It was great being back in Loveless and with the Lawton family. This time we have action focused on the sister and her high school crush who is a Texas Ranger now and oh yeah, the other of her dead fiancée.

This story, and series, drew me in from the start and kept me entertained and captivated by the storyline and characters. The world building is vivid and the emotions are tangible. I would love to see a bar in a barn with the colorful crowds and decor. Or see the differences in a Texas Ranger and the MC President.

Along with a great storyline full of emotion, memories and action we got a new character who definitely made an impression on more than a few people in town. I hope we get a book about her and I hope it I with Shot (fingers crossed). This story does pick up after book one and it refers back to swim of those events so I would recommend reading this in order, but I think you would also enjoy this book as a first foray into Loveless.

Thank you for the chance to read this book and to share my opinions.

This is a solid four stars for me. I read the previous book in the series , and it definitely helped because I already had a soft spot for Kody and Hill and was rooting for them. I also knew I was getting into a romantic suspense that involved characters that had hard personal and shared histories, so I was prepared for the high emotions. I definitely wanted them to grow and figure out how to be together.

I really liked this one and thought it was pretty realistic (even with the crazy suspense aspect part of the story). I thought the sensitive topics were handled well, and I believed in the character development. There was more than a romance going on in this book, and I was engaged throughout. FYI, it gets pretty steamy. I look forward to visiting them again in the next book!

Thanks to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Kody and Hill's story is a very interesting and mysterious one, The characters are amazing, the fist book grabbed me and hoping the next one will resolve all the questions revolving the story, I enjoy Jay Crownover books, she is a great author and the cowboys she creates are my favorite ones.

I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book because I just loved the previous book so much.

I am so glad I read this one as soon as I received it because I just absolutely loved Unforgiven. I was hooked from the very first page and I just couldn't stop reading.

I do highly recommend this book and I give it 5 out of 5.

I have been following Jay Crownover since her early days of releasing Rule and I'm always excited to see what her next steps are in her releases. I barely ever read what her books are about anymore because it's really unlikely that I'm not going to enjoy reading whatever she puts out there. This was no different. I was in it from the beginning and I love a good romantic suspense and for some reason, a good cowboy main character seems to always interest me from the start. Basically, I enjoyed this one a lot.

In LOVE with the new world Jay Crownover has created. This family is broken, damaged, and at their core, survivors. Kody’s story was full of suffocated emotions. Her childhood, murder of her father, loss of her first love, and her hidden attraction to that loves brother, fuel this suspenseful ride.

Oh Jay, you get me every time! I’m addicted to your words and this new family. The twists and turns were bananas and you had me falling for a self made cowboy! No lags in storyline, great flow, and an exciting build for the next book, all make this a five star read.

I fully enjoyed Hill and Kodys story. Such a sad backstory that links these two together. I loved seeing them find a way to each other. Hill is back in Loveless to assist in the investigation of Kodys fathers death. She has no want to ever see him again as she feels he could have been around more for his brother who was her first love. Hill has never stopped loving her but feels he can never have her. Great overall story and the characters are fantastic. I really loved it and look forward to more.

I’ve been a Jay Crownover fan since I stumbled upon her book, Rule, several years ago. (And honestly…I can’t recommend that book or that series enough, so run grab it now!) In my humble opinion, no one writes a better anti-hero than Jay. But she also writes a fabulous good guy just to mix it up a bit, and I’ve been intrigued with Hill Gamble since I read Justified, book one in this series. Unforgiven is book two in the Loveless, Texas series. Both are stand-alone books, but I’m a series fan, so I always recommend reading a series in order if I love the books. It just adds to the experience. And trust me, Case Lawton is not a man you want to miss, either (Justified’s hero)!

In a bit of a twist on the anti-hero Jay does so well, in Unforgiven she gives us anti-heroine Kody Lawton, Case’s sister, and the one girl Hill can’t forget. Kody is a bit wild, straddles the line between legal and illegal (most days with one foot firmly planted on each side of that line), and has a huge chip on her shoulder where Hill is concerned. He’s hurt her badly in the past, but he’s back and no longer fighting his feelings for her. The chemistry between these two almost literally jumps off the pages at you.

NICUnurse’s Rating: In true Jay Crownover fashion, the emotions are quite complicated and the line between right and wrong is a bit blurry in this book. And just when you think there won’t be more twists and turns and surprises, she throws in a huge one that knocks the Lawton siblings on their collective rears. While I have a feeling that her Marked Men series will always be my favorite, I’m totally invested in the characters in this series and knew better than to start this book at a time that I couldn’t simply sit and devour it without interruption. And I was NOT wrong!

I give Unforgiven by Jay Crownover 4.5 out of 5 stars!

Absolutely loved this book!!! I was looking forward to it since the I finished the first book! Hill was the perfect hero for Kody. Those two deserved an HEA! Hill and Kody have known each other practically their whole lives. These two have a past but not as lovers but as friends & Kody dates his younger brother. Hill came back into town to help with the murder of Kody’s father. This book holds a lot of drama, tension, and angsty! I enjoyed watching these two finally get their HEA and the suspense along side that! I highly recommend this book!! I can NOT express how I’m dying for Shot’s book next!!! Read this now!

3.5 stars. Kody and Hill's novel was a little different to what I anticipated, but I still enjoyed it. At first, I thought Kody was a little too stubborn and abrasive towards Hill, but as we get deeper into the story, she eventually confronts some long buried emotions and starts to ease up on him. She had to go through a lot at a young age, and it was easy to understand why she decided to put a wall around her heart. It was nice to see when she finally trusted Hill enough to lower it.
On the other hand, I thought Hill was very patient and sweet with Kody. He gave her the space he knew she needed, but never lost his protective streak with her. He was a definite highlight of the novel!

The family drama was also intriguing. There was a lot that developed, and it kept me entertained throughout. It'll be fun to see their family dynamic evolve in the next book.

First and foremost, Unforgiven should definitely be read after Justified, as you will have spoilers from the first book and events lead in to this one.

Kody Lawton knows a lot about loss. After losing her mother, and then her first love, she really hasn't allowed love back in to her heart. But when her father is murdered, the one person she never wanted to see again walks back in to her life, Hill Gamble, the brother of her first love, and someone she once believed to be her friend.

Hill Gamble knew when he met Kody that she had a portion of his heart, but his brother felt the same way, and thinking he was being honorable, stepped aside. Unable to be close to her and not show his feelings, he leaves them to live out their HEA. But life never turns out as planned and with his brother now gone and the woman he loves loathing him, he never thought he'd have another chance with Kody. Now his biggest job isn't just to solve a murder, but to try and get Kody to give them a chance.

“Hey, Hill.”
“I’m glad you care about me. I know I don’t make it easy.”
“I’ve never minded a challenge.” I’d always believed you had to work hard for the things you wanted most in life.

The story heavily revolves around the mystery surrounding Lawton's death, and I typically really love romantic suspense. But the romance almost takes a back to seat to all the drama that's happening that I didn't feel like I entirely connected to Hill and Kody as a couple. Kody spent so many years hating Hill and that resolves itself so quickly, that I wished there was a little more to them reconnecting. I did love Hill and Kody's characters and how opposite they are. Hill has the level head to Kody's hot headedness and they balance one another nicely. But even when getting to the epilogue, rather than having another moment to focus on their romance, or resolve the suspense, it only gives a glimpse to the characters for the next book. I liked Unforgiven but it sort of felt unfinished and I just wanted a little more time with Kody and Hill in their book.

“The world looks a little different now.”
“Oh yeah? What’s it look like now?”
“You. My entire world looks like you.”
It was about time, because mine had always looked like her.

This doesn't mean that I'm not excited to read the next book since the ending was a cliffhanger and I did want to find out what happens, but I am hoping everything is resolved in the next book.

This second book in the Loveless, Texas series was a fantastic continuation of the Lawton family drama. (This is where I totally recommend reading book1, Justified, first!) Kody, the only Lawton sister, and fiancé of Hill Gamble’s deceased brother. Kody and Hill were great friends growing up, but when Aaron Gamble made his move, Hill backed off…and moved out of town.

I loved a lot about UNFORGIVEN. I loved the murder mystery, the twists, the characters (not just the main characters, but the supporting ones!), the heat and the romance! I just really, really enjoyed this and cannot wait for the next book in the series to release! Author Jay Crownover writes a wonderful series based on a small Texas town, with cowboys, sheriffs, bikers, and bars! I am really looking forward to Shot’s story! 4.5 stars, rounding to 5 shooting stars!

Hill and Cody both have more than their fair share of flaws, but you can’t help but root for them anyway. This series is definitely gritty, but not outwardly violent. Crownover has found her rhythm with this series.

Unforgiven is the story of Hill Gamble, badass cop, and his brother's widow, Kody Lawton. He's loved Kody since they were young. Kody has a chip on her shoulder the size of Alaska (bigger than Texas) and hasn't been very nice to Hill. She, unfairly, blames Hill for a lot and now she is dealing with her father's death as well. I understood Kody's struggle with her father's death. When you have someone in your life who is toxic and terrible, their death is confusing. You hate them, but part of you loved them no matter what because they were family. Combine that with the grief of losing a husband as well and you get Kody Lawton.  Oh, and having feelings for Hill is only confusing her further.

If you love a beta hero, Hill is your man. He is just a strong, steady presence and its super hot. The plot of Unforgiven has a lot of suspense which gave Hill more time to shine. I love a good romantic suspense; I think some people wanted more focus on the romance, but I really appreciated that the push/pull wasn't drug out between the couple. I get annoyed with manufactured angst.

Despite loving Hill, Unforgiven felt like a bridge instead of a full story. The book was long, but it felt more like a long set up for the next book. The mystery surrounding Mr. Lawton's death is interesting, but perhaps a bit drawn out. I still loved the story, but there was something missing for me. Having said that, I am SO excited for Shot and Presley's book!

Quel plaisir de revenir à Loveless au Texas pour découvrir un nouveau membre de la famille Lawton. Après Crew, le bad boy, Case le shérif, c'est au tour de Kody de nous ouvrir son coeur et de nous raconter son histoire. Nous sentions que les tensions allaient être vives avec Hill Gamble et nous allons être servis. Nos héros vont devoir faire face à leur passé pour aller de l'avant.



Kody Lawton est la soeur de Case et Crew que nous avions découvert dans Unbroken et Unjustified. J'avais très envie de connaitre son histoire car les indices que Jay Crownover nous avait laissés au fil des précédents tomes indiquaient qu'elle aussi avait souffert de la perte de leur mère et de la dureté avec laquelle Conrad les avait élevés. Si vous avez lu les premiers tomes de cette saga , vous savez que Conrad a été assassiné et que la liste de ses ennemis étaient aussi longue que ses magouilles. Hill et Hearst vont donc associer leur force pour tenter de résoudre l'enquête. J'ai adoré découvrir Kody car bien qu'elle ait été protégée par ses frères, elle a fait ses erreurs, elle a vécu des drames mais tout cela a forgé la femme qu'elle est devenue. Elle n'a pas assez longtemps connu l'amour et elle n'est pas prête de s'ouvrir à nouveau à un homme. Il y a un sentiment d'infériorité et de manque de confiance fortement ancrés en elle et cela explique pourquoi elle ne se sent pas digne d'être aimée d'un homme de la trempe de Hill. Elle a très longtemps caché à ses frères son activité "illégale" et donc elle ne se sent pas dignes d'eux non plus alors qu'ils ont aussi fait des erreurs.



Quand celui qui l'a abonné quand elle en avait le plus besoin revient dans sa vie, elle sera donc troublée et ne saura pas quoi faire. Il est évident que le lien entre eux n'a jamais été rompu et qu'elle va pouvoir s'appuyer sur lui pour traverser cette nouvelle épreuve. Si Shot est réellement un ami sur lequel elle pourra compter, il est évident qu'il ne sera pas l'homme de sa vie. Elle se refuse aussi à imaginer une vie avec Hill car elle a été mariée à son frère et elle ne peut pas envisager d'être heureuse dans les bras d'un homme qui l'a toujours troublée. Un sentiment de culpabilité pourrait donc venir s'ajouter à une équation déjà très difficile. J'ai donc aimé la relation qui va renaître de ses cendres car Kody n'est pas au bout de ses surprises et si elle pensait tout connaître de son père, c'était mal le connaitre. Il ne cessera de leur ajouter des ennuis depuis l'outre tombe et Kody devra apprendre à écouter les ordres qu'on lui donne si elle veut échapper au danger qui rode autour d'elle.



Hill Gamble est un personnage que j'ai adoré découvrir car dès le prologue on comprend pourquoi il est tiraillé et pourquoi il a quitté dès qu'il l'a pu Loveless. Son schéma familial est aussi tordu que celui des Lawton et il n'a pas pu sauver son frère Aaron de ses propres démons . En voulant le protéger, il a été aveugle à son trouble , aux signes annonciateurs d'une destruction à venir mais il ne pouvait pas le trahir de la sorte. Il n'a jamais pu aimer quelqu'un d'autre comme il aime Kody mais il n'a jamais plus lui dire non plus. Retourner à Loveless c'est donc épauler la femme qui le trouble encore fortement mais c'est aussi résoudre l'enquête et le meurtre de ce shérif corrompu et de ce père intraitable. Il s'est plongé dans le travail pour oublier les pertes qu'il a subis , ce qui le rend très compétent sur le terrain. Etant agent spécial , il n'a pas peur du danger mais le trouble sera évident dès qu'il sera en présence de Kody. Il sera cependant toujours là pour l'épauler que ce soit lors des funérailles ou la découverte d'une demie soeur .



Il va travailler avec Johnny Hearst qui saura aussi le remettre sur le droit chemin quand il va se laisser happer par ses sentiments. Hill est aussi un homme qui tire sur la corde depuis des années et qui est proche de l'épuisement. Il ne tient debout qu'à coup de café mais il devra être fort pour faire son travail d'enquêteur. Quand Presley Baskin va faire son apparition dans la vie des Lawton, il sent qu'elle ne va pas leur dire toute la vérité et son instinct va prendre le dessus. Cette jeune femme va t-elle causer encore plus de mal à celle qu'il aime? J'ai bien rigolé aussi quand Shot Caldwell et lui sont dans la même pièce car tous les deux veulent l'attention de Kody mais cette femme de caractère ne va pas laisser ce combat de coq durer très longtemps. Après avoir passé autant d'années loin de Loveless, pourra t-il assumer ses sentiments et être le pilier sur lequel Kody pourra se reposer? Pourra t-il la protéger de tous les dangers environnants?



Bref, Jay Crownover nous offre un nouveau tome toujours aussi intense que les tomes précédents. La famille Lawton nous réserve encore quelques surprises et c'est toujours agréable d'avoir des nouvelles des anciens personnages que nous avons appris à connaître précédemment. L'histoire de Kody et Hill n'est pas anodine et nous espérons qu'elle pourra trouver une issue heureuse au fil des pages.

A truly great cowboy romance!! I loved the first book in this series and I think I enjoyed this one even more. Jay brought such spunk to these characters and their story!

I had seen a lot of people talking about this author and was curious to try a book, so here we are.

I liked Kody and Hill. They’re both stubborn, good people. I liked their connection and how they both had loved the other basically since they met. My main complaint is that I wanted a lot more talking between them. Their conversations are sort of combative at the beginning and when they finally do The Feelings talk, everything else is telling and not showing.

Plot wise, it was okay. I was expecting a more of a thriller with the synopsis, but the murder part of the plot was like and afterthought and there was absolutely no tension. I wanted more action and even a little suspense would have hooked me.

Overall, it was interesting enough to keep me reading. I enjoyed the second chance romance of the story and I am intrigued about the next one in the series.

**Huge thanks to Forever for providing the arc free of charge**

DNF'd between 15-20%. I'm a huge Crownover fan but sadly Kody and Hill couldn't hold my attention. Even Shot left me meh. I was bored out of my mind. Maybe I'll try again at a later time, since Kody's my favorite Lawton, and I ended up really loving Case's story. I'm truly disappointed, this book was high on my anticipated reads of 2020. The characters/writing just felt so felt mechanical, lacking of personality and repetitive. If I'm being brutally honest, this didn't feel like the Jay Crownover I originally fell in love with. That somethin' somethin' she has in her books was just missing.

An unrequited love situation is always such an angsty foreplay. I guess I’m simplifying this, but it’s just that, and always such an appealing trope.

Hill Gamble, a ranger, is called in to investigate the Lawson’s patriarch’s murder. Being in love with Kody Lawson since they were teenagers, but has never said anything because of her relationship with his younger brother. We know from previous books that he took his own life, for reasons that are revealed in this story, but that just had Kody furious as Hill, and he never came back to Loveless. Until now.

Hill is determined to solve her father’s murder and to keep her safe, and while he’s doing that, he’s slowly chipping away at the wall Kody had built around herself.

This is basically what the entire book is founded on. Granted, there’s the crime solving issue, but the emotional aspect of the story is the Lawson siblings healing as a family, while Kody and Hill find their way to each other.

There’s so much happening in this book that it’s best you just read it. It’s definitely my favorite so far (out of a novella and a full story, but still).

And I definitely can’t wait for Blacklisted.

I loved the premise and characters, but I did find the ending to be anti-climatic. The suspense element was fun.