Justified is the first book in Jay’s Loveless, Texas series. And it’s quite the angsty read! No one does angst better than Jay Crownover, in my humble opinion. And it’s exactly why I still love this author’s writing.

The prologue ripped my heart to pieces, and she didn’t put it back together until the very end of the book. The characters are complicated (but if you’ve read any of Jay’s books, you know that all of her characters are complicated!), real, and flawed. The story is complicated, real, and raw. If you love angsty books, this is absolutely the author you will want to read ALL her books.

So let’s talk characters for a minute. Aspen was that kid in high school. New. From the big city. And marched to the beat of her own drum. She was bullied and misunderstood by everyone. Except by Case Lawton. Case was this tiny Texas town’s golden boy. High school football star turned war hero, he’s now the Sherriff. Both characters have complicated relationships with their last living parent. And they only get more complicated throughout the story. There were times I wanted to hate Case. But at the same time, I could understand where his anger and rage came from. And overwhelming emotions like that tend to leave us single-minded and focused on all the wrong things. Thankfully, he eventually gets his head out of his ass. And Aspen...sometimes I just wanted to yell at her to open her eyes. She tries so hard to see the good in people, she’s blinded by her desire to be a people pleaser in a lot of ways. Like I said...these characters are complicated, real, and flawed. But in the end, you fall in love with who these two are as individuals, and who they become as a couple.

NICUnurse’s Rating: I’ve been a fan of Jay Crownover’s books since her Marked Men series. I’ve yet to read one of her books that didn’t pull out some complicated and dark emotions out of me while reading them, so sometimes I have to take them in small doses. But I always come back! In a world that wants to see things in black and white, Jay Crownover delivers romance in the gray areas like no one else. I give Justified by Jay Crownover 4.75 stars!

5 “Lasso Me Up” Stars!!!

Well I’ll be, never did I think I’d be obsessed with a jean and a big belt buckle clad, boots sporting and black stetson wearing cowboy, but here we are. Jay left me smitten with this book and Case Lawton, the cowboy sheriff.

I fell so hard in love with this book. I love a good enemies to lovers romance and Justified hit all the spots.

Aspen is the new girl in town. She moved from Chicago to Texas and immediately became the “weird girl” who didn’t fit in. The only person who was nice to her and made her feel like she belonged was golden boy, Case Lawton. She developed a secret crush on him, but didn’t act on it. Years later when their paths cross again, Aspen comes face-to-face with Case, it’s no surprise at the disdain and hatred on his face towards her. Then again, what’s to be expected when Aspen’s the one who added to his destruction when she’s the attorney who represented his ex-wife and took away custody of his son.

Case Lawton’s life is so different from what it was supposed to be. But now, almost a decade later his life has since then turned around. And now, he has his son back. He’s also the new sheriff who’s working to correct the wrongs of the former sheriff who happens to be his corrupt father. He never thought he’d cross paths with the woman who had a part in destroying his life, but he has a job to do, and that’s investigating who’s threatening the life of his nemesis, Aspen Barlow.

As Aspen and Case are forced to work together, Case is forced to reassess his resentment towards Aspen. And Aspen is trying hard to fight the crush she had on Case all those years ago, but failing as old feelings resurface. They both learn to trust each other and explore the new feelings that are starting to grow.

Justified is the first book in the Loveless, Texas series. This suspenseful and drama filled romance between sheriff Case Lawton and his sworn enemy Aspen Barlow was quite the ride. One which I enjoyed and couldn’t get enough of. I can’t wait to return to Loveless, I desperately need more!

Definitely recommend!

Nous avons fait connaissance de la famille Lawton dans la novella "Unbroken" de Jay Crownover et nous poursuivons avec le frère aîné Case, dans le tome 1 de la nouvelle série de l'auteure des Marked Men "Loveless Texas" "Justified" et comme lors de la première histoire, j'ai été totalement embarquée et ai hâte de lire celui qui sera consacrée à la seule fille de la fratrie, Kody : bien que ce soit un roman et non pas une nouvelle, l'histoire m'a encore paru trop courte. Vivement la suite.
J'ai reçu ce roman en service presse VO (ou ARC) via Inkslinger Pr (merci à eux) et NetGalley. J'espère vraiment que la série sera prochainement traduite en français. En plus, outre cette fratrie, nous faisons connaissance avec le chef d'un gang de bikers et j'avoue, j'ai envie de les revoir aussi.
"Justified" est sorti le 25 juin.

Mon avis : Vous l'avez compris, il sera positif. Exit les bad boys tatoués et tatoueurs, ici, nous faisons connaissance de Case Lawton, le shérif de la ville de Loveless. (nous l'avions croisé dans la novella)
Lorsque débute le roman, celui-ci est en mauvaise posture puisque son ex-femme a décidé de tout lui prendre pendant son divorce, y compris son fils de 9 ans, Hayes. Pire, cette garce s'adresse à l'une des avocates de la ville, Aspen, qui a été une jeune fille amoureuse de notre héros pendant le lycée. Rejetée, il a été un des seuls à lui montrer de la gentillesse mais malheureusement, le temps a passé, Case s'est marié et a eu un enfant (soyons clairs, il a été piégé mais a assumé) et Aspen est partie étudier ailleurs et elle aussi s'est mariée avec un homme dont le père est riche et influent, dans la ville... tous deux sont devenus avocats et c'est naturellement que la jeune femme a été engagée dans le cabinet de son beau-père. C'est ce dernier qui va la pousser à accepter de défendre l'ex de Case qu'elle déteste pourtant et parce que cette dernière lui a raconté un mensonge sur lui (Case a un père qui était violent, malhonnête, était le shérif de la ville et faisait la loi comme bon lui semblait) Bien qu'elle avertisse le jeune homme, au départ, de prendre un bon avocat pour se défendre, celui-ci ne la reconnait pas et quand Aspen éloigne son fils de lui, il ne peut que la détester... et cette haine perdure 9 ans après, lorsque débute le chapitre 1. Or, elle est bien obligée de faire appel à lui lorsqu'elle découvre que son bureau a été saccagé (depuis la fin du prologue, elle est en pleine séparation d'avec son mari, a quitté le cabinet de son beau-père et a ouvert le sien, afin de davantage défendre ceux qui en ont besoin) Case ne lui ayant jamais pardonné, se montre odieux mais prend sa déposition (il doute d'elle) mais lorsque la nuit, il est appelé au domicile de la jeune femme parce qu'on y a mis le feu, les choses vont alors changer. En effet, il est furieux que quelqu'un cherche à tuer la jeune femme sur sa juridiction... mais est-ce seulement cela? Les choses vont encore s'aggraver et évidemment, il va mal réagir car il est attiré malgré lui par elle (et s'en veut) mais il ne lui a encore pas pardonné, elle est un témoin clé qu'il doit protéger, elle n'est pas encore divorcée... bref, rien n'est simple MAIS avec l'aide de sa famille (notamment de son fils qui apprécie beaucoup Aspen, il a presque 18 ans quand débute le chapitre 1) son frère, sa soeur, un club de bikers et un ami, agent spécial, il va tout mettre en ordre pour trouver qui est le coupable. Va-t-il réussir à la sauver? Qui se cache derrière ces attaques? va-t-il avancer et lui pardonner? mais sait-il tout sur elle? et bien vous le saurez en lisant cette magnifique amour, qui là encore, tient plus du romantic suspense que de la romance pure : j'aurais pu mettre d'ailleurs le même titre que lors de ma précédente chronique.

Aspen est une jeune fille qui n'a pas vraiment eu de chance dans la vie : pas beaucoup aimé de ses parents enfant, elle a souvent été rejetée et a cru trouver une nouvelle famille avec son mari (lorsque Case lui a été inatteignable puisqu'il était lui-même marié avec un enfant) mais la réalité a été autre (il n'est pas un violent avec elle mais c'est un connard fini). Lorsqu'ils se séparent, elle pense trouve enfin la paix mais elle est menacée et va devoir faire face à celui qu'elle n'a jamais vraiment oublié et qui la déteste. Mais vous le savez, la haine et l'amour sont proches et elle va devoir lui faire confiance pour protéger sa vie : c'est une belle personne qui n'a pas eu de chance en amour et elle est loin de faire son métier pour l'argent. Vous découvrirez à quel point elle a été courageuse à bien des égards.

Case, lui, est le mal alpha par excellence : sa haine pour Aspen se comprend, même si son fils, essaie de lui faire comprendre que quoi qu'il pense, la jeune femme l'a toujours protégé : il va finir par découvrir ce qu'il en est et assumer son attirance pour elle et là, attention le charme des héros de Jay Crownover va encore frapper. Même s'il vous agacera parfois (bien sûr, son père a été un pourri fini et il ne veut surtout pas lui ressembler, si bien qu'il est aussi dans une intransigeance qui le dessert) , je suis sûre qu'au final, il vous fera craquer. C'est le vrai chevalier des temps moderne ^^

Autre personnage que j'adore dans la série, c'est Kody, la soeur de Crew et Case : personnage haut en couleurs qui n'a peur de personnes : ni de ses frères, ni des badboys (elle est ami avec Shot, le chef des bikers qui la protège). Seul, l'ami de son frère, Hill (et frère de son défunt petit ami) la met dans tous ses états (idem pour lui) et l'on se dit que cette romance va être explosive.


On retrouve Crew et Della les personnages de la novella et la fin se termine sur une sorte de cliffanger sur un personnage important (pas les 3 frères et soeur mais cela a un impact sur eux) et vivement vivement la suite, je vous le dis.

Enfin, il y a les méchants mais je ne vous en dirai rien! ^^

J'espère que cette nouvelle série qui a pour nom la ville où se déroulent les histoires proposera ensuite (après le tome 2) des romans sur les bikers.

Bref, si vous lisez en vo, foncez, vous adorerez ^^

Case was raised in Loveless, Texas and he was the town’s golden boy. He had his future planned out and they included a happy ever after with his high school sweetheart and a career in professional football until an injury put an end to that dream. He still married the girl and went off to serve his country but that wasn’t the life his wife wanted so he finds himself on the losing end of a bitter divorce and painful child custody battle.

When Aspen moved to Loveless as a teenager she was on the outside looking in and the only person she called a friend was Case. She is now a lawyer and was tasked with representing his ex-wife in the divorce and custody trial, even if she didn’t want to, and ever since she emerged the victor they haven’t spoken.

Aspen is now divorced and has caught the attention of the wrong person and since Case is the Sherriff he is responsible for not only finding out who is behind it but protecting her until that happens. Case hasn’t forgiven her for all the years he lost with his son however he is still drawn to her, but will they be able to work through the misunderstandings of the past?

This is a friends to enemies to lovers story that is jam packed with suspense, drama and heat. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

4.5 Stars
Boy was this book gooood! I was hooked right from the beginning and I hardly could put it down. Though I will admit Case not a big fan in the beginning, but we get to know the true guy behind the hurt. This book took so many twists and turns that had me gasping along with the characters. Jay Crownover did an amazing job writing this one. I was on the edge of my seat practically the whole book and I needed to know what happened next. The characters were great. I really liked Aspen. To see her stand up for herself and be the woman she always wanted to be was beautiful. I liked watching Case fall for this little spitfire. She keeps him on his toes and makes he reevaluate himself, to look deeper. If you want a book that delivers on feels and emotion, but also action and suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat look no further. It's one you don't want to miss.

When I heard Jay Crownover was starting a new series I was ready, kindle in hand.

This new world is a blast! The characters are insanely addictive and had my mind racing from start to finish. Justified not only entertains but offers a multi layered story, paving the way for the entire series. Jay builds worlds that are so detailed you feel every emotion right along with the characters. She is always thinking, planting little Easter eggs, so it pays to soak up every detail. You never know who you will see in the next series.

I loved Case and Aspen. This enemy to lovers trope felt refreshing and new. Sometimes tropes get played out, for lack of better wording, BUT with Jay’s signature writing style she brings her own original twist to an age old story. This is only the beginning and I can’t wait to see where the ride takes us

I am loving this author’s work! The suspense in this book will keep you on the edge of your seat and the romance is unparalleled. This book is full of love, heartbreak and family that reaches to your soul. I love small town settings and all of the trappings that go along with them. Aspen is a local attorney and Case is the town sheriff. They have a history stretching back to high school when they were sort of friends but Aspen has become Case’s nemesis. In the small town they live in Aspen had to represent Case’s ex-wife in the custody battle of their son so that’s why his dislike is so strong for her. But when Aspen’s Life is in danger Case steps up and does his job of protecting her but it feels less like work when he is with Aspen. Will they figure out who is threatening Aspen in time? I can’t wait for the next book in the series, Kody!!

Title :Justified
Author:Jay Crownover
Series:Loveless, Texas #1
Pages:432
Genre: Romance
Pub Date:June 23,2019
Grand Central Publishing (Forever)


Case Lawton comes from a family of criminals. So as the sheriff of Loveless, Texas, he's determined to do everything by the book--until he's called to Aspen Barlow's office after a so-called break-in. The last thing he wants to do is help the woman who cost him custody of his son. But Aspen isn't the heartless lawyer Case remembers, and he starts to question his long-held grudge...

Aspen is scared for her life, and Case is her last hope for protection. But to get him on her side, she'll have to reveal the painful truth from all those years ago. Now, as they work together to track down a dangerous criminal, Case and Aspen learn to trust each other. And as the threats escalate, it becomes clear there's a thin line between love and hate... because there's nothing Case wouldn't do to keep her safe.

My thoughts
Rating: 5
Would I recommend it: yes
Will I read more of this series? Yes
Will I read more by this author: yes
this is my first time reading anything by this author and I have to say she didn't let me down , I loved how the two many characters went from enemies to lovers , and how they started out trusting one other , there was times it did make me laugh , and it also made me get made , but not at Case or Aspen, you could almost feel what they was feeling for each other as well as Case pain when he loses the custody of his son, and you can see how much Case and his son loves each other as well as the rest of Case's family (his sister and brother ), there was some characters I couldn't stand or even like but as for Case and Aspen I loved them , it brings to live that things like this can and does happen in real life , so that's another thing I loved about this book, with that said I want to thank Netgalley as well as Forever for sending me and letting me request a copy of it to read and review ,because I loved it and can't wait to read more of this series, .

This is a new author for me and I could not have been more happier to have found this book. My mind was blown and if I was able to give this story 10 stars I would. Wow! Where do I even start to tell you how much I loved this book. My emotions were so raw and I just had to write this review immediately after reading it.

This is a enemies to lovers romance and it is one of the best that I have ever read. Case is the new Sheriff in town and he has the mission of cleaning the former Sheriff's mess in town who also happens to be his monster of a father. Aspen is a family attorney and her mission is to save those who cannot fend for themselves that includes domestic violence victims and children. Life has a funny way of playing pranks on unsuspecting saps because Case and Aspen are sworn enemies, but when Aspen's life is danger the only person who can protect her is a former high school crush and her sworn enemy. I wanted to add that their rivalry runs deep because they were friends in high school, but their relationship quickly turns sour after Aspen represents Case's ex-wife during a custody battle and Case helplessly lost. Aspen was the attorney that had a hand in taking away Case's reason for living which is his son, Hayes. But there is a twist because Aspen is harboring a secret that can change their lives forever and when it is revealed, how will it affect their relationship?

I absolutely loved everything about this book. I have zero complaints and the characters were great, the chemistry was great, and the perfect balance of romance and suspense was top notch. It was great seeing the characters grow throughout the story and intertwining relationships come to fruition. Both of these characters had parental issues, but one takes the cake to crazy town. The big suspense in the story is the identity of the person trying to murder Aspen and the reasoning behind it. The author handled it beautifully and the writing pulled me into this small town and also into Case and Aspen's relationship. I was really rooting for them and there were multiple twists at the end, but the ending did not feel rushed or incomplete. The romance was intense, realistic and the sex scene were few, but they were HOT. I set a record today because I read this book in one sitting after a long day at work. This really shows how good this book truly was. I cannot wait until the next book in this series and I am going to die if the next book does not come out soon.

This story also has a wonderful message about being yourself and it's great to stand from the crowd to do wonderful things. Five stars across the freaking board and if you don’t pick up this book, then you are missing out on a truly good story. Grab your tea, book, blanket or whatever you use settle for a cozy afternoon because this Maddie approved, which is me by the way. :)

Thank you to Forever and Netgalley for sending me a copy of this action packed enemies to lovers romance!!

I completed devoured this book! I practically read it in two sittings and could not put this down. When I wasn’t reading it, all I could think about was what was happening in Loveless, Texas. I fell head over heels in love with Jay Crownover’s writing and I’m already itching to pick up more from her especially more from the Lawton’s!

In high school Aspen had the biggest crush and admiration for Case but they were just friends and both of their lives went in totally different paths. Years later, they come back to the small town and Aspen is a lawyer with a secret handling Case’s nasty divorce. From the results, Case hates her and they become enemies for the next few years. This book starts when someone is after Aspen and Case, who the sheriff has to protect her from danger lurking at every corner. It’s a second chance, enemies to lovers small town romance and I loved every second.

Seeing these two see passed everything that happened between them and fall in love was so beautiful! Their relationship had such a slow build filled with tension and heat that I was just dying for them to get together!! I loved how they communicated with each other and worked together and slowly figured out their feelings between them. It was so well developed and full of passion and angst.

I really loved Case, I thought he was such a good man and a great father. I really liked watching him protect Aspen and come to the realization that he was in love with her. Aspen was so strong!! I connected with her so deeply when she would explain how she felt like she never fit in and just wanted a place to belong. Everything that she went through, just made me admire her more. She knew what she deserved and she made sure she got it and refused to settle for anything less! Aspen and Case were truly perfect together! And some of their scenes... ahhh!! THE TRUCK SCENE!! That’s all I’ll say but damn! It was one of my favorites!

The suspense element was so good!! You guys this book is ACTION PACKED! Things happen and it’s insane! I was fully immersed and captivated with finding out who was after Aspen. I loved the twist at the ending and completely didn’t see that coming!

I also loved the set of side characters, I want a friend like Kody! That girl is badass!! And I’m super interested to see who she’s going to get her HEA with! I really liked Shot and Hill and I can’t wait to see how everything works out! I can’t wait to circle back and read Unbroken and everything else from Jay Crownover as I highly anticipate the next book in this series!

Yeehaw! Jay Crownover has created a magnificent start to her newest series. She has created one of my favorites.....cowboy romance! I instantly went to the heart of Loveless, Texas and Case absolutely stole my heart.

Case and Aspen. What can I say about them? They are breathtaking. I loved them so hard! I felt Case's hesitation and pain of the past as if it was my own. He was beautifully broken because of his past, and his trust issues flew off the pages.

The passion builds and when Case and Aspen are around each, the pages sizzle and spark. I found myself on the edge of my seat more than once, not just because of the twists Crownover throws in, but because I felt every single emotion that Case and Aspen felt toward each other.

If you want a novel that will keep you hooked until the end, keep you up late into the night, keep you turning the page because you just have to see what happens, then this is a 4 star worthy novel just for you. You'll get breathtaking passion, a hot sexy sheriff and the woman he hates to love, and the perfect amount of suspense. Grab your boots, your hat and a sit back for the ride of your life. Welcome to Loveless, y'all!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*

YES! That’s exactly how you start a new series! When I first opened my mailbox and found this bad boy inside, I was freaking over the moon, best book mail ever, so I want to start this review by thanking Forever Romance and Jay Crownover for sending me this beauty for review! Thank you! After reading the prequel for the Loveless, Texas series and absolutely loving everything about it, I knew right away after finishing Unbroken that I needed to get my hands on Case Lawton’s story… and Justified exceeded all of my emotional expectations.

About Justified:

Case Lawton is now the Sheriff of Loveless, Texas. Becoming someone the town and his family can look up to is his greatest ambition. It’s the least the town deserves, given the fact that the last sheriff that was in charge was dirty as the mud on the soles of his boots. And if anyone knows how dirty the old Sheriff played, it would be his own flesh and blood.

Nine years ago, Case Lawton nearly lost the trust and reputation he was working so hard to gain, during a horrible custody battle over his young son Hayes. And at the root of all his problems stood a fair skin and raven haired beauty named Aspen, his ex wife’s attorney.

Now years later, Someone is after Aspen and Case is going to see that the person who’s after her doesn’t get away. In the process of protection duty, he’s about to learn that Aspen isn’t the raven haired devil he always saw her as. In fact, when he finds out the truth behind what happened all those years ago, he’s going to feel like a real ass.

My Thoughts:

I am a sucker for cowboy romances! The more I read the more I want. I went into this novel knowing very little about it. I knew Case was the broody, sexy as hell sheriff and the oldest of the Lawton clan. What I didn’t know was where his story was going to lead. All I knew was I needed this sexy sheriff in my life.

After reading Justified I have to say, I really freaking loved the suspense and the who did it aspect. I love a great mystery woven in a romance novel. Sometimes I know who the culprit is and other times the author blows me sky high with who did it. In Justified, I have to honestly say, I knew who the culprit was the whole time. It was a tad bit predictable from the start, a few to many hints dropped for it to be a complete surprise. Usually with suspense type novels, I find myself getting bored if I predicted the outcome, however, I found myself not really caring about that aspect the more I started to read. I quickly became consumed by Case and Aspen’s romance.
I loved the slow burn, enemies to lovers vibe between Case and Aspen. Case has to deal with the demon’s of the past and as he spends more time on protection duty. Aspen slowly chips at the hard broody exterior he’s put up. He thinks his mask is impenetrable, but we readers see all.

One thing I wish for, is more moments between Case and Hayes. I love single parent books, especially single father books, and one reason is the emotional connection between the father and the child he is fighting for. I wanted a bit more moments between Case and his son. I understand his son is eighteen and all, but there are still life lessons that need to be taught at that age. I wanted that chance to see more of a softer side with Case.

Overall, this was a great read. Justified will have you reading the day away. Trust me when I say, you won’t be able to put this sexy cowboy down!

Jay Crownover writes the best heroes, especially the ones that start off as kind of a jerk, rough around the edges, but have a big heart. Case Lawton, the Sheriff of Loveless is exactly that type of guy. When we’re introduced to Aspen and Case, he’s a full-on jerk to her, he thinks she’s a heartless lawyer after she represented his ex-wife in their divorce and custody battle. There’s a whole backstory as to why Aspen cooperated, it’s a good reason, but Case doesn’t know the details. There’s a whole unrequited love situation too, as Aspen fell hard for Case upon moving to Loveless as a teenager and he was one of the only students who took an interest and didn’t treat her like the new “weird girl”. Because of that, the animosity he carries toward her hurts all that much more. I was all on Aspen’s side, indignant for her when Case treated her with open disdain in the beginning.

Aspen and Case must work together when her office is trashed, and it becomes apparent her life is in danger. As much as Case dislikes Aspen in the beginning, she’s a citizen of Loveless and as Sheriff, Case is dedicated to keeping his people safe. Forced to “be in each other’s pocket” as they’re faced with so many threats the animosity between them starts to melt away. There was definite chemistry and desire, even when they were snipping and snapping at each other. I was eager to have all the details about the divorce to come to light so that the attraction Case felt for Aspen wasn’t an unwanted development, and things finally do come to light.

I loved Justified! Aspen and Case together were electric, and when they let go it was wicked hot! You know how some books it takes a while to warm to the story? Definitely not a problem here! I was glued to the story, engaged from page one. Trying to figure out where the threat was coming from, and on edge from the dangers presented made for an exciting read. Aspen and Case’s story wraps up satisfyingly, but there’s another romance to come with Case’s sister Cody and his good friend, Hill Gamble, a Texas Ranger. A storm is a-brewing between those two, and I can’t wait!

Let me start by saying this series has a lot of things I tend to stay away from in reading. Browsing through the Kindle store I would skip right past it based on the cover, but don't do that! Stop and read this one! I promise you'll thank me afterwards. Jay Crownover is an instant read for me, for the most part I could care less what she writes, I would read it. One thing I expect from reading one of Jay's books is to have my heart ripped out and to feel all the pain the characters are feeling, only to have it put back together in the end, I was not at all disappointed in the heartache I felt throughout this story.

Aspen and Case met back when Aspen was new to town in high school. Aspen fell for Case back then and time didn't stop her crush at all. The next time these two are thrown together, Aspen plays a pretty big role in ruining Case's life. Fast forward a few years later, Aspen needs help and Case is the one that is forced to help her. There is so much anger and resentment between these two I know it was going to be explosive. The anticipation in this story for these two to figure their stuff out had me in the edge of my seat. Overall this book was fantastic and I am so glad I took a chance on this series, I cannot wait for the next one!

Jay Crownover knows how to start a series. Please excuse me while I move down to Texas and try to find a hot sheriff like Case. He was rough around the edges at times and had his faults, but I appreciated his realness and the fact that he willingly owned up to his mistakes. I wanted to reach into the book and give Aspen a big hug. She has a heck of a time throughout the story but remains strong. Bonus points for Hayes. He was my favorite supporting character, and I am keeping my fingers crossed that he gets his own book down the road. Case's sister Kody is a spitfire. Hopefully we won't have to wait too long for her story.

When Case Lawton is torn when he has to investigate a break in at attorney Aspen Barlow's office. Aspen was the lawyer that he thinks screwed him out of child custody in his divorce, and Case is holding a grudge the size of Texas against her.

Aspen Barlow remembers Case from their high school days when he was the one to protect her against the name-callers. But when she returns to Loveless, Case is involved in a bitter divorce and he doesn't really remember her. Then she gets to represent his ex-wife in the divorce, making for some real tension between these two.

But Case is an honorable man and a professional so he tries not to let the past cloud his judgement when it comes to Aspen, especially when the perpetrator ups the ante by becoming an arsonist. It all becomes fairly tense as it's clear someone is out to kill Aspen.

There's a good bit of tension going on with the attempted murder investigation, and there's a lot of sexual tension between Case and Aspen as they find out they aren't quite the person they thought. I loved that about this book. The suspense goes from start to finish in this story and kept me on the edge of my seat. Jay Crownover's romantic suspense gets better with each new tale of treachery against a backdrop of steamy emotions.

Justified is a tale of suspense and forgiveness that grabbed me on the first pages and kept me turning them to the very end. It also left me needing Kody's (Case's sister) story. Really enjoyed this one.

An ARC was provided for review.

Review and blog tour can be found on *Milky Way of Books*

Case and Aspen are two people who were hit hard by life and both try to find new meaning after the tragedy. Well, add in a mystery, car chases and steamy romance and you have a great recipe that never fails to amaze me in a book by Jay Crownover.

The town of Loveless is a great place to develop this new series. There used to be a very high crime rate and Case, as the new Sheriff, tries to bring back peace and justice after he brought down his own father, who was the previous sheriff. Aspen tries to settle after her separation with her husband and soon she will find herself entangled into a mystery that wants her dead.

Haters to lovers relationships are also a favorite trope for me. And it was done in a way that felt realistic and emotional. I can't wait to see what will happen with the next upcoming couple!

I’ve been a long-time reader of Jay Crownover’s, and I’ve loved all of her rough-around-the-edges, tattooed bad boys and their complex, hard-fought happily-ever-afters. I wasn’t sure exactly what Jay would do with cowboys, but boy, did I love it. She has completely swept me off my feet with her Loveless, Texas series. The prequel novella, Unbroken, absolutely whetted my appetite for these cowboys, and Justified has blown me away!

Crownover comes out swinging with a two-pronged plot that drew me in from page one. Pairing an angsty, steamy enemies-to-lovers romance with a twisty, turny suspense arc, Justified was a riveting love story between two people with a long and complicated history. A Stetson on his head and a badge on his belt, Case Lawton is formidable, commanding and heart-flutteringly handsome. Dark-haired, porcelain-skinned and a pint-sized powerhouse in the courtroom, Aspen Barlow, is Case’s opposite in all ways. She was that weird goth girl in high school who never felt like she truly belonged in Loveless until she was welcomed and befriended by the younger, gentler, high school heartthrob version of Case.

The sweet friendship they once shared is scorched by the explosion of Case’s life, and he holds a mean grudge for eight years as he believes Aspen, a divorce attorney in town, is partially to blame for his woes. As the elected sheriff of Loveless, though, he can’t exactly pick and choose who he protects and serves, and Aspen, though loathe to accept Case’s protection, needs it. They say that love and hate are the opposite sides of the same coin, and Jay tests that theory out in Justified with spectacular results. This story was so passionate in absolutely every sense of the word. The gut-churning angst, the anger simmering between them, and finally, the lust. Oh yes, the sparks were flying in Loveless, right along with the bullets.

Bursting with authentic emotion, sizzlingly sexy with a suspense story that kept me tapping my Kindle as furiously as the relationship build-up did, Justified was a quintessential Jay Crownover story, but with a fresh, new spin. I positively devoured this story, and I’m hungry for more. Justified is Jay Crownover at the top of her game, doing what she does best, and giving her readers a difficult, hard-earned, heart-tugging love story between two seemingly ill-matched people. Five smooches from me!
~Danielle Palumbo, Red Cheeks Reads

Justified was an alright read. The animosity between Aspen and Case mixed in with Case helping Aspen, throw in the suspense and romance brewing and it was intriguing for sure. Seeing how it would all play out was fascinating. Both the characters of Aspen and Case had their perfection and their flaws. The push-and-pull between the two did keep the story going for me. I also liked the family aspect when it came to Case and his siblings. Though I wasn’t completely in love with the story, it was still an okay read for me. I am intrigued by another possible couple and the mystery revealed at the end. Overall, a book mixed with romance and suspense that will keep you reading.

The Lawton family is known for being crooked and Case is breaking that cycle by taking his fathers place as Sheriff and really taking care of things the right way. Then he's called in for a break in at Aspen Barlow's law office. He would like nothing to do with her after she took part in having his son taken away in a custody battle a while ago. After a couple mishaps its clear someone is trying to take her out and now Aspen is under the care of Case they can find out who is behind everything and why.

If you like a good mystery then you'll like this book. I loved that there was so much going on with this book to keep me hooked. I loved seeing how everything in this book played out. I loved seeing that attraction that was forming between the two and there was plenty of steam going on between those two! I loved seeing how they worked on solving the case, and just seeing everything play out. Plus that ending! With how it turned out I need to start keeping my eye out for this author. Also it wasn't until I read the authors note apparently this is apart of a whole larger thing along with being the start of a branch off. Going to have to do some research and see what I can get ahold of because I'm curious enough after reading this. Overall great book I really enjoyed it!