paint again.
If I thought remaining friends with my new muse was going to be easy, I was in for one hell of a letdown, because I was falling for him—fast. Handsome as hell, funny, and kind, he was everything I didn’t need, couldn’t have. I needed to remember my philosophy—live a happy, fulfilling life without falling in love. But deep down, I’m beginning to realize such a fate isn’t possible . . . Not Without You.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 7, 2019
40 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
About the author
A.P. Watson
9 books115 followersA.P. Watson grew up in the small town of Estill Springs, Tennessee. Living in a rural area allowed her imagination to run wild, and she began making up stories in her head at a young age. Being an avid reader furthered her love for storytelling. Her favorite books to read have almost always been heavily doused in romance, but she continues to enjoy a variety of authors—from Jane Austen and Charlaine Harris to Ayn Rand and Edgar Allan Poe. Finding herself immersed in unfamiliar worlds only inspired her to put pen to paper, and eventually, her love for reading transformed her into a writer.
While her reading preferences have no limits, she tends to write stories in the realms of contemporary and paranormal romance. Her stories are the culmination of her passions, combining her love for art, history, dance, and medicine. As she grows as a writer, A.P. would like to branch out into other genres while maintaining a central romantic theme.
When she isn’t reading or writing, A.P. spends the majority of her time dancing. She has been an avid pole dancer for several years and has performed in major cities all over the South. She is constantly enraptured by the athleticism, grace, and beauty of the sport and always looks forward to choreographing her next routine. A.P. has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from East Tennessee State University, and in 2019, she obtained a Master of Science in Nursing with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration from the same university. She has worked as a critical care nurse for over eight years and loves to incorporate her medical knowledge and experience into her writing. Her goal as an FNP is to combine her love for aesthetics and skincare by becoming certified to administer Botox and dermal fillers. She currently resides in Johnson City, Tennessee, with her adorable rescue pup, Elle.
While her reading preferences have no limits, she tends to write stories in the realms of contemporary and paranormal romance. Her stories are the culmination of her passions, combining her love for art, history, dance, and medicine. As she grows as a writer, A.P. would like to branch out into other genres while maintaining a central romantic theme.
When she isn’t reading or writing, A.P. spends the majority of her time dancing. She has been an avid pole dancer for several years and has performed in major cities all over the South. She is constantly enraptured by the athleticism, grace, and beauty of the sport and always looks forward to choreographing her next routine. A.P. has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from East Tennessee State University, and in 2019, she obtained a Master of Science in Nursing with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration from the same university. She has worked as a critical care nurse for over eight years and loves to incorporate her medical knowledge and experience into her writing. Her goal as an FNP is to combine her love for aesthetics and skincare by becoming certified to administer Botox and dermal fillers. She currently resides in Johnson City, Tennessee, with her adorable rescue pup, Elle.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 12, 2019
Who doesn't love a intelligent,kind, understanding and supporting Hero? I certainly do! And apparently so does our Heroine Terayn. Ryan and Ter hit it off from the moment they met at a Statistics class in College. They became even more close to each other after Ryan started tutoring Ter in Statistics and also after he helped her living situation with her roommate(their pretend conspiracy was hillarious). In a few words these two were partners in crime. Their friendship and chemistry is one of the best thing I have read in this YA romance in a quiet some time. But like most love stories they too hit a rough patch(for a short while). Ryan wanted a relation with Ter but she was reluctant.Okay so 'reluctant' is putting it lightly,Ter was actually terrified of her feelings for Ryan which led to a huge rift between them. To me,Ryan is the most lovable character in this book( apart from wren,ofcourse). i can't just get enough of this guy! He is charming,intelligent,respects women,hates cheaters(because of his dad),sarcastic,funny,supportive,has a dirty mouth(and mind) and the list goes on and on.If you ask me, he is the most perfect college boy.Ever. All the characters are pretty amazing! And lets not forget Wren!(Ter's bestie).Wren is like Yin to Terayn's Yang. The bestfriend and soulsister one could ever ask for! The three of them are pretty incredible togather! Wren's sense of humour and are sarcastic nature are some of the things I love most about her.And she is one of the kindest characters who inspite of being dealt with a shitty love life,wants happily- ever-after for Ryan and Ter. This book is filled with many fun memories. The water gun fight,the halloween party getup,pretend sex scene to scare off Ter's roommate,the tender moments between Ryan and Ter(*swoon alert*)! And some serious subjects like cheating and death of love ones.I couldn't simply get enough of this one! Ter's father was pretty amazing dad. He supported all her choices and raised her after her mother's death. Simply put,it was a awesome book. I am glad I signed up for this one. @apwatson 's debut novel was pretty amazing. If you are looking for a good college romance,its for you. And if you are a fan of Elle kennedy,you should check this one out.Happy reading...xoxo.✌.
August 5, 2019
Whoa, that was fantastic! Love these characters so much and boy did this story just add so much more to the whole story of where they are now in Wren's books. Like puzzle pieces... It fits so well.
Need a minute to wrap my head around a proper review, but dang that was great!
*****5 Stars*****
To go back to the beginning for Ryan and Ter put so much of the previous books in perspective. Like puzzle pieces, the dynamics of their friendships just fit together so perfectly. Those lifelong friends where the bonds are stronger than sisters, yet to find a man who can not only fit in that duo, but also become a part of it. Not easy to find and what a keeper when you do.
There were some super swoony moments, but in the coolest way possible. Ryan's got that sense of humor and sexy confidence about him that we all secretly hope for... Persistence, patience, and palpable sexual chemistry. Such a good man that genuinely made the effort, that didn't give up on her, pushed her boundaries, and worked hard for her. He could see it, even when she couldnt.
And gosh I could relate to Ter on so many levels. It's not easy hiding behind those high walls. Especially when You finally meet your match. But when those walls start to come down its both exhilarating and daunting at the same time. Frightened to feel the vulnerability of giving your heart away, loving and being loved, but more frightened of surviving the loss of that love someday. Gawh...
But the thing is.... you can't see the stars if you don't step outside at night. So I'm glad Ter found her courage to step outside...
This could be read as a standalone, but it follows Wren's story (I know Better and You Deserve Better) which puts some elements of those books into perspective. But I don't think there is anything that would effect this book. Both of those books are equally as great as this one btw. I'm a huge fan of this author, her writing style just jumps off the page for me. I adore the feisty characters she creates that are sassy, smart, and sarcastic. And Ry's sense of humor, manly decency and quiet confidence are the perfect mix for a solid keeper.
*ARCopy
Need a minute to wrap my head around a proper review, but dang that was great!
*****5 Stars*****
To go back to the beginning for Ryan and Ter put so much of the previous books in perspective. Like puzzle pieces, the dynamics of their friendships just fit together so perfectly. Those lifelong friends where the bonds are stronger than sisters, yet to find a man who can not only fit in that duo, but also become a part of it. Not easy to find and what a keeper when you do.
There were some super swoony moments, but in the coolest way possible. Ryan's got that sense of humor and sexy confidence about him that we all secretly hope for... Persistence, patience, and palpable sexual chemistry. Such a good man that genuinely made the effort, that didn't give up on her, pushed her boundaries, and worked hard for her. He could see it, even when she couldnt.
And gosh I could relate to Ter on so many levels. It's not easy hiding behind those high walls. Especially when You finally meet your match. But when those walls start to come down its both exhilarating and daunting at the same time. Frightened to feel the vulnerability of giving your heart away, loving and being loved, but more frightened of surviving the loss of that love someday. Gawh...
But the thing is.... you can't see the stars if you don't step outside at night. So I'm glad Ter found her courage to step outside...
This could be read as a standalone, but it follows Wren's story (I know Better and You Deserve Better) which puts some elements of those books into perspective. But I don't think there is anything that would effect this book. Both of those books are equally as great as this one btw. I'm a huge fan of this author, her writing style just jumps off the page for me. I adore the feisty characters she creates that are sassy, smart, and sarcastic. And Ry's sense of humor, manly decency and quiet confidence are the perfect mix for a solid keeper.
*ARCopy
July 9, 2020
This novel is definitely a slow burn but I loved every freaking second of it. It was real and raw and oh so emotional. I loved the character's depth and found myself being able to really connect and relate to them. I liked how Terayn and Ryan had a friendship that slowly built into something incredibly amazing. There was definitely ups and downs for them both but their chemistry, love and passion for one another was evident throughout the novel. This is my first read by this author and although this is book three in the series, I didn't feel like I was missing anything by not reading the previous two books. This book can be read as a complete standalone. I will say this though! I can't wait to read the previous two books by this author!
August 12, 2019
Not Without You was a fantastic slowburn with all the feels. The characters were engaging and hooked me from the beginning. I loved the friendship Terayn and Wren shared and how no matter what they were there for the other. Ryan intrigued me and I enjoyed how he played the long game even when I wanted him and Ter to realize what they had right in front of them. The chemistry between them was palpable and as their walls slowly started to fall I found myself falling right along with them. Though this book is the third in this series it was my introduction to the By Your Side series and I was able to follow along easily. Not Without You had a bit of everything from engaging and witty characters to sweet yet heartbreaking moments that tugged at my heart and left me with a smile.
August 7, 2019
“What a fascinating story. The characters were enchanting and intriguing. A.P. wrote a mind-blowing and addictive story. A splendid slow burn romance of two broken souls. You will fall head over heels in love with their story. Their chemistry was so pure and authentic, their connection was splendid.
A perfect happily ever after. A romance that you must read.”
A perfect happily ever after. A romance that you must read.”
August 5, 2019
A slow burn romance about two people that have been hurt, but fall in love. It was heartbreaking, sweet, and romantic. I loved the chemistry and interactions between the characters, and their story ended beautifully.
August 31, 2020
Good concept, just not for me
Unfortunately this is another book that I did not get into I felt no connection to any of the characters. The most chemistry I felt was between The best friends. I liked the starting of the book up to 25% and then It kind of fell flat for me. I really thought that I would like this story but it didn’t end up being that way.
Unfortunately this is another book that I did not get into I felt no connection to any of the characters. The most chemistry I felt was between The best friends. I liked the starting of the book up to 25% and then It kind of fell flat for me. I really thought that I would like this story but it didn’t end up being that way.
October 20, 2021
DNF. Ryan gave creep vibes for me. He was too invested unrealistically in both girls right away. When Ter "thought" her idea for an art project, then told the idea to her friends, then Wren repeated it in the span of 4 pages.. ugh! Prodding repeatedly at each other about things like parent relationships within 2 days when they clearly stated they didn't want to talk about it... too much for me!
August 7, 2019
*voluntarily and honestly reviewing the ARC I received from the author*
This is a 4.3 for me. Similar to Wren's story (the first installment) but this time things are a little different. It's the only reason for my rating, because I otherwise thoroughly enjoyed myself. Wren, Terayn and Ryan are three people I both wish I knew and was a part of. Watson does great work with friendships and it's cute how she can write out simple, normal days and make me want to read what usually seems so mundane. I thought Ryan and Ter's issues were written out pretty well, and the concentration on their chemistry and a slow and steady trust built between them was what I needed.
The small things, mainly the details pertaining to their time in college, was what made this fun for me. It was like taking a stroll back to memory lane, and Ter's life as an art student was refreshing. I love that this installment was full of light-hearted love, long-time commitments and some heavy emotions that made me tear (okay I cried). If you've read the first two installments, it's a definite recommend because this made me reread the series and cry til about five in the morning. It's got some seriously funny lines, really hot tension and an overall feel-good ending.
This is a 4.3 for me. Similar to Wren's story (the first installment) but this time things are a little different. It's the only reason for my rating, because I otherwise thoroughly enjoyed myself. Wren, Terayn and Ryan are three people I both wish I knew and was a part of. Watson does great work with friendships and it's cute how she can write out simple, normal days and make me want to read what usually seems so mundane. I thought Ryan and Ter's issues were written out pretty well, and the concentration on their chemistry and a slow and steady trust built between them was what I needed.
The small things, mainly the details pertaining to their time in college, was what made this fun for me. It was like taking a stroll back to memory lane, and Ter's life as an art student was refreshing. I love that this installment was full of light-hearted love, long-time commitments and some heavy emotions that made me tear (okay I cried). If you've read the first two installments, it's a definite recommend because this made me reread the series and cry til about five in the morning. It's got some seriously funny lines, really hot tension and an overall feel-good ending.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews