Not what I expected at all. This has everything that keeps me interested in a story: romance, mystery, bikers, suspense. Case and Aspen have history, all the way back to high school. Aspen is suddenly being attacked at work and her home. The suspects are many and the story leads you to a few possibilities, I never saw the real suspect as an option. The intensity between Case and Aspen is thrilling and is not easy for them. They have serious baggage to get through. I haven't read her other series but apparently there are a few character cameos. This book is a standalone, their story has an HEA and a possible lead in to Kody's book. I received my copy through Netgalley.

Way more than a romance💚💙
Completely hooked me from the start. Hate is a kin to love, so true for Case. Aspen has always known she loved Case, but just knew she never stood a chance.
As present day life threatening events bring them together, so much gets sorted out between the two and I went thru a ton of emotions at all the injustices that had been heaped on both of them. So yeah, I was immersed while reading, always in anticipation of what's coming next. There was so much intrigue, twisty plot, nerve shredding action happening that I couldn't get it out of my head even when real life intruded. The angsty times made the lovin all the sweeter when it finally came.
Each of the characters were fantastic and so realistic, making ME feel a part of the Loveless community, right in the thick of things.
So well written with dual POVs, and no overlaps. This was a super fast exciting read.
I received an advance reader's copy thru Netgalley and am giving my honest thoughts voluntarily.

Well, let me just say that for a town called Loveless, Texas, there are certainly many lovable people there! (and some definitely unlovable people too) And Jay Crownover certainly gives us another amazing book and start to her brand new series! Case and Aspen went from sort of/kind of almost friends in high school, to bitter enemies for a decade after that, to lovers. Lovers definitely suits them best! They have great chemistry and are really good for each other's hearts and souls. They had so much murky past to work through but they do it and it is wonderful to witness. The fact that they are able to do it amidst all the chaos surrounding Aspen is even better. Because Case is sheriff, he assigns himself to watchover Aspen when things start going south, and this allows them time to talk and heal and other things. I loved everything about this book from start to finish and can't wait for more!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.

Several years ago I went to a book event for one author and Jay Crownover won me over so fast I walked away with three of her books. I have no regrets. Justified is a bit different from her other books, but it's still the same Crownover writing I've come to love.

Case and Aspen hate each other for things said/done in the past. I loved watching them work through all those feelings and start to come together, while other atrocities were unfolding around them. It's hard to come to terms with your past beliefs, when someone is out to kill you.

There is a lot going on in Justified. Case is the sheriff, but he's still trying to rectify all the mess his dad created as sheriff. Someone is trying to kill Aspen. Case's ex wife is being super demanding over their son. And a tad more. Crownover did a great job of weaving all these things together without the reader feeling overwhelmed by all the things. At no point did I feel like there was just too much happening to keep track of.

Case was easy to like from the get go, he had a crap life and made some bad choices, but you could tell that he was trying to fix things. He was also an amazing dad. I don't want to spoil things, but there were some tears shed over how things went down with this in the past.

Aspen is getting divorced and desperate to separate herself from her jerk husband. But then things start to get scary when her life is threatened. All things considered she handled this well, I would have been a crying mess.

I highly recommend Justified. It's fast paced and lots of feels!

Less than twenty-four hours is what it took me to devour Griffins latest work, Her Deadly Secret, book number two in the Wolfe Security series.

P.I. Kira Vance finds herself personally involved with a murder case. The law firm she's been working with has decided that an added security detail is needed to not only her and the lawyers she'd been working with not only safe but alive as well.

As always, Griffin writes smart, capable female leads who are always in charge and ready to get the job done. This is why she has been and will always remain on my one-click-list.

Her Deadly Secret is an all-encompassing dynamic read that is sure to skyrocket to the top of any list this summer.

In “Justified / It's All About That Cowboy” (Loveless, Texas #1) by Jay Crownover we are thrown into the world of Sheriff Case Lawton and his arch nemesis Aspen Barlow. They were friends back in high school but when they bumped into one another years later, the reunion was not a pretty one – with Aspen representing Cases ex in their divorce. But when Aspen’s life is in danger it is the Sheriff’s job to protect her and his town. But as the treat against Aspen escalates, old secrets are revealed and long dormant feelings rise to the surface.

There is something here for everyone – I mean who doesn’t love a cowboy but there is also a car chase, an awesome biker, a bartender with a rifle, a Texas Ranger and a family that would do anything for each other. I am a huge Jay Crownover fan – from Rule (Marked Men) to Salvaged (Saints of Denver) she does not disappoint. A definite read and I have my fingers crossed for book #2.

I received an ARC of this book through Net Galley and this is my honest review.

4 1/2 Stars!!

I feel perfectly JUSTIFIED in saying this book was Ah-mazing! I know I'm being corny but I couldn't resist. Seriously though, Justified was a fabulous continuation to the story of the Lawton family in Loveless, Texas. This one gives us the story of Case, the town sheriff and Aspen, a local attorney and Case's nemesis. They have a history stretching back to high school when they were friends (sort of). In present day, it is common knowledge in Loveless that Case strongly dislikes Aspen because she was the attorney representing his ex-wife in the custody case for his son. When events start happening that endanger Aspen's life, Case steps up to do his job and soon discovers that his need to protect Aspen feels like more than work..

Quite simply, Justified possesses many of the necessary ingredients for a quality contemporary romance: enemies to lovers trope, romantic suspense/mystery, alpha strong male lead who is in law enforcement (double win), strong female lead, enjoyable supporting characters, unrequited love, and so on. I like that the reader realizes there are some elements to the story that Case doesn't know which would impact his view of Aspen. Let me just say that Ms. Crownover knows exactly when to deliver those informational nuggets into the storyline. In many other books I've read in the past, that type of information is withheld for too long and it drags on. This book had great timing in that events seemed to happen at the appropriate time without a feeling of lagging. Also, there was a twist I didn't see coming - - that always makes me happy!

I felt like Justified was so much more than just a romance. Don't get me wrong, Case and Aspen have a beautiful story, but there is more to it. Case is a committed father to his son, Hayes. That is by far his most important relationship and he consistently priorities his son. In addition, there is an obvious love between the three Lawton siblings and they are protective of each other. Lastly, Case loves his community. He was determined to be a better and more ethical sheriff that his father. He felt a calling to serve Loveless. Of course, after all is said and done, there is Case and Aspen and seeing Case realize he is falling for the woman he's spent so much of his life angry at was entertaining to say the least.

I can't wait for the next book in the Loveless, Texas series when we get Kody's story! It has potential to be the best one yet.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for providing me with this ARC.

Thank you so much to Jay Crownover and Netgalley for the advance e-copy of the first book in Jay’s new Loveless, Texas series, Justified.

Having the opportunity to review for Jay Crownover again sparks so much joy in my life. She was one of my first favourite NA authors and she always consistently puts out amazing stories every year.


Here is the Goodreads synopsis…

“The New York Times bestselling author of the Marked Men series delivers a romance about a rugged Texas sheriff who must protect the woman who was once his sworn enemy…

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.”

Here are my more detailed thoughts…

Characters: Case and Aspen are the protagonists of Jay’s latest story. Aspen is a tough-willed, lawyer who went into the profession as a means to help families through fighting divorce and child custody cases. Case carries the baggage of his initial life plans being turned around, the star athlete in high school who was supposed to leave his small town instead settles down young and takes on his dad’s job as the town sheriff. Case struggles with the need to constantly do better, be better, be better than his corrupt father at the sheriff job and be a better father for his son.
Setting: Loveless a small town in Texas is its own character in this story. The small town where a city girl like Aspen is chastised as the weird girl. The small town where gossip spreads like wildfire throughout this book.
Pacing: What makes the pacing of this story exceptional is the pace in which the mystery element unfolds.
Romance: Case and Aspen have a tumultuous past, from their beginning that saw Case being the only person in town who was nice to Aspen when she moved to Loveless to the events that see Aspen as the lawyer who separates Case from his son for many years. The events of Justified force them together in a way that makes them conqueror their feelings for each other head first. Both Case and Aspen had first relationships that failed miserably, and are both so deserving of the love they ultimately fight for.
Justified receives five out of five stars.

You can follow Jay Crownover on all of her social media accounts…

Website: http://www.jaycrownover.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJayCrownover?ref=hl
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/JayCrownover
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/Crownover

Thank you so much to Jay Crownover and her team for this opportunity. Thank you so much for reading this review and supporting my blog.

Justified by Jay Crownover is the first in her Loveless, Texas, series. While we got a glimpse of the deliciousness to come in Unbroken, but this is Loveless in all its glory…or at least the Lawton family. Case is the perfect blend of gruff cowboy sheriff and overprotective teddy bear. Aspen is more than his perfect match. There is a twist I didn’t see coming. I stayed up way too late reading and have no regrets…at least not about the book. I am all in with this series and can’t wait to see what Crownover has in store for Kody.

Another amazing read that will have you glued too your kindle. Case & Aspen were friends to enemies to lovers and you won’t want too miss a second of there story. The twist in this story will blow your mind. Another phenomenal 5 star read with characters that are unforgettable. Truly love the Lawton’s and can’t wait for more.

Justified is a Loveless series book by Jay Crownover. I had read the novella before this book and loved it. Other than that novella I was a new reader to Jay Crownover and now I know why the fandom is so big cause I love this series and the writing is incredible. Jay writes scenes that have vivid detail and make you feel as though you are there with the characters and never feel left out or like you are missing anything. You grow attached to this Aspen and Case cause of the intense back story of them. The supporting characters are just as important to the main characters. When you feel like this story is going to go the way you think it whiplashes and goes another way. I absolutely love Case and Aspen’s on and off firecracker dynamic. They just explode together but then once they do explode it’s over. It’s like when you shower too long and the water turns cold and you just have been in it too long you have to get out- it’s how they are- they have to get out of this thing they have and yet they keep getting back in it. It’s so so good and I couldn’t quit screaming at the book while reading it like what is wrong with them. Ugh it was good. I have officially drank the Jay Crownover kool aid and I’m loving it and I want more! Please keep me in the loop with all your arc’s if you want a reader! I volunteer all my sleep to you!

Hot, angsty romance with a fantastic thriller plot. This kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time!

Case Lawton has no love for Aspen Barlow, she’s the reason his entire life was turned on it’s axis. He lost custody of his son because of her and forgiveness is nowhere in the foreseeable future. The way things stand right now, if she were on fire he’d take his sweet time putting her out and the only reason he’d move that fast is because he promised to uphold the law and the last thing he wants is to be the crooked lawman his father was. When Aspen is suddenly in danger (and there’s a real fire involved), Case realizes there’s more to this lady than he thought and she’s lighting his fire.

Aspen Barlow is well aware there is no love lost between her and Case Lawton. She knows he blames her for losing his son but what he doesn’t know is that what she did helped him more than it hurt him. When a set of events happen that indicates someone is out to hurt or even kill her. Aspen’s means of survival relies on Case, and she’s hoping he can put his disdain for her aside to help her.

First, I have to run my usual disclaimer…I am a HUGE Jay Crownover fan. I’ve read pretty much ever book she’s written and those I haven’t I’ve listened to the audio. In any case there isn’t one book I wouldn’t recommend.
Jay is one of those authors who plants the seeds with supporting characters which is exactly what she did with Case. My interest in Case has been piqued ever since we met him in The Getaway Series; but the entire time I kept feeling like I knew him. This is where reading the author’s notes comes in handy. That series did not introduce me to Case, it was Salvaged (Poppy and Wheeler’s story). I love how Jay does that…that book was like two years ago and there was still something nagging my brain about this character.

Let’s start with the storyline. I like a good enemies-to-lovers storyline and this was a good one. Although the “enemies” part was more on Case’s end…and he did let her have it. I liked how his dislike for her was so tangible. I didn’t have to imagine it, it’s like it jumped out of the book at me. Most of the time I’m disappointed because it’s like one minute they hate each other and the next they are just madly in love. I liked the pace of this relationship. I did feel as if Case’s “like” came quickly, but then I realized that although he was definitely sexually attracted to Aspen, the trust wasn’t one hundred percent.

As for the characters…perfect. They were written perfectly. Case was a real dick to Aspen. The scene on the steps when he’s first served and his response to her when he remembers who she is….it was so real. I could hear that memory click in voice, I could see his face…like the squinting of his eyes as the recognition hit him. Aspen, the uncertainty she felt was so very real that I got goose bumps.

The supporting characters were as captivating as the main characters. I adored Case’s sister Kody (can’t wait for her story), I loved Hayes (be sure to read Jay’s author’s notes, lots of good info in there). I’m hoping he gets a story as well. There’s a host of other supporting characters from Aspen’s mother (eww), to the crazy Coleman brothers, to Aspen’s pathetic Ex, David and Case’s mean dad (although there is one tiny moment when I feel sympathy for his dad). Let’s not forget Agent Hill Gamble (can’t wait for the story…talk about sparks).
Great characters, great storyline, great read. Add it to the beach/poolside reading list.

Justified was one of those solid romantic reads. Aspen and Case were enemies at the start and their dramatic interactions were perfect. I loved how Case hated her while Aspen wished he didn't. They way their walls came down when they were forced to share space and trust each other was fun to read. Things went quickly between them, but it felt natural with all that was going on.

And there was a ton going on! I'm not normally into romantic suspense, but Justified had just the right kind and amount of it. I was very curious to know who had it out for Aspen and why. I have to admit I was shocked who was behind everything. I didn't see it coming at all!

One of my favorite things about this book was Case's relationship with his son, Hayes. It really showed what a great man Case was. I liked how he supported his son when it came to his mother and relationships with girls. I also liked how Aspen fit into that relationship.

Justified was another great romance by Jay Crownover. There wasn't one thing I didn't like about it. I truly enjoyed every minute I spent with it. I can't wait to read what's next in this series!

I just absolutely loved this. I devoured it and keep thinking about Sheriff Lawton and Counselor Barlow. Striking all my favorite romance chords, I engulfed Jay Crownover's newest series start in one sitting. Justified is an enemies-to-lovers, slow burn romance between a small town Texas Sheriff with a chip on his shoulder and a local attorney with a fiery attitude and big-time crush. When danger keeps finding the local Counselor after some major life changes it's the Sheriff who can't seem to stop wanting to personally protect her.

This one just felt really good. Like I said if you're in the mood for just good old fashioned romance between a grouchy alpha male who derives great pleasure from pushing the buttons of a quirky female who holds nothing back this book is a perfect fit for you. I loved how they came to be enemies and the morals behind it. I loved the subtle secrets and unrequited attraction. I loved that the story revolved around the growth and understanding of these two magnetic characters.

Crownover's writing flowed flawlessly, the plot was as fun as it was dangerous, the secondary characters provided many bright spots that I can't wait to further explore in the series, and the chemistry between the two mains was off the charts.

As the story between these two characters evolves so does your interest in this town and the rest of the characters we meet. That might be my favorite part. I felt as though I was a small, intimate part of the Loveless, Texas landscape while reading. Like I could sit around with all these people, be relaxed, and have a really great time. Jay Crownover pieced together a wonderful, low-angst, romantic story with a wonderful slow burn that keeps you engaged from beginning to end. This kind of story is why I love the romance genre so much. I can't wait for more from this author in this series!

I am a huge Jay Crownover fan and was so excited to start Justified. I read the prequel, Unbroken, and saw a glimpse of Case's backstory and was even more excited to read his story. Justified was sexy and emotional and the chemistry between both leads was fantastic. Aspen gave as good as she got and wasn't hesitant to handle Case, the Sheriff of Lawless, if needed. She was a great match for Case!

Aspen Barlow and Case Lawton have a long and acrimonious history. But it is now nine years later and these enemies are forced to deal with one another as Aspen is now being targeted and victimized by an unknown threat. Overall, I really liked this story. It had great back and forth banter, sass and showed an emotional depth in both characters from years ago to the present. I also loved that it was filled to the brim with good old fashioned suspense. It was an added zing to an already awesome story. 

Overall, I loved seeing how Case and his feelings for Aspen slowly thawed as the tension between them heated up. All in all, this was a fast paced story that was another Jay Crownover win! 4 stars! ~Ratula 

I would like to thank Netgalley and Forever for an advanced copy of this book for an honest review.

Full Review: http://bit.ly/2IyH0F4

Jay Crownover wrote some of my favorite series, Marked Men/ Saints of Denver, so I was excited to see where her next series was going. She did not disappoint. Hate to love trope can either be one of my favorites or feel forced, and this one was effortless. The plot was so fast-paced, I read the entire book in one sitting. While some aspects felt a little over the top, it definitely fit in with the romantic suspense theme. It was so easy to root for Case and Aspen, and I was sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for the (yes, the somewhat over the top) plot twists.

JUSTIFIED by Jay Crownover grabs you from page one and doesn't let go. I really hope the next story in this series is about Jody and that HOT Texas Ranger! This one was about Case, the town sheriff and Aspen the lawyer. This story is full of town secrets, shoot outs and evil plans. Definitely a five 🌟read!

3.5 Stars!

One of my favorite tropes is enemies to lovers. I love a good fight scene and a good grovel. Throw in angst, and a good mystery, I'm giddy with excitement!

When Aspen Barlow moved from Chicago to small-town Loveless, Texas, Case Lawton was the first to befriend her. When other high school kids teased her about her appearance and called her weird, Case stood by her and protected her. They both had dreams about life after high school, he was going off to college on a football scholarship, and she was going to save the world.

Aspen went on to study law. When she came back to Loveless, she not only got a job one of the most prestigious law firms in the city, but she married one of the richest boys in Loveless.

Unfortunately, fate had other plans for Case. With the death of his mother, his broken leg, and his girlfriend getting pregnant, his plans of leaving Loveless were sidelined. Instead of heading to college on a football scholarship, he joined the military and married the girl who shackled him to the town he hated.

When Aspen returned with her law degree, it wasn't long before her reputation as a great lawyer got out to everyone, everyone that is except the one person who needed her help the most. Case didn't give much thought to the girl he'd known in high school, in fact, he didn't care much about Aspen at all. That is not until Aspen was hired to defend his soon-to-be-ex-wife in their bitter divorce and custody battle.

Years after later, Aspen finds herself needing Case to protect her again. The problem though is getting Case to release the anger and resentment he's carried toward her for years.

I had a few issues with the story 1) I felt like Aspen forgave Case too quickly, I wanted him to grovel, to earn his place in her life. Which leads me to 2) While I understood Aspen's desires toward Case (a little anyway), I had issues with how quickly Case made an about turn and suddenly wanted to have a life with Aspen. 3) The mystery. Or should I say the who-done-it? Because it was who done it that had me side eyeing my kindle.

The good? I have never read this author before, and I really enjoyed her voice. The way she told the story was entertaining and held my interest despite the issues I had. I will definitely read more from her and CANNOT wait for one Texas Ranger to get his story!

The adversarial cowboy can be found in Jay Crownover’s JUSTIFIED. We’ve met attorney Aspen Barlow and Sheriff Case Lawton before but by this point in the Loveless series, they’re at each other’s throats, despite their being friendly as teenager. Case blames Aspen for losing custody of his son and is just a complete dick. Aspen’s had a tumultuous adulthood, as well, and being forced to represent Case’s ex-wife didn’t help. Fortunately, he’s able to get past his grudge when it becomes obvious someone’s gunning for Aspen. This is an emotional, dramatic roller-coaster of a story, with a nice suspense and satisfying enemies-to-lovers twist. It’s also refreshing to read about two characters who aren’t twenty-somethings.

Originally published at Frolic: https://frolic.media/mamas-dont-let-your-babies-grow-up-to-be-cowboys/