I love Jay Crownover from the Marked Men series. This book did not disappoint. The characters where sassy and their love story was fun to read.

Loved everything about this! Hate to lovers is simply the best! Jay Crownover is the queen of angst! Can’t wait from more from this series!

I love a good enemies to lovers romance, and boy did this book bring it. I will admit, it’s been a hot minute since I’ve read a Jay Crownover book and I’m not even sure why. I forgot just how much I missed her writing until I dove into this one. Having said that, while there’s some carryover from her other series, I had no problems diving right in.
This starts out with a real bang with Aspen representing Case’s ex wife in their divorce settlement. She’s a phenomenal lawyer, but she can barely stifle the guilt over her skill at her job being responsible for the woman getting full custody rights from the man that’s devoted to his son. It’s been years since that moment, but Case has never forgiven her and the animosity has only grown. You can’t help but feel for Aspen. She was the awkward new girl that fell for the town’s golden boy in high school. Only to be the object of his anger years later.
A lot of things have changed over the years. Case now has full custody of his 17 year old son and Aspen is dealing with a divorce of her own supposed perfect. But when her office gets trashed and her life seems to be in danger, none other that sheriff Case can get to the bottom of it. But protecting her also forces them to finally deal with all the years of pain and anger between them and to finally give into the passion that’s been brewing right along it.
The beginning is a bit of a slow build and there’s a lot of backstory that fills the pages, but I really enjoyed that part. I loved seeing Case’s anger slowly defrost and the cloud of judgement begin to dissipate until he sees Aspen for the woman she really is.
There’s a lot of story that’s set up here for some secondary characters that I’m already chomping at the bit to get books for (especially one particular MC). There’s plenty of action and suspense to play along with the evolving romance, and I devoured it. The only quibble I had was with the ending. There’s a certain twist that happens that seemed just way too OTT and grand for be to fully buy into it, especially taking all the other dynamics into account. It felt more like shock value rather than a true twist to me, and it took away from my engrossment of the story a little bit. Don’t get me wrong, I still enjoyed it immensely and can’t wait for book two, I just could have done with a different twist. But this is an entirely subjective thing and I’ll probably be in the very minority with my thoughts. Either way, I can’t wait for the next book!

Book Boyfriend: 💋💋💋💋💋
Case Lawton is your quintessential “All-American” guy. He’s extremely good looking, body of a god, and athletic. Case is also a doting father and fiercely protective of those he cares about, including the city he lives in. He holds a grudge and sometimes acts before thinking. Case has a hot-temper that leads him to speak/yell before thinking about what he is saying. He is loyal to a fault and selfless beyond measure to those that are close to him. 💙🤠He definitely pushed all my buttons!🤠💙

Strong Female Lead: 💋💋💋💋.5
Aspen Barlow was the “weird girl” in high school. She moved to Loveless from Chicago and refused to wear anything other than black. Aspen was her own person and didn’t like to conform to what others thought. She is incredibly smart, oddly pretty, and extremely independent. Aspen moves back to Loveless to help those in need, the underdog. She’s passionate about what she believes in and doesn’t back down from anyone. But Aspen is lonely because she never truly found where she fit in.

Plot: 💋💋💋💋.5
The plot had a lot of buildup and background that I enjoyed reading. It was a romance within a mystery which was cool. There were some definite unpredictable parts to the story which added flavor. I had a hard time putting it down once I started because the plot just engaged you and you felt like you really got to know the characters.

Steamy Factor: 💋💋💋
With Jay there is always going to be some VERY steamy scenes but there weren’t many in this book. Don’t get me wrong, the ones that are in there are… whew, fan yourself hot and detailed.🔥🔥

Overall: 💋💋💋💋.5
I am a big fan of Jay’s books and this one did not disappoint. I absolutely loved the characters and the balance between humor and depth. It was well-written and kept me reading all day. I had a hard time putting it down because I never knew what would happen next. The mystery within the story had some twists throughout and some I did not see coming. I LOVED that part because some books can be predictable. I also like when she connects characters and storylines from other books. It was a quick by meaningful read that I would ❤️highly recommend❤️.

This was a fantastic read with a bit of everything. The friends turned enemies turned lovers relationship of Case and Aspen was dynamic. The family and other secondary relationships were well-developed and were integral to moving the story along. The conflicts and their resolutions were realistic and unpredictable. The book was hard to put down because between the suspense and the romance, the reader is pulled in and and anxious to see the conclusion.

I had read the prequel novella prior to reading Justified. It is not a necessity, but does give a view into the life of the Lawtons and introduces Crew and Della who reappear in this book.

The threat on Aspen's life and Case working the crime as the sheriff brings the antagonistic characters together. As Case tries to protect Aspen, they are able to work through their past issues and develop a new relationship. The complexity of the situation adds interest to the story so it is not your average romance.

I highly recommend this book. My only complaint is that it is going to be difficult to wait for the next installment in the series!!!

I am a fairly new fan of Jay Crownover and this was a brilliant start to a new series. She has weaved a tale that gripped me from the very beginning until the very end.

Aspen and Case have known each other since high school. They meet again in court when Aspen represents Case's ex-wife in their divorce settlement. Aspen is good at her job as a lawyer but she feels guilty getting her client full custody of her son, taking him away from his devoted dad. Now years on and thing shave changed with Case having full custody of his son and Aspen is going through her own divorce.

When Aspen's life seems to be in danger she has to turn to the man who still harbours animosity towards her, Sheriff Case. Finding out who is doing this forces them together. They will have to deal with their past, pain and anger.

What i loved about this book was the slow build of their relationship. Jay Crownover really developed their backhistory and relationship brilliantly. The secondary characters were equally intriguing and i can't wait to read some of their stories. The twists and turns will have you on the edge of your seat. i couldn't put this book down and i didn't want it to end. I am excited to see what happens next in this series

I have been so pleasantly surprised by the Loveless, Texas series! I know that Jay Crownover has a large fanbase, but I was new to her books before reading the prequel, UNBROKEN (which I loved). I just knew I needed JUSTIFIED in my life after that first taste of her writing. A childhood friends and enemies to lovers novel following Aspen, the “weird girl” who grew up to be a kick-butt lawyer in a small town and Case, the popular guy with lots of promise who didn’t quite live up to the high expectations.

What I enjoyed most is that Aspen and Case’s enemies to lovers premise was incredibly believable. Aspen represented Case’s ex-wife in a contentious divorce. Their subsequent reunion, while crazy and adventure-filled, was also believable. I loved Aspen. She was strong and fierce when she had to be and really became an extraordinary woman without help from anyone.

The adventure and mystery kept me on the edge of my seat. There were many times I literally gasped out loud. The characters were all endearing and multilayered. There is something about those Lawtons that makes you root for them, no matter how flawed they are.

I did want a little bit more sizzle between Case and Aspen. The steam was there during the love scenes, but I really only felt sexual tension on Aspen’s side. I wasn’t entirely convinced Case was attracted to Aspen. It might have been because Aspen was so injured most of the book.

Overall, this was a fun, fast-paced romantic suspense, small town, cowboy romance novel I truly enjoyed. I can’t wait to read the next book! I hope the MC president is getting a book too…

**I received an ARC of this book in order to provide an honest review**

Welcome to Loveless, Texas where after years of bad protection it takes a hot, up to the law man like Case Lawton to go for protection. Then we have a beautiful, sexy and smart lawyer go up against the new sheriff. This is actually the first time I have read of Jay Crownover and boy I am hooked. What got me was seeing Aspen still inside be the same shy stranger she was as a teenager waiting for her hero crush to really look at her. Now Case, man when he’s made a mistake he shows he can man up and find fault. The love might not be there right away but Jay Crownover sure makes it brew hot and passionate. This is one series you don’t want to pass right now, loved it.

“I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own.”

Loving Loveless!!

This is an amazing start this series!! I loved all the Easter eggs with other characters. There was so much suspense and so many twists that I didn't see coming.

This is an awesome enemies to lovers story and I can't wait for the next one!!

Justified kicks off a new series from Jay Crownover, and does it with a combination of suspense and romance that works on many levels. I think that what I most appreciated was the balance between romance and suspense, especially when I consider that this novel has the added burden of setting the scene for a new series. Jay Crownover uses an enemies to lovers scenario well. The story is told from the viewpoints of the hero and heroine, and they struck me as complex, layered, and clear voiced. I liked that I could sense real character growth and change throughout the story.
The suspense aspect is adeptly woven and there are a few unexpected twists, which made it serve as entertaining background to the romance. The secondary characters are fully drawn and I am already anticipating their stories. I am looking forward to Loveless, book 2.
I received my copy through NetGalley under no obligation.

4 reviews - all 4 stars

Justified by Jay Crownover is a friends to lovers book, and one you don't want to miss. Aspen and Case were friends in high school. That was then. They are brought back together due to events and that like has turned to hate, however, they are thrown together and they will have to find a way past their feelings.

This book had great characters and plot. You wanted to see what would happen next. Not only for the romance, but for the mystery as well. This isn't some sweet romance, but this will keep you turning the page and wanting more. 4 stars and I recommend you one click this book today!
----------------
An enemy to lovers romance at its finest but has a twist of mystery and danger. I would give this book a 4 stars and highly recommend to others.

Aspen and Case have known each other since teenagers. What started off as a timid friendship in high school will bloom into Aspen having a crush on Case. Both go separate ways until and unfortunate situation brings them across each other's path again but this time the hate will be involved, but fate has a way of throwing itself into the mix and that hate will turn into so much more.

Get to one clicking to see what happens you don't wanna miss this one!
--------------------------------
Gotta' love an enemies to lover book and this did not disappoint.

Aspen was transplant, social outcast in high school. But Case Lawton always went of his way to be nice/kind to her.

But things changed once they were older. Aspen represented his high school sweetheart turned ex-wife in court and Case blamed Aspen for losing primary custody of his son. But now that someone is trying to kill Aspen, the Sheriff (Case) is on the case.

The two of them interacting more brings the past back into focus. Could that thin line between love and hate finally snap?

Definitely one-click this now.
---------------------------------------
Sworn enemies since Aspen represented his wife in the divorce proceedings, Case must work to protect her against an unknown enemy.

I really liked the way this book goes right for it without any extra side plots. This book will keep you guessing, all the while rooting for Case and Aspen.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. As always Jay delivers! Loved the combination of suspense and love/hate tug of war! With the perfect ending, leaving just enough to keep you guessing what's next in store and happy for the couple in this book.

It’s been a while since I have read a book where I didn’t see the ending coming. This is definitely one of those books. I’ve read a lot of books by Jay Crownover and they never disappoint!

She can make you feel the emotion of the characters so well that when everything falls together it makes you happy!

Case Lawton is Sheriff of Loveless, Texas. Born and raised in the shadow of his corrupt Sheriff father, he tries to do and be everything better than everyone expects.

Aspen has always had hero worship for Case but when she played a big part in his divorce the only thing she got from him was pure hatred.

He blamed her for everything wrong in his life and she let him. When her life is in danger she has no choice but to accept his help. Being close to him brings up her feelings but she remains absolutely guarded. He’s cruel to her but won’t stoop to being like his father so he helps her more than he ever thought he would.

When all the truth is laid out, the feelings brewing between the two of them grow even more. You can’t help but root for them!

The mystery behind who is after Aspen kept me interested but the romance kept me coming. They don’t over shadow each other but make it all the better.

This book! Gah! Case Lawton has captured my heart with his rugged good looks, his devotion to his son and his rough personality and I hope he never gives it back!

Justified is the second book in the Loveless, Texas series and more of an introduction to the world and history of Loveless than its predecessor, Unbroken.

Back when Aspen was the new girl at her High School, Case Lawton was the only person to give her the time of day. The only person who was kind to her. Unfortunately things weren’t too kind to Case.

A few years later, Case Lawton and Aspen Barlow really can’t stand each other. When Case is going through one of the hardest things in his life, Aspen is standing on the other side supporting the woman breaking his heart.

All they both want, is someone on there side.

Then Aspen’s office is vandalised and Case is the one who turns up to help her. Thrown into a suspenseful situation, the passion between the Case and Aspen is tangible.

So many things happen and you're thrown through a loop with this one. It had me sitting on the edge of my seat, listing out suspects and pros and cons lists trying to work out what was coming.

Enemies to Lovers is my favourite sub genre. I love the tension, the banter and the passion. It makes my heart soar. Justified had so much tension, passion and a side of suspense that had me flipping the pages as fast as possible and sneaking in every minute of reading I could!

There were so many interesting side characters in Justified with so much history between all these different characters and I’m so excited to find out more about this town! I really loved reading the Author Note in the back where Jay explains where some of the characters come from and why so many names sound familiar!

I've been a huge fan of Jay Crownover since I first devoured Rule. She writes the best swoon worthy hero's and strong dependent heroines. Her storylines always keep you guessing and with every book she writes they just get better and better!

I appreciated the Lawtons since I’ve read about Crew in Unbroken. His older brother Crew had to face his nemesis, the woman who managed to destroy his life, by losing his son’s custody so many years ago.

I was intrigued to see how these two would make amends and met in the middle with such history. 

Case was never up to challenge, pushing Aspen’s buttons and lashing his anger in any way he could. The sheriff of Loveless had a case on his hand when Aspen was threatened and injured. 

Now he was to investigate and seeing the woman in a new light, without the fog of hate he was trapped into. In spite of a shitty childhood with a father who was never in the picture, a dirty cop who ruled the town, until he decided to put things to an end and trying to be a better man and a better father, protecting his family fiercely. This tight knit family, who knew how to survive and fight back when needed. And yes he was such a jerk in the beginning but I guess I would have been too. But sometimes appearances are deceiving.

Aspen was at a turning point in her life, filling for a divorce and trying to keep her business out of the water by defending people who needed someone to fight for their family and to protect the good in children. She was this woman who felt like she never belonged to a place or someone even if she was married. The only moment she felt like something more, it was Case who managed to put this feeling, and they were supposed to hate each other. 

Case and Aspen knew how to put a high level of angst. There’s never been a moment when they didn’t argue or fight. Their dynamic was filled with anger and hate but also with so much sexual tension.  And the passion... so smoking hot!

I appreciated reading about another couple from this series. A great enemies to lovers story.

I can’t wait to read for more.

I am a huge fan of enemies to lovers romance and Jay Crownover did a fantastic job. I knew after reading the novella before this book I was going to have to get Justified. I was so excited when it landed on my kindle.

Aspen and Case are enemies in the town of Loveless. He can’t forgive her for her part in him losing custody of his son. Aspen was the lawyer who helped his ex wife in the divorce. When Aspen ends up in danger they try and get along until she’s safe.

This book was packed with suspense and had me turning the pages as fast as I could. I was pulling for the two of them to make things work. The chemistry between Aspen and case off the charts. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

I love a great cowboy/country book. This one was fabulous. Jay portrayed Case and Aspen wonderfully. I loved stepping into a new setting with Jay's writing. The way Case and Aspen work together and interact you can see the sizzling chemistry between them. I was surprised to find out who the mystery person was behind Aspen's case. I cannot wait for more from these characters.

I received a free copy of Justified in exchange for an honest review. This was definitely a unique plot. I had no idea how Aspen would ever forgive Case for representing his ex wife and causing Aspen to lose custody of his son. The author did a fantastic job of tying in their past with the future, and creating a really well thought out story. Some of the action was a little "far fetched" but it still was a good read. I'd recommend to friends and family.

Great Start to a Great New Series!

Justified is the first full length book in Jay Crownover’s new Loveless, Texas series and it hits all the right buttons for me!

Grumpy hero✔️
Old high school crush that never quite went away✔️
First heroine✔️
Just the right amount of action/mystery/suspense ✔️
Steamy sexy times ✔️

Case and Aspen have known each other since high school but for the last nine years they’ve been civil enemies but now she needs his help and whether he realizes it or not he needs the help she been giving him all along.

I really liked that Case was tough but fair and quickly realized just how wrong he had been, nothing bothers me more than a long drawn out “you wronged me so I’m not going to forgive you” plot. I also adored the whole Lawton family and can’t wait for more!

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Veronica – ☆☆☆☆
This is an excellent enemies-to-lovers romance. The feelings of animosity Case feels are completely understandable. Aspen was the lawyer representing Case's ex-wife in their divorce and custody case that saw Case lose access to his son. Fast forward 10 years to the present day – Case is Sheriff and it is now is job to protect Aspen because someone is trying to kill her, which has them spending more time together than Case would like.

I have to say there was way more action and danger in this story than I was expecting and I loved it. The story moves at a really good pace. When there is action and danger, I felt like things were moving quickly but when Case and Aspen are dealing with their confusing and changing emotions, things slowed down a little to allow us to really feel what Case and Aspen are going through.

At our very first introduction to her, I thought I was going to hate Aspen but I changed my tune very quickly. It doesn't take long to realise she is a good woman and a very strong woman too. Case, on the other hand, is more complicated. A bitter divorce and an abusive father who was also a corrupt cop has left Case with plenty of issues that at times made him a frustrating hero. I still loved him though. There is something satisfying about stories with imperfect heroes, they feel more real.

The action, the difficult road to romance, and the drama all combine well to make Justified a fabulous story. I loved reading it. This is the first series I've read by this author but I'm going to have to make the time to check out more of her work because it is really good.


Mary Jo – ☆☆☆
It took me forever to get into this book. The characters were good and the storyline plausible, but it just didn't click for me.

Aspen and Case were friends in high school but later faced each other across the courtroom when Aspen represented Case's ex in divorce and custody proceedings. Case blamed Aspen for everything that happened and has never let her forget it.

Now, as sheriff, Case is tasked with keeping Aspen safe from an unknown person trying to kill her. What he doesn't realize is that it’s going to make both him and Aspen acknowledge the spark between them.

The rock on Case's shoulder is as big as a boulder and the guilt weighing on Aspen's heart is just as big. There was little to no interaction between Case and his son or Aspen and Case's son but what there was proved interesting.

The end was a twist that I didn't see coming.