Unforgiven

**received an ARC in exchange for an honest review***

5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Kody and Hill’s story grabbed your attention in the first book of the Loveless, Texas series and I could not wait for their book. They have so much between them and yet they still can’t help but be drawn to one another. They don’t have an easy time trying to figure out their relationship and if they can be together, but it’s the fight they both have for the things they love that will help them in the end.

Hill is in town to help figure out who killed Kody’s father. He would do anything for her and her family, but she doesn’t want anything to do with him. And while he is there he has to pretend every minute that he doesn’t want the one person he can’t have, Kody, his brother’s fiancé. There is too much bad blood between them, especially since his brother’s death, but soon they won’t be able to deny what is between them.

Every time Kody sees Hill she is reminded of her attraction to him, but also of his brother. But she needs to push that behind her because like it or not Hill is going to be in town until he figures out who killed her father. As more and more comes to the surface during the investigation she can’t ignore her feelings any longer.

Will Kody be able to give Hill a chance? Or will she let the past and the present get in the way and ruin her chance at happiness?

On a whole I liked this book. The problem that I had with was that I really didn't like Kody.She seemed extremely childish to me and couldn't seem to let go of anything that happened in the past, no matter how small. I liked Hill and how much he is willing to do for the people he cares about. Even when they push him away or lash out at him. The suspense and storyline was a little out there at times but it also kept me reading because I needed to know what happened next. I also liked that there was the hint of biker drama in there and I really need to know what's going to happen with all of that!! So I would give it a solid 4 stars but I couldn't say I would give it 5 because there are things that I didn't care for. But I will definitely be picking up the next one!

I love, love, LOVED everything about this small-town, second chance, romantic suspense story!

Hill Gamble is a tough Alpha Texas Ranger, but he is completely turned to mush by love.

“He was trying to get me to think things through when all I wanted to do was rage. When I wanted to burn the world down, Aaron was right beside me with matches and a can of gasoline. Hill was the one standing behind both of us with a fire extinguisher and the reminder that we could be burned by the flames.”

Kody Lawton is a strong and stubborn heroine with a hard shell she has put up around her heart.

“The hurt I had was comfortable. I wasn’t ready to let go of it yet...”

This is one of those books where it was hard to find a quote or two to use in my review only because I highlighted SO MANY! I absolutely adored this story and the writing.

“I thought I heard him swear under his breath, but it was possible it was just my name. He often said it like a curse.”

I sort of jumped in not realizing that UNFORGIVEN is book 2 in the Loveless, Texas series and that while the main story is standalone there are lots of story strings that connect them and I can’t wait to read more!! Book 3 is about the bad boy MC leader... I’m HOOKED!!

Unforgiven is the second book in Jay Crownover's Loveless, Texas series, and I am loving everything about these small-town romances. Unforgiven is a sexy and emotional tale of unrequited love that features suspense and plot twists and turns that ensure you’ll be tempted to read it in one sitting. Hill and Kody’s history is gut-wrenching and complicated, which makes their hard-fought happily every after all of the more satisfying and romantic. I can’t recommend Unforgiven or this series enough!

Jay Crownover returns to Loveless Texas in this second book in the series. Texas Ranger Hill Gamble has history with the Lawton family and he's called in to help with the investigation of the murder of the Lawton family patriarch. He's Sheriff Case Lawton's friend and the brother to Kody Lawton's former fiance, Aaron Gamble. Lot of history there.

Hill has been in love with Kody Lawton for the majority of his adult life, but he hasn't been able to act on his feelings at all, even with Aaron out of the picture. There's a whole lot of guilt and unspoken feelings between Hill and Kody and it isn't until they are forced together by circumstances that they will admit these feelings to each other.

I loved this slow burn romance, especially how everyone saw how Hill felt about Kody. Kody is a bit of a wild-child, attracting trouble (and the Sons of Sorrow MC) and couldn't be more different than the upstanding Texas Ranger. But he loves her and he's put everyone's feelings first but his own. Unforgiven changes all of that!

There's plenty of hot, steamy coupling going on once these two get their feelings sorted, and there's a nice little mystery to keep the story moving forward. Unforgiven has everything I want in a romance -- two characters that I want to get together along with an action-packed story line. Jay Crownover is absolutely one of my favorite romantic suspense authors.

This is a fabulous series and Unforgiven left me wanting more, so I can't wait for Shot's story because I may just have a little crush on him too! If you like your romance with a good dose of action and suspense, you might like this series.

An ARC was provided by the publisher. This is my honest review.

I'm not gonna lie...I freaking loved this book. It was intense - it had me hooked and I almost kick my kids out of the house to have a few hours to myself and read it in peace.

I absolutely loved Hill and his big heart. He was doing everything he could think of in order to stay away but still be (some what) present in Kody's life. The enemies to lovers transition was perfect in every way. Kody was fearless and didn't take crap from anyone. But what I loved mostly about her is that when she finally accepted her feelings for Hill she didn't let anything or anyone stand in their way.

I'm super excited to see how this series continues because I have a feeling Shot and Presley are going to be so good together.

***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads blog***

Kody hasn’t had an easy life as she has lost everyone she has loved. She has been in love with Hill for as long as she can remember but that same love had her choosing to spend her life with his brother Aaron until he passed away tragically. She still blames Hill for not being there when she and Aaron needed him the most so having him back in town investigating her father’s death is the last thing she wants.

Hill has many regrets in his past, but his biggest regret is not being there for his brother or Kody. He made the best decision that he could at the time as being around was too painful for everyone involved. As the drama escalates in Kody’s family, he is determined that this time he will give her the support she needs. Their investigation brings them closer and as the danger escalates so does the heat between them, but will they be able to heal from the pain of their past?

This story manages to balance romance, suspense, twists and emotion into a compelling storyline that leaves you wanting the next book in the series.

3.25 - 3.5 stars. This was a pretty good book. Unforgiven is Kody and Hill's story. Kody is the third and final Lawton sibling to have a book in this series. She is the wild child baby sister who runs her own bar and has been through her share of heartache. Hill is a Texas Ranger, who gets called back to his hometown of Loveless to help investigate Kody's father's murder. Growing up, he was best friend's with Kody's brother and also her friend. When she was younger, she was secretly in love with Hill, but he was older and her own hangups told her that he was too good for her. So, instead, she dated and was engaged to Hill's younger brother, before his mental health problems led him to take his own life years ago. During the time when Hill's brother was fighting his demons, Kody leaned on Hill for support. They got close, but when Hill realized he was developing feelings for her, he cut off their relationship. Kody was left devastated with everything that happened. Now, years later, she is tougher and has hardened her heart, although she is still hurt to lose her father. He was abusive and not a good man, but the Lawton siblings' feelings about his death are complicated. As Hill helps with the investigation and supports the family, old feelings emerge between he and Kody. They have a lot to work through between them but they manage to come through it together, stronger and in love in the end.

This series has a darkish feel and can be a little depressing. But I still think it's worth reading. I enjoyed this story. I liked both Kody and Hill and felt the connection between them. They had a lot of messy history to work out and I enjoyed seeing their relationship develop. I did think the book was a little slow in parts. I also felt like the end was abrupt, with no real closure to the mystery (which I guess will be continued in the next book?). I found that a little frustrating. I also wanted more relationship closure. I had to drop my rating a bit because of that lack of closure. Still, I did enjoy the book. I was happy that Kody and Hill managed to come together and find some happiness with each other.

Overall, this was an entertaining book. I am enjoying this series and look forward to more from Ms. Crownover in the future!

THIS DAMN SERIES. I love the Lawton's and all the damn drama. The characters are messy and dark. The reason Hill sees Kody as off-limits is a trope I've found myself really liking. It is a back story that makes their growing connection throughout the story so much more satisfying. You just know they deserve to be together. Hill is the ultimate book boyfriend--he is hot, kind, and logical. Seriously, he is PERFECT even when he makes mistakes. And let's just say the ending is setting us up for the next book, AND DAMN IT JAY CROWNOVER I NEED IT NOW! Haha. But seriously, this series is AMAZING and I CANNOT WAIT for the next book. I just know it is going to be so good!


Thank you so much to Forever Publishing for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

I absolutely loved this book. In the second book in this series we are introduced to Kody Lawton who is a tough woman who owns a bar and takes no gruff. Hill Gamble who is a Texas Ranger and in town to help investigate a murder of Kody’s father who used to be the sheriff and was crooked. Kody is not a fan of Hill’s cause she used to be engaged to his younger brother and wasn’t available when she needed him when he was suffering from mental health issues and cutting himself. Hill had issues of his own and couldn’t tell her why. This a great read and I highly recommend it.

I have loved Jay Crownover’s work since I read Rule when it first came out. While I was sad to see the end of that first series end, her work seems to be getting better and better. I loved the first book in this series, but this book was just as good.
I was intrigued by Hill and Kody in the previous book and was excited to get my hands on their story. I was not disappointed. Hill has been in love with Kody since they were children, but she fell for his brother. He tried being there for both of them, but he ended up having to walk away.
Years later, and a heartbreaking story later, Hill and Kody have a second chance to fond happiness. Will she be able to let love in and accept help from the man who has (secretly) held her heart? When the investigation into her father’s murder brings revelations that she isn’t ready to hear, hold on to you hats, because it is going to be a bumpy ride.
Their chemistry and the relationship between Hill and her brothers was wonderful. I liked that they both were strong independent people who had to find a way to let the other help. A fantastic story and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
I highly recommend this book. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.

Unforgiven had me on the edge of my seat with all the drama, tension, and emotion! Hill and Kody coming together was fantastic. It was an exciting story to read!

I thought Kody and Hill were great characters. They've got a strained history and I liked learning the ins and outs of it, even though it was heartbreaking. I loved Hill, he was so caring and sweet, doing what he thought was best for those he loved. I liked Kody, she was a strong woman but in a lot of pain. At times, her actions frustrated me so I couldn’t wait for her to get to her moment of healing and let her guard down. She really grew on me over the course of the story. I loved it when Kody and Hill start to open up, working through past issues, and show vulnerability. It was awesome when those moments started to happen, feelings came into play, and passion started to emerge.

I enjoyed the suspense element and a new character that was introduced. A nice twist! There were a lot of ups and downs for a lot of people but I like how it all came together and how the Lawton family is embracing everything. Hill and Kody have a great HEA but there are still some lingering questions with the overall storyline. The epilogue was great with a nice bit of drama so I'm hoping it all gets addressed in the next book. I’m really looking forward to the couple that will be featured.

The writing was really good, there was a nice flow and build with a dual, first-person POV which I really enjoy. The building tension and emotion had me hooked. A page-turner for sure! I can't wait for the next book in the series.

Book 2 in the Loveless Texas series. I have been waiting for Hill and Kody’s (love the name – it’s how my son’s name is spelled, lol) story since Justified. Loved Hill and Kody so much. They were so good together once they got out of their heads and opened their eyes to what was in front of them the whole time. You will be sucked into this story from page one and you won’t put it down until you reach the end. I need more of this series. I can’t wait to see what she has coming next.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

4.5 STARS!

Unforgiven by Jay Crownover is the second installment in the Loveless Texas novels, bringing us a story of unrequited love... Hill Gamble and Kody Lawton.

The appearance of Hill in Justified was such a sweet treat and discovering his connection with Kody filled me with a longing for their book. Let me just say, Jay did not disappoint.

Hill is investigating Conrad Lawton's death which brings him closer to Kody. She is struggling with letting her father go and her feelings towards Hill.

Hill has been in love with Kody since they were teenagers. They grew up together but Hill wasn't the only one to have fallen for her... His brother, Aaron also loved Kody.

Hill and Aaron had a troubled childhood. Aaron lived for Hill and when Hill left Loveless, Aaron had Kody but his dark moods became more and more present. Kody and Aaron were best friends and kindred spirits in the sense that they both didn't have the best upbringing. The hardest and most tragic moment both Kody and Hill faced was losing Aaron. Kody felt abandonment and resentment towards Hill for not being there.

At times, Hill and Kody's story is so turbulent, yet at the same time, sparks fly. There is so much angst and so many things that need to be forgiven. Though this book is a slow burn romance, the reunion between the main characters was short which ultimately affected my rating. I would have loved more moments between Hill and Kody, especially in the epilogue.

Overall, Unforgiven was a suspenseful filled ride. There are plenty of twists and turns and a great introduction to new characters. Just when I think Kody and Hill's book may be the last, Jay gives us Shot's story coming soon in the fall. I cannot wait!!


*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Forever (Grand Central Publishing) through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*

PUnforgiven is the second book in the Loveless, Texas series and brings the story of two characters who had already made an appearance in the first book of this series and left me curious: Hill and Kody's.

This book brings a love story between these two characters that has a history in the past, some sorrows and a broken heart. At the same time that Hill and Kody have to navigate interactions and the feelings between them have a suspense in the story that has caught my attention.The story is good, I confess that I'm not a big fan of Kody and it took me a long time to start sympathizing with her, while Hill won me over on the first few pages. I think the second part of the story worked more for me, at least it was where reading really got me going.

Anyway, it was a good read that left me looking forward to the next book, because while the couple had their happy turn in that book, the suspense part left questions to be answered, so I'm curious about the next book.

✦Review: Unforgiven (Loveless, Texas) by Jay Crownover https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-bqT
Publication Date: February 25, 2020
Genre: Western Contemporary Romance
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated 4 Stars

I enjoyed this romantic suspense. The small town feel fit in with all the old closet-skeletons that people just can’t keep hidden. I couldn’t read fast enough to get through the danger and discover the culprit. At times it was a bit convoluted and stretching things, but fun to read. I loved Hill. Strong and capable except when it comes to his hometown and memories, especially Kody. I wish I liked her more and was able to understand the attraction Hill still had for her. She came across as a sophomoric and spoiled bitch to me. Thankfully that feeling passed and I began to pull for their HEA. I liked that the story wasn’t jam-packed with action and left enough time for the romance to build into a sizzling-hot relationship. It’s a fast read that I couldn’t put down. Now I’ll be chomping at the bit for the next installment.

*Review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Kindle $5.99 https://amzn.to/37VpqWq

Before I started UNFORGIVEN I was ready for a good ole cowboy romance. I'm still trying to figure out what it is about them. The hot, over-protective men with their drawl definitely don't hurt. Add a sassy heroine and a suspenseful story and I'm all in.

I remember the end of Case and Aspen's story well, when Hill showed up and the hot mess that is Kody Lawton slapped him for telling the Lawton's that her dad had been killed. That was pretty drastic, right? I mean, he didn't kill the old man? While we got a little background information about their complicated relationship we get to dive deeper into their history this time.
I’d started to associate Hill with everything bad that had ever happened in my life, so naturally, where my unchecked anger was concerned, Hill always seemed to end up being the main target.

I'm gonna be honest, half of the book I thought that Kody was a real piece of work but Jay Crownover made me still like her a little. Kody and Hill shared their love for Aaron, Hill's brother. When he committed suicide both of them were left with their own share of guilt. But Kody also blamed Hill and the man let her rain her fury down on him without so much as an eye twitch. Because, you see, Hill has been in love with Kody since their teenage years.
It literally took nothing for Kody to bring me to my knees.

I loved Hill because he had so much goodness and a sweet gentleness about him but I really wish he would have stood up to Kody once in a while. He just let her verbally beat on him and I wasn't down with that. When Kody and Hill got closer and finally talked about their past I started to love Kody too. She showed me why she was a Lawton - she took care of those she loved and didn't hold back her feelings.

Did I love UNFORGIVEN? Eh, probably not as much as I'd wanted and expected to but I did love Kody and Hill's relationship after they got past their issues. The second half of the story was mostly uneventful and dragged a little until I got to the dramatic epilogue which sets us up for the next story and that one can't come soon enough! I hope it keeps the promise the breathtaking, heart-pounding last pages of UNFORGIVEN indicated.
"I know I have definitely never loved you as well as you loved me, but I know it’ll always be you who makes me unafraid of those feelings.”

Kody, Hill and Aaron grew up together. Kody had her brothers, Hill and Aaron had each other. The older they got feelings grew and changed. When Hill started to pull away it caused hurt feelings to grow. I truly felt for the characters in the book. Your heart will hurt in places. You'll smile, laugh and hold your breath in others.

Feelings, emotions were all over throughout the book. There's love, tragedy, hearts breaking, hearts mending, murder. I can't wait for the next book!

Family, drama, romance. Kody and Hill have known each other most of their lives. Tragedy tore them apart and tragedy could bring them together.
This story provoked a wide range of emotions.
I plan on looking for the book before and last one.

Kody Lawton is the fiery younger sister of the Lawton brothers we’ve already fallen in love with. She is impulsive and a little reckless, running her bar with a little help from some not so law abiding friends.

Hill Gamble has stayed away from Loveless, but a murder investigation in town brings him back as part of the Texas Ranger team looking into the death. It doesn’t hurt that he has history with the murdered man’s daughter, Kody.

This was a slow burn. Hill and Kody have history, but their history is also tangled up with Hill’s brother, Aaron, and Aaron’s story ended in a tragedy that neither has really moved past. My heart hurt learning what had scarred both of them so severely, and it made sense why both were hesitant to let the other back in until they address it.

I would also say the plot focused more on the investigation around them and Kody’s bar drama rather than the actual relationship between them. It was clear pretty quickly that there was chemistry between them, but it often took a backseat to other aspects of the story.

This was a great moving on of the series arc, and I am left with questions that have me anticipating the next book in the series. Questions that can only really be answered once a particular (rather surprising) character resurfaces.

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